Kinsight[/caption]It isn't just the elderly who forget where they put things, so a new invention can go a long way in helping a lot of people locate items they misplace.
The Kinsight system was developed by Shahriar Nirjon and John Stankovic. They are two computer scientists at the University of Virginia who have invented a type of camera system that tracks people when they move from room to room in house. The information is put together with a database that consists of a description including size and shape of objects that belong in the house. This allows the system to be able to determine when objects have been moved.
To find the missing object an individual would type in the name of the object into the database, and the computerized system would be able to locate it.
Since the human memory is faulty, there have always been memory devices to aid people in recall, whether that's a note or string around a finger. Now technology has increased the capability of search using a database combined with descriptions of objects. Scientists believe they are on the threshold of some serious improvements in aiding how humans can be, more facile in memory. The questions, however, scientists have yet to answer is whether or not this new technology is able to promote human memory over time. Furthermore, measures need to be done on how long it takes for the computerized system to give the right answer.
Whatever your need is in order to live better independently, there are organizations and techniques set up to support people with a range of disabilities. Some of these techniques are useful for folks with minor problems, the everyday guy who just can't remember where he put his keys. But for those who want grassroots information and where to get it, there are websites that provide direction and a list of ideas and devices to aid in memory. Some of these are games and tips on how to improve memory, and others are lists of technological equipment the user can wear or have set up to aid memory. The principle behind all of this is to allow people better function. And for those of us who have been known to wander around a parking lot looking for a car, some of these tips and ideas can be handy.