Imagine being able to control your computer or video game without needing to use a mouse or controller. Microsoft researchers have filed a patent for a muscle-based control scheme that does just that, and more — simple hand gestures could be used to do things like send commands to your MP3 player while jogging or open your car’s trunk remotely. The technology behind the system is called Electromyography, or EMG. Electrodes on the arms, legs, head, or chest can be used to track muscle movements keyed to specific actions or commands sent to a computer, video game system, vehicle, or other device to provide a “hands-free” control scheme.
