**2.2 Data processing**

Data processing is one of the components that is required only when active processing is necessary. According to information theory, it is necessary to process every collected information and data and obtain the desired output. Therefore, in order to obtain the desired output by processing the parameters collected by the sensors, a processor suitable for the relevant purpose is required in smart textiles. The information processing element is only needed when the textile is actively processing information. Textile sensors can provide information to a large extent, but the main problem lies in how the information is evaluated and the processor component comes to the fore. Variation of signals and analysis of signals are main problems for data processors. Furthermore, the energy required for the processor is another problem encountered today. Since the electronic components required for energy do not have sufficient smallness and flexibility, they differ from the structure of the textile. The waterproofing requirement of these energy units and other electronic units is another problem. However, these problems are generally seen more in the garment-type smart textiles. In the case of vehicles, this is not a problem; the information processing elements can be mounted inside the vehicle [4, 6].

#### **2.3 Actuators**

Actuators are the devices designed to perform the necessary action according to signals from the sensor or processor. These devices are also called actuators. Actuators act by an effect sent from the sensor and possibly by first passing this effect through an information processor to perform objects such as moving objects, releasing materials, and making noise. Shape memory materials are the best examples in this field. Shape memory alloys can be formed in the form of lattice. Its responsiveness to heat changes enables shape memory materials to be used as an actuator and meets the requirements of intelligent textiles very well. Another type of actuator is the materials that are capable of releasing certain chemicals under certain conditions, which can be trapped in protective microcapsules or chemically bound to the fiber polymer. Such secretory materials have various commercial applications. Odors, skin protectors, antimicrobial products, and so on. Application studies have been started with active secretion methods and some simple projects have been implemented yet. It is contemplated that the release will be effected by triggering other environment variables such as temperature, pH, humidity, chemical substance, and the like. In one view, a system capable of actively controlling drug secretion would integrate the body with a smart suit capable of receiving simple health findings. For this reason, it is expected that the actuators will have some technological and mechanical components and will bring problems in both fields [6, 7].

**247**

*Smart E-Textile Materials*

**2.4 Storage**

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92439*

or by wireless connection [8, 9].

**2.5 Communication**

Storage is another component of smart textiles. Although not a fundamental goal, smart suits are expected to need a storage capacity to operate on their own. While the information to be stored in smart textiles is usually information or energy, examples such as textiles that inject or emit drugs or odors indicate that this storage unit will also serve different areas. Detection, computing, actuators, and communication units generally require energy, especially electrical energy. Efficient energy management is achieved by combining the energy source and storage in an appropriate manner. Examples of the energy sources that can be used in clothing are body temperature, mechanical movement (the energy generated by movement resulting from the elasticity of fabrics or kinetic energy from body movement), radiation (solar energy), and so on. The energy source required for the operation of sensors, processors, and moving systems in smart textiles should be combined with energy storage capability. Nowadays, very small and light batteries are available, and this solution of this energy requirement is a method that comes to mind in the first place. Even if the flexible ones are manufactured, they are not sufficient in performance and are still under development. On the other hand, the situation is easier and the energy requirement can be achieved by direct contact with clothing

One of the components of smart textiles is the communication component, which is shaped according to the type and need of communication. There are many types of communication within smart textiles. Some of the basic situations in which smart textiles are contacted are as follows: in one element of the garment itself; can be mounted between two different elements of the garment; and in order to command the garment by the wearer, contact is made to inform the wearer or his surroundings. In today's prototypes, communication within the garment is provided by optical fibers or by conductive fine wires. They are naturally woven and can be placed in textiles without the use of stitches. A specific communication protocol is followed to communicate with the wearer. The outlines of this protocol can be provided by the technologies described below. Optical fibers are used in the creation of optical screens, and France Telecom has managed to produce several prototypes by producing a sweater and a backpack. On the other hand, since it requires more than one fiber for a pixel, it appears that the present situation needs further consideration. Another communication protocol in smart textiles is pressure-transmission systems. Information can be provided to the garment with pressure-sensitive textile materials, and a data processing element needs to process these entered orders. In some intelligent textile applications, communication with wider environmental elements is important. For example, there are many situations in which the suit is required to interact with the vehicle when 41 drivers are handled. The first thing that comes to mind in the communication of the dress with the vehicle is the seat in which it is in direct contact. A wireless connection can be achieved by integrating an antenna into the suit. This antenna is integrated into the clothes. The major advantage of this integration of antennas to the garment is that a large area can be used for communication without the user even being aware of it. In the summer of 2002, a prototype was produced in Philips Research Laboratories. With regard to road safety or driving comfort, a lot of data about the driver, such as heat comfort, concentration etc., can be obtained using intelligent textiles for a better and safer driving quality. For risky human profiles, for example, heart patients can anticipate the problems of clothing and provide information to stop the vehicle or even call for help if necessary.
