Clench your teeth for tunes, Japan researchers say

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2007

TOKYO (AFP) — Japanese train commuters who don't want to reach conspicuously into their bags or pockets to start their iPods will soon be able to do it more subtly -- by simply clenching their teeth.

Japanese researchers have developed head gear that uses infrared sensors and a microcomputer to let people operate music players by clenching their teeth.

The computer receives a command when the user clenches his or her teeth for about one second -- which differentiates the action from other activities such as chewing gum and talking.

The research team at state-run Osaka University hopes to put the device to commercial use for music players and believes it can eventually be adapted to run cellphones, wheelchairs and other products.

"You are able to...