Microsoft patent for contactless zoom in/out

Microsoft has recently filed a patent titled ‘Changing between display device viewing modes’. This image display system will have the ability to change the zoom level of the displayed content of smartphone’s screen according to the distance between the user and the phone.

The company is working on a technology where it won’t be necessary to use fingers to make such gestures anymore. All you have to is simply move your smartphone back and forth.The technology will turn out to be quite handy for viewing maps, photos and documents with many details. It is possible either via motion sensor or a depth sensing camera embedded in a device.Using this display technology will lead the interaction with mobile devices upto a whole new level.

The abstract presented by Microsoft is as follows:

“Embodiments that relate facilitating the viewing of images on a mobile device are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a mobile device including a display screen and an image display system configured to selectively switch between a first viewing mode in which an image comprising a first amount of visual information is displayed at a first apparent distance from the display screen and a second viewing mode in which an image comprising a second, different amount of visual information is displayed at a second apparent distance from the display screen. The mobile device further includes a controller in communication with the image display system, wherein the controller is configured to switch between the first viewing mode and the second viewing mode.”

There are rumours of using this contactless zoom in/out technology with Microsoft flagship Mclaren. It is a 3D Touch technology, which would allow users to control devices in a Kinect-like fashion – with gestures and without touching its touchscreen display at all. As time unfolds, we will be updated with the utility of this patent.

 

Microsoft patent for contactless zoom in/out

Microsoft patent filing reveals smartwatch plans

With last year’s rumours suggesting that Microsoft’s Surface team was working on a prototype smartwatch, Microsoft’s recent smartwatch patent should confirm to investors that Nadella is not letting Windows get stuck on the realms of computers and smartphones.

The patent outlines that the smartwatch would also double as a fitness tracker whilst featuring music playback, phone and messaging functionality. The photos show that the watch face is designed to be “releaseably secured” and detach from the wristband. “This enables the user to conveniently remove the frame and band from the information device after exercise to wash the frame and band and to store the information device, band attached or not, in a dock which can facilitate charging and possibly data transfer while the information device is not in use,” the patent reads. The design will also allow the device be docked in exercise machines and equipment, becoming a personal fitness recorder.

Focusing on fitness, the device will include an optical light sensor on the bottom of the watch, making contact with the user’s skin in order to measure various exercise-related metrics such as heart rate. It is also suggested that the watch will feature GPS which will allowing tracking of the user’s position and route.

A removable electronic band will come in a red,black,yellow and blue colour. It is also thought to be made of oxynitride aluminium, a translucent form of the metal and will run a version of Windows 8.

 Microsoft will hold an event in New York City on May 20, allegedly to launch the long-rumored Surface Mini, as well as other products. There’s no indication, but a strong possibility of new Microsoft smartwatch appearance at the event. Anyone looking forward to a smartwatch from Microsoft?

 

 

 

 

Microsoft patent filing reveals smartwatch plans