Lifeblood and Beta Tank: Two unconventional Bubble-Based Imaging systems

We all are quite familiar with imaging systems and must be having some 2D imaging systems in our pockets as well.

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However, have you ever thought of making an imaging system that involves bubbles rather than pixels? I guess your answer is no.

Lifeblood is an unusual bubble-based imaging system created by an artist Stephanie Andrews which displays images in bubble form. In the apparatus, bubbles are regarded as pixels, which are released from 64 valves at the bottom of the tank. A computer program and a MIDI control board control these valves.

The software controls the release of the bubbles and directional lighting causes them to shine. These bubbles when released from the valves move upwards forming some recognizable forms. On reaching the surface the bubbles burst and the image is destroyed. Microphones that are attached to the setup record the chaotic image decay and further transmit it to surround speakers in the exhibit walls.

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Another similar kind of a project is a Beta Tank. The main difference between a Beta Tank and Lifeblood is that Lifeblood forms a 3D image on the other hand Beta Tank forms a 2D image.

The biggest challenge for the designers of both the gadgets was to overcome drafting. Drafting causes, the first bubble to experience more friction than the subsequent bubbles hence the image formed was blurred. To fix this drafting problem the designers of Beta Tank use a liquid, which has a high viscosity just like a shampoo.

Via: technovelgy