Wearable computing?

[Ed Hansberry]

<a href="http://www.vnunet.com/News/1134861">http://www.vnunet.com/News/1134861</a><br /><br />I've seen wearable computers before, well, if you call strapping on several boxes and enough cables to look like a Borg "wearing." Well, it seems that wearable computing is chic right now, like bluetooth was 2 years ago. "Global shipments of wearable computers, such as those carried on the belt or built into a piece of fabric, will grow by more than 50 per cent each year until 2006, according to a new report." If you increase the volume of wearable computers by 50% from 2001's volumes through 2006, I still doubt you'd have 5,000 in service.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/hansberry/2002/20020908-borg.gif" /><br /><br />"While the researchers expect WindowsCE/PocketPC and WindowsNT/2000 to be the most common operating systems for wearables, they indicated that shipments with Linux, Windows XP, Java J2ME, Palm and others would also see some increased demand from niche applications." Odd that NT/2K is given more future in wearable computing than XP. Odder still an OS with a fixed UI ratio requiring a square screen is considered.<br /><br />I could see headless units or something with a 2-4 line LCD screen for use in a warehouse, or maybe something as futuristic as what <a href="http://www.microvision.com/tech_disp.htm">Microvision</a> is working on in their Wearable "augmented vision" displays that superimpose a transparent image over your field of vision. What do you see wearable computing good for? If it is just taking your PC with you, that is going to be a major flop. For the most part, it is going to have to be not only a new UI, but a new way of doing things, even new things to do not currently imaginable.

[Brad Adrian]

I think this kind of technology would be great for any situation in which the user has to look at a screen, to another object, then back to the screen again. It could really reduce repetitive stress and speed data entry. Situations like:

Warehouse inventory and control
Landscape and architectural design
Technical support and repair
Public speaking

[hulksmash]

LOL. I love the image of the Borg being used as analogous to "wearable" computers, although I'd heard about the research into such wearable technology, I never visualized the Borg as representative of such. :rofl: :way to go: However, there are probably quite a few uses, say, having the dial pad of a wireless phone on your sleeve, car security remote wired into the pocket of your pants pocket and/or jacket pocket, or even better, into your gloves. I think there will be many applications that will be able to take advantage of being wearable, but not quite as bulky as wearing some recycled tire rubber like the original Borgs from the Next Gen series. :evilbat: (I hope, lol) Probably a bunch more that don't require a screen to use, esp with bluetooth and wi-fi integration. I can't wait to see some protyped possibilities. :rock on dude!:

[DrtyBlvd]

...displays that superimpose a transparent image over your field of vision. What do you see wearable computing good for? If it is just taking your PC with you, that is going to be a major flop. For the most part, it is going to have to be not only a new UI, but a new way of doing things, even new things to do not currently imaginable.

So you could have schematics showing a house construction for example - piece by piece - and 'Joe Normal' could build a house?

Stretching it a bit, but wow.

[Jonathon Watkins]

A Semi-Transparent HUD would work well with an eye controlled systems like the one reported here:

Replace your mouse with your eye
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/2098030.stm

Having a BT connection to your PPC on your belt would be good. The HUD could also double as a headset for phone conversations.

What would be good would be a watch type device that could be worn on your wrist and which could record your hand movements. This would give you a virtual keyboard and allow you to manipulate the GUI in a simulated 3D environment. A data glove would work - but this way would be more unobtrusive.

3D navigation coupled with eye navigation and hand-position-monitoring equipment would therefore be my vote. :wink:

[Ed Hansberry]

So you could have schematics showing a house construction for example - piece by piece - and 'Joe Normal' could build a house?
Surgeons and mechanics are already using stuff like this in limited trials. Very limited.

[DrtyBlvd]

Ha. The prospect of letting me loose to perform surgery on someone is frightening to say the least.

Mind you, link this to the nanobots that have been in the press and add a touch of 50 years (Gas Mark6) and who knows what we'll get!

I am so looking forward to the future. Sitting there on the porch, swinging, grandchildren on my knee, going "I remember when all we had wuz pda's"

[Gen-M]

Think of it this way:

A HUD like the ones developed by Micro Optical are almost invisible on a pair of eyglasses, but provide 800x600 display. (But are too expensive today.)

With a bluetooth keyboard, mouse/trackball or a twiddler (and drivers to support a mousable cursor) you have turned a PocketPC with a too small screen into a wearable. Heck, even a Fellows USB touchpad would replace the stylus if we had a USB port and driver.

Add a Bluetooth headset and a cell phone card or sleeve and you have a hands free phone, as well as mp3 player (with movies)

What do you want to do that really needs a larger display, or needs at least one hand free? 8O

[ijablokov]

Our job is to make it seamless, period. Trust me, you won't look like the Borg LOL.

[Merlion]

Are you guys familier with Xybernaut's (www.xybernaut.com) products? Their wearable computers actually seem very usable. Check out their Poma (www.xybernaut.com/newxybernaut/Solutions/product/poma_tech.htm). I'd get one if it's 1/10 the price. :D