Developments in Plastic Optical Fibres and Wearable Technology - Essay Example

DEVELOPMENTS IN PLASTIC OPTICAL FIBRES AND WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY By of the of the of the School 27 January 2015 Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 1.An analysis of the areas where wearable technology is currently available, the work under development and areas where you believe the future of wearable technology could be of major importance 2 1.1 Introduction to wearable technology 2 1.2 Present and potential use of wearable technologies 2 1.3 Conclusion 5 2.An analysis of the technical and physical requirements of such technology along with any consequences of poor design 6 2.1 Introduction 6 2.2 Specifications in development of a wearable technology 6 2.3 Conclusion 7 3.A consideration of the way in which the output of such devices could be used to improve the life and efficiency of the user as well as the productivity and the general wellbeing of society 8 3.1 Introduction 8 3.2 Conclusion 9 4.A reflection on what have been researched and detailed suggestions on a number of new innovative applications 9 4.1 Introduction 9 4.2 Discussion 9 4.3 Conclusion 10 Salvo, P., 2013. Wearable Technologies for Sweat Rate and Conductivity Sensors: Design and Principles. Hamburg: Anchor Academic publishing. 13 1. An analysis of the areas where wearable technology is currently available, the work under development and areas where you believe the future of wearable technology could be of major importance 1.1 Introduction to wearable technology Technology development had tremendously contributed to the social and economic aspects of modern countries. Improved technology has since the 90s been used for innovation and modification of consumer wearable gadgets to produce intelligence in wearable electronics and fashionable textiles. Wearable technology through the use of optic sensors, displays and developed devices not only offers consumers advanced abilities, but also plays specific vital roles in various areas. 1.2 Present and potential use of wearable technologies Wearable display technologies are currently common in entertainment and business sectors especially in areas of 3D video and game viewing and clear projection of information in presentations. Currently, the market for AR (augmented reality) glasses has grown and it is predicted that it will replace the conventional handheld smart phone interface (Mirza and Sarayeddine, 2013). They provide the advantage of non-obstruction to user’s line of sight and better navigation ability. With wearable monocular displays like Google GlassTM, immersive AR as Epson MoverioTM and the Samsung galaxy wrist worn (smart watch) displays improve employees efficiency by providing clear step by step instructions and timely notifications (accenture.com, n.d.). With tailored applications, google glass has gained way in the healthcare industry, which helps doctors and surgeons in theatres to look up information and enhance their visual capability without necessarily breaking eye contact. Fig 1: Augmented reality glasses. Tilley, A., 2015. Secretive Military Tech Company Announces Augmented Reality Glasses for Consumers [online]. Available at: < http://www.forbes.com/sites/aarontilley/2015/01/02/secretive-military-tech-company-announces-augmented-reality-glasses-for-consumers/ > [Accessed 30 January 2015]. The technology of optical sensors offers high sensitivity in monitoring environmental changes. According to Fidanboylu and Efendioglu, they have widely been used to “monitor a wide range of environmental parameters such as position, vibration, strain, temperature, humidity, viscosity, chemicals, pressure, current, electric field and several other environmental factors” (2009, p.1). Unlike before where cumbersome equipment were used in laboratories to monitor certain bodily processes, modern times benefit from wearable optical sensors highly deployed in healthcare and sports for real time monitoring of psychological and biological elements (Salvo, 2013). Using wearable textile fiber optic sensors, it’s possible to monitor the heart and respiratory rates of patients and facilitate appropriate health support for detected ailment. The optic sensor is often integrated into a comfortable and wearable smart belt, such that the patient’s heart beat and breathing movement would exert force, cause a micro bend to the optic sensor and capture the resultant intensity variation based on its output. Optical sensor wrist bands like the increasing popular Angel brand now help individuals monitor multiple metrics and collect their health data such as body temperature and pulse rate. Athletes and most exercising individuals use them to monitor their bodies’ performances, but most especially, to keep track of their fitness and health without necessarily spending more in hospital procedures. Over the recent years, militants, investigators and scientists have used wearable night vision goggles and cameras, where visions of the scene are possible through sensing of the infrared energy which is converted into a thermal signature. With such trend, one is looking at a future where night vision contact lenses would be used in defense systems; research is currently underway in Michigan College of engineering (Kime, 2014). Similarly, there exists potential application of optical sensors in medical and rehabilitation activities; for example, scientists are working to perfect optical sensors ability to control artificial limbs. Fig 2: Optical Heart Rate Monitor. Texas Instruments, 2014. Optical Heart Rate Monitor Reference Design with BLE Connectivity [online]. Available at: [Accessed 30 January 2015]. A variety of devices assist different professionals, from disabled people, military activities, 3D artists, industrial employees and other individuals in leisure. For visual purposes, optical head mounted display (OHMD) devices are used in research laboratories and optical contact lenses are used by individuals instead for prescribed glasses. Some wearable devices can be used in retail or enterprise operations to train agents, improve purchasing, customer service, sales process and production in manufacturing through the hands free guidance tools (PWC, n.d.). In hospitals, doctors and surgeons depend on the Google glass device to streamline information to different locations. Smart watches are apparently the fashion trend of the modern society, and just like smart phones, most youths are out to access them. Wrist bands and smart belts also comprise the vital wearable devices used in healthcare and sports. Wearable key gloves are computing input tools, which have motion sensors integrated in the manufacturing fabrics. The gloves are developed with fiber optic finger flexi ion. In terms of fashion, smart textiles and clothing are slowly gaining popularity in the western world. With increasing integration of computing power in textile application in the developed countries, smart textiles and fads are coming up, which demonstrate advanced functionalities and behavior. The results are photovoltaic textiles and pure optical sensing technologies in medical textiles among others. Today, most fashion designers and houses have embraced the skills of fusing fashion, art, design and technology to produce desirable smart textiles. 1.3 Conclusion Wearable technologies are increasingly being adopted in various industries to aid professionals, scientists and individuals. A diverse range of devices from electronics to textile materials are specially designed and developed with integrated optic sensors to aid in visual display, tracking and monitoring gadgets that are wearable during distinguished activities, e.g., in theatre operations, treatment, medical monitoring of psychological and biological processes, during exercise, scientific lab, 3D viewing and navigation. 2. An analysis of the technical and physical requirements of such technology along with any consequences of poor design 2.1 Introduction Technical requirements of wearable technologies describe the product’s performance aspects, properties and basic parameters that affect their performances, reliability and availability issues. Together with physical requirements, they determine the specifications in development of a wearable technology. 2.2 Specifications in development of a wearable technology IT infrastructure: Development and implementation of most wearable technologies (WT) in workplace require IT infrastructure. Today, sophisticated IT, wireless and cloud powered infrastructure all contribute to power wearable technology. Much smaller and powerful chips are produced and embedded in the wearable devices. With appropriate IT infrastructure, designers can address the issues of size and wearability of the device. Opportunity of big data: Considering the diverse use of wearable devices across affiliates and branches of an organization, employees and professionals would need to employ open cloud for storage of data or information and retrieval for analysis. With cloud computing, it can possibly support IT operations and offer opportunity for big data, which can be analyzed to provide meaningful insights to the individual wearing the technology device. Internet connections: The ubiquitous internet connections allow accessibility of information irrespective of physical barriers anywhere and anytime. For certain smartwaches, like Gear S, they are built with wireless connectivity to compatible devices. Wearable technologies also demand robust sensor, screen and processor technology to enhance performance and reliability through high speed loading, processing time and least lag times. Software and specialized support tools could enhance flexibility and configuration, especially where applications are tailored for specific platforms and purposes. To develop smart textile, quality fabrics materials, small electronic packs and fiber optic thread that acts as the active motion sensors are all essential. Consequences of poor design in wearable technologies affect the functionality of the devices. One, some wearable technology has not gained sufficient approval by the market because of exposed weaknesses in its design; some functionalities are left out and its design compromise the portability factors of wearable devices. Poor designs affect products, which makes it difficult to convince the consumer to acquire it. 2.3 Conclusion Consumers need fast wearable technology in performance, light and portable gadgets with multiple functionalities to support their diverse activities. To deliver the specifications, powerful processors, optic sensor technologies, display and IT infrastructure on the hardware part are required. However, it must be backed up by sufficient data pool (database) and with internet connections. Poor designs have often affected the functionalities. 3. A consideration of the way in which the output of such devices could be used to improve the life and efficiency of the user as well as the productivity and the general wellbeing of society 3.1 Introduction The market has seen entry of output wearable whose major output has been the access to immediate information. Some WT produces EMG signals, projected visual displays and information. Wearable devices designed to generate vibrotactile buzz help improve awareness and the body posture of the wearer. For example iposture TM device uses vibrotactile feedback to communicate to the wearer, his slouching body behaviour; hence facilitating one to adopt a suitable posture and prevent back pain and other RSI related to poor body positioning while working (Johnson, Van der Linden and Rodger, 2010). With suitable body posture and concentration, WT helps boost production, especially in office related work. The intelligent textiles capable of producing audio cues are worn by sportsmen to couch and advise them during their workouts. They not only help the exerciser know when to change strides, but prevent injury and boost performances. Smart glasses offer augmented reality and projections, which can be used in factories and workplace for display of instructions and plan, but also to simulate personal displays for video viewing (entertainment). WT for monitoring health performances like temperature, breathing rate and heart beat collect the data on body performances and send them to remote devices. Such information helps keep track of individual health and provide timely solutions for established disorders. Most output devices improve professionals’ efficiency through availability of quick and real time information. 3.2 Conclusion Wearable output devices are resourceful in delivery of real time and quick information through the audio and visual enabled functionalities. Through vibrotactile buzz, individuals can adopt better body posture and enhance their concentration to boost production. With timely information, healthcare professionals can better tackle health problems in earlier stages, employees can perform best with clear instruction and sportsmen can control their workout and body performances. 4. A reflection on what have been researched and detailed suggestions on a number of new innovative applications 4.1 Introduction Wearable technology has a great future in the world market. From electronic to textile industries, optic fiber sensor technologies will continue to support various functions, but challenges in development of WT have to be addressed. 4.2 Discussion Today, the devices could be associated with the few able people, but just like smartphones eventually took over in the last 7years, smart textiles and wearable devices will move to be a necessity. They have no doubt been highly implemented in the healthcare and sports industries for the purposes of enhancing individuals’ wellbeing. A major limitation for their explosion in the market regards affordability and awareness, which investing companies have to work on for WT accessibility and purchase to consumers. Fiber optic sensor technology is yet to be fully utilized in most industries across the globe and remains quite a dream for third world countries. The technologies are yet to become popular. With the current trend in technology evolution, consumers want light, multi-functional and portable gadgets; it seems that physical and design barriers are still a challenge holding back WT devices. Designs need improvements and investors could focus on specialized tools and applications for distinguished industries to deliver desired functionalities. 4.3 Conclusion Manufacturing companies and investors need to focus on design development to offer wide functionalities, reduce size of wearable devices and improve their efficiency. Appendix WT-Wearable Technology AR-Augmented Reality 3D- Three Dimension OHMD- Optical Head Mounted Display EMG- Electromyography References Fidanboylu, K., and Efendioglu, H.S., 2009. Fiber Optic Sensors and their application. 5th International Advanced Technologies Symposium (IATS’09). [online] Available at: < http://iats09.karabuk.edu.tr/press/pro/02_KeynoteAddress.pdf> [Accessed 27 January 2015]. Johnson, R., Van der Linden, J. and Rogers, Y., 2010. To Buzz or not to Buzz: Improving awareness of Posture through Vibrotactile Feedback. [online] Available at: [Accessed 28 January 2015]. Kime, P., 2014. Night Vision Contact Lenses may be in your Future. [online] Available at: < http://archive.militarytimes.com/article/20140328/NEWS04/303280045/Night-vision-contact-lenses-may-your-future> [Accessed 27 January 2015]. Mirza, K. and Sarayeddine, K., 2013. Key Challenges to Affordable See Through Wearable Displays: The Missing Link for Mobile AR Mass Deployment. [online] Available at:[Accessed 27 January 2015]. Putting Wearable Displays to Work in the Enterprise. [online] Available at: [Accessed 27 January 2015]. Salvo, P., 2013. Wearable Technologies for Sweat Rate and Conductivity Sensors: Design and Principles. Hamburg: Anchor Academic publishing. Texas Instruments, 2014. Optical Heart Rate Monitor Reference Design with BLE Connectivity [online]. Available at: [Accessed 30 January 2015]. Tilley, A., 2015. Secretive Military Tech Company Announces Augmented Reality Glasses for Consumers [online]. Available at: < http://www.forbes.com/sites/aarontilley/2015/01/02/secretive-military-tech-company-announces-augmented-reality-glasses-for-consumers/> [Accessed 30 January 2015]. Read More