Wearable computer

Wearable Computing (german portable data processing ) is the research field that deals with the development of wearable computing systems ( wearable computer). A wearable computer, in turn, is a computer system that is attached during use to the body of the user. Wearable computing differs from the use of other mobile computer systems in that the user's main activity is not the use of the computer itself, but a supported by the computer activity in the real world.

Examples

The concept of Wearable Computing can be demonstrated easily in a simple everyday example, a hearing aid meets functionality transparently without the user great to interfere or to be particularly striking. For example, researchers in the field also the utility of computer resources for everyday situations.

Examples of portable computers are watches that constantly measure the pulse, glasses, serve the inner sides as a screen or clothing, are incorporated into the electronic means of communication and music playback. In the environment of the Quantified Self movement will find a variety of these smart devices their application. They are characterized by different sensors and data on cause this ride directly themselves or transfer the collected data eg of smartphones or laptops on.

Meanwhile, first commercially available components have been announced to equip wearable computing solutions with standardized computer systems. The manufacturer Intel for the Intel platform Edison introduced to serve this market.

Classification in the computer science

Wearable computing is an interdisciplinary field of computer science, which is composed of sub-areas of computer science following fields:

• The vision of wearable computing is comparable to that of ubiquitous computing ( Rechnerallgegenwärtigkeit ) and Pervasive Computing (networking of everyday objects by computer).
• Mobile computing, which focuses on integrated around computer systems, see also handheld, Embedded systems, smartphones and PDAs
• Also in wearable computing human- computer interaction plays an important role, as the computer systems will directly support people in everyday activities and not interfere.
• To help people be proactive in daily activities, the system must also be informed of relevant information of the current user state. This is called context awareness and it builds on the computer science sub-areas of artificial intelligence and pattern recognition.

Objectives and obstacles of the research

The aim of the research is to develop utensils and clothing, which are very easy to use and offer functions depend largely on the user and his environment. A portable navigation system should about do not require you to enter the site, but determine it independently and perform a function of weather, price and preferences of the user to the selected destination.

Open research issues and obstacles in the development of wearable computers are:

• Context recognition: a wearable computing system is to replace as many explicit user input by an automatic detection of the user context, such as the current location through the use of location systems. In addition to the computer system also complex behavior of its user correctly interpret and support him. For example, a navigation system should be able to recommend various routes for a tourist or a business traveler and identify possible without an explicit configuration by the user, whether he is traveling at the moment as a tourist or business traveler.
• User interface: As wearable computers to assist the user during other activities that they need user interfaces that do not bind completely the user's attention. WIMP (Windows Icons Menus Pointers ) interfaces are only partially suitable.
• Energy supply. Modern batteries and renewable energy sources are not yet in a position to offer the desired service life for portable computer systems.
• Miniaturization of electronics and integration into clothing: The necessary technology is not currently available on an industrial scale.
• User Acceptance: Is the use of a wearable computer, especially its visual user interfaces, accepted in a social context? Do the benefits to be achieved by the use of a wearable computer, every disadvantage? (Cost, appearance, expenses for the donning and doffing ) Is an investment in a wearable computer at the present time make sense? ( Advancement of technology, cost reduction in the future, further miniaturization ... )
• Concerns about operational safety, health consequences
• Concerns about privacy and data protection ( motion profiles; purchase Profiles ): Who's the wearable computer and the data collected by him? The carrier? The owner? The manufacturer?