[Photo: Microsoft Research] Most gesture-based control systems we use today rely on eithermotion-capture cameras--like the Kinect --or a touchscreen device . But researchers from Microsoft Research and the University ofWashington are developing a system that can detect object withsound waves, like how a bat does with echolocation . With the SoundWave project , the researchers aim to bring gesture controls to any computerthat has a set of speakers and microphone. The program uses theDoppler Effect of sound waves for to detect objects and recognizemotion. The Doppler Effect , as you might remember from so many years of science classes, is aprinciple of physics where the frequency of waves (sound waves,light waves) shifts depending on whether the source of that sound(or light, etc ) is moving toward or away from you. The mostcommon example is a passing train, where the sound coming from thetrain seems to get deeper as it passes you.r. Your browser does not support iframes. SoundWave uses your computer's speakers to emit an imperceptible,ultrasonic audio signal at 20-22 Kilohertz--and you can still playmusic while it s doing this. If you wave your hand in the vicinityof your computer, the sound waves that would have traveled throughthe air bounce off of your hand instead. The computers microphone can pick up the audio signal and theSoundWave program can interpret any changes in the frequency as agesture command. So far the team has been able to detect fivedifferent variables involved with a change of frequency, includingthe speed, direction, proximity, size, and number of the objects,as well as the frequency of the motion. From this, the Soundwave program can perform a number of the usualcomputer commands such as scrolling, clicking and double clicking,rotating objects, or automatically locking the computer whileyou re away. The researchers say that SoundWave is 90 to100percent accurate, even in a loud crowded room, and can even be usedto play a round of Tetris. The most significant advantage of the SoundWave system is that itcould add gesture controls to computers and laptops that don thave a touchscreen display or a webcam. That said, the practicalityof flailing your hands around over your keyboard and trackpad touse your laptop is questionable. [ Microsoft Research via Phys Org ] Like this? You might also enjoy Disney Technology Turns Everything into a Touch Device Facebook Gets Fashionable: Like Counters Placed on Clothing Hangers These Lego Wigs Will Certainly Give You That Geek Chic Look Get more GeekTech: Twitter - Facebook - RSS Tip us off Follow Kevin Lee. I am an expert from lacetrimfabric.com, while we provides the quality product, such as Key Chain Charms , Rhinestone Belt Buckles, Lace Trim Fabric,and more.
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