Samsung has recently filed a patent application for smart wearable devices that apparently have embedded projectors. This seems straight out of some Sci-Fi film as the projectors are capable of displaying a UI in pre-defined spaces, and are able to take inputs from users based on their direct interaction in those pre-defined spaces. The projector is programmed to map the shape of the user’s hand, and thereafter it projects a screen that will fit within the boundaries of that hand. The projection does not, by itself, extend to the back of the hand, but they can be projected downwards right alongside the arm, or upwards into the fingers. The same handheld smart watch also has the capability to project on a wall. This provides for a large screen UI from a smart watch. Now isn’t this interesting?
The use of the smart watch ranges from simple interfaces for dialing and messaging, to showing related information that are related to navigational searches. The projected is also programmed to have a number pad, a keyboard, or even show extended menu functions for the applications that are being used. Users can then draw or write, in the interface screen that is projected on the back of the hand or anywhere else.
That’s not all. Apart from the smart watch, the patent also covers the use of the interactive projector on a VR headset, or a similar headset like device. This effectively means that the embedded projector can be used as an input device in augmented reality spaces. An important aspect of the patent application is the tracking resolution for fingers and understanding gestures. According to the patent, the wearable device may also include an omni directional lense, meant to capture images of the area being operated by the projected UI. The application for the patent also shows other wearable devices like a wearable ring, a wearable headband and a wearable belt that could make use of this technology.
