Wink, Wink, Nudge, Nudge ... Change track

Photo Source: AtomicJeep via Flickr

License: Attrib/Deriv

The internet is abuzz with news of this handy little Japanese innovation. I say handy but no manual dexterity is actually required for this device. Rather, the aim is to manipulate electronic equipment using your facial expressions. Enter the “Mimi Switch”!

Now, with a simple facial expression, people will soon be able to change the music tracks, go back to a previous song or even switch off their washing machine. First we had mouse gestures for our browsers. Now we get the facial equivalent for everyday appliances.

Here's how it works. The device itself is called the “Mimi Switch” or the “Ear Switch”. It looks like headphones and its purpose is to interpret various facial expressions of the wearer. The way this is accomplished is quite amazing. Apparently, the headphones have infrared sensors that can 'understand' the wearer's expressions from the various movements measured via the ear. This innovative device is hooked to a teeny computer of sorts that itself acts as a remote control! To quote a rather corny joke, this gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, “Look Ma, no hands!”.

The inventor, Kazuhiro Taniguchi, has high hopes for this device. There is the noble intention of helping those with physical disabilities. Admittedly, this does pave the way to make life easier for a number of people.

There are other implications. As it is, the idea of detecting potential ill health and consequently alerting relatives can be appealing to the elderly. And while I am not entirely sold on the automatic cheery song mode, it might have its uses for stressful traffic jams.