iPod-operation with a smile.

He reads the user wishes come true: A Japanese researchers developed the so-called ears switch allows iPod, washing machine or ceiling lamp with a twitching of the eyebrow to use - or the emergence of the tongue routes.

 

Eyebrow raise: music is louder. Wink: Dishwasher starts Schleudergang. Frown: The TV goes on.

AFP
Mimi-switch in action: Forward with herausgestreckter tongue

Either way could be similar to the operation of electrical and electronic equipment in the future, if really works, what Japanese researchers have now presented: The "Mimi Switch aims to capture the user's facial expressions and facial expressions to translate commands. It would be "the room lighting or washing machine with a rapid twitching of the mouth angle turn" may, promises Kazuhiro Taniguchi of Osaka University in Japan.

Following the descriptions, which Taniguchi else for his invention has invented, could be the Mimi switch users to the general public, however, cause some consternation: "An iPod can play the music start or stop if the carrier herausstreckt how his tongue on the famous picture of Einstein. Who is he tearing open his eyes wide, the machine jumps to the next song. A twinkle with the right eye makes them jump back. "

"Naserümpfen or smile"

The Mimi-Switch, the inventor of the "ears switch" is called, looks like a normal headset. It is equipped with infrared sensors, the tiny movements of the ear to be measured with different facial expressions accompany. The device can be programmed "and other facial expressions like a smile or a Naserümpfen" to grasp, says Taniguchi.

The remote control is also its users over time getting better acquainted, by storing and analyzing data: "The switch to monitor natural movements of the face in everyday life," said Taniguchi. Something seems scary at that desk in the ears of the doubt sometimes should intervene: "If he finds that you do not smile enough, maybe he plays a happy song off."

The inventor expects the freehand remote life easier - you can order such a book and read simultaneously, without the hands on help of the accompanying music to change. But it could also lead to more serious tasks, such as in connection with a hearing aid in older people: "It could determine how often they sneeze, or if they regularly eat," Taniguchi hopes, "if it believes that they are not good goes, it could be a warning to relatives to you. "

Moreover, and this is probably the most likely first application, the device should ever be produced in series, the ears could switch disabled people in everyday life help - such as this, household appliances to operate.

The predecessor of the ears circuit breaker, to a pair of glasses attached, and the movements of the eyelids recorded, incidentally, was not a breakthrough success. But the ears switch was less prone to error than the "Temple Switch", "because its optical sensors are not affected by sunlight," said Taniguchi. He wanted the patented device can now begin. The practical application, but will probably still two to three years.