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Multi-touch Tactile Keyboard for iTablet — Apple Patent Watch

By , Thursday, Dec 24, 2009
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AppleInsider has come across an interesting patent from Apple, titled “Keystroke Tactility Arrangement on a Smooth Touch Surface that details a multi-touch tactile keyboard for an iTablet-like device:

“The articulating frame may provide key edge ridges that define the boundaries of the key regions or may provide tactile feedback mechanisms within the key regions. The articulating frame may also be configured to cause concave depressions similar to mechanical key caps in the surface.”

“Preferably, each key edge comprises one to four distinct bars or Braille-like dots. When constructed in conjunction with a capacitive multi-touch surface, the key edge ridges should separated to accommodate the routing of the drive electrodes, which may take the form of rows, columns, or other configurations.”

“Specifically, the recognition software commands lowering of the frame when lateral sliding gestures or mouse clicking activity chords are detected on the surface.”

Another candidate for the rumored “surprising” tablet interaction method?

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  1. Jaime says:

    What????? All this mumbo jumbo looks like finger twister to me!!

  2. smchrist2 says:

    So it’s like indentions or raised sections of the screen to feel like a real keyboard that can go back to flat when you don’t need it anymore?

  3. GoodGuesser says:

    Bet it’s a remote for AppleTV

  4. Mike M says:

    So are these going to be in static locations or will it be able to change dynamically along with the keyboard?

  5. Gmachine says:

    Looks like Apples finally releasing not an iTablet…but Minesweeper. EPIC YES!

  6. Mike H says:

    Any thoughts on the surprise control method being voice control?

  7. Mark P says:

    Why do they patent every sketch that relates to a tablet? Are they just trying to promote confusion on what the tablet will be or sue everyone who comes out with a tablet in the future?

  8. john mills says:

    Well, I was wondering whether you’d like to see these nifty things at http://www.camerapenuk.co.uk – camera pen gizmos which are incerasingly popular in the UK. I have also seen the same technology in wrist watches aswell – i’ll post the url if I can find it. I think the camera pen is probably my favourite

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