WTF?! The dearth of context consciousness is without doubt one of the most vital weaknesses of latest AI implementations. A just lately filed patent from Microsoft proposes to resolve that downside with an array of sensors on a wearable system to create a extra clever private assistant.
Microsoft just lately filed a patent within the US describing an AI-powered digital assistant constructed right into a backpack. If the patent ever turns into a actuality, the system would try to resolve a number of issues at the moment dealing with AI assistants.
The backpack would use audio system, a digicam, GPS, and stress sensors embedded within the straps to sense the encompassing surroundings whereas receiving person instructions by a microphone. Microsoft means that the data may give the assistant a degree of environmental consciousness that related instruments in cellular gadgets and home-based audio system lack, serving to them higher perceive instructions and supply extra related responses.
For instance, the digicam may scan a poster promoting an occasion, and customers may ask the assistant to place the occasion’s date on their schedule. The patent additionally describes a state of affairs the place a buyer holds a banana in a grocery retailer whereas the assistant offers details about banana costs from close by sellers.
Microsoft selected the backpack kind issue to supply a wholly hands-free expertise. Cell gadgets already characteristic the patent’s basic performance however require customers to have a look at a display screen and use at the very least one hand. The corporate additionally compares the backpack’s capabilities to residence assistants like Apple’s Dwelling Pod, with the added benefit of out of doors usability.
Moreover, the backpack may carry a pc, pill, or different system that might sync with the assistant and lend further processing energy. It may additionally wirelessly hook up with cloud providers and different cellular techniques the wearer is utilizing.
The concept recollects earlier makes an attempt to make advanced digital techniques totally cellular and wearable utilizing backpacks. A number of years in the past, corporations like MSI, Zotac, and HP started producing related merchandise carrying VR-capable PCs. Zotac revealed its newest mannequin this week, suggesting the shape issue is commercially viable.
As at all times, that is only a patent. There are not any ensures Microsoft’s concept will ever grow to be out there. Nevertheless, it raises some fascinating questions concerning the prospect of a totally cellular, hands-free AI-based digital assistant that travels with us on a regular basis. Is a backpack the most effective kind issue for the job, or may a distinct wearable accomplish the identical aim?
