Part 1: Patents reveal Apple’s plans for a notebook with RF and more
Posted by Dennis Sellers 
Dec 9, 2005 at 9:28am
On Dec. 8, the US Patent & Trademark Office revealed Apple’s patent titled “Display housing for computing device.” In total, Apple has filed three such patents on the same day pertaining to the same title with varying details and emphasis. This three part report covers each of them.
This first report covers patent 20050270244 where Apple places emphasis on antennas being configured to transmit or receive RF signals. The second feature that stood out is their revelation of a track pad with two additional buttons described as follows:
“The base 102 also includes a keyboard 106 that allows a user of the portable computer 100 to enter alphanumeric data. The base 102 also includes a track pad 108 and associated buttons 110 and 112. The track pad 108 is an input device for the portable computer 100 and generally represents an input pointer device. The associated buttons 110 and 112 allow a user to make a selection with respect to a graphical user interface.”
While all three patents share a common body of illustrations, each specifically places emphasis on a single illustration as its covering graphic. Patent 20050270244 emphasizes illustration FIG.1.
Apple’s abstract
An improved housing for a computing device is disclosed. The improved housing can have one or more of the following aspects.
A first aspect of the invention pertains to a computer housing having a logo or other symbol that can be illuminated using light from the backside of a display panel. A second aspect of the invention pertains to a suspended frame is able to support a display panel within a display housing. A third aspect of the invention pertains to a computing device provided with an internal antenna. A fourth aspect of the invention pertains to a stiffener for a computer housing so as to increase the rigidity and strength of the computer housing. A fifth aspect of the invention pertains to a housing having a logo, symbol or other device that can be illuminated using light from the backside of a display panel. A sixth aspect of the invention pertains to a lid for a computing device, such as a portable computer, that is provided with a translucent housing.
Key excerpts from Apple’s claims
A computer system
A computer system, comprising: an antenna, said antenna being configured to transmit or receive RF signals; and a computer housing, said computer housing being configured to enclose said antenna such that said antenna is entirely contained internal to said computer housing and is operable while being internal to said computer housing without having to extend any portion of said antenna outside said computer housing.
A computer system as recited in claim 1, wherein antenna comprises: an antenna cable having first and second conductors; an outer conductor, said outer conductor being operatively coupled to said second conductor of said antenna cable; an inner conductor, said inner conductor being operatively coupled to said first conductor of said antenna cable; and an antenna housing, said antenna housing being disposed around the outer periphery of said outer conductor and said inner conductor, and wherein said antenna housing maintains a fixed separation between said outer conductor and said antenna cable.
An antenna device
An antenna device for transmitting and receiving RF for use by a computer, said antenna device comprising: an antenna cable having first and second conductors; an outer conductor, said outer conductor being operatively coupled to said second conductor of said antenna cable; an inner conductor, said inner conductor being operatively coupled to said first conductor of said antenna cable; and an antenna housing, said antenna housing being disposed around the outer periphery of said outer conductor and said inner conductor, and wherein said antenna housing maintains a fixed separation between said outer conductor and said antenna cable.
An antenna device as recited in claim 11, wherein said antenna housing is formed from polycarbonate. An antenna device as recited in claim 11, wherein said outer conductor is formed from copper. An antenna device as recited in claim 11, wherein said antenna cable is a coaxial cable. An antenna device as recited in claim 11, wherein an outer peripheral surface of said antenna housing is surrounded by shrink tubing.
A portable electronic device
A portable electronic device, comprising: a housing for enclosing functional components of the portable electronic device; and an internal antenna disposed entirely inside the housing and configured to transmit or receive RF signals from within the housing.
The portable electronic device as recited in claim 16 the inner surface of the housing being provided with a recess for receiving the antenna.
The portable electronic device as recited in claim 16 wherein at least a portion of the antenna is disposed at the outer perimeter edge of the housing around and spaced away from the functional components.
The portable electronic device as recited in claim 16 wherein the housing provides sufficient space at its sides for placement of the antenna away from internally located metal objects.
The portable electronic device as recited in claim 16 wherein the antenna comprises first and second poles connected to an antenna cable, and wherein the housing includes recesses for receiving the first and second poles, and a groove for receiving the antenna cable.
Miscellaneous
Elsewhere under claims it is noted that “The personal computing device as recited in claim 1 further including an antenna, said antenna being configured to transmit or receive RF signals, said housing being configured to enclose said antenna such that said antenna is entirely contained internal to said housing and is operable while being internal to said housing without having to extend any portion of said antenna outside said housing, the antenna being largely unnoticeable to the untrained observer from the exterior of the housing.”
NOTICE:
Macsimum News presents only a brief summary of patents with associated graphic(s) for journalistic news purposes as each such patent application and/or grant is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trade Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any patent applications and/or grants should be read in its entirety for further details.
The inventors listed on patent 20050270244 are Lawrence Lam, Jory Bell, Chris Stringer, Roy Riccomini for serial number 198820 filed on Aug. 4, 2005.
Macsimum Notes
Although I’ve done my best at breaking down all three of Apple’s patents separately, there’s simply no way to cover every last detail worth noting in a timely way. If you’re a sleuth and find that unique point missed in these reports, then be my guest in presenting it below for everyone’s benefit.
Hmm, on November 15, KT Launched Commercial WiBro Services in Korea, indicative of Mobile WiMAX Technology Potential— and late Wednesday Om Malik’s blog referenced information about the IEEE standards body approving the 802.16e standard. Yes, things are moving along quite nicely on the wireless over-the-air front indeed.
Apple already has a standing patent on future wireless—over-the-air capabilities involving the iPod and other interesting applications. They also have a patent on a camera laptop. So when you add in RF with a track pad and additional buttons, you have to wonder what on earth Apple could have in store for us in the coming months and years.
Being that television was described as being a future feature in one of the aforementioned patents; I wonder if we’ll be given an easy way to switch to live TV on a notebook with a simple click. Then again, it could be iTunes or taking an incoming phone call or iChat session. Will these buttons be programmable so that users’ get to make those decisions? Could it allow a user to instantly switch from OS X to Linux? Questions, questions and more questions.
I’m sure that you have an idea or two on this, so let’s hear it.
neo@macsimumnews.com
Ace Says:
Ya! Finally some news on a WiMax type notebook! As far as the multi-button track pad goes, I hope it’s as inventive as you present and not Apple trying to appeal to PC’ers with a feature they’re used to. If Apple is to be different, then they have to use the extra buttons to give their new Intel Mac notebook a leap frog advancement. Sorry, I don’t have a clue what they’d use it for, as you’ve given a few interesting ideas already.
Posted on December 09, 2005
Stu Says:
We’re not use to receiving phone calls on a notebook and that may sound alien today. But how true it will be. In a few years it’ll be the norm. So the one click to answer an incoming call would be interesting, though a bit of a waste of a trackpad button. But an instant “switch” of UI is interesting, like iTunes.
Posted on December 09, 2005
ron Says:
Don’t have much to say but I think a great deal of this patent reflects MY belief that Apple will eventually release another device that uses the same basic shape of the iPod mini and its construction. I’ve thought this since the day they released the G5 iPod (video). Not a great deal of tangible reasons for justification though — probably more of a gut feeling. But the design just epitomizes the Apple minimalism and the construction is perfect for the very antenna technology discussed in this patent. Besides, Apple revisited the original iPod design in building the iPod (video), who’s to say they couldn’t do it again. :-)
We’ll see I guess.
Posted on December 09, 2005
Barry Says:
That’s interesting ron, being that every patent makes it clear that they’re not restricted by the embodiments displayed in the patent. So you’re right that it could very well apply to an iPod or iPod-like device, say an iPhone or whatever.
Though a WiMax notebook is likely going to revive sales as this is going to be a valuable upgrade if they offer nonline of sight capabilities. I don’t know if that’s part of WiMax wireless is it? I hope so though - that would be sweet!
Posted on December 09, 2005
Brian Says:
Looks like a patent for the PowerBook G3 with built in airport. 802.11 of course is RF as well.
Posted on December 09, 2005
daver Says:
hmmmmm, their fifth aspect seems remarkably similar to the first aspect!
Posted on December 09, 2005
Wayne Folta Says:
Listen to Brian! 802.11 is “RF” (Radio Frequency) folks. Nothing new to see here, citizens. Move along.
Posted on December 09, 2005
Neo Says:
Good point daver. The distinction made in the patent is that the first aspect of the invention pertains to how light will work within a “translucent housing,” whereas the fifth aspect is more in context with a single point within a housing being illuminated - like an Apple or iPod logo. Translucent housing is discussed in another part of this patent series today.
Cheers
Neo
Posted on December 09, 2005
Arny Says:
Like ya Folta, Apple won’t use wimax in notebooks. Ya move along is right you stupid dufus.
I’m sure that Apple’s “recent patent” is preparing for Wimax and not rehashing airport. Check out another Apple patent that talks about high end RF that is way beyond airport and into the range of cellular phones.
http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/patent_peek_apples_personal_mobile_radio_tv_telephony
Posted on December 09, 2005
Tak Says:
In part 2 of this patent, Apple references are made to Dipole antennas. Here’s a link to Dipole and cell phones! http://www.rense.com/general56/cellpp.htm
So this is for real!
Posted on December 09, 2005
Stu Says:
Nice point Tak, you beat me to part 2.
Also in a link above (future wireless) there’s a section about a cell phone range with RF in the thousands, as Apple’s patent points out, which is in the range supporting cell phones. So the evidence is clear, whether Apple denies it or not. When, is the question.
Posted on December 09, 2005
Barry Says:
Kudos Tak.
It’s good that dipole and monopole were mentioned in part 2 of this series in order to clarify the possible range of the intended antennas presented in the patent. Associating it with a notebook is something I’d expect from Apple and hope they lead the way, again.
Posted on December 09, 2005
Sun Tzu Says:
Yeah it’s called a Powerbook! Airport antennae in the screen....and a glowing Apple logo (including one upside down one on PB G3)
These spec’s work fine for the 802.11b - to 802.11G -and already shipped… Yeah WiMax will use air & screens as well…
Since WiFi is broadcast @ 2.4GHz <--that is a radio frequency… also close to cell frequencies....
( Bluetooth 2.0 as well… Wireless is NOT NEW!)
Not much to see here…
Um, not really fascinating....is it?
Posted on December 09, 2005
Tak Says:
Deny, deny, denny from the peanut gallery. Monopole and dipole antennas aren’t used in notebooks from Apple. Even the PDF that neo points to in part 2 for these standards go to 5Ghz. Some people would deny they exist if they didn’t look in the mirror. What is the purpose of introducing a 2005 patent with RF if it’s to go back 4 years. Weird people.
Posted on December 09, 2005
Neo Says:
Hey Tak, don’t sweat it. These yahoos from competing sites come by when there’s big news, just to say the same old tired crap.
Thanks for adding that link, it’s a good reference to cell phones and antennas.
Cheers Tak!
Neo
Posted on December 09, 2005
BB Says:
Sounds like a Pismo powerbook to me, or an iBook, or any other current powerbook. RF = airport
Posted on December 09, 2005
Tony Says:
I see what you mean neo. As if RF only equals airport. morons are like weeds.
Posted on December 09, 2005
Tommy Says:
It seems that chameleon may begin more realistically as proposed here. It’s a way to produce a single translucent device and let people choose what they want for color. It really comes down to how well this is executed. How deep could colors get? As long as Apple has worked that out, I think it’s brilliant (pun intended). It’s the extent of it that’s interesting here as it seems to apply to notebooks and other devices. Apple already uses a translucent in the new iMacs really, with the white beneath. So it appears that Apple has been slowly introducing this into the market. I like the new iMac’s look and choosing colors is just the right gimmick for next season’s shopping.
The advancement of rf into higher frequencies is par for the course and yet it’s interesting how apple snuck this into a patent that’s primarily about translucent housing. It appears to be one solid project that they’ve assembled here for a very specific line of products.
Posted on December 09, 2005
Donna Says:
Yes and no Tommy. If you take the three patents, you’re right. But in this patent and even in parts of part 2, the antenna is the news hear and it’s not about older and unrelated airport as some as suggested. This application was only applied for in August for god’s sake, so of course it’s about advanced wireless tech in the next gen notebooks. Duh!
Apple’s “White” line up has just about run its course: BORING. So it’s time to move on and create something really new for Intel Macs. Something tells me that this is about creating a housing that could take on corporate colors & logos to appeal to small businesses. Why not promote your company on your laptop. It’s like a moving billboard.
Posted on December 09, 2005
alex Says:
I swear you guys don’t bother thinking twice about patent filings before doing crazy conspiracy thinking about new forthcoming Apple products.
Jory Bell is listed as an inventor. The last (or nearly last) design he worked on was the TiBook. You might also know him as one of the founders of OQO.
This patent is ancient news.
Posted on December 09, 2005
Troy Says:
Dufus Alex!
Posted on December 10, 2005
alexr Says:
Hardly. You’re free to wait a few years to learn that you’re wrong.
And while you’re at it, keep waiting for Framistan to appear. Surely it must be something new and special.
Posted on December 10, 2005
Ray Says:
Thanks for the report Neo.
The patent that you make reference to above, in respect to the iPod that introduces wireless capabilities, which at the upper end will use RF in ranges only reserved for cell phones, is very much in sync with this patent.
In part 2 of this patent, Apple specifically introduces dipole and monopole antennas, which are common in cell phones. The patent not only references notebooks but “consumer electronics” as well, which of course includes Apple’s iPod, and in sync with the former patent that you reference.
Under the heading “Another Intel led Coup?” in your report titled “Did Intel’s Next Wave Vision answer the qualcomm challenge?” it is abundantly clear how the “handset OEM’s” fear Intel’s move into telephony. One quote was “Elantis also worries that the new alliance would not cater to core customers — namely, handset manufacturers — given its PC focus.” Who’s in the alliance? Intel has convinced fellow chip makers Broadcom, Atheros and Marvell to join forces outside of an IEEE wireless LAN group to develop an interoperable physical and media access control (MAC) layer scheduled to be presented for IEEE acceptance by November. In broadcom’s Oct. 2005 press release, they mention Apple is involved with this alliance.
here are the reports:
http://www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=765930&source=home
http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/did_intels_next_wave_vision_answer_the_qualcomm_challenge/
From one patent to the other, Apple is consistantly presenting their plans for advanced wireless capabilities that will include some form of telephony. The mention of devices with multiple antenna in Broadcom’s press release is very much in tune with Apple’s current patent. This could very well be introduced sometime in the 2006-2007 time frame.
So those wondering in and “seeing conspiracies” and state that it’s “old news” or whatever, obviously haven’t been following Apple’s developments, alliances or patents. They’re just lazy yappy morons.
Keep up the great work neo. Those of us who are regualars at Macsimum appreciate your hard work and insights.
Posted on December 10, 2005
Neo Says:
Ray, you should join in on more reports. I appreciate to hear from those who are following the many reports on Macsimum and see the developments unfolding. Think of Apple’s WebCore now in Nokia’s S60 series and beyond. Think of Apple’s work with the likes of NTT DoCoMo and others have been well documented in several reports that I’ve done. So there’s a consistant body of evidence building.
On the other hand Ray, like I stated above, these competitor drones that wonder in to “yap” on my reports are nothing new. In light of the read counts for each of these reports, the drones account for about 0.0001%. Hmm, fleas no less.
Cheers Ray! - and I wish you and all Macsimum regulars a happy holidays and New Year!
Neo
Posted on December 10, 2005
alexr Says:
This patent does not describe new and forthcoming technology. If you actually read the patent, in the cross reference section it indicates that this is a divisional, replacing a sequence of provisional applications that were first filed on May 14, 1999. Patent rewrites and divisionals like this are normal and part of why patents take a long time to be granted.
This “lazy yappy moron” used to work for Apple. I am named as an inventor on one granted patent and one pending patent for Apple. I also happen to know one of the inventors of this patent personally. I’ve also actually read the patent text. Who is so lazy now?
Posted on December 10, 2005
Neo Says:
Not so fast alexr. Here’s what a divisional patent really is:
“A divisional patent application is an application claiming priority from some previously filed patent application (called a “parent application") in which more than one invention was disclosed. The divisional application has claims directed to a different invention than that claimed in the parent application. The most common way that this happens is that the Patent Office rules that your application contains more than one invention, communicating this in what is called a “restriction requirement”. The applicant then elects to pursue one of the inventions in that application (the “parent application"), and optionally submits a “divisional application” containing the claims regarding another of the inventions.”
In on other words, the portion of the patent 09/389,915 relating to “Chameleon” was filed earlier. Feeding in “Ser. No. 09/389,915, filed Sep. 3, 1999 and entitled “DISPLAY HOUSING FOR COMPUTING DEVICE,” into Google will in fact refer you back to Apple’s chameleon patent to which I refer to in part 2. Any time a patent is grouped in and discussed with other patents within the context of a new patent, The old patent is revealed as a divisional patent.
So your definition is incorrect and your credentials are unverifiable. Nice try though. If you want to present me with evidence, you have my email information above. If you’re serious, contact me offline, otherwise, it just sounds like a lot of hot air.
Cheers
Neo
Posted on December 11, 2005
Tak Says:
Sounds like alexr is a deluted dreamer. The report presented is factually from the patent including the inclusion of RF and a track pad with 2 extra buttons. Mentioning WiMax is contextual and pondering what the buttons would be for is anything but a “conspiracy.” Now he wants us to take him seriously. That’s funny. A person who could see a “conspiracy” in this report, is simply delusional. If he wrote a patent, it was likely during a long visit in a rubber room.
Posted on December 11, 2005
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Dennis Sellers
Dennis has been a newspaper editor/reporter (seven years) and teacher (seven years). He has over 4,000 magazine, newspaper and online articles to his credit. He has also covered the Mac and tech industries for over a decade for such online publications as MacCentral, MacMinute and now MacsimumNews.
Tony Says:
All I want to see is an advanced WiMax Powerbook in 2006 and this looks like part of the equation. This is one of those patents that won’t be sitting on a shelf. It’s relevant to “the now.”
Apple may not say much ahead of time, which I could appreciate. But the next best thing is keeping an eye on patents as many give us a peek into Cupertino’s lab mindset.
With WiMax appearing to be ahead of schedule, if Malik’s information is the real thing, then the buzz for 2006 (late) will be this type of notebook.
Posted on December 09, 2005