Wash And Software: Clothing Design Gets Digital
There was a time not too long ago when the thought of a computerized shirt able to transmit information like heart health, body temperature and stress index seemed like science fiction. The idea computerized clothes could change design, automatically lifting or lowering hems, light up at night, change with the weather and interface with other clothes seemed absurd. Computer technology continues to develop, advanced by new materials and size reduction of components. In the not to distant future a man may walk into a Long Island computer repair shop and ask if anyone can fix his pants. Someday a Long Island computer might be a lap top, a hand held or a pair of shoes. Flexible light weight materials|Light and pliable resources} are bringing a new meaning to the term soft ware.
In the recent past there has been the introduction of metallic yarn, fiber that has been imbued with conductive capabilities, leading to the development of digital fabric. This material can be used to create clothing that can support computer functions. With the advent of nano technology and flexible circuitry institutions and companies have begun creating prototypes of cyberwear. The possibilities are endless and computerized clothes are already being made.
Envision a shirt that can record and transmit vital signs, location and mobility. If someone has a heart condition, the shirt could act as a virtual nurse, monitoring the heart and even administering medication. A piece of clothing could monitor a heart beat, its tempo, strength and consistency. If there is a problem it could send out a wireless signal to a practitioner who would be able to contact the person by phone or pant leg. A sensor could inform an implanted medical capsule to administer a dose of medicine for the patient. Or perhaps it can offer an early warning alarm if the persons pulse is showing troubling signs, like maybe the buttons could start glowing red.
An athlete may wear a uniform that can record his strides, heartbeats, muscle contractions and various other data that can benefit his or her training. Shoes can log the distance and number of steps. They could even be designed to adjust to shifting terrain or demand. Wireless signals could be transmitted so an athlete in one part of the country could share a workout with an athlete in another part of the country. Perhaps someday clothes will be able to record their surroundings and mimic them on the fiber making for the ultimate camouflage. There are already musical jackets and outfits that can light up and change color as the wearer moves.
Computer wear is being developed. Digital clothes will have many uses from entertainment and fashion, to medical and military. Cyberwear clothing is not fantasy. Cyberwears’ uses are limited only by our ability to dream. Know-how is advancing rapidly enough to make nearly any computer fashion dream a reality.
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