Changing Lives With Human to Computer Interface

Dan Fisher

With over 35 years in the financial industry, Dan M. Fisher has proven himself as a leader in the financial industry holding roles as the former director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and former Chairman of the ABA Payment Committee.

Human to Computer Interfaces will impact lives.

Technological advances can be applied to every aspect of our lives. Steve Jobs’ example of innovation will continue to inspire future generations, just like Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek. Fundamentally speaking, both individuals were visionaries who advanced the understanding of technology. Roddenberry put forth ideas regarding the future Jobs produced! We, too, have started a new company, Folded Cortex, with the intent to make a difference! It is our desire to exploit the emerging technologies that represent the human to computer interface (HTCI). We have just started testing human to computer interfaces, specifically eye tracking technology, in a real-world scenario.

A life-changing event

Our objective is to assist K-12 students who have gross and fine motor skill deficiencies or have communication disorders with using human to computer interfaces to make life better. A student that is unable to use a mouse or keyboard is at a distinct disadvantage in today’s technology driven classroom. Also, a student that can’t communicate is in the same situation. They can sit in the classroom, but are unable to participate. This can be frustrating and disappointing particularly when the student possesses all of the cognitive capability, but is unable to use the tools that most take for granted. They are screaming to themselves that they know the answer, but are the only one that can hear!

Now imagine, with what we are doing at Folded Cortex, the student is provided the human to computer interface tools that will enable them to use the computer with their eyes or EEG. They will be able to raise their hand and answer the questions just like everyone else in the classroom. The first time this happens, will be a life changing event for them. It will make a difference for them, their family, classmates, school and society. The implications are huge.

Human to Computer Interfaces Impact

At Folded Cortex, we did not invent the technology, we are just finding a different way to use the technology. We are looking forward to moving beyond the testing and development stage of human to computer interfaces and into the lives of others. I can only imagine how that fourth grader is going to feel that first time they are able to use this technology in a live classroom. Uh Huh! That is what I am talking about. It was the imagination of Roddenberry and Jobs that drove them and it is their legacy that is driving us in our imagination of the possibilities today with technology and the classroom accessible to all. Today we can only imagine what is going on in the mind of a young learner…. Tomorrow, they will be able to tell us!