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US 2010/0149134 A1Published application
Writing using a touch sensor
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsWayne Westerman, John G. Elias
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, multi-touch surface. Identification and classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.
Claims16
A method comprising the steps of:
- a. examining a human hand with respect to sensor surface and periodically producing first indications regarding the nature and position of sensed contacts, the contacts comprising identified portions of the hand;
- b. evaluating a first set of the first indications to determine if the character of sensed contacts is consistent with a hand gripping a writing implement for writing on the sensor surface;
- c. evaluating a second set of the first indications to determine if the character of sensed contacts is consistent with a hand gripping a writing implement for writing on the sensor surface;
- d. if the character of both the first set and the second set are both consistent with gripping a writing implement, producing second indications regarding the perceived motion of the perceived writing implement.
1 more element
A contact evaluation system comprising:
- e. a contact identification unit that examines contacts with respect to a sensor surface and produces first indications regarding the nature and position of sensed contacts, the sensed contacts comprising identified portions of a human hand;
- f. a handwriting detection unit that evaluates a plurality of first indications to determine if the character of sensed contacts is consistent with a hand gripping a writing implement and writing on the sensor surface;
- g. an event generator that generates an event if the character of the sensed contacts is consistent with a hand gripping a writing implement and writing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.