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Imagine a handbag that warns you if you are about to forget your umbrella or wallet, and which you can later turn into a scarf that displays today's pollution levels. Or how about creating a wall hanging that glows if someone tries to use your home's wireless internet connection?
All these bizarre objects could soon be possible thanks to a system of computerised fabric patches developed by engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Each patch contains a functional unit of the system - a microprocessor and memory plus either a radio transceiver, a sensor, a microphone, batteries or a display. Put the patches together in different ways and you can create a variety of information-providing or environment-sensing objects, say developers Adrian Cable, Gauri Nanda and Michael Bove at MIT's Media Lab.
To keep it waterproof, the circuit board inside a patch is coated with a hard transparent resin. It is then padded with a thin layer of foam and encapsulated in the chosen fabric. It can be populated with a variety of components, from Bluetooth transmitters to a cut-down PC motherboard.
The patches are joined using Velcro, which has been modified to enable electrical as well as physical connections. Wires from the circuit board are attached to silver-coated contacts in the Velcro. In this way, data and power can flow from one module to the next. Using square or triangular patches the user can fashion, and refashion, useful objects such as bags, belts, curtains or scarves. "You could wear a system as a scarf today and a belt tomorrow," Bove says.
Hope you learn something,and thanks for reading my answer : D Xx
21st June Monday 2011 brainboxNY
What else can I help you with?
What is polartec fleece?
Polartec fleece is a knit fabric. It is used for thermal insulation gear such a blankets, hats, and vets. It is also used for sports gear and active wear.
What is conductive Zelt fabric?
Conductive Zelt fabric is a type of fabric that has conductive properties, allowing it to conduct electricity. It is often used in applications where electrical conductivity is required, such as in smart textiles for wearable technology or in electromagnetic shielding materials.
What is pleblon?
Pleblon is the name for cheap fabric and is often used to describe cars. I think Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear came up with the term.
What fabric begins with the letter b?
Burlap is a fabric. Bobbinet is a fabric used in the production of lingerie. Bombazine is a fabric used in the production of dresses.
What Can Be Used To Mark Fabric?
Fabric chalk
What are fabric panels used for?
Fabric panels can be used for a multitude of things. One of the best uses for fabric panels is to make quilts. Fabric panels can also be used to make creative gifts.
What is the thickness of 600 denier polyester fabric?
The thickness of 600 denier polyester fabric can vary depending on the specific manufacturing process, but it typically measures around 0.5 to 1.0 millimeters. Denier refers to the weight of the fabric, with 600 denier indicating a medium-weight material that is durable and commonly used for bags, outdoor gear, and upholstery. The thickness can also be influenced by the weave and finish of the fabric.
What was used to make airplanes before aluminium?
Wood and fabric were used before aluminium.Wood and fabric were used before aluminium.
What fabrics are used for swatches?
A swatch is what you call a small piece of fabric used as a sample to show what that fabric is like. Thus, any fabric can be used.
Limb used for walking?
Legs are the limbs used for walking.
What is a lizibizi fabric?
Lizibizi is a brocade fabric that was used in the Renaissance era. The fabric was often used to make shirts, pants, and linens.
What is 800 D fabric?
800D fabric refers to a durable polyester material with a denier rating of 800. Denier is a unit of measurement that indicates the thickness of the fibers used in the fabric; higher denier numbers generally indicate stronger and more durable fabrics. 800D fabric is commonly used in applications such as backpacks, luggage, and outdoor gear due to its resistance to wear and tear, water, and abrasion. Its robust nature makes it suitable for heavy-duty use while remaining relatively lightweight.
