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From: lwall@sdcrdcf.UUCP
Newsgroups: comp.misc
Subject: Re: Re: Input device
Message-ID: <3949@sdcrdcf.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 26-Jan-87 15:30:08 EST
Article-I.D.: sdcrdcf.3949
Posted: Mon Jan 26 15:30:08 1987
Date-Received: Tue, 27-Jan-87 19:24:31 EST
References: <4188@utah-cs.UUCP> <1165@hope.UUCP> <851@mecc.MECC.COM>
Reply-To: lwall@sdcrdcf.UUCP (Larry Wall)
Organization: Unisys - System Development Group, Santa Monica
Lines: 40

In the first place, you shouldn't have to type what the teacher is saying--
the computer should take dictation for you.  Also save a copy of the
blackboard every time the teacher reaches for the eraser.  Then you can
sit and think about what she's saying.

Here's the computer terminal I want:

Text input by subvocalization.  A few sensors on the appropriate nerves
should do.

Alternate text input by analysis of sound, when desired.

Pointing input by looking at what you want to point at.

Graphic input by scanning the image on your retina, subtracting out the image
of your retinal blood vessels and all.  Alternately via a micro camera mounted
in your sclera next to your cornea.  Fancy models also do UV, IR, gamma, etc.

Output is done directly onto your retina by an intra-ocular projector, located
off to one side of your iris so it doesn't obstruct incoming light.  Usual
mode of operation is to display when your eyes are shut--if you want to
see both text and visual field, close one eye.  (Text is held in one place
even when you move your eye so you can use eye motion as pointing device on
text too, even though the projector is moving with your eye.)  Optional
HUD-style interface, so you don't have to shut your eyes if you don't mind
the computer scribbling on your view of the world.  Great for nighttime vision
via IR camera.  Also makes your eyes glow in the dark, even better than a cat's.
Your girlfriend will love it.

I/O to camera and projector is probably via a small infra-red laser on your
eyelid.  Turn off your laser, get close enough to your girlfriend's laser and
you can see what she's looking at.  Of course, you're probably already running
uucp between her computer and yours so who needs to get close.  :-)

Okay, that's the spec.  Who wants to implement it?

I'd suggest biocircuits so you can power it via ATP.

Larry Wall
{allegra,burdvax,cbosgd,hplabs,ihnp4,sdcsvax}!sdcrdcf!lwall