Round 2 of the University of Calgary HoloLens research project in December 2023.
Luke was asked to participate in the 12 modules of the HoloLens / HoloBoard research project through the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering (SSE), while we were back in that city earlier this month. We had five one-hour sessions scheduled over three days.
The first module started, and Luke flew through it. In fact, he flew through all 12 modules in record time—less than three hours.
For the fourth session, the team repeated a few of the modules; and for the fifth, they brought back their new eye-tracking technology! This time, the students asked Luke for his feedback, which was gratefully appreciated by the team.
When it was all over, Luke was teary-eyed which is very unusual for him as Luke rarely cries. He came close to me, and needed a hug (also unusual). After the team left, Luke was able to spell “I AM VERY EMOTIONAL.” We asked if he wanted to talk about it, and he replied “NO.”
Luke was invited to a reception at the University in Calgary on Sunday, December 17, by the HoloLens team. Luke couldn’t attend, however he was happy to provide a statement which would be presented at the event.
“MY WORLD CHANGED IN CALGARY WHEN I MET THE ETHEREAL TEAM. I AM NEWLY FLUENT AND WAS STARTING TO IMAGINE MY WORLD CHANGING. I NEVER SAW HOLOBOARDS BEING PART OF THAT. NOW IT PAVES MY PATH FORWARD. I AM THE LEADER OF THE FIRST GENERATION OF HOLOBOARD SPELLERS. HERE WE GO.” THE END
We are hoping to help with future research in the New Year. Luke has also offered to help demonstrate the equipment at the next I-ASC (International Association for Spelling as Communication) annual “Motormophosis” conference in July 2024 in Virginia. We are just waiting for the conference announcement so we can book our tickets and hotel asap!
