BUS 620

Research Abstract Three

“Wearable Computing”

What is Wearable Computing?

Wearable computing facilitates a new form of human-computer interaction based on a small body-worn computer system that is always on and always ready and accessible. In this regard, the new computational framework differs from that of hand held devices, laptop computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs). The "always ready" capability leads to a new form of synergy between human and computer, characterized by long-term adaptation through constancy of user interface. [wearcam.org]

In the next few years, we might be filling our closets with smart shirts that can read our heart rate and breathing, and musical jackets with built in all-fabric keypads. Thin light-emitting diode (LED) monitors could even be integrated into this apparel to display text and images. Computerized clothes will be the next step in making computers and devices portable without having to strap electronics to our bodies or fill our pockets with a plethora of gadgets. These new digital clothes aren't necessarily designed to replace your PC, but they will be able to perform some of the same functions. [How stuff Works].

Five Major Characteristics of Wearable Computers

• Portable while operational - The most distinguishing feature of a wearable is that it can be used while walking or otherwise moving around. This distinguishes wearables from both desktop and laptop computers.
• Hands-free use - Military and industrial applications for wearables especially emphasize their hands-free aspect, and concentrate on speech input and heads-up display or voice output. Other wearables might also use chording keyboards, dials, and joysticks to minimize the tying up of a user's hands.
• Sensors - In addition to user-inputs, a wearable should have sensors for the physical environment. Such sensors might include wireless communications, GPS, cameras, or microphones.
• "attention-getting" - A wearable should be able to convey information to its user even when not actively being used. For example, if your computer wants to let you know you have new email and who it's from, it should be able to communicate this information to you immediately.
• Always on - By default a wearable is always on and working, sensing, and acting. This is opposed to the normal use of pen-based "Personal Digital Assistants," which normally sit in one's pocket and are only woken up when a task needs to be done. [wearcam.org]

Common Wearable Computing Applications

• Wearable computer
• Wearable credit card terminal
• Wearable phone
• Wearable bar-code scanner
• Wearable display
• Wearable keyboard
• Wearable PDA
• Wearable MIDI instrument
• Wearable audio recorder
• Wearable camera
• Wearable universal remote control

Wearable Computing Outlook

Gartner, Inc., a research and advisory firm, predicts that by 2007, more than 60% of the US population aged 15-50 will be carrying or wearing a wireless computing and communications device for more than six hours per day.

Two Examples Shown Below

·        Levi's musical jacket - is made with the silk organza and is controlled with an all-fabric capacitive keyboard. This keyboard has been mass-produced using ordinary embroidery techniques and conductive thread. The keypad is flexible, durable and responsive to touch.

·        Smart shirt - can monitor both heart and breathing rates by using optical and electric conductive fibers that are woven into the fabric of the shirt.