Clevertex - Grado Zero Espace Srl

construction, an extra wire is needed to connect the solar cells to each other. However, this wire will
be replaced by a stainless steel fibre in future models [8, 72].
One of the first concepts that emerged within the IT+Textile programme was the ‘Interactive Pillows’.
These pillows are a pair, so that the two persons of a loving couple have one each. If one lover hugs
his/her pillow, the other pillow will light up and become warm. The pillow being hugged will do the
same. In order to communicate, the pillows are connected via internet, a mobile phone network or by
other wireless devices. The principle is based on a switch consisting of a piece of foam rubber
sandwiched between two layers of aluminium foil. The foam rubber has tiny holes in it, so that the
aluminium foils contact each other when the foam is compressed. For short distances, the
communication between the pillows is based on radio frequency. The radio modules work as a virtual
serial cable. A small Basic X BX24 is hidden within each pillow and operates by interpreting data from
the switch, communicating with the other pillow and turning on the electroluminescent wire. A
Darlington driver circuit provides enough current for the electroluminescent circuits to be activated. To
ensure the communication over greater distances, two additional base stations have been
constructed, which convey the serial data to a computer. The computer in turn can send the
information via TCP/IP protocol to another computer.
Fig. 64 Interactive pillow [72]
The pillows are targeting for instance separated parents not living full-time with their children, or
people who travel frequently, or even couples having long-distance relationships [8, 72].
Another pillow designed for entertainment is the iPillow TM by iPod, which serves as a portable mp3
loudspeaker. The pillow speaker contains two built-in speakers, each at the end of the pillow, which
run by batteries. The mp3 player is plugged into the pillow and a zippered mesh bag holds the player
in place.
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