THE EYES HAVE IT: What are you buying at the supermarket? Of course the supermarket know because the cash register tells them. But what they don't know is what you looked at but didn't buy. That's why retailers are experimenting with eye-tracking technology. Some companies are using 3D computer simulations of product designs and store layouts to track what customers are looking at and for how long. Then they use the data to redesign product packaging, graphics and other elements of displays to better capture the buyer's attention and money. Keep your eyes on your goal: biscuits, middle shelf. Wall Street Journal elaborates.
FULL SCREEN: The Formula 1 training simulator from Norman Design in Sweden includes an F1 body, of course. But more important is the 406 cm curved screen that wraps around for a realistic experience. Start clearing a space in the living room. BornRich has more. Video here.
IN THE ZONE: Having cars drive themselves is one way to approach the problem of human error. But another approach is to use a silent partner in driving which takes over only when really needed. The semiautonomous safety system from MIT watches as you drive. The system uses an onboard camera and laser rangefinder to identify hazards in the vehicle's environment and establish a safe zone where the vehicle won't collide with anything. As long as you're driving in the zone the system does nothing. If your car appears to be headed out of the safe zone though the system intervenes and steers the car back into safety. Could it make drivers more careless though? KurzweilAI explains. Check out the video.
WHOSE VIEW?: If you see a movie in 3D you have the same perspective as everyone else in the audience, unlike real world 3D where everyone sees something slightly different. A team at MIT stack LCD panels to add that perspective, and without needing special glasses. The Tensor Display uses several layers of LCDs, each displaying a unique pattern. Only when all the patterns are aggregated does the 3D image emerge. For a convincing image the LCDs need a refresh rate of 360 hertz. The system uses clever compression to reduce the computations needed to produce the unique patterns for each LCD. So will future movie reviewers have to specify which angle they saw the movie from? MIT News details. Watch the video here.
WALK A MILE IN MY SUIT: Age tends to bring with it slower movements, more difficulties with everyday tasks and perhaps reduced vision or balance. It's hard for doctors and carers, who are generally younger, to really understand what life is like for older folk. That's why German scientists created The Age Man Suit. It's designed to simulate the physical consequences of old age, adding weight, restricting movement, distorting vision and hearing. Once potential carers actually wear the suit for a bit they develop increased empathy for people whose movements are less free. Take that, young'uns! The Guardian has further info.
