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Shape shifting of things to come?
Friday 25th June 2010
Courtesy: http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2010/06/apple-introduces-the-incredible-shape-shifting-device-interface.html
When is an Apple not an apple? When it's shape shifting. This month the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that opens up various concepts behind a newly advanced shape shifting device interface that could transform a flat interface into a physical 3D version creating a physical tactile keypad for future iPhone, iPod Classic and technically provide the iPad with a physical-like keyboard.
The shape shifting patent Figures 54-56 above illustrate a variety of shape shifting device applications. Such a device could be positioned within a touch sensitive zone. Throughout the patent report the terms "shape change device" and "shape shifting device" or "change" and "shift" are considered to be one and the same.
The intriguing concept is packed with outrageous ideas that could transform a device automatically by simply being in a room with a notable temperature change.
It could turn an iPod Classic into a TV remote with various buttons in a configurable interface and is dubbed 'candidate for patent of the year' with the comment that "if Apple ever gets this out to market, it's ball game over for the iPhone and iPod wannabe's of this world."
Raising icons
One example of a raised topography could be applied to the icons laid out on an iPhone or iPod touch. Interestingly, one of Apple's engineers slipped in a version of the iPhone that is interesting. The design shows a model with a physical keyboard lid. Engineering humor or insight?
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