I'm fo' reals here! Japanese company Brother has created what it's calling the AiRScouter, and it really seems revolutionary. But wait, you've never heard of Brother? You probably have. Remember that brief stint of time in the 80s when typewriter companies were trying to convince people that a PC would be useless and was simply an expensive word processor? Yeah. Brother made those trendy electronic typewriters that had various enhanced functions, trying to give computers a run for their money. I may have written an early school paper or two on one--regrettably.
The AiRScouter projects images directly on the retina, tricking the eye into seeing the display from a "transparent sixteen inch screen floating one meter in front of the eyes" with the scenery behind the display also appearing transparent. Brother is apparently under the impression that this technology will be used in an industrial context, allowing workers to do things like read manuals while working, cutting down on time. But if I know the world, I can totally see this technology being militarized very quickly.
On the other hand, I could also see this sort of technology being added to gaming, which is of course what I'd really like for it to become. Actually, I'm not sure I care what it's used for, it's just so damn cool sounding.
Either way, I want one. Because I really want to run around screaming, "IT'S OVER 9000!!!!"
Hit the jump to see a video about the new AiRScouter!
[Photo via Japan Probe]