Dolphin echolocation on a human being.
“But seeing the 3D print of a human being left us all speechless" said Jack Kassewitz of the recent discovery.
Miami, Florida (PRWEB) December 02, 2015
Dolphin researchers in Miami and the United Kingdom announced today that they have successfully created the world’s first 3D prints using data extracted from recorded dolphin echolocation. The prints are made with a unique multi-step process that records and isolates dolphin echolocation sounds on specific objects, creates two-dimensional images from those sounds, and uses photo analysis to extract three-dimensional data from the images. The data is then used to print replicas of the original objects used in the experiment, including the world’s first 3D print of a human being as seen with dolphin echolocation.
“We’ve been working on dolphin communication for more than a decade,” stated Jack Kassewitz, research team leader and founder of SpeakDolphin.com. “When we discovered that dolphins not exposed to the echolocation experiment could identify objects from recorded dolphin sounds with 92% accuracy, we began to look for a way for to see what was in those sounds.” Kassewitz enlisted John Stuart Reid, inventor of the CymaScope, to search for sonic images in the dolphin recordings.
The CymaScope’s patented imaging process imprints sonic vibrations on the surface of ultra pure water. Reid explained, “When a dolphin scans an object with its high frequency sound beam, each short click captures a still image, similar to a camera taking photographs. Each dolphin click is a pulse of pure sound that becomes modulated by the shape of the object.” In this case, Reid used the echolocation recordings to capture clearly identifiable 2D images from the experiment, which included a flowerpot, a cube, a plastic “+” symbol, and a human being.
Kassewitz then turned to 3D Systems, inventors of 3D printing and global leaders in 3D digital design and fabrication, to transform 2D image data into a 3D-printable. vrml file. The files were then brought to life using 3DS’ Projet 660 printer, allowing the objects to be printed rapidly in full color and retaining the initial Cymascope image characteristics.
“We were thrilled by the first successful print of a cube by the brilliant team at 3D Systems,” said Kassewitz. “But seeing the 3D print of a human being left us all speechless. For the first time ever, we may be holding in our hands a glimpse into what cetaceans see with sound. Nearly every experiment is bringing us more images with more detail.” The team’s next goal is to find out if and how dolphins may be sharing these echolocation images as part of a sono-pictorial language.
A television documentary about the research team’s discovery of 3D images in dolphin echolocation is being developed by award-winning filmmaker Michael Watchulonis and David Albareda of Devised TV. “The scientific rigor and ingenuity that took Kassewitz’s team from visual communication experiments to a 3D print of a human being is mind blowing,” said Watchulonis. “It’s a story filled with twists and turns and eureka moments on their mission to connect with some of our planet’s most intelligent creatures. We can’t wait to bring it to the screen.”
About SpeakDolphin
SpeakDolphin is a non-profit 501c3 organization founded in 2000 to significantly expand communication between dolphins and humans by Jack and his wife Donna.
About 3D Systems
3D Systems provides the most advanced and comprehensive 3D digital design and fabrication solutions available today, including 3D printers, print materials and cloud-sourced custom parts. Its powerful ecosystem transforms entire industries by empowering professionals and consumers everywhere to bring their ideas to life using its vast material selection, including plastics, metals, ceramics and edibles. 3DS’ leading personalized medicine capabilities include end-to-end simulation, training and planning, and printing of surgical instruments and devices for personalized surgery and patient specific medical and dental devices. Its democratized 3D digital design, fabrication and inspection products provide seamless interoperability and incorporate the latest immersive computing technologies. 3DS’ products and services disrupt traditional methods, deliver
Media Contact: Jack Kassewitz – (cell) 305-807-5812 (office) 305-235-0288, speakdolphin(at)mac(dot)com