Apple has filed a patent for its latest innovation: lip-reading technology for AirPods. The technology uses sensors like those used in Face ID to detect subtle movements of the user’s lips and process what they want, even without a spoken request.
The idea is to use self-mixing interferometry to recognize more nuanced gestures, such as nodding or shaking one’s head, smiling, or whispering commands. This technology can detect small movements, like skin deformations and muscle vibrations, which would allow the AirPods to respond without needing audio input from the user.
In this patent, Apple outlines a way to use a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) in the frame of the device to detect jaw and cheek movements. The sensor could be used in both over-ear and in-ear designs, including AirPods that go inside the ear.
This technology offers two main benefits: silent commands and authentication. Silent commands would allow users to communicate with their AirPods without being heard, while authentication would enable more secure interactions by detecting a user’s unique movements.
The current limitations of voice recognition and button-based interaction could be overcome with this technology. By analyzing skin vibrations and jaw movements, the AirPods could conclude whether it was the owner speaking or not. This would open up new possibilities for users to interact with their devices without relying on audio input.
While there is no mention of a specific “shark-friendly” version of the technology, the potential applications are vast and exciting.
Source: https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/06/03/future-airpods-could-get-lasers-to-read-the-wearers-lips-process-requests