Wearable data processing system and apparel

• US 6,324,053 B1
• Filed: 11/09/1999
• Issued: 11/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Kamijo, Noboru
• Primary Examiner(s): Picard, Leo P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Vortman, Anatoly
• Application Number:
  US09/437,898
• Time in Patent Office: 749 Days
• Field of Search: 361/680-683, 361/685, 361/724-727, 290/5, 233/6, 226/4, 219/24
• US Class Current: 361/679.03
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 1/005 with embedded cable or connector
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/05 specially adapted for use on head, throat or breast
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 3/10 in which conductive material is applied to the insulating support in such a manner as to form the desired conductive pattern
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 2/905 Electric

Abstract

A system and method for the electrical interconnection of the devices included in a wearable computer, so that a light cable network can be deployed that does not limit the body movements of a human being. A network is formed by attaching to clothing, as stitches, extremely fine conductive wire that is used to connect devices included in a wearable computer, wherein an I/O device and a computer system main body are separately located. As a result, conventional, complicated cabling is eliminated, which permits the free and natural movement of a human body, and reliable communications, for which a light cable network is used, are possible.

Claims

1. A data processing system comprising:

apparel worn by an operator;

conductive wiring provided as stitches applied to said apparel, wherein the conductive wiring comprises two conductive wires, and wherein the two conductive wires are provided in parallel as stitches applied to external and internal surfaces of the apparel at locations separated by predetermined distances from the edges of the apparel;

input/output means to be operated by said operator and connected to said conductive wiring; and

signal processing means connected to said input/output means via said conductive wiring.

2. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the conductive wiring is comprised of steel wires.

3. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the conductive wiring is coated with an insulating film.

4. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the conductive wiring comprises two individually insulated wires.

5. The data processing system of claim 1, wherein the two conductive wires are provided in parallel as stitches applied to external and internal surfaces of the apparel at locations separated by first and second distances from the edges of the apparel.