Microsoft files patent for muscle-based computer controls
While everyone is going “ga-ga” over Apple’s dynamic tactile feedback keyboard patent, Microsoft has quietly filed a patent for several methods of controlling a computer using Electromyography (EMG). The technique would record the electrical activity of muscles and translate those signals into instruction sets which would control a computer. EMG technology is not new, it is used in some advanced prosthetic devices and is the technology behind the military’s research into EMG-controlled flight systems which allows a pilot to control his plane using EMG-based gestures. The Microsoft patent takes this technology and applies it to consumer devices describing, in one example, how a driver could interact with a vehicle navigation system without taking his/her hands off the steering wheel. The electrodes necessary for this EMG-driven interaction would be applied on the forearm for local control or on the head, chest, arms and legs for full body control. Though there are many practical purposes for this technology, the most exciting application would be in gaming. Think of Project Natal on steroids where you would don special gaming clothes embedded with EMG sensors and use your muscle movement to control your onscreen character. We are not alone in conjuring up this entertaining application, Microsoft’s own research labs has put together a quick demonstration video showcasing the EMG-based control of Guitar Hero. Hit the jump to preview the future of gaming.
Stephen Hawking should sue them, he has been using it for years!
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WoW!! that could be useful for so many things, besides gaming. Future will bring many amazing technologies, its an exciting time of tech, I just hope economy gets better so we can get there faster
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For some reason, this kind if gaming control bothers me? not sure if i like the idea of it.
One step closer to having my very own Avatar.
with your fishing pole
same night you bought a ring and you proposed
So if has already been done, how can it patented?
Carol,
They’re putting a patent around their proprietary algorithm not the technology itself. Every company does that.
WOW! This is the future right here. Awesome!
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Microsoft will take the mouse away from the buxom company secretary and force her to wear a flack jacket full of electrodes so the CEO can watch her writhe and jiggle.
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Seems interesting, but it reminded me a little bit of the Nintendo Power Glove. I can see the potential usage of such technology, but I think it will be a while before we see it in the real world market.
Can’t wait for this to be commercially available. I knew we wouldn’t have to do things ourself anymore. XD
This tech, while not entirely novel, is exciting!
Wow this is nice, the effect of this technology is like the project natal.. But this one got those hefty wires. The question is, which one will you prefer?
Project Natal Dream Come True? Details: http://bit.ly/project-natal-will-change-our-world
after muscle-based controls is possible and getting real, mind-based controls would be the next invention
There are, of course, many examples of direct and indirect neural interfaces for computing. What we will see is a mass commercialization of this technology.
Over 8 years ago they were able to implant electrodes in either the optic nerve or brain and allow 100% blind people some level of ‘pixelvision’ like sight.
There are a gazillion patents on all of this stuff. I have to wonder what specifically M$ is patenting.
The end of the old technology will soon run Let no pruning is difficult to capture.
Interesting to know how the EMG data is going to be transferred to controlled device (e.g PC, XBox, display, etc.).
On one hand, wires are cumbersome. On the other hand, wireless means yet another source of RF radiation…
Why is nobody talking about the possible applications of MS Project Natal tech to personal computing? THAT would be awesome.
While this is a good demo – I feel like I was seeing the exact same level of ‘fidelity’ or resolution in demos of similar technology done as long as 15 years ago.. Perhaps their patents are for specific hardware designs, but i see nothing ground breaking here.. Possibly an attempt by M$ to capitalize on prior art while creating weak patents that will be easy to defend given Microsoft’s cash resources.
Sometimes I get really bored.. anyone have that problem?
While this is a good demo thanks