A newly published patent application hints that Apple may be developing new keyboard input methods, such as multi-function keys, and touch strips, for its mobile device.
The patent is geared at the keyboards for smaller portable devices, wherein the size of the UX methods “remains an issue.”
The patent, entitled “Portable Computing Input Devices and Methods,” offers a range of ideas to better implement control mechanisms and abilities in physical and virtual keyboards.
Apple’s patent states that there’s a need for a keyboard that “introduces new multi-functional keys to replace less frequently used keys found on conventional full-size keyboards.”
For example, one key could act as a “notification key,” and could register contact sensitivity and perform actions based on how hard the key had been pressed. It could also determine which action to perform depending on the context, and if or when a notification might be available.
The patent also describes ways of implementing new capabilities into existing keys, such as integrating intensity sensors below the arrow keys and allowing for “improved keyboard arrow key scrolling” on devices that lack a touchscreen. This type of scrolling and inertia effect would be “intuitive,” Apple says, likening it to a user taking their foot off the accelerator pedal on a car.
The patent also suggests that some trackpad functionality could be replaced via touch-sensitive strips situated to either side of a physical keyboard. These strips would act as touch-sensitive elements that would allow a user to scroll through content. They could also be multi-functional, and could perform actions like bringing up the notification center if a specific gesture is performed.
Other portions of the patent detail 3D Touch-like, gesture-based input methods on touchscreen keyboards, such as light pressing, deep pressing, pinching and press-and-hold.
The inventors listed on the patent are Julian Missig, Linda L. Dong, Jeffrey T. Bernstein and Morgan H. Winer, all of whom have worked on numerous previous Apple patents.
Granted, this is just a patent application, and there’s no firm guarantee that these ideas will become realities, but they help point to ideas Apple may be working on.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via AppleInsider and the United States Patent and Trademark Office