Shwetak Patel, a 29-year-old computer scientist who has invented a series of sensor technology systems for home environments with the goal of saving energy and improving daily life through a broad range of applications, is a recipient of one of the most prestigious awards in America, the MacArthur Genius Fellow.
University of Washington researchers said some smartphones are starting to incorporate 3-D gesture sensing based on cameras, but cameras consume significant battery power and require a clear view of the user's hands.