Patently Apple

Apple introduces a new Image-Based Authentication System for Unlocking Macs and iDevices

On February 7, 2013, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple titled "Image-Based Authentication." The inventor noted on the patent application is Apple's Quality Assurance Manager for Apple TV, Ethan Lowry. Apple's invention generally relates to authenticating a user of a computing device by displaying one or more images to the user and receiving input that identifies object(s) depicted in the one or more images. Apple currently has a number of next generation authentication systems in the wings. One similar to today's invention was published in September 2012 regarding Facial Recognition. A second involves a two-step slide-to-unlock process and a third that is most promising involves a straight forward fingerprint scanning process associated with today's slide-to-unlock process. Today's invention while interesting, is a little complicated in contrast to Apple's one step fingerprint scanner. Yet until Apple actually introduces their next generation authentication system, we can't rule out any of their future approaches. 

Patent Lint: Apple Thinks Collaboration, Telecom & Cameras

The US Patent and Trademark Office published twenty of Apple's patent applications today and we highlighted four of them in-depth throughout the day. However, there were nine other patent applications that were published today along with seven continuation filings. In today's Patent Lint report we provide you with the links to each of the remaining patent filings that we didn't highlight, just in case there's something that may be of interest to you. Today's Patent Lint report covers such matters as collaboration on virtual works of art, adaptive auto exposure for cameras, telecommunications and more.  

Apple Reveals New Machinery for Creating Liquidmetal Forms

On January 31, 2013, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals new method for fabricating a sheet of metallic glass matrix composite. Metallic glass is a form of liquidmetal. In order to make cool products with this exotic material one must first invent equipment that could properly processes and control it. Today's patent relates to sheet casting of metallic glasses, and more particularly to twin roll sheet casting of bulk metallic glasses and composites in an inert environment. If you don't think that this is about liquidmetal, the conclusion of our report will make it crystal clear.

Apple Thinks Outside the Box with Cash Dispensing Network

On January 31, 2013, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals that out of the box thinking is still alive and well at Apple. In a way, Apple's latest invention could be considered one of many apps associated with a future master iWallet App. Under today's Passbook App we see a series of services within it such as handling gift cards, coupons, passes and tickets. Apple's iWallet App will likewise carry a number of sub categories for credit, debit and a new one related to a proposed ad-hoc cash dispensing network using iTunes and Maps. Apple states that there are times when you just need cash and with no ATM's in sight their new network will be able to bring a cash requester together with a cash provider using a new App that make the processes somewhat painless. If you love nightlife, this could very well come in handy. But it's not for everyone, that's for sure.

Apple Reveals Enhanced Audio System for Their Future HDTV

Apple's late CEO Steve Jobs told Biographer Walter Isaacson that he'd "like to create an integrated television set that is completely easy to use. It will have the simplest user interface you could imagine. I finally cracked it." In that very same timeline, Apple's engineers were working on his dream TV and in a patent application published this morning, we get a tiny glimpse of the enhanced audio system that may be accompanying this future HDTV. The system will also intelligently integrate surround sound-like quality for video conferencing for the home or work. Apple's TV will also be able to work with FaceTime and create a unique audio experience whereby the voices from multiple participants will be heard in the exact direction that they're positioned on the screen. While it's not the Killer HDTV patent we're all still waiting for, it's the next best thing. Today we could safely say that Apple's Killer HDTV is real, at least on paper.

Apple Reveals Cool Depth Perception System with a Unique Laser Projection Keyboard Feature for iDevices

On January 31, 2013, the US Patent & Trademark Office published twenty patent applications from Apple and the most intriguing of all relates to their invention concerning a new depth perception system. While Apple has worked on "presence detection systems" before relating to MacBooks and iDevices, this new system goes beyond mere detection. For instance, in one application, Apple describes the new system integrated into an iPad that would be able to project a laser based keyboard onto a table. That would definitely be considered a wow-feature that could excite consumers. Of course, that's if they actually get it to market before the completion steals their idea, which is highly likely.

Patent Lint: Apple Tweaks a 2011 Shoe Sensor Granted Patent

The US Patent office published a number of Apple's patent applications today and we covered two of the more interesting ones earlier this morning which covered future Smart Camera features and a patent that Apple acquired from Priceline.com. Yet there were a number of other patent applications that were published today and in this report we provide you with the links to each of them just in case there's something that may be of interest to you. The most notable patent application within this group is one relating to a shoe sensor. If truth be told, Apple was granted this patent way back in 2011. Apple may be slightly tweaking their patent, but it's definitely not new as some would have you believe. Apple's shoe sensor invention relates to a sporting shoe wear-out system that Apple has yet to bring to market that would warn athletes when their running shoe, ski boot and/or soccer cleats were no longer properly supporting their foot so as to avoid injury. The remainder of today's Patent Lint report covers such matters as security, virtual GPUs, telecommunications and much more.  

Apple Acquires a Strange Periodical Subscription Patent from Priceline's Cofounder Jay S. Walker

On January 24, 2013, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a strange patent application from Apple that was apparently acquired from Priceline's Cofounder Jay S. Walker. Today's patent application 20130024281 titled "Method and Apparatus for Selling Subscriptions to Periodicals in a Retail Environment," is in fact a patent that was first granted to Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership back in 1999. Priceline's Cofounder Jay S. Walker is from Ridgefield, CT, which is confirmed on Apple's patent application. It's also on record that Walker sued Apple back in 2011 and it's very likely that Apple's settlement with Walker may have included Apple gaining today's patent application. The world has changed since 1999 and Apple is selling subscriptions to magazines via iBookstore now. Yet today's acquired patent may have bought Apple a little more Intellectual Property security.  

Apple Continues to Work on Smart Cameras for Future iDevices

On January 24, 2013, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals a possible next chapter for Apple's iDevice cameras. In 2011 we posted a controversial patent report titled "Apple working on a Sophisticated Infrared System for iOS Cameras." The report covered how future iDevices could be used as an auto tour guide in a museum and how infrared technology would be able to shut off a future iDevice camera at live events. Today's patent is in that same vein as it focuses on how future iDevice cameras will be able to identify objects such as a painting at a museum or a car at an auto show and provide users with detailed information about these items that could be saved for future reference in multimedia album for later review. Both of Apple's patent applications covering this subject matter would indicate that this is serious camera-related project at Apple.

Patent Lint: The Other Apple Patents that Might Interest You

The US Patent office published a number of Apple's patent applications today and we covered two of them in-depth. However, there were nine other patent applications that were published today and in this report we simply provide you with the links to each of them just in case something may be of interest to you. They cover such matters as security, camera/photography tools, wireless technology and more.  

Apple Invents a Protective Connector Port Cover using Magnets

On January 17, 2013, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple titled "Magnetically Activated Connector Port Cover" which is an invention designed to keep crumbs, pocket lint and fluids from entering your devices via their ports. Apple provides a simple yet creative solution.

Apple Invents a Removable Device Clip with Glass Touchpad

On January 17, 2013, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals a new product in the form of a removable device clip. The advanced clip may offer tactile buttons or a transparent glass touchpad. The clip could be used as a remote control. The removable clip could be applied to an iPod, iPhone, iPad, MacBook and yes, even a "convertible notebook." If you like to bring your iPod or iPhone to a workout, the clip will be able to provide users with an added level of convenience with quick to control buttons. The clip will attach to devices via a magnetic mechanism. 

USPTO Reveals Apple's Big Continuation Patent Fest

On January 10, 2013, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a series of twenty patent applications from Apple. Within this group, there are only four original low key patent applications to be found. These original patent filings cover such matters as the refinement of the MacBook's cover hinge, methods for making anodized electroplated aluminum iDevice structures and methods for managing lithium-polymer batteries. The sixteen remaining patent filings were found to be continuation patents. These are patents where Apple is basically tweaking older patent claims in order to get the patents approved by a USPTO examiner. As they say, if you don't get your patent approved the first time around, try, try again. 

Apple Files Patents for Battery Pouch & Heat Removal System

On January 03, 2013, the US Patent & Trademark Office published two component patent applications from Apple that generally relate to battery technology and a new heat removal system designed for small form factor portable devices through to MacBooks.

Apple Patent Filings Uncover MagSafe 2 & Notification System

On January 3, 2013, the US Patent & Trademark Office published patent applications from Apple relating to their push notifications system and new MagSafe 2 connector. The new MagSafe 2 connector was announced at Apple's June 2012 World Wide Developer Conference in conjunction with the debut of the MacBook Pro 15-inch Retina Display. The new connector was designed to better fit the slimmer notebook designs. In late 2012, Samsung sued Apple over their push notifications system in Korea. It'll be interesting to see if Apple's notification system patent will get approved by the US Patent Office in time for this case – as Apple's system applies to both iOS and Mac hardware which could differentiate their system enough to strengthen their position.