Post #18: Apple patents Multitouch Display without Content Showing User Interface

On March 26, Apple was granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for “‘Playback control using a touch interface,’ describing a method of input that registers touch gestures when no content is displayed on the multitouch screen.” This feature can be applied to portable devices. By tapping the screen, the user can control to play/pause, go to next/previous item, fast forward, rewind feature for songs. Circling on the screen will control the volume.

From the patent summary:

“To allow a user to control media playback using a touch sensing device without requiring the selection of displayed options, the electronic device can include a mode or configuration for which the touch sensing device can sense touch events, but not display any content on a display. For example, an electronic device with a touch screen can have a mode in which no content is displayed on the touch screen (e.g., the touch screen remains dark), but the touch screen is operative to detect touch events of the user.”

This new feature will definitely save the smartphone’s battery life. It is interesting to see how this patent is yet another improvement from the existing technology. I feel like this new feature will require a short adjustment period for the users to gain muscle memory on the tapping, etc. I wonder if the elder will appreciate this feature. 

For more information, visit: http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/03/26/apple-patents-no-look-multitouch-user-interface-for-portable-devices

Post #17: Apple’s Wrap around AMOLED Display Patent

Say goodbye to buttons on your smartphone! In September 2011, Apple filed a patent to the US Patent & Trademark Office for a new smartphone feature: a “curved AMOLED display” wrapped around a smartphone. The wrapped display will eliminate any button on the smartphone. The new AMOLED display not only will create a 3D effect with multiple layers of displays, but also supplies facial recognition technology. Apparently in January, Apple’s main competitor Samsung showed off a prototype smartphone with a bent display around the edges as the “‘virtual buttons’ for the user’s touch.” I wonder if this wrapped display is actually an improvement for the smartphone. Despite the additional technology, such as the 3D effect and facial recognition, I doubt the “wrapped around” design is a good fit. I feel like the design will make it difficult for the user to hold the phone. However, I think it is pretty cool to have 3D effect and facial recognition technology on the phone. 

For more information, visit: http://www.dnaindia.com/scitech/report_apple-patents-wraparound-amoled-display-concept-smartphone_1816963

http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2020671593_iphonepatentxml.html