Apple patent applications reveal updated multi-touch system

Apple has already expanded its multi-touch empire quite a bit in the form of various patent applications, and it now looks like it could be set to give the core system itself an update, at least according to a trio of just-revealed patent applications. he main one is an application that describes a "sensor arrangement for use with a touch sensor that identifies hand parts." Among other things, that'll apparently allow for simultaneous tracking of "multiple finger and palm contacts" which, according to the patent, should allow for "unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting." That last bit is apparently accomplished using a "pen grip detector," which can apparently detect if you're mimicking the position of holding a pen and adjust accordingly. Hit up the read link below for complete details in full-on patent-speak.

[Via PC Joint, thanks Stasys]

[Kurt MacD @ Nov 22nd 2007 11:52AM]

Again?

[Deputy Doffoos @ Nov 22nd 2007 2:54PM]

Where is my Minority REPUUUURRRRR?

[Hastings @ Nov 22nd 2007 12:08PM]

I thought you were going to say they patented a new highly invasive advertising system for popular technology sites!

[ark_v2 @ Nov 22nd 2007 3:31PM]

You made my day ^__^

[You @ Nov 22nd 2007 12:10PM]

I guess Jeff Han stole this from Apple since it doesn't count as prior art that he invented it.

[Eric Tramel @ Nov 22nd 2007 12:12PM]

I'm ready for these generalized input devices :((

Who needs a $2000 OLED keyboard when you can have a mulitouch sheet? I just wonder how the OSHA is going to take to the typing on a flat, hard surface with now support.

[Maztec @ Nov 22nd 2007 12:18PM]

Now if that multitouch sheet was OLED!

And, lets see, nothing new to see here. They are just refreshing the patents from their purchase of FingerWorks. Meh. I liked the FingerWorks TouchStream keyboard. I would not mind if Apple would actually USE these patents some day.

[McGinley @ Nov 22nd 2007 12:19PM]

Pron simulator.

[Homeboy @ Nov 22nd 2007 12:44PM]

When Apple launches this intelligent multi touch keyboard it will make Russia's $1 500 keyboard look very low tech.

[Robert @ Nov 22nd 2007 12:45PM]

Touching is good.... right...?

[bugmat @ Nov 22nd 2007 12:49PM]

I thought the whole pen/stylus concept was out and touch-only in?! No?

*picks back up Palm Treo goodness*

[CUBSWILLWIN @ Nov 22nd 2007 1:02PM]

Those hands...

[Wwhat @ Nov 22nd 2007 1:51PM]

Interesting: "For smaller multi-touch surfaces ... it is advantageous to give the user tactile feedback about the positions of key regions."

[Rob Gilbert @ Nov 22nd 2007 3:12PM]

Hope the core system upgrade also allows for cut & paste!

[jon @ Nov 22nd 2007 6:23PM]

err so it's like this then?

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/73276/multi_touch_interactive_screen/

[shun @ Nov 22nd 2007 8:24PM]

Nope, Jeff Han stole it from apple. A fanboy told me so... LOL. Just kidding... But I wont be surprise if fanboys who see this post defend apple 'til death. I mean when MS did SURFACE, apple fanboys blasted it to eternity. This is just so funny. Makes me remember when those same fanboys blasted the Ipod Nano (rumor images), only to praise it when it came out. What Drones.

And dont come telling me that I'm an MS fanboy cuz im not. Im just disgruntled Mac Owner who uses a 17 inch Macbook Pro that had 2 bloated batteries, a Macbook which cheap screen that flickers (and apple wont even admit that there's a problem) and an uber slooooowwww Ipod Classic. Wow, i dont even know why i still own these stuff.

[Richard Lai @ Nov 22nd 2007 6:29PM]

Bring on the Apple MacTablet! :D

[zomari @ Nov 22nd 2007 6:51PM]

yay! another new invention from apple. cant wait to see fanboys consider this as another breakthrough from cupertino.


/sarcasm

[Jason Cox @ Nov 22nd 2007 10:14PM]

In related news, Apple is now trying to patent LCARS.

[XGM @ Nov 22nd 2007 10:41PM]

Mac Tablet, 'nuff said.

[Tim Ficke @ Nov 22nd 2007 11:01PM]

does this mean apple will be able to give out a firmware update for thisbor will we need to but a new iPod touch or iPhone?

[Luke Bornheimer @ Nov 23rd 2007 1:22AM]

MacWorld '08: I see either Multi Touch "iTablet" or new iPhone (highly unlikely) with the whole 10M units number set by Stevo in Jan. 07 for iPhone 1.0. Question for all out there, assuming this patent and others have to do with a tablet or keyboard, do you think the tablet will be the usual type of tablet (laptop spins into tablet) or simply a one sided beast, aka a bigger iPhone that is simply "revolutionary"?

[Oz @ Nov 23rd 2007 9:34PM]

"You @ Nov 22nd 2007 12:10PM
I guess Jeff Han stole this from Apple since it doesn't count as prior art that he invented it."

What exactly did Jeff Han do? Did he develop or attempt to patent something like this? (I'm just asking for some enlightenment from those of you who might know.)