On October 24, the US Patent & Trademark Office published Apple’s newly granted patent for a “Camera Latch,” originally filed on March 24, 2004. Apple’s patent generally pertains to a laptop computer and more particularly to a camera latch that is incorporated into a laptop computer.
One Camera Latch Advantage
Apple launched their first laptop with an integrated camera in October 2005 without using this granted patent method. Whether Apple will ever choose to implement a variant application of this invention in a future laptop design is unknown at this time. However, one of the advantages associated with this method that’s interesting to note is that the latch noted in this patent could be pivoted between a first position (as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) and a second position (as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D). By providing a pivoting action, the position of the latch could be adjusted to place the latch within the cut out when the lid is closed or being closed and to place the latch in multiple camera viewing positions when the lid is opened. For example, during a videoconference, the user can adjust the latch position to place the line of sight of the camera on the user. This application would be advantageous in the enterprise market.
Beyond the fact that invention is primarily directed at a camera latch for a laptop computer, the patent notes “that concepts disclosed herein may also be applied to other electronic devices, including but not limited to PDAs, music players, mobile phones and the like or I/O devices such as monitors, televisions and the like.
Apple’s Summary
The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a portable computer. The portable computer includes a base. The portable computer also includes a lid that pivots relative to the base. The portable computer further includes a latch configured to secure the lid to the base. The latch include a data capture device such as a camera.
The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a laptop computer. The laptop computer includes a base containing a processor. The laptop computer also includes a lid pivotally coupled to the base. The lid contains a display operatively coupled the processor. The laptop computer further includes a latch pivotally coupled to the lid. The latch contains an electronic feature operatively coupled to the processor and a locking feature for lockably engaging the base.
The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a monitor. The monitor includes a display housing. The monitor also includes a display coupled to the display housing. The monitor also includes a camera coupled to the display housing.
Brief Description of Patent Drawings Included
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a portable computer in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a portable computer in closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 1C is a front elevation view of a detachable latch, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2A is a front view of laptop computer in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2B is a side view of laptop computer in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2C is a front view of laptop computer in a closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2D is a side view of laptop computer in a closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
The sole inventor listed on patent application number 7,126,816 is Christoph H. Krah.
NOTICE: MacNN presents only a brief summary of patents with associated graphic(s) for journalistic news purposes as each such patent application and/or grant is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trade Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any patent applications and/or grants should be read in its entirety for further details.
Written and researched by Neo.
