Apple patent eyes magnets for dual iPad notebook

From just a smart iPad cover, magnets may soon figure in Apple Inc.'s upcoming "wild" ideas such as a dual iPad notebook that is a game controller at the same time. Enthusiast site "Patently Apple" cited an Apple patent application for magnet use with the US Patent and Trademark Office, which made the application public Feb. 28. "Apple presents us with a series of possible new iPad stand configurations for such applications as a super advanced music stand, a way to connect two iPads together to create a notebook with a large virtual keyboard or a way to create a portable gaming system with an advanced video game controller. Apple has some wild ideas worth noting in this invention," it said. The patent application involves configuring tablets to "work together cooperatively," wirelessly or otherwise. And here's where the magnets come in: the connection between the tablets should be strong enough to maintain the devices' position. One of the most intriguing use for the magnet is for a dual iPad notebook, with two tablet devices secured together by a "strong set of magnets." Interesting as well is a "Dual Display Configuration" that allows the formation of a larger eBook, and a notebook with a virtual keyboard. Still another is a tablet tripod/stand for use by photographers and videographers, where the tripod can be configured to review photos or video as they are taken, with a wireless transmitter sends data between the camera and the tablet device via a wireless receiver. This allows for a light and portable secondary display for reviewing and displaying products without need for a larger laptop or desktop computer. A similar accessory can be placed on a restaurant table allowing menu specials to be displayed. Customers can touch the displayed special, and then receive more information. The device could also be use by customers to enter payment details. Even musicians can benefit from a magnet-based device, which can function as an advanced music stand. An iPad holder can be a music stand, while the tablet displays sheet music. The strong magnetic connection between the tablet and the tablet holder may let a musician quickly swipe the screen to turn pages. Software may also automatically turn the pages. Apple credited Matthew Rohrbach as the sole inventor of this patent application, which was originally filed in the third quarter of 2011, "Patently Apple" said. Video game controller The magnetic accessory can serve as secure video game controllers, physical keyboards, or even a robust stylus holder. "In particular video game controllers need a strong connection to a tablet device to provide a robust control configuration for serious gaming enthusiasts," explained "Patently Apple". The patent also describes a magnetic stand mounted in a vehicle's console, supporting a tablet device. "A vehicle-mounted tablet mount can allow a number of additional features to be built into the mount. In this way the tablet could automatically connect to electronic devices built into the car itself. Given prior setup and pairing, Bluetooth and WiFi radio connections could be established moments after the tablet was snapped into place," it said. With such connections, the tablet can be used for navigation, backup camera video, music selection, or even vehicle performance data display. A magnetic stand may be configured on the front of a treadmill, where someone walking or jogging can watch a movie or a TV show. The tablet could also be configured to control the treadmill. — DVM, GMA News