An Overview of Wearable Computing

Abstract

This chapter provides a high-level user-oriented overview of wearable computing. It begins by defining wearable computing and describing its key characteristics. It then provides an historical view of wearable computing devices, beginning with an abacus ring from the 17th century and progressing to modern wearable computing devices. Lessons learned from this history and their implications for future wearable devices are discussed. Key application areas for wearable computing are then introduced, and sample applications from each area are described. Two case studies are provided to demonstrate the role of data analytic methods, and how they can yield more powerful wearable applications. The chapter concludes with a summary of the current state of wearable technology.