Ringo: A holographic interface that can help with everyday life problems

A conceptual interface that can surpass the limitations of conventional mobile phones, ‘Ringo’ is a simple holographic shadow with sophisticated possibilities.

Currently only in its earliest stages, Ringo is a prime of example of the kind of breakthroughs and interfacial overhauls that can be expected in the near future. Ringo makes use of digital shadowing to create a fluid and flexible interface, a radius of multi-coloured arcs are projected from the user with which they can interact with a wide range of motion. It’s as simple to use as a wave of the hand.

Example uses shown by the creators include the display of relevant basic information such as date and time, recreational games and GPS. There is no reason, however, that the uses of Ringo would be restricted to the examples that we have grown accustomed to see in today’s smart phone society. Its constant connection to the internet as well as its flexible interface combine to make the possibilities endless.

Ringo has the potential to completely innovate the mobile phone industry, the same industry that we have become reliant on in our everyday lives and have accepted its limitations and downfalls. One of the many examples is that many amputees are alienated from the connectivity provided by smart phones, Ringo, however overcomes such problems.

Augmented reality as a solution for memory loss.

Forgetfulness is a common complaint among older adults. Misplacing keys and forgetting names are just a couple examples of momentarily memory loss but unfortunately memory loss can get a lot worse with old-age. In some cases it can get so bad that even preforming simple tasks such as washing up can be forgotten and forgetting how to use household utensils such as a knife and fork. Common indications of dementia include: words being frequently forgotten, misused, or garbled, repetition of phrases in the same conversation, getting lost or disorientated even in familiar places and trouble making choices or behaving inappropriately during social encounters.

Fortunately, due to technology there are ways of helping with memory loss. Technology such as Google Glasses can be modified to help the wearer recognise people, objects and places taking remembering out of the equation to make life so much easier. Software can be deigned to recognise faces and display their name on screen for the user so forgetting names will never be an issue again. The same can be said for objects, camera software can identify objects the user is looking at and tell them what it is and the uses for the object. This can be very useful for example in the kitchen when the use of a knife might just become alien to them but technology is here to help.

Another use for these memory aids is medication scheduling which is extremely important when it comes to patients suffering from memory loss or dementia. If for example a patient was living on their own and had no one to remind them when to take their tablets this device could remind them automatically and tell them which tablet to take therefore insuring they stay healthy.

Memory aids for the aged will enable seniors to maintain their independence, and continue to lead more active and healthy lives. Memory aids such as these Google Glasses may even be now viewed as a long-term solution to nursing home care.

Computer games can aid with childhood obesity.

 (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) Dekuwa

Scientists claim that playing computer games is one of the biggest causes of childhood obesity. By playing computer games all day teenagers are more likely snack on fatty foods and with the absence of exercise due to the computer games this fat is stored and builds up over time and can be very difficult to get rid of in the future. Overweight kids often suffer emotionally and mentally as they face ridicule and teasing about being "fat." Even more crucial, however, is the adverse effect on their health as kids carry excess weight to the point that it strains their joints and overburdens their internal organs and bodily functions. Therefore children are encouraged to get more physical exercise everyday, for at least 60 minutes.

Thanks to technology however there is a way where children can enjoy computer games and keep physically active. Nowadays not all computer games require sitting on the couch for hours upon hours. New technology such as the Wii, PlayStation Move and Xbox Kinect integrate both fun and fitness into games for people to enjoy.  Games such as Wii sports and Olympics require the user to use hand motions and gestures to control the game and all the time standing up and moving around and not just sitting on the couch using two thumbs. There are also games such as Dance Dance Revolution for the PlayStation Move that requires jumping and quick movements which are great aerobic exercises and help lose weight fast. Technologies like these can be cheaper than gym memberships and fulfil the same purpose.

How Brain-Computer Interfaces can Aid in Communication

University of Maryland Press Releases
CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Technological advances are now allowing the brain to communicate directly with computers. This will have many very significant advances in the far future but one of the uses which we can expect to see reasonably soon is the use of computers to display works and sentences of patients who are unable to communicate in the traditional way.

Experiments done in Jacksonville Florida 2009 had very promising results as there were successfully able to display words on a computer monitor using just the brain as in interface. 

This will be a great help to people suffering from paralysis or other conditions such as Locked-In Syndrome, which is where the sufferer is completely conscious but has no control of almost all voluntary muscles. When this technology becomes available, it would once again allow them and others to communicate with the outside world again.

Interfaces which Encourage Physical Activity

laurencfisher
CC BY-SA 2.0

Interfaces such as those used with the wii and on the x-box kinect are now being used in nursing and retirement homes to encourage movement and physical activity in the elderly. 

This increase in physical activity has proven to increase the persons current health and life expectancy with minimum risk of injury as the activities are done inside and can be easily monitored by nurses or carers.

It also improves their quality of life by giving them a very social game which can be used by almost anyone such as their children or grandchildren.

Mind plus machine: A brain computer interface that lets you move things with a thought.

So far the main focus has been on beneficial medical applications-restoring standard human functions to people with disabilities. From making a robotic finger move to controlling a robotic crane there is no end to possibilities when it comes to the minds power.

Initial uses could include helping people with paralysing diseases or injuries communicate even after they have lost all control of their muscles and therefore improving their quality of life immeasurably.