There are a few traces of a person’s emotion and mood hidden in the way they speak to a particular person at a particular time. However, seeing a smile on a person’s face amplifies the intensity of the emotions and let’s you know what they’re doing at that particular moment. This was denied to the blind, or it was, until this thesis project at Umeå University in Sweden shocked the world with an amazing probability of creating a setup that gives the blind an idea of what the person opposite them means to convey via expressions. They have made use of a tactile display, a webcam and a few more devices and tools to make it possible.

This move brings forth the possibility of many more descriptive aids for those who cannot see. Thus we’re looking forward to see this technology be put to use in its fullest strength.
[Popsci]