Mili John Tharakan

AmbiKraf: an embedded non-emissive and fast changing wearable display

AmbiKraf is a novel non-emissive analog fabric display that has rapid color changing capability. It is integrated into the soft fabric enabling novel animations and interactive scenarios in the normal clothes that we wear. The core novelty of this project lies within the actual implementation of a fabric embedded with Peltier junction semiconductor to form a robust and wearable fabric display. In addition, our key novelties extend to its fast, accurate and bidirectional control through in-fabric semiconductor based heating and cooling systems. This enables the capability of displaying animations and facilitating many interaction scenarios through everyday clothes.

Liquid interface: a malleable, transient, direct-touch interface

We present a new methodology based on ferromagnetic fluids in which the user can have direct interaction (input/output) through a tangible and malleable interface. Liquid Interfaces uses the physical qualities of ferromagnetic fluids in combination with capacitive, multi-touch technology, to produce a 3D, multi-touch interface where actuation, representation, and self-configuration occur through the malleable liquid, ferromagnetic fluid. This, combined with the ability to produce sound, enables users to create musical sculptures that can be morphed in real time by interacting directly with the ferromagnetic fluid.

A Design Process for Lovotics

We refer to human-robot relationships as Lovotics. In this paper a design process for Lovotics is presented. In order to invoke these relationships, technological solutions can only take us so far. Design played an important role in order to engage users to explore the possibilities of bi-directional, human-robot love. We conducted a user-centric study in order to understand these factors and incorporate them into our design. The key issues of design for developing a strong emotional connection between robots and humans are investigated. A questionnaire is proposed and based on the results of this a robot with minimal design is developed.

AmbiKraf: a ubiquitous non-emissive color changing fabric display

This paper presents, AmbiKraf, a non-emissive fabric display that subtly animates patterns on common fabrics. We use thermochromic inks and peltier semiconductor elements to achieve this technology. With this technology we have produced numerous prototypes from animated wall paintings to pixilated fabric displays. The ability of this technology to subtly and ubiquitously change the color of the fabric itself has made us able to merge different fields and technologies with AmbikKraf. In addition, with an animated room divider screen, Ambikraf merged its technology with Japanese Byobu art to tighten the gap between traditional arts and contemporary technologies. Through few this AmbiKraf Byobu art installation and other installations we discuss the impact of this technology as a ubiquitous fabric display. With focus to improvements of some limitations of the existing system, we present our future vision that enables us to merge this technology into more applications fields thus making this technology a platform for ubiquitous interactions on our daily peripherals.

AmbiKraf: A Nonemissive Fabric Display for Fast Changing Textile Animation

With this paper we present AmbiKraf, a none missive fast color changing fabric display. Our main motivation is to investigate the possibility of an actual fabric technology that can change the color in the form of a display. The core novelty of this paper addresses in presenting a base line technology that enables such a ubiquitous fabric display that lets the user interact with the actual fabric itself. Here, we use thermo chromic inks and Peltier semiconductor elements to achieve a rapid color changing display. The implemented controller is able to control the temperature with a high accuracy and thereby accurately control the color of the thermo chromic ink display. In addition the controller has fast heating/cooling ability which presents the ability for a relatively high speed display on the fabric. The calming nature of this animated fabric display is presented through few prototypes that ubiquitously combine the technology with daily fabrics. The paper describes the complete implementation of the system and presents a detailed analysis of the technical results.

AmbiKraf Byobu: Merging Technology with Traditional Craft

In this paper, we present a synergy of technology and traditional craft made possible with AmbiKraf Byobu. AmbiKraf is a non-emissive, color-changing fabric technology that allows subtle animations on fabrics. Byobu is a traditional Japanese room-divider screen, usually painted by artisans and crafts people. We first discuss the organic qualities of AmbiKraf technology that particularly lend itself to traditional art and craft practice. These qualities include the animation of ambient, non-intrusive and calming motifs using non-emissive display characteristics. We then discuss in detail how AmbiKraf technology is implemented and paired with the art form of Byobu. Interaction with the system is also briefly touched upon, as well as discussion regarding the cultural implications and mutual benefit of combining technology with traditional craft. Through the use of AmbiKraf technology embodied by the Byobu, we hope to provide a convincing example that sensitively combines traditional textile crafts with new technology in order to help redefine the meaning and role of traditional textiles.

Poetic communication: interactive carpet for subtle family communication and connectedness

Recent research in Human Computer studies have shown that smart and efficient technology alone is not what people desire for in their homes. The Interactive Carpet project aims to produce a new kind of interaction - Poetic Communication, enabling remote communication through the creation of a sense of sharing, co-presence, and connectedness. This technology connects two carpets in remote locations enhancing communication through more meaningful aesthetic interactions.

A Hierarchy of Needs for Developing Interactive Artworks, Systems and Products

This manuscript attempts to address the need for discussion regarding the multidisciplinary work towards the development of interactive artworks, systems and products. By deconstructing the roles of technology, content creation and semantics, we attempt to understand the importance of each in regards to the motivation to develop interactive works.