Rapid Prototyping Infrastructure for Wearable Computing Applications

This thesis deals with the implementation of a framework to build context-sensitive wearable computing applications that enables a rapid-prototyping approach during development. Special technical demands for such a framework in an industrial setting are worked out and an abstraction for modelling information in the environment is introduced. An existing framework for context-aware applications in a pervasive computing environment is examined where problems arise when transferring it to the wearable computing domain. This motivates a specialized approach customized to the conditions in an industrial environment. As a last point an evaluation of the framework by its use in the development of a wearable computing solution is performed leading to a final assessment of its value

Towards the internet of smart clothing: a review on IoT wearables and garments for creating intelligent connected e-textiles

[Abstract] Technology has become ubiquitous, it is all around us and is becoming part of us. Togetherwith the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm and enabling technologies (e.g., Augmented Reality (AR), Cyber-Physical Systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain or edge computing), smart wearables and IoT-based garments can potentially have a lot of influence by harmonizing functionality and the delight created by fashion. Thus, smart clothes look for a balance among fashion, engineering, interaction, user experience, cybersecurity, design and science to reinvent technologies that can anticipate needs and desires. Nowadays, the rapid convergence of textile and electronics is enabling the seamless and massive integration of sensors into textiles and the development of conductive yarn. The potential of smart fabrics, which can communicate with smartphones to process biometric information such as heart rate, temperature, breathing, stress, movement, acceleration, or even hormone levels, promises a new era for retail. This article reviews the main requirements for developing smart IoT-enabled garments and shows smart clothing potential impact on business models in the medium-term. Specifically, a global IoT architecture is proposed, the main types and components of smart IoT wearables and garments are presented, their main requirements are analyzed and some of the most recent smart clothing applications are studied. In this way, this article reviews the past and present of smart garments in order to provide guidelines for the future developers of a network where garments will be connected like other IoT objects: the Internet of Smart Clothing.Xunta de Galicia; ED431C 2016-045Xunta de Galicia; ED341D R2016/012Xunta de Galicia; ED431G/01Agencia Estatal de Investigación de España; TEC2013-47141-C4-1-RAgencia Estatal de Investigación de España; TEC2016-75067-C4-1-RAgencia Estatal de Investigación de España; TEC2015-69648-RED

Emerging Materials & Technologies

The book focuses on four exemplified EM&Ts areas as results of the methods, gaps and issues related to their teaching methods. The four areas are: Experimental Wood-Based EM&Ts, Interactive Connected Smart (ICS) Materials Wearable-based, Carbon-based & Nanotech EM&Ts and Advanced Growing. It provides the setting up of a common/ novel method to teaching EM&Ts: to create new professional in young students, and to develop new guidelines and approach

Obstacles to wearable computing

In the year 2021, wearable technology could look beautiful and feel magical, but instead is exemplified by a plain wristband that looks suspiciously like a prison monitor. How can we make wearable technology that respects our privacy, enhances our daily lives, integrates with our other connected devices without leashing us to a smartphone, and visually expresses who we are? This study uses a novel method of participatory design fiction (PDFi) to understand potential users of everyday wearable technology through storytelling. I recruited participants from the general public and gave them a five-point prompt to create a design fiction (DF), which inspired the user-centred design of an everyday connected wearable device. The participants each received a technology probe to wear in the wild for a year. They then updated their DFs as a way to reflect on the implications of the technology. For the purposes of privacy, augmenting device functionality through interoperability, and integration into an Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, I used the Hub-of-All-Things personal data store to provide the software infrastructure. By listening to their stories, we can elicit design concepts directly from the users, to help us create wearable IoT devices that put the wearer at the centre of the design process, and are satisfying both functionally and emotionally.The Alan Turing Institute Doctoral Scheme, University of Cambridge Department of Computer Science and Technology, The Kenneth Hayter Memorial Fun

Responsive and Emotive Wearable Technology: physiological data, devices and communication

My research practice and thesis investigates how wearable technology can be used to create new forms of nonverbal communication. Using devices developed through my practice, I explore how physiological data can be drawn from the body, then visualised and broadcast. I examine the opinions and requirements of potential users and observers of this technology, through qualitative responses in interviews and surveys from focus groups and field tests. I have analysed the resulting data to extract preferences and concerns, plus the requirements for the functionality and aesthetics of these devices. I discuss the social and cultural aspects of wearing such devices, as well as the issues, including how privacy may be affected and the implications of recording personal data. I examine my practice in the context of the work of the communities and practitioners in the field, and introduce two new terms to label two sub-sections of wearable technology. These are ‘responsive wearables’ and ‘emotive wearables’, and they form part of the distinctive contribution that I make. Reflecting on the evolution of my practice has led to other contributions regarding the development of wearable technology. Through this, I identify and share the insights into the disciplines and processes required for the fusion of technology and design successfully to evolve electronics, code and materials into research prototypes. I conclude by discussing findings from my practice, research and studies with potential users of emotive wearables. I comment on the impact that physiologically sensing wearable technology has on aspects of social interaction for the individual as well as for the wider community. I open the discussion on future research by revealing two new examples of emotive wearables — the AnemoneStarHeart and the ThinkerBelle EEG Amplifying Dress — which have evolved from pinpointing specific areas of the focus group and field test feedback that I undertook

Electronically active textiles

Electronically Active Textiles (e-textiles) are a type of textile material that has some form of electronic functionality. This can be achieved by attaching electronics onto the surface of the textile, incorporating electronic components as part of the fabrication of the textile itself, or by integrating electronics into the yarns or fibers that comprises the textile. The addition of electronic components can give textiles a wide range of new functions from lighting or heating to advanced sensing capabilities. As such, e-textiles have provided a platform for developing a range of new novel products in fields, such as healthcare, sports, protection, transport, and communications. The purpose of this volume is to report on the advances in the integration of electronics into textiles, and presents original research in the field of e-textiles as well as a comprehensive review of the evolution of e-Textiles. Topics include the fabrication and illumination of e-textiles and the use of e-textiles for temperature sensing

Information Systems for Supporting Fire Emergency Response

Despite recent work on information systems, many first responders in emergency situations are unable to develop sufficient understanding of the situation to enable them to make good decisions. The record of the UK Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) has been particularly poor in terms of providing the information systems support to the fire fighters decision-making during their work. There is very little work on identifying the specific information needs of different types of fire fighters. Consequently, this study has two main aims. The first is to identify the information requirements of several specific members of the FRS hierarchy that lead to better Situation Awareness. The second is to identify how such information should be presented. This study was based on extensive data collected in the FRS brigades of three counties and focused on large buildings having a high-risk of fire and four key fire fighter job roles: Incident Commander, Sector Commander, Breathing Apparatus Entry Control Officer and Breathing Apparatus Wearers. The requirements elicitation process was guided by a Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) tool: Goal Directed Information Analysis (GDIA), which was developed specifically for this study. Initially appropriate scenarios were developed. Based on the scenarios, 44 semi-structured interviews were carried out in three different elicitation phases with both novice and experienced fire fighters. Together with field observations of fire simulation and training exercises, fire and rescue related documentation; a comprehensive set of information needs of fire fighters was identified. These were validated through two different stages via 34 brainstorming sessions with the participation of a number of subject-matter experts. To explore appropriate presentation methods of information, software mock-up was developed. This mock-up is made up of several human computer interfaces, which were evaluated via 19 walkthrough and workshop sessions, involving 22 potential end-users and 14 other related experts. As a result, many of the methods used in the mock-up were confirmed as useful and appropriate and several refinements proposed. The outcomes of this study include: 1) A set of GDI Diagrams showing goal related information needs for each of the job roles with the link to their decision-making needs, 2) A series of practical recommendations suitable for designing of human computer interfaces of fire emergency response information system, 3) Human computer interface mock-ups for an information system to enhance Situation Awareness of fire fighters and 4) A conceptual architecture for the underlying information system. In addition, this study also developed an enhanced cognitive task analysis tool capable of exploring the needs of emergency first responders. This thesis contributes to our understanding of how information systems could be designed to enhance the Situation Awareness of first responders in a fire emergency. These results will be of particular interest to practicing information systems designers and developers in the FRS in the UK and to the wider academic community

Multi-modal on-body sensing of human activities

Increased usage and integration of state-of-the-art information technology in our everyday work life aims at increasing the working efficiency. Due to unhandy human-computer-interaction methods this progress does not always result in increased efficiency, for mobile workers in particular. Activity recognition based contextual computing attempts to balance this interaction deficiency. This work investigates wearable, on-body sensing techniques on their applicability in the field of human activity recognition. More precisely we are interested in the spotting and recognition of so-called manipulative hand gestures. In particular the thesis focuses on the question whether the widely used motion sensing based approach can be enhanced through additional information sources. The set of gestures a person usually performs on a specific place is limited -- in the contemplated production and maintenance scenarios in particular. As a consequence this thesis investigates whether the knowledge about the user's hand location provides essential hints for the activity recognition process. In addition, manipulative hand gestures -- due to their object manipulating character -- typically start in the moment the user's hand reaches a specific place, e.g. a specific part of a machinery. And the gestures most likely stop in the moment the hand leaves the position again. Hence this thesis investigates whether hand location can help solving the spotting problem. Moreover, as user-independence is still a major challenge in activity recognition, this thesis investigates location context as a possible key component in a user-independent recognition system. We test a Kalman filter based method to blend absolute position readings with orientation readings based on inertial measurements. A filter structure is suggested which allows up-sampling of slow absolute position readings, and thus introduces higher dynamics to the position estimations. In such a way the position measurement series is made aware of wrist motions in addition to the wrist position. We suggest location based gesture spotting and recognition approaches. Various methods to model the location classes used in the spotting and recognition stages as well as different location distance measures are suggested and evaluated. In addition a rather novel sensing approach in the field of human activity recognition is studied. This aims at compensating drawbacks of the mere motion sensing based approach. To this end we develop a wearable hardware architecture for lower arm muscular activity measurements. The sensing hardware based on force sensing resistors is designed to have a high dynamic range. In contrast to preliminary attempts the proposed new design makes hardware calibration unnecessary. Finally we suggest a modular and multi-modal recognition system; modular with respect to sensors, algorithms, and gesture classes. This means that adding or removing a sensor modality or an additional algorithm has little impact on the rest of the recognition system. Sensors and algorithms used for spotting and recognition can be selected and fine-tuned separately for each single activity. New activities can be added without impact on the recognition rates of the other activities

Design methodologies for smart textile products in the field of sport

Tese de doutoramento em Design de ModaApesar das fortes implicações no campo interdisciplinar da interação humano-computador (HCI), tem havido um movimento para que a roupa desportiva acolha no seu design inúmeras inovações, tanto nas tecnologias eletrónicas, como nos materiais e acabamentos. Posicionando-se audaciosamente entre o design de moda e os dispositivos vestíveis, estas roupas discorrem entre as tecnologias da informação e comunicação (ICT) e as plataformas da internet das coisas (IoT), trazendo benefícios e funcionalidades, consequentemente novas características de interação entre a roupa e o utilizador. Nesse contexto, e no âmbito das atividades do projeto TSSIPRO – Technologies for Sustainable and Smart Innovative Products, obteve-se o desenvolvimento de conhecimento através de dois estudos de caso, tendo cada um destes sido acompanhado por um método. O estudo “Smartsuit”, que foi orientado pelo método Duplo Diamante, teve como foco o ciclismo. Corresponde a um contacto introdutório e multidisciplinar ao processo de design de vestuário inteligente para o desporto. Permitiu através da experiência empírica, experimental, pessoal do autor, o design e a prototipagem de um skinsuit com elétrodos integrados capazes de monitorizar a frequência cardíaca por eletrocardiografia (ECG). O estudo “Avantgarde” foi orientado pelo método Design Centrado no Utilizador, e teve como foco a esgrima. Corresponde já a uma maturação da temática e identifica os requisitos do utilizador. Permitiu através da experiência conceptual, teórica, metódica e organizada do autor, a conceptualização de um uniforme inteligente com sensor de pressão piezoresistivo flexível integrado no têxtil capaz de capturar o desempenho do toque da arma, facilitando a arbitragem e pontuação do jogo. Dispõe ainda de sensores inerciais (IMU) acoplados no têxteis capazes de capturar e rastrear os movimentos do atleta através da transposição do movimento para um modelo digital. Aqui, foi possível, a seleção e avaliação das tecnologias vestíveis através da agnição de dados quantitativos e qualitativos fornecidos pelos utilizadores. Esta tese contribui para o crescente corpo de pesquisa sobre o uso de computadores vestíveis para a atividade desportiva. Através do utilizador enfatiza-se inovação, usabilidade e design. Mais especificamente, valida o interesse de atletas e treinadores de esgrima, por tecnologias com sensores de pressão e inerciais. Ao nível do processo de design possibilitou investigar e avaliar através de dois modelos destintos e, portanto, identificar as suas diferenças e limitações.Despite the substantial implications in the interdisciplinary field of human-computer interaction (HCI), there has been a movement for sportswear to embrace numerous innovations in its design, both in electronic technologies and in materials and functionalisation. Audaciously situated between fashion design and wearable devices, these clothes roam between information and communications technology (ICT) and the internet of things (IoT) platforms, bringing benefits and functionalities, consequently new features of interaction between clothing and the user. In this context, and within the scope of the activities of the TSSIPRO – Technologies for Sustainable and Smart Innovative Products, the development of knowledge was obtained through two case studies, each of which was accompanied by a method. The “Smartsuit” study, which was guided by the Double Diamond method, focused on cycling. It corresponds to an introductory and multidisciplinary contact to the process of designing smart garments for sport. Through the author's empirical, experimental, personal experience, it allowed the design and prototyping of a skinsuit with embedded electrodes capable of monitoring heart rate by electrocardiogram (ECG). The “Avantgarde” study was guided by the User- Centered Design method and focused on fencing. It corresponds to a maturation of the theme and identifies the user's requirements. It allowed, through the author's conceptual, theoretical, methodical, and organized experience, the conceptualization of a smart uniform with a flexible piezoresistive pressure sensor integrated into the textile capable of capturing the performance of the weapon's touch, facilitating the refereeing, and scoring of the game. It also features with inertial sensors (IMU) coupled to the textiles capable of capturing and tracking the athlete’s movements by transposing the movement to a digital model. Here, it was possible to select and evaluate the wearable technologies through the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data provided by users. This thesis contributes to the growing body of research on the use of wearable computers for sports activities. Through the user, innovation, usability, and design are emphasized. More specifically, it validates the interest of athletes and fencing coaches in pressure and inertial sensor technologies. At the level of the design process, it made possible to investigate and evaluate through two distinct models and, therefore, identify their differences and limitations.TSSIPRO - bolsa de investigação UMINHO/BI/123/201

Desenvolvimento de um sistema electrotêxtil para aferição objectiva dos movimentos corporais durante o sono: correlação com a polissonografia e a qualidade do sono

O sono é uma função biológica de extrema importância para o bem-estar e saúde humana. Sendo uma sucessão cíclica de fenómenos psicofisiológicos, o processo do sono é regido pelo nosso relógio biológico, ajustado num ciclo de 24 horas, e tem como principais funções reparar os tecidos, fazer descansar os órgãos ou ainda finalizar ciclos biológicos como sejam a eliminação de toxinas. O cérebro procede também à filtragem e processamento dos acontecimentos do dia consolidando a memória. Desta forma, o sono influencia decisivamente as condições físicas, psicológicas e as interacções sociais do ser humano. A privação do sono, a sua diminuição, ou ainda, um sono de baixa qualidade, têm um impacto profundo na fisiologia e no comportamento do ser humano podendo, consoante a sua severidade, ir desde a irritabilidade até, em condições extremas, à morte do indivíduo. Um dos fatores modeladores do sono é sem dúvida, a quantidade e intensidade dos movimentos nocturnos que, de forma perfeitamente involuntária acontecem, mas que em determinadas circunstâncias e em função do seu número e da sua intensidade, podem ser um indicador a manifestação clínica de algumas patologias graves. Neste contexto, o estudo da relação entre a postura anatómica nocturna com a qualidade do sono e, adicionalmente, com algumas patologias de âmbito neurológico é, actualmente, uma preocupação crescente de diversas áreas da medicina. Conscientes desta situação, o presente trabalho de investigação visou desenvolver um método que permitisse avaliar uma possível relação entre a biomecânica dos pacientes com a sua qualidade do sono. Assim, pretendeu-se determinar a variação posicional anatómica dos pacientes ao longo do tempo, com recurso a um sistema têxtil inteligente, de tipo electroactivo (SE) e, estudar a sua eventual correlação com o correspondente traçado polissonográfico, adquirido através de um sistema de polissonografia padrão de tipo digital (PSG). O protótipo desenvolvido integra uma matriz de sensores inerciais, que permite a aquisição de dados em tempo real, o seu armazenamento e emissão para um computador remoto, que executa o algoritmo de controlo e retém os parâmetros específicos do paciente. Com base nos dados experimentais recolhidos e de acordo com as conclusões da análise estatística global efectuada, é possível afirmar que os dois métodos PSG e SE apresentam resultados consistentes e concordantes, sendo admissível a utilização da ferramenta electrotêxtil desenvolvida para substituir o método clássico no que concerne a aquisição do movimento corporal das pernas. A nova solução tecnológica configura um tipo de dispositivo biomédico e é direcionado principalmente para o segmento particular numa primeira fase (avaliação da qualidade do sono) e, potencialmente numa segunda fase, para o mercado hospitalar e geriátrico e ainda para a monitorização de pacientes em tratamento ambulatório.Sleep is an extremely important biological function for the human health and well- being. Being a cyclical succession of psychophysiological phenomena, the sleep process is governed by our biological clock, adjusted in a 24-hour cycle, and its main functions are to repair tissues, organs rest or even ending biological cycles such as the elimination of toxins. The brain also filters and processes the day's events, consolidating the memory. Thus, sleep decisively influences the physical, psychological and social interactions of human beings. Sleep deprivation, a decrease in sleep time, or even poor-quality sleep, have a profound impact on the physiology and behaviour of human beings, and can, depending upon their severity, range from irritability to, in extreme conditions, the death of the individual. In this context, the study of the relationship between nocturnal anatomical posture, the quality of sleep and, additionally, with some pathologies of a neurological scope is, currently, a growing concern in several areas of medicine. Aware of this situation, the present research work aimed to develop a method that would allow the evaluation of a possible relationship between the biomechanics of patients and their sleep quality. Thus, it was intended to determine the anatomical positional variation of patients over time, using an intelligent textile system, of an electroactive type (SE), and to study its possible correlation with the corresponding polysomnographic tracing, acquired through a standardized digital polysomnography system (PSG). The developed prototype integrates an array of inertial sensors, which allows the acquisition of data in real time, its storage and emission to a remote computer, which executes the control algorithm and retains the specific parameters of the patient. Based upon the collected experimental data and in accordance with the inference of the overall statistical analysis carried out, it is possible to state that the two, PSG and SE, methods present consistent and concordant results, being permissible to use the new developed electrotextile tool to replace the polysomnographic classic method. The new technological solution configures a type of biomedical device, aimed, mainly, at the private segment in a first stage (assessment of sleep quality) and, potentially, in a second stage, for the hospital and geriatric market and even for outpatient treatment monitoring