we explore the idea of viewing
information through the fabric of a
pocket
using low resolution bright led matrix
displays
a concept we call pocket view this
enables
viewing things when a phone is
inaccessible like checking notifications
when carrying a shopping bag
following navigation directions when
cycling
or tracking fitness stats while running
we created multiple functional hardware
prototypes
in different form factors each resembles
a common object that people put in their
pockets already
we also tested how well leds shine
through common clothing fabrics
in a controlled technical experiment
the most general prototype resembles a
phone case or a wallet
it is completely self-contained with an
led matrix
microcontroller battery and bluetooth to
connect to a phone
the phone sends images to the device
it is placed in the pocket to view
information from the phone
as low resolution graphic images with a
simple
interaction vocabulary single taps
cycle through different information
sources like weather
fitness stats when walking and viewing
directions
when notifications arrive they can be
dismissed with a double tap
the device can work through a range of
fabrics like thick cotton pants
a polyester jacket and a patterned skirt
it also works in a range of pockets and
clothing
like a hoodie pocket the pocket of
leggings
or a shirt pocket we also created a
prototype
resembling a headphone earbud case
this smaller form factor fits into
smaller pockets of women's jeans
or workout gear
we also built an even smaller form
factor resembling a car remote
it also features a slightly different
led size
it is placed inside a pocket to show a
welcome message
we also created a pen form factor with a
very simple
strip of led even with this limited
display it can provide useful
information
like time before the next meeting
we also experimented with a higher
resolution
led matrix in the form of a phone case
pocket view can be used in different
settings like meetings
it enables subtle viewing of
notifications
it can show instructions to perform an
exercise routine
it can also be used as a public display
to enable social interactions
we also evaluated the general approach
in a user study
participants used the led prototype as
well as two other
through fabric methods as baselines
one baseline was a standard phone
display with graphic
high contrast imagery this is simple
but it only works through some fabrics
the other bass line was a radical
concept using a switchable diffuser
material
sewn into a pocket it is of dubious
practicality
but it served as an extreme type of
through fabric display
for comparison purposes for additional
details and study results
see the accompanying paper