Smartphone camera flashes are notoriously weak compared to dedicated models, but what if you could fire them from several handsets at once? Since none of us have the millisecond timing needed to do it manually, Apple has filed a patent application to let any number of iOS (or other devices with a flash) fill in the light automatically. It'd work by using a master device as the camera, which would trigger slave devices positioned around the subject to fire their flashes when the shutter is opened. A test image would first be taken and analyzed by the software, which would then remotely adjust the intensity of the slave flashes to produce the final photo. The filing allows for virtually any device with a sensor to act as the capture device and a broad variety of illumination devices, including dedicated lights, smartphones, tablets or camera flashes -- though we imagine Apple would concentrate on its own products. If you're already planning to use friend #1 for a kicker light, friend #2 as an eye-light and friend #3 as a hair light on that next outing, please remember it's still just an application for now.

Filed under: Cellphones, Apple

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Source: USPTO

Starting to get bored with Google Glass already? Well, it seems like Mountain View's trying to patent some of that functionality for a smartwatch, in a substantially different way than it did before. According to an application submitted to the USPTO, such a device would include standard smartwatch functions like a wireless transceiver, display and processor, but could also be equipped with two touchpads located on each side of the bezel. Those could enable "pinch, stretch and scroll on a platform with limited space available for user input," and would also communicate "with the clock line or data line." That means they'd control all the smartwatch functions, of course, but Google may be leaving the door open for it to control other devices as well, judging by the cagey wording -- perhaps sidestepping the need to reach for or yell at your eyewear.

Filed under: Wearables, Google

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Source: USPTO

Lovers of classic synth, celebrate: pioneer Bob Moog will join the Inventors Hall of Fame today. The USPTO is bestowing that honor for patent number 3,475,623 granted in 1966 for the so-called Moog ladder filter that gave rise to its original synth and Minimoog Synthesizers, and is still used in synths like the Voyager and Sub Phatty today. To fete the occasion, the company is reissuing its classic ladder filter t-shirt that'll come with a free hall of fame induction poster, and will also hold an ice cream social at the factory store in Asheville, NC. That'll culminate in a rare Moog synth-heavy performance by aptly-named local group Ice Cream, so if you're lucky enough to be in the area, the festivities kick off at 6 p.m.

Filed under: Misc, Home Entertainment

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Source: Moog

While head-mounted displays are nothing new, LG has patented a novel method for utilizing them that might grab your attention. The patent states that when you're staring at content on a device like a tablet, the HMD is inactive. But turn your head or the device away and that same content will automatically fade into view right in front of your bespectacled eyes. According to the filing, the noggin-strapped contraption is set to buzz as it switches displays and there'll be a slight transitional pause when viewing video. While we're betting virtual reality goggles and Google-branded headgear might prove to be a touch more popular, this is at least a lot cooler than passive 3D clip-ons.

Filed under: Wearables

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Source: USPTO

Google's been granted a patent that puts quite a few of its favorite ideas together, namely Maps Navigation, Street View and augmented reality. The application describes a system combining garden variety GPS guidance with panoramic images, 3D models, full-motion video and even live feeds to enhance the route display -- all in the correct 3D driver's view perspective. The idea is to ease navigation by making your screen-view of the road more or less match your view in the windshield, but who knows? Maybe one day you may be able to drive without even looking outside.

Filed under: GPS, Software, Google

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Source: USPTO