File this one under ‘cool things to come’. In one of Apple’s latest patent applications to go public, it looks like Cupertino is casting an eye towards near-field communications. Filed back in September of 2008, the patent details adding bonus digital content to event tickets. You know, you swipe your ticket/pass, and immediately you get access to ‘at least one other event-related benefit’.
Think about the possibilities.
You turn up at a conference, oh, I don’t know, let’s say WWDC. You swipe your pass, and immediately conference schedules, maps, news and more are downloaded direct to your, oh, I don’t know lets say your iPhone 😛 Or, let’s say you’ve made your way to that NHL hockey game (sorry, I have hockey on the brain with playoffs going on right now!). You enter the rink, swipe your ticket, and ‘magically’ the roster sheets show up on your device… Heck, even coupons and deals on merchandise from retailers in the Arena could offer up juicy deals with e-coupons. Hells ya.
For more information on the system architecture, management system, kiosks, e-ticket turnstiles and more… check out the patent details over at Patently Apple.
[Via: Engadget]