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ABSTRACT

Mobile computing is beginning to break the chains that tie us to our desks, but many of today's

mobile devices can still be a bit awkward to carry around. In the next age of computing, there

will be an explosion of computer parts across our bodies, rather than across our desktops.

Basically, jewelry adorns the body, and has very little practical purpose. However, researchers

are looking to change the way we think about the beads and bobbles we wear.

The combination of microcomputer devices and increasing computer power has allowed

several companies to begin producing fashion jewelry with embedded intelligence i.e., Digital

jewelry. Digital jewelry can best be defined as wireless, wearable computers that allow you to

communicate by ways of e-mail, voicemail, and voice communication. This paper enlightens

on how various computerized jewelry (like ear-rings, necklace, ring, bracelet, etc.,) will work

with mobile embedded intelligence.

It seems that everything we access today is under lock and key. Even the devices we use are

protected by passwords. It can be frustrating trying to keep with all of the passwords and keys

needed to access any door or computer program. This paper discusses about a new Java-based,

computerized ring that will automatically unlock doors and log on to computers.

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CHAPTER-1

INTRODUCTION

Recent technological advancements have resulted in a climate where technology is too

intrusive the increased miniaturization and mobility of digital technologies has led to a number

of proposals for digital objects which use jewelry as a way to locate communication and

information devices on the body. However, these developments are emerging from outside the

field of contemporary jewelry. Consequently digital jewelry is significantly under-explored

within contemporary jewelry practice and the emerging developments from other fields present

a narrow interpretation of both jewelry and digital technologies. In terms of aesthetics there is

a distinct naivety regarding the form, material, connection with the body and scope of

interaction of a digital jewelry object. Moreover there is a paucity of approaches that consider

emotional and intimate attachments people form with and around objects. These limitations are

evident in both physical and conceptual constraints. Beyond this, the qualities that we have

come to associate with the digital are born from a predominantly consumer electronics field

and are both narrow and hindering if we wish to consider digital technologies having wider,

more emotional scope in our lives. Therefore an exploration of digital jewelry that addresses

these issues and seeks to escape the limiting assumptions we have of the digital is needed.

The latest computer craze has been to be able to wear wireless computers. The Computer

Fashion Wave, "Digital Jewelry" looks to be the next sizzling fashion trend of the technological

wave. The combination of shrinking computer devices and increasing computer power has

allowed several companies to begin producing fashion jewelry with embedded intelligence.

Today’s manufacturers place millions of transistors on a microchip, which can be used to make

small devices that store tons of digital data. The whole concept behind this is to be able to

communicate to others by means of wireless appliances. The other key factor of this concept

market is to stay fashionable at the same time.

By the end of the decade, we could be wearing our computers instead of sitting in front of them.

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CHAPTER-2

DIGITAL JEWELRY

Digital jewelry is the fashion jewelry with embedded intelligence. “Digital jewelry” can help

you solve problems like forgotten passwords and security badges. “Digital jewelry” is a nascent

catchphrase for wearable ID devices that contain personal information like passwords,

identification, and account information. They have the potential to be all-in-one replacements

for your driver’s license, key chain, business cards, credit cards, health insurance card,

corporate security badge, and loose cash. They can also solve a common dilemma of today’s

wired world – the forgotten password.

Digital jewelry can come in other forms as well. Innovators at IBM and the MIT Media

Laboratory have developed “personal area networks” (PANs) that transfer simple information

via human touch, by “capacitive coupling Pico amp currents through the body.” A low-level

electric current carries the information from transmitter to receiver, passing simple identifying

information like name, title, and phone number. As digital jewelry matures, this kind of

function is a natural inclusion to the feature set. Other possible inclusions are memory aids,

PDA functions, and environmental augmentation.

2.1 OVERVIEW

The phenomenon of the wearable computer has arisen from the desire to create a mobile,

personal computer system. The makers of wearables aim to house the personal computer on

the body maintaining the convention of screen, keyboard and mouse. Wearables have been

worn (by their originators) despite their bulky size and weight, and it is readily apparent that

considerations of the aesthetic possibilities or the intimate nature of the relationship between

the body and the object remains under-explored. Technological innovation has to date been the

dominant concern for wearables research. Thad Starner (2001) outlined the challenges facing

the development of wearables as power use, heat dissipation, networking, interface design and

privacy; with no mention of the user’s emotional experiences of such devices.

Bubble badge and Body Coupled FingeRing are examples of early human-computer interaction

outputs. Each example posits jewelry as a vehicle for digital communication, and the body as

a mobile location for such devices. The Bubble badge houses a digital display, to display text

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generated by the wearer, by a specific environment or by the viewer. In one scenario the brooch

could show the viewer if they had received any new emails, at which point the viewer may end

the conversation with the wearer and go and check her or his emails. FingeRing similarly

focuses on usability and treats the body as a convenient location to situate an electronic device.

Sensors are attached to each finger in the form of rings to facilitate the input of data into a

portable or wearable personal digital assistant (PDA). IBM Research has been exploring digital

jewelry through the work of Denise Chan, a mechanical engineering graduate whose concept

was a set of jewelry objects which together function as a mobile phone.

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CHAPTER-3

DIGITAL JEWELRY AND ITS COMPONENTS

Soon, cell phones will take a totally new form, appearing to have no form at all. Instead of one

single device, cell phones will be broken up into their basic components and packaged as

various pieces of digital jewelry. Each piece of jewelry will contain a fraction of the

components found in a conventional mobile phone. Together, the digital-jewelry cell phone

should work just like a conventional cell phone.

The various components that are inside a cell phone: Microphone, Receiver, Touch pad,

Display, Circuit board, Antenna, and Battery.

IBM has developed a prototype of a cell phone that consists of several pieces of digital jewelry

that will work together wirelessly, possibly with Blue tooth wireless technology, to perform

the functions of the above components. Cell phones may one day be comprised of digital

accessories that work together through wireless connections.

Figure 1: Digital Accessories of cellphones

Here are the pieces of computerized-jewelry phone:

Earrings

Necklace

Ring

Bracelet

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Here are the functions of different components of digital jewelry-

3.1 Earrings

Speakers are embedded into these earrings which acts as phone’s receiver. These days many

manufacturers are developing things like Bluetooth devices in the form of earrings that people

can wear that help enhance their mobile phones, computers, PDAs basically anything that uses

similar technology.

Figure 2: Digital Bluetooth earrings

3.2 Necklace

Users will talk into the necklace's embedded microphone. They transfer the information in

the forms of signals. It consist of sensors by which it will work, operated mainly by blue

tooth technology. Digital necklaces has realized the dream to email just by talking into your

necklace. The whole concept behind this is to be able to communicate to others by means

of wireless application and using Bluetooth technology at its best.

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Figure 3: Digital Necklace

3.3 Ring

Perhaps the most interesting piece of the phone, this "magic decoder ring” is equipped with

light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that flash to indicate an incoming call. It can also be

programmed to flash different colors to identify a particular caller or indicate the

importance of a call.

The same ring that flashes for phone calls could also inform you that e-mail is piling up in

your inbox. This flashing alert could also indicate the urgency of the e-mail

The mouse-ring that IBM is developing will use the company's Track Point technology

which looks something like a black-pearl to wirelessly move the cursor on a computer-

monitor display. Track Point is the little button embedded in the keyboard of some

laptops

Track Point is basically the little button embedded in the keyboard of some laptops). On

top of the ring is a little black ball that users will swivel to move the cursor, in the same

way that the TrackPoint button on a laptop is used.

This Track Point ring will be very valuable when monitors shrink to the size of watch face.

In the coming age of ubiquitous computing, displays will no longer be tied to desktops or

wall screens. Instead, you'll wear the display like a pair of sunglasses or a bracelet.

Researchers are overcoming several obstacles facing these new wearable displays, the most

important of which is the readability of information displayed on these tiny devices.

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Figure 4: IBM's magic decoder rings will flash when you get a call.

3.4 Bracelet

Equipped with a video graphics array (VGA) display, this wrist display could also be used

as a caller identifier that flashes the name and phone number of the caller.

With a jewelry phone, the keypad and dialing function could be integrated into the bracelet,

or else dumped altogether, it’s likely that voice-recognition software will be used to make

calls, a capability that is already commonplace in many of today's cell phones. Simply say

the name of the person you want to call and the phone will dial that person. IBM is also

working on a miniature rechargeable battery to power these components.

Figure 5: VGA equipped wrist display and Bluetooth bracelets

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Figure 6: Prototype bracelet display developed by IBM

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CHAPTER-4

CREATING DIGITAL JEWELRY

4.1 INTRODUCTION

The analysis of craft, jewelry and digital technologies arises from a doctoral research

investigation exploring the integration of digital technologies within contemporary jewelry

objects which has primary aim to learn elements of what is personally significant to someone

and to echo fragments of this back in the form of digital jewelry. The aim is not to translate

existing modes of communication, such as mobile phones, into digital jewelry, but to create

objects which echo those types of communication that are significant to people in a far less

prescribed way. The pieces are meant as objects for the specific individuals involved in the

research, not as prototypes for mass manufacture, and is an approach that echoes a tradition

within craft and jewelry practice. The pieces pose a polemic for the design of digital jewelry:

what this new category of object can potentially be and how it can be an extension of

contemporary jewelry rather than of current digital devices or gadgets. Within the research six

individuals shared stories, memories and reflections of their lives through a set of “stimuli”,

which draw influence from “Cultural/Domestic Probes” and jewelry project “KPZ-02” (Bartels

and Lindmark-Vrijmann, 2002). The set of object based “stimuli” involve action, play and

reflection to ask questions, tell stories and create images to gain insight and information of

experiences, interactions, relationships, events and memories etc. which, for each individual,

are important and valued.

The stimuli are related to the themes of:

(1) Personal ideas of preciousness, significance and symbolism

(2) The meanings and roles attached to each person’s ideas of jewelry, in practical, evocative

and emotional terms

(3) Communication, both interpersonal and concepts of existing and future modes

(4) Positive memories, aspirations and goals

(5) Transience and permanence

Jewelry has often played the role of objects that stimulate a discussion or act as a focal point

within a relationship. The use of objects as mediators in the collection of inspirational data

about each participant is therefore a continuation of the way jewelry often functions. The digital

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jewelry pieces result from an interpretation of these shared fragments. The process does not

instruct an audience what they should want or need, nor is the individual dictating to the maker

what to make, but through a conversation of perspectives found through the iterative process

an empathic, intuitive idea arises. One key importance of the process is an openness, which

allows the audience to interact as individuals, adding their own interpretations within the

interaction. From the six response packs, three were selected for development as digital jewelry

pieces. Each of the three pieces produced consist of a crafted jewelry object together with a

DVD to illustrate the digital potential of the piece.

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CHAPTER-5

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF DIGITAL JEWELRY

Digital jewelry devices consist of a screen or display for information, most likely consisting of

7-16 segment, or dot matrix LEDs, LCDs, or other technologies such as electroluminescent

material (EL) or others, which could become an optional display. So too, an audiovisual or

other 'display' could consist of a speaker, a single flashing light, a sensor of some kind (such

as a temperature driven EL display), or other informational aesthetic. The display layer sits on

a face of the device, which is enclosed in some material such as plastic, metal, crystal, or other

material. It has external switches and buttons on its side and a data-port for accessing the

programmable electronic circuit inside. Digital Jewelry can be made in many different sizes

and shapes with a variety of materials ranging from plastic and metal to rubber and glass. They

utilize electromagnetic properties and electronics to display information through a screen or

display of some kind. This could range from LED 7-segment, 16-segment, dot matrix, and

other programmable

LEDs devices to LCDs, OLEDs, and other display devices. A micro controller that is a surface

mounted device (SMD) on a printed circuit board (PCB) with resistors (R) and capacitors (C)

are the internal 'guts' of the jewelry. Digital Jewelry can be made in many different sizes and

shapes with a variety of materials ranging from plastic and metal to rubber and glass. They

utilize electromagnetic properties and electronics to display information through a screen or

display of some kind. This could range from LED 7- segment, 16-segment, dot matrix, and

other programmable LEDs devices to LCDs, OLEDs, and other display devices.

5.1 DISPLAY TECHNOLOGIES:

The digital jewelry display, for instance, every alphabet and number system has found

representation within the electronics realm and 'dot-matrix' (a matrix of single LEDs) is used

to display Chinese and Japanese and other character sets, as can the alternative display for

LCDs (liquid-crystal-displays) also be used, as often found in watches.

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Figure 7: alphanumeric or graphic display types

Digital Jewelry can be made in many different sizes and shapes with a variety of materials

ranging from plastic and metal to rubber and glass. They utilize electromagnetic properties and

electronics to display information through a screen or display of some kind. This could range

from LED 7-segment, 16-segment, dot matrix, and other programmable LEDs devices to

LCDs, OLEDs, and other displays, which are all driven by the self-contained jewelry devices

themselves.

5.2 PROTOTYPES OF DIGITAL JEWELRY

Complete HIOX necklace showing all 26 letters of the Roman alphabet

extended in 4-dimensional space-time. Metal with leather cord.

Figure 8: programmable HIOX necklace and programmable HIOX ring with 16-segment LED display

5.3 ELECTROMAGNETIC BEADS:

The closest comparison to this model is that of 'beads' which are strung together to make a

custom necklace or bracelet, with interchangeable electromagnetic component systems or

devices. One bead may be a capacitor on the inside, and a solar panel on the outside. Another

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bead may have an internal resistor which feed power into a programmed microcontroller bead

which drives an external screen, with other options available in a variety of bead configurations

which compose a circuit, including beads with a piezo element, voltage regulator, crystal, or

rechargeable battery as part of the modular jewel circuit. The number of data pins on the

microcontroller needs to be enough to easily program the display layer plus the switches

without overly complex and advanced coding methods. The key to the device's ability to work

effectively is a balancing of electronic components within the circuit with a light-duty

processing and limited power consumption required for the display (d) layer

Figure 9: Electromagnetic Beads

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CHAPTER-6

CURRENT AND ONGOING ACHIEVEMENTS

6.1 INTELLIGENT SPECTACLES

Intelligent Spectacles this could be the shape of designer glasses to come. These intelligent

spectacles let you surf the web or check your e-mail, whenever and wherever you want. Your

eye would serve as a mouse, with menu items selected by focusing your attention on an item

on screen.

6.2 SMART WRIST WATCH

Having the power of a computer on your wrist may sound like science fiction. But this is the

idea behind the wrist watch PDA. It would have a widescreen display to watch video, and voice

recognition technology so that you can use it by simply talking to your wrist. And of course, it

also tells you the time.

6.3 CHARMED COMMUNICATOR EYEPIECE

Charmed Technology is already marketing its digital jewelry, including a futuristic looking

eyepiece display. The eyepiece is the display component of the company’s Charmed

Communicator; a wearable, wireless, broadband- Internet device that can be controlled by

voice, pen or handheld keypad. The Communicator can be used as an MP3 player, video player

and cell phone. The Communicator runs on the company’s Linux- based UNIX operating

system. The eyepiece above displays images and data received wirelessly from the

Communicator’s belt module.

6.4 MOUSE RING

The Optical Finger Mouse is created by Logisys. The innovative way of browsing your

computer via this optical mouse is just so tremendous. It seems so easy to use. Just strap the

mouse on to your middle finger or index finger and find a flat surface and you can maneuver

the cursor on the screen with your hand free to do what you want with only slight finger or

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hand movement. Don’t worry about the typing as, this mouse allows you to type while using it

and much more. It is connected to the CPU via USB cord and can be used with mobile laptops

as well. I am sure if this mouse is in our market the users will try it out as it is a coolly designed

futuristic piece of equipment.

6.5 GPS TOE RINGS

GPS Toes, toe rings which act as directional indicators and are wirelessly connected to a GPS

receiver kept in a bag or worn on a belt.

6.6 THE JAVA RING

It seems that everything we access today is under lock and key. Even the devices we use are

protected by passwords. It can be frustrating trying to keep with all of the passwords and keys

needed to access any door or computer program. “Dallas Semiconductor” is developing a new

Java-based, computerized ring that will automatically unlock doors and log on to computers.

The Java Ring is snapped into a reader, called a Blue Dot receptor, to allow communication

between a host system and the Java Ring. The Java Ring is a stainless-steel ring, 16-millimeters

in diameter, which houses a 1-million-transistor processor, called an iButton. The ring has 134

KB of RAM, 32 KB of ROM, a real-time clock and a Java virtual machine, which is a piece of

software that recognizes the Java language and translates it for the user's computer system.

Figure 10: The Java Ring and Blue Dot Receptor

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CHAPTER-7

ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS

7.1 ADVANTAGES

It provides security for example JAVA RING is used to lock or unlock doors or computers

as we use passwords and keys to lock our doors

Digital Jewelry made possible using wireless communication with convenience

High Durability

Portability with high memory to store all the passwords

Direct and natural interaction with the user

7.2 LIMITATIONS

Very high cost of implementing which results in higher market rate

The main drawback is non rechargeable battery which is used in digital jewelry

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CONCLUSION

The basic idea behind the digital jewelry concept is to have the convenience of wireless, wearable

computers while remaining fashionably sound. It provides security and easy to carry. However,

several bugs remain. Charging capabilities and cost are just a sample of the problems that lurk.

Jewelry is worn for many reasons -- for aesthetics, to impress others, or as a symbol of affiliation

or commitment. Jewelry might double as our cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and

GPS receivers. Each piece of jewelry will contain a fraction of the components found in a

conventional mobile phone. Simply say the name of the person you want to call and the phone

will dial that person. IBM is also working on a miniature rechargeable battery to power these

components.

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REFERENCES

1. Bluetooth Connect without Cables--Jennifer Bray and Charles F Sturman

2. Next Sizzling Fashion Trend of the Technological Wave, Ms.Rinkuben Patel

3. Digital Jewelry Kohima Research Scholar, Singhania University, Rajasthan

4. Digital jewelry and family relationships - J Wallace, Dan Jackson, CasLadha and Patrick

Olivier Culture Lab, Newcastle University