Never say the USPTO doesn't have impeccable timing: on the eve of
Apple's tablet launch (and on the very day
we finally realized that we've been looking at the same set of Apple patent images in loosely-related filings since 2004), the Patent Office has granted Apple some 13 patents, including #7,653,883 for a proximity-sensing multitouch screen. That's right,
granted -- as in, Apple can file a lawsuit if others infringe these ideas now. (Usually we just look at patent applications, which have no legal weight.) The proximity-sensing screen is obviously the most interesting of the bunch, since it's actually related to those same Apple multitouch patents we've been seeing forever -- it describes a touchscreen that can detect when an object (like a finger or a stylus) is close to the screen but not touching it, and then offer up context-dependent controls based on what it detects. Imagine seeing window controls when your hand gets close to the top of the window -- it solves the problem of your finger covering the display. Of course, we have no way of knowing whether it'll be in whatever device is announced tomorrow -- but it's certainly interesting. There's also a fun little design patent granted on the external design of the third-gen iPod nano, and then 11 other patents covering things like color management, bandwidth detection, and, uh, "Method and Apparatus for Selectively Switching IC Ports to Card Slots Through the use of Three Switches per Switch Group." Riveting, we know. Check the full breakdown at the read link.
posted January 27th 2010 7:37AM
USPTO doesn't have impeccable timing.
@Lord Farkward
I thought and correct me if I am mistaken but hadn't MSFT already developed this for WinMo7? That's what I have been reading on here and other WinMo sites/blogs?
@Federaly
I don't know about that, but Motion Computing and other computer tablet companies using Wacom technology -definitely- already do this, at least the stylus bit.
I have a Motion LE1600, and not only does it sense the stylus hovering above the screen and move the mouse before you tap, it knows which end is hovering, and changes the tool (eraser for the back end) as soon as it knows it's within an inch or two.
The only thing I see new here is that it can sense other things, like hands (or individual fingers
@Lord Farkward
Actually, I just noticed yesterday that the Magic Mouse could be capable of doing this: it can detect my finger about 1-2 millimeters before I actually touch it.
Also, SMART Boards are capable of distinguishing between a hover and a touch.
@Lord Farkward
So basically they were granted a patent for the same thing my Wacom tablet has been doing for over a decade? Okay.
@Mmmm Donuts: absolutely right. Wacom (and others) have been doing this forever. Way to go USPTO, and way to go Apple with your continuously rejigged patent applications. Eventually one will sneak in.
I suspect this would have about as much chance in court as the multitouch patent... in other words, next to none.
@ Lord Farkward
If the USPTO had impeccable timing, we'd see A LOT more stupid lawsuits. The US has one of the most sound and strict patent rules compared to other countries (europe, asia, etc.)
Having actually read the claim, I do think the examiner could have carried the prosecution a bit further along before granting the patent. But then again, I haven't researched any related publications (before 2005) that the examiner could have used to do so. So, all I can and most of you could do is make ASSUMPTIONS without actually doing the examiner's work~
Filing Date: 2005.09.30 (possible priority to sometime in 2004)
And here's the claim.
1. An I/O platform, comprising: an I/O surface having one or more integrated I/O devices selected from input devices and output devices; a proximity detection system configured to: detect when a finger is in close proximity to but not contacting the I/O surface; detect a position of the finger above the I/O surface when the finger is detected in close proximity to but not contacting the I/O surface; select, based on an application appearing on the I/O surface when the finger is detected in close proximity to the I/O surface but independent of x and y components of the position of the finger over the application, a first graphical user interface element from a plurality of available graphical user interface elements operable to allow input to be provided at least by movement of the finger when the finger is detected in close proximity to but not contacting the I/O surface; display the first graphical user interface element on the I/O surface and below the finger; and detect a proximity gesture performed by the movement of the finger above the first displayed graphical user interface element.
And then there's the Nokia gesture patent:
http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/21/nokia-planning-touch-less-gesture-controlled-devices/
more seasoning to the patent soup
@Lord Farkward
apple does...
@newone
Plz provide the filing date and claim if not the publicaiton number. I could only find this http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20090309765.pdf , which seems close enough by reading the abstract.
It's filed in 2008. No need to even read the claim.
@phoomp Sorry to dissappoint my friend but SMART boards are not currently capable of distinguishing between a hover and a touch. Neither do they have multiple-touch capability much to everyones dissappointment. It would be so much more user friendly if it did though.
@Lord Farkward My 6 year old Acer Tablet Pc has always had a proximity sensing screen.
@Lord Farkward Hours from the release and here we are waiting excited/exhilirated for the new tablet. I keep on thinking what Steve JObs had said that "this will be the most important thing that he had done in his life" Remembering that, makes me want to believe that this
tablet will be the most important gadget of the year. More details: http://bit.ly/apple-tablet-details-and-history
And, this will already be announced soon!!!www!!!
@(Unverified) but the article says...
"whether it'll be in whatever device is announced **tomorrow**"
I can't live with this rumor frenzy anymore... let's get it over with today!!!
pal :)
Patents should stop exist!
@metalgrx
I agree with what I think you're saying, but I can't co-sign that grammar fail
@216 +1
@metalgrx
Some patents are actually are warranted for significant technological advances that could be easily reverse-engineered once they are in products on the market.
What would be the point in spending billions of dollars in research and design if someone could just steal all your hard work once you put a product out?
The patent system needs reform, but saying there shouldn't be any protection for intellectual property is more freetard bullshit. Real progress gets made because people want to make money, anything else is derivative.
@Paul C Chapel
You're sounding a little defensive Paul. They never mentioned Apple specifically. They were speaking in general.
@Paul C Chapel
Does your dictionary limit you to the word " 'tard "?
Honestly, grow up!
@metalgrx
0.0
@engadgethead
Motion LE1600 has been doing that since 2005.. Who reverse-engineered the technology?
@Paul C Chapel
I am posting on an Apple article I am referring to your idiocy. See how this works?
I hate patent whores
@Paul C Chapel
Once again you're jumping to the conclusion that they have something against Apple specifically.
@roxics Usually when you post in an article, you are talking about the main subject. I wouldn't talk about how much I hate t-mobile in an verizon article. Not that I have anything against Apple, considering this comes from an iPhone.
I was thinking about how cool a proximity sensing touchscreen would be while trying to hit small buttons in the browser of my phone a few days ago. It would be great if the area under my finger got magnified before i touched it so small buttons on touchscreen-unfriendly websites would be easier to hit.
We'll see if Apple develops any other uses for this tech :)
@(Unverified)
And of course somebody will have to develop the actual technology first, otherwise this is just patent whoring.
It's not like they are the first company ever to think of this.
I can see it now…Jobs holds his finger next to Ballmer's jealous face and says, "I'm not touching you. I'm not touching you..."
@(Unverified)
that's a funny one
Would avoid getting finger marks all over a screen, the invited for todays event might be a clue to this, the Jackson Pollock splattered paint, he didnt touch the canvas with his brushes, he just flicked the brush above it - i'm probably thinking to much in to it.
@inkyip I actually like that idea! Does make sense!
@inkyip
Like the idea!
@inkyip The New York Times did say a while ago that a source told them "You will be very surprised how you interact with the new tablet"
@inkyip
The question is can this technology also be applied to existing iPhones and the iPod Touch?
How will this impact all the tablets that are based on digitizers? There are hundreds of them. You don't need to touch the digitizer to the screen, it will detect when it is near, and on many you can even flick it over to the other end for an 'Alternative' context or option.
This has existed for years.
Finger is new, however the patent specifically mentions a stylus as well.
Interesting, very interesting.
But patents? they should have an expiration date! Stifling innovation, you may think otherwise but truth of the matter is that they are full of crap, just a money making scheme in every sense!
@Paul C Chapel
Yes, I do realise that by having patents for certain technologies, methods & service it forces others to develop new ideas, thats obviously good, but then there comes a point where tons of money is used in r&d trying to do something that's already been done, but in a slightly different manner. Especially when that same money could be used elsewhere in development of NEW technologies. Now wouldn't you call that stifling innovation? Think outside the box a little.
Furthermore, I still stand my arguments and stand strongly on the fact that patents should expire after a reasonable amount of time, giving the applicant enough time to use its patents for whatever they desire and reap the benefits. But, applying for any odd patent broadly covering past, present and future ideas, avoids anyone from using those ideas, even if they came up with them without knowledge of the patent. The applicant sits pretty not using those patents and again....stifles innovation.
Wake up you Apple bred twit. No offence.
@Johnny Ive
Trust me, if it was only "slightly" different it would not have become a patent. Plus, broad claims are patent attorney's biggest enemy. Claims like that easily get shot down all the time.
Patent applications become patents, only when the invention is novel (more than just being slightly different) and unprecedented. So if it is the first in the field, yeah it may seem simple, but no one has done it before. Check the filing dates of these patents and you'll see why.
I wish blogs start posting the actual claim that's been patented along with the filing date to clarify a lot of the nonsense speculations.
@Johnny Ive
Haven't you heard of a "patent term?" It's 20yrs in the US. And I believe they're in the works to shorten that. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Even with a Stylus?
So what about Wacom Cintiques?
Stop the teasing and start the live coverage already. We want to know what kind of breakfast His Steveness is eating, the pyjamas He woke up in, the flavour of His toothpaste and the name of every kitten that slept with Him last night.
Apple can file lawsuit if others infringe these ideas now.
You're so happy for apple..
YIPPEE>..!!! I WAS RIGHT!!!
I had predicted that this would be used in the tablet. There was another similar Proximity Sensor patent by Apple just like this some time back. See my post on Ars Technica:)
@Atkins lol :P
I find it hard to believe that they actually patented the idea. I mean, I've
used screens in commercial applications that go back 15-years. GM
had a piece of diagnostic equipment with a touch screen that didn't
need a physical touch...
Apple is definitely a patent whore...
Proximity-sensing touchscreen is to turn the pages... DUH! :D
@kaoz it would also make sense because of the thrown paint logo. Apple could have a gesture like throwing paint upon the screen.
I love the coverage and I enjoy the suspense, but I cannot wait for this to be OVER !........So we can discuss it for 452 days out of the year.