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Paul Ekman’s Facial Action Coding System (FACS)
FACS is a systematic scheme of classification of human facial expressions. Our facial expressions are most representative of our inner emotions. This technology denotes each individual facial muscle movement. Therefore, every tiny component of a facial expression can be broken down into units that a computer can analyze and categorize. It went from only applying to images but progressed to being able to analyze shifting expressions in a video. -
Microsoft's Clippy
In 1996, Microsoft came out with Clippy, a virtual office assistant in the shape of a paperclip. It offered suggestions for the user through algorithms that looked at the probability of the user’s intent. Clippy began frustrating its users as it popped up too frequently; it became distracting and annoying, rather than helpful. Clippy failed to recognize its user’s emotions. Clippy was retried in 2001. -
Wearble Galvactivator
This glove-like device was invented by Picard and Scheirer. It tracks the user's skin conductivity which is then communicated with an LED light. This light becomes brighter with increased user arousal. It was utilized in the computer game Quake as it make their online characters jump back as it noted the user's shock to the game through the biosensors. This was one of the first of many AI wearables. -
MindReader
In 2004, el Kaliouby created an emotional social-intelligence prosthesis. It was a pair of glasses that had a camera facing outwards and LED lights facing inwards. The glasses detect the expression of the person wearing the glasses is in conversation with. Different colored lights are shown to the user indicate if the person is engaged, neutral, or bored. This is a great tool for those with Autism as they often struggle with face-blindness. -
Affectiva
Affectiva was launched in April of 2009. This assistive device’s original intent was to help those who had trouble perceiving and producing affect, such as those with autism spectrum disorder. In one project they analyzed viewer's facial expressions as they watch the Super Bowl ads. This trend continued with several other ads, over twenty thousand in fact. This large data set up-ed their accuracy and ultimately shifted the company’s focus to market research as this the money was. -
Affectiva Continued (Outside Source)
According to Affectiva's official website, the technology has expanded to ensure road safety. It will detect driver distraction through eye tracking. It also detects fatigue or if a child has been left behind (Humanizing technology, 2021). Humanizing technology. Affectiva. (2021, November 16). Retrieved January 18, 2022, from https://www.affectiva.com/ -
Near Future Invention: Hyperloop
Hyperloop is a transportation system that moves at very high speeds. Humans enter a cell that is enclosed in the tubing system. Hyperloop can take you to Target, to a friend's home, to a vacation destination, you name it. You can go as far as you want as there are rest stops in which AI assistants can help you to freshen up and stretch your legs. In the future hyperloop plans to expand into the ocean, making international travel possible. -
100 Prediction: Synethetic telepathy
Transmission communication augments the brain so that you can communicate to another brain without ever saying a word. Communication is not just words anymore, it is understood as electrical signals that can be coded and transferred. -
100 Year Prediction: Increased Life Expectancy
Life expectancy will rise to 150 years. With implantable devices that prevent, diagnose, monitor, and treat nearly every disease, people are living longer. Doctors are rarely in the picture. For those who die too young, families now have the option to recreate a very convincing virtual version of their loved ones. This is done by extracting both DNA and memories of the person.