A smart wearable system (SWS) is an
end-to-end integrated and connected system that has the following features:
* one or more sensors and actuators nodes at the end-user side and possibly integrated into worn items
* nodes connectivity to local and/or remote processor
* processor that classifies events and, when actuators are available, takes corrective action
Sensor node
A sensor node, also known as a mote (chiefly in North America), is a node in a sensor network that is capable of performing some processing, gathering sensory information and communicating with other connected nodes in the network. A mote is a n ...
s can monitor a.o. body location, motion & posture, body vital signs and local context.
Becker's Healthcare
/ref> Actuator
An actuator is a component of a machine that is responsible for moving and controlling a mechanism or system, for example by opening a valve. In simple terms, it is a "mover".
An actuator requires a control device (controlled by control signal) a ...
nodes can influence properties of the worn items, e.g. in order to protect the wearer from risks, or provide wearer with feedback/recommendations.
The concept of SWS can be seen as an extension and integration of the wearable electronics (wearable computers
A wearable computer, also known as a body-borne computer, is a computing device worn on the body. The definition of 'wearable computer' may be narrow or broad, extending to smartphones or even ordinary wristwatches.
Wearables may be for general ...
) and intelligent textiles concepts (e-textiles
Electronic textiles or e-textiles are fabrics that enable electronic components such as batteries, lights, sensors, and microcontrollers to be embedded in them. They are not to be confused witsmart textiles which are fabrics that have been d ...
) from isolated to fully (web) connected systems thus enabling provision of a new category of products, services and solutions.
Examples of SWS application categories can be active safety, risks prevention, coaching, performance improvements, entertainment. For instance e.g. supervised continuous remote monitoring/co-ordination of workers exposed to specific risks, soldiers on the field, people with chronic cardiac diseases or e.g. fitness coach systems where assessment of fitness level as well feedback and improvement recommendations based on deviations from training plans are provided during or after the activity.
SWS applications are emerging a.o. in the sport, entertainment, healthcare, military domains.
The term Smart Wearable Systems has been referenced a.o. by the following authors (sorted, most recent first):
* Smart Wearable systems: vision and challenges. Giuseppe Coppola
Philips Applied Technologies
Munich, Germany
* New Generation of Smart Wearable Health Systems and Applications, IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN BIOMEDICINE, VOL. 9, NO. 3, SEPTEMBER 2005, pg 293
* Smart wearable systems for personalised health management: current R&D and future challenges, Lymberis, A., Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2003. Proceedings of the 25th Annual International Conference of the IEEE, 17-21 Sept. 2003, Volume: 4, pg 3716- 3719
References
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Mobile computers