Contact:
Joe Hunter
617/552-0419
BOSTON/CAMBRIDGE, MA-April 28, 1998 - Boston College and Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. have announced the success of a joint project to combine the use of a state-of-the-art computer system with a consumer interactive music product to allow the severely disabled to compose music using only their eyes.
The computer system, EagleEyes, developed at Boston College's Carroll School of Management, uses eye and head movement detection to control a computer cursor and carry out a user's directives, dramatically improving the quality of life for people with severe physical limitations. The music software, The AxeTM, developed by Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., enables users to produce original, real-time, virtuosic music typically through the use of a mouse or joystick. The marriage of these technologies is opening a new door for the disabled.
"Throughout their lives, these people have been spectators," says Computer Science Professor James Gips, primary developer of the EagleEyes system. "Now they can influence their environment and have impact. The ability to communicate in a new way and to produce their own music has an amazing effect on their self-esteem." Currently, several dozen individuals use EagleEyes at Boston College. Ultimately, Gips wants to make the now portable system available to educational facilities and individuals across the country.
"Love of music is universal," remarks Alex Rigopulos, President and CEO of Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., "the desire to create is an inherently human pursuit. By teaming up The Axe with EagleEyes, the creation of music is literally available to anyone of any ability." Harmonix, a Cambridge-based company with roots at MIT's Media Lab, has developed a proprietary technology which allows users to create interactive melodies and rhythms, which are musically "correct," without the rigors of mastering an instrument or music theory. Using this technology, anyone can sound good in minutes.
The EagleEyes system utilizes surface electrodes placed on the user's face, above, below, and to the sides of the eyes, to detect eye or head movement, thus acting as a mouse emulator. Selection is made by looking at a small area of the screen for a short period of time, producing the equivalent of a mouse click.
Students in the Boston College program use several different software applications via the EagleEyes technology. One application allows users to "paint" with their eyes. Another allows users to spell out messages, so that many are able to tell their parents for the first time in their lives, "I love you." Use of The Axe has been very popular. Parents have requested that its access be restricted until after homework is finished for fear the kids would play music all day.
Rick Hoyt, a severly disabled individual who has won notoriety by running marathons with the help of his father, has been working extensively with Boston College in developing EagleEyes and has been testing The Axe. Born with cerebral palsy, he speaks with the help of an interpreter. "When I play with the Axe on EagleEyes it feels like I am playing music," says Rick.
About EagleEyes
The EagleEyes system was developed by James Gips and Peter Olivieri, computer science professors at Boston College's Carroll School of Management, and Joseph Tecce of BC's Psychology Department. The system works by means of electrodes that are attached at various points on the user's face. These are connected to a computer, which measures voltage differences as the eyes move and translates the reading to a cursor position on the computer screen. When the user moves his or her eyes, the cursor also moves. By substituting eye control for the mouse, the user can send commands to the computer and run software. Among many uses, the system provides learning and communication tools for non-verbal students at Boston College's Campus School, a daytime educational facility for students with profound disabilities.
About Harmonix Harmonix Music Systems, Inc., is shattering the boundaries of interactive music through its revolutionary patented music-making technology (protected by U.S. PATENT 5,627,335). Harmonix has vaulted this emerging category of entertainment software to the next level, enabling individuals or groups of non-musicians to create original music in real-time on their PCs using only a joystick or mouse. Harmonix's flagship product, The AxeTM, combines this technology with dynamically animated graphics into what the company calls Interactive Music Videos, or IMVS. Harmonix is also working with leading artists and record labels to develop IMVs for Enhanced CDs that allow people to play lead instruments in jam sessions with their favorite bands such as No Doubt, Liquid Soul and Reel Big Fish. The Axe is now available to consumers via the company's Web site (www.theaxe.com) or by calling 1-888-LET-IT-OUT, and in 1998 through major retail channels.
Harmonix, and The Axe are trademarks of Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. Other names and products mentioned may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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