Wearable Computing - eWear

Wearable Computing is a growing research & development sector for small portable computers that are designed to be worn on the body during use.

Meta-trend: Ubiquitous Computing, Wearable Computing
Trend Category: Lifestyle; Technology; Product Innovation

Trend-Description:
Mobile technology is ubiquitous. It is not uncommon to carry a mobile phone, a PDA, and an MP3 player, plus the necessary headsets. E-Wear is about how to efficiently carry and use these devices. With PAN (Personal Area Network) Technology Enabled Clothing has even developed a system to conceal conduits inside garments which enables users to connect their electronic devices to each other and the headsets. Leading developers of wearable computing are Xybernaut and Scott eVest, a subsidiary of Technology Enabled Clothing.

Definition:
A wearable computer is a small portable computer that is designed to be worn on the body during use. In this wearable computers differ from PDAs, which are designed for hand-held use, although the distinction can sometimes be a blurry one. Wearable computers are usually either integrated into the user’s clothing or can be attached to the body through some other means, like a wristband. They may also be integrated into everyday objects that are constantly worn on the body, like a wrist watch or a hands-free cell phone. (via Wikipedia)

Cases:
SCOPO

Wearable displays allow the user to visually interface with the omnipresent digital world whilst navigating their physical environment.

The SCOPO, however, doesn’t obstruct your field of vision like some prototype displays. Instead it uses a small LCD screen that hangs over your eye and fills your vision, providing the illusion of a ten inch screen from a miniature surface. The headset has optional headphones and a small belt carried unit that contains the silicon that creates the images on the screen.

When plugged into a cell phone, PDA or laptop with video functionality, you can stream directly to your field of vision or vice versa, recording footage on the fly. The SCOPO belt unit does not contain a hard drive for storing video or computing itself.

SCOTTeVEST (SeV) claims that its functional and fashionable jackets are so innovative that they are even worn by the Secret Service. The jackets have up to 42 hidden, ergonomically designed pockets and are equipped with the still patent-pending Personal Area Network (PAN). The PAN allows users to carry and use electronic devices without the mess of dangling wires. SCOTTeVEST comes in different colors and designs, suitable for outdoor activities, business and personal travel. The newest product is the solar-panel prototype.

The limited edition Amp Jacket was introduces at the MacWorld in San Francisco in January 2003. With the Amp Jacket, Burton Snowboards and Apple designed a wearable jacket with an integrated iPod control system enabled by SOFTswitch technology (see intelligent materials). The iPod can be controlled from the sleeve of the jacket without fumbling with zippers, gloves or pockets.

Also see Trend: Sonic Fabric
Links:
- Wearable Computing Lab ETH Zürich
- MIT Wearable Computing Lab
- Scott eVest Video

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