Skip to main content

Google considers laser projected virtual controls for Project Glass, because it’s not sci-fi enough already

Project Glass Virtual InputJust in case you didn’t think Project Glass was sci-fi enough, Google has come up with a virtual user interface which will be projected onto a surface using a laser. Engadget has unearthed a Google patent describing the technology, and it’s a wonderfully simple solution to the problem of how to control something attached to your face. Of course, when we say simple, we mean it as in simple to use and definitely not simple to design and execute.

Here’s how it could work: A miniature projector is mounted on the arm of Project Glass, which uses a laser to project a pattern on to a surface, be it your arm, hand or the table in front of you. A camera mounted alongside the projector, or on the other arm of the glasses, then maps where you touch and obeys the command. Google sees this being used not only for virtual keyboards, but for big, bold buttons relating to a certain function or service too. In the accompanying picture, Google provides an example of a virtual keypad being projected on to the user’s hand or arm.

In the patent, Google describes how the keyboard would be generated by a laser projector, while a second infrared beam would track the spots where the beam was broken to interpret which characters were being tapped out. Project Glass is currently controlled using a little touchpad on its side, but according to project leader Babak Parviz, the team has also tried out voice commands and head gestures. The virtual input patent could be linked with Google’s plans to eventually turn Project Glass into a fully-fledged smartphone, something which Parviz said his team was already working on.

The developer edition of Project Glass, known as the Explorer Edition, will soon be winging its way to the lucky few who purchased a pair for $1,500 at last year’s Google I/O event, but Project Glass isn’t expected to be made available to the public until 2014.

Topics
Andy Boxall
Senior Mobile Writer
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
LinkedIn adding word games so you can procrastinate at work
A LinkedIn mobile app store page displayed on a mobile device.

LinkedIn may exist to help professionals look for new job opportunities and network with others in the same field, but it could soon become the place for a bit of downtime, too.

Why? Because it's planning to introduce games to its platform.

Read more
Do iPhone 14 cases fit the iPhone 15? Sort of, but not quite
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro showing the screens.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro (left) and iPhone 15 Pro Max Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 series have identical display sizes, but there are slight variations in their total dimensions due to design changes. This has led to a common question of whether the cases designed for iPhone 14 would fit the iPhone 15 models. While the answer probably won't surprise you, it will likely disappoint you.

Read more
Nothing can stop the Oura Ring
A person holding the Oura Ring 3rd generation Horizon and Heritage model.

Oura Ring Heritage (left) and Oura Ring Horizon Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

If there is one product category that's experiencing a big boon right now, it’s the smart ring. The first smart ring to hit the market and really take off was the Oura Ring. The current Oura Ring Gen 3 has been available since late 2021, and it's quickly become the default smart ring of choice.

Read more