IPal
iPal | |
---|---|
Category | smartglasses |
Developer | i2i, Inc. |
Announced | April 2014 [1] |
Released | Developers:
Consumers: December 2014 |
Price | 500 USD [2] |
Operating system | (unknown) |
Display | none |
Resolution | |
Field of view | |
Weight | g (unspecified) |
Controls |
touchscreen, gaze |
Data available | good (no reviews) |
Risk factor | low |
Standalone | |
http://i2iinc.com/ |
iPal are glasses with two high-definition cameras and two eye-tracking sensors build into the frame. The device allows the user to capture pictures and record videos hand-free using only eye gestures. The glasses are connected to a processing unit resembling a smartphone via thin cable. The unit functions as a data storage, battery and can share the recorded content wirelessly with with other devices through Bluetooth. Two microphones are also present.
Contents
Main characteristics
The device consists of two units connected together by a thin cable, glasses and a processing unit called Pocket Control Module. The glasses closely resemble regular glasses but the frame is equipped with four cameras, two 5 megapixels cameras facing forward in the corners of the frame, and two eye-tracking micro cameras in the bottom of the frame facing the user's eyes. The two front-oriented cameras have field of view of 120 degrees, are capable of zoom, and can record videos in 720p resolution.
The Pocket Control Module features a 3 inch touchscreen, 8 GB of data storage, USB connector, and a battery that is able to power the device for about 10 hours. The control unit can connect to Android, iOS or Windows.[3]
i2i offers a development kit for their device, but the link on the official website is non-functional.[4]
Purpose
iPal is developed as a device that makes it easier for the user to capture important moments hands-free.[5] Although i2i does not consider the device to be a wearable camera only. The aim is to create a personal assistant that "can see through your eyes."[6] It will be possible to further expand the functionality of the device with apps.[7]
Company & People
i2i, Inc. is an American technology startup company based in Dallas, Texas. It was established in 24 August 2012.[8]
Masoud Vaziri, Ph.D. - Founder and CEO
Important Dates
- 2008 - Works on iPal begun.
- 2013 - i2i creates a functioning prototype.[1]
- 22 April 2014 - IndieGoGo campaign begun.[9]
- 20 June 2014 - IndieGoGo campaign successfully finished.[2]
Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment
Enhancement. The device enhances the user's ability to take pictures or record videos merely with their gaze. The device is also planned to be a personal assistant. i2i also advertised the device as a driving assistant that will be able to warn the driver when he is falling asleep for example.[10]
Treatment. In a Q&A session on the social website Reddit, Masoud Vaziri was positive about the prospect of using the device as a form of help for paralysed or similarly disabled users.[11]
Ethical & Health Issues
There are no ethical or health issues connected to this particular device.
For more general issues connected with smartglasses, please see the Smartglasses synopsis.
Public & Media Impact and Presentation
https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/25dd1l/hi_im_masoud_vaziri_engineering_phd_developer_of/
Public Policy
Related Technologies, Projects or Scientific Research
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/04/prweb11778922.htm
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ipal-capture-pictures-and-videos-with-your-eyes-and-share-with-blinks-or-wink#/story
- ↑ http://meetipal.com/specs/
- ↑ http://meetipal.com/uses/sdk/
- ↑ http://meetipal.com/our-philosophy/
- ↑ http://meetipal.com/faqs/
- ↑ http://meetipal.com/apps/
- ↑ https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/i2i-inc#/entity
- ↑ http://meetipal.com/news/page/4/
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/nTl5b6rh8Z/?taken-by=meetipal
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/25dd1l/hi_im_masoud_vaziri_engineering_phd_developer_of/chg4x61