- Siafu: A new concept PC for the blind
- Ambient Corp.'s high-tech neckband lets you speak without really speaking.
- Eye Gaze/ Eye Typing using eye motion detectors/sensors
Siafu is a new kind of personal computer intended to provide computer access to those who have a vision impairment or similar handicap. Using a touch-sensitive surface filled with a magnetized liquid, which is called Magneclay, Siafu provides reading materials in the form of braille, and it even has the ability to render images in 3D relief.
The key to making this device work will be Magneclay, the morphing magnetized liquid that is supposed to be able to take the shape of anything, from braille text to the 3D rendering of web pages being accessed by the user. It comes with a 9-button braille keyboard that users can use to input text, and they can easily review what they've written just by sliding their hands over to the tablet's transforming surface. It also has a built-in microphone that works with Siafu's voice recognition software, intended as a great alternative to the already seemingly amazing touch interface.
You shouldn't get too excited though, because the Siafu PC is just a beautiful concept for now. But that shouldn't stop you from crossing your fingers and wishing it gets developed now, does it?
Keep reading for a few more pics of the Siafu PC…
Via [Yanko Design] Via [Gadget Venue]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyN4ViZ21N0
What if you could talk… without really talking?
Ambient Corporation promises to give you the ability to say words without opening your mouth. Just think of all the possibilities this will bring. In a recent conference held by microchip manufacturer Texas Instruments, Michael Callahan of Ambient Corporation demonstrated how "Audeo", the groundbreaking technology developed by their company, can let a user "speak without speaking" via a neckband and a nearby computer. The neckband is used to interpret the nerve signals in the user's vocal cords and then wirelessly transmits it to the computer to be spoken aloud by a robotic voice. It doesn't read your thoughts, though, but only the words that you "want to say". I believe this is a significant step forward in the field of wireless communications. You have to see it for yourself to believe it (keep reading for a video demonstration).
Interestingly enough, this technology was not developed to aid cellphone users or any other kind public speakers with their endeavors, but rather to help those afflicted with motor neurone disease in voicing out their thoughts and opinions. As of now, the system can only recognize a limited set of about 150 words and phrases, but the company promises to further develop their technology so that a user can successfully say whatever they want in the future.
Eye Gaze/ Eye Typing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO7qThQLUuA
The Eye Gaze Research Team at the IT University of Copenhagen is designing a communication tool controlled by eye movements instead of hand/mouse movements. The system is being developed for people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) who have lost their voice and may only be able to move their eyes. A synthetic voice output delivers the message typed in. The communication tool uses a word prediction method to speed up the communication process and includes an e-mail system.
Background
Even though the first eye typing systems for people with disabilities was introduced 15 years ago, there still seems to be a need for low-cost type-to-talk communication systems that can be accessed easily and can be used by people without expertise in eye tracking or advanced computing. Several efficient systems are available today, used by e.g. people with ALS. But the existing systems has several serious drawbacks:
What if you could talk… without really talking?
Ambient Corporation promises to give you the ability to say words without opening your mouth. Just think of all the possibilities this will bring. In a recent conference held by microchip manufacturer Texas Instruments, Michael Callahan of Ambient Corporation demonstrated how "Audeo", the groundbreaking technology developed by their company, can let a user "speak without speaking" via a neckband and a nearby computer. The neckband is used to interpret the nerve signals in the user's vocal cords and then wirelessly transmits it to the computer to be spoken aloud by a robotic voice. It doesn't read your thoughts, though, but only the words that you "want to say". I believe this is a significant step forward in the field of wireless communications. You have to see it for yourself to believe it (keep reading for a video demonstration).
Interestingly enough, this technology was not developed to aid cellphone users or any other kind public speakers with their endeavors, but rather to help those afflicted with motor neurone disease in voicing out their thoughts and opinions. As of now, the system can only recognize a limited set of about 150 words and phrases, but the company promises to further develop their technology so that a user can successfully say whatever they want in the future.
Eye Gaze/ Eye Typing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO7qThQLUuA
The Eye Gaze Research Team at the IT University of Copenhagen is designing a communication tool controlled by eye movements instead of hand/mouse movements. The system is being developed for people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) who have lost their voice and may only be able to move their eyes. A synthetic voice output delivers the message typed in. The communication tool uses a word prediction method to speed up the communication process and includes an e-mail system.
Background
Even though the first eye typing systems for people with disabilities was introduced 15 years ago, there still seems to be a need for low-cost type-to-talk communication systems that can be accessed easily and can be used by people without expertise in eye tracking or advanced computing. Several efficient systems are available today, used by e.g. people with ALS. But the existing systems has several serious drawbacks:
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