By Ingrid Marson, 20 September 2005 08:15
NEWS Apple has filed a patent for a laptop that has a camera built into the latch between the lid and the base, suggesting that it is working on such a feature in an upcoming laptop model.
The patent application, which was published by the US Patent Office last week, is for a portable computer that includes a camera in the housing that secures the lid to the base. The camera, which is integrated into the PC, includes an image sensor and a lens assembly, according to documents on the US patent office website.
The patent, which has not yet been granted, was filed by Apple in March 2004.
An Apple spokesperson declined to say whether the company is planning to include the feature in any forthcoming products, explaining that the company doesn't comment on 'rumour and speculation'.
An image of the proposed device is included on the front page of the patent application.
Ingrid Marson writes for ZDNet UK
Comments
There are 4 comments. Join the discussion
1. anonymous
Didn't Sony have a similar camera position in some of their laptops?
I'm sure i've seen that somewhere before.
2. mackle
sony vaio pgc-cx1
c1 picturebook computer
circa windows98
suspect the embedded camera location facilitates videochat.
3. anonymous
That's right! Sony used to have a ultra- compact sized camera Vaio notebook in similar position some 4-5 years ago. How can Apple claim this is their patent?
4. Kee
Sony still has a Vaio with a camera it is in their Vaio FJ 180 series. It is embedded into the center top of the laptop moniter. From the picture this looks quite different. No one can patent just a simple camera on a computer. This is part of the latch. Once the computer is closed the camera assembly folds down and latches into the base to securely close the laptop. I hope they come out with it, I'd love to buy one.