This study proposes a new wearable antenna-based sensor for real-time continuous breathing monitoring using a mitered meander dipole antenna incorporated into commercial fabric. The proposed antenna-sensor operates at 2.4 GHz and is designed to analyze chest wall movements to detect breathing patterns. The antenna is embroidered onto the fabric using conductive thread, allowing it to be flexible and wearable. Numerical 3D electromagnetic simulations and experimental measurements were conducted to evaluate the performance of the antenna-sensor. The outcomes displayed that the antenna-sensor has good impedance matching and efficient signal transmission and reception. The SAR value of the proposed antenna-sensor was found to be below the recommended safe limit for human exposure to RF energy.
Top2. Applications Of Wearables
The primary focus of commercially available wearables to date has been on fitness and consumer electronics applications. This is mainly due to the manufacturing challenges associated with textile integration, which these applications can avoid. Wearables offer a wide range of applications across numerous sectors. Some of the common applications of wearables include:
Healthcare: Wearables are being used in the healthcare industry for remote monitoring of patients, tracking vital signs in real-time, and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Fitness: Wearables are popular among fitness enthusiasts for tracking physical activity, heart rate, and calories burned. Fitness wearables are available in various forms, such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, and smart clothing.
Military and industrial uses: Wearables are used in the military and industrial sectors for monitoring the health and safety of workers, tracking equipment, and improving productivity.
Entertainment: Wearables such as virtual reality (VR) headsets and smart glasses provide immersive experiences for gaming and entertainment.
Fashion: Wearables can be incorporated into fashion accessories such as jewelry and clothing, providing style and functionality.
Education: Wearables can be used in education to provide interactive and immersive learning experiences.
Transportation: Wearables are used in transportation for monitoring the health and safety of drivers, improving route planning and logistics, and enhancing the passenger experience.
Home automation: Wearables can be used in home automation for controlling smart devices, such as lights and thermostats, and monitoring energy usage.
Wearables have a broad range of applications across various industries, from healthcare and fitness to entertainment and home automation. As the technology continues to evolve, wearables are likely to become even more integrated into our daily lives, enabling us to perform tasks more efficiently and effectively (Lewis & Neider, 2017).
Figure 1. Wearable sensors with antennas
Top3. Printing And Weaving Wearables
Printing and weaving technologies have become increasingly important in the field of wearable technology as they enable the integration of sensors and electronics into fabric substrates, creating comfortable and functional smart textiles.