Monitoring of the User's Vital Functions and Environment in Reima Smart Clothing Prototype

Abstract

This paper presents the architecture of the developed suit prototype, concentrating on the sensor system used for monitoring the user's vital functions and user's environment. The wearable computing destines to aid a human user to manage in different situations and environments by providing automated data processing functions and a personalized (even transparent) user interface. Smart clothing consists of multimedia, wireless communication, and wearable computing has become a potential alternative for a wide range of personal applications, including safety and entertainment The main focus has been the creation of a truly functional concept that helps a suit's user to survive in harsh and demanding weather conditions. Communication, positioning, and several monitoring aids have been provided to the user. The monitoring system of the suit consists of temperature and acceleration sensors, a heart rate sensor, and an electric conductivity sensor measuring both the human user and the environment. Although the implemented prototype was designed for a special application environment, it still convinced us that because of potential advantages provided by smart clothing, the demand for various kinds of applications would appear in the near future.