When was the last time you saw a movie, in theatres, with subtitles? Chances are it has been a while if you have ever seen one at all. For those with hearing disabilities, going to the movies can be a challenge. Not all theaters provide a subtitle option and if they do, the showings are not primetime, making going to a movie inconvenient and challenging. Sony hopes to change that.
Currently in the works is a pair of subtitle glasses that allow the viewer to see the subtitles in the actual lenses of the glasses, instead of having to rely on the screen. While they are not available to the public yet, Sony has developed a prototype that went extremely well in the UK. Resembling a pair of over-sized 3D glasses, this new device will be light weight and easy to use in a dark setting, such as a movie theater. It may seem like a simple enough idea; however, the trick is to make sure that the subtitles do not interfere with the images on the screen. The idea is that the words will appear in such a way that they are in the same field of vision as the movie screen so that the viewer is not constantly looking down at the words and up at the screen.
Other uses for the glasses are already being dreamed. Transcription and translation of real time conversations is one potential plan for these futuristic glasses. The idea is that those with hearing disabilities will be able to read what is being said to them, right on the lenses of their glasses. But this idea goes far beyond daily conversations, the possibilities are endless. Directions, press conferences, and video presentations could potentially have real time value for those with hearing disabilities. However, the main focus right now is to get the product ready for the deaf and hard of hearing viewers so they too can go see the latest movie without any problem. The technology remains in progress and there is hope that they could be available as early as next year.
Sounds like another miraculous invention in the process. I for one, however, would want to emphsize the importance of the anticipated “next steps.” Translation of conversation into real time is much more important to many of us than what we may miss at the movies.