Apple has always been opened to new innovations that can render their devices originality and therefore uniqueness. And how can this be done if not through exploring various possibilities that emerge on the area of inventions?! It is the case with the patent for the non-visual control of a multi-touch device. Apple patent develops a non visual control of device in that it relates to the option that enables an iPhone, iPod user to navigate an electronic device’s menu without having a visual display. By using of a multi-touch user interface component this proves to be possible. In this way the user can listen to music, initiate phone conversations, send and receive electronic messages, at the same time being able to use a multi-touch input panel in an eyes-free manner. The system releases the user from any other buttons, or cues or prompts, the only possibility to control is using any type of audio information, in this way the user being able to navigate quickly and mentally map the device’s menu system.
Apple describes the background of invention, saying that in the era of ever faster processors, more portable devices trying to use the most sophisticated technology, it is no wonder that inventions come up to revolutionize systems that are also in their own growth and innovative emerging. This new device is a portable package that includes processing power combined with a single multi-touch display screen. This screen incorporates a transparent touch panel and visual display component and responding to a touch action it generates a signal that can be taken over by other components of the electronic device. The user sees a display which has the same space hosting different virtual buttons at different times, with a dynamic way of navigating through menu system.
Even if the shape, location and size of virtual buttons are changing the user will be able to feel only the smooth surface of the multi-touch display screen. For instance when a user is prevented temporarily or permanently from visualizing he can use this non visual control device in order his attention not to be distracted; it is perfect also for those riding a motor vehicle, or for those who keep the device in a pocket, etc. there are some electronic devices that static touchable feedback (as it is the case with Braille tactile form of reading) with audible instructions in order to help the people who are visually impaired to use different devices. The point is that the audible instructions are often inefficient and can render the feeling of frustration. There is this situation that occurs while listening to a long list of options for in the end to be able to decide which option one chooses, and this is really annoying. This is exactly what the non visual control device is offering, and the inventor of this device, Ashwin Sunder, surely must be proud of himself.