If I Built A City, It Would Look Like This

What I Want From Tech – Feb. 2, 2012

Ever head into a meeting at work and see a lot of familiar faces, but not remember the names that go with those faces?  Ever call on a client and not remember anything about them other than the name of their business?  Ever wish there was something to help jog your memory when you see these people that you have already met?

Sure has happened to me.

This line of thinking has led me to a technological dreamland.  I ask a lot from technology, but only because I know it can be done.  So, to remedy the problem mentioned previously, I have an idea: Augmented Reality Glasses.

The idea is simple enough.  It is a pair of glasses with a HUD overlay.  The display is powered by a processor embedded in the frame of the glasses.  The system could be Wi-Fi enabled, or work off of a small flash memory module for data retrieval.  The most important thing that I would want in the software is facial recognition.  You could make a quick picture or “screen shot” of your acquaintance’s face and later connect to your computer to update information about the individual.  You could enter name, birthday, family members, interests, etc.  Then, the next time you see the person, the glasses recognize the face and display the information previously entered on the glasses lens, right in front of your eyes.  You get a quick peak at the information without being rude, greet your acquaintance by name and get some tips for conversation points.  How brilliant would that be?

This seems to me to be something that is technically possible even today.  Perhaps, in time, with Wi-Fi connectivity, the glasses could be used for navigation and landmark identification.  Apps with those capabilities already exist.  I think the major hurdle is in making the glasses small enough that they look at least mostly normal for wear.

The biggest problem, really, is finding someone to make these glorious social life-savers.  I am no engineer… just some guy with a vision to make life easier.

What do you think?  Would a product like this be worthwhile?  What other applications can you envision for them?

Progress Report

Ok, so I have been a little lazy lately.  Wait… that’s not quite true.  I have been very busy at work and personally.  As a result, I have not accomplished what I wanted to with Alien Eye.  At the beginning of the year, I made a list of tasks aimed at moving this project forward.  I accomplished a few of them.  I did not accomplish several more of them.  Here is what I accomplished for Alien Eye in January:

1)      Created a blog on WordPress (obviously)

2)      Created a Twitter account (@therealalieneye)

3)      Created a RedGage account (http://www.redgage.com/alieneye)

Sadly, that’s about it.  I’ve produced approximately two good new photos in the last month.  I’ve got to get back to it.  So, here is what I have planned for February:

1)      More frequent posting to this account and Twitter

2)      Create “official” portfolio to present

3)      Gain shelf or wall space in at least one retail establishment

4)      Photograph more local landmarks

5)      Update (I need new software) the official Alien Eye website (http://www.alieneye-tx.com)

I think that is a good list for one month.  I will share my progress as the month goes on.  I hope that putting this out in writing, publicly, will provide me with the accountability that I need to make all this happen.  I am looking forward to this and I am sure some amusing stories will come from my efforts.  After all, I am here for your entertainment. 

On Aimless Wandering

Yesterday I took a good portion of the day to just wander around, hoping to take some pictures whenever I found anything interesting.  It seemed like a reasonable plan.  I see stuff all the time and wish I had time to stop or that I had my camera with me.  So, I figured that if I took my camera, set aside some time, and headed out in the trusty Subaru, that I would end up with lots of great opportunities.

Not so much.

The day was frustrating and gloomy.  At first, the weather was  not what I was expecting.  Then I headed to an area that I had never been to before.  What made me think I would be hit by inspiration in a random area of Texas that I had never seen before?  Well, I was not inspired.  I took a handful of shots, but just wasn’t all that into it.  I ended the day highly disappointed and thinking that I really need to stick to doing some good planning in the future.

Well, I just went through my shots and at first glance, they looked terrible and uninspired.  Then I looked again.  I found a couple that I thought would be fun to work on touch-ups with.  As it turns out, I actually did have a couple of decent shots.

So… I still think the best plan is to actually, well, have a plan.  But sometimes if you polish a rock hard enough, you will discover that it is actually a gem.

Here’s a small example:

Mansfield Dam

Welcome To (the real) Alien Eye

Welcome!

I have no idea what I’m doing here.  At least, that’s what I thought when I started planning this blog.  What in the world do I have to write about that people will actually want to read? The answer is, “plenty.”  What I’m going to do this time, though, is just introduce myself and let you know what some of the upcoming topics here will be.  See?  Start nice and simple, I think.

I’m just a regular guy, working a regular job, with delusions of grandeur.  I work for a well-known technology company, though I won’t mention which one just yet.  Part of my job is to keep an eye on my company’s current products, as well as roadmaps for future products.  I need to be up on market trends and emerging technologies.  Most importantly, I need to be able to speak eloquently about these things.  As such, it should not surprise you if I write about technical products or industry issues.  I like that stuff and I actually know a little something about it.  But there’s more to me than just that.

On the side, I am a photographer.  I don’t photograph events or do senior portraits or any such thing as that.  Most people would refer to me as a nature photographer.  I do take plenty of wildlife, plant, and landscape pictures, but that’s not all.  I also like skylines, cityscapes, and architecture.   Naturally, I refuse to limit myself to just those subjects.  I prefer to think of myself as a fine art photographer and I have plenty of ideas for projects that expand my boundaries.  I will also point out that if anyone wants to hire me for a project, I am more than happy to push my own limits and try new things.  I’ve started a small company, Alien Eye (of course!), and cannot wait to see what I can make of it.  Things are slow right now, but at least I’ve started.  That, as you might imagine, is what led to me creating this blog.  I’ll definitely be sharing the experience of my (ad)ventures in this business!

Anything else that I’ll want to write about?  Oh yes.  I am a fan of the automobile, so I’ll be sharing my opinions of cars and the automotive industry.  I’ll also post reviews of other products or of movies and things like that.  Just whatever I think may be interesting to you.  Afterall, this is about you.  I’m always open to feedback and suggestions.

–C.Annable (Alien Eye)