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Japanese developers have unveiled a hi-tech gadget that allows users to view films, pictures or text messages from the comfort of their own sunglasses. The new Teleglass device can be connected to any audio-visual unit, like a remote DVD player, and enables images to be projected directly onto the left lens of the glasses, while the right lens remains free for normal vision. This means that the user’s left eye is able to entirely focus on text messages, films, or images from digital cameras, while using the right to concentrate on moving around. The device’s manufacturer, Scalar, says sales from its website of the first pilot model rocketed, after they were snapped up by Tokyo commuters bored of the daily commute. Now the company, which primarily concentrates on medical technologies, is eying the commercial release of Teleglass with strong signs of success already emerging. Costing about £250, Scalar indicates that the wide-ranging appeal of the device should make it a hit with airline companies, commuters and students fed up with boring lectures. According to the Times, the Japanese firm is set to release the product to Tokyo stores within weeks. It is likely to be available attached to a sporty pair of sunglasses, which viewers can later disconnect and fit to their own glasses or prescription lenses. But amid the benefits, the manufacturer has recommended that some users may wish to patch over part of the right lens, so the brain can adjust to the combination of video and real-world images. However, all users can expect a visual situation where magnifiers enable images comparable to watching a 14-inch television from a distance of 3ft. And despite the actual screen size measuring less than an inch in size, the UK’s Royal College of Opthamologists has assured use of the gadget is unlikely to result in any damage to eyesight. Nick Astbury, College President, commented: “Even though the image seems very close to the eye, it will be focused to infinity. What it might do to your mind is something completely different.” The technology coincides with the unveiling of another mechanical clip for the face, which the world’s ‘drowsy drivers’ are being encouraged to connect around their left ear. The new ‘No Nap’ has been exported to the UK, US and Australia, and is designed to sense the moment a sleepy motorist lulls forward at the wheel. At that point, the device activates a gravitational switch, which in turn emits an alarm sound to alert the driver and bring him back to the focus of the road. The manufacturer, Technovision Systems, has said No Nap can also help professionals contracted into “risk prone sites - like construction, heavy industries and machinery.” Students, security guards and round the clock personnel are also listed beneficiaries of the technology, for whom the manufacturers say it can assist during work involving “night vigilance.” Apr 1, 2005 Email this article Printer friendly page Previous Page
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