This story is based on information provided by Pavilion-based Syntec Optics.
Syntec Optics is hard at work on a project that could revolutionize the way we interact with computers. It's the nation's largest independent manufacturer of custom plastic lenses whose motto is “Precision Plastic Optics for Tomorrow’s Technologies."
The Pavilion-based company is working on the Eye-Com EC7T™ eye-tracking system -- designed and developed by Eye-Com Corp. This advanced eye-tracking platform uses frame-mounted microcameras to not only record eyelid and pupil activity, but also to track head movement. The integrated, wearable system is a versatile device with all video, lighting, and electronic components encased within the uniquely designed, unobtrusive eye frames.
Even in a universe of lighting-quick technological changes, this stuff is mindboggling. (Perhaps a bit "Borg-like" -- but in a good way.)
Entertainment, transportation and disability-assistance industries are among those expected to be significantly impacted by advancements in eye-tracking and biometric technologies such as this.
In the rapidly emerging "augmented-reality" industry, people are presented with information about their surrounding environment through various visual displays, including computers, TV screens, smart phones, or even through a pair of eye-tracking glasses with a heads-up display.
In the foreseeable future, a user wearing an eye-tracking device could look at a building such as a movie theater and be presented with information like show times or even watch movie trailers.
Imagine driving a car that has eye tracking, augmented reality, biometrics and oculometrics all integrated -- where the system is able to determine if you are in a traffic jam or cruising down the highway -- and selectively allowing phone calls to go through based on your level of fatigue, stress or the amount of attention needed to be devoted to the road.
“In the near term, the EC7T will enable many disabled individuals greater use of computers with a device that can be used in place of a traditional mouse and allows them to use their eyes to select objects on the screen," says Eye-Com Founder William C. Torch, Ph.D.
Syntec Optics has been working with Eye-Com for more than a year and is currently manufacturing and assembling the set of plastic optics used in the EC7T.
Since the device is worn by the user, the optics need to be light in weight. Using plastic as opposed to glass made sense. Syntec was able to produce a set of prototype lens from Zeonex E48R™.
One of the challenges was the size of the lens, which is roughly 3 millimeters in diameter according to Syntec Optics’ VP and General Manager Rick Arndt.
“We have significant experience manufacturing and assembling small optics but as technology progresses, we see parts getting smaller and smaller,” Arndt said.
As for the technology itself, Eye-Com CEO Ky Good says “Eye-Com’s eye-tracking technology has established a new level of biometric performance with both advanced hardware and innovative software, which offers a platform for the future.”
The EC7T provides a mechanism and platform for enhancing applications that have yet to be imagined. Good believes that the device will eventually integrate optical, audio and neural sensors that will drive many applications in the next 10, 20 to 50 years.
“Our intention,” he explains, “is to leverage and collaborate with many companies, ideally bringing those pieces together to provide a cost effective, usable product for a multitude of end-users.”
("Make it so," said the captain.)
To find out more visit <http://www.eyecomworld.com> or <http://www.syntecoptics.com>.
