Apple inc. (20240103654). MULTI-DIRECTIONAL TEXTURE BASED INPUT DEVICE simplified abstract

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MULTI-DIRECTIONAL TEXTURE BASED INPUT DEVICE

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Travis N. Owens of Lakeway TX (US)

Daniel J. Bechstein of Pacifica CA (US)

Jeremy A. Bagnol of San Jose CA (US)

Daniell Dokko of Sunnyvale CA (US)

Supratik Datta of Saratoga CA (US)

MULTI-DIRECTIONAL TEXTURE BASED INPUT DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240103654 titled 'MULTI-DIRECTIONAL TEXTURE BASED INPUT DEVICE

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes electronic devices with a textured exterior surface that can be used for controlling functions associated with the device or another electronic device when an object moves along the surface. Sensors detect signal inputs generated by vibrations caused by the object moving along the textured surface, which can be processed to determine the directionality and speed of the movement input.

  • Textured exterior surface for controlling functions
  • Multi-directional textured surface for multi-directional touch functionality
  • Sensors detect signal inputs from vibrations caused by object movement
  • Processing of signal inputs to determine directionality and speed of movement

Potential Applications

The technology could be applied in various electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, remote controls, and gaming controllers to provide a new way of interacting with the devices through touch-sensitive textured surfaces.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of limited control options on electronic devices by introducing a new method of input using textured surfaces, allowing for more intuitive and versatile interactions.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include enhanced user experience, improved control precision, and the potential for new innovative applications in electronic devices.

Potential Commercial Applications

"Enhancing User Interaction: Textured Surfaces for Electronic Devices" This technology could be commercialized in consumer electronics, gaming devices, and industrial control systems to offer a unique and user-friendly interface for controlling functions.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be touch-sensitive surfaces on electronic devices that allow for gesture-based controls, but the use of textured surfaces for multi-directional touch functionality may be a novel aspect of this innovation.

Unanswered Questions

How does the textured surface differentiate between intentional and unintentional touches?

The patent application does not provide details on how the technology distinguishes between deliberate inputs and accidental touches, which could be crucial for user experience and accuracy of control.

What materials are suitable for creating the textured exterior surface?

The patent application does not specify the materials used to create the textured surface, which could impact the durability, sensitivity, and effectiveness of the technology.


Original Abstract Submitted

electronic devices can include a textured exterior surface that is used for controlling functions associated with the electronic device or another electronic device when an object moves along the textured exterior surface. in some examples, the textured exterior surface can be a multi-directional textured surface to enable multi-directional touch functionality. in some examples, sensors of the electronic device can detect signal inputs generated by vibrations caused by the object moving along the textured exterior surface. the signal inputs can be processed to determine the directionality and/or speed of the movement input.