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Apple Patents Directional Flash Tech For Cameras

tekgoblin writes "A patent application has surfaced that shows Apple's attempts at creating a new way for a flash to work on a camera. The way the new flash works is very intriguing: a user can select a dimly lit area of the photo and the camera will try to illuminate just that area with the flash. The way Apple is attempting to accomplish this is similar to the way the autofocus works on the iPhone 4 where you can touch the screen in certain areas to focus on that area. Instead you will be able to light up that area with the flash. This is accomplished by the camera flash passing through a 'redirector' so the flash can be placed other than directly centered when a photo is taken."

7 of 145 comments (clear)

  1. Wait a second by The_mad_linguist · · Score: 4, Funny

    This doesn't make any sense. I'm *sure* I heard Jobs say that he was against this type of technology.

  2. As long as... by pinkushun · · Score: 3, Funny

    We don't have to hold it in a certain way to make it work properly.

    1. Re:As long as... by beelsebob · · Score: 2, Funny

      You do, if your finger hits this one spot, with a circular piece of glass on it, then the camera doesn't pick up any light –you just totally lose all reception!

  3. Re:Sounds impossible by dimeglio · · Score: 2, Funny

    Clearly you underestimate the power of Jobs at bending light and controlling photons. All you need is a singularity in the right place in order to direct the light where you want it to be.

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    Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the author.
  4. Change of opinion? by El_Muerte_TDS · · Score: 3, Funny

    I thought Apple hated Flash, stating poor performance and what not.

  5. iFlash by DarthBender · · Score: 2, Funny

    Apple does it and they get a patent. When I did it I got arrested.

  6. Re:not to mention prior art by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Actually there exists technology today to gather real time 3d information with lasers.

    Let me see if I have this right - you're suggesting using lasers instead of light?