Dynamic Physical Rendering
Dynamic Physical Rendering ( DPR ) refers to a sub-research area of nanotechnology in convergence with robotics as well as the process of dynamically arranging intelligent material particles into real existing macro-bodies of any programmable shape (programmable matter).
It is named after the interdisciplinary research group Claytronics at Carnegie Mellon University , which is generally dedicated to researching synthetic reality . She calls the special nanobots used here as material particles Catom , in the context of claytronics and atom .
Intel is also doing research in the field of programmable matter. So put Intel's CTO Justin Rattner at the Intel Developer Forum 2008 first steps before.
Catom and Catom matter
Characteristic of a catom
- Smallness
- The size of the catom determines the resolution and level of detail of the malleable macro-body. A Catom is as spherical as possible in favor of the closest possible packing with as unrestricted mobility as possible.
- Non-autonomous mobility
- A Catom does not move with the help of moving parts, but, like an atom, forms bonds with other Catomans in electromagnetic or electrostatic processes . Catomes move through reciprocal effects. In the simplest case, like a stepper motor, small electromagnets are embedded in the Catom.
- By doing without moving parts, Catomes are more durable, cheaper and easier to produce in large quantities than conventional nanobots. In addition, they can align and move much more efficiently and faster (in their assigned habitat).
- Non-autonomous energy supply
- A Catom does not have its own power supply unit with it, but must be able to be supplied by an outside party. The energy supply from outside matter is passed on from Catom to Catom.
- Autonomous intelligence and special skills
- A Catom has its own sensors , has its own nanocomputer or other nanoelectronic capabilities. For example, light-sensitive catomes are conceivable by embedding photocells so that an ensemble of catomes can simulate an eye. For example, by embedding LEDs, Catome can take on a color. Each Catom has no more abilities than necessary, and not all Catom have the same abilities.
- Claytronics communication
- Catome must be able to communicate non-trivially with one another. How this communication could be created is a particular research subject of the project. A special feature is that a Catom macro-body will consist of billions of Catoms, each of which has connections with up to six neighbors . In contrast to conventional communication structures, the identity of a single Catom is often uninteresting, but not fundamental.
Forming a synthetic replica
- Capture the template and image as a digital model, for example by 3D motion capturing .
- Conversion of the 3D image into DPR-compatible specifications and, if necessary, remote transmission.
- Rendering of the Macro Body from Catom Matter.
State of the art
Current
- 2003: start of the project.
- 2006: Cylindrical 2D catomes, about the size of a table tennis ball, equipped with electromagnets, which move each other.
Short-range goals
- 2011: spherical catomes with a diameter of approx. 1 mm. Proof of Concept 3D.
- 2016: Morphing antenna that adapts its shape to changing reception conditions.
Ideal long-term goals
- 3D presentation models.
- 3D television.
- Remote conferences with seated tele participants.
- Telemedicine.
- Tele-firefighters, tele-disaster relief workers, tele-soldiers.
See also
Web links
- Carnegie Mellon University's Claytronics Project
- Dynamic Physical Rendering (DPR) at Intel Research Pittsburgh