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Wearable Computing (Technical Insights)
Frost & Sullivan, March 2006
Wearable Computing Gets Dressed for Success
With rapid miniaturization and continuous increases in computing power, the quest for a truly mobile platform has enabled researchers to move beyond the laptop and even the palmtop to develop what is termed as the wearable computer. This revolutionary ’always on’ computer constantly interacts with the environment to enable users to seamlessly access information in real time without having to interrupt any of their current activities. Significant advances in several related areas such as smart/embedded electronics, electronic textiles, display systems, and processors have increased the adoptability of wearable computing to such an extent that it can now be used in many exciting real-world applications. Context awareness is another area garnering increasing attention as researchers attempt to create a context-specific solution that could further enhance the capability of the wearable computer.
'Due to advances in processing power, improved form factor, and the development of conductive textiles (that is, e-textiles), the computer has well and truly become wearable,' remarks the analyst of this research service. 'Conductive fibers that can transmit both data and power, advanced processors that are able to strike a balance between performance as well as power consumption, and printable electronics are the true enabling technologies driving this advance in computing.' However, high costs and concerns about return on investment (ROI) are currently casting a shadow on the future acceptability of wearable computing from a commercial perspective.
Tremendous Technology Advances in Related Areas Boost Wearable Computing
Some of the key areas of interest associated with wearable computing include context awareness and e-textiles due to their huge potential in improving the functionality of this technology. Context awareness refers to the sensitivity of the system to temporal and spatial information and aims to provide users with only the most useful information. A complex array and network of sensors as well as wireless devices work together to make this possible, continuously updating users with information based on their current location in space and time. Thus, users gain greater freedom as well as more time to perform purely productive activities.
In the smart/e-textiles area, researchers have been able to develop an intelligent fabric capable of transmitting data as well as power. 'The ability to embed sensors in clothing provides a means of measuring vital signs of individuals and transmitting the same wirelessly to remote centers,' says the analyst. 'This enables not only healthcare facilities, but also the military to keep a close watch on patients and army personnel, respectively.' E-textile technology also holds great potential in patient monitoring as well as in enhancing the effectiveness with which medication is provided to patients.
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