Apple Patent Applications: Multi-Touch Scroll Wheel, Sharing Digital Media During iPhone Calls [Archive]

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MacRumors

Jun 4, 2009, 01:34 PM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/04/apple-patent-applications-multi-touch-scroll-wheel-sharing-digital-media-during-iphone-calls/)

A number of patent applications from Apple were released by the United States Patent and Trademark Office this morning, and two of them have received a fair bit of attention, having been first brought to light in a pair of reports (#1 (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/06/04/apple_working_on_adding_multi_touch_to_ipod_click_wheels.html), #2 (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/06/04/apple_looks_towards_digital_media_sharing_during_iphone_calls.html)) from AppleInsider.

The first application, entitled "Multi-dimensional scroll wheel" (http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20090141046.PGNR.&OS=DN/20090141046RS=DN/20090141046), was filed in September 2008. It describes a scroll wheel, such as that used in the iPod classic and iPod nano, that is capable of sensing user input in multiple ways, as well as sensing multiple simultaneous inputs, essentially bringing multi-touch capabilities to the iconic iPod scroll wheel.To improve the effectiveness of a touch-based scroll wheel, the present disclosure provides multi-touch scroll wheel circuitry capable of sensing input in multiple ways. For example, scroll wheel circuitry can sense a moving object, such as a finger, as it is moved not only in a rotational manner but also in a linear manner across the center of the scroll wheel. The scroll wheel circuitry can also sense more than one object at a time, such as multi-finger touch or motion. In this manner, the scroll wheel circuitry can enable a device to recognize a wider range of input. To be clear, a wheel can be circular, but can also have any shape that enables a closed loop type input.

http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/06/04/141647-scroll_wheel_500.jpg

The patent application also cites potential implementations of a multi-touch click wheel as part of a notebook computer, a peripheral input device similar to a mouse, or a wireless input device capable of communicating either directly with a media player or with a media player docking station.

The second application, entitled "Methods and systems for mixing media with communications" (http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=20090143007.PGNR.&OS=DN/20090143007RS=DN/20090143007), was filed in November 2007 and describes methods for sharing digital media files such as music, videos, and images as part of an audio, video, or data communications connection without terminating the original connection.The present invention permits a user to initiate a communications operation with a recipient, or to receive a communications operation initiated by another individual, and to transmit a selected media item over the same communication path used for the communications operation without terminating the communications operation. This combined transmission can occur regardless of the type of media selected by the user to be added to the communications operation.

http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/06/04/141643-media_sharing_300.jpg

Notably, while Apple's drawings accompanying the patent application point to implementations related to the iPhone, Apple also makes numerous references to the sharing of media while users are engaged in video conferences, something not possible in the current models of the iPhone. The addition of video calling, which would require a front-facing camera, to the iPhone has been a popular target of speculation, with rumors appearing as recently as this week (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/01/4gb-iphone-with-video-ichat/) pointing to the possibility of its appearance in an upcoming iPhone hardware update.

Article Link: Apple Patent Applications: Multi-Touch Scroll Wheel, Sharing Digital Media During iPhone Calls (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/04/apple-patent-applications-multi-touch-scroll-wheel-sharing-digital-media-during-iphone-calls/)

Small White Car

Jun 4, 2009, 01:36 PM

Love the media sharing idea.

Eventually phone calls, IMs, and e-mails are going to blend into a single kind of thing.

Virtualball

Jun 4, 2009, 01:42 PM

A mention of video conferences? Well, that means that it may happen sometime haha

Roessnakhan

Jun 4, 2009, 01:43 PM

The last picture reminds me of the Pre UI. Looking forward to the hopeful implementation of these features in the future.

nickslivestri

Jun 4, 2009, 01:44 PM

See this would justify the camera being on the iPods!

Rojo

Jun 4, 2009, 01:46 PM

A front-facing camera is pretty much an inevitability at some point. The question is when. I'd love it for the iPhone being announced next week, but something makes me think it won't be ready until version 4 or 5.

funnyent

Jun 4, 2009, 01:48 PM

that media sharing looks awesome! and talk of video chatting! Fingers crossed WWDC 09 :apple: FTW

fobfob

Jun 4, 2009, 01:51 PM

Those pictures look fake.

Small White Car

Jun 4, 2009, 01:53 PM

Those pictures look fake.

No, the United States Patent and Trademark Office didn't just make up some drawings for fun. Good god.

mdriftmeyer

Jun 4, 2009, 01:53 PM

These are very important Patents for Apple moving forward.

Bravo folks!

mdriftmeyer

Jun 4, 2009, 01:53 PM

No, the United States Patent and Trademark Office didn't just make up some drawings for fun. Good god.

Correct. Besides, they wouldn't be so clean and polished if they did.

Peace

Jun 4, 2009, 01:54 PM

This implies Bonjour and iChat for Windows because I don't see video conferences being strictly for the iPhone. Apple knows people would love to have an iChat from their PC to someone on their iPhone.

A welcome addition!!

jegra

Jun 4, 2009, 01:54 PM

Those pictures look fake.

Why do you say that? They are real patent filings. Often patent attorneys use illustrations with the artistic prowess of a five-year-old so as not to disclose too much about forthcoming product releases...

crees!

Jun 4, 2009, 01:56 PM

HiRez

Jun 4, 2009, 01:56 PM

The General

Jun 4, 2009, 01:59 PM

This is kind of like iChat Theatre. :)

This implies Bonjour and iChat for Windows because I don't see video conferences being strictly for the iPhone. Apple knows people would love to have an iChat from their PC to someone on their iPhone.

A welcome addition!!

There already is Bonjour for Windows, but I don't think it means iChat for Windows. AIM already supports video chat, I imagine they'd just use that to video chat with iPhone, just like they do with Mac users.

mikeinternet

Jun 4, 2009, 02:00 PM

So very cool.

((Hey I'm working on a new song I'm working on let me play it for you. Or hey get a load of what I saw last night, here's the video.))

Yes please. Let's make that happen.

joeshell383

Jun 4, 2009, 02:00 PM

The patent application also cites potential implementations of a multi-touch click wheel as part of a notebook computer

This is not new news. Apple announced this months ago.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EbhbPbkypPY/SZrcLlSFA8I/AAAAAAAABXo/hiy9wyHubCY/s320/macbook-wheel.jpg

TuffLuffJimmy

Jun 4, 2009, 02:03 PM

Porco

Jun 4, 2009, 02:06 PM

"Multi-dimensional scroll wheel" ? Wasn't that something to do with the ending of Indiana Jones IV?

blakecr

Jun 4, 2009, 02:07 PM

Love the media sharing idea.

Eventually phone calls, IMs, and e-mails are going to blend into a single kind of thing.

Hmmm maybe not quit as catchy as phone calls, IMs and e-mails...

Peace

Jun 4, 2009, 02:09 PM

Don they already have bonjour for Windows?

I guess I should have been more specific.

Bonjour for Windows has been around for a long time. What I meant is this. Sorry this is the way I think :

Visualize..

I'm sitting in my office at my workstation and I'm running Windows 7..

My kids out by the pool want to communicate with me because they want lunch or something.

They open the iChat app on their iPhone that is connected to the local network WiFi.

My iChat window on my Windows computer rings and I answer it because it's my kids.

We then have an iChat. Me using iChat on Windows 7 and the kids on their iPhone.

This is a useful function of "local area networking" using Bonjour.

Eurisko69

Jun 4, 2009, 02:09 PM

So, they turned the circle into a "round" touchpad that has already been around for years?

Our USPO is sad.

Clayne

Jun 4, 2009, 02:12 PM

I never even thought of having a multi-touch scroll wheel on non-touch ipods. That's pretty cool.

twoodcc

Jun 4, 2009, 02:12 PM

not sure how well the media sharing would work, but seems cool. i think the next iphone will have a front facing camera though

iPhoneNYC

Jun 4, 2009, 02:14 PM

All of the Apple patents always look funny - but this info is very cool. Want.

The General

Jun 4, 2009, 02:20 PM

I'm sitting in my office at my workstation and I'm running Windows 7..

My kids out by the pool want to communicate with me because they want lunch or something.

They open the iChat app on their iPhone that is connected to the local network WiFi.

My AIM window on my Windows computer rings and I answer it because it's my kids.

We then have a video chat. Me using AIM on Windows 7 and the kids on their iPhone.

This is a useful function of "local area networking" using Bonjour.

Yeah, we definitely don't need iChat for this.

Pandaboots

Jun 4, 2009, 02:23 PM

Seems video conferencing would put Apple "Light Years Ahead". We will know very soon.

blakecr

Jun 4, 2009, 02:23 PM

not sure how well the media sharing would work, but seems cool. i think the next iphone will have a front facing camera though

Like ichat sharing. wonder if it will be a mini ichat version scaled down, or a full blown ichat?

Peace

Jun 4, 2009, 02:24 PM

Yeah, we definitely don't need iChat for this.

You've obviously never had kids.:p

The General

Jun 4, 2009, 02:28 PM

You've obviously never had kids.:p

Read the quote. AIM and iChat are compatible for video chat. AIM will do just fine for Windows users.

Peace

Jun 4, 2009, 02:30 PM

Read the quote. AIM and iChat are compatible for video chat. AIM will do just fine for Windows users.

While that is true. Using AIM on Windows requires going over the internet. Relegating the app to one's internet connection speed. I'm talking about LANs.

philbeeney

Jun 4, 2009, 02:33 PM

I guess I should have been more specific.

Bonjour for Windows has been around for a long time. What I meant is this. Sorry this is the way I think :

Visualize..

I'm sitting in my office at my workstation and I'm running Windows 7..

My kids out by the pool want to communicate with me because they want lunch or something.

They open the iChat app on their iPhone that is connected to the local network WiFi.

My iChat window on my Windows computer rings and I answer it because it's my kids.

We then have an iChat. Me using iChat on Windows 7 and the kids on their iPhone.

This is a useful function of "local area networking" using Bonjour.

Yeah, we definitely don't need iChat for this.

All this is doing is bringing up a generation of lazy kids. Why can't the little scamps just walk through the house and ask for lunch face to face?

I'm not knocking the concept though?

Sayer

Jun 4, 2009, 02:35 PM

No one notice the iPod shown in the first patent app looks a lot like the updated Nano that was speculated to have a larger scree and smaller scroll wheel?

Why make the screen bigger and scroll wheel smaller if this wasn't in any way related to an actual product, why not make it looks just like an existing nano? And this was filed in Sept 2008 so did the rumor of the new nano come from this app, or independently?

Curious is all.

BJMRamage

Jun 4, 2009, 02:37 PM

i figure the "classic" ipods will have a larger screen and smaller wheel.
this way the nano and classic will be similar in style.

just my thoughts

brax.j

Jun 4, 2009, 02:38 PM

I guess I should have been more specific.

Bonjour for Windows has been around for a long time. What I meant is this. Sorry this is the way I think :

Visualize..

I'm sitting in my office at my workstation and I'm running Windows 7..

My kids out by the pool want to communicate with me because they want lunch or something.

They open the iChat app on their iPhone that is connected to the local network WiFi.

My iChat window on my Windows computer rings and I answer it because it's my kids.

We then have an iChat. Me using iChat on Windows 7 and the kids on their iPhone.

This is a useful function of "local area networking" using Bonjour.

If your kids are so young that they need you to get lunch they shouldn't have an iPhone. If your kids are old enough to have an iPhone they should get their own lunch and if you are close enough to use the same WiFi network what's wrong with talking face to face not over the internet.

Peace

Jun 4, 2009, 02:40 PM

Jeez. It was just a concept. There are many uses one can think up.

No need to get personal.

TuffLuffJimmy

Jun 4, 2009, 02:47 PM

If your kids are so young that they need you to get lunch they shouldn't have an iPhone. If your kids are old enough to have an iPhone they should get their own lunch and if you are close enough to use the same WiFi network what's wrong with talking face to face not over the internet.
Yeah, because that's the only situation where iChat over bonjour is possible. :rolleyes:

What is with people on this forum and telling people how to live their lives?

shaytmg

Jun 4, 2009, 02:48 PM

Ohhhhh yes yes YES! Finally Teh MacBook Wheel (http://www.theonion.com/content/video/apple_introduces_revolutionary)! Seriously...aren't we beyond the wheel?

EDIT: Oops, it's a MacBook Wheel, not a Mac Wheel...

The Onion News Network already scooped Macrumors on this one. :)

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/apple_introduces_revolutionary

ruinfx

Jun 4, 2009, 02:49 PM

looks like a zune to me

HiRez

Jun 4, 2009, 02:49 PM

The Onion News Network already scooped Macrumors on this one. :)

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/apple_introduces_revolutionarySame video! ;) I love that clip, still one of the funniest ones I've seen and so well done.

TuffLuffJimmy

Jun 4, 2009, 02:50 PM

The Onion News Network already scooped Macrumors on this one. :)

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/apple_introduces_revolutionary
That's exactly what the person you quoted said.

I don't think this patent will ever be a reality. Apple is moving away from the clickwheel.

RoboCop001

Jun 4, 2009, 03:22 PM

My friends!

All these rumors and fantastic predictions/imaginings/expectations are all fun and cool, but wouldn't you like to have a break and read an epic story? A story so epic! Let's begin...

In the year 2029, a machine intelligence called MicroNet has dominated much of the cell phone market, leaving only destruction and impracticality in it's wake. But there are small pockets of resistance all over the world who live only to fight a new nightmare... the war against the Zunes.

The survivors called it Judgement Day.

MicroNet, in an attempt to defeat the resistance before it even began, sent out a Zune into the past to stop the iPhone from even being created. But the resistance also sent out a lone warrior to protect the future from the past. The question is.... which one will get there first?

Steve Jobs "wtf is that thing???"
Kyle Reese "It's a Zune! Part media player, part terminator!"
Steve Jobs "You mean-"
Kyle Reese "Yes! It's all real! I'm actually Kyle Reese, not Michael Bein!"
Steve Jobs "Holy $#!@! Now what do we do? Can't we just talk to them, tell them that we can work competitively together in order to-"

Kyle Reese "No! It can't be bargained with! It can't be reasoned with! And it absolutely will not-"
Steve Jobs "Yeah I saw the movie, it'll kill me."

Kyle Reese "Sure. But I'm here to make sure you invent this...." [shows iPhone]

Steve Jobs "Awesome! It has too many features though, I better split it up to the whole thing over a period of uh.. hm, 4 years sounds about right."
Kyle Reese "Whatever! Just make it! ..... uh oh! Get down!"

.....

Steve Jobs "OMG did it just walk by us??"
Kyle Reese "No that's just a regular terminator I'm trying to avoid. They have infra red.... they hunt best at night."
Steve Jobs "So what does this "Zune" just float around or something?"
Kyle Reese "It looks like a man. But on the inside it's a-"
Steve Jobs "Heavily armoured battle chasis, I remember the movie."
Kyle Reese "No no, it's just a media player on the inside."

Meanwhile...... back at Apple HQ

Zune: I'm a friend of Steve Jobs, I was told he was here, could I see him please?
Front desk: Uh I'm sorry, he's out in a meeting... I think? I really don't know, sir. You can come back later, there's a bench over there if you want to wait.

Zune: I'll be back.

TO BE CONTINUED!!!!!!!!!!!! DUDUN DUN DUDUN!!!!!! DUDUN DUN DUDUN!!!!

vrillusions

Jun 4, 2009, 03:31 PM

(from article)To be clear, a wheel can be circular, but can also have any shape that enables a closed loop type input.

Well how about that, apple IS reinventing the wheel...

Dale_Nx26

Jun 4, 2009, 03:34 PM

how is this better than the squircle from microsoft? It's basically the same thing but with multi-touch. better yet, they might as well implement an actual (multi-touch) trackpad.

Shake 'n' Bake

Jun 4, 2009, 03:59 PM

I am sick of multi touch. It is neat, but it is in everything now, and that just makes it boring.

Small White Car

Jun 4, 2009, 04:20 PM

If your kids are old enough to have an iPhone they should get their own lunch.

Oh, damn. I made dinner for my wife last night.

So sorry, I'll just tell her she's too old for that tonight.

Perrumpo

Jun 4, 2009, 04:24 PM

I love the media sharing ability!

That "cancel" button is in an awful spot though. I see many accidental "end call" hits.

Rocketman

Jun 4, 2009, 04:35 PM

In figure 15 the swipe direction is reversed. They should ammend the patent application.

Rocketman

iMacoo7

Jun 4, 2009, 05:01 PM

If you look at it this way my friend this might make more sense:
What features (Software side) have consumers/customers/analysts of the iphone complained about since day 1?
1. Copy/Paste
2. MMS (I even had a petition that had received a little over 5,000 respondents!Thanks for the support to those on the forum that signed it)
3.A2DP
4. Turn by Turn GPS
4.iChat(This is the last feature missing)

For the hardware side?
1. Bigger capacity
2.Better Cam
3. More Ram
4. Faster processor
5. Front Facing Cam

The only ones that have not been fulfilled thus far on the software/hardware side of everything requested by the masses are
1. iChat
2. Front Facing Cam
I honestly believe we will see the release of these features this year. The only thing they will do from here on out is boost the Cam's within the iphone the following year and do some other things like adding flash and some other things.

A front-facing camera is pretty much an inevitability at some point. The question is when. I'd love it for the iPhone being announced next week, but something makes me think it won't be ready until version 4 or 5.

Only thing I can tell you my friend is that more than likely it will happen this year.
that media sharing looks awesome! and talk of video chatting! Fingers crossed WWDC 09 :apple: FTW

HiRez

Jun 4, 2009, 05:11 PM

I am sick of multi touch. It is neat, but it is in everything now, and that just makes it boring.Mm. I feel the same way about music, wireless, and the combustion engine. And water and oxygen.

Doctor Q

Jun 4, 2009, 06:33 PM

Is "Betty Cole" Apple's version of "Jane Doe"? Has Apple used this name as a sample before?

http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/06/04/141643-media_sharing_300.jpg

Maybe the real Betty Cole will use these new features for her real estate business (http://www.elocallink.tv/vp2/vp3_show.php?cid=2803). :cool:

groundlessnfree

Jun 4, 2009, 10:49 PM

The layout will need to be improved, but this will be great.

You don't need podcasts as it's own item. Just change "music" to "audio" and then video podcasts will be available under video and audio podcasts will be available under audio. This would free up a space for a proper cancel button.

As someone who uses my iPhone for business, this would be great. To be able to share a voicemail message immediately. No more trying to translate what the boss wants to an associate or trying to translate what a client wants to the boss.

This type of feature will be network and tech heavy though so I wouldn't expect it soon. If you're on AT&T with an iPhone and talking to someone on Verizon with a RZR they'll need to find some way for the iPhone to determine capability and compatibility.

TuffLuffJimmy

Jun 4, 2009, 10:52 PM

looks like a zune to me
haha I like how no one is touching that comment. It does look exactly like a zune! Why can't Apple be original for once? They're just leeching ideas off of Microsoft here.

StuddedLeather

Jun 5, 2009, 12:03 AM

This can turn out to be good!

dragossh

Jun 5, 2009, 03:37 AM

haha I like how no one is touching that comment. It does look exactly like a zune! Why can't Apple be original for once? They're just leeching ideas off of Microsoft here.

Apple invented Zune! :apple:

fef714

Jun 5, 2009, 06:29 PM

Those pictures look fake.

It's a patent, they never look like good.

fef714

Jun 5, 2009, 06:30 PM

SactoGuy18

Jun 5, 2009, 09:43 PM

What we may be seeing is essentially the interface for the replacement of the iPod classic.

Since this is intended primarily as a media player, it won't need the highly interactive functionality of the iPod touch, but the interface will have many iPod touch features for navigating files in the player. And it will be the first "classic" model that gets rid of the little 1.8" hard drive in favor of 64 GB and 128 GB flash memory storage capacities.

And the display may be an OLED with a true 5:3 aspect ratio, perfect for playing back video files enhanced for widescreen displays.

Shake 'n' Bake

Jun 6, 2009, 09:22 AM

SactoGuy18

Jun 6, 2009, 08:22 PM

A 128 GB SSD costs ~$300 you know. It'll be too expensive for most people to buy.

I'd agree with you, but the device I mentioned with the 128 GB flash memory could be here as early as September 2010.

Shake 'n' Bake

Jun 6, 2009, 08:37 PM

I'd agree with you, but the device I mentioned with the 128 GB flash memory could be here as early as September 2010.

By then, SSDs will be in just about everything and they'll be really cheap.