Interface Presents Emotions in Visual Display using Emotional Spectrum, EEG* Algorithm Developed by Tech Startup NeuroSky
Las Vegas — January 6, 2017—Wacom today announced that it has developed a system that embeds brainwave data into handwritten digital ink and presents a visual display of the user’s emotional state. The software analyses EEG data using Emotional Spectrum, an algorithm developed by the California-based biosensor technology company NeuroSky that measures the intensity and pleasantness of emotional activity. Wacom will exhibit the system today at its partner event Connected Ink in Las Vegas.
Wacom previously exhibited a prototype of the system using Neurosky algorithms, developed in collaboration with Japanese tech startup 1-10drive, Inc., at the previous Connected Ink event held in Tokyo in October 2016. That system detected cognitive states such as attention, meditation, familiarity and mental effort. The upgraded version uses the Emotional Spectrum algorithm to extract data on emotional states from EEG data. This data is combined with digital ink data captured by the Bamboo Slate, Wacom’s digital stationery device that enables users to write with a pen on any type of paper and instantly digitize handwritten memos.
Connected Ink Vegas Welcome letter with emotion, where Mediation for ink point such as “guest” and ”looking forward to” shows higher emotional level for comfort and relaxation
Stanley Yang, CEO of NeuroSky said “The two combined technology will deliver a brand new experience by utilizing new ways of communication, when emotional data and hand written data are synchronized. Accumulation of this big data set will open doors to new business opportunities.”
Nobu Ide, SVP in charge of Wacom’s Technology Solution Business Unit said, “As far as we know, this is the first attempt to combine emotional data with digital ink, analyze that data in real time, and present the feedback in a visual display. We have set up the system using a readily available hardware—a brainwave sensing headset, a notebook PC and a digital pen—which makes this technology very accessible. We are very excited about the potential applications in many different fields, from education to psychology and medicine.
With its capacity to record a broad range of data from timestamps to geolocation and now emotional data, digital ink is a disruptive technology with vast potential across a broad range of industry sectors. Wacom will continue its pursuit to harness the power of digital ink in collaboration with partners around the world.
* EEG stands for electroencephalogram, a test commonly used to detect electrical activity in the brain
About NeuroSky
Founded in 2004, NeuroSky is a privately held, Silicon Valley-based company with offices throughout Asia and Europe. NeuroSky technologies enable the most insightful and easy-to-understand health and wellness biometrics for mobile solutions, wearable devices, entertainment and service providers. The company’s proprietary, market-leading biosensor technologies provide a foundation for analyzing biometric data in a way that’s never before been practical. NeuroSky-enabled solutions deliver unique insights into body and mind health and wellness that can motivate people to make better lifestyle choices.
About Wacom
Founded in 1983, Wacom is a global company based in Japan with subsidiaries and affiliate offices around the world to support marketing and distribution in over 150 countries and areas. It is the world’s leading manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays, and digital interface solutions. The advanced technology of Wacom’s intuitive input devices has been used to create some of the most exciting digital art, films, special effects, fashion and designs around the world and provides business and home users with their leading interface technology to express their personality. The company also offers its products as OEM solutions to leading manufacturers serving incremental markets. Wacom’s interface technology, called Wacom Feel IT technologies, is also offered as an integrated solution to strategic partners. Most tablet device and PC manufacturers count on the advanced features and reliability to deliver a superior user interface experience.
*Wacom, WILL, Feel are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Wacom Co., Ltd.
*All other trademarks and product names are property of their respective companies
＜Contact Information＞
Corporate Communication, Wacom Co., Ltd.
Tel：+81-3-5337-6702 E-mail: Wacom-pr(at)wacom.co.jp