I came across an article on wsj.com called "If looks Could Kill" by Michael Hickins. While he was attending the CeBIT technology trade show in Hannover, Germany, he came across an emerging technology that allows the eyes of a computer user to move the cursor on the computer screen. This technology was developed by Tobii Technology, a Swedish company, and jointly presented with Lenovo.
The application uses a combination of infrared light, mathematical algorithms, and a high-frequency optical sensor to determine, from the eyes of the user, the exact spot on a computer screen that is being viewed. The article quotes Sara Hyleen, who is an executive with Tobii, as saying "it can also calculate in 3D the exact position of the eye, so it doesn't matter if you're moving around or not."
This technology is already being used in scientific and market research. Scientific research is using this technology with autistic children who have difficulty verbalizing responses. In marketing research, this technology has been incorporated into glasses that record the location of items that catch a viewer's eyes when looking at a web site or when shopping in a store. Michael Hickins speculated that the technology would be great in gaming - allowing you to kill bad guys with a look. I can't help but think that it would be of benefit to the handicapped or paralyzed. To read the article go to: http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2011/03/01/if-looks-could-kill/
Pam, remember when the skating rink would have the all skate night. You are an all-skate type of person, I also enjoy the technology that lets everyone participate, good ideas can come from anyone. Though it's a Monday night (the 7th), I just read your blog and the title surprised me, cause it's the same title I used for this weeks blog. On a serious note, some autistic people have incredible minds, I am willing to bet that locked into some of those minds, may be the solution to many of today's problems. I hope it's used to help people, not separate me from my money.
ReplyDeleteI am sure this technology will be used alot, especially for rehabilitation uses like for those who become paralyzed or lost their arms. This technology is very interesting and am interested in seeing where it will lead us.
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