New media patent filing puts Apple closer to touchscreen Macs
A new patent filing by Apple illustrates the potential of future multi-touch Macs could allow a whole new suite of creative software, and even a whole desktop operating system, controlled simply through on-screen gestures.
Filed just over a year ago as the first iPhone was about to go on sale, the patent application published on Thursday explains that the multi-touch input found on Apple's newer trackpads -- particularly the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro pads that launched several months after the filing -- are limited in what they can achieve and in many cases go against the user's own instinct for what to do in a given event.
With that in mind, the patent's sole inventor, Greg Christie, suggests that many creative programs could be changed to take advantage of a full multi-touch interface in what appears to mirror the same music, photo, and video editing tools it already produces for Macs.
A music editor could have a live mixing feature that lets the user "scratch" two on-screen turntables just by spinning fingers and pushing faders, not unlike a real DJ; sound effects could play at the same time to provide audio as well as visual feedback, Apple says.
In turn, a photo editing program could overlay on-screen sliders and other tools for adjusting image quality or rotating photos on the fly. A video editing tool could alternately let users manipulate the timeline, pan the image, and change volumes on individual channels by grabbing on-screen components with one or more fingers.
Many apps could use an iPod-like scroll wheel to navigate content, Apple says.
Despite the skew towards media apps, however, the filing also makes clear that Apple is devising methods to control its entire Mac operating system through multi-touch rather than a mouse and keyboard.
On a basic level, finger input could be used to select icons in the Dock or to tap individual menu items. Apple's described methods, however, would replace the two-finger trackpad scrolling of today with controls on the screen proper: an interface could either recognize two fingers on the screen itself and pan along with the user, or else turn to an on-screen directional pad that permits four-way scrolling with single finger presses.
The Mac maker's inventor has also developed a unique way of registering a right-click equivalent on an icon or list item. Placing two fingers on an item and then tapping the right finger would open a context-sensitive menu that would allow copying, shortcut creation, and other functions frequently off-limits to touch displays.
As always, filings such as this are never guarantees that Apple will produce a shipping device based on what it has discovered; the document also implies that what was learned with the new invention could be applicable to a phone or portable media player instead of the computer-grade interface it appears to describe.
Nevertheless, the patent filing adds to the growing catalog of technology that indicates Apple's desire to expand beyond handhelds with simple interfaces, including research the company has performed on more complex multi-touch surfaces. It also comes as Apple is still believed to be developing a tablet-like device in between the iPhone and full Macs that would require more advanced multi-touch controls -- albeit one which Apple has delayed and without a definite release window in sight.
Filed just over a year ago as the first iPhone was about to go on sale, the patent application published on Thursday explains that the multi-touch input found on Apple's newer trackpads -- particularly the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro pads that launched several months after the filing -- are limited in what they can achieve and in many cases go against the user's own instinct for what to do in a given event.
With that in mind, the patent's sole inventor, Greg Christie, suggests that many creative programs could be changed to take advantage of a full multi-touch interface in what appears to mirror the same music, photo, and video editing tools it already produces for Macs.
A music editor could have a live mixing feature that lets the user "scratch" two on-screen turntables just by spinning fingers and pushing faders, not unlike a real DJ; sound effects could play at the same time to provide audio as well as visual feedback, Apple says.
In turn, a photo editing program could overlay on-screen sliders and other tools for adjusting image quality or rotating photos on the fly. A video editing tool could alternately let users manipulate the timeline, pan the image, and change volumes on individual channels by grabbing on-screen components with one or more fingers.
Many apps could use an iPod-like scroll wheel to navigate content, Apple says.
Despite the skew towards media apps, however, the filing also makes clear that Apple is devising methods to control its entire Mac operating system through multi-touch rather than a mouse and keyboard.
On a basic level, finger input could be used to select icons in the Dock or to tap individual menu items. Apple's described methods, however, would replace the two-finger trackpad scrolling of today with controls on the screen proper: an interface could either recognize two fingers on the screen itself and pan along with the user, or else turn to an on-screen directional pad that permits four-way scrolling with single finger presses.
The Mac maker's inventor has also developed a unique way of registering a right-click equivalent on an icon or list item. Placing two fingers on an item and then tapping the right finger would open a context-sensitive menu that would allow copying, shortcut creation, and other functions frequently off-limits to touch displays.
As always, filings such as this are never guarantees that Apple will produce a shipping device based on what it has discovered; the document also implies that what was learned with the new invention could be applicable to a phone or portable media player instead of the computer-grade interface it appears to describe.
Nevertheless, the patent filing adds to the growing catalog of technology that indicates Apple's desire to expand beyond handhelds with simple interfaces, including research the company has performed on more complex multi-touch surfaces. It also comes as Apple is still believed to be developing a tablet-like device in between the iPhone and full Macs that would require more advanced multi-touch controls -- albeit one which Apple has delayed and without a definite release window in sight.
Comments
see how it sells and is accepted.http://www.provantage.com/hp-compaq-...a~7HEWX038.htm
H P is selling a touchscreen computer with Vista. It will be interesting to
see how it sells and is accepted.http://www.provantage.com/hp-compaq-...a~7HEWX038.htm
That thing has been out over a year, it's a no show, really.
H P is selling a touchscreen computer with Vista. It will be interesting to
see how it sells and is accepted.http://www.provantage.com/hp-compaq-...a~7HEWX038.htm
it WAS interesting to see how badly it sucked on the M$ demo.
interesting that this patent info is out just at the right time to be sunk by iPhone news
http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/10/v...-in-two-years/
cant believe you missed that Brendan
The other reason I dislike this type of interface... it could be a very difficult, if not impossible interface to work with for a large number of people. There are plenty of folks without hands and arms, even more these days, and this seems to be a computer interface developed with blinders on to the needs of the disabled.
You might as well say that about keyboards, mice, trackballs, game controllers, etc.
There are spoken interfaces to help these people.
When a major interface is developed, it must be developed for the 95+ percent of people who can use, and benefit, from them.
Then accommodations must be made for the rest.
If there ever is a full screen multi-touch/multifunction computer from Apple, I would hope they'd implement a true 'control surface', with something akin to a deformable surface to simulate key edges that would appear and disappear as needed.
I don't know of any current technology that would allow that on a viewscreen. There are ways to do that on a non viewing surface though. There are materials that can allow raised keys on the surface with some small electrical input. but that's for certain opaque materials. If they can get that to work on a top surface material for a display, it would be of far more use than for just a keyboard.
Would really be a new step. Mac OS 11touch. I guess technology moving much faster than Apple expected. Or maybe not. I think 10.7 might be touch. I don't think 10.5 or 10.6 can handle all the touching. Leopards might get angry. Maybe "Lion" will let us touch.
100% that Apple will do the touch-screen right, just like iPhone. Have anyone noticed how Apple is slooooowllyy introducing touch into our lives. Macbook Air, iPhone, iPods. Its a very smart way to teach its users how to operate Apple machines.
On the other hand I feel bad for Windows users, because they will just jump in into touch world in Windows 7. Im sure most will not even use it, because its such a big step.
Im just fascinated with Apple's plans.
Thank you for reading.
Sorry apple.
That thing has been out over a year, it's a no show, really.
What about the one I posted here:
http://forums.appleinsider.com/showthread.php?t=88689
There's a video demo of it in action. It's much more attractive than the other touch HP model.
I wonder if Apple will be using the same capacitive touch on the desktop - the IR version HP use still seems to have issues with responsiveness. It's not too bad though and certainly better than the Microsoft demo not too long ago on the laptop.
Just too impractical, a lot of people don't want to be interacting with a computer quite so much especially in an office environment, and there's the fingerprint problem.
My idea (patent pending lol) would be for a separate device to replace the mouse that is an OLED screen and an input device. It could mirror what is on the main display (or do specialised things) and allow multi-touch gestures.
I have had a touch screen mixing app exactly like that on the cards for three years, I dont understand what the patent here is for, I have not read in detail, but if its as simple as touch screen mixing my prior art goes back a long way.
Sorry apple.
If no one has every sent in a patent for this, then that's why Apple did this.
I don't buy the touchscreen interface. The technology has been out for decades (not multi touch of course) and never took off.
Just too impractical, a lot of people don't want to be interacting with a computer quite so much especially in an office environment, and there's the fingerprint problem.
My idea (patent pending lol) would be for a separate device to replace the mouse that is an OLED screen and an input device. It could mirror what is on the main display (or do specialised things) and allow multi-touch gestures.
Your idea is nothing new. Wacom has had a similar device out for years. It's called the Cintiq.
It can be controlled with their stylus, but not a finger, so that;s a difference.
But, the principal is the same. Look at the prices, and the weights.
I just bought the new, small version. It's 9" x 12", and weighs 4 pounds (approx.). It's still $999.
If it used multi-touch, it would match Apple's concept, but would be at least as expensive, likely more so, because multi-touch screens cost more, and just as heavy.
So, no, not a good idea for most people.
The idea of making the main screen multi-touch is the only practical way, because it will only be an incremental price increase over the regular screen, which wouldn't amount to more than a few percent of the cost of the computer.
But a Cintiq-like device would double the price if it were anyway near being full size.
If no one has every sent in a patent for this, then that's why Apple did this.
He ASSUMES his app is exactly like this. Most likely, it isn't.
Besides, it's not what the end result is that is patentable, it's HOW you achieve that end result.
There can be several ways to do the same thing, and they can all receive patents.
Ohh I wish OS 11 was closer. We're 4 OS away.
Would really be a new step. Mac OS 11touch. I guess technology moving much faster than Apple expected. Or maybe not. I think 10.7 might be touch. I don't think 10.5 or 10.6 can handle all the touching. Leopards might get angry. Maybe "Lion" will let us touch.
100% that Apple will do the touch-screen right, just like iPhone. Have anyone noticed how Apple is slooooowllyy introducing touch into our lives. Macbook Air, iPhone, iPods. Its a very smart way to teach its users how to operate Apple machines.
On the other hand I feel bad for Windows users, because they will just jump in into touch world in Windows 7. Im sure most will not even use it, because its such a big step.
Im just fascinated with Apple's plans.
Thank you for reading.
Apple likely won't release an os called OS 11. Steve Jobs has been quoted as saying that OS X could last as long as 20 yrs. Please forgive me, I can't give you the exact quote(I saw it in a youtube video) but Apple will probably release OS X.11 in place of OS 11.