Having trouble with your memory? Help may be on the way. Researchers from Bielefeld University in Berlin, Germany, have developed the prototype for a new device, "memory spectacles." The only problem is that the spectacles aren’t easily concealed. Reuters reports, "The prototype, a helmet mounted with two cameras, records images of objects to build up a memory of what the user sees." Wearing a helmet with two cameras attached won’t be a very discreet way to go through life. It would be difficult to blend in with the crowd or be taken seriously when your head covering reminds people of three things — the vintage gas masks from the days of World War II, the protective headgear worn by hockey goalies and the helmet worn by Darth Vader in "Star Wars." In another possible scenario, a person wearing the camera-covered helmet might be perceived as an advance scout for an alien invasion from outer space. Most people wouldn’t want that attention or notoriety when all they really want to do is remember a few things to buy at the grocery store. Much of the attention you receive may not be positive. Mothers will assume protective positions between you and their children when they meet you on the streets. In a final protective gesture, they will cover the little ones’ eyes with their hands. Small children without parents nearby will simply scream hysterically at the sight of you and run for their lives. In addition to what the memory spectacles will do to a person’s general appearance and first impressions, there is another drawback — spectacles, or eyeglasses, are items often misplaced. It’s very possible that a second set of memory spectacles will be required to locate the first set. It might be just as convenient to attach a memory device to car keys, which are also easily lost or misplaced. Obviously, the secret to the new memory spectacles is that you may not remember better, but that everyone else will remember you. As you go about town, you will stand a helmet and two cameras above everyone else. With your memory spectacles on you will literally be making a spectacle of yourself. The newfound memory might work something like this: The scene: You’re standing in a huge shopping mall parking lot and you can’t remember where you parked the car. A man, carrying packages and obviously returning to his car, walks by, yet keeps his distance from you. "Excuse me," you mutter, although your voice if difficult to understand from beneath the camera-covered helmet. Your garble is much like that of the people who take your orders at the drive-through fast food restaurants. "Could you help me find my car?" "Don’t come any closer, buddy. I remember seeing you before. How could I forget? Your car is two rows down under the J sign. Just stay away from me!" The memory spectacles will offer a few advantages above and beyond an improved memory. For example, you will always have cameras ready and rolling for on-the-spot photo opportunities. You will be able to record news stories as they happen. Finally, if you’re young and still party, you will no longer wake up the morning after and wonder if you behaved the night before or if you had fun at all. Everything you do will be a Kodak moment.
