U.S. patent application number 11/534736 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-26 for fabrics and garments with information infrastructure.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sensatex, Inc.. Invention is credited to Vikram Sharma.
Application Number | 20070089800 11/534736 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37968506 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070089800 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sharma; Vikram |
April 26, 2007 |
Fabrics and Garments with Information Infrastructure
Abstract
Fabrics, articles of apparel, and/or garment structures include
infrastructure for transmitting information, such as signals
produced by a wearer or from another source. Such fabrics may
include: a textile formed through a knitting or weaving process,
wherein at least one yarn used in the knitting or weaving process
is electrically conductive to form sensor regions and/or other
integrated electrically conductive infrastructure for transmitting
electrical signals. Additional information is provided relating to
methods for forming fabrics, articles of apparel, and/or garment
structures of the types described above, as well as methods of
using such products, e.g., for monitoring and/or displaying
information regarding one or more physical and/or physiological
parameters.
Inventors: |
Sharma; Vikram; (Stoneham,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF, LTD.
1100 13th STREET, N.W.
SUITE 1200
WASHINGTON
DC
20005-4051
US
|
Assignee: |
Sensatex, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
37968506 |
Appl. No.: |
11/534736 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60729764 |
Oct 24, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
139/388 ;
600/388; 600/389 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D10B 2403/023 20130101;
D04B 1/14 20130101; D02G 3/441 20130101; D10B 2201/24 20130101;
D03D 1/0088 20130101; D03D 15/00 20130101; D04B 1/246 20130101;
A41D 13/1281 20130101; D10B 2321/021 20130101; D10B 2101/20
20130101; D10B 2401/061 20130101; D03D 15/44 20210101; D10B 2501/02
20130101; D04B 21/16 20130101; D03D 15/33 20210101; D03D 15/56
20210101; D10B 2321/041 20130101; D03D 15/47 20210101; D10B 2331/04
20130101; A41D 1/002 20130101; D10B 2201/02 20130101; D10B 2501/00
20130101; D10B 2401/16 20130101; D10B 2403/02431 20130101; D10B
2331/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
139/388 |
International
Class: |
D03D 3/02 20060101
D03D003/02 |
Claims
1. An article of apparel, comprising a textile forming at least a
portion of the article of apparel, wherein the textile is formed
through a knitting process, wherein at least one yarn used in the
knitting process is electrically conductive to form an integrated
electrically conductive infrastructure for transmitting electrical
signals.
2. A fabric, comprising a textile formed through a knitting
process, wherein at least one yarn used in the knitting process is
electrically conductive to form an integrated electrically
conductive infrastructure for transmitting electrical signals.
3. A garment, comprising a garment structure formed, at least in
part, through a knitting process, wherein at least one yarn used in
the knitting process is electrically conductive, and wherein the
garment structure includes: (a) a first sensor region integrated
into the garment structure during the knitting process by providing
a concentration of electrically conductive yarn at the first sensor
region, wherein the concentration of electrically conductive yarn
is positioned and arranged with respect to the garment structure to
receive a first electrical signal from a wearer's body or other
source; and (b) a first lead formed from electrically conductive
yarn and integrated into the garment structure during the knitting
process, the first lead in electrical communication with and
extending from the first sensor region to carry the first
electrical signal from the first sensor region to a first sensor
data transfer region.
4. A physical or physiological monitoring system, comprising: a
garment structure formed, at least in part, through a knitting
process, wherein at least one yarn used in the knitting process is
electrically conductive, and wherein the garment structure
includes: (a) a first sensor region integrated into the garment
structure during the knitting process by providing a concentration
of electrically conductive yarn at the first sensor region, wherein
the concentration of electrically conductive yarn is positioned and
arranged with respect to the garment structure to receive a first
electrical signal from a wearer's body or other source; and (b) a
first lead formed from electrically conductive yarn and integrated
into the garment structure during the knitting process, the first
lead in electrical communication with and extending from the first
sensor region to carry the first electrical signal from the first
sensor region; a data transfer system for receiving the first
electrical signal and transferring a first information signal,
wherein the first information signal includes at least one of the
first electrical signal or information derived, at least in part,
from the first electrical signal; and a physical or physiological
monitoring output device for receiving the first information signal
and outputting physical or physiological data or information,
wherein the physical or physiological data or information includes
at least one of the first information signal or data derived, at
least in part, from the first information signal.
5. A method for forming a garment, comprising: knitting at least a
portion of a garment structure, wherein at least one yarn used in
the knitting is electrically conductive, wherein the knitting
includes: (a) knitting a concentration of electrically conductive
yarn to form a knitted first sensor region in the garment
structure, wherein the concentration of electrically conductive
yarn is positioned and arranged in the garment structure to receive
a first electrical signal from a wearer's body or other source; and
(b) knitting a first lead from electrically conductive yarn in the
garment structure, wherein the first lead is in electrical
communication with and extends from the first sensor region to
carry the first electrical signal from the first sensor region; and
providing a first sensor data transfer region on the garment
structure for receiving the first electrical signal.
6. A method of monitoring a physical or physiological parameter,
comprising: donning a garment structure, wherein the garment
structure is formed, at least in part, through a knitting process,
wherein at least one yarn used in the knitting process is
electrically conductive, and wherein the garment structure
includes: (a) a first sensor region integrated into the garment
structure during the knitting process by providing a concentration
of electrically conductive yarn at the first sensor region; and (b)
a first lead formed from electrically conductive yarn and
integrated into the garment structure during the knitting process,
the first lead in electrical communication with and extending from
the first sensor region; receiving a first electrical signal from a
wearer's body or other source at the first sensor region; and
transmitting the first electrical signal along the first lead.
7. A fabric, comprising a fabric structure formed, at least in
part, through a knitting or weaving process, wherein at least one
yarn used in the knitting or weaving process is electrically
conductive, and wherein the fabric structure includes one or more
sensor regions, wherein at least one sensor region includes: (a) a
sensor element integrated into the fabric structure during the
knitting or weaving process by providing a concentration of
electrically conductive yarn at a location of the sensor region;
and (b) a lead formed from electrically conductive yarn and
integrated into the fabric structure during the knitting or weaving
process, the lead in electrical communication with and extending
from the sensor element to carry an electrical signal from the
sensor region.
8. A physical or physiological monitoring system, comprising: a
fabric structure formed, at least in part, through a knitting or
weaving process, wherein at least one yarn used in the knitting or
weaving process is electrically conductive, and wherein the fabric
structure includes one or more sensor regions, wherein at least one
sensor region includes: (a) a sensor element integrated into the
fabric structure during the knitting or weaving process by
providing a concentration of electrically conductive yarn at a
location of the sensor region, and (b) a lead formed from
electrically conductive yarn and integrated into the fabric
structure during the knitting or weaving process, the lead in
electrical communication with and extending from the sensor element
to carry an electrical signal from the sensor region; a data
transfer system for receiving electrical signals from the sensor
regions and transferring a first information signal, wherein the
first information signal includes at least one of the electrical
signals from one or more sensor regions or information derived, at
least in part, from the electrical signals from one or more sensor
regions; and a physical or physiological monitoring output device
for receiving the first information signal and outputting physical
or physiological data or information, wherein the physical or
physiological data or information includes at least one of the
first information signal or data derived, at least in part, from
the first information signal.
9. A method for forming a fabric, comprising: forming a fabric
structure by a knitting or weaving process, wherein at least one
yarn used in the forming is electrically conductive, wherein the
forming includes: (a) forming a concentration of electrically
conductive yarn at one or more regions in the fabric structure to
form one or more integrated sensor regions in the fabric structure,
and (b) forming one or more lead elements from electrically
conductive yarn in the fabric structure, wherein each respective
sensor region includes a respective lead element that is in
electrical communication with and extends from the sensor region to
carry an electrical signal from the respective sensor region; and
providing at least one sensor data transfer region on the fabric
structure for receiving at least some of the electrical
signals.
10. A method of monitoring a physical or physiological parameter,
comprising: providing a fabric structure, wherein the fabric
structure is formed, at least in part, through a knitting or
weaving process, wherein at least one yarn used in the knitting or
weaving process is electrically conductive, and wherein the fabric
structure includes one or more sensor regions, wherein at least one
sensor region includes: (a) a sensor element integrated into the
fabric structure during the knitting or weaving process by
providing a concentration of electrically conductive yarn at a
location of the sensor region, and (b) a lead formed from
electrically conductive yarn and integrated into the fabric
structure during the knitting or weaving process, the lead in
electrical communication with and extending from the sensor element
to carry an electrical signal from the sensor region; receiving at
least one electrical signal from at least one sensor region; and
transmitting the electrical signal along the respective lead or
leads associated with the sensor region or regions received the
electrical signal.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority benefits based on U.S.
Provisional Patent Appln. No. 60/729,764 filed Oct. 24, 2005. This
prior application is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to fabric and garment systems that
include an integrated infrastructure for monitoring the vital signs
of an individual and/or for other monitoring purposes. Aspects of
the invention concern, in at least some examples, a fabric or
garment structure that includes an integrated information
infrastructure, e.g., as part of the yarn included in the weave or
stitch of the fabric structure, for collecting, processing,
transmitting, and/or receiving information.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Significant efforts have been expended to develop garment
systems incorporating electrodes for monitoring the condition of
the wearer, such as EKG or conductive fibers for electromagnetic
screening. As examples, U.S. Pat. No. 4,668,545 to Lowe and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,103,504 to Dordevic disclose fabrics including
conductive fibers for electromagnetic screening and for protecting
a wearer from magnetic radiation. Each of these patents is entirely
incorporated herein by reference.
[0004] Conventional physiological monitoring systems may include a
belt that is worn around a chest of an individual. Such systems may
have inherent difficulty in achieving a desired level of comfort
and ergonomics. An improvement on this conventional physiological
monitoring system involves incorporating a monitoring system into a
shirt, particularly a T-shirt, which resulted in greater comfort
and a more user-friendly interface. Though a few systems are
available commercially, they appear to be a patch-work integration
of components for physiological monitoring (sensors, connectors,
attachments, etc.) on a surface of the shirt. Furthermore, shirts
with physiological monitoring capability generally are built via a
cut and sew operation and may lack a sensor or electrode for
picking-up electrical signals from the skin.
[0005] One limitation relating to current technologies relates to
sticky electrode-based systems. Such systems include sticky sensors
that may be uncomfortable and may hurt when removed due to the glue
utilized to attach the sensor to the skin. The sticky sensors also
may have many mechanical junctions that are not desirable for data
transmission continuity. A garment system that provides junctions
to attach leads from an electrode to the garment network also may
have limitations on applicability and data integrity. The issue of
connection of the sensor system to the network is still prevalent.
The sensor used in such a system may have to be sticky to hold on
to the skin, which requires glue and may hurt when removed due to
the glue. Garments with electrode systems that are directly
attached on the garment fabric surface also require mechanical
and/or chemical connection systems. The electrode is kept in direct
contact with the skin of the body by the garment construction. The
connection is between the electrode and the integrated conductive
network to relay data from the electrode to the controller.
Mechanical or chemical connectors typically are required to make a
connection (electrical) between the sensor and the data
network.
[0006] In a weaving process, two sets of yarns, respectively known
as warp and filling (or weft) yarns, are interlaced at right angles
to one another on a weaving machine or loom. Traditional weaving
technologies typically produce a two-dimensional fabric. Fashioning
a three-dimensional garment from such a woven fabric typically
requires cutting and sewing of the fabric. Tubular weaving is a
special variation of traditional weaving in which a fabric tube is
produced on the loom. However, tubular weaving is not traditionally
used to produce a full-fashioned woven garment, such as shirt,
because this procedure was unable to accommodate discontinuities in
the garment, such as armholes, without requiring cutting and
sewing. This was addressed to some extent in U.S. Pat. No.
6,145,551 to Jayaraman, et al. This patent addressed a need that
existed for a process to produce a full-fashioned woven garment
that eliminated the need for cutting and sewing fabric parts to
fashion the garment, especially a shirt, except for the attachment
of sleeves and rounding or finishing of the neck for the shirt. It
is to the provision of such a process and product to which that
invention was primarily directed. This U.S. Patent is entirely
incorporated herein by reference.
[0007] Efforts have been made previously to create fabrics and
garments that incorporate electrodes for monitoring a condition of
the wearer, such as EKG, or conductive fibers for electromagnetic
screening.
[0008] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,381,482; 6,145,551; and 6,474,367 to
Jayaraman et al. disclose fabrics or garments that include an
integrated infrastructure for collecting, processing, transmitting,
and receiving information. These garments function as a "wearable
motherboard," which, by utilizing the interconnection of the
electrical conductive fibers, integrates many data-collecting
sensors into the garment without the need for multiple stand-alone
wires or cables. The information may be transmitted to several
monitoring devices through a single electronic lead or transceiver.
Furthermore, these patents elaborate on the need for a wearable
garment having an integrated information flexible infrastructure
that is used for collecting, processing, transmitting, and
receiving information concerning a wearer of the garment. Each of
these patents also is entirely incorporated herein by
reference.
[0009] A problem with existing physiological monitoring devices is
that even when available they are not used. There are three major
causes for the non-use of existing cardiorespiratory monitors.
First, most of the electrodes used to record the vital signs are
rubberized electrode patches that are placed on the user's chest
and are held in place by hook-and-loop type belt fasteners applied
over the patches. These hook-and-look type belts are difficult to
apply. If not applied properly, the belt and/or electrodes can
irritate the user's skin (sometimes to the point of blistering and
even bleeding) or can become loose and fall off. Second, these
cardiorespiratory monitors also can trigger false alarms. Lastly,
caregivers and users are reluctant to use the devices in at least
some scenarios because they believe that the protruding wires that
go from the sensors on the body to the monitoring equipment can be
dangerous. Furthermore, there also is a need to make the system
conformable while still holding the garment in close proximity to
the skin of the wearer.
[0010] Therefore, there exists a need for physical and/or
physiological monitoring systems and methods that overcome the
problems with using existing hook-and-loop fastener belts to hold
sensors in place on infants, first responders, hospital patients,
or others for monitoring cardiorespiratory and/or other functions
and parameters.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] This invention relates to fabric and/or garment structures
that include infrastructure for transmitting information, such as
electrical signals produced by a human or other animal body (or
signals received from some other source). Such fabrics may include,
for example: a textile formed through a knitting or weaving
process, wherein at least one yarn used in the knitting or weaving
process is electrically conductive and used to form an integrated
electrically conductive infrastructure for transmitting electrical
signals into the fabric structure. The textile may form at least a
portion of an article of apparel, blanket, or other fabric
structure, and in some instances, it may completely form an article
of apparel, blanket, or other fabric structure (e.g., as a one
piece construction, optionally in a seamless or substantially
seamless construction).
[0012] Fabrics and/or articles of apparel according to at least
some examples of this invention may include one or more sensor
regions, wherein each sensor region includes: (a) a sensor element
integrated into the fabric structure during the knitting or weaving
process by providing a concentration of electrically conductive
yarn at a location of the sensor element; and (b) a lead formed
from electrically conductive yarn and integrated into the fabric
structure during the knitting or weaving process, the lead in
electrical communication with and extending from the sensor element
to carry an electrical signal from the sensor element. The lead may
form at least a portion of the electrically conductive
infrastructure mentioned above.
[0013] Additional aspects of this invention relate to physical or
physiological parameter monitoring systems that utilize fabrics
and/or garments of the types described above. As more specific
examples, physical or physiological monitoring systems in
accordance with at least some examples of this invention may
include: (a) a fabric structure, such as a garment, formed, at
least in part, through a knitting or weaving process, wherein at
least one yarn used in the knitting or weaving process is
electrically conductive, and wherein the fabric structure includes
one or more sensor regions, wherein each sensor region includes:
(i) a sensor element integrated into the fabric structure during
the knitting or weaving process by providing a concentration of
electrically conductive yarn at a location of the sensor element,
and (ii) a lead formed from electrically conductive yarn and
integrated into the fabric structure during the knitting or weaving
process, the lead in electrical communication with and extending
from the sensor element to carry an electrical signal from the
sensor element; (b) a data transfer system for receiving electrical
signals from the sensor regions and transferring a first
information signal, wherein the first information signal includes
at least one of the electrical signal(s) from one or more sensor
regions or information derived, at least in part, from the
electrical signal(s) from one or more sensor regions; and (c) a
physical or physiological monitoring output device for receiving
the first information signal and outputting physical or
physiological data or information, wherein the physical or
physiological data or information includes at least one of the
first information signal or data derived, at least in part, from
the first information signal.
[0014] Any desired type of fabric or garment structures may be
provided without departing from this invention. In at least some
examples, the fabric will be formed into a blanket having a
plurality of sensing regions disposed therein, e.g., in a grid
pattern, for a crib, baby bed, hospital or hospice bed, assisted
living facility, etc. In other examples, the fabric will be formed
into a garment for any desired portion of a human body, such as
upper torso garments (such as T-shirts, etc.); bra type garments
(such as sports bras, etc.); leotards; tight or form-fitting type
garments for the upper torso, lower torso, portions of both, or the
full body, etc. (e.g., wherein at least some of the yarn in the
fabric structure includes a spandex or other elastically deformable
component, etc.); hospital gowns; diapers or incontinence garments;
and the like. The sensor regions may be provided at any desired
locations on the fabric or garment structure, including one or more
of its front, back, sides, shoulder tops, chest, etc. of the
garment structure. The sensor regions may be arranged so as to
receive electrical signals or other signals generated by a wearer's
body or other sources, such as EKG signals, heart rate signals,
pulse rate signals, blood pressure signals, respiratory signals,
brain wave signals, light exposure signals, other radiation
exposure signals, moisture presence signals, etc. In some more
specific utilities, fabrics and garments according to examples of
the invention may be useful for monitoring various physical or
physiological parameters associated with or displayed by
firefighters or other first responders, athletes, hospital or
hospice patients, assisted living patients, infants, etc.
[0015] Still additional features and aspects of this invention
relate to methods for forming fabrics, articles of apparel, and/or
garment structures of types described above, as well as to methods
of using such products, e.g., for monitoring and/or displaying
information regarding one or more physical and/or physiological
parameters associated with a user of the fabric or garment.
[0016] The invention includes at least the following
embodiments:
[0017] 1. An article of apparel, comprising:
[0018] a textile forming at least a portion of the article of
apparel, wherein the textile is formed through a knitting process,
wherein at least one yarn used in the knitting process is
electrically conductive to form an integrated electrically
conductive infrastructure for transmitting electrical signals.
[0019] 2. An article of apparel according to embodiment 1, wherein
the textile further includes a first sensor region integrated into
the textile during the knitting process by providing a
concentration of electrically conductive yarn at the first sensor
region, wherein the first sensor region is in electrical
communication with at least a portion of the electrically
conductive infrastructure.
[0020] 3. An article of apparel according to embodiment 2, wherein
the first sensor region is positioned and arranged with respect to
the article of apparel to receive a first electrical signal from a
wearer's body.
[0021] 4. An article of apparel according to embodiment 2, wherein
the integrated electrically conductive infrastructure includes a
first lead formed from electrically conductive yarn and integrated
into the garment structure during the knitting process, the first
lead in electrical communication with and extending from the first
sensor region to carry electrical signals from the first sensor
region to a first sensor data transfer region.
[0022] 5. An article of apparel according to embodiment 1, wherein
the textile completely forms the article of apparel as a one-piece
construction.
[0023] 6. An article of apparel according to embodiment 1, wherein
the textile completely forms the article of apparel as a seamless
construction.
[0024] 7. A fabric, comprising:
[0025] a textile formed through a knitting process, wherein at
least one yarn used in the knitting process is electrically
conductive to form an integrated electrically conductive
infrastructure for transmitting electrical signals.
[0026] 8. A fabric according to embodiment 7, wherein the textile
further includes a first sensor region integrated into the textile
during the knitting process by providing a concentration of
electrically conductive yarn at the first sensor region, wherein
the first sensor region is in electrical communication with at
least a portion of the electrically conductive infrastructure.
[0027] 9. A fabric according to embodiment 8, wherein the
integrated electrically conductive infrastructure includes a first
lead formed from electrically conductive yarn and integrated into
the textile during the knitting process, the first lead in
electrical communication with and extending from the first sensor
region to carry electrical signals from the first sensor region to
a first sensor data transfer region.
[0028] 10. A garment, comprising:
[0029] a garment structure formed, at least in part, through a
knitting process, wherein at least one yarn used in the knitting
process is electrically conductive, and wherein the garment
structure includes: [0030] (a) a first sensor region integrated
into the garment structure during the knitting process by providing
a concentration of electrically conductive yarn at the first sensor
region, wherein the concentration of electrically conductive yarn
is positioned and arranged with respect to the garment structure to
receive a first electrical signal from a wearer's body or other
source; and [0031] (b) a first lead formed from electrically
conductive yarn and integrated into the garment structure during
the knitting process, the first lead in electrical communication
with and extending from the first sensor region to carry the first
electrical signal from the first sensor region to a first sensor
data transfer region.
[0032] 11. A garment according to embodiment 10, wherein the
garment structure is an upper torso garment.
[0033] 12. A garment according to embodiment 10, wherein at least
some of the yarn in the garment structure includes a spandex
component.
[0034] 13. A garment according to embodiment 10, wherein the first
sensor region is on a front chest area of the garment
structure.
[0035] 14. A garment according to embodiment 10, wherein the
garment structure further includes:
[0036] (a) a second sensor region integrated into the garment
structure during the knitting process by providing a concentration
of electrically conductive yarn at the second sensor region,
wherein the concentration of electrically conductive yarn for the
second sensor region is positioned and arranged to receive a second
electrical signal from a wearer's body or other source; and
[0037] (b) a second lead formed from electrically conductive yarn
and integrated into the garment structure during the knitting
process, the second lead in electrical communication with and
extending from the second sensor region to carry the second
electrical signal from the second sensor region to a second sensor
data transfer region.
[0038] 15. A garment according to embodiment 10, wherein the
garment structure further includes:
[0039] (a) a second sensor region integrated into the garment
structure during the knitting process by providing a concentration
of electrically conductive yarn at the second sensor region,
wherein the concentration of electrically conductive yarn for the
second sensor region is positioned and arranged with respect to the
garment structure to receive a second electrical signal from a
wearer's body or other source; and
[0040] (b) a second lead formed from electrically conductive yarn
and integrated into the garment structure during the knitting
process, the second lead in electrical communication with and
extending from the second sensor region to carry the second
electrical signal from the second sensor region to the first sensor
data transfer region.
[0041] 16. A garment according to embodiment 10, wherein the
garment structure further includes:
[0042] (a) a second sensor region integrated into the garment
structure during the knitting process by providing a concentration
of electrically conductive yarn at the second sensor region,
wherein the concentration of electrically conductive yarn for the
second sensor region is positioned and arranged with respect to the
garment structure to receive the first electrical signal from a
wearer's body or other source; and
[0043] (b) a second lead formed from electrically conductive yarn
and integrated into the garment structure during the knitting
process, the second lead in electrical communication with and
extending from the second sensor region to carry the first
electrical signal from the second sensor region to the first sensor
data transfer region.
[0044] 17. A garment according to embodiment 10, wherein the
garment structure further includes:
[0045] (a) a second sensor region integrated into the garment
structure during the knitting process by providing a concentration
of electrically conductive yarn at the second sensor region,
wherein the concentration of electrically conductive yarn for the
second sensor region is positioned and arranged with respect to the
garment structure to receive the first electrical signal from a
wearer's body or other source; and
[0046] (b) a second lead formed from electrically conductive yarn
and integrated into the garment structure during the knitting
process, the second lead in electrical communication with and
extending from the second sensor region to carry the first
electrical signal from the second sensor region to a second sensor
data transfer region.
[0047] 18. A garment according to embodiment 10, wherein the
garment structure further includes a second sensor region
integrated into the garment structure during the knitting process
by providing a concentration of electrically conductive yarn at the
second sensor region, wherein the concentration of electrically
conductive yarn for the second sensor region is positioned and
arranged with respect to the garment structure to receive the first
electrical signal from a wearer's body or other source, and wherein
the second sensor region is in electrical communication with the
first lead.
[0048] 19. A garment according to embodiment 10, wherein the
garment structure is a one piece, seamless garment structure.
[0049] 20. A physical or physiological monitoring system,
comprising:
[0050] a garment structure formed, at least in part, through a
knitting process, wherein at least one yarn used in the knitting
process is electrically conductive, and wherein the garment
structure includes: [0051] (a) a first sensor region integrated
into the garment structure during the knitting process by providing
a concentration of electrically conductive yarn at the first sensor
region, wherein the concentration of electrically conductive yarn
is positioned and arranged with respect to the garment structure to
receive a first electrical signal from a wearer's body or other
source; and [0052] (b) a first lead formed from electrically
conductive yarn and integrated into the garment structure during
the knitting process, the first lead in electrical communication
with and extending from the first sensor region to carry the first
electrical signal from the first sensor region;
[0053] a data transfer system for receiving the first electrical
signal and transferring a first information signal, wherein the
first information signal includes at least one of the first
electrical signal or information derived, at least in part, from
the first electrical signal; and
[0054] a physical or physiological monitoring output device for
receiving the first information signal and outputting physical or
physiological data or information, wherein the physical or
physiological data or information includes at least one of the
first information signal or data derived, at least in part, from
the first information signal.
[0055] 21. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 20, wherein the garment structure is an upper torso
garment.
[0056] 22. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 20, wherein at least some of the yarn in the garment
structure includes a spandex component.
[0057] 23. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 20, wherein the first sensor region is on a front
chest area of the garment structure.
[0058] 24. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 20, wherein the garment structure further
includes:
[0059] (a) a second sensor region integrated into the garment
structure during the knitting process by providing a concentration
of electrically conductive yarn at the second sensor region,
wherein the concentration of electrically conductive yarn for the
second sensor region is positioned and arranged with respect to the
garment structure to receive a second electrical signal from a
wearer's body or other source; and
[0060] (b) a second lead formed from electrically conductive yarn
and integrated into the garment structure during the knitting
process, the second lead in electrical communication with and
extending from the second sensor region to carry the second
electrical signal from the second sensor region.
[0061] 25. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 20, wherein the data transfer system includes a
terminal for connecting to the physical or physiological monitoring
output device.
[0062] 26. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 20, wherein the data transfer system includes a
wireless transmitter for transmitting the first information signal
to the physical or physiological monitoring output device.
[0063] 27. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 20, wherein the physical or physiological monitoring
output device displays electrocardiogram data or information.
[0064] 28. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 20, wherein the physical or physiological monitoring
output device displays heart rate or pulse rate data or
information.
[0065] 29. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 20, wherein the physical or physiological monitoring
output device displays respiration data or information.
[0066] 30. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 20, wherein the data transfer system includes a
memory for storing data derived from the first electrical
signal.
[0067] 31. A method for forming a garment, comprising:
[0068] knitting at least a portion of a garment structure, wherein
at least one yarn used in the knitting is electrically conductive,
wherein the knitting includes: [0069] (a) knitting a concentration
of electrically conductive yarn to form a knitted first sensor
region in the garment structure, wherein the concentration of
electrically conductive yarn is positioned and arranged in the
garment structure to receive a first electrical signal from a
wearer's body or other source; and [0070] (b) knitting a first lead
from electrically conductive yarn in the garment structure, wherein
the first lead is in electrical communication with and extends from
the first sensor region to carry the first electrical signal from
the first sensor region; and
[0071] providing a first sensor data transfer region on the garment
structure for receiving the first electrical signal.
[0072] 32. A method according to embodiment 31, wherein the
knitting forms an upper torso garment structure.
[0073] 33. A method according to embodiment 31, wherein at least
some of the yarn used in the knitting includes a spandex
component.
[0074] 34. A method according to embodiment 31, wherein the first
sensor region is formed on a front chest area of the garment
structure.
[0075] 35. A method according to embodiment 31, wherein the
knitting further includes:
[0076] (a) knitting a concentration of electrically conductive yarn
at a second sensor region in the garment structure, wherein the
second sensor region is positioned and arranged to receive a second
electrical signal from a wearer's body or other source; and
[0077] (b) knitting a second lead from electrically conductive yarn
in the garment structure, wherein the second lead is in electrical
communication with and extends from the second sensor region to
carry the second electrical signal from the second sensor
region.
[0078] 36. A method according to embodiment 31, wherein the
knitting produces a one piece, seamless garment structure.
[0079] 37. A method of monitoring a physical or physiological
parameter, comprising:
[0080] donning a garment structure, wherein the garment structure
is formed, at least in part, through a knitting process, wherein at
least one yarn used in the knitting process is electrically
conductive, and wherein the garment structure includes: [0081] (a)
a first sensor region integrated into the garment structure during
the knitting process by providing a concentration of electrically
conductive yarn at the first sensor region; and [0082] (b) a first
lead formed from electrically conductive yarn and integrated into
the garment structure during the knitting process, the first lead
in electrical communication with and extending from the first
sensor region;
[0083] receiving a first electrical signal from a wearer's body or
other source at the first sensor region; and
[0084] transmitting the first electrical signal along the first
lead.
[0085] 38. A method according to embodiment 37, wherein the garment
structure is an upper torso garment.
[0086] 39. A method according to embodiment 37, wherein at least
some of the yarn in the garment structure includes a spandex
component.
[0087] 40. A method according to embodiment 37, wherein the first
sensor region is on a front chest area of the garment
structure.
[0088] 41. A method according to embodiment 37, wherein the garment
structure further includes: (a) a second sensor region integrated
into the garment structure during the knitting process by providing
a concentration of electrically conductive yarn at the second
sensor region, and (b) a second lead formed from electrically
conductive yarn and integrated into the garment structure during
the knitting process, the second lead in electrical communication
with and extending from the second sensor region, and wherein the
method further includes:
[0089] receiving a second electrical signal from the wearer's body
or other source at the second sensor region; and
[0090] transmitting the second electrical signal along the second
lead.
[0091] 42. A method according to embodiment 37, wherein the garment
structure further includes: (a) a second sensor region integrated
into the garment structure during the knitting process by providing
a concentration of electrically conductive yarn at the second
sensor region, and (b) a second lead formed from electrically
conductive yarn and integrated into the garment structure during
the knitting process, the second lead in electrical communication
with and extending from the second sensor region, and wherein the
method further includes:
[0092] receiving the first electrical signal from the wearer's body
or other source at the second sensor region; and
[0093] transmitting the first electrical signal along the second
lead.
[0094] 43. A method according to embodiment 37, wherein the first
electrical signal is transmitted to an output terminal.
[0095] 44. A method according to embodiment 43, further
comprising:
[0096] connecting the output terminal to a physical or
physiological monitoring output device.
[0097] 45. A method according to embodiment 37, further
comprising:
[0098] transmitting the first electrical signal or data derived
from the first electrical signal to a physical or physiological
monitoring output device.
[0099] 46. A method according to embodiment 37, further
comprising:
[0100] displaying physical or physiological data or information
based on or derived from the first electrical signal.
[0101] 47. A method according to embodiment 46, wherein the
displaying includes displaying electrocardiogram data or
information.
[0102] 48. A method according to embodiment 46, wherein the
displaying includes displaying heart rate or pulse rate data or
information.
[0103] 49. A method according to embodiment 46, wherein the
displaying includes displaying respiration data or information.
[0104] 50. A method according to embodiment 37, further
comprising:
[0105] storing data derived from the first electrical signal.
[0106] 51. A fabric, comprising:
[0107] a fabric structure formed, at least in part, through a
knitting or weaving process, wherein at least one yarn used in the
knitting or weaving process is electrically conductive, and wherein
the fabric structure includes one or more sensor regions, wherein
at least one sensor region includes: [0108] (a) a sensor element
integrated into the fabric structure during the knitting or weaving
process by providing a concentration of electrically conductive
yarn at a location of the sensor region; and [0109] (b) a lead
formed from electrically conductive yarn and integrated into the
fabric structure during the knitting or weaving process, the lead
in electrical communication with and extending from the sensor
element to carry an electrical signal from the sensor region.
[0110] 52. A fabric according to embodiment 51, wherein at least
some of the yarn in the fabric structure includes a spandex
component.
[0111] 53. A fabric according to embodiment 51, wherein the fabric
structure forms at least a portion of a blanket structure.
[0112] 54. A fabric according to embodiment 53, wherein a plurality
of sensor regions are spaced around the blanket structure in a grid
arrangement.
[0113] 55. A physical or physiological monitoring system,
comprising:
[0114] a fabric structure formed, at least in part, through a
knitting or weaving process, wherein at least one yarn used in the
knitting or weaving process is electrically conductive, and wherein
the fabric structure includes one or more sensor regions, wherein
at least one sensor region includes: [0115] (a) a sensor element
integrated into the fabric structure during the knitting or weaving
process by providing a concentration of electrically conductive
yarn at a location of the sensor region, and [0116] (b) a lead
formed from electrically conductive yarn and integrated into the
fabric structure during the knitting or weaving process, the lead
in electrical communication with and extending from the sensor
element to carry an electrical signal from the sensor region;
[0117] a data transfer system for receiving electrical signals from
the sensor regions and transferring a first information signal,
wherein the first information signal includes at least one of the
electrical signals from one or more sensor regions or information
derived, at least in part, from the electrical signals from one or
more sensor regions; and
[0118] a physical or physiological monitoring output device for
receiving the first information signal and outputting physical or
physiological data or information, wherein the physical or
physiological data or information includes at least one of the
first information signal or data derived, at least in part, from
the first information signal.
[0119] 56. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 55, wherein at least some of the yarn in the fabric
structure includes a spandex component.
[0120] 57. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 55, wherein the fabric structure forms at least a
portion of a blanket structure.
[0121] 58. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 57, wherein a plurality of sensor regions are spaced
around the blanket structure in a grid arrangement.
[0122] 59. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 55, wherein the data transfer system includes a
terminal for connecting to the physical or physiological monitoring
output device.
[0123] 60. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 55, wherein the data transfer system includes a
wireless transmitter for transmitting the first information signal
to the physical or physiological monitoring output device.
[0124] 61. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 55, wherein the data transfer system includes a
memory for storing data derived from the first electrical
signal.
[0125] 62. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 55, wherein the physical or physiological monitoring
output device displays information relating to a presence of
moisture on the fabric structure.
[0126] 63. A physical or physiological monitoring system according
to embodiment 55, wherein the physical or physiological monitoring
output device displays information relating to user movement or
motion with respect to the fabric structure.
[0127] 64. A method for forming a fabric, comprising:
[0128] forming a fabric structure by a knitting or weaving process,
wherein at least one yarn used in the forming is electrically
conductive, wherein the forming includes: [0129] (a) forming a
concentration of electrically conductive yarn at one or more
regions in the fabric structure to form one or more integrated
sensor regions in the fabric structure, and [0130] (b) forming one
or more lead elements from electrically conductive yarn in the
fabric structure, wherein each respective sensor region includes a
respective lead element that is in electrical communication with
and extends from the sensor region to carry an electrical signal
from the respective sensor region; and
[0131] providing at least one sensor data transfer region on the
fabric structure for receiving at least some of the electrical
signals.
[0132] 65. A method according to embodiment 64, wherein at least
some of the yarn used in the forming includes a spandex
component.
[0133] 66. A method according to embodiment 64, wherein the forming
includes a knitting process.
[0134] 67. A method according to embodiment 64, wherein the forming
includes a weaving process.
[0135] 68. A method according to embodiment 64, wherein the fabric
structure constitutes at least a portion of a blanket
structure.
[0136] 69. A method according to embodiment 68, wherein a plurality
of sensor regions are spaced around the blanket structure in a grid
arrangement.
[0137] 70. A method of monitoring a physical or physiological
parameter, comprising:
[0138] providing a fabric structure, wherein the fabric structure
is formed, at least in part, through a knitting or weaving process,
wherein at least one yarn used in the knitting or weaving process
is electrically conductive, and wherein the fabric structure
includes one or more sensor regions, wherein at least one sensor
region includes: [0139] (a) a sensor element integrated into the
fabric structure during the knitting or weaving process by
providing a concentration of electrically conductive yarn at a
location of the sensor region, and [0140] (b) a lead formed from
electrically conductive yarn and integrated into the fabric
structure during the knitting or weaving process, the lead in
electrical communication with and extending from the sensor element
to carry an electrical signal from the sensor region;
[0141] receiving at least one electrical signal from at least one
sensor region; and
[0142] transmitting the electrical signal along the respective lead
or leads associated with the sensor region or regions received the
electrical signal.
[0143] 71. A method according to embodiment 70, wherein at least
some of the yarn in the fabric structure includes a spandex
component.
[0144] 72. A method according to embodiment 70, wherein at least
some of the electrical signals from the sensor region or regions
are transmitted to an output terminal.
[0145] 73. A method according to embodiment 72, further
comprising:
[0146] connecting the output terminal to a physical or
physiological monitoring output device.
[0147] 74. A method according to embodiment 70, further
comprising:
[0148] transmitting at least one electrical signal or data derived
from at least one electrical signal to a physical or physiological
monitoring output device.
[0149] 75. A method according to embodiment 70, further
comprising:
[0150] displaying physical or physiological data or information
based on or derived from at least one electrical signal.
[0151] 76. A method according to embodiment 75, wherein the
displaying includes displaying information relating to a presence
of moisture on the fabric structure.
[0152] 77. A method according to embodiment 75, wherein the
displaying includes displaying information relating to user
movement or motion with respect to the fabric structure.
[0153] 78. A method according to embodiment 70, further
comprising:
[0154] storing data derived from at least one electrical
signal.
[0155] 79. A method according to embodiment 70, wherein the fabric
structure constitutes at least a portion of a blanket
structure.
[0156] 80. A method according to embodiment 79, wherein a plurality
of sensor regions are spaced around the blanket structure in a grid
arrangement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0157] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and
not limited in the accompanying figures, in which like reference
numerals indicate the same or similar elements throughout, and in
which:
[0158] FIGS. 1A through 1P illustrate various example
configurations for yarns that may be electrically-conductive or
otherwise have the capability to transmit information;
[0159] FIGS. 2A through 2E illustrate various example woven type
fabric structures wherein at least one of the yarns may be
electrically-conductive or otherwise have the capability to
transmit information;
[0160] FIGS. 3A through 3I illustrate various example knit or
interlooping type fabric structures wherein at least one of the
yarns may be electrically-conductive or otherwise have the
capability to transmit information;
[0161] FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate an example garment structure
that includes sensor regions integrated into the fabric structure
by knitting or otherwise incorporating yarns that are
electrically-conductive or otherwise have the capability to
transmit information into the fabric structure;
[0162] FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate various examples of sensor
regions and/or lead structures that may be knitted or otherwise
incorporated into fabric or garment structures in accordance with
examples of this invention;
[0163] FIGS. 6A through 10B illustrate various examples of garment
structures including integrated fabric sensor regions and lead
elements in accordance with examples of this invention;
[0164] FIGS. 11A through 12 illustrate various examples of garment
or fabric structures having a dual layer fabric construction in
accordance with examples of this invention; and
[0165] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate various examples of physical or
physiological monitoring systems and methods according to some
examples of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0166] The following description and the accompanying figures
disclose various examples and features of fabrics and garment
structures including integrated sensor regions and/or lead members
for physical and/or physiological monitoring.
I. General Description of Aspects of the Invention
[0167] A. Fabric and Garment Structures and Methods of Making Such
Structures
[0168] Aspects of this invention relate to various fabric and/or
garment structures that include infrastructure for transmitting
information, such as signals produced by a human or other animal
body or signals received from some other source. Such fabrics or
garment structures may include, for example: a textile formed
through a knitting process, wherein at least one yarn used in the
knitting process is electrically conductive to form an integrated
electrically conductive infrastructure for transmitting electrical
signals. The textile may form at least a portion of an article of
apparel, blanket, or other structure, and in some instances, it may
completely form an article of apparel, blanket, other structure
(e.g., optionally as a one piece construction, in a seamless or
substantially seamless construction, etc.).
[0169] Fabrics and/or articles of apparel in accordance with at
least some examples of this invention may have one or more sensor
regions integrated into the textile during the knitting process for
forming the fabric or apparel. This may be accomplished, for
example, by providing a concentration of electrically conductive
yarn at the various sensor regions, wherein the sensor region(s) is
(are) in electrical communication with at least a portion of the
electrically conductive infrastructure. As more specific examples,
the sensor regions may be provided in electrical communication with
the electrically conductive infrastructure by including electrical
leads as part of the electrically conductive infrastructure. These
electrical leads may be formed from electrically conductive yarn
and integrated into the textile during the knitting process, and
the leads may be placed in electrical communication with the sensor
regions (e.g., via direct contact between the electrically
conductive yarns of the sensor regions and the electrically
conductive yarns of the lead elements) and extend from the
respective sensor regions to carry electrical signals from the
sensor regions, e.g., to a sensor data transfer region.
[0170] Still other aspects of this invention relate to fabrics
and/or articles of apparel that include: a fabric structure formed,
at least in part, through a knitting or weaving process, wherein at
least one yarn used in the knitting or weaving process is
electrically conductive, and wherein the fabric structure includes
a plurality of independent sensor regions, wherein each sensor
region includes: (a) a sensor element integrated into the fabric
structure during the knitting or weaving process by providing a
concentration of electrically conductive yarn at a location of the
sensor region; and (b) a lead formed from electrically conductive
yarn and integrated into the fabric structure during the knitting
or weaving process, the lead in electrical communication with and
extending from the sensor element to carry an electrical signal
from the sensor region.
[0171] Any desired types of fabric or garment structures may be
provided or produced without departing from this invention. In at
least some examples, the fabric will be formed into a blanket
having a plurality of sensing regions disposed therein, e.g., in a
grid pattern. In other examples, the fabric will be formed into a
garment for any desired portion of a human body, such as upper
torso garments (such as T-shirts, bra type garments (such as sports
bras, etc.), etc.; leotards; tight or form-fitting type garments
for the upper and/or lower torso and/or portions thereof (e.g.,
wherein at least some of the yarn in the fabric structure includes
a spandex or other elastically deformable component, etc.);
hospital gowns; diapers or incontinence garments; and the like. One
or more sensor regions may be provided at any desired location on
the fabric structure, including one or more of its front, back,
sides, shoulder tops, chest, etc. The sensor regions may be
arranged so as to receive electrical signals or other signals
generated by a wearer's body or from other sources, such as EKG
signals, heart rate signals, pulse rate signals, blood pressure
signals, respiratory signals, brain wave signals, incident light or
other radiation signals, incident moisture signals, incident or
ambient chemical signals, etc. If desired, yarns including spandex
or other elastically deformable components may be provided at
selected locations in the garment or other fabric structures, e.g.,
to provide a tight or form-fitting garment; to help hold the sensor
regions at a desired location, e.g., with respect to the wearer's
body (e.g., at a location to pick up EKG or heart rate signals,
etc.); etc.
[0172] Still additional features and aspects of this invention
relate to methods for forming fabrics, articles of apparel, and/or
garment structures e.g., of the various types described above. Such
methods may include, for example: (a) forming a fabric structure by
a knitting or weaving process, wherein at least one yarn used in
the forming is electrically conductive, wherein the forming
includes: (i) forming a concentration of electrically conductive
yarn at one or more regions in the fabric structure to form one or
more integrated sensor regions in the fabric structure, and (ii)
forming one or more lead elements from electrically conductive yarn
in the fabric structure, wherein each respective sensor region
includes a respective lead element that is in electrical
communication with and extends from the sensor region to carry an
electrical signal from the respective sensor region; and,
optionally, (b) providing at least one sensor data transfer region
on the fabric structure for receiving at least some of the
electrical signals.
[0173] In at least some examples of the invention, the fabric
and/or the garment structures will be produced by a knitting
process. Examples of such methods include: (a) knitting at least a
portion of a garment or fabric structure, wherein at least one yarn
used in the knitting is electrically conductive, wherein the
knitting includes: (i) knitting a concentration of electrically
conductive yarn to form a knitted first sensor region in the
garment structure, wherein the concentration of electrically
conductive yarn is positioned and arranged in the garment structure
to receive a first electrical or other signal from a wearer's body
or from another source, and (ii) knitting a first lead from
electrically conductive yarn in the garment structure, wherein the
first lead is in electrical communication with and extends from the
first sensor region to carry an electrical signal from the first
sensor region; and (b) providing a first sensor data transfer
region on the garment structure for receiving the first electrical
signal.
[0174] Again, any types of garments, yarn materials, and/or
arrangement of sensor region(s) and/or lead(s) may be provided by
this method, including the various types of garments, yarn
materials, and/or sensor region and/or lead arrangement(s)
described above. If desired, this process may be used to produce a
one piece, optionally seamless or substantially seamless garment or
fabric structure. Knitting processes in accordance with at least
some examples of this invention may take place on a Shima Seiki
whole garment machine system or other programmable knitting system.
Such systems and methods for using them are known and are
conventionally used in the art.
[0175] B. Physical or Physiological Parameter Monitoring
Systems
[0176] Additional aspects of this invention relate to physical or
physiological parameter monitoring systems that utilize fabrics
and/or garments in accordance with examples of this invention
(e.g., the various fabrics and/or garments described above). As
more specific examples, a physical or physiological monitoring
system in accordance with at least some examples of this invention
may include: (a) a fabric structure formed, at least in part,
through a knitting or weaving process, wherein at least one yarn
used in the knitting or weaving process is electrically conductive,
and wherein the fabric structure includes one or more sensor
regions, wherein each sensor region includes: (i) a sensor element
integrated into the fabric structure during the knitting or weaving
process by providing a concentration of electrically conductive
yarn at a location of the sensor element, and (ii) a lead formed
from electrically conductive yarn and integrated into the fabric
structure during the knitting or weaving process, the lead in
electrical communication with and extending from the sensor element
to carry an electrical signal from the sensor region; (b) a data
transfer system for receiving electrical signals from the sensor
region(s) and transferring a first information signal, wherein the
first information signal includes at least one of the electrical
signals from one or more sensor regions or information derived, at
least in part, from the electrical signals from one or more sensor
regions; and (c) a physical or physiological monitoring output
device for receiving the first information signal and outputting
physical or physiological data or information, wherein the physical
or physiological data or information includes at least one of the
first information signal or data derived, at least in part, from
the first information signal. If desired, in accordance with at
least some examples of this invention, the fabric or garment
structure may be made, at least in part, by a knitting process,
wherein one or more sensor regions and leads are integrated into
the garment structure during the knitting process by providing a
concentration of electrically conductive yarn at the desired sensor
region or element locations during the knitting process.
[0177] If desired, the fabric used in the physical or physiological
monitoring systems described above may be incorporated into various
different products, such as garments (e.g., at least a portion of
an upper torso garment, at least a portion of a bra product (e.g.,
a sports bra), a track suit, a leotard, other form fitting
garments, etc.); blankets; hospital gowns; surgical wraps; diapers
or incontinence garments; etc. Also, if desired, at least some of
the yarn in the fabric structure may include spandex or another
elastic component, e.g., to help hold the sensor regions in the
proper location with respect to the wearer's body for performing
their monitoring function, to provide a comfortable, form-fitting
garment, etc. If desired, the yarn including the spandex component
may be separate and independent from the electrically conductive
yarn. Of course, the sensor region(s) may be provided at any
necessary and/or desired locations in the garment or other fabric
structure without departing from this invention.
[0178] The data transfer system may be provided as any desired
structure and/or at any desired location without departing from the
invention, including at a location separate and/or remote from the
fabric or garment structure. In some examples, if desired, the data
transfer system may constitute a "pad" or other concentration of
electrically conductive yarn that function as an electrical contact
portion for connection to other electrical conductors (e.g., wires,
metal plates, input receptacles, etc.). As another example, if
desired, the data transfer system may constitute or include a
terminal, such as a portion of a snap, plug, pin, or other
connector, that will enable connection to a wire, cable, or other
device (such as a direct or indirect connection to a physical or
physiological monitoring output device, a display device, a PC, a
nurse station, a computer workstation, an alarm device, a watch, a
cell phone, a PDA, an MP3 player, an audio/video device, or other
personally carried display or communication device, etc.). As still
another example, if desired, the data transfer system may include a
wireless transmission system for transmitting data from the garment
or fabric structure to another device, such as one of the various
devices described above. As still another example, if desired, the
data transfer system may include a memory and/or a processor
(optionally on board the garment, fabric, or other structure) that
stores data derived from the sensor region, e.g., for later
download, transmission, analysis, etc., and/or otherwise processes
the data.
[0179] Physical or physiological monitoring systems according to at
least some examples of this invention may display or otherwise
provide to users any desired type of information without departing
from the invention, including, for example, electrocardiogram data
or information, heart rate data or information, pulse rate data or
information, blood pressure data or information, respiration data
or information, blood oxygen data or information, brain wave data
or information, EEG data or information, moisture content data or
information (e.g., moisture on a sheet or garment including the
sensor regions), wearer motion or movement data or information,
radiation exposure data or information, radiation dose data or
information, temperature data or information, etc.
[0180] Finally, still additional aspects of this invention relate
to various methods of monitoring physical or physiological
parameters using fabrics and/or garments, e.g., of the various
types described above, as well as using the various physical or
physiological parameter monitoring systems described above. Such
methods may include: (a) providing a fabric structure (optionally
as all or part of a garment structure), wherein the fabric
structure is formed, at least in part, through a knitting or
weaving process, wherein at least one yarn used in the knitting or
weaving process is electrically conductive, and wherein the fabric
structure includes one or more sensor regions, wherein each sensor
region includes: (i) a sensor element integrated into the fabric
structure during the knitting or weaving process by providing a
concentration of electrically conductive yarn at a location of the
sensor region, and (ii) a lead formed from electrically conductive
yarn and integrated into the fabric structure during the knitting
or weaving process, the lead in electrical communication with and
extending from the sensor element to carry an electrical signal
from the sensor region; (b) receiving at least one electrical
signal from at least one sensor region; and (c) transmitting the
electrical signal along the respective lead or leads associated
with the sensor region or regions to a physical or physiological
parameter monitoring system.
[0181] Given the general description of various features and
aspects of the invention provided above, more detailed descriptions
of various specific examples of fabrics, garments, physical or
physiological monitoring systems, and methods according to the
invention are provided below.
II. Detailed Description of Example Fabric and Garment Structures
According to the Invention
[0182] In the description that follows, various connections are set
forth between elements in the overall structure of systems
according to the invention. The reader should understand that these
connections in general and, unless specified otherwise, may be
direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to
be limiting in this respect.
[0183] A. Yarn Materials
[0184] Fabrics and textiles used for systems and methods in
accordance with examples of this invention may include a wide
variety of different yarn materials and combinations of yarn
materials, including at least some yarn materials that are well
known and conventionally used in the art. For example, in many
instances the choice of material for the yarns included in the
fabric structure will be determined based on the intended end use
of the fabric. The yarn material used to make the majority of a
garment structure also often will be in immediate contact with the
wearer's skin. Therefore, yarns for inclusion in the garment should
be selected so as to provide the necessary comfort properties for
the fabric/garment. Various factors such as comfort, fit, fabric
hand, air permeability, moisture absorption, stretchability,
flexibility, and/or other structural characteristics of the yarn
may be relevant to a determination of the types of yarns to be
included in a specific fabric structure. Suitable yarns include,
but are not limited to, cotton, nylons, rayons, other polyesters,
spandex, polyester/cotton blends, and micro denier polyester/cotton
blends.
[0185] The term "yarn," as used herein, should be broadly construed
as including any assembly capable of use in a knitting or weaving
process having a substantially longer length than its cross
section. Examples of yarns include both twisted and untwisted
materials of various different constructions and compositions,
including combinations of more than one individual element.
Specific examples of "yarns" include, but are not necessarily
limited to, fibers, filaments, staple fibers, threads, and the
like, including the various examples described in more detail
below.
[0186] Cotton yarn includes natural fibers and possesses excellent
moisture absorption properties and has very soft feel on the skin.
It also has mechanical and abrasion properties that typically make
it suitable for a wide variety of specific applications, such as
for undergarments, baby clothes, etc. Micro denier polyester/cotton
blends are extremely versatile fibers that typically are
characterized by: (a) good feel, i.e., handle; (b) good moisture
absorption; (c) good mechanical properties and abrasion resistance;
and (d) ease of processing. Suitable micro denier polyester/cotton
blended fibers are known in the art and are commercially available,
for example, from Hamby Textile Research of North Carolina. Micro
denier fibers for use in the blend also are known in the art and
are commercially available, for example, from E.I. DuPont de
Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del.
[0187] As will be described in more detail below, garments in
accordance with at least some examples of this invention may
include one or more yarns having an elastic component. All or one
or more portions of the garment may be constructed from yarns
including this elastic component. One such elastic or stretchable
component that may be used in fabrics and/or garments in accordance
with at least some examples of this invention includes elastomeric
yarns like spandex (e.g., available under the tradename LYCRA.RTM.
from INVISTA Corporation of Wichita, Kans.). The comfort stretch
component may be used in at least some fabric and/or garment
structures to form conforming portions in the fabric, at least at
various desired locations, e.g., to achieve and maintain good and
stable contact between the electrodes and the wearer's skin.
[0188] Additionally, as mentioned above, at least some of the yarn
included in the fabric or garment structure during the fabric
formation process (e.g., when knitting or weaving to produce the
fabric) will include an electrically conductive material. A wide
variety of electrically conductive yarns may be used without
departing from this invention. For example, the electrically
conductive yarns may include either a high or low conductivity
electrical conducting material component ("ECC") or both high and
low conductivity components. In at least some examples, the
electrically conductive fiber may have a resistivity of from about
0.07 ohm/meter -3 to 10 k ohms/m. The ECC can be used to monitor
one or more body vital signs including, for example, heart rate,
pulse rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation (pulse ox), through
sensors on the body and for linking to a personal status monitor
("PSM"). The ECC also can be used to monitor levels of selected
components in the body's environment, such as chemical, biological,
and radiation (nuclear) levels, as well as smoke levels and oxygen
content in the atmosphere. Suitable materials for use as
electrically conductive material components for yarns may include,
for example, intrinsically conducting polymers, doped fibers, and
metallic fibers, as well as combinations thereof.
[0189] Polymers that conduct electric currents without the addition
of conductive (inorganic) substances or dopants are known as
"intrinsically conductive polymers" (also called "ICPs"). At least
some intrinsically electrically conducting polymers have a
conjugated structure, i.e., alternating single and double bonds
between the carbon atoms of the main polymeric chain. In the late
1970s, it was discovered that polyacetylene could be prepared in a
form with a high electrical conductivity and that the conductivity
could be further increased by chemical oxidation. Thereafter, many
other polymers with a conjugated (alternating single and double
bonds) carbon main chain have been shown to possess the same
behavior, e.g., polythiophene and polypyrrole. Initially, it was
believed that the processability of traditional polymers and the
discovered electrical conductivity could be combined. However, it
has been found that the conductive polymers typically are rather
unstable in air, and they typically have poor mechanical properties
and cannot be easily processed. Also, intrinsically conductive
polymers typically are insoluble in solvents, and they possess a
very high melting point and exhibit little other softening
behavior. Consequently, they cannot be processed in the same way as
normal thermoplastic polymers, and they usually are processed using
a variety of dispersion methods. Because of these shortcomings,
fibers made up of fully conducting polymers with good mechanical
properties are not yet commercially available and hence are not
presently preferred for use in garments and/or fabrics in
accordance with this invention (although they may be used, if
desired).
[0190] Another class of conducting fibers includes polymeric or
other fibers doped within organic or metallic particles. The
conductivity of these fibers is relatively high if they are
sufficiently doped with metal particles, but this may make the
fibers somewhat less flexible. Such fibers can be used in garment
and/or fabric structures, e.g., to carry information from the
sensors to the data transfer location and/or monitoring unit, if
they are properly insulated.
[0191] Metallic fibers, such as copper and stainless steel
optionally insulated with polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride, also
may be used as conducting fibers in fabric and/or garment
structures in accordance with examples of this invention. With
their exceptional current carrying capacity, copper and stainless
steel typically are more efficient than doped polymeric fibers.
Also, metallic fibers are strong, and they resist stretching,
neck-down, creep, nicks, and breaks very well. Therefore, metallic
fibers of very small diameter (e.g., on the order of 0.1 mm) may be
used in garments and fabric structures in accordance with examples
of this invention, e.g., to carry information from the sensors to
the data transfer location and/or monitoring unit. Even when
insulated, the fiber diameter typically can be maintained less than
0.3 mm, and therefore, these fibers can be made very flexible and
can be easily incorporated into a fabric and/or garment structure.
Also, the installation and connection of metallic fibers to a PSM
unit will be simple, as there is no need for special connectors,
tools, compounds, and/or procedures.
[0192] One example of a highly conductive yarn suitable for use in
fabrics and garment structures is BEKINOX.RTM. brand stainless
steel fibers available from Bekaert Corporation of Marietta, Ga. (a
subsidiary of Bekintex Nev., Wetteren, Belgium), which have a
typical resistivity of about 60 ohm-meter. BEKITEX.RTM. brand
yarns, which include BEKINOX.RTM. brand stainless steel fibers,
also are commercially available from Bekaert Corp. The bending
rigidity of this yarn and these fibers are comparable to those of
polyarnide high-resistance yarns, and these yarns and fibers may be
used to form at least portions of the electrically conductive
sensor regions, leads, and/or other aspects of the information
infrastructure in accordance with the present invention.
[0193] Still other examples of suitable electrically conductive
materials for the sensor regions, leads, and/or other portions of
the information infrastructure component for fabrics and garment
structures in accordance with this invention include: (i) nylon
fibers doped with conductive inorganic particles un-insulated
and/or insulated with a PVC sheath; (ii) un-insulated and/or
insulated stainless steel fibers; and/or (iii) thin gauge copper
wires with or without a polyethylene or other insulative sheath.
All of these fibers can readily be incorporated into a fabric or
garment structure and can serve as elements of a wearable physical
and/or physiological parameter monitoring system in accordance with
this invention. A specific example of a commercially available thin
copper wire that may be used in fabric and/or garment structures in
accordance with at least some examples of this invention includes
24-gauge insulated copper wire available from Ack Electronics of
Atlanta, Ga.
[0194] FIGS. 1A through 1P illustrate examples of cross sections of
various yarns that may be included in fabric and garment structures
in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. FIGS.
1A through 1D illustrate various examples of electrically
conductive fibers 100 (e.g., made of stainless steel, copper, or
other metallic materials or intrinsically conductive polymeric
materials) of various different cross sections (e.g., round (FIG.
1A), hexagonal (FIG. 1B), thick rectangular (FIG. 1C), and flat
rectangular). Of course, a wide variety of other cross sectional
shapes may be used without departing from this invention. Moreover,
if desired, yarns of these cross sections and these structures may
be utilized for any non-electrically conducting yarns in the fabric
or garment structures without departing from this invention, (e.g.,
cotton, spandex, polyesters, combinations thereof, etc.).
[0195] FIGS. 1E through 1N illustrate various examples of yarn
structures 110 in which at least one discrete strand, portion, or
component 112 in the yarn structure 110 (the blackened component in
the illustrations) is constructed from an electrically conductive
component and at least one other discrete strand, portion, or
component 114 in the yarn structure 110 is made from another type
of material, e.g., present to provide other desired properties
(e.g., electrical insulation, comfort properties, fit properties,
feel properties, fabric hand, air permeability, moisture
absorption, stretchability, abrasion resistance, ease of
processing, flexibility, other desired mechanical properties,
etc.). Of course, if desired, yarns of these cross sections and/or
these structures may be utilized for any non-electrically
conducting yarns in the fabric or garment structures without
departing from this invention (e.g., by omitting or replacing the
electrically conductive component 112 with another component that
is non-electrically conductive (e.g., typical fabric yarn
components)). Also, wide variations in the cross-sectional shapes
of the various portions 112 and 114 and/or overall yarn structure
110 may be made without departing from this invention.
[0196] FIGS. 1O and 1P illustrate examples of yarn structures 120
made up of multiple independent strands 122 of material (in twisted
or untwisted form (untwisted is illustrated). Of course, any
desired number of strands 122, cross-sectional shape, and/or
overall cross sectional shape may be provided in a yarn structure
120 without departing from this invention, and if desired, the
individual strands 122 in a given yarn structure 120 may have the
same or differing cross sectional shapes without departing from
this invention. When used as an electrically conductive yarn
component, one or more of the individual strands may be
electrically conductive, e.g., in one or more of the various ways
described above (e.g., as an intrinsically conductive polymer
strand 122, as a doped polymer strand 122, as a metallic strand
122, etc.).
[0197] B. Knitting and Weaving Procedures
[0198] Yarns, e.g., of the various types described above, may be
formed into fabrics in various ways, including in conventional
weaving, intertwining, twisting, and/or knitting (or interlooping)
processes as are known and used in the art.
[0199] FIGS. 2A through 2E illustrate various examples of fabric
structures 200 formed by weaving or other weave-type fabric
formation procedures in which electrically conductive yarns 202
(the blackened yarns) are provided at various locations in the
structure 200 along with other, non-electrically conductive yarns
204. If desired, relatively high concentrations of electrically
conductive yarns 202 may be provided at various locations in the
fabric structure 200, such as at locations in a garment structure
where the electrically conductive yarns 202 can pick up electrical
or other signals from the body or from another source, e.g., for
EKG, heart rate, pulse rate, chemical exposure, light or other
radiation exposure, moisture, or other measurement purposes. In
fabric structures 200, the location(s) and concentration(s) of
electrically conductive yarns 202 with respect to the
non-electrically conductive yarns 204 may be selected such that
good electrical conductivity is maintained while the overall fabric
still maintains other desired properties (e.g., good comfort, fit,
feel, hand, air permeability, moisture absorption, sweat wicking,
stretchability, flexibility, abrasion resistance, processibility,
etc.). While the illustrated examples only show the electrically
conductive yarns 202 running in one direction (e.g., only in the
weft or warp directions), if desired, the electrically conductive
yarns 202 may be provided running in any desired direction,
including in multiple directions, without departing from the
invention. Also, if desired, an individual yarn strand 202 may
include only discrete portions of electrical conductivity along its
length direction (e.g., doped with electrically conductive material
over only a portion of its length, including an insulative covering
over a portion of its length, etc.) without departing from this
invention.
[0200] FIGS. 3A through 3I illustrate various examples of knitted
or other interlooping fabric structures 300 that may include
electrically conductive yarn components 302 at various locations in
the overall structure 300 (again, non-electrically conductive yarns
304, optionally of a variety of different compositions, may be
present at various locations and selected such that the overall
fabric 300 still maintains other desired properties (e.g., good
comfort, fit, feel, hand, air permeability, moisture absorption,
sweat wicking, stretchability, flexibility, abrasion resistance,
processibility, etc.)). Conventional and commercially available
knitting machines and systems are known in the art that are capable
of forming various types of stitches within a single textile
structure, and such machines and systems also may incorporate one
or more yarn types into the textile structure (e.g., to include
both electrically conductive and non-electrically conductive yarns
in a single fabric structure when forming the fabric). In general,
such conventional knitting machines and systems may be programmed
to alter a design on the textile structure through needle
selection. More specifically, the type of stitch formed at each
location on a textile structure may be selected by programming a
knitting machine such that specific needles either accept or do not
accept yarn at each stitch location. In this manner, various
patterns, textures, or designs may be selectively and purposefully
imparted to the textile structure. In addition, known knitting
machines and systems may be programmed to utilize a specific type
of yarn material for each stitch. That is, the type of yarn
utilized at each location on the textile structure may be selected
by programming the knitting machine such that specific needles
accept a particular type of yarn at each stitch location. These
features of known and conventional knitting machines and systems
can be used in accordance with examples of the invention to provide
concentrations of electrically conductive yarn at specific
locations in a garment or fabric structure, e.g., to thereby
produce knitted sensor elements, electrode elements, contact
elements, and/or lead elements, directly and integrally into the
knitted fabric structure.
[0201] The electrically conductive yarn component may be used as
the yarn in either the course direction or the wale direction, or
both in the course and wale directions, optionally at selected and
targeted locations within these directions, without departing from
this invention.
[0202] As a more specific example, in accordance with at least some
examples of this invention, knitted fabric and/or garment
structures in accordance with the invention may be produced using a
commercially available Shima Seiki Whole Garment Machine. A
commercially available machine having the following example
parameters and specifications may be used: TABLE-US-00001 Parameter
Details Knitting Machine Bed Shima Seiki Whole Garment Machine 4
bed System Plating Feeders Construction Any knit construction Gauge
(Needles Per Inch) 8-14 Width Any desired width in inches Wales per
Inch As desired - depending on the garment weight - e.g., 1-100
Courses per Inch As desired - e.g., 1-100 Yarn Component - Cotton,
Cotton/Polyester Blends, Cotton/Nylon Blends, Cotton/Stretch
Polyester Blends, Cotton/Stretch Nylon Blends etc. Elastomeric
Component: Bare Lycra, Covered Lycra 40-120 D Electrical Conductive
Yarn Stainless Steel, Silver Coated, Copper Coated, Silver/Copper
Coated, Carbon, Copper wire, insulated, uninsulated
[0203] The above table shows various example parameters that can be
used for producing a seamless whole knitted garment on a Shima
Seiki whole garment machine (e.g., a stretchable, form-fitting
T-shirt or sports bra type garment). The resulting garment may be
constructed to have an information infrastructure integrated within
the fabric by selectively providing high concentrations of
electrically conductive yarn at locations corresponding to sensor
regions, electrode elements, contact elements, and/or lead
elements. The various parameters and/or yarn selection and/or
placement features can be adjusted, as desired, to affect the
performance and/or feel characteristics of the resulting knitted
fabric or garment, to provide the sensors and leads in the desired
locations, etc.
[0204] The production of a fabric or garment structure on an
automated knitting system, such as the Shima Seiki Whole Garment
Machine System, is advantageous in at least some respects because
it allows an entire garment to be constructed, if desired, that is
ready to wear as it comes off the machine. If desired and properly
programmed, the Shima Seiki Whole Garment Machine System also
allows for production of an entire garment without any seams, cuts,
and/or sewing needs. These features can lower lead time and avoid
substantial costs and/or difficulties, for example, associated with
the quality of the fabric or garment product, repeatability of the
design, percent off quality, etc.
[0205] C. Sensor and/or Lead Construction
[0206] FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate more details of a fabric
structure, in the form of a T-shirt type garment 400 in this
illustrated example, that includes plural sensor regions 402 and
404 and lead elements 402a, 402b, 404a, and 404b leading away from
the sensor regions 402 and 404. FIG. 4A is a general view of a
portion of the T-shirt garment 400, for context purposes, with more
detailed views of the sensor region 402 and lead elements 402a and
402b shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C. FIG. 4B illustrates the sensor
region 402 and lead elements 402a and 402b from the garment
exterior, while FIG. 4C illustrates these elements from the garment
interior.
[0207] In fabric production, e.g., using the Shima Seiki Whole
Garment Machine or other appropriate knitting system, a high
concentration of electrically conductive yarn (e.g., one of the
types described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A through 1P) may
be provided at desired locations to produce an electrode or other
sensor region 402 integrated into the fabric of the garment
structure 400 at a desired location in the garment structure 400.
The actual yarn making up the sensor structure 402 also forms an
integral part of the garment's structure 400 (e.g., no other base
fabric, yarn, substrate, or other base material needs to be
provided at the location of the sensor region 402). One or multiple
different types, shapes, patterns, etc. of electrically conductive
yarn 402 may be present in the sensor region 402 without departing
from the invention. Of course, any desired number of sensor regions
and/or positioning of sensor regions may be provided in an
individual garment or fabric structure without departing from this
invention. As apparent from the interior view of FIG. 4C, with the
sensor region 402 and leads 402a and 402b integrally formed in the
garment structure 400 by the yarns selected to make these regions,
the resulting garment 400 remains flexible and comfortable to the
touch and can receive signals directly at the sensor region 402
(due to contact between the sensor region 402 and the wearer's
skin) without the need for glue, tape, sticky electrodes, or the
like.
[0208] This sensor region 402 may directly contact the garment
wearer's body for at least some uses or applications and may be
used to pick up electrical (or other appropriate) signals from the
wearer's body or from other sources. The electrical (or other)
signals may be transmitted from the sensor region 402 along lead
lines 402a and 402b to a data transfer system (which will be
described in more detail later). As shown, for example in FIG. 4C,
the lead lines 402a and 402b also may be integrally formed as part
of the fabric structure by providing a concentration of
electrically conductive yarn (e.g., one of the types described
above in conjunction with FIGS. 1A through 1P) continuously at
appropriate locations in the garment structure so as to form the
continuous lead lines 402a and 402b at the desired locations in the
garment structure 400. The actual yarn making up the lead line
structures 402a and 402b also may form an integral part of the
garment's structure 400 (e.g., no other base fabric, yarn,
substrate, or other base material need be provided at the locations
of the lead lines 402a and 402b). The electrically conductive yarns
used to make the lead lines 402a and 402b may be the same or
different, and they may be the same as or different from the yarn
or yarns used to make the sensor region 402. Additionally, if
desired, more than one type of electrically conductive yarn may be
used in an individual sensor region 402 and/or a lead element 402a
or 402b. Of course, any desired number of leads and/or
interconnection of lead elements may be provided in an individual
fabric or garment structure without departing from this
invention.
[0209] Electrical connection between the various yarns of the
sensor region 402, between the yarns of the sensor region 402 and
the lead lines 402a and 402b, and/or along the length of the
individual lead lines 402a and 402b may be made, for example,
through the selection of various yarns and the interconnecting and
looping features of a knitted or other interlooping structure, as
illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3A through 31, particularly when
electrically conductive material is exposed on the yarn's exterior
surface. Appropriate electrical connections also may be provided
via selection of yarns at appropriate locations in a weave or other
structure as shown in FIGS. 2A through 2E, particularly when
electrically conductive material is exposed on the yarn's exterior
surface.
[0210] By providing the electrical conductive yarns for the sensor
region(s) and the lead element(s) directly in the garment structure
(by contacting the yarns with one another), there is no need for
mechanical, chemical, and/or other types of interconnections within
the sensor region, within the conductive network, and/or between
the sensor region (e.g., functioning as an electrode) and the
conductive network (e.g., the lead elements). Rather, these
interconnections can be made directly through interconnections
between the yarns in the overall fabric or garment construction (if
desired, however, other physical interconnections can be created).
The use of this knitted interconnection without the presence of
separate mechanical and/or chemical connections (which tend to
break or breakdown, e.g., in use, in laundry cycles, etc.),
provides a very comfortable, light, aesthetically pleasing,
durable, and reliable interconnection that may be readily and
automatically produced during the garment or fabric production
process (e.g., during knitting on a Shima Seiki Whole Garment
Machine or other appropriate knitting or fabric constructing
system). This knitted or woven interconnection feature also is very
useful for providing automatable, continuous, large scale,
reproducible, and/or repeatable fabric/garment production systems
and methods.
[0211] Also, by integrating the sensor regions in the yarns that
make up the garment structure, instead of attaching an electrode
fabric to the conductive network of a T-shirt as is known, the
entire garment may be made, including the integrated sensor regions
and leads, in one process, e.g., using the Shima Seiki Whole
Garment Machine. These aspects of the invention can be advantageous
for various reasons: (a) there is no need for the sensor electrode
to be separately attached to the data network for monitoring; (b)
there is less probability of loose connections between the
electrode sensor and the data network (e.g., the leads); (c) there
is less probability of sensor electrode and data network breakdown
due to mechanical failure; (d) these is less probability of the
sensor electrode not transmitting electrical signals to the
electronics hub; and (e) there is a minimal differential on
movement of yarns due to push and pull forces on the garment or
fabric structure.
[0212] As shown in the close up view of FIG. 4C, the sensor region
402 in this example structure actually has four independent
electrically conductive lead lines made from electrically
conductive yarn extending from it: (a) one line 402a(1) extending
from the top, right side of the sensor region 402 toward the bottom
of the figure, (b) one line 402a(2) extending from the bottom,
right side of the sensor region 402 toward the bottom of the
figure, (c) one line 402b(1) extending from the bottom, left side
of the sensor region 402 toward the bottom of the figure, and (d)
one line 402b(2) extending from the top, left side of the sensor
region 402 toward the bottom of the figure. Of course, any number
of lead lines may be provided from a given sensor region 402
without departing from this invention, and the lead lines 402a and
402b may electrically connect to the sensor region 402 at any
desired location(s) (e.g., through the interlooping of yarns in the
knitted fabric structure) without departing from this
invention.
[0213] While region 402 above has been described as a "sensor
region" or electrode region (which terms are used interchangeably
in this specification), e.g., for receiving signals from the
wearer's body or other sources, those skilled in the art will
recognize, however, that the same type of electrically conductive
knitted region may be provided as a "contact" region, e.g., for
making contact with wires, input systems, transmitters, and/or
other external equipment, e.g., to transfer electrical signals from
the wearer's body to processing equipment. As a more specific
example, if desired, in the example structure 400 shown in FIGS. 4A
through 4C, the lead lines 402a, 402b, 404a, and 404b may extend to
and terminate at one or more data transfer locations, at least some
of which may be formed as a contact pad from knitted electrically
conductive yarns, e.g., in a manner similar to region 402. An
electrical conductor may engage this contact pad to transmit
electrical signals to other equipment. Of course, other terminal
points and/or structures for transferring electrical signals and/or
data from the fabric or garment structure 400 to other storage,
processing, and/or display systems are possible without departing
from the invention, such as metallic snaps, cable couplings, other
contact pads or pins, junction boxes, wireless or wired
transmission systems, and the like. Also, if desired, one or more
of the lead lines 402a, 402b, 404a, and 404b may extend and
terminate at one or more processors, memory elements, or the like,
or at input ports for such devices, optionally provided on board
the fabric or garment structure.
[0214] FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate examples of additional
knitted or other integrated fabric sensor regions, electrode
structures, contact elements, and the like that may be included in
fabrics and/or garment structures in accordance with examples of
this invention. In the example fabric structure 500 of FIG. 5A, the
sensor region 502 is integrally formed as part of the fabric
structure 500 using electrically conductive yarns, e.g., of one or
more of the types described above. The sensor region 502 is
connected at its top area to a lead line 504 and at its bottom area
to a lead line 506. These lead lines 504 and 506, which also are
formed from electrically conductive yarns and are integrated into
and integrally formed as part of the fabric structure, extend away
from the sensor region to separate terminal points 508 and 510,
respectively. Electrical connection between the areas of the sensor
region 502, between the sensor region 502 and the leads 504 and
506, and along the length of leads 504 and 506, is established via
the contact and/or interlooping features of the woven or knitted
fabric structure 500. If desired, the lead lines 504 and 506 could
terminate at a single terminal point. The terminal points 508 and
510 may constitute the same or different type structures, and they
may include, for example, a knitted or other contact pad (e.g., for
connection to an external device); metallic snaps; cable couplings;
contact pins; junction boxes; input systems for wireless or wired
transmission systems, processors, memory elements, or the like;
etc. These termination points 508 and/or 510 may be provided as
part of the fabric structure 500, attached to the fabric structure
500, or separate from the fabric structure 500 without departing
from the invention. The example structure of FIG. 5A has some
advantages because two independent lead lines 504 and 506 carry the
signals collected by the sensor region 502, thereby providing some
redundancy or duplicity, e.g., in the event that one lead line 504
or 506 breaks, becomes interrupted, or otherwise loses its ability
to carry electricity and/or provide data to its respective
termination point 508 or 510.
[0215] The material 512 surrounding the sensor region 502 and/or
the lead lines 504 and 506 may be made in any desired construction
and/or from any desired material without departing from the
invention. In some examples, the yarns of material 512 will
directly engage with and couple to the yarns of the sensor region
502 and the lead lines 504 and 506 during the knitting process to
thereby form an integral fabric structure 500. The yarns of
material 512 may have any desired properties, including, for
example, good comfort, fit, feel, hand, air permeability, moisture
absorption, sweat wicking, stretchability, flexibility, abrasion
resistance, processibility, etc. Preferably, in at least some
examples, this material 512 will be electrically insulative. Also,
in at least some examples, at least some of the material 512 will
be made from a stretchable material (such as from a yarn including
a spandex or other elastic component) to provide a tight,
form-fitting garment or fabric structure 500 that will maintain
close contact of the sensor region 502 to a wearer's body (if this
feature is desired). As another example, if desired, the material
512 immediately surrounding the lead lines 504 and 506 and/or
sensor region 502 may be formed as a sewing strip or other
structure, e.g., to enable easy attachment of the fabric structure
500 to another element, such as another overall part of a garment
structure, to the interior and/or exterior of an existing garment
structure, etc.
[0216] The material 514 between the lead lines 504 and 506 also may
have any desired construction and/or may be made from any desired
materials without departing from this invention, including from
insulative or conductive yarns, from stretchable yarns, etc.
[0217] FIG. 5B illustrates a different sensor/lead arrangement in a
fabric structure 520 that includes a knitted or other integrated
sensor region 502 and two knitted or other integrated lead lines
504 and 506 formed from electrically conductive yarns in the
manners described above. In this example fabric structure 520,
however, the lead lines 504 and 506 extend in opposite directions
from the sensor region 502. Of course, the various lead lines may
extend from a sensor region 502 in any desired directions without
departing from this invention. By providing lead lines 504 and 506
running in different directions, as shown in FIG. 5B, if the fabric
structure 520 is compromised on one side of the sensor region 502
(e.g., due to tearing, cutting, or penetration of the fabric
structure 520, etc.), one lead line (504 or 506) also may be
compromised (and thus not able to provide electrical signals to its
respective termination point 508 or 510). Nonetheless, the other
lead line may remain uncompromised and available to transfer data
from the sensor region 502 to its termination point for further
processing and display.
[0218] Another example sensor/lead arrangement in a fabric
structure 530 is shown in FIG. 5C. In this example, the sensor
region includes two independent knitted sensor elements 502a and
502b electrically connected to one another by one or more knitted
leads 502c (any number may be used without departing from the
invention). Like the example shown in FIG. 5B, the knitted lead
lines 504 and 506 extend in opposite directions and terminate at
separate termination points 508 and 510 (although other
arrangements are possible). In this example structure 530, the
sensor elements 502a and 502b are provided relatively close to one
another to enable them to pick up the same electrical (or other)
signal from the wearer's body or other source. This feature
provides some redundancy and duplicity in monitoring a given
parameter, e.g., in the event that one sensor element 502a or 502b
does not function or receive the signal for some reason, such as
due to the presence of a fold or other feature separating the
sensor element from the wearer's body, due to the presence of an
additional garment or debris between the sensor element and the
wearer's body, etc., the other sensor may remain functional and
available to receive and transmit the signal.
[0219] Of course, the additional fabric 512 may extend to any
length, in any desired shape or form, without departing from the
invention, e.g., to form a belt, garment, blanket, or other desired
structures, or portion thereof. Also, while the above description
of FIGS. 5A through 5C has mentioned knitted structures (e.g., for
the sensor regions, leads, etc.), those skilled in the art will
appreciate, as described above, that the various electrically
conductive regions for sensor regions, leads, electrodes, contacts,
and the like also may be integrated and formed into the garment
structure by other fabric construction methods without departing
from this invention, such as by weaving. Also, all of these
elements may be made in any desired sizes or dimensions, at any
desired locations, without departing from this invention.
[0220] D. Garment and Other Product Constructions
[0221] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the front and back, respectively,
of an example garment structure 600 in accordance with some
examples of the invention in the form of an upper torso garment
(e.g., a T-shirt, bra, or other garment that covers at least a
portion of the upper torso). As shown, in this structure 600, two
electrode elements 602a and 602b (e.g., knitted sensor regions of
the types described above) are provided in the upper chest area
(e.g., for monitoring heart rate, EKG, etc.). A lead line 604 from
electrode element 602a extends down the right side of the garment
600 and then across the garment's lower front to a terminal point
606 at the garment's left side. A lead line 608 from electrode
element 602b extends to and then down the garment's left side to
terminate at terminal point 610.
[0222] Two additional electrode elements 620a and 620b are located
in the lower portion of this example garment structure 600, one
electrode 620a on the garment's front and one electrode 620b on the
garment's back. A lead line 622 from electrode element 620a extends
across the garment's front to its left side and ends at terminal
point 624. A lead line 626 from electrode element 620b extends
across the garment's rear to its left side and ends at terminal
point 628. The use of knitted and integrated electrode (or sensor)
elements and their associated lead lines, and incorporating these
elements directly into the yarn forming the garment structure 600
in a manner in accordance with this invention, enables production
of a comfortable, flexible garment, optionally a seamless,
form-fitting, and/or one-piece garment (e.g., if formed on a Shima
Seiki Whole Garment Machine by a knitting process, e.g., using at
least some elastomeric yarns) with very flexible placement of the
sensor elements, lead lines, terminal points, etc. In this
illustrated example, the lead lines extend, where necessary, along
the garment 600 sides, front, and/or back, and all terminate at the
left side location, to enable connection to input elements, wires,
cables, transmitters, and/or any other desired processing
equipment, or the like, at this closely located side location.
[0223] Of course, any desired number and/or placement of sensor
elements and/or lead lines may be provided in a garment structure
without departing from this invention, e.g., based on the selection
of specific yarns (e.g., electrically conductive yarns or
non-electrically conductive yarns) for specific garment locations
during a knitting or other fabric or garment production process.
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate another example garment structure 700.
In this garment structure, knitted electrode or sensor regions 702a
and 702b are provided on the garment's shoulder areas, and the
knitted lead lines 704 and 706, respectively, from these electrode
regions 702a and 702b extend across the garment shoulders and down
its sides, and where necessary, across its front and/or rear, to
terminate at terminal points 606 and 610, respectively. Again, in
this example structure, all of the lead line terminal points 606,
610, 624, and 628 are located on one side of the garment structure
700. Of course, other terminal point placement locations and/or
arrangements, as well as lead line extension directions and/or
locations, may be used without departing from this invention.
Electrode arrangements at the shoulder location, as illustrated in
this example structure 700, can be particularly useful in upper
torso garments (such as T-shirts, bras, and the like), because
contact between the garment and body at the shoulder area is
relatively reliable, even if the garment 700 is somewhat loose
fitting, e.g., due to gravity. Also, this shoulder based electrode
arrangement can be useful for garments designed for use by users
that typically wear backpacks or haul equipment having shoulder
straps of some type (as the weight of the equipment can help
maintain stable contact between the electrodes and the wearer's
body).
[0224] As noted above, garment structures in accordance with
various examples of this invention may be constructed to include an
elastomeric yarn so as to provide a relatively tight, form-fitting
garment. The elastomeric yarn, however, need not be distributed
throughout all portions of the garment structure. FIG. 8
illustrates an example of such a garment structure 800. As shown,
the garment structure 800 includes various sensor or electrode
regions 602a, 602b, and 620a with lead lines 604, 608, and 622,
respectively, terminating at terminal points 606, 610, and 624,
respectively, as generally shown in the example garment structure
600 of FIG. 6A. In this garment structure 800, the bulk of the
garment 800 is formed from a relatively low stretch yarn material
802, such as cotton, polyester, etc. (e.g., conventional T-shirt
material). At and around the locations of the sensor regions 602a,
602b, and 620a, however, the garment structure 800 is formed to
include a highly elastic yarn material 804, such as a yarn
including a spandex component, so as to provide a tight fit and
stretchability at these areas. This stretchability feature at the
electrode areas can help maintain the sensor regions 602a, 602b,
and 620a in contact with the wearer's body at the desired locations
and help prevent undesired movement of the garment structure 800
and/or electrodes 602a, 602b, and 620a with respect to the wearer's
body. Using knitting technology, as described above, yarns for the
various sensor regions 602a, 602b, and 620a, lead lines 604, 608,
and 622, bulk material 802, and stretch material 804 can be
selected at appropriate locations to integrate these various
different materials, constructions, and areas into a single,
integrated structure (optionally, as a seamless, continuous, and/or
one piece construction). While it may do so, the elastomeric
regions need not extend continuously and/or entirely around garment
structure 800.
[0225] FIG. 9 illustrates an example garment structure 900, e.g.,
similar to that shown in FIG. 6A, but with various redundancy or
duplicity characteristics included therein. As shown, in this
example structure each electrode region (902, 904, and 906)
includes two separate electrode sub-regions or elements (902a,
902b, 904a, 904b, 906a, and 906b). The electrode sub-regions (902a,
902b, 904a, 904b, 906a, and 906b) are electrically connected to one
another by lead lines (902c, 904c, and 906c, respectively), and the
regions 902, 904, and 906 are connected to their respective
terminals 606, 610, and 624 via their associated lead lines 604,
608, and 622, respectively. Of course, other lead or electrical
connections and/or arrangements are possible without departing from
this invention. For example, if desired, any or all of the
sub-regions (902a, 902b, 904a, 904b, 906a, and 906b) may be
separately connected to its respective lead lines (604, 608, and
622, respectively). As another example, if desired, any or all of
the sub-regions (902a, 902b, 904a, 904b, 906a, and 906b) may be
connected to their respective terminals 606, 610, and 624 or to
different terminals along different lead lines or along different
lead lines for at least some portion of the connection to the
terminal. Other variations also are possible.
[0226] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate another example upper torso
garment structure 1000, in this instance, in the form of a sports
bra. Again, this garment structure 1000 may be made by knitting or
other garment forming processes, optionally, as a seamless,
one-piece, stretchable garment structure by selecting appropriate
yarns, e.g., using a Shima Seiki Whole Garment Machine. While any
desired number of sensor elements may be located at any desired
position in the garment structure 1000 (e.g., depending on the
physical and/or physiological parameter(s) being monitored, the
intended end use, etc.) and electrically connected in any desired
manner, in this illustrated example, the garment structure 1000
includes two sensor elements 1002 and 1004 arranged in an elastic
band portion 1006 along the bottom front of the garment structure
1000. Alternatively, if desired, the band portion 1006 may be
formed as a separate piece that is attached to the upper portion
1008 of the garment structure 1000, e.g., by sewing, etc.
[0227] As described above, the sensor elements 1002 and 1004 may be
formed as an integral part of the band portion 1006, e.g., by
knitting the sensor elements 1002 and 1004 from electrically
conductive yarns along with the yarn making up the remainder of the
band portion 1006 and/or the upper portion 1008. Also, in this
illustrated example, two lead lines (1010a, 1010b, 1012a, and
1012b) extend from each sensor element 1002 and 1004, respectively,
to a termination point 1014 and 1016, respectively. The termination
points 1014 and 1016 in this example structure 1000 constitute
input ports, contact pads, contact pins, or the like, for an
electronic module 1018. The electronic module 1018 may be
permanently incorporated into and/or attached to the garment
structure 1000, it may be removably attached to the garment
structure 1000, and/or it may constitute a part of or include
another device or piece of equipment (such as a physical or
physiological parameter monitor device, display device, alarm,
processor system, transmitter/receiver system, etc.). Also, the
electronic module 1018 may perform any desired functions without
departing from this invention, including, for example: converting
an electrical signal to data or information relating to a physical
or physiological parameter; processing data associated with a
measured physical or physiological parameter (e.g., based on the
electrical (or other) signal received by the sensor elements 1002
and 1004 and carried along the leads 1010a, 1101b, 1012a, and
1012b); storing data or information associated with a measured
physical or physiological parameter; transmitting data or
information associated with a measured physical or physiological
parameter (e.g., via wireless technology, wires, cables, etc.),
e.g., to further processing, storage, alarm, or display systems,
etc.; displaying data or information associated with a measured
physical or physiological parameter; etc.
[0228] While the sensor regions 1002 and 1004, lead lines 1010a,
1010b, 1012a, and 1012b, and terminal points 1014 and 1016 all are
shown as part of the band portion 1006 in this illustrated example,
those skilled in the art will recognize, of course, that any or all
of these elements (and/or additional elements) may be provided at
any desired location in the garment structure 1000, including in
the upper portion 1008 and/or in any desired combination of the
upper portion 1008 and/or the band portion 1006. The upper portion
1008 may be made of any desired materials and/or yarns, and in at
least some examples, it may include knitted or other sensor
regions, e.g., of the types described above, as well as lead lines,
for example, in one or more of the front chest portion 1020, in the
upper shoulder strap portions 1022, on the back portion 1024, along
the side portion(s), etc.
[0229] Other fabric and/or garment constructions also are possible
without departing from this invention. For example, as illustrated
in FIG. 11A, a dual layer fabric (or garment) structure 1100 may be
produced in accordance with at least some examples of this
invention. A dual layer fabric structure 1100 includes an interior
fabric layer 1102 and an exterior fabric layer 1104, optionally
with an interior area 1106 defined between the layers 1102 and
1104. The interior and exterior layers 1102 and 1104 may be joined
together in any desired manner without departing from the
invention, for example, by sewing (or otherwise joining) separate
and distinct layers 1102 and 1104 together with one another; by
integrally forming the fabric structure 1100 in this manner (e.g.,
during a knitting process by interlooping yarn from the inner
fabric layer 1102 and/or the outer fabric layer 1104 to the
opposite layer across the interior area 1106, by applying a new
yarn in the interior area 1106 to join layers 1102 and 1104, etc.);
etc.
[0230] Electrically conductive yarns may be located independently
in the interior fabric layer 1102 and the exterior fabric layer
1104 at any desired locations in the fabric structure 1100 without
departing from the invention. FIG. 11B illustrates an example dual
layer garment structure 1110 in which a band of electrically
conductive material 1112 (e.g., a band at least partially formed
from electrically conductive yarn knitted into the structure 1110
along with the fabric layer 1104) is provided in the exterior
fabric layer 1104 and a band of electrically conductive material
1114 (e.g., a band at least partially formed from electrically
conductive yarn knitted into the structure 1110 along with the
fabric layer 1102) is provided in the interior fabric layer 1102 at
the same or substantially the same location as the exterior layer
1104 band 11 12. See also FIG. 11C. Therefore, in the finally
finished garment structure 1110, the two conductive bands 1112 and
1114 will at least partially overlap one another. If the interior
area 1106 between the two conductive bands 1112 and 1114 is filled
with an insulative material (e.g., insulative yarn, air, etc.), a
measurable capacitance can be developed across the conductive band
layers 1112 and 1114. A change in this interior area 1106 (e.g., a
change in the distance "x," a change in material within area 1106,
the presence of additional air or moisture, etc.) will result in a
change in the capacitance of the garment 1110, which change can be
measured, processed, displayed, and/or otherwise used by physical
or physiological parameter monitoring systems according to the
invention.
[0231] One example application for garment systems of the types
described in FIGS. 11A through 11C relates to hospital gowns,
incontinence garments, diapers, bedding, and the like. By
monitoring the capacitance across the dual layer fabric structure
1110 and noting changes in capacitance, a nurse station or other
care giver can be advised when a patient has soiled his/her
clothing or bedding (e.g., due to the presence of water soaking
through to the interior area 1106 of the fabric structure 1110,
thereby changing the measured capacitance). Of course, a wide
variety of other potential uses and applications for such dual
layered fabrics are possible.
[0232] FIG. 12 illustrates another example dual layer garment
structure 1200 having an interior fabric layer 1202 and an exterior
fabric layer 1204. In this example structure 1200, both the
interior layer 1202 and exterior layer 1204 include separate sets
of knitted sensor regions (e.g., regions 1206a, 1206b, 1206c,
1208a, 1208b, 1208c), knitted leads (e.g., 1210a, 1210b, 1210c,
1212a, 1212b, 1212c), and terminal points (1214a, 1214b, 1214c,
1216a, 1216b, 1216c), but the various sensor regions and leads do
not necessarily line up with one another. With such a dual layer
structure 1200, the interior sensor regions 1206a through 1206c may
be used to monitor one or more parameters or sets of parameters
(e.g., EKG, heart rate, body temperature, etc.) while the exterior
sensor regions 1208a through 1208c may be used to monitor one or
more other parameters or sets of parameters (e.g., radiation dose
rate or exposure, exterior temperature, chemical exposure, etc.).
The parameter(s) measured by the interior and exterior sensor
regions may be the same, may overlap, may partially overlap, or may
be completely different, without departing from this invention.
[0233] E. Data Handling Systems and Methods
[0234] FIG. 13A illustrates example physical and/or physiological
monitoring systems 1300 and methods according to this invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 13A, the systems 1300 may include a fabric or
garment structure 1302 including one or more sensor regions
(generally shown as 1304) and one or more lead lines (generally
shown as 1306) integrally formed in the garment structure 1302,
e.g., during knitting or weaving of the fabric structure 1302 by
selective inclusion of electrically conductive threads, as
described above). As also described above, the lead line(s) 1306
extend to one or more terminal points 1308. The terminal points
1308 may take on a wide variety of different forms without
departing from this invention, including, for example: a snap, pin,
contact, plug, or other connector that will enable connection to a
wire, cable, or other device; a contact or pad element integrally
formed in the garment structure 1302 from electrically conductive
yarns (e.g., similar to the various electrode or sensor regions
1304 described above); an input to an electronic module 1310, such
as a processing system, memory device, transmitter/receiver system,
or other electronic device, etc. When present, as illustrated in
FIG. 13A, the electronic module 1310 may be attached to, adhered
to, or otherwise engaged with the fabric structure 1302, it may be
separate from the fabric structure 1302 (and optionally carried by
the fabric user), it may be partially engaged with the fabric
structure 1302 and partially separate therefrom, etc. Either one of
or the combination of the terminal point 1308 (if any) and/or the
electronic module 1310 (if any) may be considered a "data transfer
system" in at least some example monitoring systems 1300 and
methods of this invention, e.g., the terminal point 1308 and/or
electronic module 1310 receives a first signal from the sensor
region(s) 1304 via the lead(s) 1306 and transfers a first
information signal (which includes the first signal or information
derived, at least in part, from the first signal) to another
location or device, including a separate processing or monitoring
device or station, an alarm, a monitor, a display, etc.
[0235] In this illustrated example, the data transfer system (e.g.,
including terminal point 1308 and/or electronic module 1310)
transfers the electrical (or other) signal or data or information
derived at least in part from the electrical (or other) signal to a
further processing system 1312 via a wired connection 1314 (e.g., a
wire, cable, etc.). This transfer may be accomplished in any
desired manner and/or through any desired number of devices,
networks, systems, or the like without departing from this
invention, including over the Internet; over telephone lines; over
LANs, WANs, or other networks; through a direct cable or wire
connection (as shown in FIG. 13A); etc. Any desired transmission
protocols, systems, and methods may be used without departing from
the invention, including various known and conventional
transmission protocols, systems, and methods.
[0236] FIG. 13B illustrates another example physical and/or
physiological monitoring system 1320 and method. In this example
system 1320, however, rather than a wired connection 1314, the
electric (or other) signal or data or information derived from the
electrical (or other) signal measured by the sensor region(s) 1302
is transferred to the processing system 1312 via a wireless
connection (illustrated by transmitter/receiver elements 1322 and
1324 and the general wireless connection indicator 1326). Any
desired wireless transmission protocols, systems, and methods may
be used without departing from the invention, including various
known and conventional wireless transmission protocols, systems,
and methods, such as broadcast protocols, systems, and methods,
(e.g., TCP-IP, UDP, etc.); cellular telephone protocols, systems,
and methods; AM/FM or other radio protocols, systems, or methods;
etc.
[0237] The transmitter/receiver elements 1322 and 1324 may be
located at any desired positions or locations within the overall
system 1320 without departing from the invention. For example, if
desired, transmitter/receiver element 1322 may be engaged with the
fabric structure 1302, or it may be physically separate from that
structure (and optionally carried by the fabric 1302 wearer). The
transmitter/receiver element 1324 may be included as an integral
part of processing system 1312, or it may be a separate hardware
element operatively coupled to the processing system 1312.
[0238] The processing system 1312 may perform any desired functions
and/or operate on any desired type of input signal, data, or
information without departing from this invention, and this system
1312 may constitute any device using data or information based on
the measured data from sensor regions 1302, such as; audio,
textual, and/or video display devices; measuring devices; electric
signal or data processing devices; audio, textual, or video alarm
devices; data or signal transmission devices; etc. Also, the
processing system 1312 may take on any desired form without
departing from this invention, including, for example: a computer
workstation, such as a PC (as shown in FIG. 13A); a monitor or
display device; an alarm buzzer, bell, light, or other device; a
personally carried device (including personally carried by the
wearer or user of the fabric 1302), such as watches, cellular
telephones, PDAs, MP3 players, portable audio or video player
devices, beepers, pagers, handheld personal computers, and the
like; video monitor or display devices; a part of a nurse's or
other health care worker's monitoring station, a first responder
tracking station, etc; and the like.
[0239] Also, if desired, processing system 1312 may be used to send
signals to other devices 1330, such as warning devices,
user-carried display and/or alarm devices (like those mentioned
above), and the like. This may be accomplished by any desired type
of connection, protocol, system, or method, including the various
types described above in conjunction with transmission of data or
signals to the processing system 1312. This connection is shown
generally in FIGS. 13A and 13B by connection element 1332.
[0240] Additionally, if desired, the same connections that provide
output from the sensors 1304 to the processing system 1312 can be
used to provide input data and/or information to any devices
included with the fabric 1302 (e.g., to any programmable or other
electronic devices, such as module 1310). This input ability can be
used for any purpose, e.g., to control or activate memory and/or
processors in module 1310 and/or included on fabric 1302.
III. Conclusion
[0241] The present invention is described above and in the
accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of example
structures, features, elements, and combinations of structures,
features, and elements. The purpose served by the disclosure,
however, is to provide examples of the various features and
concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the
invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that
numerous variations and modifications may be made to the
embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the
present invention, as defined by the appended claims. For example,
the various features and concepts described above in conjunction
with FIGS. 1A through 13B may be used individually and/or in any
combination or subcombination without departing from this
invention.
* * * * *