PatentApplication
Latest
Nokia dreams up four-way folding Communicator
Not that Nokia's current Communicator is in need of a major refacing or anything, but we're always up for some innovation. A recent patent application from the outfit showcases a completely bizarre four-way folding Communicator, chock full of hinges, keys and pixels. In fact, the verbiage spells out a future device consisting of "at least four device parts," leaving open the option for a handset that miraculously unfolds to completely envelope you in a glass case of emotion. Hit the read link for the full dream spilled out in entirely too much detail.[Via Cellpassion]
Sony patent app details motion sensing break-apart controller
We heard some pretty far-fetched stuff back in June to the tune of a break-apart DualShock 3, and lo and behold, it seems that someone at Sony Computer Entertainment America is taking the idea quite seriously. A recent patent application was filed by the company, and it fairly clearly lays out the very kind of design we'd (not really) been expecting. In essence, the gamepad would consist of two pieces, each of which would utilize an "ultrasonic tracking system" for some type of game console / peripheral to recognize 3D inputs. Best of all, the approach here sounds significantly different enough from what's used in the Wiimote that Sony could avoid months upon months of litigation -- imagine that, right? It's hard to say whether this stroke of genius will ever amount to anything, but at least there's a chance, however minuscule.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Apple patent application reveals grandiose RF module plans
As should be clear by now, patent application land is quite a bit different than actual product land, but that's never stopped companies from devising their share of ambitious ideas and, in the case of Apple, perhaps more than its share. Its latest describes an all-encompassing "personal area network" that would make use of RF modules in everything to communicate with each other and connect to the internet. That would include devices with both short range (WiFi and Bluetooth) and long range (GSM, EDGE, etc) communications capabilities, as well as devices with just short range modules, which would be able to communicate with and identify themselves to any other modules around and, potentially, piggyback their way onto the internet. Ambitious, to be sure, but we think Apple may have to come up with a catchier t-shirt slogan if they really want to sell it.[Via Unwired View]
Apple patent application hints at iTunes broadcasting service
Before you get all excited, we must remember that more often than not, Apple patent applications never amount to anything. That being said, this one is certainly within the realm of feasibility. A recent app dug up over at MacNN details an iTunes TV broadcast service that would theoretically beam out content to your iPod or iPhone via an adapter. The somewhat vague verbiage also mentions a "tagging" system of sorts, possibly one that could fetch content based on what you enjoy. In all honesty, we can't say we'd be champing at the bit to have some gaudy dongle hanging from our dock connector just to catch up on TV -- after all, there are far superior TV-friendly products out there than those from Cupertino -- but we can't deny that it would probably be a hit. Stay tuned, this one could get interesting.
Motorola patent application reveals cellphone / HMD combo craziness
It looks like Motorola isn't about to let Apple have the goofy, non-existent product spotlight to itself, with a recent patent application of its revealing some plans of its own for a head-mounted display. As you can see above, however, this one is no ordinary HMD, with it also able to be folded up into an apparently over-sized cellphone for times when you want to look slightly less conspicuous. Of course, the chances of such a product actually making it off the drawing board are pretty slim (thankfully), and no doubt even less likely given the recent cuts to Motorola's research division.
Nokia has a laugh with cylindrical cellphone patent application
You kvetch enough about that ultrathin candybar taking up too much room in those über-tight Emo-style jeans -- we know you'd throw a fit if you had to tote around a mobile akin to a rolling pin. Nevertheless, that's not stopping Nokia's wildly imaginative R&D team from throwing out a patent app for a cylindrical cellphone. Granted, we are digging the movable materials and the potential for a fairly wide display, but unless we get some sort of spray can holster from The Home Depot, how else are we supposed to carry this thing without embarrassing ourselves?
Patent pair: SE puts radar in mobiles, Nokia plays with new designs
We came across a pair of phone patents today so patently palatable that we couldn't help but dish 'em out together. First up is Sony Ericsson's bright idea to shove radar in cellphones. According to the application, the built-in technology could work hand-in-hand with the GPS module and camera to obtain a position, calculate distance to target, determine position / speed of said target using Doppler analysis and present the finalized information to the owner. Over on Nokia's side, the firm has apparently been working on a number of new designs and UI tweaks, even going so far as to draw up a handset with an integrated kickstand. Check out the links below if you're hungry for more where this came from. Read - Sony Ericsson patent application Read - Nokia patent application
Philips patent application details gadget-charging handbag
Bags that charge your gadgets aren't exactly a new concept, but that apparently hasn't stopped Philips from trying to patent the idea, as evidenced by its recently-revealed application for a so-called "Smart Handbag." This bag is somewhat unique, however, in that it has separate compartments for your various gizmos, each of which contain their own electric conductive circuit that's used to top off the devices as needed (the bag itself is apparently charged simply by plugging the strap into a power outlet). As if that wasn't enough, the other end of the strap would apparently be outfitted with a USB connector, which'd let you plug the bag into your computer and instantly have access to all the devices contained within it. Of course, that's assuming computers still have USB ports whenever this thing actually makes it off the drawing board.[Via Unwired View]
Sony Ericsson patent applications reveal wireless digital camera plans
It looks like your future digital camera could have considerably more wireless options than built-in WiFi or an Eye-Fi card, at least if Sony Ericsson has its way. As Unwired View reports, the company has filed a number patent applications that detail its plans to add various wireless connectivity options to digital cameras, including GSM, CDMA, and WiMAX, in addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. That would apparently come both in the form of wireless cards built into the cameras themselves, and in the form of wireless adapters or docks that would attach to the camera, with some dedicated flash memory also thrown in for storing settings for Flickr and the like. Of course, there's no indication as to when we can expect to see such cameras and, as Unwired View points out, the idea itself may not be the most patentable, but you can sign us up for any connectivity option that doesn't involve a tangled mess of cords in our gadget bag.
Microsoft patent application shows off wearable mouse concept
Wearable mice aren't exactly a new idea, but it seems that Microsoft thinks it can do things one better, with a recent patent application revealing its plans for a desk-defying device of its own. As you can see above, this one is designed to be worn even while your typing on a keyboard, with the cursor movement able to be switched on an off with a simple hand gesture. That pointing itself is handled by some gyroscopic sensors, with an accelerometer and a magnetometer apparently also employed for further gesture and position sensing. Needless to say, there's no indication of it becoming an actual product anytime soon but, unlike some of Microsoft's other patent applications, this one seems like it could well find its way off the drawing board sooner rather than later.[Via istartedsomething]
Apple patent apps reveal plans for iPhone as "lifestyle companion"
While it doesn't exactly come as much of a surprise, it seems that Apple has plenty more goodies in mind for the iPhone (and, presumably, the iPod touch), with a recent batch of no less than six patent applications revealing some of its plans to turn the device into what it describes as a "lifestyle companion." In this case, that rather vague term refers to what is effectively an upgrade to the Nike+iPod system, with the iPhone's accelerometer and other built-in capabilities also coming into play in addition to the usual external sensors. It doesn't stop with workouts, however, with the patent applications also indicating plans for a diet coach of sorts, which could even make use of the iPhone's camera to scan bar codes on products. Those components would also of course all work together, with the system able to suggest workouts based on your diet and physical condition and vice versa. Of course, these being patent applications, there's no indication as to when we might actually see such a system, but it sure seems a good deal more likely than some of Apple's other ideas.
Apple patent application hints at iPhone flip phone
You'll have to take this one with the usual patent application caveats but, as Unwired View reports, one of Apple's recent filings seems to indicate that it has at least considered the possibility of an iPhone flip phone of sorts, among other dual-screen possibilities. The application itself is for what's described as a "dual sided trackpad," which would be translucent and boast touch sensitive panels on each side, allowing it to be used both when it's opened or when it's covering the main display. In the case of the iPhone, that would seem to offer yet another option for the oft-discussed iPhone nano, but the patent application doesn't stop there, with it also offering up possibilities for laptops and tablets based around the technology. In the former case, the touchpad would open up a small window on the main display, allowing it to work like a SideShow display, while the tablet would boast a touchscreen encompassing the entire display. Needless to say, we wouldn't recommend getting your hopes up for any of that just yet but, if you want to whet your appetite a bit further, you can get a rough idea of what they might look like by hitting up the read link below.
Apple patent looks towards DVRs with portability
Hot on the heels of that Apple TV patent which included broadcast viewing functions, we're getting a peek at a new application which suggests a possible DVR future for the folks from Cupertino. The concept breaks from standard TiVo-like solutions by making extensive use of a handheld component, which would be used to program and control the recordings, and could periodically download batches of shows for iPod-esque portability. On the set-top side, the box would function largely the way most DVRs do now, though Apple seems to be interested in infusing the process with its typical gloss, and part of the application is concerned with the possibility of gesture-based control for the unit (no surprise there). Of course, this isn't the freshest patent filing in the world, and it's possible Steve has already moved on to a more intuitive, telepathically controlled system by now.[Via AppleInsider]
Sony Ericsson files patent on haptic gaming device, doesn't call it PSPhone
It's nice to know that Sony Ericsson is plugging away on making our crazy, dare-to-dream fantasies a reality. The latest proof that someone up there (and by up there, we mean Japan) likes us comes in the form of a new patent for a touchscreen handheld that forgoes physical buttons for a haptic-feedback scheme. The design mandates that the phone / game device would be free of the pesky clutter of regular buttons, and would instead by configurable to any number of forms (PSP, phone, MP3 player, digital camera) by arrangement of on-screen controls. The device would vibrate in accordance with button-presses, though it's unclear whether this will just be a standard vibration, or a more advanced, location-specific feedback system. Even with a little buzz, we're not quite sure you can replicate the feeling real gaming controls provide -- and that could seriously interfere with our typical success in games.[Via Unwired View]
Samsung files a gaming phone patent... again
If we didn't know better, we'd say Samsung really wants to develop some type of hybrid gaming / phone device. One need only look back on the plethora of patent applications from the electronics-maker to realize that something game-related is going on over at HQ. Whatever the case may be, the Korean company has applied for another iteration of device, this time taking a more modular approach to the layout of buttons and screen. In this new configuration, a RAZR-like clamshell would actually house a swiveling screen which allows the unit to flip open, thus placing the display squarely between two "wings." The resulting arrangement would be a symmetrical device that would encourage a more familiar hand position for gamers. Of course, like those other designs, these are just images on paper -- though it does spark the imagination considerably.[Via Unwired View]
Nintendo files Wii accessory patent for everything, includes the kitchen sink
Some folks in the UK happened upon a set of British patents submitted by Nintendo recently for a whole slew of crazy Wiimote accessories, and you might be surprised to know what the company wants dibs on. Included in this large collection of sometimes bizarre add-ons is a Wiimote-cradling teddy bear, skateboard, helmet (with goggles), golf club, baseball bat, and of course... a bicycle. We're not sure what the big N was thinking when they assembled this list -- perhaps they just wanted to cover all the bases as those filing patents are wont to do. However, we suggest they scramble for these gems that have been unfairly left off: Wii-chocolate bar, Wii-sofa, Wii-Terminator, and of course, the Wii-Wii -- a larger Wiimote which the regular Wiimote gets slotted into.[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy and The Register]
Microsoft patent app reveals plans for monitoring group activities
We already knew that Microsoft had some mind reading technology (of sorts) in the works, but it looks like it isn't stopping there, with a recent patent application revealing some of the company's plans for "monitoring group activities." To do that, Microsoft envisions a rather elaborate monitoring system that'd consist of an array of "physiological or environmental sensors." Those would be used to monitor heart rate, galvanic skin response, brain signals, respiration rate, body temperature, facial expressions, and blood pressure, to name just a few personal details most folks would likely rather keep to themselves. That'll supposedly let the system detect when users need assistance with specific activities, and in turn offer them help or assign the task to someone else. But that's not all. As The Register points out, the patent application also makes it quite clear that the information would be stored away for future use, which would apparently allow for problems to be more easily identified and, you guessed it, allow for users' performance to be more readily compared with others.[Via The Register]
Apple patent app details automatic iPod volume lowering
Apple's already given self-controlling individuals the option to limit their iPod's maximum volume level, but if a newly surfaced patent application is any indication of the future, your next PMP from the Cupertino powerhouse could actually tone things down for you. Reportedly, the app explains that software could eventually keep track of how long -- and at what volume level -- you've been listening, and if it determines that you could be damaging your ears, the volume could be automatically adjusted down for your own safety. Granted, there's no way to definitively tell whether Apple will or won't implement such a change, nor if owners will be allowed to disable the feature, but really, who could argue with software retarding the rate at which you go deaf?[Image courtesy of Apple]
Nokia envisions another handheld gaming device / handset hybrid
Apparently, Nokia just hasn't swallowed the fact that the world doesn't seem ready (or interested, whatever the case may be) in a handheld gaming system / cellphone hybrid. 'Course, with all that PSP phone chatter going on, we guess the times could be a-changin', and Nokia definitely doesn't want to miss its shot at redemption. A fresh patent application from the outfit details a handheld device that acts as a phone, multimedia player and gaming machine, but rather than forcing users to feel as if they're handling an NES controller, this concoction provides two wings that slip down for added comfort. Whether or not this thing would double as an acceptable boomerang remains to be seen. [Via UnwiredView]
Sony Ericsson cameraphones could support gesture control
Generally speaking, the cameras that come built in to today's mobiles are less than astounding, but a recent Sony Ericsson patent application could make 'em a bit more worthwhile. The patent describes a scenario where a user could input commands by simply gesturing in front of the lens, and the phone would then be able to decode certain actions and react accordingly. Apparently, one could answer a phone (in handsfree fashion, of course) from across the room with just a flick of the wrist, and tracks streaming over Bluetooth could be controlled by waving your hands like you just don't care. Granted, users would still have to be where the handset could see them, but aside from that, the idea's not too shabby.[Via UnwiredView]
