After Samsung axed the camera module from its smartwatches after the first Gear smartwatch, we assumed that that was the end of the smartwatch-plus-camera idea. But it looks like LG doesn't think so. The company has recently filed a patent with USTPO (United States Trademark and Patent Office) for a design for a smartwatch with a camera module.
The patent was spotted by LetsGoDigital (via GSMArena), and shows a 'smartwatch and method for controlling the same'. It puts down a couple of designs for how a smartwatch could integrate a camera module. The patent also has references for 'mobile terminal' features, hinting that the smartwatch might come with cellular connectivity as well.
The patent also shows a number of diagrams on solutions to the practical problem of how to use a camera that is, essentially, on your wrist instead of in your hand. For example, an adjustable wrist band will allow the wearer to easily change the angle of the camera. Another option could be to include a metal link for the watch band, where one link comes with an integrated camera. A third possible solution could be to attach a spring click that can be placed anywhere on the watch band.
You could take a picture of your food and then track your calorie intake, or even scan the barcode/QR code at the supermarket. If the real-world practicality and applicability could be brought to overlap, this could be a real winner.
A patent filing doesn't necessarily mean that product will make it to the market (it could be found to be unviable and therefore be abandoned). LG clearly have their work cut out for them; if they pull it off, the launch may actually happen later this year
