A body-mounted equipment to be worn like a piece of clothing, as unobtrusive as possible, that allows computational support enhancing the user's ability to engage our physical surroundings. Such ease is taken care of in the form of eyewear, smart clothing and watches. It is till date, one of the most convenient and portable gadget to wear on with its lightweight characteristic as compared to our laptops and smartphones where we carry them instead of wearing them. Moreover, our daily activities will be multi-tasked when the Wearable Computer frees us from deskbound jobs, work-as-we-walk concept being brought to present.

Past                                Present                                  Future

Whenever we think of Wearable Computing, we have a natural tendency to link it to a history not far away, probably within the recent 40-50 years ago, due to the newness of the term. However, little do we know that wearable computers have been around for a long time already, dating back to a few hundred years ago. In fact, the very first wearable computer was introduced in the 1500s - the pocket watch.

These pocket watches had calculators (the computer) inbuilt into them, fulfilling the basic definitions of wearable computers. However, these cumbersome watches did not gain popularity at that time due to its ergonomics.

1960s
It was not until 1961 that wearable computers started to gain a surge in followers. The ‘fans’ movement was started by a mathematician named Edward O. Thorp who invented a card-counting device for blackjack. The system was a concealed cigarette-pack sized analog computer designed to predict roulette wheels used in the game.

Other founding wearable computer systems are the camera-to-tactile vest invented by C.C. Collins for the blind as well as the HP-01 algebraic calculator watch manufactured by Hewlett Packward. This new calculator watch was a vast improvement from the bulky pocket watches invented in the 1500s. They were hot-sellers the moment they were launched, prompting other manufacturers like Japanese watch company Casio to invest in producing calculator watches as well.

1980-90s
By the 1980s, the technology for wearable computers had experienced a large jump forward. Many wearable computers were now manufactured for general purposes and these miniature computers were widely seen implanted into cameras. Steve Mann’s 1994 creation of the Wearable Wireless Webcam further piqued the interests of many others to go into the research field for wearables.

Steve Mann’s wearable wireless webcam, and samples of photos taken using the webcam.

The 1990s also saw the debut of the “wrist computer”, introduced by reserachers at the University of Toronto. Their system presented an alternative approach to the emerging head-up display plus chord keyboard wearable. With the keyboard and display panel strapped to the user’s forearms, text could now be entered by bringing the wrists together and typing. This technology was later adopted by IBM researchers to create the “belt computer”.

Another notable invention in the last decade of the 20th century was the Forget-Me-Not, a wearable device that could record interactions with people and devices and store this information in a database for later query. It interacted via wireless transmitters in rooms and with equipment in the area to remember things like who was there and what objects were in the room.

2000 and Beyond
The various aspects of wearable computing in our lives today will be explained in other parts of this website, namely in the Hardware, Commercialization, and Military Application segments. Do refer to those parts for a more in depth analysis!

What?

Wearable computers are worn, much as eyeglasses or clothing are worn, and interact with the user based on the context of the situation. With HUD, unobtrusive input devices, personal wireless local area networks, and a host of other context sensing and communication tools, the wearable computer can act as an intelligent assistant, whether it be through a Remembrance Agent, augmented reality, or intellectual collectives.

The convergence of a variety of technologies makes possible the current paradigm shift in information processing. Continued advances in semiconductor technology makes possible high-performance microprocessor requiring less power and less space. Decades of research in computer science have provided the technology for hands-off computing using speech and gesturing for input. Miniature heads-up displays weighing less than a few ounces have been introduced. Development of electronic textiles allowed for the incorporation of built-in technological elements in everyday textiles and clothes. Combined with mobile communication technology, it is possible for users to access information anywhere

Examples

Microprocessor: A silicon chip that contains a CPU

This device has a blood glucose monitor and an insulin pump with a wearable computer to manage the bodies hormone levels 24/7.

Speech and gesture input: Instead of using keyboard and mouse which are bulky, new input methods are innovated to suit the portability and convenience of wearable computers. For example, Kopin(R) Corporation announced its Golden-i(R) 3.5 Hands-Free Computing Headset in March 24, 2011.
Voice recognition: The technology that converts spoken words to text, e.g. Talkman® T5

E-textiles: Electronic textiles (e-textiles) are fabrics that have electronics and interconnections woven into them, with physical flexibility and size that cannot be achieved with existing electronic manufacturing techniques. Components and interconnections are intrinsic to the fabric and thus are less visible and not susceptible to becoming tangled together or snagged by the surroundings. An e-textile can be worn in everyday situations where currently available wearable computers would hinder the user. E-textiles can also more easily adapt to changes in the computational and sensing requirements of an application, a useful feature for power management and context awareness.

 

acoustic array fabric with interwoven wiring and integrated microphone sensors and circuit boards

Mobile communication technology: This includes wireless technology such as Wi-Fi and 3G  that makes information accessible to users almost anywhere.

Introduction

How is it related in today’s army and context?

Army today is extremely different to what a traditional army in the past was due to the intense upgrading, innovation and introduction of technology and augmented reality into the society. This has indirectly impacted on every individual soldier and even up to an Army unit. The benefits of such technology advancement has brought the military to extremely desire benefits in the planning, executing and responding to unforeseen scenarios today. Examples are the Singapore’s Advanced Combat Man System(ACMS) as well as U.S Future Force Warriors(FFW).

Singapore Armed Forces ( Advanced Combat Man System )

What?

 

To ensure a constant progression of capability and efficiency as well as deterrence of hostilities, we have to import such technological innovations. This is what the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is doing with the newly developed ACMS. This is to work hand-in-hand with the idea of a 3Generation army for the Army, Navy and Air Force to act as one unit to attain a decisive victory in case of a failed diplomacy.

ACMS is created for a more cohesive, efficient and technologically savvy unit of soldiers in Singapore. It taps on 4Cs’ which are Command, Control, Communications and Computers. The ACMS is integrated into a soilder’s weapon, helmet and loadbearing vest. Of which, it includes a head-mounted display system (HMD), Soldier Battlefield Management System (SBMS) and a lightweight wearable computer. These systems allow every individual soldier to enhance the situational awareness, command and control of the unit as well as to communicate vertically across the ranks in the army.

How is it applicable

Efficiency, capability and survivability of soldiers sums it up. Soldiers are made efficient when real-time information can be easily shared among every soldier. There will be real-time updates of both friendly and hostile forces with the use of the HMD. In the event of casualty, comrades can be evacuated in the fastest time possible with the use of hotkey in the portable computer. This is how the ACMS enables a more credible fighting force in the SAF.

 

U.S Army (Future Force Warrior)

U.S Army has always been directly or indirectly involved in international situations and conflicts like in the often middle east conflicts and also the United Nations’ peacekeeping missions. Presently, Future Force Warrior (FFW) is a yet another concept devised by U.S to make an infantry solider fully integrated with technologies to enhance his capability in battlefield. It seeks to fully utilize the existing technologies to provide the infantry a much more capable force in face of enemy forces. It weighs about 22kg as compared to the past where a soldier has to carry 55kg of load into the field. Soldiers’ are able to have a bird’s eye view of the whole situation to provide better coordination and control of a mission. This is described by the U.S as “soldier an F-16 on legs” Computer is capable of monitoring the soldiers’ physiological performance like his body temperature, heart rate and how much more water needs to be drunk in order to maintain a fit body for battle. Medics can virtually see a soldier without the need to be beside him. A message will then be sent to the soldier to inform him about the need to visit a medic as soon as possible and where he can find the medic to sought for medical aid.

 

General Dynamics Itronix GD300

It is a battlefield–rugged wearable on the arm or chest of a soldier that integrates the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) together with communications technology to provide an updated pictorial view on an objective as well as to communicate between one another in the battlefield. It is able to withstand the extreme weather no matter during rain or shine. It costs about US$1,200 and it taps of the use of Android operating system.

This prototype allows power efficiency with the use of ARM® processing together with its lightweight property, GPS, technologically advanced Android™ open operating system and the gadget is one that is almost possible to ground through any type of terrain.

 

 

Augmented Reality

 

What is it about?

 

The augmented reality system encapsulates the use of modern technology and innovation in every economy. It realizes some of the impossibilities and allows greater efficiency as well as greater coordination and control in every field and industry that we work with. In particular, the military has been spending large amount of capital into this current technology so as to integrate such systems to increase the capability of the Army. This has been done in the U.S. with the aid of the Office of Naval Research and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency or in short, DARPA. The AU has been effectively put into place by allowing soldiers to be aware of the situation that they are not physically in so as to have a sound approach to achieving a successful mission in mind.

U.S Army

I-glasses HMD

Used by:

-          Parachuter

-          Unmanned Aircraft System

-          Military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit

This innovation of an I-glass allows troops to be able to train during peacetime to minimise any possible casualty in the event of training. In the Naval Air Base in Pensacola, I-glasses is being utilised by a VR Parachute Trainer. It simulates a 4000-foot jump which in actual fact, they are just merely a few inches off the ground with a harness around them. This model seems to be efficient as it is not bulky, comfortable and lightweight. The UVS uses the I-glasses to attain reconnaissance information in assisting in missions or even in daily activities. This involves the use of technology to allow us to be able to see what we cannot be physically present. The EOD team is considered to be the most risky group of people because they are handling with explosives and hence, the uncertainty that results in such tremendous risk. They fix the I-glasses onto mobile robots so that they are able to virtually engage a bomb disposal or chemically hazardous materials without increasing the risk of an EOD team.

 

NUS (Augmented Reality)

AR in Manufacturing

The intensity of business and technology is growing at an exponential rate and we cannot dismiss the importance of technology in innovation as well as increased productivity. Research and development on the manufacturing sector is to create AR so that manufacturing processes requires lesser time to produce as well as lesser cost accompanied by an increase in quality of product.

 

Awards

The NUS Engineering team has created a platform recently in an effort to help elderly pedestrians find their way around, detect obstacles and be aware of the dynamics in their environment. They have received a grant from the Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Welfare Foundation (MSIWF) in January 2010.

In 2005, NUS had a team which invented a HMD that allows typing on a AR assistive keyboard just by tilting the head from side to side. It is able to help the increasing number of elderly who are disabled to control the mechanics in the house ranging from Television sets and lights. Texts and composing of emails are also enabled from this invention. This is what the AR is allowing a physically handicapped person to be able to function as normally as a person however, definitely with lesser efficiency.

 

Sixth Sense

What?

'SixthSense' is a wearable gestural interface which enlarges our surroundings with digital information and allows us to control what we want just by gesturing with that available information.

Intention?

SixthSense closes the gap between our physical environment like our physical uses to information which can be retrieved without the use of excessive gadgets to produce the same performance. ‘SixthSense’ is now not restricted to geographical location but it is well integrated with reality. This creates a whole new dimension of “entire world your computer”.

Specifications

What SixthSense requires are just three simple gadgets which include a camera, a pocket projector and a mirror. The projector enables us to virtually obtain information however, requires an interface to visually see the information; while the camera captures movements and physical objects.

Applicability

SixthSense supports a Multi-Touch based system. An instance will be the zooming in and out of a map when the user is using the map to navigate. Furthermore, paperless and penless drawing is also made possible when the user can just use his fingertip to draw, write and to search for data and information. Lastly, SixthSense can also augment physical objects like a newspaper which can play live videos on it for the user to not only read but see what is happening.

The growing interest and popularity of wearable computing in many industries have been fueled by the onslaught of globalisation. With such a huge engine powering this new direction in the usage of technology, many companies are increasingly developing products that can infuse electronics into wearable entities. Below are a few significant examples:
 

• GPS Wildlife Tracking

A process whereby biologists, scientific researchers or conservation agencies can remotely observe relatively fine-scale movement or migratory patterns in a free-ranging wild animal using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and optional environmental sensors or automated data-retrieval technologies such as Argos satellite uplink, GPRS and a range of wireless based tools.

Argos satellite
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN): WSN provides an advanced solution for species tracking.  The wireless sensor network is composed of sensor nodes, relay nodes, and the base station.  Cellular networks can also be used considering the difficulty of achieving the necessary radio range coverage. Through using the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), the species can be located.



How WSN works
 

• Fashionable apparels with inbuilt entertainment devices

 

QIO Systems Inc.
Operates as a manufacturer of electronic accessories. The company designs, develops and manufactures accessory electronics for interactive apparel and soft goods applications supporting the seamless integration of mobile entertainment devices like MP3 players, cell phones and AM/FM/Digital radio.
Its recent collaboration with PANiQ line in 2009 aims to produce an apparel with innate ability to play music.

The PANiQ controller is a removable, standardized dongle that can be attached to any piece of clothing in the burgeoning PANiQmode line of attire.
 

• Medical Application

1. Memory Glasses
The Memory Glasses is a wearable, proactive, context-aware memory aid based on the MIThril platform and wearable sensors. The primary goal of this project is to produce an effective memory aid and reminder system that requires a minimum of the wearer's attention.

Suitable for those who stand to gain the most are people with substantial memory (amnesia) or recognition

2.    Nomad Personal Display
Retina display projectors can be used to access digital images while performing medical procedures. The devices have already been used successfully during angiography allowing the physician to overlay fluoroscopic images with the operating field.

Vital data from the monitor can be transferred directly to the anesthesiologist's retina. The physician can now concentrate on the medical procedure rather than paying attention to a monitor located away from the patient

3. Health Monitoring Underwear
In May 21, 2008, Medgadget reported that Philips has filed a patent for wireless sensor underwear that can measure blood pressure, activity, posture and electrocardiogram(ECG).



Useful Links:
Medgadget
Body Sensor Networks

4. E-Textile based Systems
BIOTEX
Biotex is part of a significant number of related EU funded projects developing next generation wearable e-textile based systems integrating sensors, actuators, communications and power management. Related projects include Myheart, which goal is to gain knowledge on a citizen´s actual health status by continuous monitoring of vital signs. It integrates system solutions into functional clothes with integrated textile sensors. MyHeart comprises feedback devices, able to interact with the user as well as with professional services.


This system is suitable for supporting citizens to fight major Cardio-vascular diseases (CVD) risk factors and helps to avoid heart attack, other acute events by personalized guidelines and giving feedback. It provides the necessary motivation to adopt new life styles.

For other related projects: http://www.biotex-eu.com/html/relatedprojects.html

Emerging Companies Using Wearable Computing

Apple
On March 11, 2010, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals one of the next chapters for Apple's media players used in the gym or private workouts.

Once a workout template is created and stored, a user may select the template in a quickstart fashion to restart the same workout. It is to be understood that "quickstart" selection of a workout template by a user of the electronic device may include any suitable number of inputs from a user to make the selection, including for example, only one input (e.g., one click or one touch input gesture by the user)

The pervasive nature of technology has rendered the introduction of wearable computing many challenges in diverse fields of practices. Below are some technical as well as ethical issues pertaining to the use and integration of wearable computing:
 

• Invasion of Privacy

Privacy is a tangible yet sensitive issue to grapple with when technology comes into play. Also under the umbrella of ‘computer ethics’, the ability to protect one’s privacy seems to be increasingly more challenging as technologies advance ahead of time. Be it a wearable computer used at the workplace or for personal use, the tracking system or risk of losing this minute computer, for instance, can result in a heavy loss in important information and freedom.

Potential Solutions
1.      Legislation

Privacy laws can be enacted to set the boundary on what is legal, when is the boundary crossed, and how to measure the severity of each privacy invasion. Such laws must also be as detailed as possible given the very tangible nature of privacy.

2.      Security Software

Softwares that use security methods, for instance:

Encryption: Scrambles transmissions- When a user encrypts a set of information through substituting it with a private numerical code, also called the encryption key, the information would be passed down or kept as a set of unreadable characters. The message can then be read by using a matching key.

Encryption can be done with secret numerical codes

Useful links:
How Stuff Works
Microsoft Support

Biometric Identifiers: These consist of more physical restrictions to the access of wearable computing softwares. For example, a unique signature, a voice print, fingerprint, retinal scan or other physical characteristics of our body that are unique to each individual.

These methods can be use as barriers of entry to disallow manipulations done by strangers.

3. Promoting Context Awareness in Computing

Acknowledgement of the environment in which the computing process takes place in would greatly shed meaning into the intentions and needs of the users. The context could be that of our physical environment or a virtual imaginary one. The development context-aware computing applications can alleviate the issue of privacy invasion through the usage of Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) mechanism, as well as devices that are location sensitive.

Useful Link: Issues for Context Awareness for Pervasive Computing
 

• Effectiveness of Interface

An interface is the site of communication between the user and the device, as well as the interaction between the various components of both hardware and software. Moreover, with the relatively small interface of wearable computers, interfaces should be simple and clear for easy use. Additionally, an appealing computing device should not just be a gadget but instead a fashion item that can add character to the user’s outfit.

A model displays a wearable computer at a fashion show in Seoul. The eyeglass serves as a monitor for the hard disk worn on the wrist

Potential Solutions
1.      Enable customization according to the user’s likings.
The setting up of more click-and-mortar businesses would allow for more personalisation of goods before delivery to customers as some stocks need not be physically displayed or ordered prior to the customer stating his or her interest.



2.      Push for Flexibility of Product
A device which can provide a diversity of choices, such that the user, for instance, can wear one on a business trip and switch to another on a Sunday outing.

 

• Heat or Radiation Dissipation

All kinds of batteries will heat up especially when used for long hours. The radiation emitted is also a common existing problem with many of the devices we use nowadays, especially the smartphone. These emissions are very harmful to the human skin and health.

Possible Solutions
1.      Improve the airflow by constantly moving the wearable computer around. This is easily done for wearable computers as it is attached to the user’s body and hence moves along together with the user. For example, an arm-mounted computer can dissipate heat when the user’s arm swings in a pendulum-like movement whilst walking.

2.      Chill batteries whilst charging so that the wearable computer can transfer heat into them during operation.

3.      Installing software that delays disk maintenance or downloads until it senses a cooler environment.
 

• Higher Demand for Power/Longer Battery Life

The wireless component of wearable computers makes wired charging not feasible while the user is on the move. As such, battery life is shortened and may not be able to sustain the entire day.

Possible Solutions:
1.      Use primary chemical batteries
These chemical batteries can last for very long hours, some for days and even years. However, this will have an immense negative environmental impact in the long run as these chemical batteries are non-biodegradable.

2.      Use rechargeable batteries
A way to improve the limited lifespan of these batteries would be to tie recharging with everyday actions. For example, wearable computers on shoes can be charged through the power generated whenever the wearer walks. The user can create a daily routine such that during natural breaks like sleeping or mealtime can be used as recharging time. For example, we may also install wireless chargers on public tables, so that the batteries in the wearable computer can be charged whilst the user is working or eating at the desk.


charging battery operated devices wirelessly, without requiring the devices to be compliant with the wireless charging standard they use.

Wearable computing holds many promises in the future. It has the ability to replace any lacking function that our body has incurred and do it without posing any hindrances. On top of that, it can also enhance the capabilities of our bodily functions to the extent that one can process as fast as a computer. However, alongside these benefits are pressing ethical issues that we have discussed earlier which must be addressed with caution and thought.

Nonetheless, the many applications that wearable computing can provide in a wide array of fields is one that is worth the effort for engineers to invest in.

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Engadget, (2011). QIO Systems aims for interchangeable wearable garb with PANiQ line. Retrieved on March,2011, from http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/26/qio-systems-aims-for-interchangeable-wearable-garb-with-paniq-li/

MIThril, (2002). The Memory Glasses Project. Retrieved on March 31, 2011, from http://www.media.mit.edu/wearables/mithril/memory-glasses.html

The Internet Journal of Medical Informatics, (2011). Wearable Computing in Medicine. Retrieved on March 31, 2011, from http://www.ispub.com/ostia/index.php?xmlFilePath=journals/ijmi/vol1n1/wearable.xml   

Body Sensor Networks, (2008). Philips files patent for health monitoring underwear. Retrieved on March 31, 2011, from http://vip.doc.ic.ac.uk/bsn/index.php?m=192&page=3

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ST Electronics, (2010). ST Electronics Advanced Combat Man System: One of the World’s Most Advanced Soldier System at Singapore Airshow 2010 Exhibition. Retrieved on March 29, 2011, from http://www.stee.stengg.com/newsrm/2010/02-03.pdf

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This project is done by

Choo Yi Ann Alex
Lim Xian Yong
Tan Xiao Xian
Quek Yu Ting Dawn

Click on the subheadings on the left to view the content!

Website best viewed in Firefox 1152x864

This project is done by

Choo Yi Ann Alex
Lim Xian Yong
Tan Xiao Xian
Quek Yu Ting Dawn

Click on the subheadings on the left to view the content!

Website best viewed in Firefox 1152x864