ASSIGNMENT

Literature Review & Paper Critique

Table of Contents

Task One- Paper Critique1

Paper 1: 'Design of the QBIC Wearable Computing Platform' by Amft et al (2004)1

Summary1

Problem definition2

Main Contribution2

Strong aspects3

Weaknesses and suggestions for improvements4

Paper 2: 'An Architecture Concept for Ubiquitous Computing Aware Wearable Computers' by Bauer et al (20024

Summary4

Problem definition5

Main Contribution5

Strong aspects6

Weaknesses and suggestions for improvements6

Task Two- Survey Paper7

Conclusion8

References10

Literature Review & Paper Critique

Task One- Paper Critique

In this section of the paper, the two research papers titled, 'Design of the QBIC Wearable Computing Platform' by Amft et al (2004) and 'An Architecture Concept for Ubiquitous Computing Aware Wearable Computers' by Bauer et al (2002), that our relevant to our topic of wearable computers, will be reviewed in detail individually.

Paper 1: 'Design of the QBIC Wearable Computing Platform' by Amft et al (2004)

Summary

This paper describes how aptly a mobile computing systems or wearable computing systems can be assimilated into regular daily wear of an individual. This paper specifically discusses the possibility of integrating these computing systems in a belt, which is commonly used to secure hold on a person's pants. Furthermore, it begins by discussing how modern computing systems and technological gadgets such as laptops, mobile phones, PDA's and other peripheral devices lack mobility in its true sense, despite proclaiming to be portable devices. In addition, Amft et al (2004) state that the two primary disadvantages of these portable devices to be their bulky weight and the level or amount of their use. These disadvantages are based on the reasoning that these portable devices, no matter how small, cause inconvenience for their user to carry them. In addition, those devices that have multiple features and components weigh more to be easily carried, this combined with the element of their usage as they are seldom used throughout the day. Hence, it is wearable computing devices that provide solution to both weight and usability issues. These devices entail of three primary characteristics such as integration that does not causes any hindrance in the user's activity, physically as well as is appealing in its appearance. In addition, such aspect of this device ensures that the device will be used and carried by the user at all times. The second characteristic identified is that of the 'Human Computer Interaction (HCI) concepts', which entails that the user of these devices will easily be able to interact with both the device and with their environment without any hassle. Moreover, these devices will just be an extension of their existing self and will not face any form of problems when using these devices while conducting other tasks at the same time. Such tasks also include rigorous activities such as playing sports and performing other daily chores. The third characteristic identified is the situational awareness of the wearable computing system. Such awareness instils the ability in these systems to systematically analyze and respond to the environment and activities of the user (Amft et al, 2004).

Problem definition

The main research or case problem defined by the authors in this paper was the implementation plans ...