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Google Patents Image-Capturing Walking Sticks
theodp writes "GeekWire reports that Google has patented an image-capturing walking stick, which can boldly go where no Google Street View Car can. The walking stick has embedded cameras and location sensors, and a switch at the bottom that causes the device to snap pictures whenever the stick hits the ground. The patent also covers using canes and crutches in a similar fashion."
Why? Is there really a need for something like this? Is google crossing the creepy line with this?
Gonna get a Street View of Hobbiton.
Now grumpy old men can enjoy technology while they chase kids off their lawns!
Its so they can street view hiking paths and place they cant get their bike to go which is an area that I am hoping they expand to.
Time to update the list of things that will let you automatically get a patent for something:
Modern copyright is theft of culture from everyone and it retards the progress of the useful arts and sciences.
I am sorry, but how is this not obvious? The only thing that is not obvious is why one would want to do this (although once you consider what Google is doing with Streetview, etc, even that goes away). However, as soon as one has a reason to do what this does, the solution (which is what they are patenting) is obvious.
The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted. James Madison
Again proof the Patent office is a joke. this is simply attaching something to another thing.
I would like to patent the method of attaching things to other things in order to file a patent.
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.