Roger Fingas
Apple may be exploring the possibility of docking two devices using optical transmitters, rather than plugged-in connectors, a proposed invention from the company reveals.
Titled "Optical Data Transfer Utilizing Lens Isolation," the application describes a system in which two devices are placed next to each other but don't require any wire contacts to transfer data. This is useful for preventing corrosion from moisture and other outside elements, Apple notes.
The filing was published on Thursday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Organization, and was first discovered by AppleInsider.
Of particular concern in the proposed patent is safeguarding wearables, "such as electronic watches or glasses," the document suggests. It argues that oils, acids, and other chemicals on a person's skin can be even more corrosive than straight moisture.
Apple originally filed for the patent in March 2014, which might imply that the company was considering optical docking as a way of syncing the Apple Watch. The final product does have an optical heart rate sensor that doubles as a wrist detector, but the device can only transfer data via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
None of Apple's fall 2015 products appear to use the technology. And although the company is believed to be looking into augmented reality, no specific AR glasses have been rumored, and such a product could easily turn to existing wireless sync methods.
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12 Comments
I was just hoping to get down to just a single connector (Lightning or USB-C) but this sounds great. The one reason I dislike docks is the damn connector makes it a two-handed operation. I wonder if Apple's new iPad Pro keyboard connector could fast enough to be efficient, or maybe integrate the optical sensor into the center of that flush design that alligms with magnets.
surely there is nothing new or innovative in this patent. Its a nice method - but surely its prior art. Maybe I'm missing something but i dont see whats 'new'
we designed a small data gathering device for scoliosis vests several years ago. To access the data, you placed it on a reader which used two optical paths to communicate, configure and download the data.
A misunderstanding of patent laws does not invalidate Apple's patent. But oh, do the trolls wish it were so.
A misunderstanding of patent laws does not invalidate Apple's patent. But oh, do the trolls wish it were so.
if you were answering my post, its why i said..'maybe I'm missing something' (I'm not a Troll btw, i have some history on this site)
from USPTO...
In order for an invention to be patentable it must be new as defined in the patent law, which provides that an invention cannot be patented if:
“(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention”
[quote name="Right_said_fred" url="/t/188460/apple-concept-describes-optically-based-docking-mechanism-with-wearables-in-mind#post_2781796"]surely there is nothing new or innovative in this patent. Its a nice method - but surely its prior art. Maybe I'm missing something but i dont see whats 'new' we designed a small data gathering device for scoliosis vests several years ago. To access the data, you placed it on a reader which used two optical paths to communicate, configure and download the data.[/quote] I don't think I've ever seen a patent that didn't list prior patents in the filing. I'd guess the method is what Apple thinks it patentable.