Apple Patent Enlightens Multiple Flashes

[NduPlessis]

Apple files a patent that harnesses multiple luminous devices such as camera flashes.

Apple Patent Enlightens Multiple Flashes : Read more

 

[dgingeri]

Another Apple money grab at things that have been in use for ages...
I really hope someone in the patent office gets a clue and declares this invalid.

 

[ingtar33]

considering the photography industry has used multiple flashes for decades i somehow doubt this patent will survive a challenge if approved.

 

[lunix]

Did anyone manage to find the Apple patent protecting "a software to retrieve existing patent filings, append the words 'on a mobile device' and submit the result as a new patent automatically" yet?

 

[wiyosaya]

I agree, ingtar. If this patent does get approved, though, I will lose absolutely all faith in the US patent system. This patent should never be approved.

 

[teh_chem]

I agree, ingtar. If this patent does get approved, though, I will lose absolutely all faith in the US patent system. This patent should never be approved.

You have faith in the US Patent system...?

 

[ricardok]

Isn't this just like Google's patent? http://www.unwiredview.com/2013/01/29/a-nexus-or-motorola-phone-with-multiple-led-flashes-new-google-patent-says-thats-likely/

 

[sundragon]

Wow, no one has patented this technology up till now? I wish this site would list Samsung and Google patents as well.

 

[w8gaming]

There has been article describing why Apple managed to own patents that look obvious to common man. Their secret is they keep trying to rewrite the patent applications in different way until they get lucky and patent office accept it. In my opinion, the patent system is now being exploited by patent trolls. Here is the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/08/technology/patent-wars-among-tech-giants-can-stifle-competition.html?pagewanted=all&_r=4&

 

[w8gaming]

I have no objection for Apple implementing this in their devices. But patent? Now photographers all over the world have to pay Apple just to have a job?

 

[falchard]

Apple patenting what has already been invented.

 

[echozero]

While Apple is trying to patent something already exist.
My question how does that help camera phone user? Unlike studio setting, most user take the picture with their on the fly. You probably won't have lighting issue if you have spend time to setup the surroundings. You also don't necessary have object with flash build-in near by.
Is apple going to sell mini portable flash? or .. Perhaps people can hijack other people's i-device and use their flash.

 

[micul]

How can they patent something that is just an idea ?
Until they don't prove that is working the patent should not be taken in consideration

 

[g00b]

I think there may be a subtlety that is being missed. The article above says it takes a preliminary picture, and then determines from this crappy picture how to configure the slave flashes for best picture. I don't think they are trying to patent the concept of a slave flash.

 

[w8gaming]

Having read a number of Apple "patents", I am not surprised Apple is applying the patent on a concept instead of an actual product. In fact, this is not new to the IT industry. Other companies beside Apple have done this as well. Some companies are so specialized in this they are professional patent trolls. This just show how flawed the patent system is now.

 

[w8gaming]

Having read a number of Apple "patents", I am not surprised Apple is applying the patent on a concept instead of an actual product. In fact, this is not new to the IT industry. Other companies beside Apple have done this as well. Some companies are so specialized in this they are professional patent trolls. This just show how flawed the patent system is now.

 

[becherovka]

I hate apple patent trolling too. However this one is different to others. its going to mean x number of people stand around and sink phones so that one person can take a slightly better photo. Its absolutely perfect for isheep.