. Wearable Computers 42194 Essay Example

store documents and site information, which aids in cross-referencing. Additionally, wireless transmission allows for the seamless transfer of image, text, and site measurement data, while enabling retrieval of images from aerial surveys when needed. Ultimately, wearable computers provide efficient access to data and facilitate visualization.

When creating a wearable computer for archaeology, it is important to consider the required applications and technologies. Applications like visualizations and site data retrieval will require more advanced computing power than a PDA. It is also crucial to ensure compatibility with desktop interfaces and adapt applications for use on a wearable computer. Hence, integrating available technologies with suitable computing power is essential. Additionally, exploring mobile communication technologies and implementing a positioning system are necessary for a well-designed wearable computer.

Development of Field Archaeology Wearable Computer by University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham has developed a specialized wearable computer system for archaeology purposes. This system includes a 700 MHz mobile Pentium 3 processor with 256 K memory and a 30GB hard drive.

The system includes a wearable device with an integrated Windows XP operating system that can be securely attached to an archaeologist's waist using a belt. It is recommended to use Lithium-Polymer batteries or hydrogen fuel cells for at least eight hours of battery life. The device has a single USB port that supports wireless connectivity, networking, and imaging capabilities. Additionally, a wearable augmented reality display can be added to the device to present maps, field referencing, photos, and textual information. Moreover, the head-worn display comes equipped with audio input devices.

Support for interfacing with other input devices, including text and sketching, is available. The system has the capability to connect to desktop

computers using the 802.11b wireless LAN standard, and a range of 20 Km has been demonstrated. Connectivity to remote computers is also made possible with a base station. An essential feature for outdoor use is a smart screen that remains readable in high intensity sunlight.

The benefits of using a wearable computer system in archaeology are numerous. It enables efficient data recording and ensures continuous connectivity with the office or laboratory. Furthermore, the design principles employed for wearable computers can be extended to other sectors like construction or healthcare. The crucial aspect in developing wearable computers lies in their capacity to facilitate user interaction and offer a suitable interface for particular tasks. However, there exist limitations concerning user interfaces that will be further examined.

Technical Constraints of User Interfaces for Wearable Computing Systems

Wearable computers encounter major obstacles in terms of display screens and computer control. The eyes can experience strain due to visual displays, especially during activities such as driving, walking, maintenance work, or surgery. Engaging with input devices becomes challenging when hands are occupied with important tasks related to the current job. Furthermore, managing the user interface becomes complicated when limb-based posture control is required.

Input techniques that are based on keyboards or writing devices also require a screen for visual feedback of commands to the user. Some wearable computers designs have attempted to improve the user interface by providing devices which make it possible to type in the air without a keyboard or to accept voice commands through a speech interface. However, even these devices require visual feedback for the human operator to ensure that the correct commands have been issued and recognized by the computer.

Visual feedback could potentially be provided using augmented display devices on a head-mounted wearable display. However, there are limitations regarding computing capabilities and bandwidth for interactions with the wearable computer.

Speech interactions can be challenging due to background noise, and current desktop speech recognition systems have low reliability. Therefore, achieving a completely hands-free operation of computers with full mobility for the user while maintaining focus on the task is difficult. Additionally, wearable computers have small tactile input buttons, making them hard to use. Some wearable systems have tried to improve the user interface by incorporating gesture recognition for input, including hand, upper body, and head movements.

While it is possible to use gesture recognition from various body sensors, this method can be inaccurate and requires the wearer to adjust to interacting through gestures and wearing sensors. Additionally, the wearable computer needs to function flawlessly in various environments with different levels of noise and lighting, necessitating an audiovisual input and feedback system that can automatically adjust sound feedback, video intensity, and microphone sensitivity for user comfort. Thus, there is a need for a situation-aware interface design that can detect the user's context, task, psychological state, and other inputs related to the environment, and adapt the interface accordingly. Some wearable computer interaction systems are also incorporating eye tracking and lip reading for a more natural user interaction, but these systems are also susceptible to errors.

The design of wearable computers as a system, including the human interface, should prioritize reducing power consumption. This limitation affects interface design options. Standardization is also important to minimize users' need to learn different wearable systems. Wearable computers must be designed with human limitations and

ergonomic principles in mind due to their frequent use and potential for extended wear. These topics are further discussed in the section on Human Factors Associated with Wearable Computing. Like any machine used by humans, the design of wearable computers must consider factors such as safety, ergonomics, anthropometry, and usability. Ensuring user safety is particularly crucial when designing wearable computers.

When creating augmented reality displays, it is crucial to ensure that the user comprehends the information presented without encountering any vision issues caused by the display. While some occlusion may happen in the environment, efforts should be made to reduce this. The designers must offer options for adjusting the brightness and focus of visual information while also guaranteeing no harmful emissions are present. Additionally, when designing the audio interface for human-computer interaction, factors such as human hearing abilities and ambient noise levels should be taken into account. Wearable computers are anticipated to aid users in completing tasks without causing any obstacles.

When designing for users, it is important to take into account their cognitive load and the potential consequences if they are unable to respond promptly due to being occupied with another task. The information given should be brief and avoid overwhelming the user. It is necessary to have ongoing interaction through a simple dialogue. User comfort is crucial, and wearing computing gear should not lead to stress. Factors that can contribute to stress include the weight of the wearable computer, the fabric used in its construction, as well as temperature, vibration, and the human computer interface for the wearable computer.

When positioning and connecting sensors for wearable devices, it is important to prioritize user safety and reduce

the risk of accidents caused by getting tangled with objects in the surroundings. Anthropometric factors such as arm reach, waist dimensions, head circumference, height, and chest dimensions should be considered when wiring sensors, designing belts and fasteners, and creating augmented displays. Wearable devices should be lightweight and feature belts and straps that are appropriately sized for the average user while also allowing for personalized adjustments. In addition to these human factors, the design of the human-computer interface plays a crucial role in ensuring the usability of a wearable computer. If operating a wearable computer takes longer or proves to be more difficult than anticipated, it fails to fulfill its objective of effectively assisting with tasks.

The hardware and software that make up the human computer interface need to meet the cognitive needs of users. It is important for the response time to be within acceptable limits and for the display software to present helpful choices for users. These choices should be meaningful and presented in a friendly and assistive manner. Wearable systems are not only used in hazardous environments like military battlefields, chemical plants, space, and oceans. They can also be beneficial for the elderly and chronically ill individuals who live alone due to societal structures. The next section will discuss wearable devices in healthcare.

The utilization of wearable computers can greatly benefit chronically ill individuals, particularly the elderly, by enhancing their independence and facilitating urgent attention when needed. In an individualistic society where chronically ill patients strive for an independent lifestyle, wearable computers equipped with sensors can monitor vital signs such as ECG, temperature, blood pressure, glucose level, and respiration rate. By processing

input signals and other health-related data stored in a database, the wearable computer can determine the need for generating alarms or alerts. These alarms can be communicated to a nearby health center, carer, or nursing staff through a wireless link like a wireless LAN or a mobile cellular network. Moreover, the wearable garment can also generate reminders for patients to take their medications at specific times and require patient feedback to monitor medication adherence.

The wearable computer has multiple functions in managing patient care. For individuals with diabetes, it can send notifications to remind them to perform a blood test or take insulin. The sensors on the device collect data that can be stored in a hospital database for doctors to access and utilize for the patient's well-being. In case of an emergency, the patient can manually activate an alarm and communicate with healthcare workers. Alternatively, the computer can automatically trigger alerts based on vital signs. GPS tracking ensures continuous monitoring of the patient's location for added safety measures. Additionally, doctors or healthcare professionals can provide instructions directly to the patient through this system. If needed, an ambulance can also be dispatched promptly during severe emergencies.

A Personal Health Monitoring System for the Chronically Ill

A personal health monitoring system can detect the wearable components through a Bluetooth interface and connect them to a base station. This base station can then use GSM, GPRS, and UMTS to connect to the wide area network. Through the internet, doctors can access the patient's medical database and provide instructions if needed.

Implementing a personal health monitoring system brings several benefits including shorter hospital stays and reduced medical care costs for patients.

Additionally, it significantly lowers the risk of death, especially for individuals with cardiac diseases and diabetes.

As quality of life improves, hospitals can prioritize patients requiring care, but wearable systems must be user-friendly and not overwhelming. Individuals with heart conditions should avoid additional burdens that could worsen their health or induce stress. Managing well-being becomes the responsibility of patients due to reduced personal contact and fewer doctor visits. Without motivation, medication adherence cannot be guaranteed, and access to nurses during emergencies may be restricted.

A security breach in the communication system of wearables could occur due to the weak security associated with wireless communication systems. This could result in patients receiving incorrect doctor's orders or false triggering of ambulance arrivals, which can have costly or even catastrophic consequences. Nevertheless, wearables are an intriguing addition to the possibilities for computer use in healthcare and medicine. The design of wearable systems is influenced by the environment in which they are likely to be used. The next section discusses how the environment impacts the design of wearable computers.

Environmental Factors Impacting Wearable Computer Usability and User Interface

Environmental factors, such as ambient sound, vibration, light, temperature, humidity, electromagnetic blind spots, chemically contaminated atmosphere, electromagnetically noisy environment, or radiation-contaminated ambiance, can make it challenging or impossible to use a wearable computer. An environment filled with noise can prevent audio inputs to the computer or make it difficult to comprehend any audio feedback.

Excessive or inadequate ambient lighting, such as harsh sunlight, can render the visual screen or augmented reality display unreadable. Additionally, rain, excessive humidity, water, or corrosive chemicals can damage the wearable computer's display electronics, sensors, or computing elements. The human body, where

the wearable computer is worn, poses its own challenges with corrosive sweat and the potential for shocks. Underwater use of wearable computers is made possible through waterproof system design. However, when wearable sensors are connected using a Bluetooth interface operating on the 2.4 GHz ISM band, they are susceptible to interference from devices like microwave ovens and other sources.

In environments with numerous Bluetooth devices requiring point-to-point connectivity, the band can become overcrowded. When using wireless local area network or packet radio to communicate with the wide area network or base station, there may be areas without radio coverage or where the device needs to transfer between radio cells. This handover can cause temporary communication loss, affecting the performance of wearable devices. The design of the human-computer interface for wearable computers should consider the operating context of the device.

The wearable interface must be appropriately designed for situations involving distractions, such as crowded streets, workplaces with many people interacting, social situations requiring interaction with others, or operating machines. Different situations, like stock market applications, military battlefields, and entertainment or process control industries, have unique demands for interaction. Usability in a situation can even be affected by the size of buttons or the visual display. Minimizing cognitive load is important for all situations when interacting with a wearable computer, so the interaction software should present information in a user-friendly manner with intelligent deciphering of inputs and context sensing.

In military situations, it is crucial for a computer to be able to handle harsh environments and gracefully degrade, while ensuring the user's safety. The designer should carefully consider the potential consequences of an augmented reality display exploding near the user's

eye, the user experiencing electric shocks, or the battery leaking. Therefore, it is important to take into account the specific environment in which the wearable computer will be used and design it accordingly. The reliability of all computing, communication, and sensing subsystems is vital for wearable computers and their users.

The user's safety and accuracy of information can be compromised if a subsystem fails or there are sensing errors. Such errors can lead to erroneous input data being provided to the computer, which in turn generates incorrect information for the wearable computer user. The following section focuses on registration errors in wearable computing.

Registration Errors in Wearable Computing

Mis-registration occurs when there is a discrepancy between the information sensed or presented by the computer and the expected real-world value or input. These errors can arise from any of the sensors linked to a wearable device and may result from sensor resolution, malfunction, or external interference.

Registration errors in augmented reality or head mounted vision systems can lead to a disparity between the view of the real world and the displayed information. In order for the user to perceive the augmented reality display, it is necessary to convert the coordinates of the tracking sensors or video camera into the user's sensory organs, such as their eyes. The head mounted display (HMD) system must translate the real world through a camera to the user's pupils. Once an initial calibration is completed, any movement or misalignment of the HMD camera system in relation to the user's pupils will cause a registration error. Consequently, the real world situation will not coincide with the image shown on the HMD. As a result, the

depicted reality on HMD may appear tilted, shifted, misaligned, or have incorrect color representation. Particularly when viewing at short distances, parallax errors can occur.

The display lens in HMD can cause image registration problems due to prismatic effects. This leads to errors in optical registration, as shown below. Additionally, the rapid eye movements can cause perceptual distortion, altering the shape of raster scanned pictures being projected into the eye. This distortion has caused users to experience illusions and feelings of depression while using HMD. However, better design can eliminate these illusions and feelings of depression.

If both left and right eye view is being presented, then it is important to ensure that these views coincide with each other on the user's retina. Issues related to focusing in binocular or binocular vision are also important in the design of HMD. Apart from the vision system, registration errors can also occur with other sensors which sense the real world. The microphone system may not be able to decipher a spoken command correctly due to the ambient noise, sensors may malfunction and may record incorrect positioning information and other commands or inputs may be incorrectly recognised due to interference in the wearable communication system. The results of incorrect perceptions of reality in vision systems can be catastrophic if wearable devices are being used to assist with vision enhancement on a battlefield or for delicate tasks such as surgery because the target area that is being viewed will appear to be different from reality.

Parallax and Disparity Problems in HMD

In the personal health monitoring system that has been previously described, registration errors in sensor inputs can lead to false alarms being

generated or costly dispatches and emergencies being declared.

Conclusion

The discussion above aims to increase readers' understanding of the challenges and potential of wearable computing. With advancements in technology, wearable computer systems are likely to become more widespread, sophisticated, and reliable. Wearable computers are a part of the pervasive computing age, and it is highly probable that new applications for these computing systems will continue to emerge, altering the way people live, interact with others and society, as well as perform various tasks.

References / Bibliography

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Haniff and S. I. Woolley contrast different paradigms for the development of wearable computers in their article titled "Contrasting Paradigms for the Development of Wearable Computers" published in the IBM Systems Journal, Volume 38, Number 4, 1999. (Retrieved: April 28, 2005).

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Proceedings of the First International Forum on Applied Wearable Computing. University of Bremen. 2004. April 28, 2005. http://www.tzi.de/fileadmin/publikation/TZI-Berichte/TZI-Bericht-Nr30.pdf

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Dartmouth College. 2001. April 28, 2005. http://elans.cse.msu.edu/ni/restrict/ChenKotz2000.pdf

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De Vaul, Richard W. "The Memory Glasses: Wearable Computing for Just-in-Time Memory Support". MIT. June, 2004.

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i??Wearable Computingi?? is a publication called "Future Physical" which was written on April 29, 2005.

The provided HTML code includes a hyperlink to a website called "http://www.futurephysical.org/pages/content/wearable/links.html" and

a list item with information about a research paper titled "An Overview of the Research in Mobile / Wearable Computer Aided Engineering Systems in the Advanced Infrastructure Systems Laboratory at Carnegie Mellon University". The research paper was written by James H. Garrett et al. and was published by Carnegie Mellon University in 2002. The date of access was April 28, 2005.

http://www.ce.cmu.edu/~wearables/docs/Garrett_BauenMitComputern.pdf

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