Home › News ›

Camera Phones Can Be Used As a 3D Mouse

Jan 21, 2008, 9:55 AM by Eric M. Zeman

New prototype software from researchers in the U.K. can allow camera phones to control computers like a mouse, but in three dimensions. The cell phone is connected to the PC via Bluetooth and the software lets users wave the handset around in front of the computer to control and interact with things on the screen. When the phone and PC are first connected the software aligns the phone's camera relative to the screen using a video feed, and the phone can then be used to control the computer. This includes three dimensional movements, such as zooming in and out, and rotating. The software also assigns functions to the phone's buttons. The researchers said it needs to go through more refinement before it becomes available to the public, and they envision such uses as using it to interact with public information stations.

NewScientistTech »

Related

Samsung Refreshes Galaxy S Series with S Pen, New Cameras

Feb 9, 2022
Samsung today announced its lineup of flagship phones for 2022: the Galaxy S22 series. The top-end S22 Ultra sees the biggest changes as it essentially absorbs Samsung's Note series with an integrated S Pen stylus and a more Note-like shape and design, instead of the Contour Cut design of the other models.

Samsung Refines its Foldable Phones

Aug 10, 2022
Samsung has announced its newest generation of foldable phones: the Galaxy Z Fold4 and Galaxy Z Flip4. Both have similar designs and features compared to their predecessors, with a slew of small updates and refinements across the board.

iPhone 14 Plus Offers a Big Screen For Less

Sep 7, 2022
Apple has revealed the iPhone 14 series, with new features, improved specs, and new size options. In place of a Mini option, the iPhone 14 will come in the same 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen size options as the Pro models.

Motorola's new Edge+ has Dual 50 Megapixel Rear Cameras and 60 on the Front

Feb 24, 2022
Motorola has announced its new flagship phone for 2022: the Motorola edge+ (2022). Its most unique specs are the camera resolutions: 50 megapixel for both the main camera and wide-angle camera; the selfie camera also clocks in at an unprecedented 60 megapixel.

iOS 16 Revamps the Lock Screen

Jun 6, 2022
Apple today announced iOS 16, the next version of its core software for iPhones. The new OS features a major revamp of the Lock Screen with new personalization, including font & color options, and widgets that are similar to complications on the Apple Watch.

Comments

This forum is closed.

This forum is closed.

mmcnier

Jan 22, 2008, 2:22 PM

Every heard of HID?

A variety of phones already have the HID profile built in. I can use my Sony Ericsson phone with my bluetooth dongle to act as my mouse. Kinda cool when I dont have time to run and buy batteries for my wireless mouse. When i use the phone, I can do all the same stuff I can with my mouse. Just use the dpad to direct where the pointer is going & soft keys/center button to do the clicking...

cradleyourfilth

Hmmm...the article states that you would wave your phone in front of the screen and use it that way. The one you use you say you use the navigation pad? Sounds much easier than moving your phone all over the screen.

azdurangoman

Jan 22, 2008, 7:44 AM

introducing...

the Wii fone! we can now slay the evil forces of telecommunications with the wave of the arm! my fone is a sword! a whip! kung foo! better have a built in hand strap on the fone now so it wont fly away when u get too excited.. lol

chucks

🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 ajjajajaajjajaja. good one

gldnhrtrblfst

Jan 21, 2008, 11:50 AM

Useless

Thats the first word that comes in mind to this technology. Why would i wanna wave my arm around like an idiot when i can just use the mouse right next to the computer.

nickwright

lmao

chainmail311

Jan 21, 2008, 12:22 PM

won't catch on

I heavily doubt this will every catch on to anyone that isn't a huge geek.

Not useless, but probably just won't ever happen unless it's automatically built into all phones.

And that probably won't happen.

Most people think Bluetooth is just an earpiece to the phone. Heaven forbid you try to explain it can do more.

Page 1 of 1