Apple's invisible display concept would show more than the human eye can see
Future iPhone displays could transmit invisible but valuable information, such as barcodes for coupons or even advanced facial recognition, according to a proposed Apple invention.
The concept was detailed in a new Apple patent application published this week, and discovered by AppleInsider. Entitled "Invisible Light Transmission Via a Display Assembly," it describes how a smaller display might transmit an invisible image that would be machine readable.
In the filing, Apple notes that a small device, like an iPhone, could include multiple display assemblies. While one display could present visual data that a user can see, another display embedded beneath it could transmit information invisible to the human eye.
This could also be accomplished in a single display by having pixels that quickly alternate between visible and invisible information. By utilizing the refresh rate of the display, the panel could simultaneously show both images on one display.
Apple's proposed invention notes that this technology could be used to display information that would be meaningless to the human eye, such as a barcode or QR code. Doing this would allow an application to present information that is relevant to the user, while the hidden code could still be scanned at a check-out counter or kiosk.
In another potential use, Apple notes that "invisible light" could be used to help illuminate a user's face or surroundings. Doing this could enable features such as facial recognition in a dimly lit room, without needing to increase the brightness of the visible display.
The concept is detailed in a a patent application filed by Apple in November of 2013, and published this week by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. It is credited to inventors Brian Shadle, Ehsan Farkhondeh, and Shin John Choi.
The concept was detailed in a new Apple patent application published this week, and discovered by AppleInsider. Entitled "Invisible Light Transmission Via a Display Assembly," it describes how a smaller display might transmit an invisible image that would be machine readable.
In the filing, Apple notes that a small device, like an iPhone, could include multiple display assemblies. While one display could present visual data that a user can see, another display embedded beneath it could transmit information invisible to the human eye.
This could also be accomplished in a single display by having pixels that quickly alternate between visible and invisible information. By utilizing the refresh rate of the display, the panel could simultaneously show both images on one display.
Apple's proposed invention notes that this technology could be used to display information that would be meaningless to the human eye, such as a barcode or QR code. Doing this would allow an application to present information that is relevant to the user, while the hidden code could still be scanned at a check-out counter or kiosk.
In another potential use, Apple notes that "invisible light" could be used to help illuminate a user's face or surroundings. Doing this could enable features such as facial recognition in a dimly lit room, without needing to increase the brightness of the visible display.
The concept is detailed in a a patent application filed by Apple in November of 2013, and published this week by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. It is credited to inventors Brian Shadle, Ehsan Farkhondeh, and Shin John Choi.
Comments
G.W. Bush
The invisible part of everything that you thought you could see, you can't see.
-- Interview with ITN, Crawford, Texas, Apr. 5, 2002
Still not sure what the point is. "Hey, here's the QR code. I think."
Mine already shows stuff I can't see or anyone else. I think . . .
Still not sure what the point is. "Hey, here's the QR code. I think."
It's one way to increase the useable real estate without increasing the size of the display.
subliminal advertising ====> Thank you for your order!
In actual practice, I expect wireless solutions would be superior.
Interesting, but I file this under "patent anything you invent, because you never know."
In actual practice, I expect wireless solutions would be superior.
A few examples off the top of my head where wireless isn't a better (or available) option:
G.W. Bush
The invisible part of everything that you thought you could see, you can't see.
-- Interview with ITN, Crawford, Texas, Apr. 5, 2002
I misunderestimated you!
What was this in reference to?
subliminal advertising ====> Thank you for your order!
"Welcome back to The Gap, Mr. Nakamoto!"
"How'd those assorted tank tops work out for you?"
@flaneur :
-- Offering his appraisal of the Palestinian/Israeli situation, Interview with ITN, Crawford, Texas, Apr. 5, 2002
(don't ask me what question he was answering through this !)
Very often, thinking of this particular statement (my favorite one), I think G.W. Bush wisdom has been deeply misunderestimated.....
In another potential use, Apple notes that "invisible light" could be used to help illuminate a user's face or surroundings. Doing this could enable features such as facial recognition in a dimly lit room, without needing to increase the brightness of the visible display.
This aspect of the patent sounds a lot like the Primesense technology Apple acquired.
I could envision the iPhone projecting an invisible structured light pattern that could be used to interact with the phone without touching the screen.
Thanks. It is profound, without getting him tangled up in his anathema:
"I don't do nuance."
That one keeps coming back to me. I guess it haunts me.
Maybe. I just don't see a rapid move away from barcodes, though from the standpoint of an Apple device the ability to read those codes should be of high concern. In fact the ability to read barcodes is so important that I often wonder why Apple hasn't created an API for iOS to do just that. Producing a barcode on screen has a more limited set of use cases.
As an aside, I have at least three different apps on my iPhone designed to read barcodes. I use these frequently at work to verify barcodes that are seen in various steps of the processes at work. Very handy apps to have.
I misunderestimated you!
Be careful that you don't over exaggerate.
It was taken out of context, and he no longer runs the country.