Page 259 - AC/E's Digital Culture Annual Report 2015

AC/E Digital Culture Annual Report 2015259with a similar focus to the multinational giant, such as the Neurocam or Baidu Eye.The Neurocam,111 developed by the University of Keio in Japan and designed in the shape of a headband, reads the user’s brainwaves and is able to detect what the brain recognises as interesting on an interest scale of 0 to 100. From level 60 upwards it starts to record on the smartphone connected to the sensor-camera, converting images into five-second Gif files.Its creators are still carrying out research based on this model to achieve an emotional interface that is available on all kinds of devices and con- nects further thoughts, feelings and sensations which can be shared with other people. It would undoubtedly be very interesting for museum visitors wearing these glasses to be able to share their emotions on observing different artworks.Baidu Eye ,developed by the search engine and Asian giant Baidu,112 is focused specifically on museum use. The prototype consists of a small camera, a laser pointer and a headset. The device responds to voice commands and can also be controlled by a button on the headset. Unlike Google Glass, Baidu Eye is not fitted with glass. The information on what the user is seeing can also be received on a smartphone or tablet.At its presentation the company stated thatit was particularly interested in the prototype being used in museums to identify and provide information on artworks. For this purpose it intends to seek alliances with museums initially and work with curators to provide digital information to visitors through these devices, instead of the traditional audio guides.Lastly, a type of wearable that is potentially designed for performing arts audiences but can be used for similar practices such as museum audiences is Lightwave.113 It is a smart wristband designed to gather data in real time on specta- tors and/or audiences, including temperature, movements and audio levels, in order to relay this data to the artists.By viewing real-time audience data, the artists or organisers of the cultural event obtain real knowledge of the audience’s experience of a performance thanks to this feedback. According to the company, the aim is “to visualise the human experience” in order to improve the relationship between artist and audience, andto foster engagement between them during performances. In this case the audience ceases to be a passive recipient and becomes active and interconnected, and new emotional bonds can be established between artists and audience.3.7. 3D and augmented reality (AR) technologiesOne of the up-and-coming technologies that can be seen in various museums and similar institu- tions relates to “three dimensions” or 3D. This resource is often combined with other technolo-Baidu Eye prototype3. Technology associated with the actual visit