Posted on 10/04/2009 7:28:43 PM PDT by Swordmaker
In a new patent application revealed this week, Apple has again disclosed plans for a multi-touch surface that could accommodate two full hands and distinguish between palms and individual fingers for typing, gestures and more.
The application, filed by Morrison and Foerster LLP in Los Angeles in June 2009 on behalf of Apple, expands on information first revealed by AppleInsider in early 2008. The massive document details a hand-based system that would allow "unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device."
The document notes that input with a stylus, mouse, keyboard and voice recognition are all options that work well in specific circumstances, but are not dynamic enough to address the many needs of users. But, it states, many of those needs can be met with touch-sensitive technology that can recognize a number of hand configurations.
"Many attempts have been made to embed pointing devices in a keyboard so the hands do not have to leave typing position to access the pointing device... The limited movement range and resolution of these devices, leads to poorer pointing speed and accuracy than a mouse, and they add mechanical complexity to keyboard construction," the application reads. "Thus there exists a need in the art for pointing methods with higher resolution, larger movement range, and more degrees of freedom yet which are easily accessible from typing hand positions."
The described system in the patent application would individually detect all ten fingers and separate palms on a person's hand, giving the ability to type, write, draw and interact with a device large enough to support multiple hands. Examples of the touchscreen capabilities include resting of hands, measuring when a hand or fingers touches and leaves the surface, interpreting taps from one finger as mouse button clicks, but disregarding a tap from two fingers, and more. Activities done with multiple fingers are referred to as "chords."
Such a system could ergonomically adapt to individual hand sizes, eliminate the need for a stylus and mouse, would require minimal typing force. The application notes that there are other patents for touchscreen devices that negate the need for a keyboard or mouse, but states that Apple's method is unique because it addresses both needs.
Typing is a large part of the lengthy application. The document goes into great detail about how a multi-touch interface could distinguish what keys a set of hands intend to type on the surface. It discusses pressure on the sides or center of individual fingers and palms, and how to interpret those various signals.
Key points of the invention, as described in the application, include:
Integrating and distinguishing different types of input, such as typing, multiple degree-of-freedom manipulation, and handwriting, via different hand configurations that are easy to use and recognize.
Includes an electronic system which minimizes the number of sensing electrodes to allow easier understanding of a variety of hand configurations.
Provide a multi-touch surface that is contoured to be comfortable and ergonomic under extended use.
Provide tactile key or hand position feedback without interfering with a hand resting on the smooth touch-sensitive surface.
Provide images of "flesh proximity" to a variety of sensors that can distinguish hand configuration.
Understand when the user wants cursor motion, and ignore commands when deceleration by the user is detected.
Understand the movement of two or more hands to allow manipulation of two-dimensional electronic documents, like rotation and scaling of photos.
The application is partially credited to Wayne Westerman of Fingerworks, a company absorbed by Apple several years ago as part of its quest to deliver iPhone and a new generation of input devices.
Though long-rumored, Apple has not yet released any details about its anticipated tablet. Sources have told AppleInsider that the device will not appear until early 2010. Since co-founder Steve Jobs returned to the company after a leave due to health reasons, the project has reportedly been the CEO's number one focus.
Apple has been at work on the project for many years, and the hardware has seen numerous internal iterations, only to be reset a number of times. The current device is believed to have a 10-inch screen, 3G connectivity, and sport a custom-made chip from P.A. Semi.
If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me.
Just read rumors that a new iMac line, and MacBook line is on the way soon! I posted a note on the Apple forums a few days ago, innocently, asking if anyone knew if new model were coming out soon because I am thinking of buying a new MacBook. Well, you would have thought I cursed Steve Jobs. I was hammered for violation of ToS, and received a notice of deletion to my personal email. I thought the reaction was a bit over-the-top for what I ask, but now I know why. It has been leaked via a dumb mistake by their marketing people that the new line is coming.
Really! I am way, way overdue for a new MacBook.
But this is the Netherlands. Do they release in the USA at the same time as Netherlands?
I thought I saw a headline about a new iMac but I couldn’t find it when I went back and don’t really remember where I read it. I bought a used iMac 2.16 on eBay and got it Friday. Bought it far a friend and paid $540 for it plus shipping from a newby. Buyers shy away from newbies...
Whether Apple or otherwise... somebody’s got to come up with the next generation language interface. I don’t know what it’ll be... but Dear Lord we can’t still be using a QWERTY keyboard to enter text in twenty years. Please!
:-)
I have no idea, but I will guess yes. If they don;t release at the same time they run a huge risk of losing sales at the location selling the older model. If I knew a new model was selling in NL, there is NO WAY I would buy a system here until the new model came out.
I think an entirely new interface is needed for keyboard entry. Voice recognition is getting better, but still needs patience to get 90%.
Yes.
But keep in mind, when they talk about an updated MacBook, they’re referring to the white plastic model, not the aluminum MacBook Pro line.
Oh, I did not know Apple had a white plastic MacBook. I thought white plastic was iMac and that Apple only had aluminum iMacs. :(
Yes, a new interface is needed... but I don’t think it’ll be voice. I don’t WANT to have to say things that I’m typing. I don’t want to be speaking in my office, so that whoever is walking by can hear it. Or my neighbors or visitors or whoever...
It’s got to be silent. No moving parts. A surface like they’re discussing here, or a laser-interference engine in empty space... or something. If I knew what it was I’d have invented it already and be retired, I suppose. :-)
My daughter is a buyer in a Cal/State college bookstore and she is waiting to buy a new iMac when they come out. The bookstore stocks and sells Apple hardware and products to students and faculty and will order PCs if asked. She doesn’t tell her Dear Old Dad anything about new pending releases...
Makes you appreciate the simplicity of the QWERTY keyboard. Kind of like the wheel—simple, yet elegant at the same time.
Well, I just went to the Apple site. The aluminum Macs are “MacBook Pro” ... the white plastic ones are “MacBooks”. So you are correct.
However I was surprised to see that an iTouch is only $199. I paid around $500. But that was when they first came out.
As a standalone user interface device, this may succeed. As a tablet computer, however, this brings very little to the table. A cursory look at the existing tablets will tell you that - there are plenty of resistive devices that already serve the tablet market (many below Apple’s likely price point). The device never caught on because it’s a niche that didn’t need filling.
That won’t stop the legions of Apple fans who will buy anything Apple-branded, though.
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