Integration of Flexible Keypad Into Clothing

The aim of this paper is to consider data input methods and technologies related to information input into electronic systems that would be suitable for smart garments. An overview of recent developments in the area of flexible switches is provided, describing processes used to fabricate these connections and highlighting issues and problems associated with it. Available soft button / keypad products are considered and keypad construction methods are analyzed. This study resulted in the creation of a flexible textile keypad prototype with row-and-column addressable structure and with breaking point technology underneath button design

An investigation of textile sensors and their application in wearable electronics

Using a garment as a wearable sensing device has become a reality. New methods and techniques in the field of wearable sensors are being developed and can now be incorporated into the wearer’s everyday attire. This research focuses on two types of textile based sensors – a wearable textile electrode used for ECG continuous monitoring, and a stitch sensor for monitoring body movement. These sensors were designed into a purposely engineered Smart Sports Bra (SSB) which can be regarded as a sensor itself. After a thorough investigation, two optimum textile electrodes were created; a plain electrode using cut and sew method (CSM) and a net type knitted electrode using knitting method (KM). The CSM electrode was made with conductive fabric (MedTexTM P-130) and the KM electrode was made with conductive thread (silver-plated nylon 234/34 four-ply), these materials having the lowest tested contact impedance; 450Ω and 500Ω, respectively. Both electrodes demonstrated a level of noise and baseline drift comparable with standard commercial wet-gel electrodes, which was corrected by optimising their size to 20x40 mm, holding pressure of 4 kPa (30 mmHg) and the electrode position at the 6th intercostal space on the right and left mid-clavicular, with one placed at the scapular line in the rear side (i.e. back horizontal formation) which gives clear and reliable ECG signal. These optimum electrodes were integrated directly into SSBs, in which a novel high shear, net structure, acting as a shock absorber to body movement that shows more stable electrode to skin contact by reducing the body motion artefact. During the investigation of the stitch stretch sensor the single jersey nylon fabric (4.44 tex two-ply) with 25% spandex (7.78 tex) had the highest elastic recovery (93%). Using this fabric, the work went on to show that the stitch type 304 (Zig-zag lock stitch) using the 117/17 two-ply thread demonstrated the best results i.e., maximum working range 50%, gauge factor 1.61, hysteresis 6.25% ΔR, linearity (R2 ) is 0.98, and good repeatability (drift in R2 is -0.00). The stitch stretch sensor was also incorporated into a sports bra SSB and positioned across the chest for respiration monitoring. This thesis contributes to a growing body of research in wearable E -textile solutions to support health and well-being, with fully functional sensors and easy-to-use design, for continues health monitoring

Computation and technology as expressive elements of fashion

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Program in Media Arts & Sciences, 2000.Includes bibliographical references (91-92).This thesis explores technology and computation as elements of fashion. Far beyond the definition of clothing as a necessary protective covering, fashion exists as a way for people to express themselves to others, to reflect portions of their personality in their outward appearance, and to distinguish themselves as individuals. How can technology enhance these expressive aspects of what we wear? The goal of my research is to create examples of new types of clothing based on computation, which provide modes of expression unachievable with traditional garment techniques. In this thesis, I define an area of design and research which is a synthesis of technology, computation, and fashion. I explore the constituent properties (axes) of the design space through research experiments, and present basic software and hardware architectures on which to build relevant examples of computational fashion.by Elise Dee Co.S.M

Physical and chemical sensing applications of polypyrrole-coated foams

We live in a world of information, and emerging technologies, which compel us to look for new ways to collect, process, and distribute information. Today we are faced with an information overload problem as users struggle to locate the right information in the right way at the right time. In my view this is an “overload” of trivial information coupled with a gap in access to important information. Digitization of information and communications has seen the rise and rise of computers to a now ubiquitous position in our society. However, the problem remains as to how to merge the digital world with sensing, and respond to changes in the real world. Ubiquitous information systems are needed that will automatically sense and importantly, respond to changes in their environment and usage in order to deliver a more intelligent, proactive and personalized information service. These systems may be wearable, enabling them to disappear into our personal space, enhancing rather than burdening our daily activities. Conventional sensors are generally unsuitable for wearable body monitoring devices either due to their physical structure or their functional requirements. This thesis examines this area of wearable sensors, detailing the development and characterisation of novel sensing materials and outlines their performance in various on-body monitoring applications

Modelowanie tekstylnych linii sygnałowych do zastosowań w tekstronice

Zwiększające się zainteresowanie inteligentnymi tekstyliami, a w szczególności odzieżą inteligentną, spowodowało podjęcie licznych prac badawczych w tym kierunku. Nową dyscypliną zajmującą się powyższymi zagadnieniami jest tekstronika będąca połączeniem włókiennictwa, elektroniki i informatyki. Jednym z ważnych elementów systemów tekstronicznych, np. odzieży inteligentnej, są tekstylne linie sygnałowe. Służą one do przesyłania informacji między układami elektronicznymi zaimplementowanymi w takiej odzieży. Linie te powinny posiadać zdolność do transmisji sygnałów elektrycznych o szerokim widmie częstotliwościowym tak, aby mogły np. przesyłać sygnały cyfrowe o dużej szybkości transmisji. Umożliwi to rozwój m.in. tekstylnych komputerów noszonych, czy nowoczesnych systemów tekstronicznych służących do monitoringu parametrów fizjologicznych człowieka.The researches previously conducted in the world had not led to the textile signal line, of which the characteristic impedance value would equal 50 Ω and could be varied over a wide range by varying the geometric dimensions of the line. Therefore, the studies were undertaken to develop such a line. Those studies, preceded by a multiple sources analysis of the conventional signal lines operation, the measurements of the electrical properties of selected fabrics and simulation studies have led to the development of a new type of the textile signal line

Fibre-sized energy generation in multi-functional fabrics

This study investigates the prospects of manufacturing Piezo-fabrics with embedded piezoelectric yarns that have the potential to convert the human movement-induced mechanical strain on the fabric into electrical energy. The impact of fabric architecture on electrical power output and the translation of simulated work (in ANSYS) into real electrical outputs through the experimental validation of the piezoelectric yarns was also investigated

Integrating Usability Models into Pervasive Application Development

This thesis describes novel processes in two important areas of human-computer interaction (HCI) and demonstrates ways to combine these in appropriate ways. First, prototyping plays an essential role in the development of complex applications. This is especially true if a user-centred design process is followed. We describe and compare a set of existing toolkits and frameworks that support the development of prototypes in the area of pervasive computing. Based on these observations, we introduce the EIToolkit that allows the quick generation of mobile and pervasive applications, and approaches many issues found in previous works. Its application and use is demonstrated in several projects that base on the architecture and an implementation of the toolkit. Second, we present novel results and extensions in user modelling, specifically for predicting time to completion of tasks. We extended established concepts such as the Keystroke-Level Model to novel types of interaction with mobile devices, e.g. using optical markers and gestures. The design, creation, as well as a validation of this model are presented in some detail in order to show its use and usefulness for making usability predictions. The third part is concerned with the combination of both concepts, i.e. how to integrate user models into the design process of pervasive applications. We first examine current ways of developing and show generic approaches to this problem. This leads to a concrete implementation of such a solution. An innovative integrated development environment is provided that allows for quickly developing mobile applications, supports the automatic generation of user models, and helps in applying these models early in the design process. This can considerably ease the process of model creation and can replace some types of costly user studies.Diese Dissertation beschreibt neuartige Verfahren in zwei wichtigen Bereichen der Mensch-Maschine-Kommunikation und erläutert Wege, diese geeignet zu verknüpfen. Zum einen spielt die Entwicklung von Prototypen insbesondere bei der Verwendung von benutzerzentrierten Entwicklungsverfahren eine besondere Rolle. Es werden daher auf der einen Seite eine ganze Reihe vorhandener Arbeiten vorgestellt und verglichen, die die Entwicklung prototypischer Anwendungen speziell im Bereich des Pervasive Computing unterstützen. Ein eigener Satz an Werkzeugen und Komponenten wird präsentiert, der viele der herausgearbeiteten Nachteile und Probleme solcher existierender Projekte aufgreift und entsprechende Lösungen anbietet. Mehrere Beispiele und eigene Arbeiten werden beschrieben, die auf dieser Architektur basieren und entwickelt wurden. Auf der anderen Seite werden neue Forschungsergebnisse präsentiert, die Erweiterungen von Methoden in der Benutzermodellierung speziell im Bereich der Abschätzung von Interaktionszeiten beinhalten. Mit diesen in der Dissertation entwickelten Erweiterungen können etablierte Konzepte wie das Keystroke-Level Model auf aktuelle und neuartige Interaktionsmöglichkeiten mit mobilen Geräten angewandt werden. Der Entwurf, das Erstellen sowie eine Validierung der Ergebnisse dieser Erweiterungen werden detailliert dargestellt. Ein dritter Teil beschäftigt sich mit Möglichkeiten die beiden beschriebenen Konzepte, zum einen Prototypenentwicklung im Pervasive Computing und zum anderen Benutzermodellierung, geeignet zu kombinieren. Vorhandene Ansätze werden untersucht und generische Integrationsmöglichkeiten beschrieben. Dies führt zu konkreten Implementierungen solcher Lösungen zur Integration in vorhandene Umgebungen, als auch in Form einer eigenen Applikation spezialisiert auf die Entwicklung von Programmen für mobile Geräte. Sie erlaubt das schnelle Erstellen von Prototypen, unterstützt das automatische Erstellen spezialisierter Benutzermodelle und ermöglicht den Einsatz dieser Modelle früh im Entwicklungsprozess. Dies erleichtert die Anwendung solcher Modelle und kann Aufwand und Kosten für entsprechende Benutzerstudien einsparen

NASA Tech Briefs, December 1994

Topics: Test and Measurement; Electronic Components and Circuits; Electronic Systems; Physical Sciences; Materials; Computer Programs; Mechanics; Machinery; Fabrication; Mathematics and Information Sciences; Life Sciences; Books and Report

Synaesthetic Dress: Episodes of Sensational Objects in Performance Art, 1955-1975

This study examines the significance of clothing-like sculptural forms in the performance practices of three international postwar and contemporary artists: Atsuko Tanaka (Japanese, 1932-2005), Hélio Oiticica (Brazilian, 1937-1980) and Robert Kushner (American, b. 1949). These three artists occupy a special position within the development of performance and body art during the postwar decades for their focus on the sensorial and interactive properties of clothing-like objects. I propose the new term of synaesthetic dress as an interpretive concept to characterize and study the wearable, multi-sensory, and participatory forms in their diverse practices and as a strategy for collaboration and social engagement. My research seeks an understanding of how Tanaka, Oiticica, and Kushner draw upon the language of clothing—a form that typically contains and defines the individual body—to create alternative material, social, and artistic sites for collective experience. Counter to traditional interpretations of clothing that tend to view it as a marker or relic of the artist’s body, or as a material that can construct, perform or contest various identities, this study proposes to see—or rather—sense clothing in a new light, through the thought-provoking performances of artists who foreground the multisensory experience of their audiences and participants. This project advances the importance of embodied experience in performance practices and contributes to an evolving body of art historical scholarship that addresses the entire human sensorium in aesthetic encounters