Glasses capable of detecting your emotions? The idea seems straight out of futuristic science fiction. Yet, a British start-up claims to have taken this ambitious step.
These glasses, called "Sense," were developed by Emteq Labs. Unlike classic connected models, they focus on the wearer's inner world.
Thanks to sensors placed in the frame and artificial intelligence, these glasses analyze even the tiniest micro-movements of the face. Eyebrows, jaw, cheeks, and eyes are scrutinized to interpret the wearer's emotions, opening new possibilities in mental health.
Emteq Labs explains that emotional analysis could complement psychological monitoring. The glasses, by detecting signs of depression or anxiety, could provide valuable data to healthcare professionals. In any case, their performance raises questions about the future of diagnostic tools.
Sense's features don't stop at emotions. A downward-facing camera records the wearer's meals, allowing a detailed analysis of eating habits in real time. Through this tracking, the glasses could aid in weight management and nutrition. Healthcare professionals might even access the data for personalized monitoring.
However, AI specialists challenge the validity of facial emotion reading. Expressions vary across cultures and individuals, making universal interpretation difficult.
For Emteq Labs, protecting user data remains a priority. The company ensures that each user retains control of their information and can choose with whom to share it.
How do Sense glasses detect emotions?
Emteq Labs' Sense glasses use built-in facial sensors to analyze micro-expressions of the face. Every movement of the eyes, eyebrows, cheeks, and jaw is captured and translated into data to deduce the wearer's emotional state.
These glasses are equipped with AI and machine learning algorithms that process the data in real-time. These algorithms compare the captured expressions with pre-existing models to identify emotions such as joy, sadness, or surprise.
The applications of this technology are vast, particularly in the fields of mental health and well-being. By detecting emotions, the Sense glasses could facilitate psychological monitoring and even provide actionable data to therapists to tailor their interventions.
The ethical implications of emotion detection by connected glasses
The use of glasses able to read emotions raises important ethical questions. The collection and analysis of emotional data could potentially infringe upon users' privacy. Information collected about their emotional states might be sensitive and requires strict protection to prevent misuse.
Users also need to be aware of how their data will be used. Emteq Labs states that users retain control of their information, but this raises the question of transparency: how can we ensure that users are fully informed of the consequences of collecting this data?
Moreover, the reliability of the technology sparks debates. Experts point out that emotions can vary across cultures and contexts, calling into question the ability of the glasses to provide an accurate and universal reading of emotions. Misinterpretation could have repercussions on mental health and social interactions.
Author of the article: Cédric DEPOND