Soft Switches Could Soon Be Built Into Home Furnishings
December 12, 2000
West Yorkshire (UK) — Imagine: Light switches embedded in curtains, carpets or other home furnishings. Rugs that control the playing of music. A television remote control sewn into the upholstery fabric on the arm of a sofa. These are just some of the products that could be available soon using a combination of new, unique composites with conductive textile technology.
A key to this futuristic development will be the application of "soft" switching technology, where textile-based switches and keypads will control a wide range of electronic devices.
Called "Softswitch," the technology is being developed jointly by the New Zealand-based textile research and development organization WRONZ and electronic materials company Peratech Ltd. of Darlington, County Durham, U.K.
"Existing textile processing methods such as printing, back-coating and embroidery can be used to manufacture these switches on a commercial scale," explained Dr. Dianne Jones, research leader at WRONZ EuraLab (the U.K.-based subsidiary of WRONZ).
According to Jones, Softswitch technology is not fiber-specific and can, in theory, be used in conjunction with any type of fabric construction. The devices are washable, durable and perform in a similar manner to conventional textiles.
Probably the most obvious application is wearable electronics. "But soft switches could be built into walls, chairs, floors — anything that is soft," says Steven Leftly, senior scientist at WRONZ EuraLab.
"Softswitch will provide the flexible interface to enable the electronics to function within textiles and clothing. Another promising area is controls for toys, games and computers, where there is an exciting opportunity to soften existing hard interfaces."
The uptake of the Softswitch technology will be driven by the development of wireless circuitry and the future direction of the electronics industry, in which there is a general move to make switching soft.
WRONZ EuraLab has been working with Peratech for the past six months and has already developed a range of working prototypes, including musical keyboards made of fabric, keypads for clothing, and keypads to control computer software. Some of these developments were showcased at the Tomorrow's World Inventors' Fair in London at the end of June.
The research has produced unique and exciting prototypes and now the commercial world beckons. The WRONZ/Peratech team is hoping to attract interest from a number of specific end users to develop soft interfaces in current and potential products.
Further information from: Dr. Dianne Jones or Steven Leftly, WRONZ EuraLab Ltd., Little Lane, Ilkley, West Yorkshire LS29 8UG, UK. Tel: 44.1943.603703
Fax: 44.1943.603803
E-mail: steven.leftly@wnz.co.uk
Website: www.softswitch.co.uk
A key to this futuristic development will be the application of "soft" switching technology, where textile-based switches and keypads will control a wide range of electronic devices.
Called "Softswitch," the technology is being developed jointly by the New Zealand-based textile research and development organization WRONZ and electronic materials company Peratech Ltd. of Darlington, County Durham, U.K.
"Existing textile processing methods such as printing, back-coating and embroidery can be used to manufacture these switches on a commercial scale," explained Dr. Dianne Jones, research leader at WRONZ EuraLab (the U.K.-based subsidiary of WRONZ).
According to Jones, Softswitch technology is not fiber-specific and can, in theory, be used in conjunction with any type of fabric construction. The devices are washable, durable and perform in a similar manner to conventional textiles.
Probably the most obvious application is wearable electronics. "But soft switches could be built into walls, chairs, floors — anything that is soft," says Steven Leftly, senior scientist at WRONZ EuraLab.
"Softswitch will provide the flexible interface to enable the electronics to function within textiles and clothing. Another promising area is controls for toys, games and computers, where there is an exciting opportunity to soften existing hard interfaces."
The uptake of the Softswitch technology will be driven by the development of wireless circuitry and the future direction of the electronics industry, in which there is a general move to make switching soft.
WRONZ EuraLab has been working with Peratech for the past six months and has already developed a range of working prototypes, including musical keyboards made of fabric, keypads for clothing, and keypads to control computer software. Some of these developments were showcased at the Tomorrow's World Inventors' Fair in London at the end of June.
The research has produced unique and exciting prototypes and now the commercial world beckons. The WRONZ/Peratech team is hoping to attract interest from a number of specific end users to develop soft interfaces in current and potential products.
Further information from: Dr. Dianne Jones or Steven Leftly, WRONZ EuraLab Ltd., Little Lane, Ilkley, West Yorkshire LS29 8UG, UK. Tel: 44.1943.603703
Fax: 44.1943.603803
E-mail: steven.leftly@wnz.co.uk
Website: www.softswitch.co.uk
