Theory and application of the colloidal display: Programmable bubble screen for computer entertainment

Author

Ochiai, Yoichi and Oyama, Alexis and Hoshi, Takayuki and Rekimoto, Jun

Abstract

It is difficult to dynamically change the optical properties of ordinary screens. In conventional projection systems, the choice of screens is limited; and the brightness of projected images and the viewing angle are unalterable once a screen is fixed, even though demand for altering the viewing angle according to the locations and the requirements of installations exists. The results of a study conducted by us indicate that a colloidal membrane can be used as a screen by vibrating it at a high frequency using ultrasonic waves. On the basis of those results, in this paper we discuss the implementation of a screen that allows us to dynamically change its brightness and view angle. We also discuss our investigation of its optical characteristics. Our investigations reveal that the screen can be deformed by stronger ultrasonic waves, frames of various shapes can be used to create it, and that we can interact with it by inserting our fingers because it is made of colloidal solution.