Apple Granted Patent for Playback Control using a Touch Interface

Apple has been granted a patent today for their invention relating to systems, methods and computer-readable media for controlling media playback based on specific combinations of touch inputs. In particular, this is directed to detecting different combinations of taps, and performing playback operations associated with each of the tap combinations. Apple utilized this invention with the sixth generation iPod nano.

Apple credits Duncan Kerr and Nick King as the inventors of granted patent 8,407,623 which was originally filed in Q2 2009 and published today by the US Patent and Trademark Office. To review today's 28 granted patent claims and details, see this patent.

Apple Granted Patent for Variable Rate Media Playback Methods for Electronic Devices with Touch Interfaces

Apple has been granted a patent today for their invention relating to touch-sensitive user interfaces for electronic devices and, more particularly, to touch-sensitive interfaces for controlling playback of digital media, including fast scanning through media files. The touch interface can be a touch screen or touch pad.

One media playback function enabled by the playback gesture processing routine is variable rate scan, which allows a user to scan through a media file during playback--typically in a media player application such as QuickTime at varying accelerated scan rates, either forward or backward. The variable rate scan is applicable to a wide range of media file types, including audio and video files.

Apple credits Samir Gehani, Patrick Coffman and Timothy Martin as the inventors of granted patent 8,405,621 which was originally filed in Q3 2008 and published today by the US Patent and Trademark Office. To review today's 36 granted patent claims and details, see this patent.

Apple Granted Patent for Portable Electronic Device for Instant Messaging Multiple Recipients

Apple has been granted a patent today for their invention relating to portable electronic devices, and more particularly, to portable devices for performing instant messaging.

Apple credits Greg Christie, Marcel Van OS, Stephen Lemay, Evan Doll and Justin Santamaria as the inventors of granted patent 8,407,603 which was originally filed in Q and published today by the US Patent and Trademark Office. To review today's 21 granted patent claims and details, see this patent.

The Remaining Patents that were granted to Apple Today

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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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