Researchers at MIT’s CSAIL have developed FabObscura, a software system that lets people convert ordinary objects, such as books, coasters, jars, and signage, into animated displays using barrier-grid animations (also called scanimations), all without electronics, tells MIT News.
The core idea: overlay a patterned grid (the “barrier”) over a sliced sequence of still-frames so that sliding, rotating, or tilting the grid reveals different frames—creating the illusion of motion. Past tools for scanimations largely used straight stripe patterns. FabObscura expands on that by letting users define barrier-grid patterns via continuous mathematical functions: sine waves, radial designs, zigzags, or custom shapes.
Here’s how it works in practice. Users upload an ordered set of still frames (say, of a simple motion), pick or design a barrier pattern (entering a function), preview the movement, and then print both the pattern and the interlaced image using ordinary 2D printers. Once assembled, the barrier overlay plus image, the result can be mounted or affixed to flat, handheld surfaces. The motion is achieved by moving or rotating the barrier relative to the image.
FabObscura supports “nested animations” too: where the motion direction of the barrier (e.g., sliding vertically vs. horizontally) causes different animations to play. A demonstration includes a design where vertical sliding shows a car rotating, while horizontal sliding turns it into a spinning motorcycle.
There are trade-offs. Nested animations tend to reduce clarity, especially if too many frames are used or image contrast is low. The researchers provide design guidelines to help preserve visual sharpness, limiting frame count, emphasizing contrast, etc.
Potential applications stretch from decorative art, interactive signage, product packaging, to home decor—all places where animated visuals can engage people without needing screens or power. The team is also exploring expanding to 3D surfaces or letting users upload video (from which FabObscura selects frames).