Smart Clothing

Abstract

The disclosed embodiments provide a smart garment on which designs can be altered in color, pattern, text, etc. The smart garment includes: a first material including a first electrode and a second electrode; a second material including a third electrode and a fourth electrode; and a connection module including: a first grounding terminal configured to ground one of the first and second electrodes in response to a signal sent by a user terminal; a first signal terminal applying a voltage to the other of the first and second electrodes; a second grounding terminal configured to ground one of the third and fourth electrodes; and a second signal terminal applying a voltage to the other of the third and fourth electrodes.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on April 1, 2016 (international application date), with application number 201680057459.2 (international application number PCT / KR2016 / 003403) and entitled "Smart Clothing, User Terminal, System Including the Same and Method of Changing the Design of Smart Clothing". Technical Field

[0002] The technology disclosed herein relates to smart clothing that can alter designs such as color and images. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, a variety of wearable devices equipped with internet capabilities have been developed. With this trend, Internet of Things (IoT) technology continues to evolve.

[0004] Beyond electrical appliances, researchers are constantly developing clothing with various functions by incorporating IoT technology into people's clothing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The disclosed embodiments provide a smart garment that can change the design, such as implementing colors, patterns, or text on the garment.

[0006] Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments provide a system including a server and a user terminal, the server providing various designs to be implemented on smart clothing, the user terminal receiving the various designs from the server and transmitting the designs to the smart clothing to modify the design of the smart clothing.

[0007] A system according to a disclosed embodiment includes: smart clothing configured to allow designs including colors, images, text, and combinations thereof to be changed; a server including a design database relative to the smart clothing; a provider terminal configured to upload designs of the smart clothing to the server; and a user terminal configured to download designs of the smart clothing from the server and transmit signals corresponding to the designs of the smart clothing to the smart clothing to change the designs of the smart clothing.

[0008] In addition, these smart garments may include fabrics comprising color-changing fibers and textile fibers, as well as connection modules configured to receive signals transmitted from user terminals.

[0009] In addition, the color-changing fiber may include at least one of cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber, electronic ink fiber, electrochromic fiber, and electroluminescent fiber.

[0010] In addition, the user terminal can be paired with smart clothing and the design selected by the user can be transmitted to the paired smart clothing.

[0011] In addition, the user terminal can display a clothing display area set to allow the display of smart clothing, a color selection area set to allow the selection of the color of the smart clothing to be displayed in the clothing display area, an image selection area set to allow the selection of the image to be displayed on the smart clothing in the clothing display area, and a text input area set to allow the output of the text to be displayed on the smart clothing in the clothing display area.

[0012] A user terminal according to a disclosed embodiment includes: a communicator configured to communicate with a server and smart clothing; a display configured to display a design of the smart clothing transmitted from the server and received by the communicator; and a processor configured to transmit a signal including information of the selected design to the smart clothing via the communicator when a design of the smart clothing displayed on the display is selected.

[0013] In addition, the display can show a search button, a clothing display area, and a pairing button. The search button is set to receive commands for searching for smart clothing. When a command is entered via the search button, the discovered smart clothing is displayed in the clothing display area. The pairing button is set to receive commands for pairing with clothing selected from the clothing displayed in the clothing display area.

[0014] In addition, when the selected smart clothing is paired with the user terminal via the pairing button, the display can show the paired smart clothing in the clothing display area.

[0015] In addition, when a command is entered via the search button, the processor can search for smart garments around the user terminal, and when a command is entered via the pairing button, it can pair with the smart garment selected by the user.

[0016] In addition, the display can show a clothing display area, a color selection area, an image selection area, and a text output area. The smart clothing is displayed in the clothing display area. The color selection area is set to allow selection of the color of the smart clothing displayed in the clothing display area. The image selection area is set to allow selection of the image to be displayed on the smart clothing in the image display area. The text selection area is set to allow input of the text to be displayed on the smart clothing in the clothing display area.

[0017] In addition, the monitor can display a color selection area below the clothing display area, an image selection area below the color selection area, and a text input area below the image selection area.

[0018] In addition, when the smart clothing displayed in the clothing display area is paired with the user terminal, the display can show an object indicating that the smart clothing displayed in the clothing display area is paired with the user terminal.

[0019] Furthermore, when the smart clothing displayed in the clothing display area changes, the display can change the type of colors and images displayed in the color selection area and image selection area to colors and images associated with the changed smart clothing, and display the changed colors and images.

[0020] In addition, the display can show at least one of the following in the image selection area: an image received from the server, an image stored in the user terminal, and an object used to drive the camera of the user terminal.

[0021] Furthermore, when the object is selected and a camera capture is made, the display can apply the image captured by the camera to the smart clothing displayed in the clothing display area.

[0022] In addition, the processor can transmit the captured images to smart clothing.

[0023] Furthermore, when an image displayed in the image selection area is selected, the processor can transmit the selected image to the smart garment, and the display can show the selected image on the smart garment displayed in the garment display area.

[0024] Furthermore, when a color is selected in the color selection area, the processor can transmit the selected color to the smart garment, and the display can apply the selected color to the smart garment displayed in the garment display area.

[0025] Furthermore, when text is entered into the text input area, the processor can transmit the entered text to the smart garment, and the display can show the entered text on the smart garment displayed in the garment display area.

[0026] In addition, the processor can generate designs that will be implemented on smart clothing based on location or weather information, and transmit the generated designs to the smart clothing via a communicator.

[0027] In addition, the processor can generate designs based on the surrounding information of the user terminal and transmit the generated designs to smart clothing.

[0028] A smart garment according to a disclosed embodiment includes: a first material including a first electrode and a second electrode; a second material including a third electrode and a fourth electrode; and a connection module including a first ground terminal, a first signal terminal, a second ground terminal and a second signal terminal, wherein the first ground terminal is configured to ground either the first electrode or the second electrode in response to a signal transmitted by a user terminal, the first signal terminal applies a voltage to the remaining one of the first electrode and the second electrode, the second ground terminal is configured to ground either the third electrode or the fourth electrode, and the second signal terminal applies a voltage to the remaining one of the third electrode and the fourth electrode.

[0029] In addition, the connection module may include a connector configured to be connected to a user terminal using a wire.

[0030] In addition, the connectivity module may include a communicator configured to communicate with the user via wired / wireless communication.

[0031] Furthermore, when the communicator receives a signal transmitted from a user terminal, the communication module may include at least one driver configured to apply a voltage to the smart garment in response to the received signal.

[0032] In addition, when the communicator receives signals transmitted by the user terminal, the communication module may include a processor configured to generate control signals for controlling at least one driver.

[0033] In addition, the connectivity module may include a memory configured to store information on the smart garment and, when the communicator receives a signal transmitted by a user terminal, to store information included in the received signal.

[0034] In addition, the communication module may include a battery configured to provide power.

[0035] In addition, the first and second materials may include cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers.

[0036] In addition, the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber may include a cholesterol-type liquid crystal, a first electrode disposed on one side of the cholesterol-type liquid crystal, a second electrode disposed on the opposite side of the first electrode, an insulating member disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a protective layer disposed to cover the first electrode, the second electrode and the insulating member.

[0037] In addition, the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber may also include a connecting portion configured to connect the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber to extend the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber.

[0038] In addition, the connection portion may include a first connecting electrode configured to connect a first electrode of a cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber, a second connecting electrode configured to connect a second electrode of a cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber, and an insulating member disposed between the first connecting electrode and the second connecting electrode.

[0039] In addition, cholesterol-type liquid crystals may include partition walls configured to maintain the shape of cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers.

[0040] Furthermore, the cross-section of the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber can be set to either a circular shape or a polygonal shape.

[0041] In addition, the cholesterol-type liquid crystal may include a pixel, which includes at least one of a red sub-unit configured to reflect red light, a green sub-unit configured to reflect green light, and a blue sub-unit configured to reflect blue light.

[0042] Furthermore, this pixel can be configured such that the red sub-unit, green sub-unit, and blue sub-unit are coplanar.

[0043] Furthermore, the pixel can be configured such that the red sub-unit, green sub-unit, and blue sub-unit form a stacked structure.

[0044] In addition, cholesterol-type liquid crystals may include a grid configured to separate red, green, and blue sub-units.

[0045] In addition, the mesh may include textured fibers.

[0046] In addition, the first and second materials may include electronic ink fibers.

[0047] In addition, the electronic ink fiber may include a plurality of electronic ink capsules comprising electronic ink, a first electrode disposed on one side of the electronic ink capsule, a second electrode disposed on the opposite side of the first electrode, an insulating member disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a protective layer configured to cover the first electrode, the second electrode and the insulating member.

[0048] In addition, the electronic ink capsule may include at least one of the following electronic inks: red electronic ink configured to reflect red light, green electronic ink configured to reflect green light, blue electronic ink configured to reflect blue light, black electronic ink configured to absorb light, and white electronic ink configured to reflect light.

[0049] In addition, the first and second materials may include electrochromic fibers.

[0050] In addition, the electrochromic fiber may include a first electrode, a counter electrode disposed outside the first electrode, an electrolyte disposed outside the counter electrode, a working electrode disposed outside the electrolyte, a second electrode disposed outside the working electrode, and a protective layer disposed to cover the second electrode.

[0051] In addition, at least one of the relative electrode and the working electrode may include a color-changing material.

[0052] In addition, the opposite electrode may include a first color-changing material that changes color when oxidized.

[0053] In addition, the working electrode may include a second color-changing material that changes color when the second color-changing material is reduced.

[0054] In addition, the first material and the second material may include electroluminescent fibers.

[0055] In addition, the electroluminescent fiber may include a first electrode, a light-emitting element disposed outside the first electrode, a second electrode disposed outside the light-emitting element, and a protective layer disposed to cover the second electrode.

[0056] In addition, the electroluminescent fiber may include a first electrode, a light-emitting element disposed outside the first electrode, at least three second electrodes disposed outside the light-emitting element and configured not to contact each other, a red filter, a green filter, and a blue filter, and a protective layer, wherein the red filter, green filter, and blue filter are each disposed outside a corresponding one of the at least three second electrodes, and the protective layer is configured to cover the red filter, green filter, and blue filter.

[0057] In addition, the electroluminescent fiber may include a first electrode, a red light-emitting element, a green light-emitting element and a blue light-emitting element disposed outside the first electrode, a second electrode disposed outside each of the red light-emitting element, the green light-emitting element and the blue light-emitting element, and a protective layer disposed to cover the second electrode.

[0058] In addition, the electroluminescent fiber may include a core fiber, at least three first electrodes disposed outside the core fiber and configured not to contact each other, a red light-emitting element, a green light-emitting element and a blue light-emitting element disposed outside a corresponding one of the at least three electrodes, a second electrode disposed outside each of the red light-emitting element, the green light-emitting element and the blue light-emitting element, and a protective layer configured to cover the second electrode.

[0059] A method for altering the design of smart clothing according to a disclosed embodiment includes: receiving a design of the smart clothing from a server at a user terminal, the design of the smart clothing including colors, images, text, and combinations thereof; displaying the received design on the user terminal; and when the displayed design is selected, transmitting the selected design from the user terminal to the smart clothing, such that the design of the smart clothing is altered to the selected design.

[0060] In addition, the method may also include: searching for smart clothing in a user terminal; displaying the smart clothing found in the user terminal; and pairing the smart clothing with the user terminal when the displayed clothing is selected.

[0061] Furthermore, the receiving of this design may include: when the user terminal and the smart garment are paired, receiving identification information transmitted from the smart garment at the user terminal; transmitting the received identification information to the server at the user terminal; and receiving the design of the smart garment corresponding to the identification information transmitted from the server at the user terminal.

[0062] A smart garment according to a disclosed embodiment includes: a first material including a first electrode and a second electrode; a second material including a third electrode and a fourth electrode; and a connection module including: a first ground terminal configured to ground one of the first electrode and the second electrode in response to a signal sent by a user terminal; a first signal terminal for applying a voltage to the other of the first electrode and the second electrode; a second ground terminal configured to ground one of the third electrode and the fourth electrode; and a second signal terminal for applying a voltage to the other of the third electrode and the fourth electrode.

[0063] According to the disclosed embodiments, smart clothing can change design elements, such as colors, images, or text, allowing users to change the design of the smart clothing to a desired design regardless of time and place. Attached Figure Description

[0064] Figure 1 This is a conceptual view of a system based on an illustrated embodiment.

[0065] Figure 2 and 3 The accompanying drawing illustrates the configuration of a smart garment according to one illustrated embodiment.

[0066] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for designing smart clothing that alters the system according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0067] Figure 5 The accompanying drawing illustrates a user interface for changing the design of smart clothing according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0068] Figure 6This is a flowchart illustrating a method for designing smart clothing that alters the system according to another disclosed embodiment.

[0069] Figure 7 and 8 The accompanying drawing illustrates a user interface for searching and pairing with smart clothing displayed on a user terminal, according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0070] Figure 9 The accompanying drawing illustrates a user interface for changing the design of smart clothing according to another embodiment.

[0071] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for designing smart clothing that alters the system according to yet another disclosed embodiment.

[0072] Figures 11 to 16 The accompanying drawing illustrates a user interface for altering the design of smart clothing according to yet another embodiment.

[0073] Figures 17 to 20 This illustrates cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers in color-changing fibers of smart clothing according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0074] Figure 21 and 22 The diagram illustrates the connection structure of color-changing fibers and the fabric of smart clothing according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0075] Figure 23 The accompanying drawing illustrates the structure of the fabric of a smart garment according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0076] Figure 24 The accompanying drawings illustrate the connection relationship of color-changing fibers according to a disclosed embodiment and a connection module for controlling the color-changing fibers of smart clothing.

[0077] Figure 25 The accompanying drawing illustrates electronic ink fibers in color-changing fibers of a smart garment according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0078] Figure 26 The accompanying drawing illustrates electrochromic fibers in the color-changing fibers of a smart garment according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0079] Figure 27 The accompanying drawing illustrates electroluminescent fibers in color-changing fibers of a smart garment according to a disclosed embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0080] In the following description, the disclosed embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0081] Figure 1It is a conceptual view of a system according to an illustrated embodiment, and Figure 2 and 3 The accompanying drawing illustrates the configuration of a smart garment 400 according to one illustrated embodiment.

[0082] refer to Figure 1 The system according to the illustrated embodiment includes a smart garment 400, a provider terminal 100, and a user terminal 300. The provider terminal 100 is configured to upload designs that can be implemented on the smart garment 400 to a server 200, the server 200 is configured to store the designs uploaded by the provider terminal 100, and the user terminal 300 is configured to download designs that can be implemented on the smart garment 400 from the server 200 and transmit the designs to the smart garment 400.

[0083] The design of smart clothing 400 refers to the colors, images, text, and combinations thereof that can be displayed on smart clothing 400.

[0084] Providers of smart clothing 400, such as sellers or operators of smart clothing 400, can use provider terminal 100 to upload designs that can be implemented on smart clothing 400 to server 200. In addition to the clothing providers mentioned above, individual design providers or buyers are free to upload designs of smart clothing 400 to server 200.

[0085] Provider terminal 100 may include a computer capable of communicating with server 200 or a mobile device such as a smartphone or personal tablet (PC). This device may be merely an example of provider terminal 100, and any device may be included within the scope of provider terminal 100, as long as that device is capable of communicating with server 200.

[0086] When a design is uploaded to server 200, the provider of smart clothing 400 uploads the identification information (such as product number, trademark, size, material, etc.) of the smart clothing 400 that can be implemented on it, so that the design that can be implemented on the smart clothing 400 owned by the purchaser can be easily retrieved.

[0087] Server 200 stores designs of smart clothing 400 uploaded from multiple provider terminals 100 to establish a database. Server 200 can categorize and store designs by provider that has uploaded them, and also categorize and store designs uploaded by the same provider based on the type of smart clothing 400. Users can access server 200 through user terminals 300 and download designs from server 200 after undergoing a predetermined authentication process.

[0088] After the user completes the authentication process, they can input the identification information of the smart garment 400 (e.g., product number, trademark, size, material, etc.) through the user terminal 300. The user can then download the design of the smart garment 400 associated with the input identification information from the server 200 to the user terminal 300.

[0089] User terminal 300 may include a computer capable of communicating with server 200 or a mobile device (such as a smartphone or tablet PC). This device may be merely an example of user terminal 300, and any device capable of communicating with server 200 may be included within the scope of user terminal 300. More specifically, the user terminal may include a communicator capable of communicating with the server or smart clothing, a display configured to show a user interface for changing the design of the smart clothing, and a processor configured to generate a signal including the design of the smart clothing when a design of the smart clothing displayed on the display is selected, and to transmit the signal via the communicator to the smart clothing.

[0090] When the design of the smart garment 400 is uploaded to the server 200 via the user terminal 300, the user terminal 300 can be used as the provider terminal 100, and even when the provider terminal 100 downloads the design of the smart garment from the server 200, the provider terminal 100 can be used as the user terminal 300.

[0091] User terminal 300 transmits design information selected by the user from designs downloaded by server 200 or previously stored designs to smart clothing 400.

[0092] The smart garment 400 includes a connection module 420, which can receive design information transmitted from the user terminal 300 and change the design of the smart garment 400 based on the received information.

[0093] like Figure 1 As shown, when the connection module 420 of the smart garment 400 receives a signal including design information transmitted from the user terminal 300, the smart garment 400 changes color, displays or changes text, or displays or changes patterns according to the received signal. That is, the user can realize various designs on a single smart garment 400.

[0094] The connection module 420 of the smart clothing 400 will be the first reference Figure 2 and 3 A detailed description of the method for changing the design of a smart garment 400 according to a disclosed embodiment and the user interface of a user terminal for changing the design of the smart garment 400 in the system will be described in detail with reference to 4-16.

[0095] refer to Figure 2The smart garment 400 includes a connection module 420 configured to receive signals transmitted from the user terminal 300. The connection module 420 can be located anywhere on the smart garment 400. However, it is preferred that the connection module 420 be located at the edge of the garment, a location that allows for easy connection to the user terminal 300 via a wire, considering the possibility of connection via a wire.

[0096] like Figure 2 As shown, the connection module 420 may include: a communicator 427 configured to perform wired / wireless communication with the user terminal 300; a processor 423 configured to generate control signals for changing the design of the smart clothing 400 based on signals received by the communicator 427; a driver 421 configured to apply voltage to the smart clothing 400 based on the control signals generated by the processor 423; a memory 425 configured to store design information included in the signals received by the communicator 427 or information related to the current design of the smart clothing 400; and a battery configured to power the smart clothing 400.

[0097] The communicator 427 of the connection module 420 is connected to the user terminal 300 through communication mechanisms such as wireless local area network (LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, ultra-wideband (UWB), infrared data association (IrDA), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and near field communication (NFC).

[0098] The driver 421 is connected to electrodes (described below) of the color-changing fiber constituting the smart garment 400 and applies voltage to the electrodes according to a signal generated by the processor 423, thereby altering the design of the smart garment 400. Only one driver 421 may be provided, or multiple drivers 421 may be provided.

[0099] The memory 425 may include not only volatile memory such as static random access memory (S-RAM) and dynamic RAM (D-RAM), but also flash memory such as flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.

[0100] like Figure 2 As shown, the connection module 420 may include all or at least one of the following: communicator 427, processor 423, driver 421, and battery 429.

[0101] For example, the connection module 420 may include a communicator 427 and a driver 421. In this case, the communicator 427 may receive control signals generated by the processor of the user terminal 300, and the driver 421 may change the design of the smart clothing 400 by applying voltage to the smart clothing 400 according to the control signals received by the communicator 427.

[0102] Alternatively, the connection module 420 may include a communicator 427, a processor 423, and a driver 421. In this case, when the communicator 427 receives a signal including design information transmitted from the user terminal 300, the processor 423 generates a control signal for controlling the driver 421 based on the signal received by the communicator 427, and outputs the control signal to the driver 421. The driver 421 can change the design of the smart clothing 400 by applying a voltage to the smart clothing 400 according to the control signal output from the processor 423 of the connection module 420.

[0103] Alternatively, the connection module may include a communicator 427, a processor 423, a driver 421, and a memory 425. In this case, when the communicator 427 receives a signal including design information transmitted from the user terminal 300, the memory 425 stores the design information included in the signal received by the communicator 427. Furthermore, the memory 425 may store signals related to the current design of the smart garment 400. Additionally, the processor 423 generates a control signal for controlling the driver 421 based on the signal received by the communicator 427, and outputs the control signal to the driver 421. The driver 421 can change the design of the smart garment 400 by applying a voltage to the smart garment 400 according to the control signal output from the processor 423.

[0104] Alternatively, the connection module 420 may include a communicator 427, a processor 423, a driver 421, a memory 425, and a battery 429. When a light-emitting diode (LED) is used as a color-changing fiber constituting the smart garment 400, the battery 429 may be required to provide power to the LED. Additionally, when a cholesterol-type liquid crystal, electronic ink, or a bistable electrochromic device is used as the fabric constituting the smart garment 400, the battery 429 may be omitted. The remaining configuration is described the same as above and will therefore be omitted.

[0105] Alternatively, such as Figure 3As shown, the connection module 420 of the smart clothing 400 according to the disclosed embodiment may consist only of a connector 428 configured to be connected to the user terminal 300 via a wire. When the user terminal 300 and the smart clothing 400 are connected via the connector 428, the processor of the user terminal 300 can generate signals for implementing a user-selected design on the smart clothing 400, and the driver 421 of the user terminal 300 can apply a voltage for controlling the smart clothing 400 via the connector 428 according to the signals generated by the processor 423. When signals for controlling the smart clothing 400 are applied from the user terminal 300 via the connector 428, the smart clothing 400 can be changed to the user-selected design.

[0106] at the same time, Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for changing the design of a smart garment 400 according to a disclosed embodiment, and... Figure 5 The accompanying drawing illustrates a user interface for changing the design of a smart garment 400 according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0107] An application for altering the design of the smart garment 400 can be installed on the user terminal 300. This application can provide a user interface on the user terminal 300 for tasks such as pairing the smart garment 400 with the user terminal 300 and altering the design of the smart garment 400.

[0108] refer to Figure 4 When the application on user terminal 300 is executed, user terminal 300 searches for nearby smart clothing 400. The application can be executed via user commands or automatically when nearby smart clothing 400 is detected. The automatic execution function of the application can be changed through the application settings.

[0109] User terminal 300 searches for smart clothing 400 and sends signals to nearby smart clothing 400 to pair with it. When the nearby smart clothing 400 receives the signal transmitted from user terminal 300 and sends a signal to user terminal 300 in response to the received transmission signal, user terminal 300 and smart clothing 400 are paired. As described above, pairing between smart clothing 400 and user terminal 300 can be achieved through communication mechanisms such as LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, UWB, IrDA, BLE, NFC, etc.

[0110] Figure 4 and 5 This illustrates a scenario where one smart garment 400 is discovered. The following describes a scenario where multiple nearby smart garments 400 are discovered, and the search and pairing of smart garments 400 will be detailed below. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, when there is a nearby smart garment 400, once the user terminal 300 and the smart garment 400 are paired, Figure 5 The user interface shown is displayed on the monitor of the user terminal 300.

[0111] The user interface may include a clothing display area 310 at its top, a color selection area 320 displayed below the clothing display area 310, an image selection area 330 displayed below the color selection area 320, and a text input area 340 located below the image selection area 330. An image of the paired smart clothing 400 is displayed in the clothing display area 310. The color selection area 320 is configured to allow the selection of colors of the smart clothing 400 displayed in the clothing display area 310. The image selection area 330 is configured to allow the selection of images to be displayed on the smart clothing 400 displayed in the clothing display area 310. The text input area is configured to allow the input of text to be displayed on the smart clothing 400 displayed in the clothing display area 310. The positions of the clothing display area 310, color selection area 320, image selection area 330, and text input area 340 are not limited to the positions described above and can be configured in various ways. For example, the user can change the positions as needed through application settings. Users can select desired colors or images or input text through the user interface, and the user terminal 300 transmits signals including the information selected or input through the user interface to the smart clothing 400, allowing the design of the smart clothing 400 to be altered. Figure 3 As shown, the connection module 420 of the smart clothing 400 according to this embodiment may include at least a connector 428, or at least include... Figure 2 The communicator 427 and driver 421 are shown in the configuration.

[0112] The image of the smart garment 400 displayed in the garment display area 310 can be a representative pattern set as a default value associated with the paired smart garment 400. For example, when the paired smart garment 400 is a short-sleeved t-shirt, a representative pattern that does not reflect the shape of the paired short-sleeved t-shirt and is designed to allow users to visually identify that the smart garment is a short-sleeved t-shirt can be displayed in the garment display area 310. According to another embodiment, a pattern of the actual smart garment 400, similar to the current design of the smart garment 400, can be displayed in the garment display area 310, which will be referred to below. Figure 6 Describe it.

[0113] The color selection area 320 can be displayed as various colors in a matrix format, such as Figure 5As shown. Users can change the color of the smart clothing 400 by touching the desired color among a variety of colors displayed in the color selection area 320, or by selecting a color using a separate input device (such as a keyboard or mouse). Once a color is selected, the changed color can be reflected in the image of the smart clothing 400 displayed in the clothing display area 310. The way colors are displayed in the color selection area 320 is not limited to the example above, and various settings are possible. Users can change the color display format through application settings and can set frequently used colors to be displayed in priority.

[0114] like Figure 5 As shown, the image selection area 330 can display images, including patterns or designs pre-stored in the user terminal 300 and associated with the paired smart garment 400. Like the image selection area 330 or the color selection area 320, multiple images can be displayed in a matrix format. The user can change the image implemented on the smart garment 400 by touching the desired image displayed in the image selection area 330 or by selecting an image using a separate input device (such as a keyboard or mouse). Once an image is selected, the changed image can be reflected in the image of the smart garment 400 displayed in the garment display area 310.

[0115] As described above, in addition to images pre-stored in the user terminal 300 in association with the paired smart clothing 400, images such as photos stored in the user terminal 300 can also be displayed in the image selection area 330. Furthermore, objects used to drive the camera can be displayed to display images directly captured by the camera of the user terminal 300 on the smart clothing 400. That is, when the user touches the object or clicks on the object via an input device, the camera installed in the user terminal 300 is activated, allowing the user to capture the desired image. When a camera capture is performed, the captured image can be displayed on the smart clothing 400 displayed in the clothing display area 310. The user can select the images displayed in the image selection area 330 through application settings. That is, it can be set to display only images pre-stored in the user terminal 300 in association with the paired smart clothing 400, or only images such as photos stored in the user terminal 300 can be displayed. Additionally, it can be set to display only objects used to drive the camera, so that images directly captured by the camera of the user terminal 300 can be displayed on the smart clothing 400.

[0116] In the text input area 340, a representation (such as <Text Input>) can be displayed to indicate that the corresponding area is provided for text input. Alternatively, the text input area 340 can be displayed as a blank space without a separate guide. When the user touches the text input area 340 or clicks the area using a separate input device, the user terminal 300 displays a keyboard for text input, enabling the user to input the desired text. A detailed description of this is given below. Text can be entered via keyboard or voice input. The user can enter text via keyboard or via voice input through application settings. Icons for keyboard input and voice input can be displayed in the text input area 340, allowing the user to select the desired text input method by touching or clicking the icons guiding the desired text input method.

[0117] When text is entered into the text input area 340, the entered text can be displayed on the smart clothing 400 displayed in the clothing display area 310.

[0118] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for altering the design of a smart garment 400 according to another disclosed embodiment. Figure 7 and 8 The accompanying drawings illustrate a user interface according to a disclosed embodiment for searching and pairing with smart clothing 400 displayed on user terminal 300, and... Figure 9 The accompanying drawing illustrates a user interface for changing the design of a smart garment 400 according to another embodiment.

[0119] refer to Figure 6 When the application on user terminal 300 is executed, user terminal 300 searches for nearby smart clothing 400. The application can be executed via user commands or automatically when nearby smart clothing 400 is detected. The automatic execution function of the application can be changed through the application settings.

[0120] User terminal 300 searches for smart clothing 400 and sends signals to nearby smart clothing 400 to pair with it. When nearby smart clothing 400 receives a signal transmitted from user terminal 300 and sends a signal to user terminal 300 in response to the received transmission signal, user terminal 300 and smart clothing 400 are paired.

[0121] like Figure 7 and 8 As shown, the user terminal 300 can provide a user interface to search for smart clothing 400 and pair with the discovered smart clothing 400. Figure 7 As shown, the user interface can display a clothing display area 311, a search button below the clothing display area 311 for searching for nearby smart clothing 400, and a pairing button 314 on the display of the user terminal 300 for pairing with the discovered smart clothing 400. The positions of the clothing display area 311, the search button 312, and the pairing button 314 are not limited to the positions described above, and various settings can be made. For example, the user can change the positions as needed through application settings.

[0122] When a user touches or clicks the search button 312 to search for nearby smart clothing 400, such as Figure 7 As shown, a magnifying glass image can be displayed in the clothing display area 311, allowing users to intuitively identify that a nearby smart garment 400 is being searched.

[0123] like Figure 8 As shown, when a nearby smart garment 400 is detected, its image can be displayed in a matrix format in the garment display area 311. The user can select the desired smart garment 400 from the smart garments 400 displayed in the garment display area 311 by touching or clicking it, and can pair the selected smart garment 400 with the user terminal 300 by touching or clicking the pairing button 314.

[0124] like Figure 6 As shown, when the smart garment 400 and the user terminal 300 are paired, the smart garment 400 extracts its current color and the current image or text implemented on the smart garment 400, and sends them to the user terminal 300. According to this embodiment, the connection module 420 of the smart garment 400 may include at least a communicator 427, a processor 423, a driver 421, and a memory 425, and the current design information of the smart garment 400 may be stored in the memory 425.

[0125] User terminal 300 can display an image similar to the actual smart clothing 400 in clothing display area 310, reflecting the current design of the paired smart clothing 400, based on information transmitted from the smart clothing 400. For example, Figure 9 As shown, the user terminal 300 can display images including the colors of the paired smart clothing 400 and patterns or designs implemented on the smart clothing 400, or when text is implemented, the user terminal 300 can display images of text reflected in the clothing display area 310. Figure 9 The descriptions of the other user interfaces shown are consistent with... Figure 5 The same as shown, therefore it will be omitted.

[0126] Users can select desired colors or images or enter text through the user interface, and the user terminal 300 transmits signals including the information selected or entered through the user interface to the smart clothing 400, so that the design of the smart clothing 400 can be changed.

[0127] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for designing a smart garment 400 that alters a system according to yet another disclosed embodiment, and... Figures 11 to 16 The accompanying drawing illustrates a user interface for altering the design of a smart garment 400 according to yet another embodiment.

[0128] refer to Figure 10 When the application on user terminal 300 is executed, user terminal 300 searches for nearby smart clothing 400. The application can be executed via user commands or automatically when nearby smart clothing 400 is detected. The automatic execution function of the application can be changed through the application settings.

[0129] User terminal 300 searches for smart clothing 400 and sends signals to nearby smart clothing 400 to pair with it. When nearby smart clothing 400 receives a signal transmitted from user terminal 300 and sends a signal to user terminal 300 in response to the received transmission signal, user terminal 300 and smart clothing 400 are paired.

[0130] The description of the pairing between user terminal 300 and smart clothing 400 is as follows: Figures 6 to 8 The description is the same as the previous one, so it will be omitted.

[0131] When the connection module 420 of the smart garment 400 is paired with the user terminal 300, the connection module 420 transmits the identification information of the smart garment 400 to the user terminal 300, and the user terminal 300 transmits the identification information of the smart garment 400 from the smart garment 400 to the server 200. According to this embodiment, the connection module 420 of the smart garment 400 may include at least a communicator 427, a processor 423, a driver 421, and a memory 425, and the current design information or identification information of the smart garment 400 may be stored in the memory 425.

[0132] Server 200 searches for the design of the smart garment 400 represented by the identification information transmitted from user terminal 300, and transmits the discovered design information to user terminal 300. User terminal 300 downloads the paired smart garment 400 design from server 200 and displays the downloaded design. Figure 11The user interface shown includes a color selection area 320 and an image selection area 330. This allows text on the smart garment 400 to also be displayed as an image in the image selection area 330.

[0133] Users can select desired colors or images or enter text through the user interface, and the user terminal 300 transmits signals including the information selected or entered through the user interface to the smart clothing 400, so that the design of the smart clothing 400 can be changed.

[0134] Reference Figures 11 to 15 The method of changing the design of paired smart clothing 400 through a user interface provided by user terminal 300 is described in detail.

[0135] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the user interface of user terminal 300 is... Figure 5 The user interface shown is similar. Figure 11 and 12 The user interface shown is Figure 5 The difference in the user interface shown is that an interface for changing the smart garment 400 displayed in the garment display area 310 to another discovered smart garment 400, and an interface 315 provided to the user to identify that the smart garment 400 displayed in the garment display area 310 is a paired garment when the smart garment 400 is paired with the user terminal 300 are further displayed in the garment display area 310.

[0136] When a user wants to change the smart clothing 400 displayed in the clothing display area 310 to another discovered smart clothing 400, such as Figure 12 As shown, users can touch or tap the interface used to change the smart garment 400. Alternatively, users can input drag or tap gestures from the touch gestures into the garment display area 310 to change the smart garment 400 displayed in the garment display area 310 to another smart garment 400.

[0137] When the smart garment 400 displayed in the garment display area 310 changes, the color selection area 320, image selection area 330, and text input area 340 are modified to adapt to the changed smart garment 400. For example, when the modified smart garment 400 does not support text input, such as... Figure 12 As shown, a representation indicating that text input is not feasible (e.g., <none>) is displayed in the text input area 349.

[0138] Moreover, such as Figure 12As shown, when the modified smart garment 400 is a smart garment not paired with the user terminal 300, the user terminal 300 does not display a pairing interface. However, when the smart garment 400 displayed in the garment display area 310 is changed to a paired smart garment 400, the user terminal 300 displays an interface indicating that the displayed smart garment 400 is paired with the user terminal 300.

[0139] Simultaneously, when a user wants to add or change an existing image on the paired smart clothing 400, the user can change the image on the smart clothing 400 by touching or clicking the image, pattern, or design displayed in the image selection area 330. For example... Figure 13 As shown, in addition to the images transmitted from the server 200, objects for selecting photos stored in the user terminal 300 can be displayed in the image selection area 330.

[0140] like Figure 13 As shown, when an object connected to an image stored in the user terminal 300 is touched or clicked, the image stored in the user terminal 300 can be displayed in a matrix below the clothing display area. Additionally, the area 316 in which the image can be displayed can be displayed in a rectangular shape on the smart clothing 400 displayed in the clothing display area 310, allowing the user to identify where the user-selected image is displayed on the smart clothing 400. The user can change the shape, size, or position of the area displayed on the smart clothing 400 in the clothing display area 310.

[0141] like Figure 13 As shown, when an image representing a flower is selected by touch or click, the selected image is displayed on the smart garment 400 in the garment display area 310. Additionally, the user terminal 300 transmits a signal including information for displaying the selected image on the smart garment 400 to the smart garment 400, causing the selected image to be displayed on the smart garment 400. Figure 13 As shown, when an image is selected, the user terminal 300 can directly forward the signal used to realize the image to the smart clothing 400, or it can display a message requesting confirmation of the application of the selected image, and forward the signal used to realize the image to the smart clothing 400 when the confirmation command is entered.

[0142] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, objects used to drive the camera can also be displayed in the image selection area 330, so that images directly captured by the camera of the user terminal 300 can be displayed on the smart clothing 400.

[0143] like Figure 14As shown, when an object used to drive the camera of the user terminal 300 is touched or clicked, the camera installed in the user terminal 300 is activated, allowing the user to capture a desired image. Once the camera captures an image, the captured image can be displayed on the smart garment 400 displayed in the garment display area 310. The user can adjust the position or size of the captured image by changing the shape, size, or position of the image display area displayed on the smart garment 400. When the aforementioned adjustment is complete, the user terminal 300 transmits a signal including information for realizing the captured image on the smart garment 400 to the smart garment 400, so that the captured image is displayed on the smart garment 400. Figure 16 As shown, when an image is captured and the size or position of the image is adjusted, the user terminal 300 can directly forward the signal for realizing the captured image on the smart clothing 400, or it can display a message requesting confirmation of the captured image application, and then forward the signal for realizing the image to the smart clothing 400 when the confirmation command is received.

[0144] Meanwhile, when a user wants to display text or change existing text on the paired smart clothing 400, the user can input text through the text input area 340.

[0145] like Figure 15 As shown, in the text input area 340, a representation (such as <text input>) can be displayed to indicate that the corresponding area is provided for text input. Alternatively, the text input area 340 can be displayed as a blank space without a separate guide.

[0146] When a user touches the text input area 340 or clicks the text input area 340 via a separate input device, the user terminal 300 displays an area set for selecting text colors and a keyboard for entering text, such as... Figure 15 As shown, this allows users to input text in the desired color. Additionally, the area 341 where the text can be displayed can be displayed in a rectangular shape on the smart garment 400 displayed in the garment display area 310, allowing users to identify where the image selected by the user is displayed on the smart garment 400. Users can change the shape, size, or position of the text display area on the smart garment 400 within the garment display area 310.

[0147] Furthermore, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, a user interface for selecting text fonts may be further displayed to allow users to select their desired font.

[0148] When text is entered and a font is selected, the entered text is displayed on the smart clothing 400 in the clothing display area 310. Furthermore, the user terminal 300 transmits a signal including information for displaying the entered text on the smart clothing 400 to the smart clothing 400, enabling the entered text to be displayed on the smart clothing 400. Figure 15 As shown, when text is input, the user terminal 300 can directly forward the signal for displaying the text to the smart clothing 400, or it can display a message requesting confirmation of the input text, and then forward the signal for displaying the text to the smart clothing 400 when the confirmation command is input.

[0149] Additionally, text can be entered via keyboard or voice input. Users can enter text using the keyboard or via voice input through application settings. Icons guiding keyboard input and voice input can be displayed in the text input area 340, allowing users to select the desired text input method by touching or clicking the icon. When the button guiding keyboard input is selected, a message can be displayed... Figure 15 The user interface.

[0150] When text is entered into the text input area 340, the entered text can be displayed on the smart clothing 400 displayed in the clothing display area 310.

[0151] As mentioned above, the design of the smart clothing 400 can be changed through the user interface provided by the user terminal 300, or the user terminal 300 can sense information from the surrounding environment and automatically change the design of the smart clothing 400, which will refer to... Figure 16 describe.

[0152] like Figure 16 As shown, the user terminal 300 can identify its location or detect ambient temperature or weather by using sensors installed on the user terminal 300 or by using internet information. Examples of environmental information that the user terminal 300 can detect include location, temperature, and weather, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0153] For example, when the current location identified by the user terminal 300 is a baseball field, the user terminal 300 can send a signal to the smart clothing 400, enabling the symbols of the teams playing on the baseball field to be displayed on the smart clothing 400. The smart clothing 400 can then display the team symbols based on the signals transmitted from the user terminal 300.

[0154] When the current temperature sensed by the user terminal 300 is higher than 30°C, the user terminal 300 can transmit a signal to the smart clothing 400 to change its color to white. The smart clothing 400 can then change its color to white according to the signal transmitted from the user terminal 300. If the smart clothing 400 is already white, it may not change its color.

[0155] Additionally, when the user terminal 300 detects that the current weather is rainy, the user terminal 300 can transmit a signal to the smart clothing 400 to change the pattern, design, or image currently displayed on the smart clothing 400 to a raindrop image, design, or pattern. The smart clothing 400 can then change its current pattern, design, or image to a raindrop pattern, design, or image based on the signal transmitted from the user terminal 300.

[0156] The application can provide an ambient awareness mode that offers the aforementioned functionality, and the user can activate the ambient awareness mode to automatically alter the design of the smart clothing 400 on the user terminal 300. Alternatively, the ambient awareness mode can typically be disabled and optionally activated when desired.

[0157] Meanwhile, the smart garment 400 according to the disclosed embodiments includes a fabric comprising color-changing fibers and ordinary fibers, the fabric changing image, text, or color materials according to signals transmitted from the user terminal 300, and includes the aforementioned connection module 420. The color-changing fibers constituting the smart garment 400 will be described in detail below.

[0158] Figures 17 to 20 This illustrates cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers in the color-changing fibers of a smart garment 400 according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0159] like Figure 17 As shown, the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber 419 can have a circular or polygonal cross-section. For example... Figure 17 As shown in (a), the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber has a cholesterol-type liquid crystal 415 disposed at the center of the fiber, a first electrode 412a formed on a portion of the outer surface of the cholesterol-type liquid crystal, a second electrode 412b formed on the opposite surface of the first electrode, an insulating member 413 disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a protective layer 411 covering the first electrode, the second electrode and the insulating member.

[0160] Cholesteric liquid crystals are bistable, meaning they can exist in two stable states: a planar state where light is reflected even when no voltage is applied, and a focal cone state where light is scattered. Cholesteric liquid crystals can be converted into a homeotropic state where light can be transmitted when a high voltage is applied. Therefore, when the design of the smart clothing 400 is changed by the user terminal 300, the changed design can be maintained without applying voltage.

[0161] The inner and outer electrodes can be transparent electrodes made of transparent conductive materials, and examples of transparent conductive materials can include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (ZAO), silver nanowires (AgNW), etc.

[0162] The protective layer covering the first electrode, the second electrode, and the insulating component can be formed by coating ordinary textile fibers or fibers in a mesh form. By using ordinary textile fibers as the protective layer, the texture of ordinary textile fibers can be imparted to cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers. The first and second electrodes can be connected to the driver 421 of the connection module 420, and the driver 421 can change the design of the smart garment 400 by applying voltage to the first and second electrodes according to the control signal of the processor 423.

[0163] like Figure 17 As shown in (b), the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers may include a separator 416 for maintaining the shape of the fibers in the cholesterol-type liquid crystal. The separator may be formed of a polymer structure. Additionally, as shown in [the diagram]... Figure 17 As shown in (c), cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers can be configured to have a polygonal cross-section, such as a quadrilateral cross-section.

[0164] like Figure 18 As shown, the aforementioned cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers can be combined with ordinary textile fibers 490 to form color-changing fibers constituting smart clothing 400. Figure 18 As shown, cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers and ordinary textile fibers can be formed to have a twisted structure. The fabric of the smart garment 400 according to the disclosed embodiment can be formed by weaving color-changing fibers of cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers and textile fibers with a twisted form.

[0165] In use Figure 18 In the case of a fabric woven from color-changing fibers with the structure shown, the first and second electrodes may not be formed on the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers, but rather the first and second electrodes may be formed on one surface and the opposite surface of the woven fabric.

[0166] In another embodiment, such as Figure 19As shown, the fabric of the smart garment 400 can be formed by weaving cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers 430 and ordinary textile fibers 422 in a mesh form. According to this embodiment, with... Figure 18 The illustrated embodiment differs in that the fabric is formed by weaving cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers and textile fibers in a mesh form, rather than by weaving color-changing fibers with a twisted structure of cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers and textile fibers.

[0167] Figure 20 The structure of pixel P of a cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber according to a disclosed embodiment is shown. Reference Figure 20 (a) Cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers can have a structure in which red pixels reflecting one color of light (e.g., red light) are arranged in a single layer. In this case, since a single cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber reflects one color, it is thus shown that... Figure 19 Cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers arranged in adjacent columns or rows can be provided to reflect different colors.

[0168] Alternatively, such as Figure 20 As shown in (b), a pixel P constituting a cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber can have the following structure, wherein a red sub-unit 431 that reflects the band of red light, a green sub-unit 432 that reflects the band of green light, and a blue sub-unit 433 that reflects the band of blue light are stacked on top of each other.

[0169] like Figure 20 As shown in (b), a pixel can have a stacked structure, or as... Figure 20 As shown in (c) and 20(d), a pixel P can have the following structure, wherein a red sub-unit that reflects the band of red light, a green sub-unit that reflects the band of green light, and a blue sub-unit that reflects the band of blue light are arranged in a single layer.

[0170] like Figure 20 As shown in (c) and 20(d), the grid 434 that separately constitutes each sub-unit of a pixel can be implemented using ordinary textile fiber material, allowing the cholesteric liquid crystal fibers to have the texture of textile fibers. The grid can be formed to have a greater height than that of cholesteric liquid crystals, such as... Figure 20 As shown in (c), it can also be formed to the same height as a cholesterol-type liquid crystal, such as Figure 20 As shown in (d).

[0171] like Figure 20 As shown in (e), even when a pixel has a stacked structure, the mesh separating each sub-unit can be achieved by ordinary textile fiber material, so that the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber can have the texture of textile fiber.

[0172] Meanwhile, when manufacturing smart clothing 400 (such as T-shirts), it is necessary to connect the fabric of the sleeves and the body. This connection can be made at the level of cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers or at the level of fabric formed from cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers. Figure 21 and 22 The diagram illustrates the connection structure of the color-changing fibers and the fabric of the smart garment 400 according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0173] refer to Figure 21 Since the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers include a first electrode and a second electrode to which a voltage is applied, as described above, when the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers 419 are connected to each other, electrodes of the same polarity should be electrically connected. That is, the first electrodes of the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers to be connected should be electrically connected to each other, and the second electrodes should be electrically connected to each other. Figure 21 As shown, the connecting portion 440 of the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber may include a first connecting electrode 440a electrically connected to a first electrode 412a of the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber, a second connecting electrode 440b electrically connected to a second electrode 412b of the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber, and an insulating member disposed between the first connecting electrode and the second connecting electrode. Additionally, it may include an external protective layer to protect the connecting portion. When the cross-section of the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber is circular, the cross-section of the connecting portion may be formed as a circle; and when the cross-section of the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber is polygonal, the cross-section of the connecting portion may be formed as a polygon corresponding to the cross-section of the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber.

[0174] In use with shown Figure 18 In the case of a fabric woven from color-changing fibers with a twisted structure, the first electrode and the second electrode are formed in the woven fabric, as described above. In this case, as... Figure 22 As shown, the first electrodes of the fabrics 450 to be connected should be electrically connected to each other, and the second electrodes should be electrically connected to each other. Figure 22 As shown in Figure A, the connecting portion 455 of the fabric may include a first connecting electrode 455a and a second connecting electrode 455b. The first connecting electrode 455a is connected to a first electrode 450a formed on the top surface of the fabric to be connected, and the second connecting electrode 455b is connected to a second electrode 450b formed on the bottom surface of the fabric to be connected. Figure 22 (a) shows a cross-section of the fabric to be joined and the connecting portion of the fabric, and Figure 22 (b) shows the top surface. Figure 22 In (b), the outer electrode shown by the solid line is the first connecting electrode, and the outer electrode shown by the dashed line is the second connecting electrode.

[0175] As mentioned above, the fabric of the smart garment 400 can be used with features shown in Figure 18Color-changing fibers with a twisted structure are formed, or they can be formed by combining cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers with ordinary textile fibers in a manner similar to... Figure 19 It is formed by weaving in the form of a mesh, as shown. As another method, such as... Figure 23 As shown in (a) and 23(b), flexible cholesteric liquid crystals in thin film form can be used. Figure 23 The accompanying drawing illustrates the structure of the fabric of a smart garment 400 according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0176] like Figure 23 As shown in (a), the flexible cholesterol-type liquid crystal 460 can be formed into a mesh shape by forming a matrix of holes in the flexible cholesterol-type liquid crystal and inserting ordinary fabric fibers 455 into the mesh (e.g., holes), thereby forming the fabric of the smart garment 400. Alternatively, as Figure 23 As shown in (b), textile fiber 460 can be formed into a mesh shape by forming a matrix of holes in ordinary textile fiber and incorporating flexible cholesterol-type liquid crystal 460 into the mesh (e.g., holes), thereby forming a fabric for smart clothing 400.

[0177] Shown Figure 23 The cholesterol-type liquid crystals of (a) and 23(b) may include pixels with a stacked structure or pixels with a single layer structure, as described above. Figure 23 (a) The cholesterol-type liquid crystal can be individually controlled for each line, and Figure 23 (b) The cholesterol-type liquid crystal can also be individually controlled for each cholesterol-type liquid crystal that forms the mesh.

[0178] Figure 24 The accompanying drawing illustrates the connection relationship of the color-changing fibers according to a disclosed embodiment and the connection module 420 for controlling the color-changing fibers of the smart garment 400. Figure 24As shown, one of the first electrode 430a-1 and the second electrode 430a-2 of the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber 430a, which is the first and second material constituting the fabric, can function as a signal electrode, and the other can function as a ground electrode. Similarly, one of the third electrode 430b-1 and the fourth electrode 430b-2 can function as a signal electrode, and the other can function as a ground electrode. Since both the first and second materials are cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers, which are color-changing fibers, and the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes perform the same function, the first and second electrodes will be described as examples. For example, when the first electrode is a signal electrode and the second electrode is a ground electrode, the first electrode of the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber is electrically connected to the signal terminal of the driver 421 of the connection module 420, and the second electrode is electrically connected to the ground terminal of the driver 421 of the connection module 420. All cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers can be connected to one connection module 420, or multiple connection modules 420 can be used to control the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers.

[0179] The example of cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers as color-changing fibers used to alter the design of smart clothing 400 has been described above. Other embodiments of color-changing fibers will be described below.

[0180] Figure 25 The accompanying drawing illustrates electronic ink fibers in color-changing fibers of a smart garment 400 according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0181] like Figure 25 As shown, the electronic ink fabric may include a plurality of electronic ink capsules 470 containing electronic ink, a first electrode 470a formed on one surface of the electronic ink capsule, a second electrode 470b formed on the opposite surface of the electronic ink capsule, and an insulating member (not shown) disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, a protective layer covering the first electrode, the second electrode, and the insulating member may also be included.

[0182] The electronic ink capsule may include at least one of red electronic ink that reflects red light, green electronic ink that reflects green light, blue electronic ink that reflects blue light, black electronic ink that absorbs light, and white electronic ink that reflects light. For example, red, black, and white electronic ink may be contained in one capsule, green, black, and white electronic ink may be contained in one capsule, and blue, black, and white electronic ink may be contained in one capsule.

[0183] The inner and outer electrodes can be transparent electrodes made of transparent conductive materials, and examples of transparent conductive materials can include ITO, IZO, aluminum-doped ZAO, AgNW, etc.

[0184] The protective layer covering the first electrode, the second electrode, and the insulating component can be formed by coating ordinary textile fibers or fibers in a mesh form. By using ordinary textile fibers as the protective layer, the texture of ordinary textile fibers can be imparted to electronic ink fibers. The first and second electrodes can be connected to the driver 421 of the connection module 420, and the driver 421 can change the design of the smart garment 400 by applying voltage to the first and second electrodes according to the control signal of the processor 423.

[0185] The fabric of the smart garment 400 according to this embodiment can be formed from color-changing fibers having a twisted structure of electronic ink fibers and ordinary textile fibers, as in the embodiment using cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers, or it can be formed by weaving electronic ink fibers and ordinary textile fibers in a mesh form. In the case of fabric woven using color-changing fibers having a twisted structure of electronic ink fibers and ordinary textile fibers, the first electrode and the second electrode may not be formed on the electronic ink fibers, but rather the first electrode and the second electrode may be formed on one surface and opposite surfaces of the woven fabric.

[0186] Because electronic ink also has the same bistability as the cholesterol-type liquid crystals mentioned above, the power required to change the design of the smart clothing 400 can be minimized.

[0187] Figure 26 The accompanying drawing illustrates electrochromic fibers in the color-changing fibers of a smart garment 400 according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0188] like Figure 26 As shown, the electrochromic fiber 480 may include a first electrode 482, a counter electrode 489 disposed outside the first electrode, an electrolyte 487 disposed outside the counter electrode, a working electrode 485 disposed outside the electrolyte, a second electrode 483 disposed outside the working electrode, and a protective layer 481 disposed to cover the second electrode. Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, a partition wall for maintaining the fiber shape may be disposed inside the electrochromic fiber. In the current embodiment, the first electrode will be referred to as the inner electrode (because it is disposed inside the fiber), and the second electrode will be referred to as the outer electrode.

[0189] The inner and outer electrodes can be transparent electrodes made of a transparent conductive material, to which a voltage is applied from the driver 421 of the connection module 420. Examples of transparent conductive materials may include ITO, IZO, aluminum-doped ZAO, AgNW, etc.

[0190] The electrolyte can be a solid electrolyte or a liquid electrolyte, which is ionized and supplies charge or ions to the inner and outer electrodes when a voltage is applied.

[0191] At least one of the working electrode and the relative electrode includes a color-changing material. For example, the working electrode may include a material that changes color when it is reduced, and the relative electrode may include a material that changes color when it is oxidized. Both the working electrode and the relative electrode may include the aforementioned color-changing material, or only one of the working electrode and the relative electrode may include the aforementioned color-changing material, while the other may include an ion receiving electrode.

[0192] Typical reductive color-changing materials include WO3 and MoO3TiO2, while oxidative color-changing materials include Ir(OH)x, Ni(OH)2, and Rh2O3. Electrochromic fibers can achieve different red, green, and blue hues and combinations thereof in the color-changing material, and can become transparent. A protective layer can be formed by coating ordinary textile fibers or fibers in a mesh form. By using ordinary textile fibers as a protective layer, the texture of ordinary textile fibers can be imparted to the electrochromic fibers. The inner and outer electrodes can be connected to the driver 421 of the connection module 420, and the driver 421 can change the design of the smart garment 400 by applying voltage to the first and second electrodes according to the control signal from the processor 423.

[0193] The fabric of the smart garment 400 according to this embodiment can be formed by mixing electrochromic fibers and ordinary textile fibers, as in the embodiment using cholesterol-type liquid crystal fabric. Since the electrochromic material also has the bistability of cholesterol-type liquid crystal, the power required to change the design of the smart garment 400 can be minimized.

[0194] Figure 27 The accompanying drawing illustrates electroluminescent fibers in the color-changing fibers of a smart garment 400 according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0195] The aforementioned cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers, electronic ink fibers, and electrochromic fibers are reflective fibers, and Figure 27 The electroluminescent fiber 490 shown is a self-luminescent fiber. Therefore, when the fabric of the smart garment 400 is formed using the electroluminescent fiber, the connection module 420 of the smart garment 400 includes a battery 429.

[0196] like Figure 27 As shown in (a), the electroluminescent fiber may include a first electrode 497, a light-emitting material 495 disposed outside the first electrode, a second electrode disposed outside the light-emitting material, and a protective layer 491 disposed to cover the second electrode. Each electroluminescent fiber may use a light-emitting material that emits red, green, or blue light, and fibers using these different light-emitting materials may be woven together with ordinary textile fibers to form the fabric of the smart garment 400.

[0197] In the current embodiment, the first electrode will be referred to as the inner electrode (because it is located inside the fiber), and the second electrode will be referred to as the outer electrode.

[0198] In another embodiment, such as Figure 27 As shown in (b), a material emitting white light is used as the light-emitting material, and filters 492a, 492b, and 492c, which transmit red, green, and blue light respectively, can be attached to the outer surface of the external electrode to form electroluminescent fibers. At this time, as... Figure 27 As shown in (b), the outer electrodes are spaced apart from each other, and the filters described above are attached to the outer electrodes, which are spaced a certain distance apart from each other. In this case, each outer electrode can be individually controlled by the driver 421 of the connection module 420. A partition wall for maintaining the fiber shape can be disposed inside the luminescent material.

[0199] In yet another embodiment, such as Figure 27 As shown in (c), materials 495a, 495b, and 495c, which emit red, green, and blue light respectively, are used as luminescent materials, and external electrodes are disposed on the outer side of each material to form electroluminescent fibers. At this time, as... Figure 27 As shown in (c), the external electrodes can be spaced apart from each other and can be individually controlled by the driver 421 of the connection module 420.

[0200] In yet another embodiment, such as Figure 27 As shown in (d), the core of the electroluminescent fiber is formed of organic textile fiber 494, and three internal electrodes spaced apart from each other are formed on the outer side of the textile fiber. Furthermore, materials 495a, 495b, and 495c, which emit red, green, and blue light respectively, can be configured as light-emitting materials formed on the outer side of the internal electrodes, and external electrodes can be respectively disposed on the outer side of the materials to form the electroluminescent fiber. In this embodiment, the internal and external electrodes to which voltages are applied to different light-emitting materials can be individually controlled by the driver 421 of the connection module 420.

[0201] The inner and outer electrodes are transparent electrodes made of a transparent conductive material. Examples of transparent conductive materials include ITO, IZO, aluminum-doped ZAO, AgNW, etc. The inner and outer electrodes can be formed in a planar shape or in a linear shape.

[0202] The protective layer can be formed by coating ordinary textile fibers or fibers in a mesh pattern. By using ordinary textile fibers as the protective layer, the texture of ordinary textile fibers can be imparted to the electroluminescent fibers. As described above, the inner and outer electrodes can be connected to the driver 421 of the connection module 420, and the driver 421 can change the design of the smart garment 400 by applying voltage to the inner and outer electrodes according to the control signal of the processor 423.

[0203] The fabric of the smart garment 400 according to this embodiment can be formed by mixing electrochromic fibers and ordinary textile fibers, as in the embodiment using cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers.

Claims

1. A smart garment, comprising: The first material includes a first electrode and a second electrode; The second material includes the third electrode and the fourth electrode; as well as The connection module includes: The first grounding terminal is configured to ground one of the first and second electrodes in response to a signal sent by the user terminal. The first signal terminal applies a voltage to the other of the first and second electrodes. The second grounding terminal is configured to ground one of the third and fourth electrodes, and The second signal terminal applies a voltage to another of the third and fourth electrodes. The first material and the second material include cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers, and the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers include cholesterol-type liquid crystals. The cholesterol-type liquid crystal includes: Pixels, including red sub-units configured to reflect red light, green sub-units configured to reflect green light, and blue sub-units configured to reflect blue light; and A grid, provided to separate red, green, and blue sub-units, is formed from textile fibers, and The pixels are provided such that the red sub-units, green sub-units, and blue sub-units are formed to be coplanar, or the red sub-units, green sub-units, and blue sub-units are formed to have a stacked structure.

2. The smart clothing according to claim 1, wherein, The cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber includes: a first electrode provided on one side of the cholesterol-type liquid crystal, a second electrode provided on the opposite side of the first electrode, an insulator provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a protective layer provided to cover the first electrode, the second electrode and the insulator.

3. The smart garment according to claim 2 further includes a connecting portion provided for connecting cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers, thereby extending the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers, and in, The connection portion includes: a first connection electrode, provided for connecting a first electrode to a cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber; a second connection electrode, provided for connecting a second electrode to a cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber; and an insulator, provided between the first connection electrode and the second connection electrode.

4. The smart clothing according to claim 2, wherein, The cholesterol-type liquid crystal includes a separator wall provided to maintain the shape of the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fibers.

5. The smart clothing according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-section of the cholesterol-type liquid crystal fiber is provided to be circular or polygonal.

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