Apple Granted Patent for Multi-touch Input Discrimination

Apple has been granted yet another original multi-touch patent that dates back to 2007. Apple's granted patent specifically relates to data input methods and devices for electronic equipment and, more particularly, to methods and devices for discriminating between various inputs to a multi-touch touch-surface input device.

Apple's patent covers techniques for identifying and discriminating between different input patterns to a multi-touch touch-screen device are described. By way of example, large objects hovering a short distance from the touch-surface (e.g., a cheek, thigh or chest) may be identified and distinguished from physical contacts to the surface. In addition, rough contacts due to, for example, ears and earlobes, may be similarly identified and distinguished from contacts due to fingers, thumbs, palms and finger clasps.

Apple's patent FIG. 1 shows, in flowchart form, a multi-touch processing methodology.

Apple credits Wayne Westerman as the sole inventor of this granted patent which was filed in Q4 2010 yet originally filed in 2007. To review today's 36 granted patent claims and full detailing, see granted patent number 8,384,684.

Apple Granted Patent for User Interface Gestures

Apple has been granted yet another Multi-Touch related patent that covers user interface gesturing. Apple's invention relates to methods and apparatus for data input, and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for integrating manual input.

More specifically, Apple's invention covers apparatus and methods for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.

Examples of Apple devices applying a number of these invention principles include the Magic Trackpad, Magic Mouse and more.

Apple credits John Elias and Wayne Westerman as the inventors of this granted patent which was filed by Apple in Q3 2006 prior to the iPhone launching. To review today's 21 patent claims and full detailing, see granted patent 8,384,675.

It's Granted Patent Day

Readers should be aware that every Tuesday the US Patent and Trademark Office publish Apple's Granted Patents. Granted patents are approved patent applications that Apple applied for months or even years ago. In the vast majority of cases, "granted patents" aren't covering any new kind of technology on the day the patent is being granted. New Apple technologies are generally revealed on Thursdays by the US Patent Office in the form of published patent applications. Some Mac sites confuse this process by making claims and presenting bylines on Tuesday that insinuate that Apple has just revealed a new technology or process. In 99% of cases, this is simply untrue and readers should be made aware of this fact. Known exceptions would include patents that were recently acquired by Apple or a domestic and/or foreign patent application that Apple had never presented in the US before under its own brand name.

Patently Apple presents only a brief summary of granted patents with associated graphics for journalistic news purposes as each Granted Patent is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any Granted Patent should be read in its entirety for full details. About Comments: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit comments.

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