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May 09, 2012

Microsoft Developing Sound Wave-Based Motion Controller

By Beecher Tuttle, TMCnet Contributor

Pleased with the popularity of its Kinect system for Xbox, Microsoft is working on a new technology for computers designed to take gesture control to the masses.



Unlike Kinect, SoundWave isn't controlled by expensive motion-capture cameras, nor does it require any additional hardware not included in most of today's laptops and desktops. Instead, the new technology relies on the Doppler Effect – which describes how changes in motion alter sounds waves, like when a train passes through a tunnel.

SoundWave software uses a computer's speakers to send out a stream of inaudible, ultrasonic sound waves. When a hand gesture is performed, the computer's microphone will then pick up the change in frequency relative to the motion and control the application accordingly.

While still in its infancy stages, the software is capable of identifying variations in speed, direction, proximity and size. SoundWave still needs a lot of work to become a marketable product, but the initial results are rather impressive.

SoundWave can be used to scroll up and down, flip pages through an e-book and even control rather rudimentary video games like Tetris. When a user walks away or sits down in front of their computer, SoundWave can respond by locking or unlocking their computer, saving wasted battery life and energy.

Even more impressive, the software doesn't require a sound-proof environment to work at full capacity. Because the software works on a higher frequency range, SoundWave is not affected by any outside noise. In fact, users can play music from their computer speakers while controlling a different application with their hand gestures. The technology can even work in a crowded, noisy restaurant.

To become a mainstream product, SoundWave must first evolve into a more robust technology. While scrolling through a Webpage using your hands is a novel idea, it's no more practical than pressing the down arrow on your keypad. Still, SoundWave's reliance on pre-installed hardware like speakers and microphones can provide Microsoft (News - Alert) with an inexpensive way to deliver motion control capabilities – if they perfect it.

Check out the video below for a more in-depth look at SoundWave.




Edited by Braden Becker
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