Smart clothes and wearable technology The Textile Institute and Woodhead Publishing The Textile Institute is a unique organisation in textiles, clothing and footwear. Incorporated in England by a Royal Charter granted in 1925, the Institute has individual and corporate members in over 90 countries. The aim of the Institute is to facilitate learning, recognise achievement, reward excellence and disseminate information within the global textiles, clothing and footwear industries. Historically, The Textile Institute has published books of interest to its members and the textile industry. To maintain this policy, the Institute has entered into part- nership with Woodhead Publishing Limited to ensure that Institute members and the textile industry continue to have access to high calibre titles on textile science and technology. Most Woodhead titles on textiles are now published in collaboration with The Textile Institute. Through this arrangement, the Institute provides an Editorial Board which advises Woodhead on appropriate titles for future publication and suggests possible editors and authors for these books. Each book published under this arrangement carries the Institute’s logo. Woodhead books published in collaboration with The Textile Institute are offered to Textile Institute members at a substantial discount. These books, together with those published by The Textile Institute that are still in print, are offered on the Woodhead web site at: www.woodheadpublishing.com. Textile Institute books still in print are also available directly from the Institute’s website at: www. textileinstitutebooks.com. A list of Woodhead books on textile science and technology, most of which have been published in collaboration with The Textile Institute, can be found at the end of the contents pages. Woodhead Publishing in Textiles: Number 83
Smart clothes and wearable technology
Edited by J. McCann and D. Bryson
Oxford Cambridge New Delhi Published by Woodhead Publishing Limited in association with The Textile Institute Woodhead Publishing Limited, Abington Hall, Granta Park, Great Abington Cambridge CB21 6AH, UK www.woodheadpublishing.com
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Typeset by SNP Best-set Typesetter Ltd., Hong Kong Printed by TJ International Limited, Padstow, Cornwall, UK Contents
Contributor contact details xiii Woodhead Publishing in Textiles xvi Preface xxi
Part I The design of smart clothing and wearable technology 1
1 The emergence of wearable computing 3 M. M almivaara, Tampere University of Technology, Finland 1.1 The fi rst devices 3 1.2 The fi rst wearable computers 7 1.3 Wearable electronics 10 1.4 Intelligent clothing 13 1.5 Conclusion: ‘Where can I buy this?’ 22 1.6 References 23
2 Types of smart clothes and wearable technology 25 R. D. H urford, University of Wales Newport, UK 2.1 Introduction 25 2.2 A brief history 26 2.3 Industry sectors’ overview 39 2.4 Current trends 41 2.5 Market forecast 42 2.6 Conclusions 42 2.7 References 43
3 End-user based design of innovative smart clothing 45 J. M c C ann, University of Wales Newport, UK 3.1 Introduction 45 3.2 The garment layering system 46
v vi Contents
3.3 Identifi cation of design requirements 47 3.4 The technology layer: the impact of emerging smart technologies on the design process 54 3.5 Conclusion: a new hybrid design process 63 3.6 Future trends: commercial realities 65 3.7 References 66
4 The garment design process for smart clothing: from fi bre selection through to product launch 70 J. M c C ann, University of Wales Newport, UK 4.1 Introduction 70 4.2 The design brief 74 4.3 2-D design development 77 4.4 Textile development 79 4.5 Initial 3-D design development 81 4.6 Modern construction and joining technology 83 4.7 Integration of wearable technology 84 4.8 Final prototype development 86 4.9 Point of sale 89 4.10 End-of-life cycle 89 4.11 Future trends 90 4.12 References 94
5 Designing smart clothing for the body 95 D. B ryson, University of Derby, UK 5.1 Introduction 95 5.2 Anatomical, physiological and psychological considerations 96 5.3 How smart is smart? 101 5.4 Human–garment interaction 103 5.5 Demands of the body and wearable technology 104 5.6 References 106
Part II Materials and technologies for smart clothing 109
6 The infl uence of knitwear on smart wearables 111 F. S aifee, University of Wales Newport, UK 6.1 Introduction 111 6.2 Technical background of knitwear 112 6.3 Three-dimensional fabrics 115 6.4 Body scanning and texture mapping 118 Contents vii
6.5 Application of knitwear trends to the smart wearable industry 120 6.6 Relevance of knitwear to smart wearables, lifestyle trends and brand innovation 127 6.7 Future trends 128 6.8 Conclusion 129 6.9 Other areas of interest 129 6.10 Bibliography 130
7 Woven structures and their impact on the function and performance of smart clothing 131 L. T homas, Woven Textiles Consultant, UK 7.1 Introduction 131 7.2 Analysing a fabric’s needs 132 7.3 Choosing an appropriate woven structure 134 7.4 Woven structures – ease of movement 143 7.5 Woven structures – wicking and thermoregulation 145 7.6 Woven structures – protection and safety 147 7.7 Three-dimensional fabrics and fully formed seamless woven garments 150 7.8 Woven structures: conductive fabrics 151 7.9 Future trends 152 7.10 Conclusion 154 7.11 Bibliography 154
8 Nonwovens in smart clothes and wearable technologies 156 F. K ane, De Montfort University, UK 8.1 Introduction 156 8.2 Nonwovens technologies and manufacturing processes 158 8.3 End-of-life considerations for nonwovens 173 8.4 Smart and performance clothing applications 174 8.5 Summary 179 8.6 Sources of further information and advice 179 8.7 References 180
9 Sensors and computing systems in smart clothing 183 A. J. M artin, University of Wales Newport, UK 9.1 Introduction 183 9.2 Transduction 183 viii Contents
9.3 Information processing 188 9.4 Application examples 192 9.5 Summary 202 9.6 Future trends 202 9.7 References 202
10 The application of communication technologies in smart clothing 205 P. L am, Wireless Edge Communications Limited, UK 10.1 Introduction 205 10.2 Personal communications networks 206 10.3 Wide area networks 209 10.4 Monitoring systems and service 210 10.5 Opportunities and challenges 212 10.6 Applications 212 10.7 Future trends 213 10.8 References 213
11 Power supply sources for smart textiles 214 G. M in, Cardiff University, UK 11.1 Introduction 214 11.2 Power requirements of portable devices 215 11.3 Established portable power sources 217 11.4 Energy harvesting devices 221 11.5 Energy storage and power management 227 11.6 Challenges and opportunities 228 11.7 References 230
Part III Production technologies for smart clothing 233
12 Garment construction: cutting and placing of materials 235 J. M c C ann, University of Wales Newport, UK, S. M orsky, HAMK Poly, Finland, and X. D ong, China Women’s University, PR China 12.1 Introduction 235 12.2 A user-led design approach 236 12.3 Considering the benefi ts of the military/sports layering system 237 12.4 The traditional approach to pattern development 243 Contents ix
12.5 Introducing a fl at pattern cutting system for functional clothing 245 12.6 Three-dimensional pattern making 251 12.7 Placing of materials 254 12.8 Future trends 257 12.9 References 259
13 Developments in fabric joining for smart clothing 262 I. C. A gnusdei, University of Wales Newport, UK 13.1 Introduction 262 13.2 Traditional manufacturing methods: the sewing machine 263 13.3 Bonding 264 13.4 Ultrasonic welding 271 13.5 ‘New’ technologies 274 13.6 Conclusion 276 13.7 Sources of further information and advice 277 13.8 References 277 13.9 Useful internet addresses 277
14 Digital embroidery techniques for smart clothing 279 A. T aylor, University of the West of England, UK 14.1 Introduction 279 14.2 The embroidery machine 281 14.3 Production methods 283 14.4 Engineering applications 289 14.5 Medical applications 291 14.6 Art 293 14.7 New technology and e-broidery 293 14.8 Future trends: what does the future hold? 296 14.9 Sources of further information and advice 297 14.10 References 298
15 Developments in digital print technology for smart textiles 300 C. T readaway, University of Wales Institute Cardiff, UK 15.1 Introduction 300 15.2 Digital imaging and printed textile design 301 15.3 Digital ink-jet printing 303 15.4 The future: printing new structures, patterns and colours 309 x Contents
15.5 Digital printing for smart clothes and wearable technologies 315 15.6 Acknowledgements 317 15.7 References 317
16 Environmental and waste issues concerning the production of smart clothes and wearable technology 319 M. T immins, UK 16.1 Introduction 319 16.2 Textile waste 320 16.3 Environmental effects of the textile manufacturing process 321 16.4 Particular issues for smart clothes and wearable technology 323 16.5 Waste electrical and electronic equipment from smart clothes and wearable technology 326 16.6 Developing a strategy for minimising environmental effects 329 16.7 References 331
Part IV Smart clothing products 333
17 Smart clothing and wearable technology for the health and well-being market 335 D. B ryson, University of Derby, UK 17.1 Introduction 335 17.2 Quality of life, health and well-being 336 17.3 Diagnostic and health monitoring 337 17.4 Activity monitoring devices and systems 338 17.5 Technology, need, acceptability and use 341 17.6 Future trends 342 17.7 Sources of further information and advice 343 17.8 References 343
18 Smart clothing for the ageing population 346 J. M c C ann, University of Wales Newport, UK 18.1 Introduction 346 18.2 Identifi cation of older user needs 347 18.3 Commercial realities 349 Contents xi
18.4 The culture of the user 351 18.5 The demands of the activity 355 18.6 The demands of the body 357 18.7 Aesthetic concerns 359 18.8 Technology design and development 364 18.9 Conclusion 365 18.10 Future trends 367 18.11 References 368
19 Smart clothing and disability: wearable technology for people with arthritis 371 S. U nderwood, University of Wales Newport, UK 19.1 Introduction 371 19.2 Disability models 371 19.3 People-centred design 373 19.4 People-centred needs 373 19.5 Emotional design 375 19.6 Assistive devices 377 19.7 Case study of wrist splint for people with rheumatoid arthritis 381 19.8 Future trends 385 19.9 Sources of further information and advice 386 19.10 References 386
20 Wearable technology for the performing arts 388 J. B irringer, Brunel University, UK, and M. Danjoux, Nottingham Trent University, UK 20.1 Introduction: wearables in performance 388 20.2 Design-in-motion: the emergent dress 392 20.3 Outlook: an overview of cutting edge experiments in intelligent fashion/wearables and performance 410 20.4 Sources of further information and advice 411 20.5 The future of embodied wearable performance 414 20.6 Textual notes 416 20.7 Bibliography 419
21 Branding and presentation of smart clothing products to consumers 420 W. S tahl, Peninsula Medical School, Exeter, UK 21.1 Introduction 420 21.2 Shopping for future clothing 422 xii Contents
21.3 Graphics in the area now 426 21.4 Graphics for smart clothing 429 21.5 Branding 429 21.6 Creation of brand/identity – a starting point 433 21.7 Rules for presentation? 436 21.8 Bringing it together 439 21.9 A concept 439 21.10 Conclusion 439 21.11 References 441 21.12 Bibliography 442
Index 445 Contributor contact details
(* = main contact) Chapter 1 Editor, Chapters 3, 4 and Mikko Malmivaara 18 Research Assistant Tampere University of Technology Jane McCann Institute of Electronics, Smart Clothes and Wearable Kankaanpää Unit Technology Research Group Jämintie 14 School of Art, Media and Design FI-38700 Kankaanpää University of Wales Newport Finland Caerleon Campus, Lodge Road Caerleon, Newport E-mail: mikko.malmivaara@tut.fi South Wales, NP18 3QT mikko.malmivaara@reima.fi UK Chapter 2 E-mail: jane.mccann@newport. ac.uk Richard D Hurford University of Wales Newport Editor, Chapters 5 and 17 School of Art, Media and Design Caerleon Campus, Lodge Road David Bryson Caerleon, Newport Teaching Fellow South Wales, NP18 3QT School of Arts, Design and UK Technology University of Derby E-mail: richard.hurford1@newport. Markeaton Street ac.uk Derby, DE22 3AW UK E-mail: [email protected]
xiii xiv Contributor contact details
Chapter 6 Chapter 10 Fatema Saifee Peter Lam Research Fellow Wireless Edge Communications University of Wales Newport Limited Lodge Road, Newport Bristol, UK South Wales, NP18 3QT E-mail: [email protected] UK E-mail: [email protected] Chapter 11
Chapter 7 Gao Min School of Engineering Laura Thomas MA RCA Cardiff University Woven Textiles: Art, design and Queen’s Buildings consultancy Parade 2 Douglas Buildings Cardiff, CF24 3AA Royal Stuart Lane Wales, UK Cardiff Bay, CF10 5EL E-mail: [email protected] Wales, UK [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Chapter 12 Chapter 8 Jane McCann* Dr Faith Kane Smart Clothes and Wearable Department of Fashion and Technology Research Group Textiles School of Art, Media and Design Faculty of Art and Design University of Wales Newport De Montfort University Caerleon Campus, Lodge Road The Gateway Caerleon, Newport Leicester, LE1 9BH South Wales, NP18 3QT UK UK E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: jane.mccann@newport. ac.uk Chapter 9 Sirpa Morsky Adam J Martin HAMK Poly University of Wales Newport Finland School of Art, Media and Design E-mail: sirpa.morsky@hamk.fi Caerleon Campus, Lodge Road Caerleon, Newport Xiang Dong South Wales, NP18 3QT China Women’s University, Beijing UK PR China E-mail: adam.martin@newport. E-mail: [email protected] ac.uk Contributor contact details xv
Chapter 13 Chapter 19 Ida C Agnusdei Sally Underwood Garment Technologist University of Wales Newport 26 Cavendish Avenue School of Art, Media, and Design Allestree Caerleon Campus, Lodge Road Derby, DE22 2AR Caerleon, Newport UK South Wales, N18 3QT UK E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Visiting Research Fellow (2005–2006) Chapter 20 Smart Clothes and Wearable Johannes Birringer* Technology Centre for Contemporary and University of Wales Digital Performance Wales, UK School of Arts, Brunel University Chapter 14 West London, UB8 3PH UK A Taylor E-mail: Johannes.Birringer@brunel. University of the West of England ac.uk Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane Michèle Danjoux Bristol, BS16 1QY School of Art and Design UK Nottingham Trent University E-mail: [email protected] Fashion, Bonington Building Dryden Street Chapter 15 Nottingham, NG1 4BU UK Dr Cathy Treadaway University of Wales Institute E-mail: Michele.Danjoux@ntu. Cardiff ac.uk Howard Gardens Cardiff, CF24 0SP Chapter 21 Wales, UK Will Stahl E-mail: [email protected] PhD researcher Information Graphics in Health Chapter 16 Technology Assessment Pen TAG, Noy Scott House Mike Timmins Peninsula Medical School 1 Albemarle Row RD&E Hospital (Wonford) Hotwells Heavitree, Exeter Bristol, BS8 4LY EX2 5DW, UK UK E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: mwtimmins@googlemail. com Woodhead Publishing in Textiles
1 Watson’s textile design and colour Seventh edition Edited by Z. Grosicki 2 Watson’s advanced textile design Edited by Z. Grosicki 3 Weaving Second edition P. R. Lord and M. H. Mohamed 4 Handbook of textile fi bres Vol 1: Natural fi bres J. Gordon Cook 5 Handbook of textile fi bres Vol 2: Man-made fi bres J. Gordon Cook 6 Recycling textile and plastic waste Edited by A. R. Horrocks 7 New fi bers Second edition T. Hongu and G. O. Phillips 8 Atlas of fi bre fracture and damage to textiles Second edition J. W. S. Hearle, B. Lomas and W. D. Cooke 9 Ecotextile ’98 Edited by A. R. Horrocks 10 Physical testing of textiles B. P. Saville 11 Geometric symmetry in patterns and tilings C. E. Horne 12 Handbook of technical textiles Edited by A. R. Horrocks and S. C. Anand 13 Textiles in automotive engineering W. Fung and J. M. Hardcastle 14 Handbook of textile design J. Wilson 15 High-performance fi bres Edited by J. W. S. Hearle 16 Knitting technology Third edition D. J. Spencer 17 Medical textiles Edited by S. C. Anand xvi Woodhead Publishing in Textiles xvii
18 Regenerated cellulose fi bres Edited by C. Woodings 19 Silk, mohair, cashmere and other luxury fi bres Edited by R. R. Franck 20 Smart fi bres, fabrics and clothing Edited by X. M. Tao 21 Yarn texturing technology J. W. S. Hearle, L. Hollick and D. K. Wilson 22 Encyclopedia of textile fi nishing H-K. Rouette 23 Coated and laminated textiles W. Fung 24 Fancy yarns R. H. Gong and R. M. Wright 25 Wool: Science and technology Edited by W. S. Simpson and G. Crawshaw 26 Dictionary of textile fi nishing H-K. Rouette 27 Environmental impact of textiles K. Slater 28 Handbook of yarn production P. R. Lord 29 Textile processing with enzymes Edited by A. Cavaco-Paulo and G. Gübitz 30 The China and Hong Kong denim industry Y. Li, L. Yao and K. W. Yeung 31 The World Trade Organization and international denim trading Y. Li, Y. Shen, L. Yao and E. Newton 32 Chemical fi nishing of textiles W. D. Schindler and P. J. Hauser 33 Clothing appearance and fi t J. Fan, W. Yu and L. Hunter 34 Handbook of fi bre rope technology H. A. McKenna, J. W. S. Hearle and N. O’Hear 35 Structure and mechanics of woven fabrics J. Hu 36 Synthetic fi bres: nylon, polyester, acrylic, polyolefi n Edited by J. E. McIntyre 37 Woollen and worsted woven fabric design E. G. Gilligan 38 Analytical electrochemistry in textiles P. Westbroek, G. Priniotakis and P. Kiekens 39 Bast and other plant fi bres R. R. Franck xviii Woodhead Publishing in Textiles
40 Chemical testing of textiles Edited by Q. Fan 41 Design and manufacture of textile composites Edited by A. C. Long 42 Effect of mechanical and physical properties on fabric hand Edited by Hassan M. Behery 43 New millennium fi bers T. Hongu, M. Takigami and G. O. Phillips 44 Textiles for protection Edited by R. A. Scott 45 Textiles in sport Edited by R. Shishoo 46 Wearable electronics and photonics Edited by X. M. Tao 47 Biodegradable and sustainable fi bres Edited by R. S. Blackburn 48 Medical textiles and biomaterials for healthcare Edited by S. C. Anand, M. Miraftab, S. Rajendran and J. F. Kennedy 49 Total colour management in textiles Edited by J. Xin 50 Recycling in textiles Edited by Y. Wang 51 Clothing biosensory engineering Y. Li and A. S. W. Wong 52 Biomechanical engineering of textiles and clothing Edited by Y. Li and D. X-Q. Dai 53 Digital printing of textiles Edited by H. Ujiie 54 Intelligent textiles and clothing Edited by H. Mattila 55 Innovation and technology of women’s intimate apparel W. Yu, J. Fan, S. C. Harlock and S. P. Ng 56 Thermal and moisture transport in fi brous materials Edited by N. Pan and P. Gibson 57 Geosynthetics in civil engineering Edited by R. W. Sarsby 58 Handbook of nonwovens Edited by S. Russell 59 Cotton: Science and technology Edited by S. Gordon and Y-L. Hsieh 60 Ecotextiles Edited by M. Miraftab and A. Horrocks 61 Composite forming technologies Edited by A. C. Long 62 Plasma technology for textiles Edited by R. Shishoo Woodhead Publishing in Textiles xix
63 Smart textiles for medicine and healthcare Edited by L. Van Langenhove 64 Sizing in clothing Edited by S. Ashdown 65 Shape memory polymers and textiles J. Hu 66 Environmental aspects of textile dyeing Edited by R. Christie 67 Nanofi bers and nanotechnology in textiles Edited by P. Brown and K. Stevens 68 Physical properties of textile fi bres Fourth edition W. E. Morton and J. W. S. Hearle 69 Advances in apparel production Edited by C. Fairhurst 70 Advances in fi re retardant materials Edited by A. R. Horrocks and D. Price 71 Polyesters and polyamides Edited by B. L. Deopura, R. Alagirusamy, M. Joshi and B. S. Gupta 72 Advances in wool technology Edited by N. A. G. Johnson and I. Russell 73 Military textiles Edited by E. Wilusz 74 3D fi brous assemblies: Properties, applications and modelling of three- dimensional textile structures J. Hu 75 Medical textiles 2007 Edited by J. Kennedy, A. Anand, M. Miraftab and S. Rajendran 76 Fabric testing Edited by J. Hu 77 Biologically inspired textiles Edited by A. Abbott and M. Ellison 78 Friction in textiles Edited by B .S. Gupta 79 Textile advances in the automotive industry Edited by R. Shishoo 80 Structure and mechanics of textile fi bre assemblies Edited by P. Schwartz 81 Engineering textiles: Integrating the design and manufacture of textile products Edited by Y.E. El Mogahzy 82 Polyolefi n fi bres: industrial and medical applications Edited by S.C.O. Ugbolue 83 Smart clothes and wearable technology Edited by J. McCann and D. Bryson 84 Identifi cation of textile fi bres Edited by M. Houck Preface
The process of creating smart clothing and wearable technology has to consider so many factors that it has to be collaborative between end-users, textile specialists, electronics, fashion and clothing designers and manufac- turers all the way from the concept for new garment or wearable device through to point of sale. This book then is designed to support the develop- ment of a shared language between designers and each of the specialisa- tions. It takes a non-specialist approach to technical areas that are usually covered, especially well in Woodhead Publishing’s publications, by whole books rather than single chapters. It is only through the development of this shared language and understanding that we can begin to collaborate and overcome the complexities of design and product development of smart clothing and wearable technology. To provide practical guidance and support, the chapters identify and elaborate a generic critical path from fi bre production through to commer- cial prototyping described in an accessible language for designers. Innova- tive technologies may be integrated in a sequence of stages to enhance functionality throughout the critical path from fi bre development to product launch. The book follows this sequence in its four parts from ‘The design of smart clothing and wearable technology’ (Part I), ‘Materials and tech- nologies for smart clothing’ (Part II), ‘Production technologies for smart clothing’ (Part III) through to ‘Smart clothing products’ (Part IV). Clothing that has truly ‘wearable’ attributes should both work and look good. To bring emerging technologies to market, and promote their use, the aesthetics and comfort of the clothing must be acceptable and the technol- ogy interface simple and intuitive for an inclusive audience. The technical, aesthetic and cultural demands of the wearer should inform the selection of specifi c assemblies of textiles within the design process. Part I looks fi rst at the emergence of wearable computing (Chapter 1), types of smart clothing and wearable technology (Chapter 2) then addresses key issues designers must consider from end-user based design of innova- tive smart clothing (Chapter 3), the garment design process from fi bre
xxi xxii Preface selection to product launch (Chapter 4), to considerations for designing for the body (Chapter 5). A new shared language is needed to enable communication between those, from a disparate mix of backgrounds, who will constitute the future design development team that addresses the merging of textile and clothing technologies with wearable computing. Part II looks at critical issues from fi bre, yarn and textile development through to sensors and communication, providing a blend of what are often thought of as soft and hard technologies. Part II starts by looking at the infl uence of knitwear on smart wear ables (Chapter 6), woven structures and their impact on function and performance (Chapter 7), non-wovens in smart clothes and wearable tech- nologies (Chapter 8), then moves on to the more electronic aspects of sensors and computing systems in smart clothing (Chapter 9), the applica- tion of communication technologies in smart clothing (Chapter 10) and the power supplies for smart textiles (Chapter 11). The next key step is how smart clothing and wearable technologies can be produced. Part I looked at the end-user needs and Part II at the textiles and technologies. Part III then takes all of the elements from the earlier chapters and looks at how they can be integrated into a garment that is wearable and aesthetically pleasing. The fi rst two chapters look at cutting and placing of materials in garment construction (Chapter 12) and developments in fabric joining for smart clothing (Chapter 13), bringing together new ways of thinking about pro- ducing clothing that is smart in terms of design and production. The next two chapters look at how decoration may also be functional in smart cloth- ing and wearable technology with digital embroidery techniques for smart clothing (Chapter 14) and developments in digital print technology for smart textiles (Chapter 15). The last chapter in this section looks at the environmental and waste issues concerning the production of smart clothes and wearable technology (Chapter 16) as we turn items that have been traditionally easy to recycle, textiles, into hybrid textile/computer products that are diffi cult to recycle. Part IV completes the picture by looking at actual products that are available in the marketplace or have been developed as concepts for research and development. However, it also dares us to imagine construc- tively what is needed to take smart clothes and wearable technology that stage further to what we can dream may be possible in the near future. However, too many technologies are introduced to the market where the need is assumed to be present but which only sells in small quantities. There are few products which truly become ubiquitous, and even then, time may lead to their ultimate demise. It is important that we look at what end-users really need, even if it is not possible with current technology. Preface xxiii
The authors in Part IV consider these themes: ‘What is around now?’, ‘What is currently in development?’ and ‘What do we want in the future?’ and address different aspects of the smart clothing and wearable technology market from smart clothes and wearable technology for the health and well-being market (Chapter 17), smart clothing for the ageing population (Chapter 18), smart clothing and wearable technology for people with arthritis (Chapter 19), wearable technology for performing arts (Chapter 19) and branding and presentation of smart clothing products to consumers (Chapter 21).
Jane McCann, Director of Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology Research Group, University of Wales Newport David Bryson, Teaching Fellow, University of Derby 1 The emergence of wearable computing
M. MALMIVAARA, Tampere University of Technology, Finland
Abstract: In the mid-1990s, the wearables community was convinced that body-worn computing devices would be a sure hit within a decade. Instead, many of the concepts initially designed wearable, such as positioning and imaging found their way into mobile phones. The following is a brief look into the history of wearable computing and it also discusses the reasons why mobile devices beat wearables at their own game.
Key words: wearable computers, wearable electronics, intelligent clothing, concepts, prototypes, mass production.
1.1 The fi rst devices 1.1.1 What spawned wearable computing? A large number of the innovations we use in everyday life, such as Tefl on, Gore-Tex and the World Wide Web have their background in military tech- nology. During the latter part of the cold war, military expenditure on both sides of the Atlantic grew and some developments ended up as commercial products. Computer technology certainly benefi ted from the arms race and even wearable technology was in the military research programs. Although military infl uence in wearable technology is undeniable, it was