Amazing! Apple To Create Technology That Detects When Phone Is Falling And Flips It To Ensure Screen Doesn’t Hit The Ground
Apple was granted a patent last week
for the invention that shifts an internal weight in the device in
mid-air so it doesn't hit the ground face first on impact. Industry
experts point out that a prototype has yet to be tested
From time to time everyone experiences that very panic-stricken moment
when you drop your mobile and watch, aghast, as it plunges towards the
floor, fearing it will land screen-side down – with shattering
consequences.
But now, in a very commendable feat, Apple plans to spare you that
agony, with an invention that will stop your iPhone hitting the ground
face-first.
The technology giant was granted a patent last week on an invention that
can detect when a handset is falling – and flips it to ensure the
screen doesn't hit the ground. The idea could also work with iPads and
other devices.
Apple’s design features on-board sensors that measure the speed that the
phone is falling and predict when it will land and which side of the
device will hit the floor.
If sensors calculate a delicate component, such as the screen or camera,
will hit the ground, a motor is instantly activated within the phone.
This moves an internal weight fast enough to affect the ‘rotational
velocity’ of the device and spin it around as it falls, so that it lands
on a reinforced area.
The effect is similar to how a falling cat always manages to land on its feet.
Apple’s design features on-board sensors that measure the speed that the
phone is falling and predict when it will land and which side of the
device will hit the floor.
If sensors calculate a delicate component, such as the screen or camera,
will hit the ground, a motor is instantly activated within the phone.
This moves an internal weight fast enough to affect the ‘rotational
velocity’ of the device and spin it around as it falls, so that it lands
on a reinforced area.
The effect is similar to how a falling cat always manages to land on its feet.
And that’s not all. The patent even includes a system that would eject the headphone cord to avoid damage to the connector.
Victor Seidel, a lecturer in science entrepreneurship at Oxford University, said:
‘This does what a lot of successful innovations do: combines ideas in a way others had not considered, such as adding gyroscopic action within a smartphone.
‘But integrating this idea into current slimline designs may be a challenge. Of course, no one will really know the possible benefits and limitations until Apple gets prototypes into the hands of users – hands that are indeed sometimes clumsy.’
Industry insiders say an iPhone featuring the new technology may appear within three years.
If this is achieved, it will be a landmark in terms of how far smartphone technology has evolved. One thing is sure, Apple's biggest competition Samsung is also working on some never before seen technology. The question now is what it is, and when the announcement will be made. Trust MDB to keep you posted on this, and more technology news.
If this is achieved, it will be a landmark in terms of how far smartphone technology has evolved. One thing is sure, Apple's biggest competition Samsung is also working on some never before seen technology. The question now is what it is, and when the announcement will be made. Trust MDB to keep you posted on this, and more technology news.
