“Apple has conceptualized a means of displaying icon-like status indicators on the iPhone’s displays even when the handset is locked and the backlight turned off, a new company filing shows,” Slash Lane reports for AppleInsider.
“The Cupertino-based electronics maker notes that a traditional way of conserving energy on handheld devices is to turn off a display when the user does not need or want to view media. However, this approach may make it difficult or impossible for a user to determine the status of the device or identify any pending notifications without first having to turn the unit on,” Lane reports.
“To address the problem, Apple proposes the implementation of a dual backlight system, where a secondary, low-power backlight system would be positioned behind the primary backlight system. The always-on light provided by the secondary backlight system could then be projected through one or more transparent or semitransparent regions of the primary backlight system to reach the display even when the primary backlight is turned off,” Lane reports.
More in the full article, including Apple’s patent application illustrations, here.
no thanks, battery drains too fast already.
I think it would be more sensible to have a backup battery case that has a secondary screen LCD or LED built-in and allow the user to set notification information in a preference pane.
This would be a great opportunity for a company such as Mophie.
I guess the patent info is relative to the next incarnation of the iPhone.
why can’t it be just like what a normal Mac dows during “sleep”, a gentle breathing light emitted by white LED hidden behind the casing?
@hokka: And what good would that be? Seriously! Think before you talk nonsense things
Change to OLED…
Sounds like a solution in search of a problem.
@Stenar,
Couldn’t have stated it any better. However, just because Apple is showing interest or filing a patent doesn’t mean they’ll implement it themselves. It’s a strategy often to throw off a wrong scent for the competition to chase around and hopefully even waste resources to emulate.
Meanwhile, I do believe, iPhone rev. 3 is already nearing (if not already beyond) the final prototype level. And I have a feeling, it looks a lot different. Many of Apple’s recent outings seem to paint their focus distracted by something else. Two years guys, something is brewing.
MDN MW: coming. Ha!
it would be nice if you could tell (without turning the iphone on) how many txts or email I have.
a way to see all the little red numbers that appear on the icons, so to speak.
currently you have to click the button, then slide-on the iphone, to see these things.
i’m not sure if this patent covers that, but it is my wish
Use electronic ink for the indicator!
Or have it watch for certain gestures or movements, then temporarily display the indicators.
However, this approach may make it difficult or impossible for a user to determine the status of the device or identify any pending notifications without first having to turn the unit on
Granted I’m not fully familiar with the iPhone’s engineering…
… but how would it monitor status and handle notifications without being powered on?
@hokka
What Mac shows a gentle breathing light emitted by white LED hidden behind the casing when in Sleep mode?
I have an iMac and I don’t see any such thing.
Sounds like a “dim” idea.
apple#s solution now is bad, better to say nonexistent. you have to unlock it to get your pim status (missed calls, voicemail, new emails, sms). it would be much better (and sufficient) to get your pim status when you press the homebutton (without unlocking it). standard on most of the other lesser cell-phones. as was already said here, please no glowing lights when its off.