New Patent Application by Apple: Back-Side Interface for Hand-Held Devices

Alex · 05-12-2007, 01:30 AM

Apple has filled a patent application on a two-side interface for hand-led devices (May 10, 2007).

Quote:

An electronic device uses separate surfaces for input and output. One of the surfaces (e.g., the bottom) includes a force-sensitive touch-surface through which a user provides input (e.g., cursor manipulation and control element selection). On a second surface (e.g., the top), a display element is used to present information appropriate to the device's function (e.g., video information), one or more control elements and a cursor. The cursor is controlled through manipulation of the back-side touch-surface. The cursor identifies where on the back-side touch-surface the user's finger has made contact. When the cursor is positioned over the desired control element, the user selects or activates the function associated with the control element by applying pressure to the force-sensitive touch-surface with their finger. Accordingly, the electronic device may be operated with a single hand, wherein cursor movement and control element selection may be accomplished without lifting one's finger.

See United States Patent Application: 0070103454

TRON · 05-21-2007, 12:15 PM

Could that be the Bluetooth mouse application that the iPhone may be able to do? I hope so.

ScottHughes · 06-18-2007, 04:58 PM

This seems odd. I suppose if the iPhone is unique enough that a patent would make sense. However, to me it seems to just be a form of wireless phone. I don't think it makes sense to patent a wireless phone. I mean, if someone had done that then there would only be one brand of cellphone. What do you all think?

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05-21-2007, 12:15 PM	#2
TRON Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 57	Could that be the Bluetooth mouse application that the iPhone may be able to do? I hope so.

06-18-2007, 04:58 PM	#3
ScottHughes Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 86	This seems odd. I suppose if the iPhone is unique enough that a patent would make sense. However, to me it seems to just be a form of wireless phone. I don't think it makes sense to patent a wireless phone. I mean, if someone had done that then there would only be one brand of cellphone. What do you all think?

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