Disney Research develops 3D printed optics
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Touch can be sensed with components entirely embedded in a 3D printed enclosure
An LED embedded in a 3D printed lens to focus light
When illuminated the embedded heart shape glows with a heartbeat-like rhythm
A grid of 3D printed light pipes are embedded inside a character, guiding light between it's feet and eyes
Chess pieces with embedded light pipes display content piped from an interactive tabletop to provide contextual information, such as chess piece location and suggested moves
Light pipes consist of a rigid transparent core, a soft cladding, and a rigid outer casing, 3D printed in a single model
Interface elements such as buttons, dials, sliders, and accelerometers can be 3D printed
3D printed light pipes can create display areas on physical objects, by guiding light from regular screens
A 3D printed mobile projector accessory with embedded light pipes that direct light to the character's eyes
Article Summary
Researchers at Disney Research Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University are experimenting with 3D printed optics using clear resin. Printed optics can create a variety of effects within 3D-printed objects, from focusing light within printed prisms to channeling light through honeycomb-like "light pipes," which give the effect of individually lit pixels.
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