As you can see from the patent illustration above, Apple could integrate the mini-projectors into future phone, tablet and laptop peripherals, creating what they describe as a “shared projected workspace”.
The shared workspace may include two or more projected displays, each generated by a separate electronic device. Images may be transferred between the projected displays within the shared workspace.
What’s more, these devices would be able to recognise gestures and share simultaneously projected data — meaning if you project two images onto a wall using separate projectors, you’d be able to transfer the image files between the devices. Granted, this is very cool and all but patents don’t, unfortunately, automatically translate to new product. [Patently Apple via 9to5Mac]
drew
Friday, August 12, 2011 at 9:40 AMit could be for legal security. they may never be integrated.
Matt
Friday, August 12, 2011 at 9:51 AMHow can they apply for a patent when there is obviously products that have had this in the past?
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2010/01/samsung-projector-phone-in-action/
Chumly
Friday, August 12, 2011 at 9:59 AMBecause the patent office stopped checking past precedence long ago.
They seem to just award whatever and let the courts decide what actually sticks.
It’s a beautiful and highly efficient system that supports small business and entrepreneurship.
Joel
Friday, August 12, 2011 at 11:10 AMThe patent isn’t for the projector-in-phone. The patent is more for the software behind it, allowing multiple projectors to be used together and to move things easily between them.
Alan
Sunday, August 14, 2011 at 3:37 PMIf Apple could make a HUD that clips onto standard spectacles, the need for laptop screens would diminish. THAT would be interesting…