Facebook Reality Labs (FRL) has revealed more details to project investigators to develop an original neural bracelet that can be used to control an augmented reality.
The company says in a post that the bracelet will have a built-in computer, batteries, antennas and sensors capable of reading electrical signals from the brain through the wrist to the hand, which can then be translated into "intuitive" digital commands for control. of the functions of an AR device.
Are you lost? Let's explain it.
The prototype is based on a technology developed by CTRL-Labs, a startup bought by Facebook in 2019.
"What we're trying to do with nerve interfaces is allow you to control the machine directly, using the output of the peripheral nervous system - especially the nerves outside the brain that move the muscles of your hands and fingers," says the director. by FRL Neuromotor Interfaces Thomas Reardon.
The company however he says that the bracelet will not be able to read your mind.
"Think of it this way: you take a lot of photos and choose to share only a few of them. Likewise, you have many thoughts and you choose to act only on some of them. When this happens, your brain sends signals to your hands and fingers. It tells them to move in specific ways to perform actions such as typing and searching. The technology is about decoding these signals on the wrist - the actions you have already decided to perform - and translating them into digital commands for your device, ”the company says.
Initially the wristband will be developed to read gestures for click – to control some simple functions like pressing a button.
But there are plans for the introductiontreatment απτικής τροφοδοσίας στο βραχιολάκι, έτσι ώστε οι χρήστες να μπορούν να “αισθάνονται” τις κινήσεις που εμφανίζονται (πραγματοποιούνται) στη interface VR, that is to feel through the virtual movements.
Eventually, Facebook wants to develop the bracelet as a controller that will be able to touch and move VR objects or type on a virtual keyboard at high speed.
The portable wrist device will be able to sync with other VR devices on which Facebook works, such as smart glasses.