Apple receives patents for touchscreen tech, voicemail UI
updated 06:25 pm EDT, Tue August 9, 2011
USPTO approves 20 applications
The US Patent and Trademark Office has approved a list of 21 patents submitted by Apple. The patents cover a wide range of technology, mostly related to software architecture, however several filings focus on innovations that would be visible to users. The noteworthy patents include an "integrated touchscreen," a graphical user interface for a voicemail management utility, and a modular system for building desktop tower computers.
The integrated touchscreen patent describes technology that would merge touch-sensing components and a display panel into a single unit, rather than separate pieces. The approach aims to eliminate unnecessary layers, enabling the display to be thinner, brighter, more power efficient, and manufactured using fewer steps.
The voicemail patent takes advantage of multi-touch input to simplify management on devices such as the iPhone. The filing, which was submitted in 2007, describes an interface and methods for streamlining the voicemail experience by eliminating complex navigations and unnecessary buttons.
The third notable patent, labeled "component retention mechanism," describes a modular system that connects hardware components inside desktop towers. The modular approach intends to enable users to quickly swap components such as PCI cards, graphics cards or other add-ons.
The USPTO also approved Apple's filings related to software features, memory, performance management, and printed circuit boards, among other technology. [via Latest Patents]
