A team of researchers led by Nottingham Trent University are working on developing smart glasses that can help rehabilitate people with facial palsy.
Called Facial Remote Activity Monitoring Eyewear, or Frame, the smart glasses reportedly use miniature sensors within the frames to measure facial symmetry by tracking the movement of muscles -- such as the posterior auricular muscles that control a person's smile and the nasalis/medial orbicularis oculi that control the nostrils -- and their intensity. Frame works with a patient's smartphone to provide them with a schedule of routines, live feedback, and other information.
Although patients with facial palsy currently practice facial exercises in front of a mirror, researchers said many times they are left feeling discouraged as seeing their reflection reminds them of their condition. Frame would reportedly allow patients to practice facial exercises discreetly while going about their lives, and would also provide them information on their progress.
Researchers believe Frame may also be used in future applications such as providing feedback on a person's mood if, for instance, they have depression. And the smart glasses may also allow someone who is tetraplegic control a wheelchair.
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Source: Nottingham Trent University