Garment Data Storage for Automatic Controller Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for delivering electrical energy or measuring electrical activity on the body require manual configuration of controllers for different garments and treatments, which is error-prone and inflexible, especially when new garments or treatments are introduced, as they rely on pre-programmed settings and limited encoding capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a data storage device within the garment that stores treatment parameters and electrode information, allowing a common controller to automatically configure and recognize the connected garment type, select appropriate electrode combinations, and process signals accordingly, enabling seamless integration with a range of body-worn garments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common controller is used for all garment types, then device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the controller requires manual configuration for each garment type which increases error risk and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The garment includes a data storage device that automatically provides configuration data to the controller when connected, eliminating the need for manual configuration. The system serves itself by having the garment's own data storage device supply the necessary electrode arrangement and treatment parameter information to the controller, thereby resolving the contradiction between using a common controller and maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The data storage device within the garment acts as an intermediary between the garment's physical electrode arrangement and the controller's processing requirements. It stores treatment parameters and electrode information, translating the garment's physical characteristics into data formats the controller can automatically process, thus enabling a common controller to work with multiple garment types without manual configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual programming is used to configure the controller for different garments, then the controller can be adapted to specific treatment requirements, but the process is error-prone and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The data storage device automatically stores and provides garment-specific configuration data including electrode arrangements and treatment parameters. This eliminates manual programming by having the system itself supply the accurate, pre-validated configuration data, thereby improving both adaptability to different garments and reliability of configuration without errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration data is pre-stored in the garment's data storage device during manufacturing, before the garment is used. This preliminary action ensures that when the garment is connected to the controller, the correct configuration is already ready, eliminating the need for manual programming and reducing the risk of configuration errors.
3Ease of operation
If pre-programmed settings are used in the controller, then the controller is easier to operate, but it cannot easily adapt to new garments or treatments
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adapts to different garments by receiving configuration data from the garment's data storage device. Instead of being static with pre-programmed settings, the controller changes its operation based on the specific garment connected, enabling it to handle new garments and treatments while remaining easy to operate through automatic configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables itself to adapt to new garments through the data storage device that stores and supplies the necessary configuration information. This self-service mechanism allows the controller to automatically adapt to new electrode arrangements and treatment protocols without requiring manual reprogramming, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving adaptability.
4Reliability
If a dedicated electronic module is created for each garment type, then the controller is optimized for specific treatment requirements, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single controller is designed to work with multiple garment types by receiving configuration data from the garment's data storage device. This universal controller can be optimized for different treatments through software configuration rather than hardware redesign, achieving treatment optimization while reducing the number of physical controllers needed and lowering overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment's data storage device provides the specific configuration data needed for optimized treatment, allowing a single controller to be optimized for different treatments through data rather than hardware. This self-service approach eliminates the need for dedicated hardware modules for each garment type, reducing device complexity while maintaining treatment optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for making a connection with a part of a body to transfer an electromagnetic signal for a predetermined purpose, the apparatus including: a garment including one or more electrode capable of passing the signal to or from the part of the body; and a controller for controlling the nature of or processing the signal dependant on one or more parameters in order to vary the nature of the signal dependant on the purpose; wherein at least one parameter of the one or more parameters is stored on a data storage device included in the garment.