At the recent VRLA Expo 2017 in Los Angeles, a group of Samsung employees introduced one of the latest products, which is an experimental, hands-free VR interface that is called FaceSense. FaceSense is a product from one of Samsung’s startup business development group, Creative Lab (C-Lab). The product is a new approach to VR navigation that tracks movement on the user’s face.
Almost six months ago, Samsung filed a patent application which detailed a Gear VR headset with extended tracking capabilities. It detailed how the headset would not only track its own position but also the movements of the user’s eyes as well as their facial expressions. This C-Lab’s development fits the bill exactly.
FaceSense recognises changes in facial expression and translates these biometric signals into inputs for navigation, allowing users to manoeuver through VR worlds with what are intended to be intuitive movements and simple voice commands.
The prototype show-cased at the exhibition, was designed for Samsung’s Gear VR headset, and may one day lead to the development of further biometric technologies that allow more individuals, including those with various usage impediments, to enjoy immersive VR experiences.
Samsung C-Lab’s Face Sense tracks the user’s eyes and expressions
