Casio
Introduces the World's First Wrist-type
Wearable Digital
Camera
_____
LAS VEGAS,
NV, January 6, 2000 -
Casio, Inc., Dover, NJ, in conjunction with CASIO Computer Co., Ltd., Japan,
announced today at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show an amazing new product,
the Wrist Camera, Model WQV-1, the world’s first wrist-type wearabledigital
camera.
"This
new model marks the latest addition to the growing lineup of new "wrist
data devices" that have earned CASIO the reputation of being the leading
innovator in unique, feature-packed timepieces" said Gary Rado, President
of Casio, Inc. "We will continue to bring to market products that feature
unexpected extras." CASIO also introduced today the world’s first wrist-type
wearable MP3 Player.
CASIO has already
opened the modern market for powerful, wrist-type wearable data collection and
management instruments with the PCX and Satellite Navi watches. The PCX watch
provides a quick and easy way to exchange and synchronize personal information
management (PIM) data with a desktop computer, while the Satellite Navi outdoor
watch represents the world’s first watch with GPS capabilities that use GPS
satellites to provide readouts of your current position and other data.
This new watch
marks major advances of the "wrist data device" concept and create
totally new types of wristwatches that tap the high-growth potential of both
the digital imaging market and digital audio market.
Wrist Camera Features
Since
it measures a mere 40.0 (W) x 52.0(H) x 16(D) mm and weighs only 32g, you hardly
even notice that the Wrist Camera is there, always ready to capture those special
moments whenever they occur. Images you record can be played back for your own
enjoyment and are just the thing for conversation starters.
The
display screen of the Wrist Camera is a 120 x 120-dot STN LCD capable of displaying
16 grayscales. You can use the monitor as a viewfinder when recording images
and as a display screen for playback.
The
Wrist Camera’s 1MB of built-in semiconductor memory can store up to 100 images.
You can record images, instantly view them, and delete the ones you don’t want
to keep, as many times as you like. An Auto Date Stamp feature automatically
records the date (year, month, day) and time (hour, minutes) you record the
image along with the image data.
You
can choose from among three different modes when recording an image. The Normal
Mode records the 16-grayscale monochrome image that appears on the monitor screen
of the Wrist Camera. The Art Mode produces artful two-tone image and the Merge
Mode combines two different images into a single image. A simple operation lets
you select the mode that produces the effect you want.
After
you record an image you can input up to 24 characters (12 characters in the
upper line, 12 characters in the lower line) of memo text. A simple operation
inputs alpha characters or numbers so you can record a person’s portrait and
then input their name and telephone number.
A
CASIO original infrared data transfer function makes it possible to exchange
image data with a computer that has a separately available application and infrared
installed. You can upload images to your computer for editing and archiving,
and download them back to the Wrist Camera when you need to take them somewhere.
You can even use your images as screen savers.
The
Wrist Camera is designed to minimize battery power consumption and for easy
battery replacement. An Auto Power Save feature automatically turns power off
whenever it detects that the Wrist Camera is not being worn on the wrist. The
press of a button in any mode records an image, which means that recording is
quick and easy.
Wrist
Camera Specifications
Recording Format: |
CASIO original (conversion
to BMP or JPEG when uploading to a computer) |
Recording Medium: |
Built-in 1MB memory |
Memory Capacity: |
100 images |
Recording Element: |
1/14-inch monochrome
CMOS sensor |
Total Pixels: |
28,000; Pixel Yield:
24,334 |
Lens: |
F2.8 fixed; f =1.1mm |
Focusing Distance: |
30cm to ¥ |
Subject Illumination: |
Approximately 100Lx
to 45,000Lx |
Exposure Control: |
Light metering system;
full screen average; ALC (Average Luminance Control), exposure compensation |
Shutter: |
Electronic shutter |
Shutter Speed: |
1/11 to 1/1660 second |
Monitor: |
120x 120 dots (14,400);
monochrome with 16 grayscales); 20 x 20mm screen size |
Recording Modes: |
Normal; Art; Merge |
Data Bank: |
Up to 24 characters
per image (alpha, numeric, basic symbols) |
Clock: |
Timekeeping display,
five alarms, timer, stopwatch |
Other: |
Auto power save system,
simple record |
Infrared Communication: |
Casio original system |
Infrared Functions: |
Image data exchange with a computer,
data exchange with another
Wrist Camera |
Data Speed: |
115,200 BPS |
Communication Distance: |
10cm maximum |
Dimensions/Weight: |
40(W) x 52(H) x 16(D)
mm / 32g |
Power Requirements: |
CR2032 battery |
Approximate Battery
Life: |
6 months (60 seconds
of camera operation per day) |
Options: |
Wrist Camera Infrared
Adapter & Link Software (Wrist Camera data management application) |
Computer Requirements
Computer: |
IBM PC/AT or compatible
with D Sub 9-pin COM port |
Operating System: |
Windows 95/98/Windows,
NT Workstation 4.0 |
Display: |
640 x 480, 256 colors
or more |
Other: |
CD-ROM drive, Keyboard,
Mouse |
PRICE GBP£149