Apple Granted Patent For ‘iTime’ Device; Clearest Sign Yet That A Smartwatch Is On Its Way

According to a new patent granted to Apple by the USPTO (via AppleInsider) Apple has invented a wrist-worn wearable device with augmented strap capabilities, support for arm and wrist gestures, advanced proximity-sensing circuitry and much more.

Apple filed for the patent on 20 July 2011 (for those that thinks Apple is copying others) and lists Golko; Albert J., Schmidt; Mathias W. and Alvarez; Felix as inventors.

The patent describes a device referred to as “iTime that fits on the wrist and connects with other portables like iPhones and iPads, computers, or even the watch’s straps, which integrate sensor and other circuitry to augment device performance

According to the patent abstract:

[su_quote]Embodiments of electronic wristwatches are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an electronic wristband can provide additional electrical circuitry or devices that can be made available for use as or with an electronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device can be a mobile electronic device that can be removably coupled to the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices. Advantageously, the electronic device can utilize the additional electrical circuitry or devices provided within the electronic wristband to augment the capabilities of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the electronic device can be integrally formed with the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices.[/su_quote]

Patent Summary:

[su_quote]The invention pertains to an electronic wristwatch. According to one embodiment, an electronic wristband can provide additional electrical circuitry or devices that can be made available for use as or with an electronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device can be a mobile electronic device that can be removably coupled to the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices. Advantageously, the electronic device can utilize the additional electrical circuitry or devices provided within the electronic wristband to augment the capabilities of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the electronic device can be integrally formed with the electronic wristband which provides the additional circuitry or devices.

The invention may be implemented in numerous ways, including, but not limited to, a system, device, apparatus or method. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed below.

As an electronic wristband to be worn on a wrist of a user, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least a central portion and at least one band portion. The central portion can have a receptacle area configured to receive a mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device can include a display and be independently useable apart from the electronic watchband. The least one band portion can be coupled to central portion and suitable to assist with securing the electronic wristband to the wrist of the user. The at least one band portion can also include at least one electrical component provided internal to the at least one band portion and operatively connected to the mobile electronic device when provided in the receptacle area.

As an electronic wristband to be worn on a wrist of a user, another embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least a central portion and at least one band portion. The central portion can include a touch screen display, control circuitry and a battery. The touch screen display can be configured to present visual information to the user and to receive user input from the user. The control circuitry can be configured to control operation of the electronic watchband, and the battery can be configured to provide power to the electronic wristband. The at least one band portion can be coupled to the central portion and suitable to assist with securing the electronic wristband to the wrist of the user. The at least one band portion can include at least one electrical component provided internal to the at least one band portion and operatively connected to the control circuitry.

Various aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

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