Apple patents

A new patent from Apple (#20090284476) describes a method in which a device might push it's user interface to a smart remote. The patent doesn't talk much about the device, describing it loosely as a small "accessory" with a touchscreen that changes it's UI to match that of the device it's controlling to control playback of audio or video remotely.

Apple has applied for a patent on a new technology that could greatly reduce the size of future devices. Titled Embedded die system and method, it describes a method for reducing the size of a device by embedding components into a connecting substrate like a motherboard or the device itself instead of attaching them to the surface.

Run a search on YouTube for iPhone unboxing and it's obvious what a big part of ownership the unboxing experience is for new users. Apple puts a lot of work into their packaging to make sure the new owner gets introduced to the device in just the right way to make the moment as special as possible, and now they even have a patent to show for it. That's right. Apple not only has over 200 patents protecting their intellectual property used in the iPhone 3GS, but now they even have a patent for the box it comes in.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark office published two new patent applications today showing that Apple is considering the use of flash memory in headsets to store device settings, as well as an attempt to patent the ability to tether with a car's navigation system for GPS navigation.

An patent application was made public today dating back to 2007 that shows Apple has been working on ways to make the iPhone more useful for making emergency calls. The patent discusses how the device would recognize an emergency call, and the activation of various power saving measures, confirmation buttons, and "phrase buttons".

The United States Patent and Trademark Office released patent application number 20090143007 earlier today. Titled "Methods and systems for mixing media with communications", it deals with methods for sharing digital media files like music, video and images in as part of a communications connection, without ending the original connection.

Two new patent applications published by the US Patent and Trademark Office in recent weeks reveal intentions by Apple to include motion as part of the User Interface. The two patents take two different approaches, both promising to make the interface easier to use while the user is in motion or engaging in other activities. The second patent also includes a diagram of a front-facing video camera.

A patent application shows that Apple is considering adding a security mechanism to the iPhone that would cause it to automatically phone a security agency after being stolen. Upon detecting a force exceeding a predetermined threshold, the device would enter a prevention mode, causing it to send a security transmission in the form of a telephone call or email containing it's GPS coordinates.

Apple hosted their quarterly earnings conference call for Q1 of 2009, during which Apple COO (and current stand-in for CEO Steve Jobs) answered a lot of questions people have had about the iPhone and Apple's direction with the current state of the economy and Jobs not currently at the reigns. During the call they touched on topics including the possibility of a lower-cost iPhone, their move to get the iPhone at Walmart, and their stance on protecting their intellectual property rights.

A new patent application from Apple has been published by the US Patent and Trademark Office showing that they are considering linking the functionality between the Maps and Calendar apps on the iPhone. The technology would let users view an address associated with a calendar event in the Maps app.