HTC patents automatic tilting screen, ends shoulder surfing

August 14, 2009 | By Surur

From our earlier rather practical patent to one that is rather more exoteric. HTC notes that a wide viewing angle on a screen allows for shoulder surfers to read your private information while you are accessing it, and also that a fixed screen angle forces one to constantly adjust the position you hold it every time you move.

HTC intends (at some distant point in the future no doubt) to solve this problem by using a screen layer that severely limits the viewing angle of the device, and to make up for this by constantly and dynamically adjusting the viewing angle to where your eyes actually are, using a combination of G-Sensors, front-facing cameras that keeps the screen centred on your face and a poorly described control control scheme that used some electronic way to vary the angle (motors would have been so much cooler, but likely a bit of a drag to carry in your purse)

HTC also described a rather more practical application, where the same sensing technology would actually vary the on-screen content by measuring the location of your eyes and face and for example making text smaller when your phone is closer to your eyes and bigger when its further, or producing a skew in the on-screen image that would compensate for the angle of the screen relative to your eyes.

Both of these technologies are rather gimmicky, but as Straighttalk has proven, sometimes a gimmick is all one needs to turn a good device into a great device.

Read the full patents here and here.

1

About Surur

Site Admin and Windows Phone enthusiast, he has been using Windows Mobile devices since before they were called PocketPC’s. He is currently sporting a HTC 7 Trophy.

Tagged htc, patents

http://www.j2i.net Joel Johnson

I have a privacy screen on my laptop. I was working in a very cramped environment and the person sitting next to me leaned over looking at my screen and complained about not being able to see my screen further reinforcing my reason for getting it.

Scan QR Codes, UPC, EAN, Code 39/128 or ITF barcodes on your Windows Phone 7 to find best prices online.

Enjoy slots? Blackjack? Video Poker? Play Crazy Casino FREE!

#1 FREE Solitaire on WP7

If your a fan of Pong then you will love this game. Heavenly Skies. Save the universe! Are you ready?

A rewarding mix of match 3 and tetris gameplay

Free, Live Tile support for Word Of The Day and so much more. Why NOT try it out?

Set up reminders with only two taps. Supports also text reminders and voice reminders.

Download the best puzzle game in WP7 Marketplace for FREE!

Are you a good Alchemist ? Use your brain to discover Atomic Energy, Chuck Norris, Angry Birds and 1400 more !

Fun puzzle game with over 150 levels!

Fully featured, beautifully designed WP7 YouTube app.

u.n.i MEGA PACK (FREE), the ultimate addictive top GAMES bundle for Windows Phone 7! 7+ and growing!

Highly addictive word game designed for adrenaline junkies. Practice locally, but then are you fast enough to compete online?

The smartest Google reader app.

Air Soccer Fever - Realtime Online Multiplayer casual soccer game for FREE

Beat the Story Mode. When your done Bring your skill online. Rank up by winning online matches. Have 1 on 1's with anyone! Global Online Multiplayer!

Newest devices leaks, online charts and ultimate performance benchmark for every Windows Phone.

Every day, get great app deals from Windows Phone developers pushed to you!

Quick Tiles, a fully featured live tile editor for Windows Phone.

Great sports app for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL. Pin scores/games to live tile on your home screen.

MobileFax gives you the opportunity to send fax pages from your mobile phone anytime, anywhere !

WP7 Exclusive version of Hanging with Friends

Fabulously fun, lovable, crazy! Bubble Pong Championship

A remake of the classic snake game. The snake wants to grow so don't wait and help her!

Promote your app on WMPoweruser.com