Friday, July 08, 2011

Apple Patent Shows Visual Content Sharing Between iPad and iPhone [Patents]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5819338/apple-patent-shows-visual-content-sharing-between-ipad-and-iphone

Apple Patent Shows Visual Content Sharing Between iPad and iPhoneFrom the looks of things, Apple has been working on a content sharing feature between iOS devices, much like HP is doing on WebOS with the TouchPad and Pre 3. But taking things one step further, they've animated it all.

According to Patently Apple, Apple is working on a method of sharing files, contacts, webpages, etc., that is activated by gestures which are metaphoric in nature. The prime example here, is "pouring" files from your iPhone to your iPad.

Example: A Pouring Motion

Apple's patent FIG. 1B illustrates an iPhone (device 110) in motion relative to the iPad (device 120). Here, the user has rotated their iPhone above the iPad's interface (122) in a manner similar to tipping a glass of water. This angular motion can be detected by one or more onboard motion sensors.

As shown in FIG. 1B, detached objects 114a-114d could be animated to simulate the effect of gravity by "sliding" toward the lowermost portion of interface 112 as device 110 is rotated. The animation of the objects creates the appearance that the objects have mass and are reacting to forces of a real world, physical environment. In FIG. 1C, we see that the iPad could interpret the rotation of the iPhone as a pouring motion as an indication of the user's intent to transfer the files represented by selected objects 114a-114d.

Upon determining that the user of the iPhone intends to transfer the files, the iPhone (device 110) determines if the iPad (device 120) is present and available to receive the files. After a link is established between the two devices by Bluetooth or RFID and authenticated, the iPhone could request that the iPad accept a file transfer.

Other physics based examples include floating objects, friction, repelling forces, and a vacuum-like effect that would come from something like an Apple TV. And this all sounds entertaining, but maybe a bit over the top. Can't I just tap my two devices together and call it a day? [Patently Apple]