Apple Inc. (AAPL) Secures New Patent for Screen Dimming

AAPL NewsApple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) was granted another patent yesterday with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The patent description is technology that automatically controls the brightness of Apple devices. This technology will also increase battery life on Apple’s (AAPL) portable devices.

AAPL patent

“The improved techniques reduce power consumption by lowering display intensity at appropriate times. In one embodiment, the display intensity can be controlled depending on the type of content being displayed. For example, when displaying certain types of content, the display intensity can be lowered from its otherwise high, constant intensity level. In another embodiment, the display intensity can be controlled depending on the characteristics of the content being displayed.”

So apparently an Apple (AAPL) device using this technology will be able to identify the type of content you’re viewing and set the “output intensity”. The end result from this will be increased battery life. If I’m not mistaken the current iPhone 5 already has a similar feature so I’m not sure how this technology differs from that.

On an unrelated note AAPL bulls seem to be buying this morning with a high of $513.44 which I assume is in anticipation of this evenings earnings release. While most “analyst” have cut their target price for Apple the average is still well above $600. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the day plays out.

  • Guest

    how about candles…

    • GuaranteedEtern

      Well, I don’t know about the specific method, but my Samsung Galaxy II already does something similar – it allows you to set screen brightness based on the content being viewed, and ambient light conditions.

  • GuaranteedEtern

    “If I’m not mistaken the current iPhone 5 already has a similar feature so I’m not sure how this technology differs from that.”

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    It’s not about the technology – it’s likely about being able to sue other vendors who dim their screens based on what’s displayed, ambient light conditions, etc.

    • http://www.pfhub.com/ Daniel Guidotti

      You’re probably correct. I did a little more digging and Apple has been pursing this patent in one for or another since 2002.

      • GuaranteedEtern

        They (and others) have a number of patents that seem somewhat dubious – but have been granted anyway. The patent system – particularly in the areas of technology and software – need a major overhaul.