Apple patent for a camera hidden in the screen

[mauricio]

As usual, many patent applications eventually landing in the hands of the general public. Companies like IBM, Microsoft or Apple make many requests, and even if they are not all agreed, they can track the evolution of certain jobs. This is particularly the case for Apple, which provides probably webcams hide behind screens next machines.

With the exception of the Mac Pro and the Mac Mini, all the computers in the firm at the apple, particularly laptops, have a webcam and integrated home located above the slab of the screen. The iSight, which currently has 2 megapixels, a device that was previously sold separately, but Apple decided to make it integrated as a selling point further.

It is true that the solution house is interconnected: the hardware platform is perfectly mixed with the software. So, any laptop bought permits to use the webcam for video conferencing, in particular iChat. But Apple does not seem so pleased with the result, especially because a user in the process of filming is still on top, not in front. The company has therefore sought to change this using "unnatural" to the webcam.

So that the user has the air of looking in a mirror, the camera should be placed in the best case at the center of the screen. Obviously, we can not put a target at this location since it would mask a portion of the screen. Apple is working to place the camera behind the screen, combining this position in a technique to the objective of capturing the user.



How to make the camera can see the user without their being disturbed by any technique? It should be in theory that the screen is off or a transparent zone is created to allow the image. In fact, the system as it could combine all the images received from several webcams. During a very short time, the portion of the screen before which is one of the objectives becomes dark, to let in natural light. The interval is deliberately short so that the user has the feeling of nothing. But these "black holes" are repeated at high speed on several webcams, which then recombine the original image.

This is particularly true for the video, which requires a flow of images. The patent speaks of the shutdown and turn the screen so fast. You have to see in practice that make this technology, but it is, according to Apple, to watch the interlocutor in the eye by making exactly the same impression. Today, we look at the screen to see the face of another, and therefore not in the webcam. It always looks "elsewhere".

The patent states that this technology could be used in laptops, desktops, but also in embedded devices like mobile phones .... Now, the patent becomes even more interesting if it overlaps with Arles in the world of the iPhone: the advent of video. It may well imagine that Apple would incorporate this special camera behind the screen of his phone, and simply watch the video to trigger a relatively natural. Apple does not want to be 'deface' the front of the camera with a visible goal.

One could almost believe that the patent was filed by the secret services ...

[Andrew]

Here some info about it from apple insider

We've already seen the iSight indicator light "disappear" behind the bezel of Apple's MacBook and iMac computers. A recently published patent application could make the iSight itself not only disappear, but move to the middle of the screen. MacBooks, iMacs, and even iPhones and iPod touches could take advantage of the new technology.

Submitted in July 2007, the filing details plans for a camera mounted behind a display that could capture an image "while the display elements are in an inactive state (in which the display elements are darkened and at least partially transparent)."

According to the document, a similar, additional system could involve two or more cameras, with software combining the two images into one. Video would also be possible by cycling the display "between the active state and the inactive state repeatedly."

However, this doesn't necessarily mean a 'dark spot' would appear on the screen during photos, or even start flashing during video capture.

"In some embodiments, the mechanism is configured to substantially minimize the period of time in the inactive state to reduce the appearance of flicker of the display screen."

The filing explains how today's built-in cameras require a user to look away from the lens in order to see his or her video conferencing participants.

"Constantly looking back and forth between the display screen and the camera ... can be distracting and make the conversation seem awkward and unnatural."

This would appear to improve upon a similar June 2004 filing that involved many tiny image sensors wedged between LCD cells, and software to stitch together all of the smaller pieces.

In an image attached to the application, a cross-section diagram illustrates a focused "image-capturing mechanism" aimed at a user through the screen.

Another presents a MacBook with no iSight lens on the top bezel (and apparently being used by a President Bush lookalike).

While rumors have already circulated for some time of what might best be called "iChat AV Mobile" for the iPhone, this proposed patent seems to confirm the very real possibility of such a feature for the iPhone, iPod touch, and even other devices.

"The display screen is coupled to a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an electronic organizer, a media player, an advertisement-generation mechanism, a security mechanism, an automated teller machine (ATM), an instrument console or control panel, or another electronic device."

Other recently published Apple patent filings include one for an improved laptop display housing that integrates the familiar illuminated Apple logo behind the screen. Another describes a stiffening plate for a laptop's palm rest that would help save weight by making it possible, for example, to replace heavily metal-reinforced Superdrive housings with aluminum housings.

Apple has also devised a way to simplify the architecture within its iPhone and iPod touch devices, which currently need three chips just to interpret the touch sensor. A new single chip design would be better equipped to lessen electrical interference and further improve touch screen response.

One last filing seeks to improve the efficiency and consistency of LED-lit displays.

source-appleinsider.com

[WarHammer]

it is, according to Apple, to watch the interlocutor in the eye by making exactly the same impression. Today, we look at the screen to see the face of another, and therefore not in the webcam. It always looks "elsewhere".

[Theodore]

it is interesting technique. I hope it will work. For mobile-against is not as useful because the small difference between a remote sensor and the center of the screen.

[Stefan09]

Could put the camera in the keyboard for those who type without looking at the screen.how can there be sure that the camera is turned off? In addition for security, how to paste a piece of adhesive above: I do not see in the middle of my screen (or anywhere else on it)!

[Sloane]

Funny, I remember not a single patent that Apple has come out that "before the release of a product Quite often they "acknowledged" another product that could emerge "(" oooh and could use with a portable telephone "While the iphone was not out) ... but memory patents are still appeared after the presentation