Apple patent suggests wireless, displayless desktop computers

Future computers from Apple Inc. may soon be able to do away with a display monitor, and stay powered without those pesky cables, as a new patent suggests.

 

The patent for such a "desk-free" computer indicates the computer system would have a projector integrated into the central processing unit.

 

"Such a computer system may be substantially or even entirely externally wire-free. Methods of image processing may involve a computer system with an integrated projector output," it said.

 

A separate article on tech site Mashable said the device suggested by the patent "would likely resemble a Mac mini with a projector lens on one of its sides."

 

It added the device may have an accelerometer and a proximity sensor to detect its distance from a wall surface, where it would project its images.

 

"The integrated projector may also provide flexibility in the location, relative to the computer system and/or the user, and/or in the size of the projected image. Display screens for both laptops and desktops are fixed in size, and have limited flexibility in location relative to the computer, either by wired connection and/or other physical constraint," it quoted the patent as saying.

 

Also, the device would have inductive or wireless charging, meaning it can be a portable solution.

 

"That method of wireless charging would mean that the computing device would not only be display-free, but it would also be able to function as a mobile solution, significantly cutting down the number of inputs and wires normally associated with mobile devices," it said.

 

However, Mashable noted there is no indication as to whether this patent would become reality. — TJD, GMA News