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Heads-Up Wearable Display
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."
Why can't they make these things look more like a nice pair of sunglasses rather than a Techno-Cowlick?
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!)
--fetch daddy's blue fright wig, i must be handsome when i release my rage
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.
"You worthless post!"
-Shakespeare, 2 Gentlemen of Verona, 1. 1. 147
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...
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.
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.
Karma: Good (despite my invention of the Karma: sig)
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.
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
Xybernaut 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.
Come to the University of Mars! Classes starting soon!
this looks like something that should be used to frag an opponent.
... people ...
The voice- activated wearable computer allows easy, real-time access to
Hmm, "attack co-worker with rocket launcher".
My other sig is an import.
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
RoseColor red={0, 0xffff, 0x0000, 0x0000};VioletColour blue={0, 0x0000, 0x0000, 0xffff};find / -name *mybase*|chown you
but I don't want to be a gargoyle.
My $0.02 will always be worth more than your â0.02, so
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
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 bet I'll get blamed for this." --Mayor Quimby
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 until enough folks have these so I can run down the street yelling "format c:! Confirm!" in a frenzied rage.
here, you could definitely get some virtual revenge on annoying co-workers
He tried to kill me with a forklift!
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 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 projects for awhile.
This 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.
forget it.
you thought playing the virtual boy 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.
I want 2D games back.
Or just walk around zombie like wearing a Windows T-shirt....
thats gotta be one strange gaming experience.
I want 2D games back.
For those of you with spare cash.
Emagin has a developer kit available to make your own wearable displays.
check out this nomad.
I want 2D games back.
But can that piece of paper beep when you have an appointment?
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?"
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
watch this
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.
"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. :)
~NullPointerException
You can get a set of glasses (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 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.
That what was all this school was for... to teach us how to solve our own problems. -- janeowit
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...
Or lie on the floor in a Tux t-shirt saying "they've promised to write drivers for my legs by 2008!"
I think Jesse Jarrell and Isa Gordon's Psymbiote is the most elegant design I've seen for a wearable computer.
"...always new atoms but always doing the same dance, remembering what the dance was yesterday." -Richard Feynman
Someone want to mod the parent stupid? Don't read things. Period.
The wearable offers you what you can't get out of a PDA. Instant access.
The PDA has an appointment book, but if you want to check it, you have to pull it out, open it up, turn it on, go to the appointment book, and then look at the days. This takes time. A wearable is already on, you just have to bring up the appointment book. The alaram feature reminds you when a meeting is going to happen. Your wearable could keep your next 2 appointments in view, and with GPS and access to MapQuest or something similar, could tell you about how long it would take, with approximations for traffic.
Pulling out your PDA and trying to take notes in Graffiti is painful - it's very hard to keep up with a conversation. But with a wearable, you can type instead of write. Bringing a keyboard may not be an option, but a Twiddler allows you to type quite quickly with one hand, far better than Graffiti, anyway.
Imagine access to financial reports at the meeting with the boss without a laptop. Imagine in-view access to directions as you look for a client's office. Imagine sending someone an e-mail when you remember to do it. Imagine updating your to-do list while on the phone on the subway, without fear of dropping something. Imagine making changes to the database while the meeting is going on. Imagine never worrying about forgetting the CD you burned becuase you have the data with you. Imagine never worrying about someone else using your computer and messing up your settings.
If none of these things interest you, how about: Imagine reading slashdot during the meeting. Imagine reading slashdot on the subway. Imagine looking for new jobs while during the new policy meeting. Imagine being able to correct people by getting actual data at your fingertips. Imagine watching the Simpsons while you stare at a monitor covered with Excel sheets. Imagine organizing your MP3 collection during business hours. Imagine EverQuest.
That what was all this school was for... to teach us how to solve our own problems. -- janeowit
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.
My $0.02 will always be worth more than your â0.02, so
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.
------------------------------------
Spiral out... keep going.
If you want leg drivers, write them yourself.
DNA just wants to be free...
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.
http://dtum.livejournal.com
this company has been making wearable computers for a long time...
I am unique, just like you, and you, and you...
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....
42 - So long and thanks for all the fish.
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.
[Last time I checked it was a pretty reputable publication...]
Imagine the Creator as a stand up commedian - and at once the world becomes explicable. -Mencken
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
And the specs
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>
In a society that believes in nothing, fear becomes the only agenda ~ Bill Durodié
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.