Programmable textiles for SMART Ambience

Citation

Stylios, G.K. (2005), "Programmable textiles for SMART Ambience", International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol. 17 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijcst.2005.05817eaa.001

Programmable textiles for SMART Ambience

Programmable textiles for SMART Ambience

Introduction

Smart materials have been used for their functionality in the medical, aerospace, automotive fields and the like. In this project, smart material technologies (including shape memory materials, chromatic dyes and pigments, thermoelectric films and wearable electronics) are being optimised to explore the concept of smart ambience, where an interior environment can respond interactively to the needs of users. A flexible composite matrix material integrating aesthetics and functionality is being developed. Focusing particularly on enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of smart materials, the project will bring a strong element of innovativeness to the interior and technical textiles industry.

Responding to the market and public interest in home and interior function as well as decoration, the project focuses on adapting the functionality and also importantly, develops the aesthetics of smart materials for interior use. Characteristics, properties and responses are being optimised for interior environment control both following moods and feelings through audio signal conversion technology in the first instance for interactivity. Based on the end-use requirements, the project explores and combines several categories of smart materials to create innovative hybrid architectures of flexible matrices. It therefore explores the potential to create smart structures, systems and prototypes with tailor-made functionality and aesthetics.

Technology approach

A new generation of hybrid structure(s) that can be used for interior components such as panels, partitions, and the like is being developed. The structure(s) are based on smart technologies, integrated with mood changing technologies (Figure 1), so that a new concept of SMART Ambience environment can be established.

Responses include both visual and functional changes in the structure, as a result of mood/physiological changes, or on command. For example, a new hybrid composite matrix architecture, or structures that can change colour, pattern and/or texture can be created with the combined use of chromatic materials and shape memory materials. Colour and pattern effects are being imparted by chromatic materials. Texture and shape changes, e.g. changes in the openness and closeness of a structure, are being developed using shape memory polymers or alloys. Besides visual effects, functionally, the changes from the shape memory effects can in turn change the degree of air flow (hence temperature), privacy between partitioned areas, sound-absorption properties, and so on.

Figure 1.Combining mood-changing technologies with smart technologies for the development of a SMART ambience

On command changes to the structure can be triggered by sending a signal to the structure, which then triggers the changes. Mood-dependent changes can be triggered in several ways, which are being explored during the project. The first approach, is by integrating audio output directly to the structure through voltage by breaking the signal into primary colours and shapes. Another approach is by a webcam positioned on the office computer can pick up facial expressions and detect typical moods (stress, happiness, sadness, etc.). Upon detection of these moods, specific changes in the smart hybrid structure can be programmed to take place. In another approach, an inconspicuous wearable device (e.g. a wrist band) with small sensors wirelessly connected to a central processing system can be used to detect physiological changes (body temperature, skin resistivity, heart rate, etc.) related to moods. The device can then transmit commands to the smart hybrid structure to change. Finally and simply the environment can change at will by a switch or a computer selection button.

G.K. StyliosEditor-in-Chief