Sixth Sense Technology – Jaison Jacob

The Sixth Sense Technology

What is Sixth Sense Technology?

Sixth Sense Technology is the latest key phrase entering itself into the world of tech. This technology has emerged rapidly and will continue to do so due to the tools it relies on, our five senses. Self-proclaimed as the sixth sense, this technology (projected to be no bigger than a cell phone) will allow us to interact with reality like never before. It is a wearable gestural interface that enhances the physical world with digital information and lets u use natural hand gestures to interact with that information. The world of tech is due to reach new heights with the parallel advances of this wearable technology. For many years movies have been hinting at the possible direction technology could take, not just overlaying technology, but embedding it into the real world like seen in blockbusters such as Minority Report, with its gesture based user interface. Yes, what was once considered a just a concept, has now become a reality!

To no surprise Sixth Sense Technology is a unique of existing AR (Augmented Reality) concepts, but enhanced to work in tune with out gestures. Like senses enable us to perceive information about the environment in different ways, Sixth Sense Technology will allow us to process data and information in a similar way. As the digital world has become an integral part of life, with 3.5 billion searches on Google per day, the average user is heavily dependent on the instant availability of information, thus embedding this digital tool into reality seems like a no brainer. Scientifically, the Sixth Sense is defined as an ESP (Extra Sensory Perception). It involves the reception of information which hasn’t been gained from the five existing senses, nor is it received from any other form of natural experience.

So how does it work?

A commercial product is yet to be defined, however a prototype has been prepared using very common and readily available items such a pocket projector, a mirror, a camera and some known mobile components (as seen in the image below).

Image Showing Sixth Sense Technology Prototype Equipped With Pocket Projector, Mobile Components, Mirror, Color Markers, and Cam

With projection of visual images on a surface (IE a wall / canvas or even your hand!) the digital world is readily available to use as you please – when the user makes different movements and hand gestures with color coded points on their finger tips, the camera captures these movements and translates them into corresponding actions relating to the digital output. The software itself processes this video stream data and interprets the movements into gestures, thus creating a gesture based interface.

Image Showing Pranav Mistry Introducing New Applications from Sixth Sense Technology

Although there are many improvements to be made, this is a huge step for the world of tech. The original concept is said to have been birthed by Steve Mann who made a wearable computer in the 90s. Now quite literally in the hands of Pranav Mistry, the concept has been taken into reality creating a firm footprint in the right direction.

What does this mean for the future?

The possibilities are truly endless, as we have seen in movies and concept pieces, the world of tomorrow seems to be at our doorstep. Even considering people with disabilities, this technology is able to benefit users from what appears to be all areas of life by enhancing our existing senses.

We’re in for an exciting future!