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Wearable Computing (Technical Insights)

Product Type: Market Research Report
Published by: Frost & Sullivan
Published: March 2006
Product Code: R1-4930
Description
Research Overview

This Technical Insights research service entitled Wearable Computing provides an overview of advances made in wearable computing technology along with key drivers, challenges, and restraints. It also offers an analysis of wearable computers as used in different applications as well as the factors that impact their long-term functionality. In this study, Technical Insights’ expert analysts thoroughly examine the following technologies: e-textiles, printable electronics, embedded electronics, wireless network sensors, rollable and personal display systems, high performance-power ratio processors, heat dissipation, voice-directed wearable computers, 2D holographic imaging, context awareness, and fuel cells.

Market Sectors

Expert Technical Insights analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

By Application:
  • Communication & IT
  • Electronics
  • Healthcare
  • Industrial Automation
  • Transportation
  • Defense & Security
  • Electronic Components
  • Semiconductors
  • Patient Monitoring
  • Automation
Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:
  • Context awareness
  • Electronic textiles (e-textiles)
  • Embedded electronics
  • Printable electronics
Market Overview

Wearable Computing Gets Dressed for Success

With rapid miniaturization and continuous increases in computing power, the quest for a truly mobile platform has enabled researchers to move beyond the laptop and even the palmtop to develop what is termed as the wearable computer. This revolutionary ’always on’ computer constantly interacts with the environment to enable users to seamlessly access information in real time without having to interrupt any of their current activities. Significant advances in several related areas such as smart/embedded electronics, electronic textiles, display systems, and processors have increased the adoptability of wearable computing to such an extent that it can now be used in many exciting real-world applications. Context awareness is another area garnering increasing attention as researchers attempt to create a context-specific solution that could further enhance the capability of the wearable computer.

"Due to advances in processing power, improved form factor, and the development of conductive textiles (that is, e-textiles), the computer has well and truly become wearable," remarks the analyst of this research service. "Conductive fibers that can transmit both data and power, advanced processors that are able to strike a balance between performance as well as power consumption, and printable electronics are the true enabling technologies driving this advance in computing." However, high costs and concerns about return on investment (ROI) are currently casting a shadow on the future acceptability of wearable computing from a commercial perspective.

Tremendous Technology Advances in Related Areas Boost Wearable Computing

Some of the key areas of interest associated with wearable computing include context awareness and e-textiles due to their huge potential in improving the functionality of this technology. Context awareness refers to the sensitivity of the system to temporal and spatial information and aims to provide users with only the most useful information. A complex array and network of sensors as well as wireless devices work together to make this possible, continuously updating users with information based on their current location in space and time. Thus, users gain greater freedom as well as more time to perform purely productive activities.

In the smart/e-textiles area, researchers have been able to develop an intelligent fabric capable of transmitting data as well as power. "The ability to embed sensors in clothing provides a means of measuring vital signs of individuals and transmitting the same wirelessly to remote centers," says the analyst. "This enables not only healthcare facilities, but also the military to keep a close watch on patients and army personnel, respectively." E-textile technology also holds great potential in patient monitoring as well as in enhancing the effectiveness with which medication is provided to patients.
Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary
        1. Scope & Methodology
                  1. Scope
                  2. Methodology
        2. Overview & Key Findings
                  1. Overview
                  2. Key Findings
 
2. Wearable Computing - Technology & Applications Viewpoint
        1. Technology Primer
                  1. Truly 'Wearable'
                  2. Modular Wearable Computing
        2. Applications of Wearable Computing
                  1. Application Overview
                  2. Healthcare; Sports; and Fitness
                  3. Homeland Security
                  4. Industrial Sector
                  5. Emergency Services
 
3. Wearable Computing - Technology Adoption Factor Analysis
        1. Drivers & Challenges
                  1. Key Drivers
                        a. Improved processing power
                        b. Form follows function (ergonomics and comfort)
                        c. Hands-free work environment
                        d. Monocular transparent displays
                        e. Standardized operating platform
                  2. Key Challenges
        2. Assessment of Market Factors
                  1. Future Trends
                  2. Competing Technologies
                  3. Regulatory Standards
 
4. Assessment of Technology Innovation
        1. Innovations in North America
                  1. Advanced Computing for the Military
                  2. Houston 'Wear' Are You?
                  3. 'Wear' Am I Hit? An Intelligent Wearable Motherboard
                  4. A Wearable Scanner and Computer for Productivity Improvement
                  5. Voice-Based Real-Time Warehousing
                  6. Vehicle Maintenance At An All Time High
                  7. One Size Fits All
                  8. An Armband for Healthcare Monitoring
                  9. Continuous Patient Monitoring
                  10. Leading the Blind Vocally
                  11. Future Perfect-Holographic Interactive Imaging
                  12. Head-Mounted Displays to Aid Anesthesiologists Make and Take Accurate Decisions
                  13. Context Awareness and Wearable Computing--Embedded Intelligence
        2. Innovations in Rest of the World
                  1. Wearable To The Rescue for Crime Scene Investigation
                  2. Wearables for Aircraft Maintenance
                  3. A Complete Medical Facility Centered Around A Wearable
                  4. A Garment To Assist Disaster Management
                  5. Rollable Displays for Wearables
                  6. Smart Fabrics and e-Textiles
                  7. Fuel Cells to Power Wearables
                  8. Ultralow Power Wireless Body Area Networks
 
5. Patents and Database of Key Industry Participants
        1. Patents
                  1. US Patents
                  2. Other Patents
        2. Database of Key Industry Participants
                  1. Research Universities
                  2. Organizations
 
6. Frost & Sullivan 2006 Science & Technology Awards
        1. Technology Leadership Award
                  1. Award Description
                  2. Award Recipient
        2. Product Innovation Award
                  1. Award Description
                  2. Award Recipient
 
7. Decision Support Database
        1. Database Tables
                  1. Portable PC Installed Base--World (1999 to 2006)
                  2. PCB Sales--World (1999 to 2006)
                  3. Unit Shipment of PDAs--North America (1999 to 2009)
                  4. Wireless Subscribers--North America (1999 to 2009)
                  5. Wireless Revenue--North America (1999 to 2009)
Ordering and More Information
Price and Delivery Options


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