Wash And Software: Fashion Gets Digital
In days past the thought of a computerized shirt able to transmit information like heart health, body temperature and stress index was a bazaar notion. 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. Someday soon a man may walk into a Long Island computer repair shop and ask if someone can remove the virus from his pants. Someday a Long Island computer might be a desk 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.
Over the last decade there has been the introduction of metallic yarn, fiber that has been imbued with conductive capabilities, leading to the development of digital fabric. This fabric can be used to design clothing that can support computer functions. With the introduction of nano technology and flexible circuitry institutions and companies have begun exploring the possibility of introducing capabilities into the clothing we wear. The potential is infinite and computerized clothes are already being made.
Imagine a shirt that can log and broadcast vital signs, location and mobility. If a person has heart trouble, 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 an issue arises it could send out a wireless signal to a practitioner who would be able to follow up with a call or maybe a text message to the sleeve. A sensor could inform an implanted medical capsule to release a dose of medicine for the patient. Or perhaps the clothing can send an early warning alarm if the persons vital signs show trouble, 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 mileage and number of steps. They could even be designed to adapt to various terrain or demand. Wireless signals could be sent out so an athlete in one part of the country could train 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. Currently there are musical jackets and clothes 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. Computerized clothing is not science fiction. It's uses are limited only by our ability to dream. Technology is advancing rapidly enough to make nearly any computer fashion dream a reality.
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