Apple invents novel back-to-front iPod control
Touchpad on the back of the device
Apple has asked the US Patent and Trademark Office to credit it with inventing the concept of a rather clever reverse-action user interface: the display on the front is controlled by a touchpad on the back.
It's a smart idea derived, we'd imagine, from observing how people hold phones, iPods, PDAs and the like. All these devices are held in one hand, thumb on one side, most of the fingers on the other and the the index finger in particular on the back.
What, Apple engineers appear to have imagined, if that solitary finger could steer a cursor around the screen?
For that you need a touchpad set to operate in reverse: as the finger moves to the left of the panel, the cursor on the screen on the other side of the device movies to the right, and that's pretty much what Apple's patent filing - revealed by AppleInsider - describes. It argues that this is a much better way of controlling gadgets with small screens, as the touchpad can be much larger than the display for greater sensetivity.
And we'd add that it's easier to steer a cursor with your index finger than reach across the main display with your thumb. And it certainly beats pulling out a stylus and using the device two-handed.
Couple the concept with past Apple filings that describe virtual controls displayed on a handheld's screen, and you have a novel take on future iPods - video-centric or otherwise - and iPhones.
COMMENTS
Apple lacking in ergonomic research???
While a clever use of space this seems to neglect the simple fact that of all our digits the thumb has the most flexibility and range of motion. I for one would be frustrated to no end by a control area on the back of a phone/PDA. Especially modern devices with large surface areas to accommodate fancy displays. I compared the range of motion myself, and found that I could only reach areas outside of a square the size of the first 2 joints of my index finger with a great deal of awkwardness, where my thumb could cover the entire surface of whatever fit in my palm with ease.
Won't smudge the front screen.
This method won't smudge the front screen with finger prints.
Which has been a common complaint with touch screen interfaces.
Re: I seem to recall...
Apple utilizing a product someone else came up with years before and then chalking it up to "Apple engineering innovation"? Blasphemy!
Standing in the way of evolution!
In the late 20th century a great leap in evolution was predicted as scientists realised that young people were making much better use of their opposable thumbs, using small handhelpd devices (i.e. text messaging). I thought it might be nice for future generations of humanity to have a fifth finger rather than the clumbsy thumb. Touch typing speeds would be greatly benefited!
Does this mean that Apple intends to derail this evolutionary path? Always one to be different...
Patent worthy...?
Why don't they spend their resources coming up with an iPod that is voice activated and has a readily replaceable battery so you can have one on the charger with the other in the device.
Maybe I can patent that idea!?
What's it worth Apple???
