The nature of the wearable research involves looking into preexisting technology as well as other projects. In addition, an analysis of the current available technologies is also necessary in order to provide the group with the most complete range of choices. The research will be broken down into several sub-categories. First, the preexisting wearable systems, then suitable off the shelf components, and finally, the general areas of research into the field.
The project requires the cooperation of multiple disciplines due to the many different aspects of technology involved. Not only are electrical engineers needed to construct the sensor array, but software engineers are also required to code the custom software needed for the system. In addition, the artistic component is needed to provide actual applicability of the device to the everyday. The fundamental step is to analyze the preexisting projects and see what factors have merit. While the various academic research departments for wearable computers have existed for almost a decade, their progress seems to not have evolved as much as one might expect. One of the necessary points of research will be to pinpoint the causal factors affecting this.
Ideally, the wearable computer should be able to function wherever there is IEEE 802.11 network available in its radio range. In the scope of the class, the system needs to function and communicate with a home base computer in order to transmit the dancers movements to be rendered. At the same time, the wearable system needs to compensate for loss of signal and be able to degrade gracefully. In terms of the physical aspects of the project, the system is limited to the constraints of the human body. However, in the virtual realm, many possibilities exist in terms of the modification of constraints to suit the virtual environment. In essence, the wearable system has two separate functions. The first is the tracking of the wearer. The second is to provide functionality for the wearer outside of the performance arena. In order to accomplish both goals, it will be necessary to compromise some aspects of both.
One of the most anticipated problems with the system is the tracking of the movements of the human wearer. Sensor technology is in many ways still in its infancy. While the sensors often function as specified, the data output is often erratic. The challenge is to process the output of the sensor information into something that is consistent and usable. Another major challenge will be to accomplish the goal of durability with so many separate components. Since the suit inherently consists of a network of wires, it is likely that during use, a loss of signal might result.
Conversely, the successes of the project would be to overcome both sets of difficulties and accomplish the primary goal in a seamless and effective manner.
In many ways, my personal interest in pervasive technologies has involved me in this project. Many aspects of the wearable project combine to form the foundational technology that will be needed to evolve into technologies will be used by everyone everyday. Many of the preexisting projects seem to emphasize the mechanization of the human wearer rather than focusing on making the technology as transparent as possible. Transparency is an inherent tenet of acceptance. If the wearer has to think about the technology, odds are that the technology will be cumbersome and unused. While the system being assembled by this project has some of the cumbersome aspects of past wearable projects, I see it as a prototype to experiment with the technologies in order to form the basis for future more evolved systems.
The audience will be presented with a virtual dancer performing in coordination with a physical dancer. At times, the virtual dancer will reflect the movements of the dancer. At others, the virtual dancer will dance with the physical dancer. The constraints of the space will be fluid rather than set. The virtual dancer can, for example, have rubber limbs that stretch and pull beyond any realistic means. One expectation for the audience is the appreciation of the separation, or lack thereof, between the physical and virtual realms. In addition, the audience will in effect become the audience through the onboard camera of the system. Through the display on the dancer, the audience can see themselves through the perspective of the dancer.
In effect, I see this project as the first phase of a longer project. Given more time and resources and the release into a commercial setting, I would focus on the eventual goal of total transparency to both the user and the outside world. To quote Arthur C. Clarke, "any technology advanced enough will be indistinguishable from magic." The technology already exists to incorporate much of the technology now being used on the project into the size of a matchbox. Given enough resources, the necessary elements can be brought together to product a custom wearable that is indistinguishable from an element of clothing. At the same time, the use of the technology will be as seamless as speaking to someone on the street. The elements that are lacking are the resources for actual hardware development and manufacturing and extensive custom software needed for the system to function.
