Google files patent for back panel touch controls
A while ago, Google realized
that it wasn't making too much headway in trying to get patent law
changed, or getting silly patents invalidated, so the company did the
only thing that was left: it started trying to patent its own
"innovations" which were probably just logical conclusions
based on existing work (you know, like 99% of all patents). Well, it
looks like Google newest filing is a patent application for back panel
touch controls.
Before we even bother to explain the
text of the patent application, we'll describe it in terms of "prior
art", that silly devil that is supposed to invalidate patent
applications, but often doesn't for some small reason. The patent application is basically for the touch panel that you'd find on the back of a PlayStation Vita.
Of
course, it's possible that this patent will be found "unique" because
Google's application is for a touch panel on the back of an Android
smartphone or tablet, that will allow you to perform various functions
(turning an ebook page, media controls, etc), and more importantly can
distinguish between normal holding contact and touches intended to
control the device or app (which sounds similar to Apple's iPad mini
thin bezel tech.)
Not surprisingly, Apple filed
a similar patent back in 2006, before the iPhone even existed, but that
patent was never approved, so maybe the USPTO won't bother with this
one either (fingers crossed!)
0 Comments