Apple Introduces the Configurable Input Device

Apple's invention provides methods and systems related to having an input device configurable according to a position of a user's hand relative to the input device. An image of the configured input device may be displayed for a user to view. Additionally, an image of the user's hands/digits may overlay the image of the input device to indicate their relative location.

In some embodiments, the input device may include a surface with which a user interacts. The surface may have sensors associated with it to sense proximity and location of a user's hand/digits relative to the surface. Additionally, the sensors may be configured to sense contact and/or input by a user. In some embodiments, contact by a user may be determined to be input based on the amount of pressure applied and/or a change in pressure being applied, among other things.

Apple Describes Future iPad Backside Controls for Gaming

Apple states that utilizing a surface as the input allows for application-specific input devices to be implemented. For example, the surface may be utilized as an input device for gaming, providing game specific inputs.

In Apple's patent FIG. 9 shown below we see an illustrated tablet computer that has a front side 172 that includes a display 174. The images 179 represent the position of the user's fingers on the back side 176 may be shown on the display 174 as corresponding with certain virtual inputs 180.

In Apple's patent FIG. 10 we're able to see the back side of the tablet computer which illustrates sensors 177 that may be positioned in regions 178 under a surface of the perimeter of the backside 176 to facilitate input by a user. It should be appreciated that the sensors 177 may be positioned in a linear manner as shown, in a grid pattern, or any other suitable pattern and/or density to achieve a desired input granularity and/or functionality. It should be appreciated that the sensors for determining position and proximity of a user's hands may include ultrasonic, pressure, capacitive sensors, and/or the like (see patent figure 3 below). In some embodiments, one or more cameras may be implemented for positionally and/or proximity information.

The sensed position of the user's hands may be shown on the display 174 in some contexts. That is, in some operating contexts (e.g., when certain applications are running such as a video game) the showing of the user's fingers location may be beneficial.

As a user's hand positioning may shift or change during use, the virtual inputs may correspondingly shift as shown in FIG. 11. That is, if a user's hand moves during use, the move is sensed and the virtual inputs 180 are correspondingly changed to accommodate the shift of the hands. Generally, the assignment or interpretation of sensor input is reconfigured to compensate for the hand shift.

Apple's patent FIG. 3 is an overview block diagram of a possible future iPad that notably includes haptic feedback device 116 and ultrasonic proximity sensor 114.

Apple's patent application was originally filed in Q1 2011 and published today by the US Patent and Trademark Office.

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