Can I control my iPod by blinking?

Engineers at Osaka University have developed a new system for controlling electronic devices that could enable people to navigate through the tracks on their MP3 player simply with a wink or smile. The Guardian reports.

The device - which has been nicknamed the "Mimi Switch" – consists of a small earbud that is capable of measuring movements in the wearer's temple. Different actions or facial expressions result in a variety of actions, depending on how the system is programmed.

"An iPod can start or stop music when the wearer sticks his tongue, like in the famous Einstein picture," suggested lead researcher Kazuhiro Taniguchi. "If he opens his eyes wide, the machine skips to the next tune. A wink with the right eye makes it go back."

... The research paper detailing the Mimi Switch, which was actually published last year in the Journal of Robotics and Mechatronics, has suddenly resurfaced after being picked up online – but it is far from being the only invention of its kind.

Read full article.

emily | 9:38 AM | Technology |
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