Apple out to patent solar touch screen
Summary
Apple employees filed a patent for a technology to embed solar cells under the touch screens of handheld devices.
Topics
Although Apple has yet to release a solar-powered gadget, its engineers clearly see the potential for solar power in multitouch devices, such as the iPhone and iPad.
A recently surfaced patent application, spotted by Patently Apple, shows that Apple employees filed a patent for a technology to embed solar cells under the touch screens of handheld devices.
Creating a single "stack" that combines the sensors for a multitouch screen and solar cell frees up more surface area, according to the patent description. The patent, which was filed in September 2008, also calls for the use of "light channels" to direct light to a solar cell underneath a touch screen, potentially using a parabolic reflector.
For more on this story, read Apple patent bid combines solar with touch screen on CNET News.
A diagram from a 2008 patent application submitted by Apple employees for integrating a solar cell beneath a multitouch screen.(Credit: Patently Apple)
Talkback Most Recent of 18 Talkback(s)
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Apple should better patent
a crank attached to the iPhone, so the baterry should be recharged that way. 
Linux Geek8th Jun 2010 -
RE: Apple out to patent solar touch screen
@Linux Geek
It already has one, the owner ;o)
SiO28th Jun 2010 -
RE: Apple out to patent solar touch screen
Brilliant idea considering how easy it is to view the screens in direct sunlight.
altREPUBLIC8th Jun 2010 -
exactly!
@altREPUBLIC since you can't use it, might as well be charging it! lol
shadfurman8th Jun 2010 -
isn't this just like Citizens Eco-Drive system?
should be interesting if Citizen will sue... :-P
vl19698th Jun 2010 -
Huh?
Maybe I ain't too bright, but shouldn't the first guys that invented electrical appliances patented the outlet?
At least the guys with the tucked away wiring?
shellyahu8th Jun 2010 -
Kinetic chargind devices?
I wonder why phones don't have any kind of kinetic charging devices? Cell phones go through a lot of movement by their owner just like watches (see Eco-Drive comment above). Heck for that matter what about charging systems that can convert heat to electricity? The batteries tend to be warm, why not capture some of that heat energy?
(of course I don't know how miniature such devices can be made or how useful they could be at such a size)
Doc758th Jun 2010 -
RE: Apple out to patent solar touch screen
@Doc75
A kinetic capture device would take up space and cut the "oh, cool, it's so thin" vibe.
And sure, you could recapture a tiny fraction of the small amount of heat the batteries give off.
Not that much though. Added expense and all that.
Jkirk32798th Jun 2010 -
could be an addon though
@Jkirk3279 a piezo electric cloth in a protective case might generate enough power from the vibrations of tapping the screen and rubbing in your pocket, clanking against your keys, get sharp spikes when you drop it.shadfurman8th Jun 2010 -
RE: Apple out to patent solar touch screen
I was just recalling that patent. I have an idea for electronic sunglasses that could be powered by transparent, embedded solar cells.
They'd flash to dark if you were exposed to damaging UV light, such as a welding arc or looking straight at the sun.Jkirk32798th Jun 2010 -
RE: Apple out to patent solar touch screen
Yeah- as altREPUBLIC said. There's a step that missing. I usually keep my phone in my pocket, and contrary to what I might think, I'm tols the sun doesnt shine down there. On top of it you cant see the screen in sunlight. Sounds like a solar powered torch concept to me.
sebastiz8th Jun 2010 -
RE: Apple out to patent solar touch screen
@sebastiz true, but consider the size and efficiency of a solar cell on a calculator. Its not so much about the power generated as the ratio of generated to used. It might not generated enough to power an iPhone today, but we've got a little while before the next iPhone comes out. A calculator doesn't need to be in direct sunlight and completely powers the device. The iPhone would only have to generate enough to reasonably extend the life of the charge. "reasonably" being debatable of course.shadfurman8th Jun 2010 -
I have to admit
that leaving your phone out in full public view by necessity isnt the cleverest thing to do.
Small wonder those prototypes were stolen then, if thats what your typical owner does. I keep mine in my pocket, but then its a Nokia and doesnt need to be waved under everyones nose...SiO28th Jun 2010 -
RE: Apple out to patent solar touch screen
This just in...Apple has reportedly patented fire. Stock prices for Bic and Kingsford plummeted today amid fears of having to pay a royalty fee for every flick of the bic and every coal of Kingsford charcoal. "With these legal issue behind us, consumers and manufacturers are now free to experience fire in new and exciting ways, and once again fire will be magical." said CEO Steve Jobs in a statement...
mmckee588th Jun 2010 -
RE: Apple out to patent solar touch screen
@mmckee58 lol! SNL quality material right there!shadfurman8th Jun 2010
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