Imagine this scenario: closing both eyes for one second starts your iPod, while blinking again stops the playback. A wink with the right eye makes the machine skip to the next tune while with a wink of the left eye it goes back. Researchers at Japan's Osaka University have developed such a system that will confuse you when a sexy girl winks at you in the street. Kome Kami Switch (Japanese for, Temple Switch) easily differentiates a deliberate one-second wink from natural blinking.
The Kome Kami Switch, comprises a single-chip computer and a couple of infrared sensors that monitor the temple movements; and is small enough to be built into the side of a pair of eyeglasses. It is capable of operating television sets, air conditioners, room lighting and other household electronics. The system serves as "a third hand" for caregivers, motorbike drivers, rock-climbers, and most importantly, people with disabilities. The researchers hope the system will eventually be adapted to run cellphones, wheelchairs robots and most devices as "an ultimate remote control".
Remote Control via Eye Blinking
Kome Kami Switch
Trend Themes
1. Eye-controlled Devices - Disruptive innovation opportunities lie in developing eye-controlled devices for a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to assistive technology.
2. Infrared Sensor Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunities exist in enhancing the capabilities of infrared sensor technology for more accurate and seamless control of electronic devices.
3. Assistive Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunities are available in improving and expanding assistive technology options for individuals with disabilities, such as the Kome Kami Switch.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - Disruptive innovation opportunities can be found in integrating eye-controlled technology into various consumer electronics to enhance user experience and accessibility.
2. Healthcare and Rehabilitation - Disruptive innovation opportunities exist in utilizing eye-controlled devices and assistive technology to improve healthcare and rehabilitation practices for individuals with disabilities.
3. Home Automation - Disruptive innovation opportunities can be explored in incorporating eye-controlled systems into home automation technology for convenient and intuitive control of household electronic devices.