YouTube Added: 19.02.2013
– The ‘Robocop’ headset that lets police see through walls and identify suspects just by LOOKING at them (Daily Mail, Feb 19, 2013):
- Headset’s display uses infrared to help spot criminals in a building
- High definition camera can be used to identify suspects
- Version for fire and ambulance crews also under development
- Will compete with Google’s Glass headset, which is also expected to go on sale this year
A headset computer promises to give police officers and other emergency services Robocop-like abilities.
The Golden-i device, similar to the Glass project being developed by Google, offers the ability to see through walls thanks to infrared technology.
It is operated by voice commands and head movements and allows the wearer to access vital information without using their hands.
Golden-i has been developed by U.S. company Kopin Corporation, but software solutions tailored to police, firefighters and paramedics have been created by Nottinghamshire-based firm Ikanos Consulting.
It was shown off at the CES 2013 show in Las Vegas last month, although the firm says it is ‘too early’ to give a price.
It is set to be trialled this year, and could go on sale before Google’s Glass project, which is a far more compact headset the search giant also plans to release this year.
The Police Pro application provides real-time situational awareness in the field by allowing officers to record incidents for later analysis and view live video feeds from other Golden-i headsets.
The system can also identify suspects using facial recognition, receive alerts from motion sensors, scan licence plates instantly, monitor basic vital signs and call up floor plans and GPS coordinates.
The Firefighter Pro application allows firefighters to call up floor plans and GPS coordinates, see through walls using infrared technology, monitor crew and surroundings, navigate through unknown environments and provide on-site video streaming.
The Paramedic Pro application allows first responders and paramedics to share multiple video and data feeds over a private network, enabling critical information to be shared instantly across multiple devices, improving decision making and safety.
They can also access medical records, stream live video, discuss options with associates and view maps or use GPS.
Office workers can also benefit from the technology with the Ikanos-created Lifeboard application. This system enables you to customise up to 6 different screens to meet personal working preferences and manage your day.
The Golden-i unit features an inertially stabilised 14-megapixel camera with optional infrared camera for thermal and night vision.
A 1080 HD detachable camera for recording or sending real-time video can also be added.
Selected Golden-i devices come pre-loaded with a set of core Gi-OS applications, including E-mail Center, Ask Ziggy, Web Browser and File Explorer.
The Golden-i platform will continue to evolve as the developer community works together to build voice-controlled augmented reality applications for Golden-i.
The Golden-i hardware and software developer kit is expected be released by the summer, while a consumer version is slated for later in the year.