Low resolution monitor in textiles ...

[Adam Shand]

OMFG ... this is the coolest science-non-fiction thing I've seen in  
*ages*.  I'm almost want to believe it's a hoax just cause it's so  
fucking cool ... but it looks like it's actually legit

Watch the video (it's wanky promotional stuff, just turn down the  
volume :-).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd99gyE4jCk

So I know that this is going to be used for evil (good god, imagine  
the noisy overwhelming moving advertising laden bars, clubs and  
streets <shudder>), but having ability stream media to my clothes for  
my own personal amusement is so vast that I'm prepared to humour the  
technology and ignore the fact that I will detest it in a few years.

Imagine being able to bluejack someone's tshirt and upload  
goatse.cx ... mwahahahahaha ....

Adam.

Source: http://www.research.philips.com/newscenter/archive/ 
2006/060901-lumalive.html
Photos: http://www.research.philips.com/newscenter/pictures/060901- 
phottext-pict.html

August 24, 2006
Philips illuminates IFA 2006 with production-ready Lumalive textile  
garments

EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS - Philips Research intends to impress the  
visitors at this year’s IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung) with a  
world-first demonstration of promotional jackets and furniture  
featuring its innovative Lumalive technology. Lumalive textiles make  
it possible to create fabrics that carry dynamic advertisements,  
graphics and constantly changing color surfaces. The Philips stand in  
Hall 22 will act as a showcase for the Lumalive textile products that  
will be worn by Philips’ hostesses and embedded into booth furniture  
of the Future Zone.

Although the technology has been developed only recently —early  
prototypes were exhibited at IFA 2005— Philips Research has made  
immense progress in fully integrating Lumalive fabrics into garments  
demonstrated by the jackets worn by Philips’ hostesses at the show.  
These first-generation jackets are ready for commercialization by  
companies partnering with Philips Research, particularly those in the  
promotional industry looking for a new, high-impact medium.  
Interested parties could use the technology to transform their event  
and enhance their visitors’ experiences.

Lumalive fabrics feature flexible arrays of colored light-emitting  
diodes (LEDs) fully integrated into the fabric - without compromising  
the softness or flexibility of the cloth. These light emitting  
textiles make it possible to create materials that can carry dynamic  
messages, graphics or multicolored surfaces. Fabrics like drapes,  
cushions or sofa coverings become active when they illuminate in  
order to enhance the observer’s mood and positively influence his/her  
behavior.

The jackets are comfortable to wear, and the Lumalive fabrics only  
become obvious when they light up to display vivid colored patterns,  
logos, short text messages or even full color animations. The  
electronics, batteries and LED arrays are fully integrated and  
invisible to the observer and wearer. The jackets feature panels of  
up to 200 by 200 mm², although the active sections can be scaled up  
to cover much larger areas such as a sofa.

“Taking the Lumalive fabrics from prototypes to integrated products  
has been a major challenge,” said Bas Zeper, Managing Director of  
Photonic Textiles, Philips Research. “The light emitting textiles  
have to be flexible, durable and operated by reasonably compact  
batteries. Fitting all that into a comfortable, lightweight garment  
is a considerable engineering success.”

“What Philips Research showed last year were research prototypes;  
this year the jackets and furniture represent versions that are ready  
to go into commercial production, and include integrated power  
sources and control electronics,” said Zeper.

The products include features that make them practical for daily use.  
For example, when integrating the Lumalive fabrics into the garment  
Philips Research has made the parts that can’t be easily washed —  
such as the batteries and control electronics—simple to disconnect  
and reconnect after the garment has been cleaned. Even the light- 
emitting layer can be easily removed and refitted to the jacket.

Philips Research is inviting all potential partners to talk about the  
immediate commercialization potential of Lumalive textiles at IFA  
2006 where the company’s booth will act as a showcase for the  
technology and a focal point for discussions.