Digital hard hat
The Digital Hard Hat is a construction hard hat with added computer hardware and software to perform collection, storage, and retrieval of construction information. It is designed to supply construction documentation in integrated text, images, sound, and video.
The hard hat contains a digital camera, a microphone, a heads-up display and in some models, a portable computer. The Hand Held Computer permits the wearer of the hat to enter text data into a data base. The camera captures either still images or videos. The operator's narratives (sound) can be digitised and stored, along with images and videos. The heads-up display shows design details or specifications, and mirrors the camera's view, so that the operator knows what is being recorded. Voice recognition/control is used to provide hands-free operation for mobility and safety. The hard hat also contains communications hardware and software to conduct video conferencing between an inspector in the field and remote experts. All components exterior to the hat are either belt or vest mounted. This is the full specification, some manufacturers may offer only parts of these on their models.