I Can't Help It -- More iPhone MacRumors

MacRumors is back at it. Today, they're reporting additional patent filings around object recognition and facial detection extensions, continuing to push forward some of these technologies that I've posted about recently. While these take time to come to fruition, I can't help being excited -- the possible adaptations of these ideas are endless. Let's take a look.

The object recognition capability in which an iPhone would be able to "detect an object via camera, RFID sensor or other means and have their device automatically identify and provide additional information on the object" looks to be potentially quite useful. In the patent background, Apple used the example of an art museum:

"...a user might take a photo of a piece of art and wish to have it automatically identified and additional information on it provided, or engage in an audio tour or podcast and wish to access additional content beyond that provided in the audio files."

Think of all the possible ways to leverage this technology -- other than trying to distinguish between two pieces of art, maybe you can use it to uncover the name of that actress in the recent blockbuster movie that you can't recall but swear looks familiar. Or perhaps you will be able to identify the name of a certain wallpaper color swatch -- and be able to access its brand, serial number and all retail locations withing a five mile radius. Well, both of those might be a bit far off -- not sure the iPhone camera can yet detect the subtle difference between eggshell and off-white or has facial recognition capabilities on par with those of 3VR, but you catch my drift. ZDNet also noted using the technology for price comparisons between retail products.

As far as facial detection developments, it seems that iPhone engineers are indirectly attempting to remedy the device's often woefully poor battery life. New patents look to "determine whether a user is passively interacting with the device" -- meaning not watching the TV show they've downloaded or listening to a song on iTunes -- and if so, turn on a screensaver of some type (similar to the setting on a normal laptop or desktop) to save energy. The iPhone would use its internal camera to detect a user's presence, and while the idea may be antiquated, bringing this technology to a mobile device will be welcomed with open arms.

Are You the Next Susan Boyle?

MacRumors is leaking information about a few new patents that were recently filed. Intriguing stuff.

I wrote about a patent for a biometric reader to secure Apple devices with either fingerprint or facial recognition, but it looks like Apple will eventually add command functionality from fingerprint patterns.

Want to delete an email? Simply touch your index finger to the screen. Need to compose a new email? Use that pinkie finger. Sick of a song playing in iTunes? Your ring finger can take care of that and seek to the next song. Very cool.

The other patent (related to my previous post) is a RFID reader. As MacRumors divulges:

"Finally, the last notable application covers the dual use of a touch screen as an RFID reader. RFID tags are small circuits that can be embedded in objects for identification using a special reader. Apple suggests that the an RFID antenna can be placed in the touch sensor panel itself, allowing it to also be used as a RFID reader. As RFID tags become more prevalent, this could add a very useful function to future touch screen devices."

There are also rumors of haptic feedback -- essentially, display technologies will allow for tactile feedback from touch screen displays so users can "feel" different surfaces as their finger moves across it. As MacRumors explains, "As an example, a display could include a virtual click wheel which vibrates at a different frequency as the center. Users could easily sense the difference and use the click wheel without having to look at it."

Warm up those pipes, because also in the works a karaoke-like application that provides feedback on tone, pitch and overall quality of singing ability. No need to try out for American Idol anymore -- you'll be able to use iPhone rather than audition in front of Simon Cowell to know you're no Susan Boyle.

Life Without a Mobile Phone?

I depend on my iPhone as much as the next person -- perhaps even more so.

While smartphones are enabling more and more people to access email and YouTube videos on-the-go, shop online while waiting in line and even check an account balance to ensure it's not overdrawn, Ericcson is confident that phones will soon be able to do much more.

Reported in an article on ZDNet this week, Ericsson's vice president of systems architecture, Håkan Djuphammar, recently predicted:

"A year from now, basically every new phone sold will have [near field communication]. It's a two-way, bio-directional RFID communication link that makes this device work as a tag or reader."

What does that mean? In basic terms, phones will become your go-to for even more basic tasks as we look forward into 2010 and beyond.

Keys? Check.

Credit card number? Check

Concert ticket? Check.

According to the article, "Djuphammar said credit card companies could make use of mobile user location data and IP mapping to ascertain whether a transaction is taking place in the vicinity of the official card holder, thereby judging whether the transaction is likely to be genuine or not."

While this may seem like a win-win for all parties involved, I'm still a bit wearisome about the potential havoc a lost phone may wreak on a customer. With such valuable information all stored in one small device, restrictions must be put in place to secure such data in the instance a phone is lost or stolen.

What's life without a mobile phone? Not sure I want to find out, particularly if Djuphammar's prediction becomes reality.

IHF Roundup: Robots Invading the Job Site, Surveillance Cameras Busting Fuzz and Other Top Headlines This Week

Robots were all over the place this week -- construction sites, ORs and warzone terrain. Engineers at Virginia Tech have designed 'Hydras' robots capable of rolling up and down poles and columns with the goal of deploying them at construction sites in the near future. Going forward, they hope to outfit these robots with ultrasound scanners and cameras to inspect bridges and buildings for flaws, tasks that kill over 1,000 workers each year. Brings new meaning to the term, 'pole dancing', don't you think?

In the Japanese healthcare sector, researchers plan to implement new safety rules for robo-nurses, which they expect to be a long-term solution to the lack of caregivers for the growing elderly demographic in the country. And from hospitals to front lines in Afghanistan, BigDog robots -- four-legged robotic creations capable of navigating the rocky terrain -- are being tested as potential danger alert monitors in battle zones. They can walk, lie down, have a great sense of smell and can even climb inclines. Grab them a collar and teach them to 'play dead' and they could make a great pet. Although probably not quite the friendliest or furriest companion I've come across.

As Geoff Kohl of SecurityInfoWatch.com wrote earlier today, biometrics may have reached the tipping point. When something becomes as mainstream as an iPhone, you know it's infiltrating popular culture -- and biometrics are doing just that. The Apple Insider blog reported today that Apple filed for a patent for a biometric reader to install in either an iPhone or Apple computer to secure the devices with either fingerprint or facial recognition. No passcodes required. Still a ways off, but I'm excited to think that instead of typing in a four-number passcode to make a phone call, my iPhone might someday be able to recognize the shape of my ear or authenticate my fingerprint on the screen instead.

Also, a fascinating look at how surveillance footage isn't just busting criminals, but also being used as evidence against cops lying on the witness stand in the New York Times. Instead of implicating suspected criminals, footage has established cases against the police officers committing perjury about their actions instead. The camera never lies.

Taking off for ISC West this weekend. Shoot @TheSteveRussell a direct message on Twitter if you want to meet up or just stop by the 3VR booth (#12081) -- hope to see you there!

iPhone Aerial Surveillance

Some students at Berkeley have found a way to bring Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAVs) to the masses...and all you need is an iPhone:



Thank you Steve Jobs!