MediaJacket : an integrated clothing based personal communications system

Abstract

Recent developments in fabric based conductive embroidered input devices has created the opportunity for the next generation of wearable computing. This thesis presents a preliminary attempt to develop a wearable, multi-purpose, extensible, IP device that uses flexible fabric based circuitry for its user interface. It integrates a suite of advanced communications devices into a standard PolarTecTMjacket using an embedded personal computer for its controller. Users wear the MediaJacket similarly to normal clothing, and can use a diverse set of applications that include IP telephony, two-way pager-like email, an MP3 audio player, and a contactless "interface pocket" for handling input data streams from external devices. By embedding advanced electronics into clothing using an RF connection for tetherless internet connectivity, this research aims to reduce the stigma of using technology by creating a more personalized user experience. It is our hope, that as the size and cost of the MediaJacket's components come down, this research will help people better to better integrate technology into their lives.