Apple patent unveils new iPhone controls and iMac with new security system

On February 25, 2010, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published an “Apple patent filing” which revealed that Apple iPhone’s camera would be used for controlling incoming calls and voice messages in the next generation Apple iPhones. There is also a possibility that these features would also become available on iPad, if it comes with a camera. Apple filed the patent on August 21, 2008.

Under the new controlling system, a user would be able control voicemail by swiping his finger on the lens of the iPhone camera. User can rewind, fast forward, pause and perform other functions by swiping his finger on the camera lens while it is idle. Apple is also planning to introduce a new accelerometer that would enable the user to tap on the back of the phone and access his voice mailbox and play, pause message while holding the phone over his years.

The user would be able to control incoming calls through similar actions. He can merge multiple calls, put a call on hold or switch between multiple calls by tapping on the back of the iPhone.

Aside from controlling voice messages, by moving the finger on the camera lens, the user could navigate a webpage or scroll his/her contact list.

Another patent showed that in future Apple would also introduce a touchscreen iMac. Apple Insider reports:

Entitled "Shape Detecting Input Device," the invention, credited to Peter Kennedy, was a continuation of a 2004 application re-filed on Oct. 30, 2009. The application describes a variety of situations where a touchscreen would be preferable to a mouse and keyboard, including common uses seen today, such as ATM machines, point of sale machines in stores, airline ticket e-terminals, library terminals and more.

When first submitted in 2004, the application did not mention any multi-touch technology which has been pioneered by Apple and introduced on the iPhone. Later, Apple equipped its notebooks with multi-touch track pads. In January 2010, Chinese newspaper, Commercial Times, reported that Apple would introduce a 22 inch iMac along with its 21.5 inch and 27 inch iMacs. The PCs will be produced by a Taiwanese company named Quanta and another Taiwanese company Sintek Photronic will supply will supply the touchscreen panels.

The touchscreen would enable users to hold an object on the screen of the iMac to gain access to the computer. The object it self acts like a security password. If necessary, user would have to present a series of objects like a combination lock. This security system would be advantageous when the computer is shared by multiple users. Each user would have their own personal signet.

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Apple Insider