Now You Can Control Any Win 8 Kit With Your Eyes

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Now You Can Control Any Win 8 Kit With Your Eyes

Posted by samzenpus on Monday January 7, 2013 @03:39AM from the look-and-click dept.

iComp writes "It's all gestures and eyeball-tracking at CES this year, with Tobii releasing a USB peripheral that adds control-by-sight to any Windows PC and Lenovo upgrading its Yoga to finger-watching. Tobii demonstrated its eyeball-tracking technology at CES last year, but this time it is announcing a 5,000 unit production run of a USB bar which can be stuck to the bottom of the monitor of any Windows 8 PC to start tracking eyeballs. Lenovo isn't even waiting that long. Although it is only tracking fingers, it's adding the capability to existing Yoga laptops courtesy of eyeSight Tech."

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Really? by nospam007 · 2013-01-07 03:39 · Score: 5, Funny

The question is:
Can this tech detect the shifty eyes of Win8 users searching for the Start-Button and display one?
1. Re:Really? by steelfood · 2013-01-07 05:47 · Score: 1
  
  It's just a way to force your eyes to stay open after you inadvertently click on a goatse link.
  
  --
  "If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be."
2. Re:Really? by aliquis · 2013-01-07 06:46 · Score: 1
  
  It's just a way to force your eyes to stay open after you inadvertently click on a goatse link.
  Look away! Look away!
  It's following me!
cross-eyed by slackware+3.6 · 2013-01-07 03:45 · Score: 5, Funny

How many people are going to end up cross-eyed from trying the pinch-to-zoom feature?
1. Re:cross-eyed by Sulphur · 2013-01-07 04:19 · Score: 1
  
  How do you double click the "mouse."
2. Re:cross-eyed by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 04:40 · Score: 0
  
  Rapid blinks? Slow blink? I can't think of any that wouldn't have some serious issues with them. Maybe you still use the mouse button, just not the mouse movement? WTF?
3. Re:cross-eyed by virgnarus · 2013-01-07 04:51 · Score: 1
  
  Also, woe to us users who will never be able to open up a context menu!
4. Re:cross-eyed by SuricouRaven · 2013-01-07 04:59 · Score: 1
  
  Blinks happen all the time unconsciously, in complex and varied patterns. That makes them unsuitable for input.
  Winking, though... that could work.
5. Re:cross-eyed by alexander_686 · 2013-01-07 05:08 · Score: 1
  
  From the article, for this model, you still need a button for your finger – so not at eye blinks yet.
6. Re:cross-eyed by stooo · 2013-01-07 07:14 · Score: 1
  
  >> I can't think of any that wouldn't have some serious issues with them.
  You can't drag and drop.
  
  --
  aaaaaaa
Awesome by imikem · 2013-01-07 03:45 · Score: 2

So now when I roll my eyes at the latest insult to my intelligence and workflow, Windows 8 will implement something better? Where do I sign up?

--
Perscriptio in manibus tabellariorum est.
Will it work in Toon Land? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 03:50 · Score: 0

The Toon Killer will be a good test of the technology.
Linux ? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 03:50 · Score: 0

It's there some linux driver for it ?
I just buy a new W8 Laptop and since W8 crash like a spanish cow on LSD, so I delete W8 and install Mint, it's a charm... but then i'm a little bit sloppy and CLI with eye control should be a nice feature.
1. Re:Linux ? by dadelbunts · 2013-01-07 04:05 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  Just search the forums for 15 hours to watch some dudes argue with each other about the best way to get it working. Then give up because you can only get it to track one eye.
2. Re:Linux ? by Vanderhoth · 2013-01-07 04:20 · Score: 1
  
  I just started thinking how weird this technology will be when I'm walking around the office and every one is rolling one eye around in their head to move the mouse cursor and twitching/blinking their other eye to control the clicking.
  
  I know that's not how it actually works, but it's kind of funny to think about.
  
  BTW, I have not ever and don't know anyone that's spent 15 hours trying to solve a Linux related issue. I'd normally give up after 2 and come back to it at a later date, I've never had to wait more than a month for someone else to solve a common issue. Windows on the other hand is a whole other kettle of fish, since only MS has the power to fix an issue with the OS and even then will pretend it doesn't exist or tote it as a "feature", then sell a fix for the issue in a new version of windows only to fuck something else up.
3. Re:Linux ? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 04:43 · Score: 0
  
  This a million times over. All I usually find with Windows problems is a million other people with the same problem and 0 solutions.
4. Re:Linux ? by Beardo+the+Bearded · 2013-01-07 04:55 · Score: 1
  
  It's a kernel problem. It gives an unexpected answer to the magic knock.
  
  --
  
  ---
  ECHELON is a government program to find words like bomb, jihad, plutonium, assassinate, and anarchy.
stupid by slashmydots · 2013-01-07 03:51 · Score: 3, Interesting

When I move my wired mouse, the cursor moves 100% of the time. If this eye tracking stuff is even 99% accurate, it loses the mouse vs eyes contest and aggrivates the user. Touch, motion, eye-tracking, and all other assorted stupidity are all inferior to the controls we have now and are just fancy, futuristic gimmicks.
1. Re:stupid by js3 · 2013-01-07 04:04 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  When I move my wired mouse, the cursor moves 100% of the time. If this eye tracking stuff is even 99% accurate, it loses the mouse vs eyes contest and aggrivates the user. Touch, motion, eye-tracking, and all other assorted stupidity are all inferior to the controls we have now and are just fancy, futuristic gimmicks.
  of course its's stupid. Because everyone has 2 arms!
  
  --
  did you forget to take your meds?
2. Re:stupid by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 04:06 · Score: 0
  
  Keep telling yourself that, while tablets destroy everything else.
3. Re:stupid by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 04:21 · Score: 1
  
  Tablets are good as appliances, but not so much as general computers. They won't be replacing the need for PCs.
4. Re:stupid by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 04:30 · Score: 0
  
  +1
5. Re:stupid by mcgrew · 2013-01-07 04:39 · Score: 1
  
  I'm sorry, it's my fault. They must have gotten the idea here. a year and a half ago.
  
  "Ok, asshole. Let me read up on it." He held his hand out, and a book appeared in it, seemingly, again, out of thin air, assembling itself out of the microscopic networked robots. Almost everything but food and drink was made out of nobots. A protohuman would have thought it magic, rather than technology. Rority read the book -- which was, of course, nothing like the books we protohumans have. Neither paper nor an electronic device, it appeared to be a single, thin cardboard which changed its text and illustrations with the movement of the user's eyes.
  Damn it, MS, if you're going to use my sci-fi ideas, invent the stratodoober!
  
  --
  Free Martian Whores!
6. Re:stupid by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 04:40 · Score: 0
  
  Dude, you're using a mouse, the input scheme that is one trillion times slower than just using the keyboard. You've already lost.
7. Re:stupid by The+High+Druid · 2013-01-07 04:45 · Score: 1
  
  I guess you don't remember the days of dismantling your mouse to clean it every so often because it gunked up and failed to respond. Still happens to me occasionally with optical/laser mice when a bit of dirt covers the sensor or gets on the mat and it doesn't quite behave the way I would expect. Eye tracking may not be there yet, but just like mice the tech will develop and it will have it's uses, especially when pretty much every laptop already comes with a built-in camera, it'll (eventually) be an extra input that only requires software.
8. Re:stupid by sleigher · 2013-01-07 04:47 · Score: 1
  
  What about the glare on my glasses? Or do I have to wear contacts?
  
  --
  All points of time and space are connected.
9. Re:stupid by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 04:49 · Score: 0
  
  I guess you don't remember the days of dismantling your mouse to clean it every so often because it gunked up and failed to respond.
  No. I had a Sun workstation until optical mice became the norm on PCs. I never understood the whole ball thing when optical was so much better... I guess it must have saved a few bucks.
10. Re:stupid by slashmydots · 2013-01-07 17:23 · Score: 1
  
  I can click on like 10 things at a time with my 10 fingers. Of course, by the time all those things register correctly and click and drag timeouts engage, I could have clicked on 10 things with my Razer Abyssus mouse. In fact, I've set a few records in twitch style games. I used to have the 3rd place worldwide high score in Delirium, which requires approx 5 flawless clicks per second for over an hour. I would challenge any input device to beating me in a heads up contest and it'd be a joke.
11. Re:stupid by Herve5 · 2013-01-08 08:40 · Score: 1
  
  Exactly.
  By the way, that's also the reason I continue using the arrow keys: when I hit a key, it obeys 100% of the time, and with absolutely precise accuracy, faaar beyond these ridiculous mouses -not to speak of trackpads.
  
  --
  Herve S.
Win8 Clippy, the next generation by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 03:56 · Score: 2, Funny

Hey there!
It looks like you're pissed off at the new interface! Can I:
1) Tell you to use it anyway
2) Not tell you about alternatives
3) Not show you how to install a different window manager
4) Offer you a paid upgrade to Win9
1. Re:Win8 Clippy, the next generation by Sulphur · 2013-01-07 04:23 · Score: 1
  
  Hey there!
  It looks like you're pissed off at the new interface! Can I:
  1) Tell you to use it anyway
  2) Not tell you about alternatives
  3) Not show you how to install a different window manager
  4) Offer you a paid upgrade to Win9
  I like the sound of WinTen.
Oh by drolli · 2013-01-07 03:56 · Score: 3, Funny

At first i read: you can control windows by your 8 eyes. But then i realized i am not a spider.
1. Re:Oh by antdude · 2013-01-07 08:36 · Score: 1
  
  Good. If you were, then I would ask /. staff to ban you. ;)
  
  --
  Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
What about something useful by drinkypoo · 2013-01-07 03:58 · Score: 1

I understand pupil tracking to be pretty tough, so I'm not overly excited to try doing it on my own. But a useful HUD seems doable, and pupil tracking is what would really make it useful (aside from voice recognition, which is "good enough" already IMO, though clearly there is room for improvement.) Which peripheral should I be looking at for Linux support? I'm sure as shit not building a CarPC around Win8.

--
"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
1. Re:What about something useful by hawkingradiation · 2013-01-07 20:14 · Score: 1
  
  Some interesting applications
  
  Random ones aka "Facebreast(tm)"
  A computer will flawlessly judge competitors to see who has "looked first".
  Monitoring aka "Boss Hog(tm)"
  Part of a collection of programs which sends employee behavior to a central office for further review.
  A collection of programs to extend human functionality aka "Night Hawk(tm)"
  Something like you said. A program which will help drivers keep their eyes on the road when driving or the like. Also when flying in planes, for targeting, but the Russians have developed something like this already. There should be some applications out there already.
  
  --
  Society use your Sciences
They're still behind Atari. by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 03:59 · Score: 0

Atari had the Mindlink over 20 years ago.
It worked fine.
They used to say... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 04:03 · Score: 2, Funny

...that Windows Me systems would crash if you looked at them funny.
Now Lenovo has turned that into a reality with Windows 8!
kit? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 04:08 · Score: 0

British-like typing detected.
1. Re:kit? by vlm · 2013-01-07 05:35 · Score: 1
  
  British-like typing detected.
  The eye tracking system must have recognized a british scowl on the submitters face and made some assumptions.
  
  --
  "Science flies us to the moon. Religion flies us into buildings." - Victor Stenger
Glare of death by colinrichardday · 2013-01-07 04:11 · Score: 1

What happens if I give Win 8 the glare of death?
1. Re:Glare of death by Bill,+Shooter+of+Bul · 2013-01-07 04:16 · Score: 1
  
  Or if you show the lenovo a one fingered salute.
  
  --
  Well.. maybe. Or Maybe not. But Definitely not sort of.
2. Re: Glare of death by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 04:20 · Score: 0
  
  You'll get a BSOD
I do not care in the slightest... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 04:20 · Score: 0

...because I would *LITERALLY* remove my eyeballs from my head, than to upgrade to Windows 8.
But I have no eyes you insensitive clod! by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 04:29 · Score: 0

Does it work if I move my cameras?
- Anonymous Cyborg
Eye fatigue by Djoulihen · 2013-01-07 04:34 · Score: 1

Seeing as rare eye blinking is one of the major causes of eye fatigue when using a screen, I guess that this device wont' make it any better ...
+1 by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 04:42 · Score: 1

indeed.
Help for the disabled by Big+Hairy+Ian · 2013-01-07 04:43 · Score: 1

I can see this being tremendously useful for people with paralysis or other disabilities and probably at a 10th the cost of current systems

--
Build a Man a Fire, and He'll Be Warm for a Day. Set a Man on Fire, and He'll Be Warm for the Rest of His Life.
1. Re:Help for the disabled by SuricouRaven · 2013-01-07 05:04 · Score: 1
  
  I'd suggest you patent it quickly, but I imagine someone already has. Probably a lot of someones.
2. Re:Help for the disabled by sconeu · 2013-01-07 09:38 · Score: 1
  
  Tobii has been marketing this to that demographic for years. My wife just got a Tobii C15 with EyeGaze to allow her to talk, even though her ALS won't let her move her hands or speak.
  
  --
  General Relativity: Space-time tells matter where to go; Matter tells space-time what shape to be.
Roommate's PC Already Has Something Like This by sudon't · 2013-01-07 04:49 · Score: 1

That's interesting. My roommate's Windows computer already seems to click on stuff when I'm not even touching the click bar.

--
-- sudon't
Air-ride Equipped
But then, by roc97007 · 2013-01-07 05:16 · Score: 1

I'd have to look at it.

--
Oliver's law of assumed responsibility: If you're seen fixing it, you will be blamed for breaking it.
Gerald Holmes said it best... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 05:16 · Score: 0

http://geraldholmes.freeyellow.com/index.html
It's not completely perfect, but... by sconeu · 2013-01-07 05:43 · Score: 4, Insightful

But for those who are disabled, this technology is a godsend.
Tobii has been making these for a while for the AAC (adaptive and augmentive communication) devices. My wife has ALS, and can no longer speak, and cannot move her hands to use a stock text-to-speech app. This thing allows her to talk with me (albeit slowly), and is amazing.

--
General Relativity: Space-time tells matter where to go; Matter tells space-time what shape to be.
False input by gmuslera · 2013-01-07 05:54 · Score: 1

What if a gesture is looking from left to right to the screen and someone appears in your right? With voice commands speaking to someone else (or a background conversation) could have easily unintended consequences, even if you are careful, but for your eyes will be worse.
Hopely with it what has been seen could be unseen... i mean, undone.
Reading an article by jimbolauski · 2013-01-07 06:35 · Score: 1

If this thing works well the word I am trying to read will be covered up by the cursor.

--
Knowledge = Power
P= W/t
t=Money
Money = Work/Knowledge so the less you know the more you make
No need to buy anything, just use webcam by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 06:35 · Score: 0

http://sourceforge.net/projects/eviacam/
Give it a spin, it's pretty funny!
You said it with your eyes... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 08:02 · Score: 0

Windows 8 revolutionizes text-chat! Becomes perfect alibi!
"I didn't really want to sleep with him, rather Windows 8 told him the wrong things in a text-message..."
"I didn't send you that innuendo-ridden sales-quote, Windows 8 just misinterpreted all my winks and nods!"
"Hey baby, that wink was enough to press my Start-button, if you know what I mean..."
No, you can't by Pf0tzenpfritz · 2013-01-07 09:02 · Score: 1

You'll still need your foot to kick it into the dumpster.

--
Oh, the beautiful gloss of greality!
my brother is severely brain damaged by Anonymous Coward · 2013-01-07 16:27 · Score: 0

He had a heart attack at 19. He was in a coma. He's never recovered. He can't move anything but his head. He can't talk. He watches tv. He'll look at you when you speak. He laughs at my 14 month old daughter. It's very hard to tell if he's in there.
I'd love to set this thing up with a screen full of alphabet and just see if he could pick out the letters to talk to us.
For people who are in better shape than my brother.. full use of their brain... they need alternative control schemes. Even something like this working most of the time would have to be a big relief. So don't knock it...
And another thing... how can we continue to advance technology if every time someone has an idea someone else comes along and says "why bother, xyz works perfectly"