Wearable ComputingWearable Computing

L542 Presentation – Anne SchulteBased on the url:

http://mevard.www.media.mit.edu/projects/wearables

MIThrilMIThril Wearable ComputingWearable Computing

MIThril is a new context aware wearable computing research

platform in development at the MIT media lab.

MIThril WearablesMIThril Wearables

l MIThril combines small, light-weight RISC processors (including the StrongARM), a single-cable power/data "body bus" and high-bandwidth wireless networking in a package that is nearly as light, comfortable, and unobtrusive as ordinary street clothing.

l MIThril is designed to be flexible, reliable, reconfigurable, and manufactureable.

MIThril DiagramMIThril Diagram

MIThril Project SummaryMIThril Project Summary

l The MIThril design naturally breaks down into four classes of components: – computing cores– body networks– peripherals– software (including OS, drivers, and

application software).

Working MIThril Package Working MIThril Package PrototypePrototype

The demo vest below displays the MIThril components and placement on the body. The "working" MIThril vest packaging will conceal the components.

One of the "Squirt" IR Active Tags

MIThrilMIThril Vest PackagingVest Packaging

MIThril VisionMIThril Vision

l Starts with people, not “users”l Synergistic, flexible, and adaptable

designs for daily usel Building interfaces and applications

which facilitate and support peoplel Support for a wide range of

sensing optionslDevelopment of a research

application driven process

MIT + IDEO ProjectMIT + IDEO Project

l The MIT/IDEO project is a joint effort between the MIT media lab and IDEO product development to address the human side of wearable computing.

l This project is the result of the collaborative effort of many people over the course of September 1999.

MIT MIT –– IDEO ProjectIDEO Project

l Using a scenario-driven conceptualization process, the groups converged on two tales involving very different individuals: Kio and Guy.

Kio’s ScenarioKio’s Scenario

l 19 year-old sophomore at MIT

l Lives in a dorm

l Has used wearables for one year

l Wearables currently in use: ring, wand, monitor, base unit

Guy’s ScenarioGuy’s Scenariol 54 year-old director

of oriental antiquities with Sotheby’s

l Spends a third of his time in Paris, a third in London and a third traveling, usually in Asia

l Has used wearable for almost three years

l Current wearables: ring, wand, monitor, and base unit

Additional ApplicationsAdditional Applications

l Augmented memoryl Augmented realityl American sign language

demonstration

Questions?Questions?Comments?