Google has received clearance from the FCC in the US to test a new radar-based motion sensing system. Known as Project Soli, the technology could be used to develop gesture-based control of smartphones and other devices.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said in an order that it would grant Google a waiver to operate the Soli sensors at higher power levels than currently allowed in the 57-64 GHz band, Reuters reports. The exemption is based on the expected benefit to the public interest from developing the technology. The FCC said the Soli sensor captures motion in a three-dimensional space using a radar beam to enable touchless control of functions or features that can benefit users with mobility or speech impairments.
Google said in documents filed with the FCC that the effort emerged from work at its Advanced Technology and Projects group, which focuses on mobile technologies. The sensor can allow users to press an invisible button between the thumb and index fingers or a virtual dial that turns by rubbing a thumb against the index finger. In a video on its website, Google said a user could operate a smart watch, scroll through music or adjust the volume by simply motioning using the system.
Google added that the radar signal could penetrate fabrics, enabling controls that could work in a pocket or a backpack. Even though the controls are virtual, the interactions feel physical and responsive, the company noted, as feedback is generated by the haptic sensation of fingers touching.
Google filed in March for FCC clearance to use the 57-64 GHz frequency band for testing, a range already approved by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute. Facebook raised concerns with the FCC that the Soli sensors operating in the spectrum band at higher power levels might have issues coexisting with other services. After talks with Facebook, Google agreed to reduce slightly the power levels from its original proposal.
