With high-tech glasses, Japanese ALS patient makes the beat go on

Record ID: 1400490

  • Title: With high-tech glasses, Japanese ALS patient makes the beat go on
  • Date: 18th March 2019
  • Summary: APP DISPLAYED ON MOBILE SCREEN
  • Embargoed: 1st April 2019 12:47
  • Keywords: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS DJ Japan technology EYE VDJ Masatane Muto app smart glasses performance
  • Location: TOKYO, JAPAN
  • City: TOKYO, JAPAN
  • Country: Japan
  • Topics: Information Technologies / Computer Sciences,Science
  • Reuters ID: LVA004A6JTE8R
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: The throbbing bass, booming electronic music and flashing lights are all part of a typical Tokyo music show, but Masatane Muto is a unique disc jockey.
    The wheelchair-bound DJ who lost the use of his hands to Lou Gehrig's Disease masterfully controls the show with his eyes and a pair of high-tech glasses.
    "Through my performance, I hope to show that everybody should be given the chance to express themselves," Muto, 32, told Reuters after playing at the J-Wave Innovation World Festa.
    The former advertising executive was diagnosed five years ago with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease - a progressive neurologic disease in which patients gradually lose control of most of their muscles, though mental function remains unimpaired.
    The disease, which gained prominence in 2014 through the "Ice Bucket Challenge" global video fundraising campaign, is terminal, with most patients dying within three to five years of their diagnosis. There is currently no treatment.
    On the train home after his diagnosis, Muto vowed to make the rest of his life as innovative and creative as possible.
    He quit his job and founded the group "WITH ALS" to raise awareness of the disease and help other patients live their lives to the fullest.
    Muto dreamed of being a disc jockey and tracked down the latest technology to make it happen.
    Now a radio personality, he performs as a disc and video jockey under the moniker "EYE VDJ", mixing music with smart eyewear that detects his eye movements and allows him to use an app connected to music-mixing software.
    A three-point sensor on the nose pad of the JINS MEME glasses detects subtle electronic changes in the surrounding skin which are caused by blinking or movement of the eyes.
    The eyeglasses sell for 27,300 yen ($245) a pair, cheaper than many other eye-tracking devices. The source code for JINS MEME has been released to the public in the hope that others will find their own ways of using it, Muto said.
    "ALS is thought to be an incurable disease, but I believe hope is now growing for ALS patients to pursue their lifestyle and quality of life with the help of technology," he said.
    Muto said his next dream is to perform at the opening ceremonies of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020.
    "I might already be bedridden but I could perform with the help of technology and supporters. Through my performance, I hope to show that everyone should be given a chance (to express themselves)," he said.
    (Production: Kwiyeon Ha, Angie Teo, George Sargent)
  • Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2019. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: Footage contains computer game or software screenshots. User is responsible for obtaining additional clearances before publishing this clip.
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