http://standards.ieee.org/board/nos/697nosminutes.html

7.      New Business
7.1     Presentation on Wearable Computers
Dick Braley, Senior Staff Advisor, Wireless Systems Development
of Federal Express gave a presentation regarding "wearable computers."
The purpose of his presentation was to encourage development of
standards for "wearables, and solicit IEEE support to develop the standards."

Mr. Braley explained the definition of "wearables" as computing and
networking devices (software and peripherals), which, when worn or carried,
will enhance individuals with their ability to perform productive work in
an unobstrusive way.  One example would be a lapel pin that also is a scanner,
and, in the future, a video camera in eyeglasses which would recognize
customers.

The market for wearable computers are service organizations, medical
applications, maintenance and repair, operations coordination, bar code
reading and printing, DARPA/US military, manfacturing, car rental agencies,
inventory, and training.  A partial list of current manufacturers of wearables
includes FedEx, Symbol Technologies, Norand, ViA, Inc., Videx, Rockwell,
Telxon, and Xetron.  Potential participants in standards development
activities are FexEx, Symbol, Norand, ViA, Inc., CMU, Videx, Rockwell,
M/A-COM, Xetron, Interval, DARPA, BBN, MIT, Nike, and GTE.
Potential areas for standardization include Personal Area Networks,
"wearable computing" and interfaces, "wearables" system architectures,
and nomadicity.

The Computer Society is co-sponsoring the standards work in this area
of technology.  FedEx will participate in the July meeting of the Ad Hoc
Committee on Wearables, being held in conjunction with the Internet
Practices Study Group of the IEEE Computer Society at the Holiday
Inn Crowne Plaza in Nashua, NH.  Jim Isaak will serve as the NosCom
mentor for this activity and will provide a report for the September meeting.
(ACTION:  Jim Isaak)