A gaze-assisted object recognition technology patent by Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) has been published. The patent was filed back in May 2012 but it has only recently been published. Isaac S. Noble and Kenneth M. Karakotsios were the inventors credited with the patent.
Amazon’s gaze-assisted object recognition technology relies on cameras in devices such as smartphones or smart glasses, even though the latter have so far proven a failure. The work of the camera in this instance is to pinpoint the object of interest after determining the direction of one’s gaze.
“The computing device can determine the gaze direction of the user, such as by capturing and analyzing images of the user’s head, face, and/or eyes,” reads part of the patent filing.
Transformative technology
The technology that Amazon has patented could be transformative in the sense that it could change the way human beings interact with devices. For instance, one can control connected devices by just glancing at them and issuing a command.
Other possibilities presented by the technology include providing information on objects and other human beings the user glances at. One could, for instance, glance at a book and information such as purchasing options, pricing, related books, description and the author gets to show up on the screen of the device.
Gaze-assisted commands
With gaze-assisted object recognition, it would also be possible to look at a connected device such as a television set, thermostat or lights and issue a command to switch them on. In the case of a television set, the technology could also allow one to change channels or configure the volume with a movement or a gesture.
The technology would also assist in social settings in that they can be configured to help in face recognition and output information on a given individual. In a workplace or a large gathering where it is hard to keep track of names and roles, this technology could be of great help.
Though not all patented technologies eventually become a reality, they are useful in signaling the thinking of a company and the direction it is intending to go.
In Tuesday’s trading session, shares of Amazon.com Inc fell by 0.02 percent to close the day at $836.39.
