More Apple Tablet Patents - Gesture User Interface?

A search at the US Patent and Trademark Office reveals a number of new Apple patent applications that relate to the long-rumored Apple Tablet based computer. The most recent patents appeared today (February 2nd, 2006), with a filing date as recent as January 31st, 2005.

Gestures for touch sensitive input devices - Methods and systems for processing touch inputs are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes reading data from a multipoint sensing device such as a multipoint touch screen where the data pertains to touch input with respect to the multipoint sensing device, and identifying at least one multipoint gesture based on the data from the multipoint sensing device.

Mode-based graphical user interfaces for touch sensitive input devices - A user interface method is disclosed. The method includes detecting a touch and then determining a user interface mode when a touch is detected. The method further includes activating one or more GUI elements based on the user interface mode and in response to the detected touch.

Touch-sensitive electronic apparatus for media applications, and methods therefor - The electronic mixing apparatus or the electronic keyboard apparatus is provided on a touch screen that provides user input and display capabilities.

Visual expander - A computer implemented method for a touchscreen display is disclosed. The method includes presenting graphical information on the touchscreen display. The method further includes detecting a touch over the touchscreen display. The method also includes expanding an area of the touch screen display proximate the location of the touch.

Hrmph.com posts photos from the gesture patent depicting a user using gestures on a tablet user interface.

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