Читать книгу Fundamentals of IoT and Wearable Technology Design - Haider Raad - Страница 18

The term “wearable devices” generally refers to electronic and computing technologies that are incorporated into accessories or garments which can comfortably be worn on the user's body. These devices are capable of performing several of the tasks and functions as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. However, in some cases, wearable devices can perform tasks more conveniently and more efficiently than portable and hand‐held devices. They also tend to be more sophisticated in terms of sensory feedback and actuating capabilities as compared to hand‐held and portable technologies. The ultimate purpose of wearable technology is to deliver reliable, consistent, convenient, seamless, and hands‐free digital services.

Figure 1.1 Characteristics of the Internet of Things.

Typically, wearable devices provide feedback communications of some sort to allow the user to view/access information in real time. A friendly user interface is also an essential feature of such devices, so is an ergonomic design. Examples of wearable devices include smart watches, bracelets, eyewear (i.e.: glasses, contact lenses), headgears (i.e.: helmets), and smart clothing. Figure 1.2 depicts the most important possible forms of wearable devices.

While typical wearable devices tend to refer to items which can be placed external to the body surface or clothing, there are more invasive forms as in the case of implantable electronics and sensors. In the author's opinion, invasive implantables, i.e. ingestible sensors, under the skin microchips, and smart tattoos, which are generally used for medical and tracking purposes, should not be categorized as wearables since they have different mechanisms and operation requirements. The reader should seek other resources which are dedicated to the design and prototyping of such devices.

Figure 1.2 Forms of wearable technology.