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Posted on 01/02/2003 5:14:47 AM PST by chance33_98
Apple Files For Patent On Color Changing Cases, Geeks Freak Out [Updated]
by Bryan Chaffin
[Update: We'd like to thank Observer Daniel Koskinen for sending us a working link to the patent, which he found at MacFora.com. - Editor]
This story comes to you via a circuitous route: We noted it on Slashdot, which cited MacDailyNews -- which, having been slashdotted, is inaccessible for the nonce -- who we think noted it from Ars Technica's forums, as that site's thread on the subject was started on Saturday.
The story itself is that Apple has apparently filed for a new patent that has everyone all worked up. The title of the patent, according to the folks on the Ars Technica boards, is "Computing device with dynamic ornamental appearance." The idea submitted in the patent is for the casing for an electronic device be able to change colors according to dynamic conditions. As Apple put it in the patent application, "For example, the light may be used to exhibit a housing behavior that reflects the desires or moods of the user, that reflects inputs or outputs for the electronic device, or that reacts to tasks or events associated with operation of the electronic device."
The link to the patent [Link changed to one that functions properly], so we offer the quoted information provided by Ars Technica forum poster:
The invention pertains to electronic devices capable of dynamically changing their ornamental or decorative appearance, i.e., the outer appearance as seen by a user. The electronic devices generally include an illuminable housing. The illuminable housing, which includes at least one wall configured for the passage of light, is configured to enclose, cover and protect a light arrangement as well as functional components of the electronic device. The light arrangement, which generally includes one or more light sources, is configured to produce light for transmission through the light passing wall(s) of the illuminable housing. The transmitted light illuminates the wall(s) thus giving the wall a new appearance. That is, the transmitted light effectively alters the ornamental or decorative appearance of the electronic device. In most cases, the light is controlled so as to produce a light effect having specific characteristics or attributes. As such, the electronic device may be configured to provide additional feedback to the user of the electronic device and to give users the ability to personalize or change the look of their electronic device on an on-going basis. That is, a housing of the electronic device is active rather than passive, i.e., the housing has the ability to adapt and change. For example, the light may be used to exhibit a housing behavior that reflects the desires or moods of the user, that reflects inputs or outputs for the electronic device, or that reacts to tasks or events associated with operation of the electronic device.
You can find the Ars Technica post at that site's forums.
[Post Your Comments Below] The Mac Observer Spin: Perusing the discussion at both Slashdot and Ars Technica, we have found that the vast majority of reactions from the geeks has been very negative. Much of it has run along the vein of "Oh great, instead of faster CPUs, Apple is bringing us more eye candy," along with other equally obtuse comments, as if Apple chose to work on this idea in lieu of faster processors. This has been countered by a smattering of support for the idea from people intrigued by the possibilities.
Reactionary comments from the unwashed masses are nothing new, but the vindictiveness with which this patent is being greeted surprises even us. The fear of change often brings out the worst in people, especially on the Internet where the lack of reprisals offered by the medium's anonymity practically guarantees rude behavior, so perhaps we shouldn't be that surprised.
The most interesting thing we noted, however, is that most people tend to think this patent idea is for use on iMac cases, or other CPUs. We think it much more likely that a device with the ability to change colors would be much more likely to be an iPod or similar handheld device. Think of it as a built-in visualizer. Think, too, about the way such a device would appeal to many, many consumers. If eye candy helps pay the bills, we say bring it on. In the quest for profits, it is the innovative companies that will survive the onslaught of Dell's quest to turn computers into toasters.
In any event, we look forward to seeing what Apple brings to market, if anything, based on this patent application.
Conservatives are rational, information-oriented. Content is a primary. Form or appearance is secondary, particularly in the world of computing.
Apple, under Steve Jobs, has always focused on form over function. And of course, that is why the self-described 'cool' people think that owning a iMac is superior to a standard PC.
If like Porsche, the engineering performance was beautifully integrated into a stunning appearance, I would be a major advocate, as I am with Porsche.
But compromising performance for looks is like choosing the slutty girl who will screw your best friend and sue for your hard-earned lifetime assets, over the girl next door who will care for you to your dying days and only ask for your affection.
There was a Steve at Apple that earned my respect in the early years. Wozniak was the kind of Steve that could, and did, change the world.
Jobs is a charlatan who wins the Hollywood crowd with color-changing computer cases, and loses the respect of everyone important. My bet - a flaming 'Rat who hates Bush.
I think you're on to something here. I would like to have a computer that would send a 150K surge of high voltage back along the transmission path of spam and fry the cable modem of the spammer who sent it. Hopefully, the backblast would get the spammer as well.
The Cherenkov radiation produced by said surge and the sizzling sound made by the spammer's electrocuted body would be as entertaining for me as any network TV show.
Aquatic golf swing training device and method for enhancing golf swing memory and strength
Bingo.
The core group of Apple users will think it's cool, though...the effete, snotty artiste types which Apple has to play to in order to survive.
There's a group like this in the PC world but the industry largely ignores them.
That's disgusting. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Can I come to your next party?
Does that mean Michael Jackson will have to go back to being black?
Real men wear boxers.
I won’t mention the Bilderburgers.
Hold the pickles, please. They're a major cause of color change.
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