A RESEARCHER at Osaka University's Graduate School of Engineering Science has come up with a way to control devices by intentional blinking and winking.
Kazuhiro Taniguchi developed a system - which he calls "Kome Kami Switch" or "Temple Switch" - using a single chip computer and a pair infrared sensors. The whole thing is so small that it can fit into a pair of eyeglasses.
As an initial demonstration, he's adapted the Kome Kami Switch to control an Ipod. Closing both eyes for one second starts or stops the Ipod. Wink with the right eye to skip to the next tune or wink with the left eye to skip back.
As a hands-free control system, the switch can be a "third hand" for medical personnel, rock climbers, motorcycle riders, astronauts and disabled people.
"You don't have to worry about the system moving incorrectly as the system picks up signals when you close your eyes firmly. You can use this when you're eating or chatting with someone," said inventor Taniguchi. "Normally you blink in an energy-saving manner, very quickly and lightly, but you would close your eyes more firmly to operate a device."
He foresees the system being used to control a wide variety of systems, from televisions, air conditioners and room lighting to cellphones, wheelchairs and robots.
Taniguchi is also working on a similar system that works by clenching teeth.
