In an age where technology continues to connect us in increasingly intimate and integrated ways, inconvenience still remains a significant stumbling block. Specifically, the one surrounding wearable technologies such as smart glasses. In an environment where we are increasingly conversing with devices rather than merely using them, the question of when a device is in use versus, when it is not, remains a substantial issue. Meta Platforms Technology, in their recently published patent numbered US20230324984A1, aims to tackle this challenge head-on.
This confusion of devices being used or not has brought about several issues for users and manufacturers alike. The smart glasses could stay active while not being used, draining battery significantly, and may cause unnecessary notifications disturbing the user's routine. Moreover, it could lead to wear and tear of the device too early due to being in constant use.
Meta's patent offers a simple yet efficient solution. The patent revolves around adaptive sensors integrated into the glasses' frame that can sense touch, assess movement, and even process information. These sensors should tell whether a device is being used or not. When the user picks up the device from the table showing an intent to use, a signal sets the device into ready state from sleep state - like waking it up from a deep slumber.
This invention, if brought into our world, would make our interaction with smart glasses as natural and effortless as putting on a pair of traditional spectacles. One could imagine a world where there are less device-related interruptions. These glasses could be used in situations varying from someone walking their dog and taking calls without the need to awaken their glasses, to a student in a lecture hall taking notes without having their device draining its battery.
PS: It is crucial to note, this technology, despite sounding promising, is only a patent for now. There is no surety it will materialize into an accessible market product. Patents represent a concept, an idea for the future. Therefore, while very promising and intriguing, the existence of the patent does not guarantee its presence on the shelf of your local electronics store any time soon.