This week, Samsung had its fourth Patent (U.S. Patent No. 10,803,389) publish in the Mental State sector of the AI Biotech/Diagnostic radian. In addition to its four patents, Samsung also has 2 pending applications in the sector. This most recent patent teaches a method that utilizes sensors within a user's mobile device to detect and monitor the user's mental state.
While the patent does not specify what the information will be used for, a user's mental state could have utilization in applications ranging from diet and nutrition, to mental health during the COVID pandemic. It is worth noting that while Samsung has numerous patents and applications specific to mental state detection, its main competitor, Apple, has none.
Apple's newest device, the iPhone 12 was released this past week. However, much like a charger, there is no sign that the phone comes with mental state detection. Samsung's next phone release is scheduled for Spring 2021. While rumors are beginning to spread about the phone's newest technology, to date there has been no mention of how or even if the device will use the technology in this patent. However, with Samsung and Apple being each other's biggest competitors, it should be no surprise if Samsung implements this technology into its newest device to gain a market edge over Apple.
If Samsung's newest device does implement the mental state detection technology, it is likely that Apple will quickly follow suit by either developing its own technology or acquiring a company such as Facense who already has a developed portfolio in the field. While the '389 patent does specifically claim use in mobile devices, it also mentions use in virtual reality applications, so only time will tell if the technology makes its way into our cellular phones.
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