Meta Aims to Lead the Post-Smartphone Era
Patents for AI Glasses Registered with the US Patent Office
Enjoy Virtual Reality Without Limits and Improve Eating Habits
Meta is actively expanding its artificial intelligence (AI) glasses into the sports and biohealth sectors, taking on the challenge of becoming the next-generation technology platform. The company has revealed its ambition to develop a platform that surpasses smartphones, incorporating features such as voice translation, music playback, phone calls, and the application of augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies.
According to the AI patent search service 'Keywert' on October 29, Meta recently filed a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for technology that allows users to enjoy golf and baseball in a virtual world by wearing AI glasses. Last month, Meta launched its AI glasses, the Meta Ray-Ban Display, in the U.S. market, selling them together with a wrist-worn 'neural band' at a price of 799 dollars.
According to a U.S. patent (US 12299196) registered in May, Meta is developing technology that uses a wearable device worn on the wrist to precisely track the movements of the user's hands and arms and reflect them in virtual reality. By applying this technology, users can enjoy baseball in virtual reality without actually holding a baseball or bat.
Sensors mounted on wearable devices such as the wrist-worn neural band or smartwatches recognize the force of the arm and the direction of the wrist, even detecting the action of throwing a curveball. Similarly, golf can be enjoyed in virtual reality without a golf club or ball, regardless of time or place.
According to the patent description, the technology utilizes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that measures the speed, direction, and acceleration of moving objects, as well as a neuromuscular signal sensor that measures the electrical signals of muscles, to precisely detect the movements of the user's arms, wrists, and hands in real time. For example, a fast swing of the arm results in a powerful hit, and twisting the wrist adds spin. These technologies allow users' real-life throwing or swinging motions to be replicated in the virtual environment.
Last month, Meta unveiled its new artificial intelligence (AI) glasses, the Meta Ray-Ban Display, and a wrist-worn neural band. Provided by Meta
Meta is also developing technology that uses smart glasses to calculate the calories in food being consumed and even measure the degree of chewing to help improve eating habits. This technology (US 12216962), registered as a U.S. patent in February, focuses on the AI image analysis capabilities of smart glasses. The camera identifies the type of food, and estimates the quantity based on the depth and size information in the image. It then calculates calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
On one side of the smart glasses display, a graph shows both the recommended daily calorie intake and the calories consumed from food. This technology can be used by those on a diet as well as diabetes and hypertension patients who need to control their diet. Notably, the smart glasses can even detect chewing motions to inform users whether they have chewed their food sufficiently before swallowing.
Meta is actively pursuing mergers and acquisitions of companies in various fields to realize its wearable technology ambitions. Back in 2019, Meta acquired New York-based startup CTRL-labs, which developed a wristband that converts movement and neural stimulation into digital input signals. CTRL-labs has been developing technology that measures neural neuron activity, enabling people to move digital objects on a screen simply by thinking, without physical action. In addition, to strengthen its AI glasses business, Meta acquired a 3% stake in EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of sunglasses brands Ray-Ban and Oakley, for approximately 3.5 billion dollars (about 5 trillion won) in July.
The latest AI glasses released by Meta feature a high-resolution display integrated into the side of the lens, representing an upgrade over previous models. Saying "Hey Meta" activates the AI assistant, which performs functions such as real-time translation, sending messages, and taking photos. The weight has been reduced to 69 grams, making them comfortable for extended wear, and a single charge provides up to six hours of use. The product is scheduled to launch in Canada, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom early next year, with release plans for Korea yet to be determined.
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