Facebook was recently granted a patent that aims to predict users’ emotions through their typing speed on mobile devices. The first goal is to adapt messages in response, but we suspect the end goal is the same as many other tech companies are striving for: data.
The patent covers the ability to add emotional information to text messages so that users can convey their mood and intended meaning. In other words, we might finally get that sarcasm font users have been waiting for. The system picks up data from whatever device is used, through the keyboard, mouse, touch pad, or touch screen. The machine learns users’ baseline typing speed and key pressure, and will adjust text font, size, spacing, and other formats to convey new emotions when that baseline changes.
This isn’t the first time Facebook has attempted to detect emotion for better content delivery. In August of 2015, they were granted a patent that allowed the tracking of users’ facial expressions through the device’s camera, even when the camera isn’t actively in use. Creepy, perhaps, but this type of technology is quickly becoming the norm.
Disney Files Patent Application for Humanoid Robot
Sometimes a costumed character just isn’t enough magic for the Magic Kingdom. That’s why Disney has sought to patent a humanoid robot, complete with soft, squishy “skin,” posable joints, and pressure sensors so that the robots will know when kids are trying to physically interact.
We suspect that human actors will continue to play the parts of Gaston, Cinderella, and Princess Jasmine, but the robot will be handy when kids want to meet Baymax from Big Hero 6. According to the images submitted with the patent application, it seems that’s exactly the wish Disney wants to make come true for fans in their parks.
Amazon Is Still On About Delivery Drones
Just this week, Amazon was granted a patent for an “aerial package delivery system,” or basically parachutes for packages dropped from drones. The ecommerce giant has been in the news several times for their determination to delivery via drone, but this latest patent sure makes it seem like they’re serious about it.
The patent covers all manner of parachute technology, including multiple parachute cords, the parachute itself, and a cover for the product being delivered. The cords even feature a shock absorber to protect the package when the parachute opens. All of this will be contained within the shipping label itself.
Looks like this one-time April Fools’ joke might actually become a reality. Now they just have to contend with those pesky air traffic control laws.
Obviously, it’s been an interesting week for the US Patent Office. If you’d like to learn how your patents can give you an unfair advantage over your competitors, give us a call. We’ll talk about the white space within your industry where innovation is needed, help you determine the value of that patents you already own, and even walk you through the process of obtaining intellectual property to bolster your company’s revenue.
