The details

A screen in an item of clothing?

Innovative display technology

This new type of display is created by weaving 0.25mm diameter optical fibers. At one end of the optical fibers is a light

emitting diode (LED). By weaving specific patterns of horizontal and vertical rows and lines and specially abrading the fibers, the light is emitted as an animated image.

The number of rows and pixels
is still limited and can so far only
be used to display relatively
uncomplicated patterns and texts.
For the time being however, this is
the size required to guarantee the right resistance/ flexibility ratio for the screen and integrate it into an item of clothing or a backpack.

The display and the electronics (inserted into one side of the belt that contains the screen) are powered by a 3.5V battery with an operating life of two hours.

The transmission of visuals to the screen from an Internet terminal is controlled and configured using a small keypad discreetly built into the fabric of the garment or the accessory (eg, backpack).


Use and functions: how does it work?

It is possible, for example, to vary the brightness according to the sound environment using low frequencies. The light gets brighter each time wearers clap their hands or stamp their feet.

The image on the screen can also move in relation to the wearer’s movements. When out jogging, the image on the backpack responds to the runner’s pace by rebounding or changing.

The result is a matrix comprising 8x8 pixels,
ie, 64 squares measuring 35x35sq.mm,
with 12 optical fibers per pixel.
What on earth for? Above all to "be seen" for safety, advertising or esthetic reasons. Then again, it all depends on the situation, the person, and the reasons for wanting to be seen. These could be to show that one belongs to a group, to alert to a danger, or to communicate or exchange information, advice, etc.

Or more simply, to customize one’s clothing at will and in real time to stay in fashion

Prospects of new telecom services

For France Telecom, the potential of smart "wearable communications" is boundless when it comes to creating and offering new, useful and original services for customers.

Imagine how much freedom of use and expression will derive from the possibility of creating and downloading animations from a wire line of mobile Internet portal or to exchange them in an online forum!

Consumers and professionals from such sectors as safety and security, construction, manufacturing and sport are all concerned by this innovation.


The optical fiber screen displays animated visual information such as texts or pictograms. Our latest prototype comes in the shape of a wide belt that can be worn on top of clothing or be integrated into an item of clothing or a backpack.

1. Users download, create and swap their own visuals on a dedicated Internet portal,

2. They then transfer the image or text to the item of clothing or accessory with the built-in optical fiber screen. Transmission from terminal (either a mobile phone or a computer) to screen is achieved using wireless technology.

3. Watch, communicate, enjoy!

A number of functions already exist to allow users to communicate or simply have fun.

watch the clip : "Wildshirt"

 
The latest concept and prototype wearable communications created by France Telecom's R&D
The optical fiber screen has won the Innovation Prize 2002 award at Avantex, the "international forum for textiles and technology in the future", scoring a further success in the Creative Studio’s "wearable communications" project.