Wearable Computers

Wearable Computers are technologies that can be worn on the user’s body and/or limbs. It is technology that is attached to the personal space of the user to support and facilitate his/her operations (indented task).

Application

Wearable Computers have been applied to a variety of areas such as: behavioral modeling; health monitoring systems; information technologies; and media development. Organizations such as the Government’s military and the Health Field in particular, have increased their incorporation of wearable computers in their daily operations due to the benefits of data collection and support. Wearable computers are particularly useful in tasks that require computational support (i.e. data and task precision) while the user's hands, voice, eyes and/or attention is actively preoccupied with his/her physical environment.---wikipedia.org/wiki/Wearable_computer

Appealing Features of “Wearable” Technology

• Consistant Use: The user and technology are in constant interaction (ie. there is no need to turn the device on or off).

• Multi-Tasking: This technology can be easilty utilized/manipulated inaddition to the user's task(s) at hand.

• Prosthetic Intention: Increasingly, desings give the user's body or mind a more “natural” extension feel and usage experience.

Examples

• Wrist Watch Computer
  

This wristwatch videoconferencing computer runs the videoconferencing application underneath a transparent clock, running XF86 under the GNUX (GNU+Linux) operating system. Once the SECRET function are selected, this watch will conceals the videoconferencing window by turning off the transparency of the clock, so that the watch then looks like an ordinary watch (just showing the clock filling the entire 640x480 pixel screen). Then the OPEN function cancels the SECRET function and opens the videoconferencing session up again.

• A wrist-worn Linux PC
  

This device, which can run Linux or Windows CE, is a hands-free computer which handles wireless networking and GPS tracking. It also comes with a 240 x 320 pixels touchscreen and has a battery which can last about 8 hours. It only weighs 300 grams — but it will be attached at the end of your arm, so it might feel heavier than this. This device should be available for about $2,500 and could be used by healthcare or law enforcement personnel.

• Oakley O ROKR with iPod Transmitter
  

Oakley teamed up with Motorola for the latest version of their wearable electronics shades, the Bluetooth enabled, Gascan-based O ROKR. Although very similar to designing the Thump 2’s, the O ROKR loses the frame rim that would block downward viewing -also allowing you to swap out the pure Plutonite lens for other shades. Oakley ditched MP3 playback capabilities for Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream audio from your iPod (with the Naviplay device), or your next-gen moto celphone (RAZR V3x, ROKR E2) and other devices with Bluetooth A2DP or Naviplay support.

related subjects:

http://about.eyetap.org/

http://www.seeingwithsound.com/

http://www.iswc.net/

http://www.almaden.ibm.com/cs/user/inddes/halfkb.html

-- YingCui - 12 Feb 2007-- KarinaMorales - 04 Mar 2007

-- YingCui - 16 Mar 2007

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