Communications of the ACM
Touchscreens Get Curves Thanks to 3d Printed Optics
A new technique enables designers to create surfaces that can display wraparound interactive imagery on curved surfaces.
Credit: Spicytec.com
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and Disney have developed Papillion, a technique that enables designers to create surfaces that can display wraparound interactive imagery. The technique involves placing an image source underneath or inside the device where it cannot be seen; optical fibers then relay the picture to a curved surface.
Papillion also involves using a laser from a three-dimensional printer to turn a type of translucent light-sensitive plastic, called a photopolymer, into a bunch of optical fibers. Since the optical fibers work in both directions, touching the surface reflects light back to the hidden display, which means it also can act as a touchscreen.
"Printing the fibers lets us define the motion of a character's eyeballs, say, and yet print the display that shows it in just one pass," says Disney's Markus Gross. Technology Will Save Us' Bethany Koby says Papillion could provide a boost to the growing maker movement. "Innovations like this help us imagine a much more interesting world where people can be more creative and create more meaningful, bespoke, and personalized technologies," Koby says.
The researchers presented their work at ACM's Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology last week in St. Andrews, Scotland.
From New Scientist
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