Apple patent aims to give iPhone and iPad users a private display mode

If you use an iPhone user and you constantly have to look around for people who might be peeking into your iPhone to find out what you are seeing, then your problem is coming to an end. This recently discovered Apple patent will soon bring your problem of using your iPhones or iPads in public places to end. The patent filed by Apple is for a new technology which would place a “scattering module” behind the screen of a mobile device and wedge like liquid crystal elements which would steer the lights going through the display.

apple privacy patent

The display has a privacy mode and when it is enabled the cone of light would be narrowed down to such an extent that only the person using the device would be able to view what is appearing on the screen. This means only the person having the head-on view would be able to see the visuals on the screens. Other people trying to see the screen from other angles would not be able to see anything. Therefore now, you won’t have to worry about people looking over your shoulders anymore.

apple privacy patent 2

In the patent Apple did not limit themselves to using the technology only on mobile devices. They could also use the device in other systems such as a car with a driver’s only display. The technology could also be used in OLEDs and carbon nanotube screens apart from existing LCD screens.

Earlier privacy mode on screens was common in some notebooks and corporate PCs. But the technology used in achieving that privacy was vastly different from this one. It relied on basic film cover to achieve the privacy effect. Apple filed this patent in November 2009 and as with all patents, this is no guarantee that Apple will use the technology in the future. But the technology sounds cool and it will sure come as a relief for people who use their mobile devices in public.

Via: Electronista