Smart Clothing Device Position Sensing for Automatic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for mounting portable devices on garments lack efficient methods to determine the device's location and adjust its operational mode based on that location, leading to suboptimal performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a communication network within the garment with embedded communication lines and electronic processors in both the garment and portable device, allowing for signal transmission and processing to determine the device's location and adjust its operational mode accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a portable device is mounted on a garment at different locations, then the device can serve different functional purposes (e.g., radio near mouth/ear, camera at front or back), but the system lacks the capability to automatically determine location and adjust operational mode, leading to suboptimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the portable device to automatically determine its own location on the garment through communication with the garment's embedded network and autonomously select the appropriate operational mode without requiring manual user configuration. The device queries the garment controller for location information and automatically adjusts settings based on the determined position.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment controller provides location information feedback to the portable device through the communication network. This feedback mechanism allows the device to receive real-time location data and automatically adjust its operational mode accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes performance based on device position.
2Measurement precision
If communication lines are integrated within the garment to enable location determination, then precise location tracking is achieved, but the garment structure and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication lines integrated within the garment serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the garment while simultaneously enabling location determination signals to be transmitted between the garment controller and the portable device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated signaling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the garment's structural fabric with communication functionality by integrating communication lines directly into the garment material. This combination allows the garment itself to serve as the communication medium, eliminating the need for separate external wiring or complex attachment mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the portable device automatically adjusts operational mode based on location, then performance is optimized for the specific mounting position, but the system requires complex signal transmission and processing infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The garment controller acts as an intermediary between the portable device and the location determination system. It receives signals from the communication lines, processes the location information, and transmits the relevant data to the portable device, simplifying the overall signal processing requirements for both the device and the garment infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods locating and operating a portable device mounted to a garment. One method includes receiving, with an electronic processor, a signal from a communication line of a plurality of communication lines integrated within the garment. The method also includes determining, with the electronic processor, a location, on the garment, of the portable device based on the signal. The method also includes determining, with the electronic processor, an operational mode for the portable device based on the location. The method also includes adjusting, with the electronic processor, operation of the portable device based on the operational mode.