It's always exciting to take a peek into what Apple's working on lately, and a surefire way to do so is to take a look at some of Apple's latest filed patents. Recently, Apple filed two very intriguing patents for new iOS technologies. One reveals the company's plans to integrate projectors into iOS devices for use with the Mac, and the other is for "schematic maps", which is what AppleInsider calls dynamic maps on the iPhone that lets you zoom in on roads and landmarks to make navigation easier to follow.
A look at the projector "accessory", as detailed by Patently Apple
The projector patents, filed today, describe a handheld device (probably an iPhone or iPod touch) that hooks up to your computer and projects your screen on a blank wall. The patent specifies that the projector technology would be primarily used for collaborative work spaces. For instance, it would enable two separate projected displays to be placed side-by-side. The projections would work like a pair of connected displays, with the ability to drag content from one device over to the other via a communication link of some sort, like a shared server or Wi-Fi rather than a physical cord to connect the two.
The patent also details the projector's GUI and its support for a library of gestures, including a command that would enable instant image sharing. The detailed overview makes the product sound a lot like the Pico projector that's already out on the market, but that product is currently limited to simply projecting video on a blank wall. Apple's particular patent would really help enterprise types and serious business folk looking for a easier way to share and collaborate on ideas and information.
Now on to the schematic maps patent (pictured right), which sounds a lot like what Google Maps has enabled for Android users. Apple notes that online mapping services have become too confusing and full of information that's actually irrelevant to users -- especially those who are lost and driving around in circles. The last thing a lost driver wants to deal with is a Maps app that doesn't provide accurate information.
Apple's solution would generate maps for users based primarily on the display they're using Then, the maps would emphasize certain landmarks or roads that users could utilize to get the right information about where they're at in relation to their final destination. It would also zoom in on the appropriate location rather than including a slew of irrelevant streets and junctions that would only confuse the user even more.
Apple's patent filing for this new maps technology was first submitted in February of last year. This is good news for those who are frustrated that they currently have to pay for third-party turn-by-turn navigation apps for their iOS device, or who just want a more dynamic native maps application on the iPhone. Whether this technology will ever make it to fruition is another case entirely, but this patent is good news that Apple's got their minds on making a better maps application.
