Our purpose in creating a wearable computer community is to explore the various, and often unanticipated, uses of the augmented reality interface. The diversity of the community is reflected by the range of projects, but what are the common threads that make wearable computing-based augmented reality advantageous over virtual reality or other forms of portable multimedia?
Wearable computing allows graphics and text to be associated with physical objects and locations. Through overlay displays, the user can concentrate on the task instead of constantly looking down as is the case with notebook computers or pen-based systems. Using the techniques shown above to sense at what object the user is looking, the computer may deduce the user's intention and update the display automatically.
Wearable computers are private and are more discreet in many situations than virtual reality gear or even such consumer devices as cellular phones, pagers, or hand-held PDA's. The user can concentrate on physical reality but have immediate access to the virtual if needed. Conversely, the user can engage the virtual world but still be aware of his physical surroundings. Unlike virtual realities which use opaque displays, the augmented reality of wearable computers degrades gracefully when sensors or displays fail, defaulting to the user's unaided senses. Such a feature is particularly important in time critical applications such as aircraft control or navigation aids.
Finally, wearable computing augmented realities are truly personal. The user grows to expect his interface to be accessible continually and unchanging, unless specified otherwise. Such a persistent and consistent interface encourages trust. With experience, the user personalizes his system to ensure fluid use in everyday contexts. As a result, the user's personal system becomes a mediator for other computers and interfaces, providing a familiar, dependable interface and set of tools complementing the abilities the infrastructure provides (more processor power, additional sensing, etc.). In addition, this interface filters and manages the otherwise overwhelming flow of information. With sophisticated user models and corresponding software agents, such an interface can be extended to recognize and predict the resources needed by the user.