Airbag for smartphones invented

[Jazzy]

It's a momentary lapse that can cost hundreds. But the cracked screens that result from dropped iPhones could become a thing of the past thanks to an unlikely invention – an airbag for smartphones.



The innovative technology makes use of the motion-sensors that are now built into most smartphones to detect when it has entered an airborne state, so that a mini-airbag can be deployed to cushion its fall.



The idea comes from the burgeoning technology department at Amazon, which won a patent for the protective system this week. As well as mobile phones, the technology could be used on electronic readers, including the online retailer’s own Kindle, as well as computer tablets and cameras.



Amazon’s founder, Jeff Bezos, filed the application for a patent himself. It reads: “Prior to impact between a surface and a device, a determination of a risk of damage to the device is made. If the risk of damage to the device exceeds a threshold, a protection system is activated to reduce or eliminate damage to the device.”



The airbag would draw on data from a mobile phone's built-in gyroscope, camera, accelerometers and other such sensors, according to the patent. Then, if it is determined that the gadget has been dropped, the technology will trigger the release of airbags and could even include air-jets to change its trajectory in mid-air.

Full atricle



I would think that the airbag would have a big impact on battery life. Also, wouldn't it be easier to just use shatter-proof glass?

 

[Evil Eye]

I would think that the airbag would have a big impact on battery life.

Maybe, but chances are most of that stuff is on anyway.

Also, wouldn't it be easier to just use shatter-proof glass?

Maybe, but other stuff could still break in a fall.