Apple clarifies details about next-generation input system

    The latest form of the patent, filed by Apple Inc., discloses the details of the multi-touch touch surface, which allows you to print, press, scroll, and enter text manually - all in a single ergonomic device designed to replace traditional peripherals: keyboard, mouse and a digital panel.

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    Like the form for the improved multi-touch trackpad, the concept is 80 pages long and is partly attributed to Wayne Westerman of Fingerworks, a company acquired by Apple several years ago, with the goal of launching a new generation of iPhone and input devices.

    The form, signed on July 30, 2007 with many different names, illustrates a conceptual device that includes various types of input without mixing them together. This does not require strong pressure or muscle movement.

    “First of all, it should be perceived by the user as independent of the mode, that is, the user should not use specific signals to switch, such as pressing keys, changing hands or grabbing the stylus to change the input method to another,” Westerman writes, “ epidemiological studies have confirmed that repetitive force pressure stimulates permanent muscle damage. Inconvenient postures, the power to activate the device, unnecessary movements and repeatability of actions should be minimized to improve ergonomics. "

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    For this reason, the creator of the multi-touch mechanism explained that an ideal application for his concept would be a multi-touch surface device that would correspond to the idea of ​​comfort and ergonomics during continuous use. It will be "equipped with tactile buttons or manual input so that the hand resting on the surface does not strain, but gently glides over it."

    The surface will include an electronic system that will provide a number of sensors with an image of the approaching skin, with such a resolution that the device can recognize different hands. This will allow the device to identify different parts of the hand during contact with the surface, so combinations of fingers and hand positions will be recognized to identify different types of input, ”says Westerman.

    Another advantage of the multi-touch surface will be reliable operation during rotation and scaling, as well as an easy transition in multi-hand control to help navigate and manipulate two-dimensional electronic documents. Moreover, she will be able to tilt and scroll without pressure from the side of her hand, thus helping to manage three-dimensional applications.

    Westerman reports that the surface will be large enough to fit both hands comfortably on it, and is made in a form that will help reduce pain on the forearm. Text input, highlighting, scrolling, and some multimedia features will be similar to Apple's existing options on iPhone and iPod touch. In addition, handwriting recognition will be made thanks to the handle gripping module.

    In the gripping mode of the pen, the module will determine whether the fingers touch the surface and, if so, the module will begin to generate ink traces following the movement of the fingers and apply them to the communication device.

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    “These ink traces can be splashed onto the display — for drawing or copying a signature — or they can simply be read by the handwriting recognition system and interpreted either as gestures or as characters,” Westerman explained, “if you lift your fingers, [the module] will send characters written with a stylus to a communication device, to a letter recognition system. "

    “In some applications, the user may need to determine - where to insert ink drawings, and where - interpreted characters - this is solved by hovering,” Westerman continued, “and although the user will be able to move the cursor on the multi-touch surface, leaving the manual writing and simply by swiping your finger, it is preferable to use the cursor without closing the configuration of manual writing. This can be done by moving the cursor using the fingertips and the outside of the joints. And while normal handwriting also involves sliding fingers, palm movements will be ignored by the system until the fingers are raised above the surface for several hundred milliseconds. ”

    If the user uses a stylus for writing, then his tip is read by the system, as well as fingers. “For this reason, the handle grip detector can function in exactly the same way as if the user were writing with a stylus, except that manual input would be sent directly to the communication system only when using the stylus.”

    In addition to Westerman, the development for the form is attributed to Apple employee Joln Elias (John Elias). The concepts presented in the form clearly indicate the features that will be present in the next-generation Apple Newton MessagePad or digital panels.

    via Appleinsider

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