Microsoft Patents Muscle Based Controller

Microsoft was recently granted a patent for Electromyography (EMG) technology. EMG technology allows users to interact with devices such as smartphones, music players and consoles with body, or muscle, movement.

Patent images were uncovered by Engadget who suggests that Microsoft is planning to create a “Wearable Electromyography-Based Controller”, in the form of an armband — or by applying sensors to the users head, arms, chest or legs.

Microsoft Research has created a video which shows how the technology could be applied to gaming, specifically, Guitar Hero.

It would be interesting to see how this could work, and if it would work alongside the next-generation Xbox. Following that, however, would you like to walk around with sensors on your head to control devices? I’d rather us my hands and arms. An armband wouldn’t be too bad, depending on the size.