File transfer has become essential in our daily life. We use social networks, messaging apps or emails to share documents, images and files. In the case of iOS, iPadOS and macOS we have airdrop, an Apple tool to transfer files of any size at high speed between Apple devices. This technology makes use of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. However, the Cupertino have patented a optical file transfer system attached to a mobile optical system that would improve the contact between devices and the sending of files in a fast way.
A futuristic technology for transferring files
A free space directional optical communication system includes a source device that includes a laser diode and an end point device that includes a photodiode. The end point device and source device also include an adjustable optical subsystem that increases the angular and positional displacement tolerance between the source device and the end point device.
This technology could be a AirDrop 2.0 that I would stop using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to receive a directional optical system together with an adjustable optical system. To understand this, we will use an example. We have two iPhones with these systems. One of them will be the sender and the other the receiver. The sending iPhone will produce a beam of light that will illuminate the receiving device's photodiode. This complex technology is capable of breaking down the emitted light to capture the information sent.
However, sometimes the laser does not illuminate the precise area of the receiving photodiode. That is why Apple has patented a second part of this technology: an adjustable suboptic system. That is, the device is capable of detecting the laser of the emitting iPhone and redirect it to the most suitable place on the receiving photodiode.
At the software level, it is likely that iPhones require a few seconds to recognize both the emission and the reception of the laser and when the excitation is achieved in the ideal place users will be told to try not to move the terminals to start streaming. This technology will be useful in many devices as explicitly discussed in the body of the patent:
Any stationary or portable electronic device can be (or both) a source device or an end point device of a free space optical communication system, as described herein. Exemplary electronic devices include, but are not limited to: mobile phone devices; tablets; portable devices; desktop computers; computer accessories; peripheral input devices; home or business network devices; air, marine, submarine or land vehicle control devices or network devices; mobile entertainment devices; augmented reality devices; virtual reality devices; industrial control devices; digital wallet devices; home or business security devices; health or medical devices; implantable devices; devices on clothing; fashion accessory devices; household appliances or industrial appliances.