Use Waves To "Print" On Surface Of Water

Researchers at Akishima Laboratories and professor Shigeru Naito of Osaka University have developed a device that uses waves to draw text and pictures on the surface of water.  Writing on water is possible thanks to 50 water wave generators encircling a cylindrical tank 1.6 meters in diameter and 30 cm deep.  The generators move up and down in controlled motions to simultaneously product a number of cylindrical waves acting as pixels.  These pixels measure 10cm in diameter and 4cm in height, are combined to form lines and shapes.  So far, the device can spell out all the ABCs, as well as simple kanji characters.  It takes about 15 to 30 seconds to squeeze out a letter.

The first place I'd see this technology realized is Las Vegas.  Writing on water can be a huge attraction, not to mention it's a great fit for all the fancy light shows and fountain technology already in place.  Not to mention, it's going to be one very expensive project to implement.

Read [via Pink Tentacle]