Turning carpets into multi-image switchable displays

Abstract

In this study, we propose a method that repurposes household carpets as dynamic visual displays. Our living environment is permeated with carpets and other fibrous materials, some of which can be given traces of different shades by raising their fibers. By manipulating this property for individual fibers, it is possible to (1) present animated expressions that continuously switch between multiple images by changing appropriate light source positions, and (2) create viewpoint-dependent images. We implemented software that enables the user to input images and hardware that physically controls the direction in which the fibers rise. Our technology has the advantage of being adaptable to existing cloth materials, and capable of redrawing images many times.