From the category of patents that probably will not see the light of day, today we have one for three-dimensional multitouch surfaces for which Apple sent the registration documentation. Apple wants to build three-dimensional multitouch surfaces that can be applied to any objects around us and collect the data obtained by using them. Apple gave the example of tennis rackets or golf clubs. This three-dimensional multitouch surface could be applied over these objects and would record the actions of the users from 3 different points on the subject of the object. The data recorded by these multitouch surfaces could be analyzed to see how certain players hold tennis rackets or golf clubs and to give them clues about the technique they use.
A Multi-touch skin could be configured to recognize multiple touch events that occur at different locations on the surface of an object at the same time and monitor the operation of any given object. This could be achieved through a multi-touch sensing arrangement. In the exemplary arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1A, surface 15 of the multi-touch skin is divided into several independent and spatially distinct sensing nodes, such as nodes 16, 18, 20 and 22. The nodes are typically hidden from view and are dispersed about the surface of the object.
The patent describes the use of these surfaces for TV remote controls, which would give users the opportunity to "multitask" using such a remote control. For example, a user could change the channel, make the sound slower, at the same time. Apple describes a new model of touchscreen remote controls probably for a product similar to Apple TV.
The patent also explains a possible use of these multitouch surfaces for drivers, more precisely such a surface could be applied to the steering wheel of a car. The surface would collect data about how the driver uses the steering wheel while driving or could even alert the driver if he is not holding the steering wheel properly. Multitouch surfaces could also be used to control the radio in a car or the windshield wipers.
These three-dimensional multitouch surfaces could also be used for any other objects around us and could be very useful to analyze how people use certain things. The technology itself is very interesting and it is possible that it has nothing to do with any existing Apple product on the market, but at the same time it is equally possible that we will never see it implemented in a product intended for the general public.
