A new patent filing shows Apple exploring portable multi-touch skins that can be wrapped around three-dimensional objects, according to an AppleInsider report.
Apple notes that on notebooks touchpads and touch screens similar to the iPhone, the user moves one or more fingers on a two-dimensional surface to operate the device.
"However, for the operation of many devices, it is desirable, preferable or even necessary for the user to move his or her fingers over a three-dimensional surface," the filing states. "This is directed to a multi-touch skin placed along three dimensions of an object. A single multi-touch skin can be configured to span all three dimensions or two or more multi-touch skins can be used to span the three dimensions."
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Apple notes that on notebooks touchpads and touch screens similar to the iPhone, the user moves one or more fingers on a two-dimensional surface to operate the device.
"However, for the operation of many devices, it is desirable, preferable or even necessary for the user to move his or her fingers over a three-dimensional surface," the filing states. "This is directed to a multi-touch skin placed along three dimensions of an object. A single multi-touch skin can be configured to span all three dimensions or two or more multi-touch skins can be used to span the three dimensions."
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