Apple patent application offers more evidence of projector plans
By Donald Melanson 
posted March 18th 2010 2:24PM
posted March 18th 2010 2:24PM
They're easily missed about the mass of Apple patent applications revealed each year, but the company has filed a few regarding projectors (pico projectors, specifically), and the latest one to be published has now offered a few more details on how they might all fit together. That application boasts the rather broad title of "projector system and methods," and basically describes a setup that would let various devices (including a laptop or phone) remotely interact with a projector, which could itself be built into a device like a phone. To do that, each device in question would be equipped with a sensor of some sort that would be able to receive data from the projector, and even allow you to do fairly advanced things like calibrate the projector remotely. The application further goes on to detail how the system could accommodate multiple clients -- letting folks overlay multiple images on a single presentation, for example -- and it would apparently be able to receive and broadcast audio between multiple clients as well. Does this mean you'll soon be able to control your pico projector-equipped iPhone from your sensor-equipped MacBook? Probably not, but it may not be quite as far fetched as some of Apple's other patent applications.
@pukerocket Thankfully we have you two great minds to explain it all. Where can we sign for your newsletters?
@southern78
The best advice I could give you would be just to not comment, you know, basically what ol' Uncle Abe told you all those years ago.
@pukerocket Ahh your self importance is legendary...
Maybe it's an interactive 3D projector?
@TekWarrior
Nope, read the claims.
This should be interesting....
Yey, Apple figured out how to patent shadow puppets. If you wave your iphone in front of a projector it will automatically charge $1 in royalties.
It looks remarkably like the setup you would need to view 3D video.
Does Apple have 3D in it's future? Only time will tell...
"method for breathing" Apple will SUE EVERYONE! D:
Yah, umm, they have stuff like this already... It's found anywhere from arcades to Playstation Eye applications. Oh, and I've seen a variety of "projected interface" technology showcases lately, which behave like a touchscreen... Guess those guys (who did it first) will have to bow to Apple (who obviously are taking credit for the idea)
Another example of how screwed up our Patent system is. Seriously, this is frivolous and so broad it's ridiculous. And yet, somehow, they'll get the Patent approved... Just watch.
@Vrmithrax
Yes, our patent system is screwed up. No, nobody else is using this specific methodoloogy for controlling a projector remotely or sharing it between multiple devices.
That doesn't mean nobody else can do it - it means that nobody else is using this specific methodology, and that is what Apple is trying to patent.
@Vrmithrax
Another classic example, what you describe is NOT what the patent claims state. And if you really think there is art out there that relates to the claims )"they have stuff like this already"), you are free to send that art into the USPTO, I'm sure they will appreciate the spot-on art that renders the final claims both obvious and not novel.
Further, of course the initial independent base claim is broad, thats how patent applications are drafted (by anyone, not just Apple). A patent attorney who drafts incredibly narrow claims/embodiments has a fool for a client (although certain exceptions of course exist if one wants to quickly patent a commercially successful embodiment).
Finally, one does not get a "patent approved," since by definition, a patent already HAS been "approved." I think what you MEANT to say, if you had a modicum of patent knowledge, is "they'll get the patent APPLICATION allowed [not approved]."
Who wants to bet there is a lawsuit about this if its approved in the next 10 years? :)
these patents are getting ridiculous. lets patent how to use a damn projector. the US patent system is as dumb as the country.
Given Apples pricing structure, I'd say a Apple Project would cost you about $4000-8000.