The field of smart textile-based wearable biomedical systems (ST-WBSs) has of late been generating a lot of interest in the research and business communities since its early beginnings in the mid-nineties. However, the technology is yet to enter the marketplace and realize its original goal of enhancing the quality of life for individuals through enhanced real-time biomedical monitoring. In this paper, we propose a framework for analyzing the transition of ST-WBS from research to reality. We begin with a look at the evolution of the field and describe the major components of an ST-WBS. We then analyze the key issues encompassing the technical, medical, economic, public policy, and business facets from the viewpoints of various stakeholders in the continuum. We conclude with a plan of action for transitioning ST-WBS from "research to reality."

The invention of the Jacquard weaving machine led to the concept of a stored "program" and "mechanized" binary information processing. This development served as the inspiration for C. Babbage's analytical engine-the precursor to the modern-day computer. Today, more than 200 years later, the link between textiles and computing is more realistic than ever. In this paper, we look at the synergistic relationship between textiles and computing and identify the need for their "integration" using tools provided by an emerging new field of research that combines the strengths and capabilities of electronics and textiles into one: electronic textiles, or e-textiles. E-textiles, also called smart fabrics, have not only "wearable" capabilities like any other garment, but also have local monitoring and computation, as well as wireless communication capabilities. Sensors and simple computational elements are embedded in e-textiles, as well as built into yarns, with the goal of gathering sensitive information, monitoring vital statistics, and sending them remotely (possibly over a wireless channel) for further processing. The paper provides an overview of existing efforts and associated challenges in this area, while describing possible venues and opportunities for future research.

Textiles and computing share a synergistic relationship, which is being harnessed to create a new paradigm in personalized mobile information processing (PMIP). In this paper, we provide an overview of this interconnection between the two fields and present the vision for E-Textiles, which represents the convergence of the two fields. We discuss the role of the Georgia Tech Wearable Motherboard in pioneering this paradigm of is the computer and serving as a framework for PMIP. Finally, recent research in this area resulting in the realization of a computational fabric network is discussed.

A digital network between active components or "buttons" atop an e-textile fabric must handle the inexact placement of wires in the fabric both for signal distribution and for power distribution. We approach the problem of signal distribution by making the pin logic of the buttons reconfigurable and by providing enough local state to allow an external agent to discover and to reconfigure the buttons into a working network. We describe a prototype system of a 2x2 array of FPGA-and-microcontroller buttons atop a fabric with 0.100"-pitch wiring including architecture decisions, circuits and software algorithms.

John Kay's invention of the flying shuttle in 1733 sparked the first Industrial Revolution, which led to the transformation of industry and subsequently of civilization itself. Yet another invention in the field of textiles - the Jacquard head by Joseph Marie Jacquard (circa 1801) - was the first binary information processor. At any given point, the thread in a woven fabric can be in one of two states or positions: on the face of the fabric or on the back. Pattern cards were punched or cut according to the required fabric design. A hole in the card signified that the thread would appear on the face of the fabric, while a blank meant that the end would be left down and appear on the back of the fabric. The Jacquard head was used on the weaving loom or machine for raising and lowering the warp threads to form desired patterns based on the lifting plan or program embedded in the cards. Thus the Jacquard mechanism set the stage for modern day binary information processing. Ada Lovelace, the benefactor for Charles Babbage who worked on the Analytical Engine (the predecessor to the modern day computer), is said to have remarked, "The Analytical Engine weaves algebraic patterns just as the Jacquard loom weaves flowers and leaves." The Jacquard mechanism that inspired Babbage and spawned the Hollerith punched card has been instrumental in bringing about one of the most profound technological advancements known to humans, viz., the second Industrial Revolution also known as the Information Processing Revolution [1]. In fact, when Intel introduced its Pentium class of microprocessors, one of the advertisements had a "fabric of chips" emerging from a weaving machine; this picture eloquently captured the essence of chip making - a true blending of art and science - much like the design and production of textiles.

The rapid proliferation of personal computers has brought a new class of users, the so-called non-computer professionals, into the world of computing. These users are typically well versed in their respective professions, such as engineering, science, financial analysis, teaching, and research, but may lack the programming skills necessary to take full advantage of the power of computers. They would like to communicate with the computer in their "natural" language, viz., relationships, equations, and formulas. The category of declarative or constraint or very high level languages has been conceived in response to those needs. TK!Solver developed by Software Arts, is the first commercially available and widely acclaimed constraint language designed to provide the engineer with the desired power, flexibility, versatility, and ease of use. TK!Solver also serves as a framework for developing and using personalized expert systems in various scientific and engineering disciplines. After a simple demonstration session illustrating the creation of models and the power of the basic problem-solving mechanisms of TK!Solver, the development history of TK!Solver is traced back to its conceptual precursor, QAS. The various stages in the evolution of the TK concept are recounted and new developments are discussed. The principles of TK model design are outlined and illustrated by specific application examples. It is concluded that the main contribution of TK!Solver is the experience of thousands of professionals developing a taste for constraints, and learning to create, manipulate, and use mathematical models in a direct dialogue with the computer.

This paper examines some aspects of the design considerations of the human-computer interface as related to personal computers. It is shown that the success of a popular personal computer software product, visiCalc, may be attributed to a thoughtful reconciliation of these design factors with the hardware constraints. The trends of advancement in personal computer software for management-science- engineering problem-solving and decision-making are exemplified by discussing the microcomputer implementation of the Question Answering System on mathematical models and related data bases.