Apple working on pressure sensitive touchscreens

Originally submitted in March of last year but only published last week, the patent for a “Force Imaging Input and Device System” describes today’s touchscreens and touchpads as limited by their relatively simple input, which tracks just the location of the finger or stylus on the surface. A method of detecting the strength of the user’s input would add a new element of control, according to Apple.

Though Apple’s patent application primarily describes a touchpad like those used for the company’s MacBook lines, one variant mentioned in the document would also allow for an LCD touchscreen with the same features, raising the possibility of an iPhone or other touch-sensitive computer with the new control scheme.

Computers, phones, PDAs, and control panels are listed as candidates for the technique.

Surely there must be some desperately implausible reason to fear this technology?

Posted: Mon - October 8, 2007 at 10:31 AM

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Apple working on pressure sensitive touchscreens

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