Imagine typing underwater,

or using a mouse!

Even though they have sophisticated instruments and experiments, marine scientists still have to use paper (plastic) and pencils, sometimes under dark and difficult conditions. Land-based scientists have powerful notebook computers to use in the field, divers have to record data the same way Darwin did.

Doing science underwater is very difficult, and it's important to make the best use of your short time at the bottom. It's also hard to know exactly where you are underwater, experiments frequently rely on tape measures and compasses. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) use satellites to tell you your exact position, but radio waves won't penetrate water. Obviously there is a need for some sort of underwater laptop and navigation system.

A conventional monitor and keyboard are much to bulky to use underwater, even if they could be waterproofed. If you made a small keyboard it would be hard to use, and with all the movement from swimming some sort of mouse or pointer would be difficult. Obviously the way the diver uses the computer must be completely different from conventional methods.

The solution to these problems has been developed by WetPC P/L. The WetPC® Wearable is a rugged, wearable personal computer. Designed to go where the diver goes, it provides them with a compact computer environment that is available whenever needed.

The result of a six year development project at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, the WetPC® Wearable uses unusual display and keyboard technology.

A mask-mounted virtual display 'floats' a computer screen in front of the diver. The display is easily swung out of the way and is weightless under water. The vibrant display can present text and complex graphics such as plans and diagrams.

A five button Kord® Pad is attached to the diver's jacket and is used by pressing combinations of keys, much like a piano chord. The user interface Kord® IT, shows the diver what to press with intuitive on-screen buttons. Like a keyboard and mouse, it gives the diver full control of the computer. Conventional methods such as typing and pointing can be done, as well as other rapid techniques.

The tank-mounted module contains a 586 computer based around PC\104 circuit boards, so a large variety of options can be installed. As the diver descends, the housing can be compensated to withstand the enormous pressure. Back on land, the serial port allows data to be downloaded. With clip-on battery pack several hours work can be done.

The integration of these unique technologies gives a full-function computer designed specifically for the divers needs. For collecting or displaying data, the WetPC® Wearable provides a general purpose solution like no other currently available.

Tools like these are going to provide new and more powerful ways of understanding and managing our environment.