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Handhelds Hardware

Heads-Up Wearable Display 147

Posted by CmdrTaco from the before-I-can't-walk-any-more-please dept.
selfsealingstembolt writes "Looks like the guys at NASA are trying to combine some existing technologies into a wearable computer. At the moment it is designed as headset combined with a small box to wear at your belt or so. The interesting part is, that they are looking for new technologies at outside sources (companies, educational institutions, ...). The design is still subject to change, but the general idea is great."
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Heads-Up Wearable Display More

Heads-Up Wearable Display

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  • Ugly, Ugly, Ugly (Score:4, Insightful)

    by CaffeineAddict2001 ( 518485 ) on Monday July 29, 2002 @10:04AM (#3971648)
    Why can't they make these things look more like a nice pair of sunglasses rather than a Techno-Cowlick?

    • Re:Ugly, Ugly, Ugly (Score:4, Informative)

      by Shayde ( 189538 ) on Monday July 29, 2002 @10:36AM (#3971895) Homepage
      The best set of augmented vision stuff is done by Don Papp (http://www.aeinnovations.com). He's pretty well known in the wearable computing circles.

      He's the only one I've seen that has put a HUD optical device behind a pair of sunglasses WITHOUT making you look like some sort of mutant. The problem is the display is small, (landscape piece of paper at a range of 4'), and is not quite VGA resolution (400x300 or therabouts, monochrome only).

      What folks have to think about is what they really want to display on their glasses. A true design should allow -some- information to the user, but not totally engross them visually. A one line text display can relay an ENORMOUS amount of data - considering the baseline is zero (some data is a vast improvement over no data).

      Couple a display with audio cues and a prompting system, you won't exactly be chattering on a high volume IRC channel, but you could get GPS location information, notifications of events (*bing*! - Ah, an event in the network. Let me see what happened...), etc etc.

      Augmented reality is -the- application for this stuff. Being able to drive your car, and have your display mark out other cars, or show you where a turn coming up is, or point out hazards at night - or even show you there's a car in your blindspot. Mmm. How about showing you how far your tires are from the curb while you're parking? Ta heck with VR. Enhance whatcha got!

    • The reason is.. (Score:2, Insightful)

      by DigitalDragon ( 194314 )
      The reason is quite simple - as in any computer product, most of the time all money is spent on technology and advertising, leaving no money for proper visual design. Some big companies, such as Apple and Sony actually spent time and money making sure the product looks good.
      Oh, and many technical managers are good at mechanics/development process and lack visual creativity that professional designer have; but in most cases that would refuse to agree to that and think they know better.
      • The reason is quite simple - as in any computer product, most of the time all money is spent on technology and advertising, leaving no money for proper visual design.

        If you had read the whole article, you'd see that they are having students at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco come up with designs for what the computer should look like, while still fitting all the criteria for the computer.
    • Prof. Mann at the Univeristy of Toronto has been working on stuff like this.
      His most recent stuff looks completely normal.

      Pictures are here [wearcam.org]
    • Because they CAN.

      Thad Starner who worked with Steve Mann bact at MIT has used a nearly invisible HUD built into his glasses for almost 3 years now.

      lookie here
      http://www.cc.gatech.edu/fac/Thad.Starner/ [gatech.edu]

      • I did not update the pictues to the current version
        (the cables where temporarily) but as far as
        covered goes I think I've done a good job.

        http://wearforge.perilith.com/bin/view/Main/Marc us WolschonDisplay2
    • This is what Inventors, Engineers and Designer-types call...A PROTOTYPE!

      This is just the stuff that they have made to further DEVELOP the product or invention. I'm sure that by the time it's ready for consumer use that it will look nice and sleek and appealing to use - along with some stupid "swatch" or Nike-swoosh or even a Coca-Cola logo on it somewhere.

      ScottKin
  • I saw a trailer for I spy, a new spy movie, looks horrible, but they had a transparent HUD in a contact, i know the technology is far off, but with the aforementioned cloth screens, and stuff like this. It'd be nice to have a virtual 30' screen that only you can see (pr0n/quake wahoo!)

  • Um.. (Score:3, Insightful)

    by klocwerk ( 48514 ) on Monday July 29, 2002 @10:07AM (#3971679) Homepage
    The design is still subject to change, but the general idea is great.

    Yeah, it's a great general idea, but it's CERTAINLY not a new one. wearable computing has been around for how long now?

    That said, it's great that it's getting some government funding, as that seems to be the only way to get something going in these lean times lately. And the display unit looks to be a new design, perhaps a new idea, but they say nothing useful about it in the article.

  • Heh... (Score:5, Funny)

    by BJH ( 11355 ) on Monday July 29, 2002 @10:08AM (#3971687)
    From the article:

    "It's kind of like having your computer with you all the time," said Devereaux.

    Well, no shit Sherlock! I thought that was the point of a wearable computer...

    • The author of that article does seem to be good at stating the obvious!

      Another example:
      For astronauts, laptops are popular in space due to their portability.

      I thought they liked 'em 'cause CRTs gave too much of a glare from the sun.

    • Re:Heh... (Score:3, Funny)

      by 2g3-598hX ( 586789 )
      "It's kind of like having your computer with you all the time," said Devereaux.

      I'd like to see them try to wear it on a plane....

    • Actually, this particular project is a thin client. So, you're not really wearing the computer. You're wearing a headset that's displaying information from a remote machine, and accepting voice input.

      It really is a lot like having your computer with you all the time, even though it's actually sitting on a rack in the other room. Solves a lot of those annoying problems wearables have, like the need to strap hot and heavy electronics all over your body.

  • Why do we need wearable computers anyways? (Score:3, Insightful)

    by Astrorunner ( 316100 ) on Monday July 29, 2002 @10:11AM (#3971700) Journal
    It's not the "cool" factor -- really, it isn't. You wear a wearable computer on the subway to work, and you deserve to be beaten down.

    It's not the portability factor -- palmtops can provide a reasonable amount of punch too.

    There are some niche uses -- say you're a mechanic -- it would be handy to have schematics right at your fingertips, er, eyeballs.

    But more often than not, a wearable computer is really a wearable invitation for a well deserved ass kicking.

    Admittedly, the article focuses on the use of wearable computers by astronauts and such, but as for use by the common man on a daily basis outside niche markets, its not going to happen.

    • Couldn't agree more about the inviting derision / theft / 'ass kicking' aspect, but I think we should remain a bit broad-minded about potential future uses.

      Given that they will eventually make them as innocuous as, say, glasses (either normal corrective ones or Matrix-style RayBans) and perhaps get around to using wireless comms so you don't have the tell-tale (and rather ridiculous) umbilical cord trailing down from your ear to some main unit, I can think of some useful future applications if they integrate with GPS.

      Ever been out on the streets looking for something or someone? Imagine a discreet heads-up navigation aid. I'm not suggesting anything so fancy as face recognition nonsense or whatever (e.g. for security people tracking faces against known offenders) - that can wait. But a simple integration of GPS with a pair of smart sunnies could easily result in - 'turn left here for a shortcut to the nearest public Gents' and so on.

      Aegilops

      • I loathe the rude behaviour of some mobile phone users, but i tend to believe these people would be just as inconsiderate even if they did not have mobile phones. (I would advocate the use of mobile phone jammers if members of the Emergencey Services could still be gauranteed reliable communications).

        But more to the point i like the notion of a head sup display embedded in a pair of sunglasses, and many people already carry around mobile phones which are in effect wearable Computers (more powereful than a Kray supercomputer from the 70s). If you are going to have a chunky digital watch it may as well be a Dick Tracey style Linux powered video camera (as featured in Linux Journal and featured on slashdot previously).
        The walkman/diskman/minidiskplayer/mp3players/hearing aids that people carry around can and will be adapted to have more features like supporting FM radio and dictation. On of those pen sized scanners (with dictionary and machine translation, nifty) might come in handy too.

        The geeky stupid looking wearable computers might not catch on but the existing electronics many of use carry could become a lot more integrated and usable, i have little doubt this stuff will catch on just not in the cheesey and ugly implausible ways suggested by most Science Fiction.
    • Yes and no. Walking around with an eyepiece on, wires trailing everywhere, and a honking great box on your hip is asking to be mugged, yes.

      But if you integrate the display into a pair of glasses, make the box smaller and go wireless, no-one needs to know. As for data input, most people are now used to seeing people typing a text message on their mobile pretty much anywhere.

      Besides, we shouldn't let cool technology be ignored because we'll get ridiculed for using it in public, should we?

      I was going to make a gratuitous comment about how using a sex-toy in public would get you some strange looks as well, but I'm not sure that's the best comparrison to make...

      Maran
    • To the question "Why do we need wearable computers anyways," I would answer with the question, "Why do we need computers anyways?"

      And to the "well deserved ass kicking" comment I would note that the subway might not be where someone would use it. I can imagine it could be used anywhere a laptop is currently used, with less threat of theft. On a train, on a plane, on a boat, with a goat. I have a compuater, Sam I am, and I recieve spam where ever I am.

      M@
    • >But more often than not, a wearable computer is really a wearable invitation for a well deserved ass kicking.

      You know, I felt the same when they used the brick phone in Lethal Weapon, but shortly after, they were the rage.

      I guess it'll take another good movie using wearable computing before it takes off.
    • Personally, I want a wearable computer for privacy reasons. I take a commuter train for about an hour one way to and from work, and like to work on stuff (specifically, I'm working on a novel in my spare time) while I'm on the train. In fact, I even have a Visor Prism + keyboard that I used to use to this end.

      Note, I said that used to use it. Fact is, when you pull out a laptop or whatever on the train, it seems everybody wants to look over your shoulder at what you're doing. They especially like to pry it seems when you are using a PDA + keyboard, because they don't seem to be all that common yet.

      When I'm writing a horror novel with graphic violence in it, the last thing I want is someone looking over my shoulder so that I have to explain why I'm writing about people getting hacked to itty bitty pieces. This made me uncomfortable back in the day, but since 9/11, I wouldn't dare work on the thing on an airplane, lest I get accused by some brainless stewardess of being a terrorist or something.

      If I had a wearable however, no one would be able to see my screen but me. I could write my book/play quake/surf porn/whatever, and no one would be the wiser. I could even work on sensitive corporate documents/code without having to worry about being so easily spied on.

      Now if only they weren't so expensive :-(

      And yes, I have seen other solutions to this problem, i.e. overlays for your screen that either only transmit the screen's contents when viewed at a certain angle (i.e. straight on), or that require you to wear special polarized glasses to see the screen. However they seem a little too obtrusive for me. If you look at your neighbour's laptop, and all the screen shows is a bunch of locks and chains (like this product [spug.net]), then you're probably going to either start asking them questions, or start wondering what they're looking at that is so secret. With a head mounted display, you'll probably think they're too weird to be bothered asking them questions :-) That and apparently the screen protectors don't work so good in the type of lighting conditions one would find on the train.

      Not that the current generation of head mounted displays aren't far too obtrusive as well, but at least with a head mounted display, I could get a virtual screen size of 21" or so with a decent resolution, rather than a piddly laptop display, or even worse, and even more piddly PDA display with a crap-ass resolution.


      Mechanik

    • It's not the "cool" factor -- really, it isn't. You wear a wearable computer on the subway to work, and you deserve to be beaten down.

      I'm sure we would have thought the same thing several years ago about portable phones. Yet I see those bloody things (rather, I hear them) all over the place.

      Admittedly, the article focuses on the use of wearable computers by astronauts and such, but as for use by the common man on a daily basis outside niche markets, its not going to happen.

      You make a reasonable point here about no absolutely necessary reason for people to have a portable computer but how is that much different from today's cell phones? I always roll my eyes skyward when people tell me about how essential a cell phone is for today's lifestyle. There are plenty of times I've heard a cell phone go off in the movie theater. And while I've struggled to keep from throwing tomatoes at those morons who feel the need to chatter on their cell phone while grocery shopping, I'm not promising I'll hold off indefinitely. But of all the times I've overheard people gabbing on their cell phones (and there have been many such times), I cannot for the life of me remember one conversation that struck be as being essential to carry on at that moment.

      I'm sure I'm inviting a slew of angry replies to this and probably some Troll or Flamebait mod points, but my point is that cell phones have florished in spite of the fact that the majority of people using them do not have a vital need for them. Rather, their "need" has simply been invented because the technology exists. So will it be with wearable computers.

      GMD

      • If I am to take your argument to its logical conclusion, I would have to ask how many "essential" conversations do you have at your MUCH more necessary home phone? Why do you even have a home phone? Why can't you wait until you SEE the person face to face to talk to them? Ask yourself, would you be as angry at those "morons" at the grocery store if they were talking to their spouse who was walking with them? What is your objection really?

        It's all about convenience - hardly anything ever invented has been pure "necessity." The wheel and the aqueduct are convenient inventions, but are by no means necessary. They're at least as "annoying" as cell phones - lord, those wheels are noisy rumbling down the road... and those aqueducts! What an eye-sore!

        But all of these things, cell phones included, improve our lives more than just superficially - cell phones can be used to call your sorority sisters... or to call for an ambulance. If the benefits, both for convenience and for improving quality of life, didn't outweigh the annoyances that accompany a technology, it wouldn't survive.

        All that musing aside, the bottom line is that, while you're at home denying the march of technological progress, I'll be e-mailing and calling my friends using my portable hardware and meeting everyone at the movie theater. To each his own, I guess.

    • You can get a set of glasses [microopticalcorp.com] (Model EG-7) with a prism built-in so there is no bulky object hanging in your field of vision. There is a bump on the side of the glasses for the screen itself, and a wire runs down behind the ear, easily concealable under a shirt.

      You can already walk down the street with an earphone/microphone on, because you probably have a cellphone.

      You can use a Twiddler [handykey.com] for input, along with speech (maybe in the future). Perhaps soon we will have a Bluetooth Twiddler, allowing you reduce the number of wires.

      In fact, incorporating Bluetooth would be a great way to improve the portability/functionality of your wearable. Connect to your cellphone with Bluetooth instead of using a cable or having a separate cell modem. Connect to a printer (Bluetooth or 802.11 for this application) and print something out on your way to the meeting. Your microphone/speaker could be Bluetooth, so there are even fewer wires (though the battery/communications module is a little bulky still).

      With some dynamic networking you could have your system use Bluetooth to the phone while you weren't in range of a wireless network, and switch automatically, setting up NFS/VPN/SSH/etc connections as the network conditions change.

    • Ummm, well I normally work at a desk these days, but it would still be kind of useful for maintenance people to have these things. This is one iof the reason that the military are interested, very portable repair manuals.

      I suppose I would quite like to have somthing like this for personal navigation ïf it were unobtrusive. I don't like wandering around with a GPS in my hand and a street map is often problematic. Otherwise, I would prefer something like this to my pocket pc for notes, schedules etc, because it should be less obtrusive (in time).

    • I don't see much use for this for the average person on the street. On the other hand I think that they could be used very effectively in a manufacturing/warehousing environment.
    • Any chance you'd let us use them even though you hate the idea?? Great, thanks.

      Really weird how many people have mentioned that people who look silly in public should have their ass kicked. That's some open minded shit.

      I read a post from some AC marked as a troll about his miserable life, sounded like he had OCD, lived in mom's basement, had to be in front of his computer as much as possible to try for first post. With a wearable comp he'd be able to go to the park! :)

      but seriously though, I have a pair of AV-in eye-phones and they're great for laying in bed watching a movie or playing video games with, but what i think would be really cool is a one of those daeyang E&C 4500vp eye-phones a cappacino computer and keyboard (happy-hacker size that splits in half) you could fit a desktop type useable system in a freakin' lunch box! Even if you don't wear it on the subway, it'd be nice to have a useable/portable computer display.
  • This stuff is kind of cool to read about, and I definitely think it qualifies as "News for Nerds," so I'm glad to see it here. However, I don't think we will ever see so-called "wearable" computers really take off.

    Consider the average computer user, Joe Sixpack. Mr. Sixpack doesn't ask for much out of his 56kbps (or, these days, even DSL or cable) connection. He reads email and checks sports scores through yahoo, types up the annual Christmas newsletter in Word, and maybe plays a few low-intensity games. He is not interested in "augmented reality," and has no reason for wanting any more power than can be had in a $200 generic PC.

    I think we've reached the point where personal computers are as powerful as anyone really needs. Mainframes and servers will continue to improve in certain niches (especially as we see more stuff like the Final Fantasy movie (hopefully with that same hot chick from it)), but for the vast majority of desktop users, CPUs in the GHz range and 256MB of memory are more than enough.

    Furthermore, people largely feel antagonistic towards their computers. The computer is a tool, a dangerous tool that often fails. People have them for the things (email, the web) that are considered essential in modern life, but they are a necessary evil at best. Yes, there are a few nerds (most of whom are probably reading this site, actually) who express physical love toward their computers, but they are an inconsequential minority. The idea that anyone would want to strap a computer to their face is right out of science fiction, with the emphasis on "fiction."

    Like it or not, "wearables" just don't appear to be in our future.

    • Re:is this the way of the future? (Score:1)

      by Anonymous Coward
      you are out of touch with joe sixpack. outside the fact that joe doesnt drive new products to market. they are the minority in the tech buying sector, the last to buy it because the price is not down to the price of a 20" tv yet.

      i really dont care about joe, he has nothing to do with me, i will continue to buy products whether or not joe can use them.

      joe is also a little more intelligent than you give credit for. it may be new to him, but that just means he needs a decent lesson and some time to experiment. but he needs to know the basics. try showing him the basics once, and a few things they may be interested in. come back in a couple weeks and they will be hitting up p2p (WINMX is really easy to use, etc) for music etc.
    • "...but for the vast majority of desktop users, CPUs in the GHz range and 256MB of memory are more than enough."

      Just like 640kb of RAM was enough for _anyone for anything_, right? What you've stated has been debunked every time someone has said it.

      If there is a good enough application for something, it'll be bought. That's the only constant I've ever seen in the computer industry.

      -Erwos
    • "I think we've reached the point where personal computers are as powerful as anyone really needs."

      Yes, and 640k should be enough memeory for anybody.
      • Grr, Arg. I try to be witty, original, but then Sprint screws up my internet connection, I'm 5 minutes behind, and have the Redundant post. Sorry for the rant. I've had it up to here (6" above my head) with Sprint.
    • Like it or not, "wearables" just don't appear to be in our future.

      Replace "wearables" with any contemporary technology, and someone probably said that 10 years ago.

    • I think you're missing the point here....

      'Wearable Computers' are not about having a more powerful computer, just as portable phones are not about having a more powerful phone (web access, text messaging etc notwithstanding). The idea here is simply one of convenience, and access to computing resources wherever you may happen to need them. Consider the example of an online train schedule: When do you think you would get the most value out of accessing this site - when you're at home in front of the computer, or when you're out at the pub trying to figure out when you need to finish off that beer in order to make the last train home? I personally will be one of the first adopters of such technology when it becomes workable. getting driving directions while in the car, checking prices online while shopping in a real life mall, checking up on the kids and their babysitter via an X10 type camera in the house.... For me I think that this would eventually end up becoming the machine that I use the most.

      Like it or not, I think you may have to get used to the idea of "wearables".

      • Problem with that is, I can get a portable version of the train schedule, in full color, already printed for me. It is in a nice format, the batteries never die, and it is free!

        As previous posts have suggested, most of this new portable technology is more or less not 'needed' until after it goes to market. Cell phones and PDA's are both great examples. In the past, people took the time to be prepared, especially in the business world. Now, why bother? I can have my assistant fax/email/IM it to me or whatever other excuses people use (for people with horrible handwriting, I do think the advent of the computer was a good thing, but again, laziness).
        • Problem with that is, I can get a portable version of the train schedule, in full color, already printed for me. It is in a nice format, the batteries never die, and it is free!

          You also have to carry it around with you, and you can lose it. And if you want to check the bus schedule, too, then that's two pieces of paper. Do you travel all over the city? Then that is a heck of a lot of paper to coordinate.

          As previous posts have suggested, most of this new portable technology is more or less not 'needed' until after it goes to market. Cell phones and PDA's are both great examples. In the past, people took the time to be prepared, especially in the business world. Now, why bother? I can have my assistant fax/email/IM it to me or whatever other excuses people use (for people with horrible handwriting, I do think the advent of the computer was a good thing, but again, laziness).

          You're right, the technology is not 'needed.' As somebody stated earlier, the wheel and the aqueduct aren't really 'needed' either. It just depends on what you want to accomplish. And how much time and unnecessary effort you want to waste on the process of completing it.

          In the past, people took time to be prepared. Now, they can take that time doing something more useful, because they have a tool that takes that hassle away. Time is money--why waste time when there's a convenient alternative?

          Having your assistant wirelessly transfer data to you is one thing. Having your date book, address book, note sheet, to-do list and whatever else you want, instantly available to you, is another.

          I don't think laziness is what you think it is. Just because somebody is using a tool to enhance their productivity doesn't mean that they are lazy. It means that they are smart, and it means that they get more done.

    • Joe Sixpack, Joe Public, Joe User -- all the Joes follow where the technology leads if the technology is adopted by the techies and this has always been true. That same line you're spitting out was said about television, radio, automobiles, trains, levers and wheels.

      Interestingly enough, this is one of the main reasons Linux is continuing to gain in the marketplace; it's where the techies are and all the "slowbies" will follow along eventually.

    • I think you're missing the point.
      Wearable computers aren't going to replace the common computer. Its function will be entirely different. Slashdotters constantly complain about being spammed with email, and also in real life with advertising (billboards, etc). With wearable computers, you'll be able to choose what *you* want to see.

      You might be able to have a subroutine that replaces all billboard advertisements of pictures of your kids, or wife, or gf, or whathaveyou. Golfers will be able to 'see' the exact yardage to the hole, or 'map out' the green for a putt.

      Parents might be able to keep track of their children at a crowded mall by having their kids 'highlighted' in their vision, or have a digital "big flag" hover above their kids.

      Campers, forestfire firefighters might slap on a pair have have a GPS grid superimposed overhead to help them navigate a forest.

      Or, just hook yourself up to a gps receiver, and navigate yourself in a foreign city with a digital map superimposed on the clouds. If you need to see where you are... just look up and find your red dot (you) among red roads and street names.

      These are just a few examples that came off the top of my head. I'm sure with some more thinking, you'd be able to come up with more.

      These things wouldn't be used for compiling your programs, or playing real-life quake3, or typing up your next report in msword. Those are just retarded applications. The wearable computer isn't going to be another 'platform' on which you do your everday computing... it's going to spawn a new area of experience... a new purpose ... in which technology aids those who want to do more than obtain frags while walking down Main Street.

    • Consider the average computer user, Joe Sixpack. Mr. Sixpack doesn't ask for much out of his 56kbps (or, these days, even DSL or cable) connection. He reads email and checks sports scores through yahoo, types up the annual Christmas newsletter in Word, and maybe plays a few low-intensity games. He is not interested in "augmented reality," and has no reason for wanting any more power than can be had in a $200 generic PC.

      Yes, maybe Joe Sixpack doesn't do much with his computer except check his mail and read about sports. And yeah, probably most of Joe Sixpack's generation do the same kind of things. However, technology will progress, and the younger generations will embrace the technology and use it. Does my grandma know how to use a computer, probably not. But you can bet that her grandkids know all about them. Maybe there isn't a market for the technology right now, but wait five or ten years--it'll be there.

      Furthermore, people largely feel antagonistic towards their computers. The computer is a tool, a dangerous tool that often fails.

      Again, same point. Eventually all these people who are afraid of computers (because of simple computer illiteracy) are going to die, and the next generation will take their place. You can bet that the younger generation will be very comfortable with the technology and will find tons of uses for it.

      I think that wearables are the next logical step after desktop computing. We have wireless technology that works, we have small displays, small hard drives, good batteries, small everything--why should users be stuck with a big chunk of immobile hardware that forces them to stop what they're doing to use, when they can have an incredibly powerful, mobile, potentially hands-free tool at their disposal? I'm not saying that desktop computers are going to become obsolete (they definitely have their uses--programming, for one), I'm just saying that there could be some really, really cool innovations once wearable computing becomes mainstream. There are countless times I wish I didn't have to dig in my backpack for my Palm Pilot--wouldn't it be nice to push one button to turn the thing on, then have your datebook projected in front of you; voice recognition or some kind of portable keypad for input--as hands free as possible. Fast, efficient, and very convenient.

      Nobody says that you have to run OSX on your wearable--something as simple as Palm OS, but better tweaked for the hardware and input devices, could be an incredibly useful tool.

  • Oh Great... (Score:5, Funny)

    by Obiwan Kenobi ( 32807 ) <evanNO@SPAMmisterorange.com> on Monday July 29, 2002 @10:13AM (#3971713) Homepage
    Now those geeky enough to splurge for such a device can look even more "approachable" to women.

    Can you imagine? Keep the "How to Talk To Women" e-book on your display as you peruse the club scene. That'll do the trick.
    • Oh right, just don't get your love tips from Slashdot.

      "Density has brought us together..."

    • Re:Oh Great... (Score:4, Funny)

      by Rhombus ( 104176 ) on Monday July 29, 2002 @11:43AM (#3972322) Homepage
      Can you imagine? Keep the "How to Talk To Women" e-book on your display as you peruse the club scene. That'll do the trick.

      Actually, I'm imagining a modern take on the "Cyranno de Bergerac" story, where a socially inept nerd uses this wearable system (equipped with a cell modem) to communicate with his socially adept friend whilst he tries to hit on chicks. The bar scene might go something like this:

      Nerd: I see a hot chick standing alone at the bar. I'm going in.

      Friend: Roger. Try to compliment her looks.

      Nerd: Roger. (To woman at bar) "Good evening. You have a very nice ass."

      Friend: NOOOO! You moron! Abort! ABORT!

      (Link suddenly broken as chick at bar breaks VR glasses with right cross.)

    • Add in some video input with filters to note whether the person you are talking to seems interested or not. You know, pupil dilation,
      skin temperature, pulse rate...

  • Bzzzt... But thanks for playing (Score:3, Funny)

    by JUSTONEMORELATTE ( 584508 ) on Monday July 29, 2002 @10:16AM (#3971748) Homepage
    I'll wait until the model that doesn't block the vision from one of my eyes. I'm kind of keen on that whole depth-perception thing.

    Why not project onto the inside of a partially-reflective sunglasses lens?
    Seems like great technology, but it's hamstrung by a fairly simple interface issue.

    No, I will not imagine a beowulf cluster of these things
    • Why not project onto the inside of a partially-reflective sunglasses lens?

      That's exactly what I've been waiting for, too. Of course, at this point I'd be happy with anything that a) has a reasonable price tag ( $500), b) doesn't look like I'm wearing a fighter jet flight helmet, and c) gives me a useful resolution (at least vga). With that, I'd go wearable *very* quickly. (I.e., as soon as I could save the funds.)

    • They are available [microopticalcorp.com], but it's a development kit as opposed to a go-out-and-buy-one product.

  • Why re-invent the wheel? (Score:4, Informative)

    by zaren ( 204877 ) <fishrocket@gmail.com> on Monday July 29, 2002 @10:17AM (#3971756) Journal
    Xybernaut [xybernaut.com] already has wearables for sale. They've already got contracts with branches of the U.S. military, so swinging a deal with the space jockeys shouldn't be too hard.

  • fps (Score:3, Funny)

    by prof187 ( 235849 ) on Monday July 29, 2002 @10:17AM (#3971757) Homepage
    this looks like something that should be used to frag an opponent.

    The voice- activated wearable computer allows easy, real-time access to ... people ...

    Hmm, "attack co-worker with rocket launcher".

  • I could never take something like that seriously.. (Score:4, Funny)

    by Scrab ( 573004 ) on Monday July 29, 2002 @10:18AM (#3971766)
    I'd always end up walking round going.. "We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your ships........" In fact - I think I'd buy it JUST for that reason. But then that's just me..... :D

  • I don't know about you people... (Score:4, Funny)

    by SkyLeach ( 188871 ) on Monday July 29, 2002 @10:19AM (#3971774) Homepage
    but I don't want to be a gargoyle [amazon.com].
    • Btw, you might want to change your sig, given that dollar already was under 1 euro less then a month ago... graph [x-rates.com]

    • Your link doesn't work. Amazon generally doesn't allow re-usable URL's:

      Attention: There appears to be a bug in the web browser you are currently using. Here are some ways to get around the problem:

      * To return to the page you were previously on: --click the BACK button on your browser's navigation bar until you reach the desired page.
      * To checkout --click on the shopping cart icon at the top of the page and proceed through the checkout process using the standard server (instead of the secure server). You can phone or fax the credit card information to us.

      Your Web browser is Mozilla/5.0 (X11; U; Linux i686; en-US; rv:1.0.0) Gecko/20020718.
    • My "two cents" (i.e. $0.02) will ALWAYS be worth more than your "two euro cents" (i.e. 0.02).

      It's a joke and a prophecy which I put on my sig after 9/11. I knew last year that the euro would be worth more than the dollar before this year was over. I knew when I first heard the word euro that one day it would be the standard currency of europe if not the world, and that there would be pollitical pressure put on all countries to adopt it exclusively.

      It's been prophesied for almost two thousand years in Revelations that the world would eventually all use one currency, and so it doesn't surprise me at all.

      What is surprising is that so very many people tell me I need to change my sig just because the euro is worth more than the dollar now. My sig would never have been funny if it had stayed under the dollar.

      So laugh, you anal-retentive freaks of nature. :)

  • funny (Score:1, Funny)

    by Anonymous Coward
    avertissement: pas pour l'usage tout en conduisant
    warning : not for use while driving
    Warnung: nicht für Gebrauch beim Fahren
    avvertimento: non per uso mentre guidando
    aviso: não para o uso ao dirigir
    advertencia: no para el uso mientras que conduce

  • Critical issue (Score:3, Funny)

    by Kakarat ( 595386 ) on Monday July 29, 2002 @10:28AM (#3971842)
    Devereaux and a small team of engineers have been working on the electronic aspect of the wearable computer for three years; however, they have yet to figure out one critical issue--what should a wearable computer look like?

    They can send a man to the moon, then can even build a tiny personal computer, however the most critical task to trying to figure out what it looks like? Hmmmmm...

    • I want them to make it look like old jeans. That way, managers and politicians will never have a chance to wear it and nerds will finally rule the world.
  • With wearable computers comes wearable porn.

    "What do you use your computer for?"
    "Oh, data entry, keeping track of appointments, records, all that and more. What about you?"
    "Portable porn. Check it out! It's hands free!"

  • Can't Wait... (Score:1, Funny)

    by Anonymous Coward
    Can't wait until enough folks have these so I can run down the street yelling "format c:! Confirm!" in a frenzied rage.
  • here [bloodspattersoftware.com], you could definitely get some virtual revenge on annoying co-workers
  • To say wearable computers will never take off because "a typical user is happy with 56k, etc" is ridiculous. This thing is ugly and obtrusive, and most likely the latter will still be true after it's new design. A completly undetectable device embedded in something such as sunglasses would be preferable.

    Btw, is that chick in a submarine or something?

  • The article is dated May 6th this year, over a month ago now. Anyone got anything more up to date on this? Or tech info on what hardware the eye-piece is based on? Depending on that the options for Sunglasses style or semi-transparent displays are open to development.
  • So far I has seen two existing projects for HUDs.

    First was that one [google.com] in those IBM commercials. How damn annoying would it be to have to control it by voice, even better, how damn annoying would it be to be around someone with that.

    Gmate (makers of the Yopy) have had a wearable PC [gmate.com] projects for awhile.

    This [vassar.edu] may be an interesting and related read, but i dont have the time to read it.

    The problem of all these are they are too damn big and geeky.

  • have you ever used... (Score:3, Insightful)

    by paradesign ( 561561 ) on Monday July 29, 2002 @10:46AM (#3971964) Homepage
    an r zone? [google.com]

    you thought playing the virtual boy [google.com] was disorienting.

    how do you expect to be able to reach a usible ammount of contrast on a semi translucent screen? im minority report, who would want a clear monitor. it would suck if your were running around fragging and people just kept walking behind your screen, talk about distracting.

    long story short, if its not a HUD or something, keep it opaque, if it is a HUD make it translucent.

  • those with spare cash (Score:3, Informative)

    by bigpat ( 158134 ) on Monday July 29, 2002 @10:53AM (#3972025)
    For those of you with spare cash.

    Emagin [emagin.com] has a developer kit [emagin.com] available to make your own wearable displays.

  • This is for in car use, too, right? I mean I can talk on the phone and send SMS while driving, so this should be safe, no?

    "Dude can you believe how close in front of me this guy is?"
  • Personally, I thought this article was presenting nothing new, or spectacular till I realized what was meant by the summary posted on the main page. What is really interesting about the article is that the JPL group is looking to outside resources to develop its applications. As a designer I find this very inspiring. To be selected for a project working with those engineers would be a fantastic opportunity. On top of that the JPL gets to recruit new people in a slightly different field which they would have had no previous experience. Whether or not this device looks good, its still important to maintain a connection with the end-user of the application. Face it, not all engineers have been capable of doing this! Involving the organization with outside organizations such as small business or educational facilities can only be a good thing.
  • Wearable computers, a technology that could revolutionize the way humans deal with information. This thing could change our lives in a few years. And what's the first question the geeks ask?

    "Can I use it to frag my co-workers/boss?"

    I suppose the next question should be "can we put linux on it?". Man, you people crack me up. :)

  • Complaints a comin'.... (Score:3, Funny)

    by sbeast702 ( 447699 ) on Monday July 29, 2002 @11:23AM (#3972211)
    People complain enough about having to carry laptop cases with a strap over their shoulder, I can't wait to see what they have to say about wearing something ON THEIR HEAD...
  • I think Jesse Jarrell and Isa Gordon's Psymbiote [psymbiote.org] is the most elegant design I've seen for a wearable computer.
    • wow, thanks. but the psymbiote is not exactly a design for a wearable: it's a performance apparatus and experiment in creative cybernetics, intended to get people thinking about the synergistic merger of body & technology.

      however, due to overwhelming demand, we are now looking to create a commercial offshoot of the project, in collaboration with a number of designers, focused specifically on wearable systems & accessories with an eye towards aesthetics, ergonomics and style. this venture is still so new it doesn't even have a name yet, but if you are interested in future updates, email me [mailto] and i'll make sure you get on our future mailing list.

      meanwhile, for all your wearable needs, check out tek gear [tekgear.com]. not only do they carry all major wearable systems (xybernaut, via, cappuccino) but they'll help you pair em with an appropriate display (their own designs and others), keyer, accessories, etc etc. plus they're just generally friendly and cool as hell :)

  • this [xybernaut.com] company has been making wearable computers for a long time...

  • Biggest problem with wearable video (Score:3, Insightful)

    by jhines0042 ( 184217 ) on Monday July 29, 2002 @12:44PM (#3972734) Journal
    The biggest problem with wearable video is the fact that it moves with your head and can cause vertigo.

    I want a head mounted display that lets me decide if I want the display to move when I move my head or if I want the display to stay where it is while I look at other things....

  • I think this is really a head-up display. A heads-up display would be more like something that warns you when you are about to be beaned by a baseball.
  • Old news?
    I saw one of these in -98 while IBM still had travelling budgets, allowing the lab-techies to tour around the world.

    About the device [ibm.com]
    And the specs [ibm.com]

    At the time it was to be priced like a mid-speced Thinkpad 560 laptop, thus making it affordable to the average Joe.

    <rant>
    Personally I'd like to have this box with todays laptop specs, which I could carry around as I do an IPAQ. I have no need for battery (as todays laptop battery life suck big time ans is just a gimmick and not really usable at all), and would prefer to plug in this IPAQ sized portable PC into a port replicator or a docking station, as that's what I'm doing with my T23 anyway when moving from office to office (out own or our customers).
    </rant>

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