Previously Apple was working on future hand gesturing interface to control gaming, Apple TV and Home Appliances. Apple acquired this technology form Israel to accelerate this project to catchup or surpass companies like Microsoft and Samsung. Microsoft has successfully implemented the PrimeSense Technology into their Kinect device for XBOX and TV application. Samsung on the other hand is beginning to enter this technology sphere as their latest patent filing revealed. Samsung is aiming to integrate motion and gesture sensors into future notebooks, smartphones, tablets, a smart home speaker device, smart TVs and beyond. Theoretically in-air gesture controls could also be used to control a feature set of functions for smart glasses or headset.
1. Future Samsung Notebook with Gesture Control
Samsung’s Patent reveals a sensor network which includes multiple modular sensing positioned along the bezel notebook arranged to detect motion. By positioning multiple apparatus together on the same device much of the area in front of above and behind the display panel, are covered by at least one and possibly much multiple such zones. Overlapping coverage can allow for higher resolution and better tracking of motions. The sensor network may be controlled in any suitable manner in some embodiments. Alternatively an external device or a mesh network architecture may be used.
2. Gesture control for Smartphones and tablets
Samsung’ patent involves a motion in which a user holds their hands over a sensor of modular sensing that is positioned on top surface of smartphones display pane. In the next sample we have an eBook, digital magazine, digital folder, etc. that is flippable or that is organized in successive cards or pages where a user can move forward or backward through card pages.
3. A Future Amazon Echo like device
Amazon, Google, Microsoft and now Apple with their Home Pod now have a new class of device for the home that supports home automation through their respective digital assistants Alexa, Google Assistant, Cortana, Siri and Bixby for Samsung’s future device. Samsung describes patent simply as a modular sensing apparatus which is formed from a flexible substrate that can be reshaped to form a curved surface and possibly a curved display. While the curved display isn’t mentioned in this patent filing. Samsung further notes that “The modular sensing apparatus is reconfigured to form a top, circular surface and a curved side surface that forms a ring. The apparatus is thus configured to slide over and match the contours of the underlying cylindrical device. There are sensors positioned on the side curved surface and the top surface. As a result, the apparatus is able to detect motion over the top surface, as well as 360.degree. Around the side surface e.g., around a midpoint axis of the apparatus.
Conclusion
Samsung is aiming to integrate motion and gesture sensors into future notebooks, smartphones, tablets, a smart home speaker device, smart TVs and beyond. Theoretically in-air gesture controls could also be used to control a feature set of functions for smart glasses or headset. Earlier this month Patently Mobile covered a new Samsung Gear VR patent showing that a future version of their headset could come with a clear see-through face panel allowing the backside camera of a Galaxy phone to act as a window to the world for users.
