Apple has filed for a patent that could give the iPhone and other iOS devices some rather powerful cameras. This patent deals with what is being referred to as the ‘social camera’, essentially a system in which the main iPhone can remotely control other illuminating devices, something in line with the setup seen in professional photography studios. Apple Insider got hold of the details of this patent.
In this system, the primary iOS device, assume an iPhone, will be able to control the secondary devices like other iPhone, iPads and iPods as strobe lights for the primary camera. This can be done to provide better lighting for a proper shoot.
The patent describes another interesting feature that the ‘social camera’ could pack in. The master device can take a test shot, process the information and then give position instructions to the other devices on how to improve the quality of the picture. This means that an on-screen notification will be sent to the slave devices on aspects like angling, height, tilt etc., to get a better shot.
The details also suggest that Apple could deploy Bluetooth or Wi-Fi as the method to connect the devices, rather than the not very consistent optical sensors.
Before we get too excited that this will make it to the iPhone 6 or the iPhone 5S or whatever the next iPhone is called, let us just say it is too early to jump the gun. We have seen numerous Apple patents show up and disappear, and assuming this will make the cut would be hasty.
Source: AppleInsider
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