Microsoft Creates Kinect-Like System Using Laptop Speaker & Microphone

MrSeb writes "Microsoft Research, working with the University of Washington, has developed a Kinect-like system that uses your computer's built-in microphone and speakers to provide object detection and gesture recognition, much in the same way that a submarine uses sonar. Called SoundWave, the new technology uses the Doppler effect to detect any movements and gestures in the proximity of a computer. In the case of SoundWave, your computer's built-in speaker is used to emit ultrasonic (18-22KHz) sound waves, which change frequency depending on where your hand (or body) is in relation to the computer. This change in frequency is measured by your computer's built-in microphone, and then some fairly complex software works out your motion/gesture. The obvious advantage of SoundWave over a product like Kinect is that it uses existing, commodity hardware; it could effectively equip every modern laptop with a gesture-sensing interface. The Microsoft Research team is reporting a 90-100% accuracy rate for SoundWave, even in noisy environments."

Re:Sounds Interesting ...

[ifrag]

Perhaps Microsoft could combine this as a double check for Kinect, to make Kinect actually work.

Re:Ultrasonic?

[CastrTroy]

How did you test? I've used audacity to generate tones on my computer, and I've heard the sound out of my speakers when I play the resulting 20khz wave form. But how do I know my speakers are actually outputting a 20khz waveform? I have no way of verifying that it's actually outputting that tone, and not some lower frequency tone because the speakers can't handle it. I'm pretty sure it's actually a lower tone, because my hearing is generally considered to be bad by me and others who know me.

Re:Sounds Interesting ...

[macs4all]

It sounds interesting, as long as there is no background noise, you are alone in the room with the system and the system itself isn't generating any noises (fans? DVD access? music or sound effects?).

And you don't have a fan operating in the room, and aren't less than 25 years old (or 40 if female) (most males can hear 18-22 KHz up to about that age, and females until about age 40-50), so that you can't stand to be in the same room with it.