Would you like to see the future of technology? You can. When patents (and patent applications) are published, the public is given an opportunity to see the latest ideas that are currently in development. While many patents are not based on actual products, some are. This is why futurists study the databases of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): to learn more about the technology that will one day shape our lives. Here are some of the patents (and patent applications) that were published in 2018, and that offer a glimpse into what our world will look like in the near future.

  • Physical and Emotional Analysis (U.S. Patent 10,096,319)

Today when you speak to your virtual assistant (such as Echo and Alexa), a computer listens to your instructions and commands and responds accordingly. But what if the virtual assistant had the ability to evaluate your physical or emotional well-being? Amazon is working on the technology to make this happen. According to an Amazon patent, it is possible to design a virtual assistant that can listen to your voice and evaluate your well-being. Cough while speaking to your virtual assistant, and you may be offered one-hour delivery of cough drops or a recipe for chicken soup. Speak with a tone of voice that indicates you are bored, and the technology may suggest that you be entertained with a movie.

  •  Junk Call Filter (U.S. Application 2018/0295140)