Researchers at the MIT Media Lab (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Us.) have developed an augmented reality ring equipped with a small camera, a processor, Bluetooth connectivity and auditory feedback through a wearable device, that could help the visually impaired identify objects and read text.

A project of several researchers from the MIT Media Lab aims to make aiming a way to learn more about the world around us, wearing a special ring on your index finger and a smartphone in your pocket. Under the name Eyering, The device is placed on the finger and allows pointing at an object, Take a photo and hear information about it.

The project is the brainchild of Pattie Maes, Professor at MIT dedicated to studying interfaces that allow us to interact with digital information in intuitive and novel ways. Initially conceived as a potential aid for the visually impaired, the Eyering could also work as a navigation or translation aid, or to help children learn to read, say the researchers involved.

The Eyering, which is currently printed on plastic using a 3D printer, Includes a small camera, a processor and Bluetooth connectivity. ‪Para usarlo, You have to double-click on a small side button and give it a command to determine the function of the ring (Currently it can be configured to identify currencies, text, Prices on labels and colors). ‪Hay que apuntar a aquello de lo que queramos más información, For example a shirt on a shelf, and click the button to take a photo. ‪La imagen se envía a través de Bluetooth al teléfono inteligente, where an app uses computer vision algorithms to process it and then announce aloud what it sees ('Green', For example, to inform about the color of the shirt). ‪Los resultados también se muestran en la pantalla del teléfono inteligente.

‪”We think not having to take your phone out of your pocket or purse and open it is a huge plus.”, indicated Pattie Maes. Until now, Researchers have made Eyering work with a smartphone with Google's Android software and a Mac computer, notes Roy Shilkrot, graduate student in the Fluid Interfaces Group of the MIT Media Lab, and that you are working on the device with Maes. ‪Una aplicación para el iPhone también se encuentra en fase de desarrollo. ‪El grupo ha realizado pruebas del Eyering en personas con discapacidad visual.


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by • 13 Aug, 2012
• section: augmented reality