Apple patents miracle combo mouse-keyboard Apple has filed a patent for a hybrid keyboard, combining the utility of a FingerWorks surface with the tactility of physical keys though the practical application of cameras. Since Apple bought FingerWorks - makers of multi-function keyboards for the well-heeled - it's applied multitouch technology to everything; except the …
If you hammer a flat surface, that's definitely bad. but then same same for a keyboard.
If you learn enough control of your fingers to maintain a light touch, then it's OK. I use a scissor-action/short-travel (laptop-style) keyboard because the pressure+impact of a standard keyboard is too much for me - keys that push down also push back, don't forget.
The advantages of not having a mouse (reaching off to the left/right to reach pointing device from your centre position is Bad), scrollwheel and other RSI-nasties probably outweighs the potential disadvantage of no key feedback.
iirc, the fingerworks board had a bit of give in it. not that I ever got to see one, thanks Steve.
I've not used one but if that's the case then Sony will obviously sue them because yeah, it sounds exactly the same.
Surely Sony would have patented it already though?
Still horrible that you can patent a concept like this in my opinion anyway, fair enough the exact tech specs but the concepts? Thumbs down cause these guys really need to stop being so small minded.
... the 2nd screen is a touch screen that can double as a keyboard and mouse when you want it to be. Otherwise you have a 2 screen notebook.
any way, I've been using a normal keyboard for a long time, I honestly can't see my self using a keyboard that doesn't have touchable buttons, unless I am willing to start looking at the keyboard once again.
This patent clearly keeps the real-key keyboard and simply adds motion detection _above_ it.
You can type as normal, but when you want to use it as a mouse, simply raise your hand (I'd guess about 3") and move it about. Splay your hand _in the air_ to zoom etc.
Sounds pretty innovative to me. My first thought at the description was that they'd put little touchpads on each keycap, but if they can get a no-touch camera system to work, that sounds good to me.
Attaching an Apple logo to what is otherwise prior art.
Most of the people who grant patents in the US will grant Apple one simply based on the fact that Apple are patenting it regardless of prior art, This just shows how broken the patent office is when all Apple need to do is take somebody elses work attach their logo and proclaim that they've invented something new.
I was always under the impression that unless there is some returning pressure against muscle, you can develop problems like RSI? Is this wrong?
There have already been cases of people getting RSI from overuse of touch-screen phones and gaming devices due to the ability to make very small, rapid movements with very little back-pressure to digits, the common cause of RSI.
And yeah, I'll admit that not everyone likes them. Even so, the M is the stuff that computing legends are made from. (Typing on one with a DOB of 10-24-1990 right now.)
They're still made today, albeit not as heavily as they once were. Look up "Unicomp" if you want a modern one with a PS/2 or USB connection. I bought one of the new ones as a "treat" and haven't regretted it for an instant. I may buy another for work, because a USB one would come in really handy there.
After all, some time soon (probably next year) we'll all be using Kinnect-style air-mice, where the laptop or PC moves the on-screen mouse in repsonse to you moving your hand and clicking imaginary buttons, all in mid-air. Apple has so missed the boat on this one.
still have QWERTY keyboards, when the mechanical reasons for them disappeared about forty years ago as mechanical typewriters were dropped from manufacture? People will stick with what they're familiar with unless there's some advantage so enormous that it's instantly apparent.
In the real world out there few secretaries regard word processing as anything other than a glorified typewriter and even a mouse is regarded with suspicion. Gestures? It would take decades to convince them!
The Register 
Biting the hand that feeds IT
Copyright. All rights reserved © 1998–2025
