Apple moves to patent fingerprint-controlled gadgets
Biometric playlists?
Apple has plans to implement biometric controls into its gadgets, if techniques outlined in its latest patent application are taken to their logical conclusion.
The firm’s filing ith the US Patent and Trademark Office, entitled "Control of electronic device by using a person's fingerprints", describes how users could control gadgets using fingerprints.
Apple's patent app reveals an iPod-like gadget controlled by fingerprints
One of the application’s drawings, shown above, shows an iPod-like device with embedded “fingerprint sensor”. An accompanying chart describes how placing your index finger onto the reader would cause the gadget to play some content.
Alternatively, put your middle finger onto the reader and you’ll be able to fast-forward through content. Leaving your index finger on the reader for a specific number of seconds would cause the gadget to jump back to its home screen, the application said.
While remembering which of your digits performs which function and how long you need to press your pinkie onto the biometric reader sounds tiresome, Apple has some specific uses in mind.
The technology’s extended description hints that fingerprint controls would be well suited to use by the visually-impaired or as a tool for rifling through your iPod when you can’t easily look at the screen.
Replacing buttons or dials with fingerprint sensors could also help reduce a gadget’s size, Apple reckons.
However, the company has considered pairing fingerprint control up with other, more traditional forms of gadget control such as verbal input, button input or a multi-touch interface “similar to that incorporated into an iPhone”, the document states.
Fingerprints may even, according to the application, be used “for authentication purposes”.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time that Apple has tried to patent some form of biometric control. Back in March, for example, Register Hardware reported on an Apple patent application for a MacBook with biometric-enabled keyboard able to recognise the user once they start typing. ®
COMMENTS
A Spooks wet dreams
So millions of people may routinely carry devices that use biometric devices connected to the internet ... everytime they select a new track to listen to their GPS location could be uploaded?
Why will we ever need identity cards when Apple are helping to keep track of the population?
Bring back cassette tapes!
That's bad news
Makes my life more difficult - now, when I steal an iPod, I'll have to chop their fingers off as well!!
All aboard the Apple Patent Train
What are these crazy bastards going to patent next? Building houses using uniformly sized blocks? The gaseous substance we breathe to maintain life? Cats?
I do hope the patents they are applying for are only within the scope of how users interact with their own devices. They can't seriously be thinking anything else, can they?
Already done!
My laptop can do this already, keep thinking apple!
how about toe control, or blinking at your eyepod ;)
hmm.. quick whats the number for the patent office!!?!??
*ponders*
wonder if this will be used for such banal things as ... authentication at boot.
great idea, each finger used for specific functions, until the device overheats from use and burns off your fingerprints
