Microsoft Creates Kinect-Like System Using Laptop Speaker & Microphone 169
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 ... (Score:4, Interesting)
Some people also hear sounds in the 18-22 kHz range. Especially 18-20 kHz, which is inside the "normal" hearing range for young people.
Most PC speakers and many sound cards are unable to produce reliable sound in those ranges anyhow, so it might be moot - it likely won't annoy you because it won't work.
I was cooking as I read this (Score:5, Interesting)
This could be pretty cool for when you have your hands dirty and don't need your keyboard to be too. Scrolling recipes, for example.
PS. Que the porn jokes...
Re:Sounds Interesting ... (Score:1, Interesting)
There's a difference between ionising radiation and non-ionising radiation. Anything with a ultra-violet and up can give you cancer. Anything below, well, it can make you warm... but that's about it. Of course, being repeatedly burned can also give you cancer, so non-ionising radiation can, eventually, give you cancer. Just like standing too close to a fire for too long can give you cancer.