Wearable computer: Difference between revisions
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A '''Wearable computer''' is a computer that is inside the personal space of the user, is always on and always accessible. The device is always with the user, and it can be used while doing other activities. A wearable computer is more than just a wristwatch or regular eyeglasses: it has the full functionality of a computer system, but in addition to being a fully featured computer, it is also inextricably intertwined with the wearer<ref>[http://wearcam.org/wearcompdef.html Steve Mann ''Definition of "wearable computer"'']</ref> | A '''Wearable computer''' is a computer that is inside the personal space of the user, is always on and always accessible. The device is always with the user, and it can be used while doing other activities. A wearable computer is more than just a wristwatch or regular eyeglasses: it has the full functionality of a computer system, but in addition to being a fully featured computer, it is also inextricably intertwined with the wearer.<ref>[http://wearcam.org/wearcompdef.html Steve Mann ''Definition of "wearable computer"'']</ref> | ||
There are three new ways how a wearable computer and it's user may interact. | There are three new ways how a wearable computer and it's user may interact. | ||
*Constancy: The computer is always on | * Constancy: The computer is supposed to be always on when it might be needed. Unlike a cellphone, wrist-worn computer, or notebook, a wearable computer does not need to be opened up and turned on to be used. The computer and user may constantly interact with each other. | ||
*Augmentation: Traditionally | * Augmentation: Traditionally when we use computers, we do it as a primary task. The assumption of wearable computing is that the user may concentrate his mind on the primary task while doing the computing as secondary task. A wearable computer is supposed to aid, or augment our intellect, or senses to give the user more resources for the task at hand. | ||
*Mediation: Unlike any other computing device, the wearable computer can usefully enclose some of our senses. For example it can block out material we might not wish to experience, like offensive advertising. It allows us to alter our perception of reality somewhat, by modifying the information we | * Mediation: Unlike any other computing device, the wearable computer can usefully enclose some of our senses. For example it can block out material we might not wish to experience, like offensive advertising. It allows us to alter our perception of reality somewhat, by modifying the information we see, before our senses have a say in it. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 16:29, 22 May 2010
A Wearable computer is a computer that is inside the personal space of the user, is always on and always accessible. The device is always with the user, and it can be used while doing other activities. A wearable computer is more than just a wristwatch or regular eyeglasses: it has the full functionality of a computer system, but in addition to being a fully featured computer, it is also inextricably intertwined with the wearer.[1]
There are three new ways how a wearable computer and it's user may interact.
- Constancy: The computer is supposed to be always on when it might be needed. Unlike a cellphone, wrist-worn computer, or notebook, a wearable computer does not need to be opened up and turned on to be used. The computer and user may constantly interact with each other.
- Augmentation: Traditionally when we use computers, we do it as a primary task. The assumption of wearable computing is that the user may concentrate his mind on the primary task while doing the computing as secondary task. A wearable computer is supposed to aid, or augment our intellect, or senses to give the user more resources for the task at hand.
- Mediation: Unlike any other computing device, the wearable computer can usefully enclose some of our senses. For example it can block out material we might not wish to experience, like offensive advertising. It allows us to alter our perception of reality somewhat, by modifying the information we see, before our senses have a say in it.