Samsung patented a smartwatch idea that projects a larger user interface (UI) on the user’s hand for a better management of the device. The wearable includes an image projector with UI screen, a camera and processor.
The South Korean company filed the petition to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, in which describes a particular device not seen before or even impossible to built in a near future according to some tech experts.
“The wearable device includes an image projector configured to project a virtual user interface screen, a camera configured to capture an image, and a processor configured to detect a target area from the image captured by the camera,” the petition to the PTO stated.
As for the functions, the smartwatch will be capable of identifying the shape of a hand and then using a tiny projector to beam the UI for displaying more information and larger controls. The integrated camera will be detecting what the other hand does in the interface and creating commands to the device, according to the description of the patent.
In addition, the wearable device will also be able to beam in a larger area than the user’s hand, such as a wall. In the application examples are shown how a user is experiencing the device and even controlling it through the wall.
An uncertain idea
Although the development of such device will be an upgrade for the smartwatch category in general, Samsung is known to have a habit of patenting new concepts and technologies every chance it gets. However, this one is particularly odd as the groundbreaking idea have been patented in South Korea about two years ago and may show a little preview of the company’s vision for the future.
But is uncertain whether the tech giant has the technology capable of developing such a smartwatch and has overcome limitations like battery life and whether in fact is possible to duplicate the UI function in other devices described in the patent, like VR headsets and even full-sized desktops.
Source: Patent and Trademark Office