In Japan, stylish eyewear tracks tiredness and posture

Jins Meme eyewear hides sensor technology within stylish, wearable design.

Regular readers of Springwise may have noticed an abundance of products, services and campaigns targeting the tired and weary customer. Both the Bye Bye Red Eye campaign in South Africa and The Drive Awake initiative in Thailand used facial recognition and eye-monitoring technology to identify sleepy travellers and ply them with coffee — but there are also products available for the less caffeine-orientated consumer.

We recently reported on Vigo — a wearable sensor, shaped much like a Bluetooth headset — that detects drowsiness in its wearer. Now, Jins Meme glasses from Japan are offering similar functions with the added appeal of wearability, by implementing sensory and monitoring technology within stylish, smart glasses.

Jins have prioritized simple, classic aesthetics in the design of their product line of three glasses, in order to set themselves apart from similar introspective, smart eyewear products. A three-point electrooculography sensor system is subtly embedded within the regular sized glasses — one sensor in the base of the frame, one in the nose pads and one above the nose — and the battery fits neatly into the arms.

As with Vigo before it, Jins Meme offer the wearer the ability to monitor their own inner workings by observing the movement of the eyes and blinking frequency and communicating changes in state — such as tiredness or bad posture — via a iOS and android smartphone app. The consumer can also keep tabs on their energy output and calories consumed.

Jins are currently showcasing sunglasses, half-rim spectacles and a thick-frame Wellington model. They are planning to bring the full Jins Meme range to the US market in 2015. Where else could designers implement near-invisible technology for style-conscious consumers?