To those in the know, the "computer" has never been the BOX, it is the CPU. In even the most cumbersome and powerful desktop or "sub-mainframe" computer today, the actual "brain" is really one chip. The entire rest of the system is comprised of devices to save your work, to play realistic sound and video, to print to paper or removeable medium (floppy or Zip Drive,) and to power and cool the CPU. Much of the reason for the actual SIZE of the unit is that the modules have conventionally been large, seated on rails and isolated from one another. Because of demand for components or cards that are easily swappable for upgrade there has been a size restriction that even the most compact PC couldn't defy. However, by selecting a unified and ideal set of components rather than an "open" system, reduction in overall size and complexity is possible. The CodaŽ brings together a large number of convergent technologies to create a single device that provides the power of a desktop in a hands-free and self-contained wearable solution.

       By choosing the "ideal" sound-card, video driver, etc. and burning them into a single chip that bears the CPU, it is possible to have an entire computer solution that fits in the hand but has all the capabilities of existing systems and more.

The CodaŽ Project provides a futuristic and powerful solution, today, at a price that is highly competitive.

While handheld devices until recently depended on a "system-on-a-card" to deliver a limited set of capabilities in a sub-micro device, in December of 1999 the first "system-on-a-chip" solution was demonstrated. Offered first as a 90mhz Pentium, manufacturers were quick to offer 133mhz and then 233mhz solutions. All drivers for peripherals were burned in the mask for the one postage-stamp-size chip, and if placed in a slightly-larger socket, standard I/O ports (USB, RS232, etc.) are available. The only necessary addition is storeage buffers, available at up to 4 gigabytes, which can be used as conventional memory. In this way the user can perform most of the applications of a notebook computer with no additional devices, or "jack in" to use conventional keyboards, printers, CD drives, external monitors, etc.

While it was initially loaded with an Operating System that was small in scale and capabilities, given sufficient on-chip storeage a more robust Operating System can be used. Immediately after the emergence of the system-on-a-chip several companies proposed customizing their powerful, broadband multimedia-oriented OS's for this purpose. In this way a device as small as a pair of eyeglasses can become an Internet browser and PC more powerful than available systems. Now that the first one-chip solutions are available (though not widely heralded yet,) the CodaŽ can become a reality.

The "intelligent eyeglass" solution ultimately provides a private "theatre" rather than a desktop monitor, but while greatly reduced in actual size the PERCEIVED size of the display images will be the same. In addition, the VR Head Mounted Display (HMD) has undergone a radical overall reduction in size, weight, power consumption and complexity in the last decade. The base unit we've selected is now only a bit larger than conventional glasses (they fold down to a size that would fit in a "fanny pack" or briefcase if not a breast pocket,) approximately 8 oz. in weight and using conventional household current. In conversations with manufacturers they stated that further reduction in overall size and complexity is their highest priority which will drive consumer acceptance and reduce cost of production.

Breaking industry rules

An industry standard in even the smallest device is the keyboard, yet it's also been an industry assumption that typing is the LEAST efficient man-machine interface and one which has only reluctant consumer acceptance. Because the CodaŽ incorporates both "virtual" and conventional means of I/O, it can make use of an external keyboard, mouse, joystick, handwriting-recognition inputs, etc. It incorporates a multi-axis headtracking device which will allow the user to "look around" within an immersive experience or choose items from onscreen menus. Even VR "cybergloves" and sonar-driven "motion detection" are existing options that can either be incorporated into the glasses themselves or "jacked in." However, we believe the most direct means of access and user acceptance is speech recognition.

Several industry leaders have demonstrated there is enough end-user demand for speech-recognition, either as a primary or secondary means of access, that we have made it a principle "hands-free" means of access for the CodaŽ. There are already diverse shareware and freeware Web-browsers, word-processing utilities and developers tools to proceed in this direction, while incorporating other "virtual" and standard (redundant) means of access.

"BLUE SKY" dreams of power for the CodaŽ

The CodaŽ is user-friendly for those who are wheelchair-bound or even quadraplegic. By incorporating a potent and small controller, a wireless network is now achieveable in the home of the user, controlled by the wearable CodaŽ "specs," which can control room temperature, lights, radio and television, as well as all those functions which are under more direct control of the user. With the emergence of "Web TV" and realistic Web Audio, the day is fast approaching when the WWWeb may MERGE ENTIRELY with those technologies. A wireless modem incorporated into the device would provide all the power of the Internet. Powerful Broadband access through this means is emerging which will allow Internet devices to replace conventional radio and television. In fact, COMPLEMENTARY media events and entirely new kinds of multimedia experiences are possible. At the same time, as the CodaŽ becomes popular, it will be possible for the MOST able and the LEAST able to truly have an "equal playing field."

THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF THE CODAŽ IS TO REPLACE EVERY ELECTRONIC DEVICE USED BY MAN AND COMPETE IN EVERY VERTICAL MARKET

With the actual computer as small as possible (one chip and Input/Output narrowed to ONE MULTI-CHANNEL PORT, GLASSES TO CHIP)... you have a "wearable" that leaves both hands free, and so much more of the BRAIN free to associate, whether writing e-mail, watching Web TV or transferring funds through an online ATM.

By mounting forward-facing cameras (now available as cams-on-a-chip) above each eyepiece, the CodaŽ becomes not only a "receiver" but a "3D transmitter" as well. EVERY WEARER BECOMES A CREATOR OF CONTENT. The capability to provide a stereographic, first-person viewpoint anywhere in the world to another user is ASTOUNDING. Content providers such as music video editors, pay-per-view stations, educators, etc. will be rabidly enthusiastic to port games and events to the new medium. Imagine selling the same front-row-center seat to an event, in true stereographic viewing and dynamic 3D audio many times over! "Feel" every punch of a CodaŽ-wearing boxer! See the terrain of Mars from the viewpoint of a rover, and more!

The CodaŽ, rigged with all appropriate sensory I/O, can perform speech-to-text conversion; in this way, it will translate spoken conversation to captioning or fullscreen text for the deaf, giving them new freedom in a non-signing world. With integrated cams, it could "read" - by scanning and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) - conventional media like newspapers, for the blind. Motion-detection software can inform the sight-impaired of immediate dangers. The total CodaŽ paradigm is to empower people in every possible way.

BUILDING THE CODA

All the components of the CodaŽ are readily available and their prices are finally in the ballpark" for consumer acceptance. The base unit, or VR eyeglasses, with full stereo 3D capability, are available to us at a price of approximately $1500 and dropping to $1200 or less with sufficient orders. The manufacturer is willing to keep us "in the loop" as they bring the next generation of smaller, more futuristic HMD's to market. They are attempting to reduce the size of the headphones as well, and our goal is to have a device that is indistinguishable from a stylish pair of eyeglasses but superhuman in its capabilities.

One manufacturer of the "System-on-a-chip" offers a Pentium 233Mhz for $59 in production quantities, plus testing board, memory buffer and complete support for approximately $300 more.

The principal task is to acquire the various hardware components, OS, etc. and appraise the state-of-the-art, or at least the highest level of performance immediately available in a workable compromise of complexity and price. The APPLICATIONS are either available as freeware or shareware, as commercial software (a leading voice-recognition developer's kit is approximately $600) or as demos which can immediately be used to test and "pitch" the device.

A working prototype can be created which can "demonstrate the dream" and be a launchpad for a highly futuristic, powerful solution at a fair market price. While the components in January, 2000AD demonstrate an incredible stride foward in miniaturization, virtual interfacing and empowerment, we consider it the "starting point," not the "final build," for something much grander.

NEW APPROACHES TO SUPPORT / A NEW COMPANY PARADIGM

To distinguish our product and our company in the marketplace, we aim to defy conventional corporate paradigms. OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE THE GREATEST USER EMPOWERMENT FOR THE LOWEST PRICE, THE SIMPLEST MEANS OF SUPPORT WITH LOWEST COMPANY OVERHEAD, AND A REVOLUTION IN THE MARKETPLACE.

In constructing the ready-for-market CodaŽ, we will assume a modular design which is readily disassembled and modified using conventional tools and a minimum of instruction. If the "brains" is essentially one chip or a small set of chips on the smallest of cards, the user will be able to request a complete computer upgrade, receive a chip or card in the mail, and feel confident in performing the upgrade themselves. If the base-unit has to be replaced altogether, we will strive for the smallest amount of "downtime" - the new base-unit will be delivered to them and exchanged AT THEIR DOOR, rather than demanding they first send their entire unit in for service, putting them out of business for days, weeks or worse. Software upgrades will be available over the WWWeb, downloaded directly to the CodaŽ. In every way we seek to address the usual dissatisfaction that computer users have with support, instruction and service.

IN ACTUAL USE, the device will have a "training period" to modify the speech-recognition files so they recognize the user's voice, etc., in addition to instructing the user in the many applications of the CodaŽ. "Manuals" are essentially much-hated, poorly-written dinosaurs. In practice, the CodaŽ will talk the user through every step of configuration and training. THE GOAL OF THE CODAŽ PROJECT IS A DEVICE THAT IS AS INTUITIVE TO USE AND SIMPLE AND PLEASANT TO PURCHASE, UPGRADE AND SERVICE AS POSSIBLE. While creating a "cyber-device of the future" we strive for the same innovations in customer satisfaction, marketing and every aspect of the company's dealings.

THE CODAŽ WILL MAKE YOU INTO A SUPER-POWERFUL "CYBORG" FOR A FEW THOUSAND BUCKS!

Reactions to description of the CodaŽ with select industry spokespeople have been more than enthusiastic. We are at a critical juncture in time where it's now possible for someone to spend merely a few thousand dollars, put on a pair of "magic eyeglasses" and "become Superman." The CodaŽ, to be released AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, represents the first device to make good on the childlike dream. If you appeal to that vision in everyone, it is a CERTAINTY it will represent a grand leap in human ability while being a "Billion-Dollar Idea."

SOME ADDITIONAL QUICK THOUGHTS...

A PRE-TEEN should be unembarrassed in asking a parent for the money with which to buy one.

A BUSINESS-PERSON should readily accept the CodaŽ as a "real tool," while keeping the "wow factor" intact for the gamer.

We should make business associations and critical liasons with a diverse and ever-shifting number of developers.

We MUST stay on top of technological breakthroughs in every related market and always ask, "How can we put this on the CodaŽ?"

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Š 1992 - 2008 Segalstudios. All Rights Reserved.