A day seldom passes that does not see at least one intriguing idea aired in an Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) patent application, and today is no exception with the Cupertino firm’s new “transparent texting” concept. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published a patent application which describes a way to reduce the chances of someone texting and walking colliding with another person or an object. What is more, the concept could be “realized” simply by tweaking already existing tech with an app, rather than with a completely new device.
The concept of “transparent texting” involves using an iPhone’s built-in rear-facing camera to continuously stream video to the screen while the user texts. The video would be a real-time image of whatever was in front of the camera, which is also the scene that the texter is walking towards. This would, in effect, make the camera “transparent” except for the texting overlays. A sophisticated app would likely manage the juggling act needed to turn the phone into a “transparent” window onto the user’s forward path via video.
One major advantage of the idea, of course, is that it utilizes existing hardware, and does not involve the expense and delay involved in developing, testing, manufacturing, and marketing completely new technology to do the job. This patent application is also an interesting example of how innovation can also consist of using something that has already been invented in a completely new, unexpected, and effective way.
The idea could even have other applications beyond the immediate safety plan – for example, transmitting video of a scene onto special electronic “eyeglasses” of a person who was nearly blind could potentially give them crisp long-range vision.
The patent application, USPTO Number 20140085334, is boldly and simply titled “Transparent Texting.” It describes the method of using video streamed from the built-in camera to lessen the chance of collisions between a texter and the environment around them. The application was filed on September 26th, 2012, with Apple Inc. (AAPL) as the assignee. Stephen T. Payne of Waterford, Michigan is the inventor of record.
Some issues will still remain even once the idea of “transparent texting” is implemented, of course. The angle at which the iPhone is held will have some impact on how safe a texter will be using it. Those who hold the iPhone at eye level will get a clear view ahead, but if they lean forward to text, then the view will be of the ground close to their feet. Even just gaining a view over the few yards just ahead of the iPhone user’s feet will be an improvement, though, as anyone who has had a texter sprawl catastrophically over their airport luggage can attest.