Apple's 'transparent texting' tech lets iPhone users safely message while moving
Apple is looking into technology that offers users an easier, safer, way to text and walk by making an iPhone's screen "transparent" during messaging operations through the clever use of live video.
To enable a "transparent texting" system, Apple proposes that an app's background be modified to display video images continuously captured by an iPhone's rear-facing camera, according to a patent application filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday.
Due to their inherently mobile nature, smartphones are often used while moving. This is fine for voice calls, but could be problematic for operations that demand visual attention like reading or writing text messages. Aside from appearing antisocial, texting could potentially cause bodily harm if a user operates their device while walking.
If smartphones were to have a transparent display, or a system that offers the illusion of transparency, users would be more aware of their surroundings.
The implementation as described by Apple is quite simple. A device uses its rear-facing camera to continuously capture video and present the images as a background within a text messaging app currently being displayed. The onscreen result would be offer the illusion of a transparent display with floating text.
In one embodiment, the live video background is displayed behind the usual dynamic user interface seen in iMessage, complete with colored bubbles denoting a chat session between two or more people. These bubbles may be opaque or, in some cases, partially transparent to allow greater visibility of the live background.
Source: USPTO
The system can be activated via an in-app button that transforms the GUI from the normal white background to a live video version.
Extending the application beyond messaging apps, the live video feed can be used in other situations requiring a significant amount of visual concentration. For example, the implementation may be an option in the use of mobile Web browsers, where text and images would float over the live-view background. Another embodiment covers e-book readers such as Apple's iBooks.
While not a completely foolproof system (users must point the iPhone camera straight ahead while walking for full visibility), Apple's invention proves the company is actively investigating unique ways to leverage existing hardware technology for the purpose of enhancing the mobile device experience.
It is unknown if Apple is planning to work such a feature into its next iOS build, but the tech required to enable similar functionality is already in place. A transparent texting window could even be considered a good fit with the new "flat," layered iOS 7 design aesthetic.
Apple's transparent texting patent application was first filed for in 2012 and credits Stephen T. Payne as its inventor.
To enable a "transparent texting" system, Apple proposes that an app's background be modified to display video images continuously captured by an iPhone's rear-facing camera, according to a patent application filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday.
Due to their inherently mobile nature, smartphones are often used while moving. This is fine for voice calls, but could be problematic for operations that demand visual attention like reading or writing text messages. Aside from appearing antisocial, texting could potentially cause bodily harm if a user operates their device while walking.
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If smartphones were to have a transparent display, or a system that offers the illusion of transparency, users would be more aware of their surroundings.
The implementation as described by Apple is quite simple. A device uses its rear-facing camera to continuously capture video and present the images as a background within a text messaging app currently being displayed. The onscreen result would be offer the illusion of a transparent display with floating text.
In one embodiment, the live video background is displayed behind the usual dynamic user interface seen in iMessage, complete with colored bubbles denoting a chat session between two or more people. These bubbles may be opaque or, in some cases, partially transparent to allow greater visibility of the live background.
Source: USPTO
The system can be activated via an in-app button that transforms the GUI from the normal white background to a live video version.
Extending the application beyond messaging apps, the live video feed can be used in other situations requiring a significant amount of visual concentration. For example, the implementation may be an option in the use of mobile Web browsers, where text and images would float over the live-view background. Another embodiment covers e-book readers such as Apple's iBooks.
While not a completely foolproof system (users must point the iPhone camera straight ahead while walking for full visibility), Apple's invention proves the company is actively investigating unique ways to leverage existing hardware technology for the purpose of enhancing the mobile device experience.
It is unknown if Apple is planning to work such a feature into its next iOS build, but the tech required to enable similar functionality is already in place. A transparent texting window could even be considered a good fit with the new "flat," layered iOS 7 design aesthetic.
Apple's transparent texting patent application was first filed for in 2012 and credits Stephen T. Payne as its inventor.
Comments
What ever happened to the age old expression, "Watch where you're going"?
True. Not to mention why enable irresponsible behavior? Does this mean you will be able to sue apple if you get hit by a car or fall into a ditch now?
And I need a easier, safer, way to text email and SMS while drinking hot coffee, shaving and driving my car too!
There was that "Text n Talk" app many years ago but all anybody did was make fun of how stupid the users were. how cultures can change so quickly!
I had an app that did this when I got my first iPhone, the 3G (no S)....I used it once.
Wearable displays with embedded cameras are inevitable. Whether Apple is doing them is the real question.
I don't see how this is patentable given the amount of prior art going back years. I'ts not a new idea.
I don't see how this is patentable given the amount of prior art going back years. I'ts not a new idea.
Yes, probably a different kind of implementation, but the idea itself isn't new at all, and I don't see what this patent adds to what other apps have been doing before.
Nothing essentially new anyway.
I don't see how this is patentable given the amount of prior art going back years. I'ts not a new idea.
Ideas are not supposed to be patentable, only the implementation of those ideas. And we don't know what methods Apple is using. It's the method that is entitled to the patent (or not, as the case may be).
As far as the idea itself goes, I'm not sure it makes any practical sense and this may be a disguise for some other purpose. Many people who walk and text have the phone almost parallel with the ground. That's not going to help one see traffic or other people. This would only work if there was a camera that "floated" and always faced forward.
love that they used "facepalm" in a patent application
Most texting walkers have the phone at a 45 degree angle downwards. Not sure how much benefit this idea gives to current devices.
For this...
It instantly becomes a great, and novel idea when Apple does it.