'Xybernaut Mobile Assistant IV' wearable computer
Object No. 2000/4/1
The idea of wearable computers emerged in the 1960s, when Ivan E. Sutherland pioneered the wearable headset. Since then, wearable computers have been in active development. The objective of downsizing the components, creating an unobtrusive, ergonomically workable tool, has now been adequately achieved. Peter Cox, 2000
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Summary
Object Statement
Wearable computer, 'Xybernaut Mobile Assistant IV', plastic / metal / nylon, Xybernaut Corporation, Virginia, United States of America, 1999
Physical Description
Wearable personal computer comprising central processing unit (CPU) in magnesium alloy case, head-mounted display, mini keyboard, lithium-ion battery with holder, battery charger, AC adapter, belt, vest, mini port replicator, video camera, video adapter. The vest has cable sleeves and holsters for the CPU, battery, flat panel and mini port replicator. The CPU clips onto the vest or belt. It contains ports for connecting peripheral and power cables as well as PCMCIA cards for network communications. Processor: Intel Pentium 200 MHz Memory: 32MB RAM Storage: 2.1GB internal removable HDD CPU includes a built-in mouse, built-in dual PC card readers (CardBus), built-in sound card, full-duplex ports for HMD/FPD, power, USB, and replicator; full port replicator with mic in, headphone out, line-in, serial, parallel, VGA, PS/2 mouse, PS/2 keyboard and USB ports; miniport replicator (keyboard an FDD). The headset holds the head-mounted display unit and the video camera. The head-mounted display is a monocular 640 x 480 color VGA viewer, which includes a microphone and ear-piece speaker and integrated miniature video camera. The headset has a built-in attachment for microphone and ear-piece speaker, built-in attachment for head mounted camera power supply, microphone and ear-piece speaker. Its display unit projects an image onto a reflector that displays the image to the user's eye (left or right). The VGA display measures 1.1 inches diagonally, but using special optics, provides the same full-color, full-screen view as a 15 inch monitor seen from two feet. The MA IV comes preloaded with the following software: operating system (Windows NT), speech-enabled open hypermedia toolkit that makes it possible to create a hyperlinked electronic library from existing digital files (Xybernaut linkAssist), speech recognition software (IBM ViaVoice, Dragon Naturally Speaking), video software.
PRODUCTION
Notes
Designed by Xybernaut Corporation. Xybernaut Corporation was founded in 1990. It undertakes research, development and sales of wearable PCs. The PCs are intended to deliver the functionality of a fully networked desktop PC in a small, rugged and lightweight unit that can be worn by workers in any environment while being activated with a single touch or hands free voice comand. Made by Xybernaut Corporation. A new, 1999 off-the-shelf product.
HISTORY
Notes
Brand new. Never used.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Purchased 2000
Acquisition Date
5 January 2000
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