Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII) has developed an experimental wristwatch incorporating the BT Watch Standard for short-range wireless communication with a BluetoothTM(*3) mobile phone.
This experimental watch employs a simulation of the BT Watch standard TR-006 Ver.1.0 established by the Mobile Computing Promotion Consortium (MCPC) together with an existing BluetoothTM mobile phone. Verification of communications procedures and usability achieved with this experimental watch has brought a practical BluetoothTM watch one step closer to reality.
Since the mobile phone does not incorporate the BT Watch Standard, a BT Watch Standard additional to the existing HFP(*4) is implemented as a virtual HFP on the SPP(*5).
This experimental watch is combined with an existing BluetoothTM mobile phone, and unique applications software has been developed to output its functions and information to the external environment via BluetoothTM communications. In addition to the functions already established in the BT Watch Standard, development of this software verifies functions to display sender’s name and subject for mail received by mobile phones.
Previous experimental models, such as notebook PCs and breadboards(*6), were not readily portable. The combination of a mobile phone and a watch terminal in this development simulate the MCPC TR-006 Ver.1.0 specifications practically outside the lab in locations such as the train or the conference room. At the same time, using the watch in daily lives facilitates interaction to discover new functions and new uses.
Based on the information obtained with this experimental watch, SII continues to refine communications procedures and develop attractive applications, in time for the scheduled release in 2007.
Primary Specifications of the Experimental BT Watch
• Notification of incoming calls 1
Notifies the user of incoming calls and mails on the mobile phone by vibration and sound.
Displays the sender’s name when receiving an incoming call.
Also displays the sender’s name and subject of the mail (not covered in TR-006).
• Notification of incoming calls 2
Rejects or puts on hold incoming calls on the mobile phone (in the pocket or handbag).
• Left-behind alert function
Alerts if the distance between the phone and watch becomes too great and the link between the two is disconnected.
•Mute and release of ring tones
Mutes or releases mobile phone ring tones as necessary.
•Time synchronization
Synchronizes watch and mobile phone times.
* Bluetooth™ is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc.
Notes:
(*1) MCPC – Mobile Computing Promotion Consortium
The MCPC deals with technical and operational matters, and research, to realize and develop a sophisticated, effective, and economic mobile computing system. It is engaged in joint research, promotion of development, standardization (de facto standards), and campaigns as a means of forming and expanding a fully-fledged and healthy mobile computing system. In a wider context, it contributes to the development and expansion of the information society, and plays a leading role in the development of mobile computing systems throughout the world, particularly in Asia.
Mobile Computing Promotion Consortium (MCPC) Secretariat
Shiba-koen Sanada Building 2F, 3-5-12 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku
Tokyo 105-0011 Japan
http://www.mcpc-jp.org/english/
(*2) TR-006 Ver.1.0
A technical specification developed by MCPC in December 2005, which provides a standard procedure for permanent connection of mobile phones and wrist watches via BluetoothTM.
(*3) Bluetooth
Bluetooth refers to short-range wireless technology employed to connect PCs, mobile phones and other portable devices safely and at reduced cost. Bluetooth is promoted by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), comprised of corporations playing leading roles in the promotion of remote communications technology and computer technology.
U Bluetooth is the old English corruption of the Danish ‘Blatand’, the family name of Harald, the 10th century king of Denmark (AD940-985). The name ‘Blatand’ was probably taken from two old Danish words, ‘bla’ meaning dark skinned and ‘tan’ meaning great man. King Harald united Denmark and Norway in a peaceful union, and the name came to be adopted as being symbolic of the union between communications and computers.
(*4) HFP – Hands Free Profile
A communications procedure based on the SPP. Simultaneously permits notification of incoming voice calls from a Bluetooth mobile phone using a Bluetooth headset, or via a Bluetooth hands-free system audio speaker mounted in a vehicle, and voice communication while the phone is in the pocket or handbag.
(*5) SPP – Serial Port Profile
One of the standards for the protocols established for each type of equipment used when communicating with Bluetooth. SPP is located at the top of the structure of protocol layers as a generic communications procedure.
(*6) Breadboard
An electronic circuit board for experimental use.
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