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Apple Patent: Proximity Sensors to Assist Multi-Touch
http://www.macrumors.com/2008/12/04/apple-patent-proximity-sensors-to-assist-multi-touch/
A newly published patent application discusses the possibility of incorporating additional proximity sensors (PS) around multi-touch panels to detect body parts.
Quote:
Apple already incorporates a proximity sensor in the iPhone to turn the iPhone's display off, but the patent application explores the concept in other settings as shown in the above picture. One example given is the automatic display of on-screen buttons when a finger hovers above the screen.
The patent application is an extension of one from 2007, so doesn't represent many new ideas, but continues to show Apple's interest in mixing modes of input to produce a richer experience.
http://www.macrumors.com/2008/12/04/apple-patent-proximity-sensors-to-assist-multi-touch/
A newly published patent application discusses the possibility of incorporating additional proximity sensors (PS) around multi-touch panels to detect body parts.
Quote:
This relates to the use of one or more proximity sensors in combination with one or more touch sensors in a multi-touch panel. The combination of these two different types of sensors can be used to detect the presence of one or more fingers, body parts or other objects hovering above a touch-sensitive surface or touching the touch-sensitive surface
Apple already incorporates a proximity sensor in the iPhone to turn the iPhone's display off, but the patent application explores the concept in other settings as shown in the above picture. One example given is the automatic display of on-screen buttons when a finger hovers above the screen.
The patent application is an extension of one from 2007, so doesn't represent many new ideas, but continues to show Apple's interest in mixing modes of input to produce a richer experience.
