So, today is the big iPple day and they're expected to announce their tablet right about nowish.

So, the big news on iNgadget is about the new Apple patent.
A patent for a proximity-sensing touchscreen.

What puts me off and yet again reminds me how I don't like the patent system is... How in Gods name can such a patent not already exist? I mean... That's like not patenting hand gesture controlled interfaces. Is the patent system only revolving around Apple, Microsoft, Nokia and IBM? How does this control inovation when it never used for actual real inventions, only for already existing technology...

I r get mucho frustrate. *grumble*

I'm almost certain Nokia patented a technology that would allow you to control a device with gestures performed in front of the screen, not by touching the screen... Probably even read about it in this forum.

It's one big minefield. One claims to invent the proximity sensor, the other claims to invent the intelligent proximity sensor... childish, too, isn't it?

And then Apple patents to use proximity sensors on tablets while Nokia only has a patent on having them there. This patent might just be a problem for the N920...

Just in case... NOKIA!? Are you listening? Did you consider using hand gestures via the camera to "do certain software features including but not limited to switching desktop on a device like but not limited to a handheld device"? If not, run now cause Apple WILL.

I wish the patent system was revised to only allow patents that are actually make new technologies. I don't mind, Apple can have patents on stuff like touch instead of pressure, but things like mouse gestures, one click ordering, etc, should not be granted patents.

yes. nokia already pattented some similar technology, but furthermore they just presented something called "radar" already as prototype.

Here is a spanish article with reference to a video


http://www.movilzona.es/2010/01/27/n...r-sin-tocarlo/

USPTO needs an overhaul. This has prior art written all over it, imho.