Classification of wearable computing: A survey of electronic assistive technology and future design

In the past decade there have been significant advancements in computer technology that have reduced the hardware form factor as well as increased energy efficient computing. Using network protocols for near field communication such as Body Area Networks (BANs), smaller and lighter computing units with attached sensors have transformed into wearable devices. These devices have served a plethora of purposes including providing assistance to people with disabilities, gathering data, serving as sensors and enhancing human capabilities among other things. Depending on the usage and infrastructure, the devices can be classified into respective domains. In this paper we survey wearable computing devices and classify the same based on the form of assistance that is delivered to the person wearing the device. We also introduce a framework for futuristic devices that can operate in harsh environments.