“Apple has applied for new patents that detail methods for recognising data from a multipoint touch sensitive display and interpreting this data to allow things like zooming in on an image etc (a bit like the two finger scrolling on new Powerbooks enables window scrolling),” hrmpf.com reports. “An example they show is the zooming in on a map where a pinching action results on zooming where the pinch occurs- the opposite action of pinching results in zooming out. Rotating your finger results in- you guessed it- rotation of the image!”
“The key to the patent multipoint nature of the input- multiple fingers/hands being moved on the screen in gestures which result in specific changes. Further elements include how the very OS X-like interface would respond to touching- elements such as the gum-drop close boxes would magnify when the user passes their finger over them- to make clicking the individual elements easier,” hrmpf.com reports. “Certain gestures would result in floating controls poping up on the screen and enabling interaction- e.g. to enable easy scrolling a virtual click-wheel (looking very like the iPods clickwheel) would pop up- terrific for navigating iTunes etc- turning the volume up-down on your Apple iHome. These patents are certainly a step forward from the Newton UI and indicates Apple, at least, has contingency plans for an Apple tablet- with their top designer (Jonathan Ive) one of the inventors listed on the patents.”
Full article with many illustrations from the patent applications here.
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Related MacDailyNews articles:
New Apple patents reveal portable tablet device, tablet video game application – January 27, 2006
Apple Computer’s search for ‘Handwriting Recognition Engineer’ revives ‘Tablet Mac’ rumors – August 24, 2005
Emperor Gates’ new clothes: the failed mainstream Tablet PC – August 22, 2005
RUMOR: Apple Tablet exists running ‘reduced version’ of Mac OS X – May 24, 2005
Apple granted U.S. patent for Tablet Mac (with images) – May 10, 2005
Apple looking to add wireless connectivity to iPod, rumored Tablet Mac? – August 25, 2004
Apple hints at ‘handheld tablet computer’ with European design trademark filing – August 13, 2004
The Age ponders video Bluetooth iPod; tablet Mac possibilities – January 22, 2003
Apple readying secret iTablet for Macworld unveiling? – January 03, 2003
Tablet Mac watch begins – November 17, 2002
Are they taking pre-orders for this yet?
Apple, show me the products! I’m tired of rumors and speculation. I want hip, new products!!!
” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”wink” style=”border:0;” /> I want a DVR to control my living room and watch shows I’ve downloaded and I want a Pocket Mac.
http://www.g-zus.net/
I just ordered mine. Great price, too!!
I see this patent, and I think this could be for a full screen video iPod with the clickwheel as part of the screen. That way, they could give the next video iPod a substantially larger screen without making the iPod any larger.
Just think about SonyReader style pad with different screen sizes and color screen. iTunes magazine reader.
I’m ready
This is the upcoming Apple product I am most excited about.
I love the idea of a tablet… I had a Toshiba m200 before I switched. As a student and business owner, I loved everything about it… except for the operating system. It’s poorly implemented in windows… only a few useful, well made programs (Sketchpad, OneNote, Franklin Covey Planner) that utilize the enhanced capabilities.
Here’s a thought. With this technology one could do away with the track pad and the mouse. Rather than point and lick with a mouse or a track pad and button, all one would have to do is actually touch the screen to actuate virtual controls on websites and software packages. The FINGER takes the place of the mouse and the track pad.
Just be careful about having sticky fingers when you’re using the computer. And no KFC.
What the heck is the opposite of pinching a display?
I see this patent, and I think this could be for a full screen video iPod with the clickwheel as part of the screen. That way, they could give the next video iPod a substantially larger screen without making the iPod any larger.
Here’s a thought. With this technology one could do away with the track pad and the mouse. Rather than point and lick with a mouse or a track pad and button, all one would have to do is actually touch the screen to actuate virtual controls on websites and software packages. The FINGER takes the place of the mouse and the track pad.
Both of these are excellent ideas. I can see Apple implementing the iPod idea first though, because it relates to the video concept so well. A player no larger than the current iPod video, with controls built into a touch sentitive screen, allowing for the largest viewing area possible, would slam the door shut on any competing product.
Oh crap. How am I NOT going to buy one (or several) of these? As if I need another computing device.
Sigh.
Don:
“What the heck is the opposite of pinching a display?”
[1] Take your index finger and your thumb, spread them apart a couple of inches and set them on a flat surface.
[2] Slide your thumb and index finger together whilst keeping them in conact with the flat surface. ** This is the pinching movement **
[3] Slide your thumb and index finger apart again whilst again keeping them in contact with the flat surface. ** This is the opposite of the pinch **
You’re not physically “pinching” the display – it’s a metaphor for the way your fingers move ON the display.
Hope that helps.
Hate to say it, but this sounds a lot like what Bill Gates was demoing at the CES keynote when he did the segment on looking ahead at future Microsoft products..
Trevor – ROFLOL!
” width=”19″ height=”19″ alt=”LOL” style=”border:0;” />
Macsimum has a much more in-depth writeup. You can see that Apple is not only thinking about iPods with larger displays, but tablet computers (done right), PDA’s, mobile phones, and notebook computers with two displays (where one display can become a virtual keyboard). Hot stuff.
could be for the new 8 pounder 10inch screen ipod…… 😀
Looking forward to my first iSlate/MicroMac..
4″x3″
black/unscratchable and unbreakable glass
OSX
wifi and bluetooth
underside a qwerty fold-out flat keyboard/pad
Go Apple!
Oh – and the tri-band phone with built in detachable micro/bluetooth earpiece/microphone!
boring….
Crikey, they’re already on backorder. Oh well!
I’d love to see a modernized eMate.
I’m suing them because by using on of these I might break a fingernail.
hope it comes with windshield wipers.
I wonder if this device might turn up as the controller pad for a mac media center in the lounge. It could be both a keyboard and a way of controlling the cursor on screen.
This would allow you to control an itunes environment from the sofa, and do general web browsing.
You could also display iTunes or whatever web screen you were looking at on this “iPad” or whatever apple decide to call it, in casew you were not actually in front ot the huge screen in the lounge, but somewhere else in the home. Anyone want to watch a movie from the iTunes tonight??
Ampar I was waiting for someone to finally mention the Newton family.
with the larger screen i suppose they would have to make the screen easy to wipe down, due to the increased realism.
haha
dr m – I think you may have hit the nail on the head. BUT I hope they also develop a Newton type product. Oh the sweet newty newt goodness!