CamouFAB: Real-Time Generation of Camouflage Pattern Using Optic Fiber Display

Abstract

This study attempted to develop CamouFAB, which uses flexible plastic optic fiber (POF) to display camouflage patterns. Previously developed CamouLED system which uses light emitting diodes (LED) array to present camouflage patterns has limitations in that it is inflexible thus is difficult to be applied to combat uniforms. This study shows a further research to expand the CamouLED system to development of a new military uniform, using photonic technology which can change its color according to background. Like CamouLED, a camera receives background image and camouflage patterns are generated by the real-time patterning program. The generated patterns are then displayed on an 8 x 8 optic fiber display instead of LED display. An 8 x 8 flexible optic fiber patch was made by embroidered fabric with high luminance and controlling module was connected to each pixel of optic fiber bundle. This study concludes with an implication that the use of flexible POFs instead of an LED display would broaden the system's application and use. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.