SpaceX, Sony, and Samsung: New Patent Filings This Week

This week's filings show a mix of practical hardware tweaks and software experiments. We see SpaceX simplifying satellite deployment, Sony bridging the gap between virtual and physical worlds, and Samsung exploring new ways to interact with flexible screens.

SpaceX patents method to launch and release stacked spacecraft

SpaceX has been granted a patent for a method to launch multiple spacecraft at once. The design attaches a vertical stack of vehicles to a rocket's payload adapter using tension rods.

Once the rocket reaches orbit, the rods are released. This allows the entire stack to separate from the rocket in one go, potentially making multi-satellite missions more efficient.

See the details in the Patent Tracker · Read the full filing (official PDF)

Sony patents VR system that shows real people in virtual worlds

Sony has received a patent for a VR system that tracks people who are not wearing headsets. The device identifies these visitors in the physical room and places a corresponding object in the virtual environment.

This allows players to see who is nearby without taking off their headset. It helps maintain awareness of the real world while immersed in a virtual one.

See the details in the Patent Tracker · Read the full filing (official PDF)

Sony patents system that simulates food smell and taste for users

Sony describes a system that simulates the smell and taste of food. It uses a computer to predict aromas based on ingredients and cooking methods.

The system then controls hardware to deliver specific scents to the user's nose and throat. This aims to create a multisensory experience of eating a dish without actually consuming it.

See the details in the Patent Tracker · Read the full filing (official PDF)

Samsung patents phone that slides open when you swipe on the screen

Samsung has patented a phone design where the screen physically expands when you swipe. A small motor moves the housing to reveal more of the flexible display.

This action is triggered by specific touch gestures on the screen. It offers a physical response to digital input, changing how users interact with expanding displays.

See the details in the Patent Tracker · Read the full filing (official PDF)

Google patents method for LLMs to self-correct and learn from mistakes

Google has been granted a patent for a method where large language models check their own work. The system generates an initial answer and then creates a critique to identify flaws.

It uses this critique to produce a refined final response. The entire sequence is saved as training data to help the model improve its accuracy in future interactions.

See the details in the Patent Tracker · Read the full filing (official PDF)

Samsung patents phone feature that edits photos using live camera view

Samsung describes a photo editing feature that uses a live camera view. The phone displays a saved photo alongside the real-time camera feed.

It matches objects in the live view with those in the photo. Then, it uses AI to edit the saved image to reflect the changes seen in the camera, allowing for interactive photo updates.

See the details in the Patent Tracker · Read the full filing (official PDF)

Apple patents headphones that suggest replies to frequent messages

Apple has patented a system for suggesting replies to messages via headphones. The phone determines a response and sends it as an audio prompt to the user's headphones.

Users can accept or reject the suggestion using their voice or a head gesture. If accepted, the phone sends the message; if rejected, it cancels the transmission.

See the details in the Patent Tracker · Read the full filing (official PDF)

Check out the full list of filings in our patent tracker to see what else big tech is working on. We update it regularly with new applications and grants.

Browse all 837 filings from this week →

Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.