Brief introduction of wearable computer

Watches can't compete with pocket watches when they come out around 1900. We have a pocket watch, which keeps time accurately and can check the time at will. Why do we wear the strap on our wrists? However, during the First World War, the British army distributed watches to soldiers so that they could show the time without affecting armed combat. This has suddenly become a fashion in Britain, and people show their support for soldiers by wearing watches.

Whether it is fashionable or necessary, wearable computing can objectively bring convenience to people. This is just what we need.

If you are curious about this, please read the following excerpts from the article introducing wearable computing:

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Notebooks and PDA free people from computer desks and chairs, while wearable computers free people's hands from keyboards and mice. When people with flesh and blood put computers on their bodies like clothes, "Superman" appeared.

Scientist Steven Schwartz believes that the next generation of computers will have extraordinary capabilities, and more importantly, the next generation of computers will not be installed in the chassis alone as they are now, but will be worn like clothes and inseparable.

Wearable computers come in many shapes, some can be worn on belts, some can be put in pockets, some can be worn on shoulders, and even can be scattered in clothes. Its display can be worn on the head like goggles and its lenses are made of special materials. It can not only represent the contents displayed by the computer, but also not block the current line. It uses the techniques of bone-feeling voice input, eye control input and glove input to send operation instructions to the computer. Users can also wear a headset-like radio transceiver on their heads, which can not only hear the sound from the brain, but also be used to send and receive emails. It uses a touch pad instead of a keyboard as an input device, and scientists are still developing ring-type input devices and glove-type input devices.

It is more convenient to use such a computer than a portable computer. You can surf the Internet while walking, and send and receive emails to the whole world just like at home. Even on the way to work, I hold the rings in the car with one hand and operate the computer with the other hand, and prepare the required reports, so that I can work and ride correctly.

This kind of computer is small and exquisite, with different shapes. But sparrows are small and complete. Because it can be worn like clothes, it is very convenient to carry and use. Now, under the leadership of the United States, all developed countries, including Japan, are developing this new type of computer, and companies such as IBM are focusing on developing this general-purpose computer that makes people's lives more unique.

Wearable computers require higher technology, first of all, voice input technology. Because this kind of computer is very small, it usually doesn't need a keyboard, and it is often used while walking, so it is difficult to input with words. Secondly, computers should be able to recognize people's actions (such as gestures) and sounds, and understand people's instructions, that is, recognition technology. Finally, power-saving technology can really popularize wearable computers.

However, the predecessor of wearable computers is not glorious. In 1960s, gamblers in American casinos hung small cameras, walkie-talkies and other machines on their bodies or put them in their pockets in order to get information from their peers and win gambling games.

Broadly speaking, the USB flash drive, PDA, MP3 and mobile phone that people are familiar with in recent years belong to wearable computers. They realize some functions of the wearable device, and the USB flash drive is similar to the CF memory of the wearable device. PDA is a small PDA; MP3 already has a processor and memory; Mobile phones are also portable computers with processing power.

In some developed countries, wearable devices have been widely used to deal with dangerous events.

From mainframes, desktops, laptops to PDAs, scientists are trying to bring people closer to computers.

key technology

Wearable computer systems do not simply miniaturize PCs and distribute them on the body. It must study and solve many special key technologies. We call these systems and key technologies "wearable computing technology".

1. System-on-Chip Architecture Design Technology

This design technique can integrate the hardware of the computer host into a chip. In this way, the computer can be made very small, which is beneficial to reducing power consumption and improving speed, especially to reducing cost and shortening production cycle. For example, Epson's Cardio chip has the performance of PC 586 and has been commercialized.

2. Microcomputer multi-port high performance I/O design technology.

The host of a wearable computer is small, but it can connect as many as a dozen external devices. Therefore, the microcomputer is required to have enough interfaces and high I/O processing capacity.

3. Wireless self-organizing network technology

Wearable computer system should be used as a mobile node to accompany people's activities and surf the Internet at any time. Many such nodes will form a special network, called ad hoc network. This kind of network has no fixed router, and all nodes move and connect dynamically in any way. Each node can act as a router, and its automatic reconfiguration function can also improve the survivability of the network. Some people generalize ad hoc network as "mobile distributed multi-hop wireless network". This network has the following characteristics: dynamic topology; Arbitrariness of access nodes; Limited and frequently changing bandwidth; Possible asymmetric connection; Terminal restricted operation; Distributed control network.

4. Embedded operating system technology

The existing microcomputer operating system can be used in wearable computer systems, but because the volume and storage space of wearable computers are very limited, the operating system should be compressed to a "dedicated" level as much as possible to improve real-time performance. Therefore, it is necessary to use embedded operating system, which is often real-time and micro-kernel, and has strong ability to handle multiple peripherals.

5. Mobile database technology

Wearable computer systems access the Internet and databases while moving. This mobile database management technology will be different from fixed database management. Mobile database should meet the following four goals: availability and scalability; Mobility-access when moving or update when moving; Serializability-supports serializable concurrent transaction execution; Convergence-The system can always converge to a consistent state.

6. Human-computer interaction technology

Wearable computer system is actually not only a real-time information processing system, but also a collection of "man-machine combination and people-oriented", and the relationship between man and machine is more natural and harmonious. Therefore, human-computer interaction technology is the key technology in wearable computer system, which should solve the problem of interaction between people and computers and improve people's perception of the environment through this interaction.

7. Wireless connection technology based on Bluetooth

It is conceivable that when as many as a dozen modules are distributed on the human body at the same time, the connection between them will be a very heavy burden and unreliable factor. Bluetooth near field communication can gradually replace these connections.

8. Selection and design technology of external equipment

Wearable computer system is a large number of external devices except the host, and the selection and design of devices is very important. It mainly includes input equipment, output equipment and power supply. The requirements for these devices are "high performance indicators: small size, low power consumption; Accord with human body characteristics, and is beneficial to health; Safe and reliable.

Communication has no boundaries.

Unified communication refers to the integration of voice, data, audio, video, information and content with specific communication means to form a more efficient and multi-directional communication system. This communication system needs to adapt to the complex environment in the field, taking into account the communication needs of the team, wireless needs and satellite communication capabilities, especially in the case of cellular phones, urban communication systems, radio stations and so on. Can't work, this system is more heroic.

The communication solutions designed and manufactured by American NetworkAnatomy Company have been applied in military, civil defense, search and rescue, humanitarian activities, border patrol, national security, emergency response and natural disaster handling. It can provide continuous and uninterrupted portable communication and computing capabilities, and provide high reliability and high redundancy.

The goal of NetworkAnatomy Company is to build a world-class integrated communication scheme to help search and rescue lives. But at present, most of the product concepts put forward by the company represent the future communication mode of mankind: highly portable communication terminal, which can support a variety of communication modes, including mobile phone, wireless local area network, satellite communication, GPS positioning, Bluetooth and so on. , and has strong computing and storage capabilities.

Commander bag

Wearable military backpack.

A complete integrated communication scheme integrates voice, data, audio and video.

The communication terminal is connected with the tablet computer in the package to meet the requirements of portable computing and realize the combination of communication and computing. The tablet is equipped with all necessary content and management software.

Integrated LAN and WAN access links can be used for data and voice communication on land, air and sea.

99.99999% reliability, equipped with solar cells and multiple backup systems.

The bag is also equipped with survival tools, water, therapeutic supplies and a radio.

CommanderGauntlet

CommanderGauntlet is a product under development, which is very conceptual. This is an all-encompassing wireless communication solution. With this glove, voice, data, audio and video and short messages can be solved. This glove also has a shiny headlight, which makes you look like a superman. This product can communicate with other CommanderSeries products end to end. It has waterproof function and is suitable for harsh field environment.

Invincible warrior with man-machine integration

The concept of "land warrior" of the US Department of Defense was first formally put forward in 199 1. At first, the main contractor was Raytheon Systems, and its subcontractors included Motorola, Hanniwell, Omega, GENTEX and Bater. Initially, the plan is expected to spend $2 billion and equip 45,000 sets during 200 1 4 to 20 14, and it is expected to form combat effectiveness in 20 16. In the fiscal year plan of 1996, the total cost of the system is estimated to be about 70,000 USD.

The project aims to form such a fighting force: small arms are closely combined with high-tech equipment, which can greatly win the military strength of ground warfare in the 2 1 century.

Based on the latest communication, sensing, calculation and material technology, "Land Warrior" will completely change the traditional concept of individual combat. The project includes the following subsystems: weapon subsystem, integrated helmet subsystem, computer/radio subsystem, software subsystem and protective clothing and individual equipment subsystem.

Weapon subsystem

Weapon subsystem is the implementation means to realize the priority of the US Army. Modular weapon subsystem is designed and manufactured based on M- 16/M-4 rifle. Weapon subsystem includes main optical components related to power, such as ballistic calculator, photoelectric sight, camera and laser range finder/digital compass (LRF/DC). LRF/ DC provides distance and direction information for soldiers. Soldiers connect their positions through the Global Positioning System (GPS). When indirect fire and combat identification calls are needed, soldiers have accurate target positions. The system will allow infantry to move in all weather types and at night. Together with other components, soldiers can protect themselves from enemy fire.

Integrated helmet subsystem

The Integrated Helmet Component Subsystem (IHAS) uses advanced materials, which is lighter than the current helmets of the US military and provides better shell ballistic protection. The complete integrated helmet component subsystem is lighter and more comfortable than the existing helmet. The helmet of IHAS is equipped with computer and sensor display equipment, which is the interface for soldiers from other subsystems to the digital battlefield. Through the "helmet display", soldiers can watch graphic data, digital maps, intelligence materials, troop positions sent by computers, as well as the imaging of thermal imaging weapon sight (TWS) and cameras installed on weapons. This new skill allows soldiers to check and catch targets at corners, and then only expose their arms and hands to the enemy without exposing themselves and shooting weapons. Using his weapon thermal imaging sight to scan an area, the soldier will be able to see the characteristics of the area, including the terrain and the enemy's position, and will be able to see through deception and camouflage. The image intensifier of the night vision sensor display equipment installed on the weapon subsystem is connected to his computer information processor, and the processed information is displayed on the "helmet display", which will enable soldiers to maneuver and participate in the battle against targets under the cover of darkness. The use of "helmet display" by "land warrior" will allow infantry to summon situation images, send information and request fire support by clicking "mouse".

Computer/radio subsystem

The infantry will connect the computer/radio subsystem (CRS) to the "load support frame" of the backpack. The upper part of the backpack is a radio device, and the lower part includes a computer information processor and a global positioning system (GPS) module. For a single device, computer information processor, radio and GPS locator are integrated into CRS, and individual display devices, controllers and mounting frames are combined together, thus reducing weight and power requirements. The GPS and radio antenna are embedded in the load rack.

In addition, the finger touch operation device attached to the soldier's chest is a finger touch operation device connected to the backpack and attached to the soldier's chest, which functions like a computer mouse, allowing the wearer to change the screen, adjust the radio, change the frequency and transmit digital information. Other functions are controlled by several buttons on the rifle near the trigger finger, which enables soldiers to keep shooting positions.

Software subsystem

"Land Warrior" software subsystem guides soldiers' core battlefield functions, display processing, task equipment and power management. The software subsystem includes tactical and mission assistance modules; Maps and tactical coverage maps; Collect and display video images; It also includes a power management module. "Land Warriors" will achieve interoperability in the digital battlefield. Designers have established a system that can be updated and technically improved, and the modular architecture allows direct insertion/replacement for technical upgrading. For soldiers' task requirements and parameter selection, the software subsystem allows soldiers to make their own menus and functional operations.

Individual portable power module may use a new type of "shape-fit" battery, which is comfortable to wear when moving as a part of soldiers' equipment, without any hindrance; Another possibility is to develop a "sleep" mode, which will automatically put the device into a standby state to save battery energy when not in use.

The portable power module uses two lithium batteries. The US Army requires the power supply to work for 12 hours, and will work for 30 hours after using the "sleep" mode in the future. The portable power module uses rechargeable batteries, which can use the power of the vehicle for combat tasks, and can be used as disposable batteries and backup batteries for some tasks.

Protective clothing and personal equipment subsystem

Protective clothing and individual equipment subsystem are composed of revolutionary backpack frame design based on ingenious "unstable state automatic control technology", which is used for soldiers' natural body movement and bending. The backpack belt uses a quick release device, so soldiers can take off their backpacks correctly and quickly. Cables required for the soldier's computer/radio connection are integrated in the frame. Soldiers can adjust the structure of backpacks and adjust the load distribution from shoulders to hips when they are active. A simple adjustment, however, allows the soldier to manage and carry his combat load more effectively to reduce fatigue. New "land warrior" armor, such as helmets, reduces weight and provides improved impact protection. The "Land Warrior" body armor includes a modular and expandable protective block to protect soldiers from the threat of light weapons. Protective clothing and individual equipment subsystem combined with modular bulletproof vest and retractable protective block can block the bullet impact of light weapons shooting.