Facebook Wrist Device Aims to Permit Control of Virtual Objects

Facebook says it is developing a device that would permit users to use their hand to control virtual¹ objects.

The device, worn on the wrist, is designed to work with glasses to create an augmented² reality, or AR, experience. AR is a technology that uses glasses to project computer-created images onto a user's view of the real world.

Facebook recently described its device in a report on its website. The social media service said the technology would permit users to enter virtual worlds, where they could control different objects simply with finger movements.

The AR system is expected to "transform the way we connect with people near and far" in the future, Facebook said.

"Imagine being able to teleport anywhere in the world to have shared experiences with the people who matter most in your life -- no matter where they happen to be," said Andrew Bosworth. He is the head of Facebook's Reality Labs.

In the past, Facebook has mostly centered its AR development on improving gaming experiences. Now, it is aiming to expand the technology to be used in more everyday ways.

With this goal in mind, Facebook said one of the most important considerations was to find the right kind of device to control the AR glasses. It would have to be easy to use, wearable, always available and powerful enough to perform complex actions. The company decided³ a wristband would be the best choice.

The device will use a technology known as electromyography, or EMG, to translate complex hand movements. EMG measures electrical activity in muscles when they move.

Sensors⁴ will "translate electrical motor nerve signals that travel through the wrist to the hand into digital commands that you can use to control the functions of a device," Facebook said.

These signals -- which start in the brain and travel through the wrist -- are so clear that EMG can understand finger movements as small as one millimeter, the company said. It added that in the future, "it may even be possible to sense just the intention to move a finger."

Facebook shared pictures and video of experiments it carried out with a research model of the wristband. One video splits⁵ the view to show a virtual hand copying the movements of a real hand that is wearing the wristband. The hand appears to control a moving piece in a projected virtual world.

Another video shows a demonstration⁶ in which a person wearing the wristband uses fingers to type on a surface without the need for a keyboard. Facebook said this kind of virtual keyboard could actually learn an individual's way of typing and make changes to fit it.

Another use of the wristband could permit users to click on controls that only exist virtually. The goal is to create "computing⁷ experiences where the human is the absolute center of the entire experience," Facebook said.

Industry experts see Facebook's product plans as progress in the race among major technology companies to develop AR glasses. Companies including Google, Apple and Amazon have suggested such technology could someday replace smartphones.

Facebook said earlier that smart glasses would need to depend on devices like phones because of limitations on electric power and the heat produced during use. A wristband could help support those computing needs.

In September, Facebook said it was about five to 10 years away from being able to bring to market "true" AR glasses that would permit users to interact⁸ with shared virtual objects.

Words in This Story

virtual – adj. taking place online or through computers instead of happening physically⁹

project – v. to show an image of a wall or screen

transform – v. to change something completely, usually to improve it

teleport – v. to travel by an imaginary fast form or transportation using special technology or special powers

translate – v. to change words from one language into another language

function – n. the way in which something works or operates

intention – n. something a person plans to do

absolute – adj. very great or to the largest degree possible

interact – v. to communicate with or react to

1 virtual   

adj.实质上的，事实上的，实际上的

参考例句：

• This reply is a virtual acceptance of our offer.这一回答实质上是接受了我们的建议。
• At that time the East India Company was the virtual ruler of Bengal.那时东印度公司是孟加拉的实际统治者。

2 Augmented   

adj.增音的 动词augment的过去式和过去分词形式

参考例句：

• 'scientists won't be replaced," he claims, "but they will be augmented." 他宣称：“科学家不会被取代；相反，他们会被拓展。” 来自英汉非文学 - 科学史
• The impact of the report was augmented by its timing. 由于发表的时间选得好，这篇报导的影响更大了。

3 decided   

adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的

参考例句：

• This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
• There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。

4 sensors   

n.传感器，灵敏元件( sensor的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• There were more than 2000 sensors here. 这里装有两千多个灵敏元件。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Significant changes have been noted where sensors were exposed to trichloride. 当传感器暴露在三氯化物中时，有很大变化。 来自辞典例句

5 splits   

劈叉； 划分( split的名词复数 )； 分歧； 裂缝； 劈叉

参考例句：

• The river splits into three smaller streams at this point. 这条河在此处分成三条小河。
• Usually only a trained dancer can do the splits. 通常只有训练有素的舞蹈演员才会劈叉。

6 demonstration   

n.表明，示范，论证，示威

参考例句：

• His new book is a demonstration of his patriotism.他写的新书是他的爱国精神的证明。
• He gave a demonstration of the new technique then and there.他当场表演了这种新的操作方法。

7 computing   

n.计算

参考例句：

• to work in computing 从事信息处理
• Back in the dark ages of computing, in about 1980, they started a software company. 早在计算机尚未普及的时代（约1980年），他们就创办了软件公司。

8 interact   

vi.相互作用，相互影响，互通信息

参考例句：

• All things are interrelated and interact on each other.一切事物互相联系并相互作用。
• The policeman advised the criminal to interact with the police.警察劝罪犯与警方合作。

9 physically   

adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律

参考例句：

• He was out of sorts physically,as well as disordered mentally.他浑身不舒服，心绪也很乱。
• Every time I think about it I feel physically sick.一想起那件事我就感到极恶心。