United States. Apple obtained a batch of U.S. patents from a defunct home security camera company, called Lighthouse AI, possibly in an effort to expand its own AI-based user identification technology.
Although some of the patents are standard security, some involve depth-sensing technology, IAM said Monday. These include the "Machine Vision-Based Security System Using a Depth Camera" and "Method and System for Using Light Emission Using a Depth Sensing Camera to Capture Video Images in Low Light Conditions."
The wallet was purchased before December 2018, but the official news of the IP reallocation appeared in late February in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database.
In total, Apple acquired eight properties, including U.S. Patent No. 9,396,400 for a "Machine Vision-Based Security System Using a Depth Camera," No. 9,965,612 for "Method and System for Visual Authentication," and No. 10,009,554 for "Method and System for Using Light Emission using a Depth-Sensing Camera to Capture Video Images in Low Light Conditions."
The company also purchased applications that are currently under review, including Method and System for Using Light Emission by a Depth-Sensing Camera to capture video images in low-light conditions, two properties (1, 2) for a "Computer Vision Based Security System Using a Depth Camera," voice interface for vision-based monitoring system, Two-way communication interface for vision-based monitoring system and Method and system for sharing incidents in a monitoring system. Former Lighthouse CEO Alexander Teichman is accredited as an inventor on every patent and application.
Lighthouse closed towards the end of 2018 after its home security camera failed to perform in a market dominated by companies such as Ring, Nest, Arlo and Wyze.
The Lighthouse camera cost $299 and required a paid subscription to enable some AI features. However, it was capable of detecting in 3D and included a facial recognition subsystem to remember owners, family members and frequent visitors. Depth detection and facial recognition were part of Lighthouse's sweepstakes, and the company offered push notification services that alerted users when certain people came home. The technology was also used to filter out "noise" from security cameras, such as shadows and pet movement, to greatly reduce the number of false positives.
Apple isn't thought to be making a game for the security camera market, though it could use the patents to deter prosecutions and bolster camera technology for iPhones, iPads and Macs. Apple has been rumored to be working on a rear-facing 3D camera for 2020 iPhones, specifically using a laser sensor with a range of 15 feet. That could allow for more possibilities in augmented reality.
The company is also believed to be developing an AR headset, for which depth detection would be a vital component. That can be shipped in 2020 or 2021.
Source: appleinsider.
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