08/16/2006, 7:05pm, EDT
Wednesday, August 16th
Apple invention combines input/output
In its patent filing, the company calls the input/output component a "display actuator," which provides for both output of visual information as well as a mechanical input device for actions such as clicking (e.g., a mouse button), sliding, etc. The company said the display portion of the component can output virtually any type of information, while combining an input mechanism that could capture user selection or input.
By way of example, the display device, which displays visual information such as text, characters and graphics, may also act like a push or clickable button(s), a sliding toggle button or switch, a rotating dial or knob, a motion controlling device such as a joy stick or navigation pad, and/or the like. The display actuator may be incorporated into any electronic device," Apple wrote in its filing.
Invention combines user input and display output
The entire display actuator includes at least a display device to offer visual information to the user and a detection mechanism to allow for user input or selection. In contrast to touch screens, a display actuator uses physical movement relative to the housing to generate input signals from the user.
In the filing, Apple said such an invention could be used in laptops, PDAs, cell phones, fax machine, media players, fax machines, a GPS module, or other electronic device, noting that current generation devices often have separate areas for user input and user display.
In addition, the filing also said that "the display actuator may be a standalone device that operatively couples to an electronic device through wired or wireless connection," such as a remote control. Such an invention could be used for a LCD remote that used movement of the LCD itself (click or tilt) to generate input or selection of input. In either case, the display actuator can be configured to generate commands, make selections and/or control movements in a display, according to the filing.
In addition, the company said that the display may also have a touch screen that recognizes gestures, allowing a LCD to accept both touch and mechanical inputs.
"Display Actuator" to maximize UI
Specifically, Apple's filing focuses on the reduction of complexity, cost savings, and streamlined interface such display actuators would provide. The company notes that display actuators could reduce the cost of devices as well as their size, while maximizing the area available for visual output.
"Although the user interface arrangements described above work particularly well, improved user interface devices, particularly ones that can reduce the amount of real estate required and/or ones that can reduce or eliminate input devices, are desired," Apple wrote in its filing.
"By reducing or eliminating the input devices, the display of the electronic device can be maximized within the user interface portion of the electronic device, or alternatively the electronic device can be minimized to the size of the display."
Written in part by Neo.
Filed under: Apple
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It sounds to me like this is going to be the UI for the real video iPod. This way they can keep the small form factor and have a large display screen and have the big wow factor that Apple is famous for. This will mean though that the display's glass is going to have to be stronger/thicker/heavier to handle all the pushing. But I bet Apple has already thought of that. They don't want a repeat of the bad PR from the Nano screens.
I also think this would be just as useful in an iPhone or my favorite, a paperback sized clamshell "itablet."
The problem with touch screens of any sort is the fact that you have to touch them. That oily residue never looks good (as can be seen on any public computer screen). A better solution would be to have the touch sensitivity on the back of the device, but to have a visual reference show up on the front screen.
In other words, move the scrollwheel to the back of the device, but when it is touched, have a transparent image of the scrollwheel show on the screen, complete with a glowing circle where your finger is. Your mind would adapt instantly and intuitively. The cool factor would be off the charts.
This approach would enable numerous combinations of buttons and controls, but it would work best if there was a tactile reference on the back of the unit that matched the virtual buttons on the screen.
Feel free to use the idea, Apple.