Programmable Blobs: A rheologic interface for organic shape design

Akira Wakita, Akito Nakano, Nobuhiro Kobayashi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

26 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Programmable Blobs is an attempt of actuated shape display using fluid material. We have developed an environment where we can program the shape of gel geometrically and topologically using our unique magnetic fluid called pBlob. This enables us to experience organic shape changes in real space, like a metaball in the CG world. The control hardware is composed of electromagnets arranged in the honeycomb structure and their control circuits. On/off control and PWM control vary the blob shapes and realize animations. We describe the method of blob creation, details of the mechanism and the language for transformation control, and propose some applications we are developing at present.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 5th International Conference on Tangible Embedded and Embodied Interaction, TEI'11
Pages273-276
Number of pages4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011 Mar 11
Event5th International Conference on Tangible Embedded and Embodied Interaction, TEI'11 - Madeira, Portugal
Duration: 2011 Jan 232011 Jan 26

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 5th International Conference on Tangible Embedded and Embodied Interaction, TEI'11

Other

Other5th International Conference on Tangible Embedded and Embodied Interaction, TEI'11
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityMadeira
Period11/1/2311/1/26

Keywords

  • Blob
  • Kinetic interface
  • Metaball
  • Programmable matter

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Information Systems

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