Apple wins dynamic iPhone input patent

Apple has secured a patent for "remote client devices" (presumably including the iPhone, iPods and other unnamed mobile devices) that describes the ability to dynamically upload input sensors (aka buttons) from host computers to said devices. The patent says that in some cases, a combination of buttons can be used to perform a particular function whereas in other cases, a single button can be associated with a particular function. The patent also calls for a preference file that is passed to the remote client device which uses the preference file to automatically update any programmable buttons.

A second patent awarded to Apple concerns a method for labeling the pixels within a selected area on a single frame of video, so that the area can be located again and reproduced in an accurate manner later. Finally, the company secured a patent for its USB modem design.

Filed under: Apple