Please note: This PhD seminar will take place in DC 1304 and online.
Antony
Albert
Raj
Irudayaraj,
PhD
candidate
David
R.
Cheriton
School
of
Computer
Science
Supervisors: Professors Daniel Vogel, Omid Abari
People often have to remove their phone from an inaccessible location like a pocket to view things like notifications and directions. We explore the idea of viewing such information through the fabric of a pocket using low resolution bright LED matrix displays. A survey confirms viewing information on inaccessible phones is desirable, and establishes types of pockets in garments worn by respondents and what objects are typically put in pockets. A technical evaluation validates that LED light can shine through many common garment fabrics.
Based on these results, functional hardware prototypes are constructed to demonstrate different form factors of through-fabric display devices, such as a phone, wallet, a key fob, a pen, and earbud headphone case. A simple interaction vocabulary for viewing key information on these devices is described, and the social and technical aspects of the approach are discussed.
To attend this PhD seminar in person, please go to DC 1304. You can also attend virtually using Zoom at https://uwaterloo.zoom.us/j/99653167449.