Difference between revisions of "EyeTap"

From HCE Wiki - The Human Cognitive Enhancement Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (fixed ref3 error)
(finished references)
Line 6: Line 6:
 
The device consists of an eyepiece attached to a frame and a processing unit that is connected to the head-mounted part with a cable. In order to display the digital information on top of what the user actually sees, the eyepiece uses a beam splitter, that partially allows the visual information to pass through and into the user’s eye, while reflecting part of the image into the digital camera mounted on the nose-bridge. The connected computer processes the information, adds a layer of virtual elements, and then sends the augmented image to a projector in the eyepiece. The user then sees a combination of a superimposed augmented image and the original scene.<ref name="ref3">MANN, Steve. Continuous lifelong capture of personal experience with EyeTap. In: Proceedings of the the 1st ACM workshop on Continuous archival and retrieval of personal experiences. ACM, 2004. p. 1-21.</ref>
 
The device consists of an eyepiece attached to a frame and a processing unit that is connected to the head-mounted part with a cable. In order to display the digital information on top of what the user actually sees, the eyepiece uses a beam splitter, that partially allows the visual information to pass through and into the user’s eye, while reflecting part of the image into the digital camera mounted on the nose-bridge. The connected computer processes the information, adds a layer of virtual elements, and then sends the augmented image to a projector in the eyepiece. The user then sees a combination of a superimposed augmented image and the original scene.<ref name="ref3">MANN, Steve. Continuous lifelong capture of personal experience with EyeTap. In: Proceedings of the the 1st ACM workshop on Continuous archival and retrieval of personal experiences. ACM, 2004. p. 1-21.</ref>
  
By the opinion of the device’s inventors, EyeTap differs from other head-mounted displays or augmented reality glasses in that it superimposes the virtual information onto the original image in such a way, that original elements may become completely occluded without any mismatches. [4] This contrasts with the usual approach of other systems that do not have the ability to completely block out the elements in the original scene. In EyeTap, this can be used to reduce unwanted elements from the user’s surroundings, such as advertisement. The always present camera on user’s head can also work as a tool for [[Sousveillance]] (see Ethical Issues).
+
By the opinion of the device’s inventors, EyeTap differs from other head-mounted displays or augmented reality glasses in that it superimposes the virtual information onto the original image in such a way, that original elements may become completely occluded without any mismatches.<ref>EyeTap: The eye itself as display and camera. EYETAP. Research EyeTap [online]. Available online at: http://www.eyetap.org/research/eyetap.html (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)</ref> This contrasts with the usual approach of other systems that do not have the ability to completely block out the elements in the original scene. In EyeTap, this can be used to reduce unwanted elements from the user’s surroundings, such as advertisement. The always present camera on user’s head can also work as a tool for [[Sousveillance]] (see Ethical Issues).
  
 
Steve Mann began designing and inventing early versions of EyeTap in the 1970s. The first iterations were bulky. They used big CRT projectors that were not yet comfortable to wear for a time longer than a few hours at most. Thanks to the advances in used technologies, he was able to miniaturized his invention and in 1995, created a device that was built around a normal glasses frame.  
 
Steve Mann began designing and inventing early versions of EyeTap in the 1970s. The first iterations were bulky. They used big CRT projectors that were not yet comfortable to wear for a time longer than a few hours at most. Thanks to the advances in used technologies, he was able to miniaturized his invention and in 1995, created a device that was built around a normal glasses frame.  
Line 14: Line 14:
 
=== Purpose ===
 
=== Purpose ===
  
Communication device, visual and memory aid/prosthetic, lifelong capture and sharing of audio-visual memories (‘[[Cyborglogging]]’), sharing mediated reality, art. [5]
+
Communication device, visual and memory aid/prosthetic, lifelong capture and sharing of audio-visual memories (‘[[Cyborglogging]]’), sharing mediated reality, art.<ref>MANN, Steve. The author's `personal imaging' computer. Random disorganized thoughts on WearComp.org, WearCam.org, EyeTap Digital Eye Glass, funtain and Steve Mann's Personal Web Page/research [online]. 1998, Jan 6. Available online at: http://n1nlf-1.eecg.toronto.edu/historical/node4.html#SECTION00022000000000000000 (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)</ref>
  
 
[[File:EyeTap_2.png|thumb|right|alt=Steve Mann with a bare EyeTap device|Steve Mann with a bare EyeTap device.]]
 
[[File:EyeTap_2.png|thumb|right|alt=Steve Mann with a bare EyeTap device|Steve Mann with a bare EyeTap device.]]
 
=== Company & People ===
 
=== Company & People ===
  
Steve Mann - Inventor, professor at the University of Toronto, director of ePI Lab. Mann is recognized as the “father of wearable computer” and as a founder of wearable computing as a new discipline. [6] He is an author of the book CYBORG: Digital Destiny and Human Possibility in the Age of the Wearable Computer.  
+
Steve Mann - Inventor, professor at the University of Toronto, director of ePI Lab. Mann is recognized as the “father of wearable computer” and as a founder of wearable computing as a new discipline.<ref>RASIEL, Ethan. Author David Brin and Scientists Tom Furness and Steve Mann to Headline Augmented World Expo 2015. Market Wired [online]. 2015, Mar 19. Available online at: http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/author-david-brin-scientists-tom-furness-steve-mann-headline-augmented-world-expo-2015-2002094.htm (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)</ref> He is an author of the book CYBORG: Digital Destiny and Human Possibility in the Age of the Wearable Computer.  
  
 
EyeTap Personal Imaging Lab (or ePI Lab) was founded in 1998 at the University of Toronto by Steve Mann. Its research encompasses wearable computers, personal imagining, mediated reality and existential technology. The lab’s ultimate goal is to develop a new generation of personal imagining interfaces.
 
EyeTap Personal Imaging Lab (or ePI Lab) was founded in 1998 at the University of Toronto by Steve Mann. Its research encompasses wearable computers, personal imagining, mediated reality and existential technology. The lab’s ultimate goal is to develop a new generation of personal imagining interfaces.
Line 25: Line 25:
 
== Important Dates ==
 
== Important Dates ==
  
* Research into devices similar to this one begun in 1979. [7]
+
* Research into devices similar to this one begun in 1979.<ref>MANN, Steve. Continuous lifelong capture of personal experience with EyeTap. In: Proceedings of the the 1st ACM workshop on Continuous archival and retrieval of personal experiences. ACM, 2004. p. 1-21.</ref>
* Iteration resembling today’s iteration was developed in 2000. [8]
+
* Iteration resembling today’s iteration was developed in 2000.<ref>ZENNIE, Michael. Tech pioneer with augmented-reality glasses bolted to his head traps Paris McDonald's workers 'who tried to rip the device off his face'. Daily Mail Online [online]. 2012, Jul 18. Available online at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2175062/EyeTap-augmented-reality-pioneer-Steve-Mann-assaulted-Paris-McDonalds-employees.html (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)</ref>
 
* Not available for public.
 
* Not available for public.
  
 
== Ethical Issues ==
 
== Ethical Issues ==
  
Steve Mann was allegedly assaulted in Paris in 2012 while he was wearing an EyeTap device. [9] This is not a one time occurrence, Mann was assaulted in the past before. [10]
+
Steve Mann was allegedly assaulted in Paris in 2012 while he was wearing an EyeTap device.<ref>Editorial: Engadget on EyeTap, Project Glass and the future of wearable cameras. Engadged [online]. 2012, Jul 18. Available online at: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/18/editorial-engadget-on-eyetap-project-glass-future-eyewear/ (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)</ref> This is not a one time occurrence, Mann was assaulted in the past before.<ref>GUERNSEY, Lisa. At Airport Gate, a Cyborg Unplugged. The New York Times [online]. 2002, Mar 14. Available online at: http://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/14/technology/at-airport-gate-a-cyborg-unplugged.html (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)</ref>
  
 
== Health Risks ==
 
== Health Risks ==
  
Mann himself mentions adverse effects on his cognitive abilities when he removes the device. [11][10]
+
Mann himself mentions adverse effects on his cognitive abilities when he removes the device to which he grew closely accustomed.<ref>'Cyborg' professor sees only what he wants to. St. Petersburg Times Online [online]. 2004, Jan 11. Available online at: http://www.sptimes.com/2004/01/11/news_pf/Worldandnation/_Cyborg__professor_se.shtml (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)</ref><ref>MALUKOWICH, John. The ultimate wearable computer. USA Today [online]. 2001, Jun 25. Available online at: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/ccmak000.htm (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)</ref>
  
 
== Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment ==
 
== Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment ==
  
Enhancement and therapy as well. The device not only acts to enhance user’s vision but it can also serve as a form of visual, or rather, memory aid to recognize people the user may know and display information about them in his visual field (e.g. floating text with the name of the person) [12] It can also help visually impaired people. In 2009, Mann’s system was successfully implanted on a visually impaired man. [13]
+
Enhancement and therapy as well. The device not only acts to enhance user’s vision but it can also serve as a form of visual, or rather, memory aid to recognize people the user may know and display information about them in his visual field (e.g. floating text with the name of the person) [12] It can also help visually impaired people. In 2009, Mann’s system was successfully implanted on a visually impaired man.<ref>COSCO, Amanda Rebecca. Why Toronto is a hotbed of pioneering wearable technology. The Globe and Mail [online]. 2015, Jan 15. Avalable online at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/why-toronto-is-a-hotbed-of-pioneering-wearable-technology/article22447906/ (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)</ref>
  
 
[[File:EyeTap_3.png|thumb|right|alt=Steve Mann with a miniature EyeTap device that uses fiber optics to deliver the image to the eyes.|Steve Mann with a miniature EyeTap device that uses fiber optics to deliver the image to the eyes..]]
 
[[File:EyeTap_3.png|thumb|right|alt=Steve Mann with a miniature EyeTap device that uses fiber optics to deliver the image to the eyes.|Steve Mann with a miniature EyeTap device that uses fiber optics to deliver the image to the eyes..]]
 
== Public & Media Impact and Presentation ==
 
== Public & Media Impact and Presentation ==
  
With the media focused on the current wearables being manufactured by large companies such as Google Glass or Facebook’s Oculus Rift, EyeTap is not overly represented in the media. Apart from local Toronto news [14], EyeTap seems to be drowned by the hype formed around the other devices. Although, various news sources does sometimes mention Steve Mann while discussing the history of wearable technology. [15]
+
With the media focused on the current wearables being manufactured by large companies such as Google Glass or Facebook’s Oculus Rift, EyeTap is not overly represented in the media. Apart from local Toronto news<ref>ARNEJA, Jasleen. Dr. Steve Mann’s insight on wearable technology. The Varsity: The University of Toronto's Student Newspaper [online]. 2015, Jan 4. Available online at: http://thevarsity.ca/2015/01/04/dr-steve-manns-insight-on-wearable-technology/ (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)</ref>, EyeTap seems to be drowned by the hype formed around the other devices. Although, various news sources does sometimes mention Steve Mann while discussing the history of wearable technology.<ref>BUCHANAN, Matt. Glass Before Google. The New Yorker [online]. 2013, May 8. Available online at: http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/glass-before-google (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)</ref>
  
 
== Public Policy ==
 
== Public Policy ==

Revision as of 12:42, 27 July 2015

Steve Mann with his EyeTap
Steve Mann with his EyeTap.

EyeTap is a small camera attached to glasses-like frame that records everything the user sees and then it immediately displays the recorded information into the user’s eyes. The difference to a regular camera is that EyeTap has the ability to inject the displayed message with virtual elements, essentially making the whole device function as an augmented reality device. The inventor of this device calls this process ‘mediating the reality.’[1][2]

Main characteristics

The device consists of an eyepiece attached to a frame and a processing unit that is connected to the head-mounted part with a cable. In order to display the digital information on top of what the user actually sees, the eyepiece uses a beam splitter, that partially allows the visual information to pass through and into the user’s eye, while reflecting part of the image into the digital camera mounted on the nose-bridge. The connected computer processes the information, adds a layer of virtual elements, and then sends the augmented image to a projector in the eyepiece. The user then sees a combination of a superimposed augmented image and the original scene.[3]

By the opinion of the device’s inventors, EyeTap differs from other head-mounted displays or augmented reality glasses in that it superimposes the virtual information onto the original image in such a way, that original elements may become completely occluded without any mismatches.[4] This contrasts with the usual approach of other systems that do not have the ability to completely block out the elements in the original scene. In EyeTap, this can be used to reduce unwanted elements from the user’s surroundings, such as advertisement. The always present camera on user’s head can also work as a tool for Sousveillance (see Ethical Issues).

Steve Mann began designing and inventing early versions of EyeTap in the 1970s. The first iterations were bulky. They used big CRT projectors that were not yet comfortable to wear for a time longer than a few hours at most. Thanks to the advances in used technologies, he was able to miniaturized his invention and in 1995, created a device that was built around a normal glasses frame.

This was further miniaturized and in 2000, Steve Mann created EyeTap that closely resembles today’s iteration. The development did not stop at this point, though. Mann is currently experimenting with a prototype that has its camera and projector behind the user’s head and the visual information is transmitted through an fiber optic cable attached to eyeglasses lenses on a frame that holds the lenses in the middle rather than at the top. This is done so the fiber optic cable sits in front of the user’s eye and according to Mann, the frame itself is almost invisible due to it being rather thin and close to the eyes.[3]

Purpose

Communication device, visual and memory aid/prosthetic, lifelong capture and sharing of audio-visual memories (‘Cyborglogging’), sharing mediated reality, art.[5]

Steve Mann with a bare EyeTap device
Steve Mann with a bare EyeTap device.

Company & People

Steve Mann - Inventor, professor at the University of Toronto, director of ePI Lab. Mann is recognized as the “father of wearable computer” and as a founder of wearable computing as a new discipline.[6] He is an author of the book CYBORG: Digital Destiny and Human Possibility in the Age of the Wearable Computer.

EyeTap Personal Imaging Lab (or ePI Lab) was founded in 1998 at the University of Toronto by Steve Mann. Its research encompasses wearable computers, personal imagining, mediated reality and existential technology. The lab’s ultimate goal is to develop a new generation of personal imagining interfaces.

Important Dates

  • Research into devices similar to this one begun in 1979.[7]
  • Iteration resembling today’s iteration was developed in 2000.[8]
  • Not available for public.

Ethical Issues

Steve Mann was allegedly assaulted in Paris in 2012 while he was wearing an EyeTap device.[9] This is not a one time occurrence, Mann was assaulted in the past before.[10]

Health Risks

Mann himself mentions adverse effects on his cognitive abilities when he removes the device to which he grew closely accustomed.[11][12]

Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment

Enhancement and therapy as well. The device not only acts to enhance user’s vision but it can also serve as a form of visual, or rather, memory aid to recognize people the user may know and display information about them in his visual field (e.g. floating text with the name of the person) [12] It can also help visually impaired people. In 2009, Mann’s system was successfully implanted on a visually impaired man.[13]

Steve Mann with a miniature EyeTap device that uses fiber optics to deliver the image to the eyes.
Steve Mann with a miniature EyeTap device that uses fiber optics to deliver the image to the eyes..

Public & Media Impact and Presentation

With the media focused on the current wearables being manufactured by large companies such as Google Glass or Facebook’s Oculus Rift, EyeTap is not overly represented in the media. Apart from local Toronto news[14], EyeTap seems to be drowned by the hype formed around the other devices. Although, various news sources does sometimes mention Steve Mann while discussing the history of wearable technology.[15]

Public Policy

Related Technologies, Project or Scientific Research

References

  1. BERGSTEIN, Brian. Professor's 25 years of cyborg life mirrors tech advances. USA Today [online]. 2004, Jan 12. Available online at: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-01-12-steve-mann_x.htm (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)
  2. MANN, Steve. Computer mediated reality. Random disorganized thoughts on WearComp.org, WearCam.org, EyeTap Digital Eye Glass, funtain and Steve Mann's Personal Web Page/research [online]. 1998, Jan 6. Available online at: http://n1nlf-1.eecg.toronto.edu/historical/node12.html#SECTION00042000000000000000 (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)
  3. 3.0 3.1 MANN, Steve. Continuous lifelong capture of personal experience with EyeTap. In: Proceedings of the the 1st ACM workshop on Continuous archival and retrieval of personal experiences. ACM, 2004. p. 1-21.
  4. EyeTap: The eye itself as display and camera. EYETAP. Research EyeTap [online]. Available online at: http://www.eyetap.org/research/eyetap.html (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)
  5. MANN, Steve. The author's `personal imaging' computer. Random disorganized thoughts on WearComp.org, WearCam.org, EyeTap Digital Eye Glass, funtain and Steve Mann's Personal Web Page/research [online]. 1998, Jan 6. Available online at: http://n1nlf-1.eecg.toronto.edu/historical/node4.html#SECTION00022000000000000000 (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)
  6. RASIEL, Ethan. Author David Brin and Scientists Tom Furness and Steve Mann to Headline Augmented World Expo 2015. Market Wired [online]. 2015, Mar 19. Available online at: http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/author-david-brin-scientists-tom-furness-steve-mann-headline-augmented-world-expo-2015-2002094.htm (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)
  7. MANN, Steve. Continuous lifelong capture of personal experience with EyeTap. In: Proceedings of the the 1st ACM workshop on Continuous archival and retrieval of personal experiences. ACM, 2004. p. 1-21.
  8. ZENNIE, Michael. Tech pioneer with augmented-reality glasses bolted to his head traps Paris McDonald's workers 'who tried to rip the device off his face'. Daily Mail Online [online]. 2012, Jul 18. Available online at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2175062/EyeTap-augmented-reality-pioneer-Steve-Mann-assaulted-Paris-McDonalds-employees.html (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)
  9. Editorial: Engadget on EyeTap, Project Glass and the future of wearable cameras. Engadged [online]. 2012, Jul 18. Available online at: http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/18/editorial-engadget-on-eyetap-project-glass-future-eyewear/ (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)
  10. GUERNSEY, Lisa. At Airport Gate, a Cyborg Unplugged. The New York Times [online]. 2002, Mar 14. Available online at: http://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/14/technology/at-airport-gate-a-cyborg-unplugged.html (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)
  11. 'Cyborg' professor sees only what he wants to. St. Petersburg Times Online [online]. 2004, Jan 11. Available online at: http://www.sptimes.com/2004/01/11/news_pf/Worldandnation/_Cyborg__professor_se.shtml (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)
  12. MALUKOWICH, John. The ultimate wearable computer. USA Today [online]. 2001, Jun 25. Available online at: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/ccmak000.htm (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)
  13. COSCO, Amanda Rebecca. Why Toronto is a hotbed of pioneering wearable technology. The Globe and Mail [online]. 2015, Jan 15. Avalable online at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/why-toronto-is-a-hotbed-of-pioneering-wearable-technology/article22447906/ (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)
  14. ARNEJA, Jasleen. Dr. Steve Mann’s insight on wearable technology. The Varsity: The University of Toronto's Student Newspaper [online]. 2015, Jan 4. Available online at: http://thevarsity.ca/2015/01/04/dr-steve-manns-insight-on-wearable-technology/ (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)
  15. BUCHANAN, Matt. Glass Before Google. The New Yorker [online]. 2013, May 8. Available online at: http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/glass-before-google (Retrieved Jul 27, 2015)