Apple Files Multi-Touch Tactile Keyboard Patent; iPhone and/or Tablet Debut?

Apple’s forthcoming tablet could employ a dynamic surface that gives users tactile feedback when typing in order to identify individual keys, according to a new patent application revealed this week.

With all of the talk about possible introduction of an Apple tablet in January, the guys at Cupertino might have left a hint about what changes we might find in regard to virtual keyboards on a new iPhone or on a tablet. A patent application filed on August 28th of this year called “Keystroke Tactility Arrangement on a Smooth Touch Surface”, shows how a surface on a device would be smooth while the user was using swipes or gestures. When in “keyboard” mode, bumps and dots appear to help the user type faster and with more accuracy. According to the application, “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.

The patent notes that pointing and typing require very different needs: Pointing is best on a smooth surface with little friction, while typing is preferred on keys with edges that fingertips can feel. Simply putting Braille-like dots on the ‘F’ and ‘J’ keys, as is on most physical keyboards, is not enough, because it does not address alignment issues with outside keys.

Conversely, while placing dots on every single key on a surface would help a user find their location, it would take away the smooth surface necessary for touch controls that users are accustomed to on a glass screen like the iPhone.

The patent aims to offer the best of both worlds with a new device that could dynamically change its surface.

The two patents mesh with one found in October that showed how ten individual fingers and two resting palms could be identified separately which would allow for unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.” Put this all together and it seems that Apple is about to rock our world again.

Considering that Apple has seen a boon of competition from Android, Palm and Nokia, it would only make sense for the company to kick-it-up a notch and set the bar for the standard of smart phones once again. We’ll find out in January from San Francisco for sure.

[AppleInsider]