Apple's 10 Most Outrageous Patents: Transparent Display Makes the Cut

On August 3rd, Beijing Time, we all know that Apple always plays by its own rules and comes up with some amazing ideas. In the past few years, Apple has filed many patent applications, some of which seem incredible and absolutely crazy. Recently, the American tech website Business Insider summarized Apple's 10 craziest patents, which are as follows:

1) Virtual Keyboard

In 2012, Apple filed a patent application for virtual keyboards on iMacs and MacBooks. All you need is a flat desktop and a camera installed on iMacs and MacBooks, and you can use the virtual keyboard on the table. At the same time, users can always see the position of their fingers on the display.

2) 3D iPhone User Interface

In 2012, Apple submitted a patent application for a 3D iPhone user interface. The 3D iPhone user interface uses edge sensors to determine the angle and orientation between the device and the user, displaying corresponding content to allow users to control the interface without touching it. Additionally, this patent includes "hover gestures." In other words, future iPhones will allow users to operate the device without touching the screen.

3) PC-Tablet Hybrid Device

In 2012, Apple filed a patent application for a PC-tablet hybrid device. Apple's PC-tablet hybrid device is similar to Asus's Transformer Prime or Microsoft's Surface tablet. The display of the Apple PC-hybrid device can be detached and used as an independent device. Furthermore, the Apple patent mentions that the hybrid device will use electromagnets to dock the display and can wirelessly charge the tablet.

4) Touch Feedback Device

Now people are talking about how the next-generation Apple iPhone might use a fingerprint sensor to replace the physical Home button, but that's just the beginning. Apple's 2012 "touch feedback device" patent allows users to feel the texture and presence of the device with their fingertips without physically touching it, as if they were actually touching it.

5) Smart Bicycle

In 2010, Apple filed a patent application for a "smart bicycle." By installing an iPhone, iPod, or sensor on the user's bicycle, this patent allows users to obtain information about the bicycle's speed, distance, time, latitude, altitude, slope, heart rate, wind speed, and distance traveled.

6) Smart Frame

Apple's "smart frame" patent makes good use of the area outside the device's display, turning the inactive black (or white) edges of the iPhone and iPad into interactive secondary screens. This potential new feature may enable audio playback and game controls.

7) Shake-to-Print

Apple's shake-to-print patent allows users to open the print menu option simply by shaking the device, enabling them to print files, photos, and web pages.

8) 3D Avatars and Emoticons

In 2011, Apple filed a patent application for an "automatic avatar creation system," or the automatic generation of 3D avatars from video clips, allowing users to directly use these 3D avatars in games, social networks, and video conferences. Additionally, this patent can automatically generate facial expressions reflecting the user's current mood and status through keyword analysis. For example, when someone says "I'm happy today" on iMessage, their avatar turns into a smiley face.

9) Transparent Display

Apple's "transparent display" patent can hide the camera, flash, or fingerprint sensor behind the display. When needed, the display can become transparent, making the camera or fingerprint sensor visible. This function can also allow the display to extend across the entire surface of the iPhone.

10) Wearable Computing Device

While all the attention is on the iWatch, Apple actually filed a patent application for wearable computing devices as early as 2009. Apple's wearable computing device allows users to track their health, watch sports, train, and interact with Apple TV. For example, by installing sensor bands under boxing gloves, users can receive feedback information. (Kirk)