Apple's multitouch patent

Several patent applications surfaced today detailing several Apple inventions which include a multitouch surface controller as well as three other patent applications that describe a means of processing audio via a serial connection at a faster pace, device-independent management of cryptic information (DRM), and plans for generating a format translator. Apple's Multipoint Touch Surface Controller patent application establishes the fact that the multitouch screen described could apply to notebook and desktop personal computers, as well as a tablet or handheld device. The patent language coincides with several industry analysts who expect Apple to debut a new, ultraportable Mac notebook some time next year.

Apple offers an overview of its multipoint touch surface controller:

"A multipoint touch surface controller is disclosed herein. The controller includes an integrated circuit including output circuitry for driving a capacitive multi-touch sensor and input circuitry for reading the sensor. Also disclosed herein are various noise rejection and dynamic range enhancement techniques that permit the controller to be used with various sensors in various conditions without reconfiguring hardware."

Audio, DRM, format translator applications

The company also filed for three other patent applications titled "Increased Speed of Processing of Audio Samples Received Over a Serial Communications link by use of Channel Map and Steering Table," "Device-Independent Management of Cryptic Information," and "Generating a format translator." The audio filing describes storing audio data in audio buffers in locations as determined by the contents of steering registers and channel maps, while the DRM-oriented application details a system with several devices that are associated with one particular account designed for distributing content. Generating a format translator refers to a means of generating code based on a specification of one or more translation patterns to efficiently convert files from one format -- such as spreadsheets -- to another -- like text documents.

by MacNN Staff