Microsoft's patent unveils technology that allows you to control your computer with your tongue

Picture a world in which your tongue manages not only the taste of an ice cream you adore but also controls your computer or smartphone. It seems like a scene from a science fiction movie. Microsoft is making this futuristic concept come to life with its latest patent.

They have been developing a remarkable technology that uses tongue movements to communicate with computing devices. This is not only about exploring the upcoming gaming stage or making your work-from-home arrangement more fascinating. It provides hope for people who struggle with conventional input methods due to physical restrictions.

Microsoft’s clever method involves applying inertial sensors that can catch motion signals made by our tongue. These picked-up signals are then sent into models for machine learning.

These models have been trained to identify particular gestures, be it a basic touch of the tongue on teeth or a more intricate movement, and convert them into commands for a computing device. Moreover, this technology is not restricted to just one kind of device. It can be combined with head-worn displays, earbuds, headphones, and even cochlear implants; thus, it becomes multipurpose and reachable.

But what is the process? It begins by training machine learning models to comprehend the special language of tongue movements. People carry out certain hand movements, and the system records the motion signals linked to these actions.

The models learn to distinguish various gestures through supervised learning and other methods like principal component analysis. The learning process is not solely focused on identifying a gesture by itself. It also involves comprehending the gesture and how it varies when performed by diverse people, making our system stronger and easier for users.

The possible uses for this technology are very wide and diverse. Think about managing your virtual reality world only by moving your tongue or giving silent orders to your smartphone without touching any button. It could change how we interact with our devices, making technology open to all in a new way.

Inertial sensors also make it possible to use this technology without invasive or bulky equipment. It is a discreet and effective solution that could be smoothly added to current devices. Additionally, with the help of machine learning, the system can keep getting better and more flexible in recognizing or understanding gestures more accurately as time progresses.

Microsoft’s patent on the inertial sensing of tongue gestures is an excellent technical advancement and a move toward a more inclusive and available technological future, one of the company’s main drives. Using machine learning and the adaptability of inertial sensors, this technology presents fresh opportunities for controlling devices without using hands.

Whether for playing games, aiding accessibility, or simply making it easier to interact with gadgets differently, the prospect of recognizing tongue movements holds real promise.

You can read the full paper here.