`Underwearables': Covert embodiments of WearComp/WearCam

The early personal imaging systems were characterized by a heavy and obtrusive nature. Due to much criticism that the author received in wearing these systems in day-to-day life, a new generation of unobtrusive personal imaging systems was developed. The current unobtrusive visual mediation system is concealed in a pair of ordinary sunglasses which are connected to the underwearable computer. Typical embodiments of the underwearable computer resemble an athletic undershirt (tank top) made of durable mesh fabric, upon which a lattice of webbing is sewn. This facilitates quick reconfiguration in the layout of components, and re-routing of cabling.

An example of the underwearable multimedia computer video editing facility and wireless communication system, as it normally appeared when worn under clothing, is depicted in Figure 4, where the normal appearance is quite evident.

  

Figure 4: Author wearing covert embodiment of WearComp photo/video memory system suitable as a personal visual memory prosthetic, or for investigative documentary/photojournalism. The system incorporated fully functional UNIX-based computers concealed in the small of the back, with the rest of the peripherals, analog to digital converters, etc., also concealed under ordinary clothing. Sensor arrays were concealed within the eyeglasses, used in the context of Personal Imaging. The full-color version completed in 1996 included special-purpose digital signal processing hardware based on TMS 320 series processors connected to a UNIX-based host processor, concealed in the back of the underwearable. The cross-compiler for the TMS 320 series chips was run remotely on a SUN workstation, accessed wirelessly through radio and antennas concealed in the apparatus. Thus it could be programmed (re-configured) while being worn, without the need to dock to a programming station.

Covert data-entry devices typically comprised switches located on the underwearable (undergarment) itself. These switches were easily actuated by pressing through clothing worn over the apparatus. Alternatively, a belt-mounted input device was sometimes used (Fig 5).

  

Figure 5: Covert belt-based input device operated by right hand, reaching behind back. Typically this device may be hidden underneath an untucked T-shirt or the like. The units that look like toggle switches are really spring-loaded extremely light-touch lever rockers.

It should be noted that this class of system is more than just a wearable computer as might send and receive email, but, rather, it is a complete WearComp/WearCam personal imaging system, as defined in [2]: it contains special-purpose image processing hardware [4] and a complete video editing facility developed for the creation of the investigative metadocumentary ShootingBack (a documentary about making a documentary about video surveillance). The unobtrusive nature was necessary because it was found that the locations selected in which to shoot the documentary -- establishments where video surveillance is used extensively (e.g. gambling casinos, department stores, banks, etc.) -- also prohibit photography and video other than by their own cameras. Part of the purpose in constructing this apparatus was to challenge/investigate the nature of these one-sided (e.g. as satisfy the formal definition of ``totalitarian'') establishments, and shoot in establishments where photography/video was strictly prohibited.

Due to its ordinary appearance, the unobtrusive personal imaging system also suggests practical utility in everyday matters of personal life, such as personal documentary, personal safety, crime reduction, as well as investigative photojournalism.