Demoed today at TechCrunch 50, the start up showed software that works with webcams to detect how you feel deep inside or at least how you show it on your face. It can detect smiles, frowns and, I assume, tears.
How are they going to use this? It looks like they have handed it right over to The Man himself. It will be used by ad companies to test responses to ad content. The software can gather data and then create reports on reactions to whatever individuals were looking at. Yes, the ASPCA ad with Sarah McLachlan makes me freakin cry. Do you feel better now Affective Interfaces!?
Beyond ads, it could be used as a “social tool” or to detect when drivers get sleepy behind the wheel. Am I the only one here that sees the dirty in all this? [Techcrunch via Venture Beat]
Richard Connor
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 11:05 AMWould love to see it hooked up with IR sensors to see blood flow to the face and ultrasonic sensors for heartbeat. Then implement it in the houses of parliament so we can tell when the bastards are telling the truth ! Bet someone could pull a senate ticket if they promised to push for it’s implementation. Could also couple it with a database of their previous position on issues and maybe do some analysis of body posture. Democracy 2.0 ?