Bloxels: Glowing blocks as volumetric pixels

In this paper, we propose a novel block-shaped tangible interface named Bloxel (see Figure 1). A Bloxel is a translucent cubical block that glows in full color and communicates with the neighboring Bloxels through high-speed flickers. Our significant accomplishment is that users can build displays with a variety of shapes by stacking hundreds of Bloxels on a tabletop surface. Each Bloxel obtains its color data from the lower Bloxel through infra-red high-speed flickers, and transfers a series of color data to the upper Bloxel. In this way, Bloxels serve as volumetric pixels which can display meaningful content as a whole. With our module-based approach, we introduce a ground-breaking display technology. Moreover, as an augmented version of children's block play, Bloxels will have a significant novel impact on the field of physical computing and tangible interfaces.