Samsung Patented Edge Display Functionality for Galaxy Note Edge and S6 Edge

In addition of a few things that Samsung has applied for patent and they have been approved such as the invisible virtual buttons and the foldable display screen, the latest patent that has been approved by USPTO is something which is known as “Edge Display”. Apparently this new functionality is used to display information such as news, weather, and time, unread messages as well as incoming calls on the curved display on your Galaxy Note Edge and S6 Edge.

Hopefully, Samsung is going to release some APIs for third party apps developers so that more and more apps which support notification functionality can be displayed on the Edge display in the future. As of now, Note Edge has already able to support custom Edge display apps and Galaxy S6 Edge official add-ons are able to be downloaded from Samsung Apps Store. However, not many people does not know about this yet as it is not publicized.

Apps Edge apparently is designed to allow user to organize their mostly used apps as well as allow them to have quick access for them. Therefore, when a new notification comes, the user does not have to pick up the handset in order to view it as it will be shown at the edge of the handset.

Well, we are excited to see the real implementation!

Samsung Patented Edge Display Functionality for Galaxy Note Edge and S6 Edge

Apple patents for a new metal like looking material that allows wireless reception

Well, many of the users of the Apple iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus have some of the issues with the antenna lines of the handset as they were getting discolored by sliding the handset in and out of the jeans pocket. The company now seems to get rid of the antenna lines issue that are necessary to get the radio signal through the anodized metal used on the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus. Taking a step forward in this direction, the Cupertino giant has recently filed an patent with the USPTO for a new metal like material which has the same look and fell as to the one used in the latest iPhone. However, this new material will allow the radio signals to reach the components inside the handset and with the same transparency allow them to let them through.

The patent shows up different ways that Apple could imitate this anodized metal. One of the ways is depositing a non-capacitive layer on the top of a metal oxide layer. Another way is to imitate the metal oxide layer and then cover it non-capacitive layer. Below is what the Apple’s patent application reads.

“Composite structures that have an appearance of an anodized bulk metal but that is non-capacitive and/or radio frequency (RF) transparent are disclosed. The composite structure can be part of an enclosure of an electronic device. The composite structure can give the enclosure a metallic look without interfering with the functioning of some electronic components of the electronic device, such as RF antennas, touch pads and touch screens. Some embodiments involve forming a metal oxide layer and depositing a non-capacitive layer on the metal oxide layer. Some embodiments involve forming an imitation metal oxide layer and depositing a non-capacitive layer on the imitation metal oxide layer.”

However, there is no guarantee of Apple using this filed patent method in their next iteration handset but it certainly gives users the ray of hope to overcome the antenna lines issue.

source: USPTO

via BusinessInsider

Apple patents for a new metal like looking material that allows wireless reception

Apple patents new camera technology for iPhones that uses a single sensor and multiple camera lenses

There has recently been a spurt in patents relating to the camera technology from Apple hinting that the Cupertino giant may be planning something bigger for the iPhone cameras. Last month, Apple got a patent for a new True Zoom Lens system for the camera. It has also patented Mirror Tilt Actuation to get better quality photos. And now we have another patent filed by Apple for a new camera system mechanism.

A new Apple patent filing published by the US Patent and Trademark Office is titled “System and method for capturing images”. This image capture device will include two or more apertures to admit light from different directions and direct it to an image sensor. The system would use a series of electrically switchable mirrors, movable lenses and other components that will direct light from two or more apertures on to a single image sensor device.

This means that a single image sensor would be sufficient for light coming from two different apertures. Current Apple mobile devices use two cameras, the rear camera and the front-facing one which have been branded as iSight and FaceTime HD respectively in the iPhone 6. The front-facing camera uses a smaller, low resolution sensor compared to the 8MP rear camera due to space constraints. The new invention could mean that only one image sensor would be needed for both the cameras, thus saving precious space.

In the new mechanism, light will enter the device from two opposite directions like in the iphones, and then instead of falling directly on the image sensor after passing through the lenses as it does now, it will be bounced off a series of “machine controlled mirrors”. So the image sensor need not be directly behind the lenses.

The electrically controlled mirrors can switch between reflective and transmission modes when an electric current is applied to them so that they can manipulate light without moving parts. The lens apparatus is also movable to compensate for the difference in distance between the first aperture and the image sensor, and the second aperture and the same image sensor.

This new camera technology will save space and could result in smaller camera modules and consequently sleek devices without the “camera bump” which is obvious in iPhone 6 because of its slimness.

It is not clear if Apple will deploy this new camera technology in its upcoming iPhone.

Apple patents new camera technology for iPhones that uses a single sensor and multiple camera lenses

Apple gets patent for a VR headset that uses an iPhone for VR display

Apple has recently been awarded a patent for a VR headset that uses iPhone which serves as a virtual reality display. The headset is similar to Samsung’s Gear VR, Facebook’s Oculus VR or the Google cardboard.

The patent granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is titled “Head-Mounted Display Apparatus for Retaining a Portable Electronic Device with Display” which is described as head-mounted display system to which a portable electronic device having a screen such as a smartphone, could be physically coupled. The iPhone mounted in the headset would communicate with it through connectors and act as a virtual reality display in front of the wearer’s eyes. According to the patent, coupling the iPhone with the headset “temporarily integrates the separate devices into a single unit.” The gadget would have an optional remote to control the VR experience.

Although granted recently, Apple had filed the patent application way back in 2008 which shows that the Cupertino giant was considering the VR headset project long back, even before the Gear VR or Google Cardboard projects were announced. Apple’s VR headset would work in a similar manner. You could insert your iPhone or iPod inside the headset frame and enjoy watching videos. The headset offers a picture-in-picture feature that allows you to watch your surroundings at the same time.

Various additional features could be incorporated into the headset such as additional memory; spare batteries; controls such as buttons, switches, dials, touch pads or screens; camera, antenna, receiver, microphone, speakers, cooling system and much more. The headset and the portable device would extend their capabilities to one another enhancing the user experience.

If Apple does decide to build its own VR headset, it will no doubt be an excellent one and would provide tough competition to other similar gadgets out there. On the other hand, although it has applied for patents, Apple hasn’t shown much interest in building such a device yet.

Source USPTO

Via Appleinsider

Apple gets patent for a VR headset that uses an iPhone for VR display

Apple files patent to incorporate Touch ID fingerprint sensors into device displays

A new patent application published recently by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office has revealed that Apple is thinking of incorporating fingerprint sensors into the display stack of an electronic device such as an iPad or iPhone. This is an alternative system to the current Touch ID system used by Apple in the home buttons of its recent devices including iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3.

The patent is titled “Fingerprint Sensor in an Electronic Device” explaining that a single fingerprint could be captured on the display at a single pre-determined fixed location or at any location. Even multiple touches on the electronic display could be captured, one fingerprint at a time or all fingerprints at once. The fingerprint sensor could be integrated into the circuit attached either to the cover sheet’s bottom surface or near the bottom surface or to the top surface of the display.

Alternatively, the whole panel could also be implemented as a fingerprint sensor which Apple calls as “full panel fingerprint sensor”. This full panel fingerprint sensor could also function as a touch sensing device. This means that the device can detect touch inputs as well as scan fingerprints.

For example, to unlock an iPhone or iPad or a third-party app, the user may be asked to place their finger on a specific spot depicted by an icon or an image on the display screen for identity verification. Apple could even use an advanced system that can scan and identify multiple fingerprints placed anywhere on the screen. Scanning more than one or all fingerprints would provide additional security.

If interested, you can get more details about the patent at the USPTO site patent application no. 20150036065.

 

Via Appleinsider

Apple files patent to incorporate Touch ID fingerprint sensors into device displays

New design patent images from Samsung raises some mysteries around Galaxy S6 Edge

According to what has been heard from the sources, the Samsung Galaxy S6 could be unveiled next month at the MWC 2015 event at Barcelona. There have been quite a bit of rumors showing that the Galaxy S6 would arrive in two variants- one normal one and the other as a edge variant just like the Galaxy Note 4 and the Galaxy Edge unveiled last year in September. The Edge variant of the Galaxy S6 is said to have a curved display at both sides of the handset instead of just one.

A recent design patent filed by Samsung with the USPTO shows some more mysteries associated with the handset. The images show a device with a obvious dual sided curved display. the surprising thing is that the glass doesn’t seem to exist in a dingle frame but instead wraps around the device body placing some icons to the back of the handset. Additionally, the handset shows a pop-up part wherein its centre is said to pop up and extended but to what degree is still uncertain. Now this could possibly associated with a new battery replacement technique as the back panel would be covered with display icons and difficult to remove.

However, there is no certainty about this could be the Galaxy S6 Edge but one thing is sure that we may a have a new device from Samsung coming ahead this year. Check out the images below for details.

source: Patently Mobile

via: PhoneArena

New design patent images from Samsung raises some mysteries around Galaxy S6 Edge

New USPTO Patents Awarded in 2104

The annual tabulation of the top US patent recipients for 2014 was released on Monday 12 Jan 2015 by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services. IFI CLAIMS Patent Services is the leading producer of global patent databases, analytic solutions and innovative web services. The awards were given to global companies and organizations that receive the most utility patents from U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

The annual U.S patent grants are apparently growing in 2014 as it increases to more than 8 percent higher than the other years. IBM takes place at the top of the list, garnering 7534 patents and up 10.6 percents over 2013. IBM has been in the first place for 22 consecutive years.

Samsung takes place as number 2 in the list with 4952 patents and up 5.9 percents than earlier year. The third place is taken by Canon while the forth place is taken by Sony and the fifth place is by Microsoft. Apple surprisingly is taking place at the eleventh place.

One of the patents for Samsung is a phone with an aspect of 21:9 whereas Apple received a patent for internal changes to the iPhone that would allow it to land on a less vulnerable part of the device when it hits the floor.

Google showing a big jump and takes place as number 8 in the list. USPTO has awarded more than 300,000 patents last year proving that innovation is not dead yet.

 

New USPTO Patents Awarded in 2104

Samsung gloves are coming soon

Last year, Samsung had made headlines by introducing their new wearable glove named “Samsung Fingers” and eventually concluded as April Fool’s joke. The wearable glove reportedly having 3-inch UHD Super Emo-LED display powered by 4GB RAM and a hidden 16 MP rear camera. Although it was a joke but sometimes a funny thought may lead to a genuine device.

The reports revealed that Samsung has filed 2 patent applications for their new wearable glove titled “Electronic Device Having Sensor and Operation Method Thereof.”  The two glove applications were filed with USPTO and South Korea’s patent agency respectively.

The below expected wearable diagrams showcases the glove with flexible displays alike QWERTY keyboard. The Samsung gloves also possess numerous sensors . The patent application is registered as “finger motion recognition glove”. The ultimate utility of the Samsung technology-oriented glove will be determined during winter season only.

Samsung gloves are coming soon

Google files for the “ARA” trademark application with the USPTO

The Google Project ARA that aims at making up a complete modular handset with swappable modules for its hardware is catching up much heat these days. Gaining further speed, reports show that Google has recently filed for trademark ARA application with the US Patents and Trademark Office for its device. There is also an expectation that the beta release of the gadget might happen sometime in March 2015.

Google’s filing for a trademark with the USPTO shows that the new modular device from the company wont have its name changed at least when the first device breaks cover. Later on, Google might think upon giving an another interesting name to its project.

Previous reports from the industry have already shown that the modular smartphone would be running the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop where most of its modules like chipset, display etc would be hot-swappable. The search giant has already released an developers board for the ARA handset. It seems that the executives at Google are working at full speed to release the handset in the earliest possible time.

source: AndroidFace

Google files for the “ARA” trademark application with the USPTO

LG patent indicating a cellular smartwatch

An interesting looking LG patent has just passed through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Nothing unfamiliar so far, LG patents plenty of phone designs, but when we look at the actual documentation, the device looks much more like a smartwatch than a smartphone.

The patent application reveals a smartwatch capable of receiving or sending out phone calls and text messages. This corresponds to the rumors of LG working on cellular version of G Watch in response to their competitor Samsung’s Gear 2.

The LG patent is titled “Capacative type stylus and mobile terminal comprising the same”, which makes it sound like the filing was authorized through Google Translate from its original Korean without an English edit. It also doesn’t really explain what the device is. Essentially, the device is projected to be a smartwatch/smartband on your wrist, but a stylus when you take it off.

So apparently LG has something new up their sleeve relating to a future hybrid wearable device. With its rather large interface, it concludes that LG is aiming this mobile phone to accommodate Skype-like video conferencing – on your wrist. Could this hybrid device interest the mobile executive? Only time will tell.

Below are the most distinguished patent figures covering LG’s latest patent design.

 

 

LG patent indicating a cellular smartwatch

Apple patent changes security based on location

One of Apple’s latest patent applications that just hit the USPTO describes a contextually-awared security solution, which automatically alters the security settings of a given mobile device.

The patent application is coming with a location-based functionality, which modifies certain security levels of your phone in accordance with your current whereabouts and their overall security.Besides using GPS module, the solution also uses location information from nearby Wi-Fi and carrier networks.

For example,if your device discovers that you have just terminated your morning commute and are about to begin work, it can configure your iPhone to unlock with the support of Touch ID. Moreover, if Apple’s service checks out that you are about to enter your home, which is generally secure enough, it will request you to key in your 4-digit unlock code. The patent application also help users in determining which location is safe and which is not, thus estimating what kind of security should be employed at required location.

Modify

Apart from changing the security levels, patent solution can also alter various configuration settings and profiles of user’s mobile device, providing them with different location-based workstations. For example,if it senses that you are in your car, it will lower down the security constraints, thus allowing you to access your navigation, music or Apple’s CarPlay dashboard system effortless.

What can you make out from this Apple patent application? Do you believe that it might turn out to be extremely useful or it is just another attention-grabber? Share your opinions below!

Apple patent changes security based on location

New Apple patent filing hinting at iWatch and wearable features

The USPTO has just published a trio of patent applications filed by Apple detailing smart, adaptive, and sensor-based features. All three were dated December 14, 2012 and can almost fit any type of smart device, even an iPhone itself, they do make more sense when put inside the framework of a wearable apparatus. iWatch,upcoming wearable from Apple is in trial production, and is expected to launch this coming October.

The first patent is titled “Method and Apparatus For Personal Characterization Data Collection Using Sensors“, it is basically a scorecard keeping system using data gathered from sensors. Here, a hub, mentioned to be a device, can obtain data from sensors which may be worn by a user, in short, a wearable device. Such raw data can then be used to generate a scorecard that is then sent to some remote server. This system can be used for monitoring a person’s lifestyle and activities as well as making suggestions and reminders when required.

The second and third patent definitely have wearable devices in mind. “Method and Apparatus for Automatically Setting Alarms and Notifications”  patent talks about how a device can change its own settings depending on data coming from sensors, worn by the user. One example that was given is turning some alarms on or off if the data from the sensors show that the user is sleeping. Practically a Do Not Disturb feature that can be automatically disabled or enabled depending on the wearable device’s sensors. One interesting feature mention in this patent is how two wearable devices, or devices with sensors, can communicate  with their own users’ state and adjust accordingly. This, for example, can be used to automatically put User A’s phone in silent or vibrate mode if the wearable determines that User B, who is in the close proximity, is sleeping.

Finally, the third patent “Method and Apparatus for Automatically Repeating Alarms and Notifications in Response to Device Motion” deals with missed notifications. Again, the use case of a Do Not Disturb mode and sleep are used as examples. If a user has the “Do Not Disturb” setting on, takes a nap, and misses some notifications, the system can conclude when the user is awake. Once he is up from his nap, the system will replay notifications and disable the “Do Not Disturb” setting. If the user makes a little movement, like checking his iPhone for the time, the system will assume that the person is still sleeping, and all of the original settings will stand.

Will these patent applications end up being applied in the Apple iWatch? The date of filing of patent is concluding that Apple has already been working on wearable device designs and features.

New Apple patent filing hinting at iWatch and wearable features

Apple granted patent of positioning displays around sidewalls

After three years on the pending list of patent application, Apple Inc. (AAPL) is finally granted a new patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) titled “Electronic devices with sidewall displays.” It describes a method of positioning OLED or other flexible displays around the sidewalls of a portable device. The filing hints at Apple’s intentions to introduce sidewall displays with virtual buttons in their upcoming iPhones.

The patent calls for at least one sidewall to be fitted with an edge display that is an extension of the main front-facing touchscreen. Interactive or touch sensitive portions of the side displays can be left uncovered, while non-functional portions carrying circuitry may be masked. All sidewall displays may be outfitted with gesture-capable touch elements, further enhancing their capabilities.

“By extending an iPhone’s touchscreen to the edges of the device, users are afforded an expanded input interface that frees up space on the main screen. At the same time, the extra display real estate can be customized to show a variety of interactive virtual controls and features not possible with static physical buttons. 

In some embodiments, the sidewall displays are assigned roles accessible in certain scenarios. For example, a number of app icons may be displayed when a user turns their phone on its side, or scientific functions may appear when a calculator app is in operation. Alternative uses include slide-to-unlock functionality, music player controls, messaging readout, caller ID and system controls, among many more.”

There is still a subject of speculation about integration of patented sidewall display in iPhone 6 by Apple. Companies like LG and Samsung are already using flexible display technology in smartphones, though their designs are more of a novelty than their utility.

Apple granted patent of positioning displays around sidewalls