During this global outbreak of novel coronavirus, people are advised to practice social distancing, wear masks, and sanitize their hands to stay protected from the deadly virus. While many people are coming up with creative ways to make designer, colorful, and unique masks, Tyler Glaeil, a programmer and game designer, came up with his LED facemask that works on voice-technology principles. He fabricated a voice-activated LED facemask that detects voice and glows up accordingly, and can also smile! His twitter post created a furor, and the Twitterati went insane, flooding his posts with comments and appreciation. He even uploaded the procedure of how he made it so that you can make one for yourself.
What is a voice-activated face mask?
A California based programmer and game designer, Tyler Glaeil posted about his invention of a voice-activated LED facemask that created a rampage all over Twitter on 7th June. A whopping figure of 1.6 million people shared the post, which got it into the trending list of Twitter. It is a mask that comprises 16 LED lights that mimics how a mouth opens and closes and forms a pattern akin to a broad smile when the wearer clicks his or her tongue. The automatic setup detects voice whenever the wearer speaks and tries to impersonate a ‘talking mouth.’
How to make a voice-activated LED facemask?
Tyler Glaeil revealed in a Medium post the workaround with the help of which he built the voice-activated LED facemask. He toyed around with the design for about a month before giving bringing it to life.
An 8×8 LED flexible matrix equipped with 16 LED lights linked to a 9-volt battery and a microphone with the help of electrical tape forms the main component. Glaeil also uploaded the code on GitHub that needs to be implemented into Arduino Nano, a programmable microcomputer, popularly known as the Raspberry Pi. The LEDs glow, forming a circle and a line simultaneously, producing an effect representing a ‘talking mouth.’ It also forms a smile whenever you click your tongue!
Are LED facemasks safe to use?
It is advised that if you plan on making it yourself to get some hands-on experience in coding and electronics, wash the mask with the components removed at least every second day.
However, Glaeil confirmed in a BBC interview that he could provide no guarantee if this LED facemask can provide protection against the virus or are safe for prolonged usage. He stated that his creation was just a means of novelty. According to a statement released by BBC, the LED panel tends to get warm. Henceforth it’s not safe or advisable to be worn by kids for long durations.
Why should you consider giving it a try?
Well, it might not come with a guarantee of safety and protection from the developer himself, but during these tough times when we are locked in our homes, where is the harm in getting a bit of participatory experience into the vast subject of electronics and coding?
Glaeil has stated in a BBC interview that he doesn’t plan on selling the masks, but the components needed to make them only amount to $50. He also made sure to upload the code and procedure onto his Medium blog post so that people can make their masks at home if they want to own one. If you’re into programming, you can also try introducing some other unique feature by developing his code further; your personal touch! This pandemic people are busy exploring one’s interests and creativity anyway, why not have your take on voice-first technology?
