Building a Cheap HUD for a Wearable Computer? 43
BJS asks: "I'm in the process of building a my first Wearable Computer. The last thing I have to do in it's construction is to make a heads up display system. I want to have something like an iScape2, a MicroOptical C3, or even this TekGear component, however I'm in collage so I can't afford to spend much. A friend of mine suggested that I find a broken camcorder online and mod the viewfinder. Dose anyone have any suggestions or experience in making their own HUDs? Does anyone know where I can find a broken camcorder or camcorder parts? And finally, what experiences have people had with making a wearable computer? Thank you, Slashdot!"
Build software first. (Score:5, Insightful)
I'm willing to bet that once wearable computers become affordable and decent looking enough to wear, at a few would be using a linux x86 platform - the folks in Taiwan will take care of that. So you can target linux on an x86 platform with 128MB RAM, 640x480, 400MHz CPU,2 to 4GB HDD, 10-20 concurrent users.
Basically the specs of an old PC now, will be the spec of a wearable computer of today/tomorrow.
The software is where you can make a difference to many people. I also suggest you consider the "wearable server" concept as well - that way your wearable computer can serve wearable computers.
Building an actual custom wearable computer from scraps isn't going to be that great on a long term basis - it'll be like the Apple I days. A few ppl will think it's cool, but that's about it- and evolutionary dead end, and very "been there done that".
The difference is software. I suggest including support for browsers, because webservers are almost everywhere. Then you'll be able to use your wearable to do things like turn lights on/off, set airconditioner temps etc, all wirelessly. And you'd be able to IM your friends wirelessly too.
Virtual telepathy and telekinesis.
You probably should leave the video/image/audio recognition stuff to others. But that'll be useful too.