New Apple Patent Goes Beyond Multitouch: Data Fusion
New Apple Patent Goes Beyond Multitouch: Data Fusion
by , 12:45 PM EDT, September 4th, 2008
Apple's multi-touch technology can go a long way towards basic operations on an iPhone or MacBook trackpad. However, a new Apple patent filing posted on Thursday shows that Apple intends to create a complete UI with the aid of secondary sensor data.
Previously, an Apple patent filing shows how Apple intended to create a multi-touch gesture dictionary based on "chords," various combinations of finger touches on the touchscreen. However, this may not go far enough in a complete UI, according to a new patent sought by Apple.
![]() Credit: Unwired.com |
|---|
"While the fingertip chording and movement data generated by multi-touch input devices can provide a strong set of user control means, additional information from other sensing modalities when combined or fused with the chording and movement data can significantly enhance the interpretative abilities of the electronic device and/or significantly improve the ease of use as well as streamline input operations for the user.
"Therefore, embodiments of the invention propose the concept of MT data fusion, which is defined as the combination of data from one or more independent sensing modalities with chording and movement data from a MT sensor in order to improve the operation and use of an electronic device," the summary of the invention says.
There are several different sensing modes described inclusing some aspect of the user's body state (for example, facial expressions), the state of the electronics, voice input and a possible camera to identify the user's fingers with respect to the touch screen.
The filing is complex, but generally seeks to invoke both a measurement of the device's surroundings to enable a complex interpretation of the handling of the device. Also discussed is the ability of the system to sense frustration on the part of the user, again via facial expressions, and adapt to errant behavior of the user.
This patent filing suggests that Apple is on a long term effort to leave the traditional interfaces of PCs and Macs behind and envisions a future of personal, portable, touch screen devices, tied wirelessly to a data clound. Geordi LaForge would be very proud.
Observer Comments
Having read through the description of the patent and what could be done with it on a number of sites; I find this to be really exciting. This would go beyond Gestures, to enable the computer to read you, your facial expressions, your actions as a whole and then learn how to work best with how you use a computer. This would really be revolutionary.
<sigh> but I'm thinking it won't be ready for the new systems that are supposed to be introduced this month.
Comments are currently closed. Please email the author instead.
Recent Headlines - Updated July 6th
- Mon, 5:28 PM
- News - Arlington Police Release Video of Apple Store Shooter
- 4:40 PM
- Deal Brothers - Apple Mac Pro 2.66GHz Intel Xeon Quad Core for $2,274.00 Delivered A/R
- 4:12 PM
- Product News - Babylon Upgrade Adds New Translation Features to Mac Dictionary App
- 11:17 AM
- Ted Landau's User Friendly View - Apple’s LED Cinema Display: A Too Short Story
- 11:11 AM
- Product News - Photo Recovery for Mac Adds Photoshop Support
- 10:39 AM
- Hot Forum Topic - iPhones in Education
- 8:47 AM
- News - Apple Employee Injured in Store Shooting
- Fri, 10:29 AM
- News - Apple Warns of Learning Interchange Security Breach
- 7:30 AM
- News - Happy Fourth of July!
- Thu, 6:07 PM
- TMO Scoop - Psystar Moves to Drop Bankruptcy Ahead of Apple Legal Battle
- 5:37 PM
- News - Uncomfirmed Reports Say Apple & Nvidia On The Outs
- 4:57 PM
- News - Microsoft Sick Over Barf Ad
The Mac Observer Reader Specials
- Download Typestyler, still the Ultimate Styling Tool for Internet, Print and Video Graphics. Works great in Classic with a Native OS X Version on the way. Free Tryout: www.typestyler.com
OWC: Big Drives, High Performance - Not High Prices! SATA 3.5" up to 1.5TB. Notebook up to 500GB. FW up to 6.0TB. 1.0TB Drive Models from as low as $97.99 www.MacSales.com
If you're using a Mac, then you've gotta check out Full Tilt Poker for Mac. This Full Tilt Poker bonus code does the unthinkable, it actually rewards!
RamJet Memory: MacBook and MacBook Pro 4GB kits for $57.99! Mac Pro 4GB Kits $99.99! iMac and Mac mini 4GB Kits for $57.99! 1TB SATA Hard Drives for $109.99! Click hereFor the latest Apple products use Ciao, a price comparison website, to find laptops like MacBook Air. Then find the best prices on MP3 players and use our comparison tool to evaluate mobile phones like the Apple iPhone.
Laptop Hardware Provided by TechRestore - Overnight Mac & iPod Repairs.


