Printed optics: 3D printing of embedded optical elements for interactive devices

  • Authors:
  • Karl Willis;Eric Brockmeyer;Scott Hudson;Ivan Poupyrev

  • Affiliations:
  • Disney Research Pittsburgh & Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;Disney Research Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;Disney Research Pittsburgh & Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;Disney Research, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 25th annual ACM symposium on User interface software and technology
  • Year:
  • 2012

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Abstract

We present an approach to 3D printing custom optical elements for interactive devices labelled Printed Optics. Printed Optics enable sensing, display, and illumination elements to be directly embedded in the casing or mechanical structure of an interactive device. Using these elements, unique display surfaces, novel illumination techniques, custom optical sensors, and embedded optoelectronic components can be digitally fabricated for rapid, high fidelity, highly customized interactive devices. Printed Optics is part of our long term vision for interactive devices that are 3D printed in their entirety. In this paper we explore the possibilities for this vision afforded by fabrication of custom optical elements using today's 3D printing technology.