"Progress in computing and communications has accelerated so fast over the past few decades that this convergence, in a very natural way, is now being employed by human beings in a very creative and much more efficient manner," says Michael Binko, director of corporate communications at Xybernaut, a wearable computer company that exhibited at Comdex Chicago 2002 last week.
"Many terms are being used to describe this movement. They include ubiquitous computing, pervasive computing, edge of network computing, embedded computing, distributed computing and user-supported computing."
According to Binko, all of these terms have some degree of relevance and some differentiation as they deal with the computing devices themselves, the architecture to which they interface, or the communications protocols in place.
"The concept must extend to supporting a wearable computer on your body such as an arm- or wrist-mounted wearable (similar to a watch), a wearable carried in a coat or pants pocket, or even in or attached to clothing itself."
Wearable challenges
He says the basic problem addressed by wearable computers is the need to provide the right information or computing capacity to a person when and where they need it, while at the same time allowing that person to communicate with others.
"One of the most significant problems facing companies and individuals alike is how to migrate toward wearables while addressing the procedural and organisational changes it will bring with it."
The market for this technology is expected to grow in leaps and bounds. Binko states that Gartner recently included wearable computers as one of four emerging technology trends for the next decade.
"By our very definition of wearable computers being a general-purpose computer, they must be able to run industry-standard operating systems such as Linux, Unix and the full range of Windows. In other words, it must be interchangeable with desktop and laptop computers. Even though fully mobile, it must be seen as just another node on the network by IT managers. Thus PDAs and Webphones do not qualify to be classified as wearable - yet."
Benefits of wearable computers, according to Binko, include improved focus and workflow, better teamwork and significantly enhanced productivity for each properly outfitted employee.
"Questions still exist: What sectors of industrialised society are most likely to be affected by this new technology, and how will the interconnectivity impact on key aspects of life in the industrialised world?
"At this point in society`s technological evolution, there is really nothing on the horizon to stop this convergence and development - any more than we were able to stop the introduction of the PC or PDA.
"The last question yet to be answered is how well we will manage its evolution."
On show
Microvision, a developer of optical scanning technology, showcased its Nomad Personal Display System at Comdex. The high-resolution head-worn display presents images and information to the user in a see-through mode.
This personal display enables hands-free access to information such as diagrams, maintenance records, moving maps and interactive training manuals. The display has full daylight readability, which allows users to view high contrast images in even the most challenging lighting conditions.
Mobile intelligence solutions company, Oxford Technologies, displayed its AFZ-40 camera. The compact auto-focus, auto-exposure and zoom unit can be used for wireless remote video conferencing or expert applications (such as telemedicine, telemaintenance or security), video documentation and archiving, and image capture.
Xybernaut had its poma on hand - a consumer wearable computer that was launched in January. The poma caters to technically-minded consumers and mobile professionals. Hitachi`s SuperH 32-bit 128MHz RISC processor powers the device, which uses Microsoft`s Windows CE operating system. The poma incorporates a Compact Flash slot, USB port, 32MB of RAM, 32MB of ROM, a custom optical mouse and a removable internal rechargeable battery. It also provides support for instant on/off Internet and a head-mounted display that provides private viewing with the equivalent in quality to a desktop monitor. The device weighs 310 grams.
Target markets for this device include entertainment, online activities, transaction-based computing, field force automation, distance learning, personal productivity, personal communication and electronic commerce. The device sells for $1 499 in the US.
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