Patentseed

Apple is advancing the usability of gestures with this patent application (12/199,532).  The idea is that you want to operate your iPhone/iPod without having to look at it.  For example, it may be strapped around your arm while you’re working out.  The application refers to this as “sightless navigation.”  Perhaps you want to skip to the next song?  Or fast forward?  Well, typically, you’d have to look at the screen, orient it rightside up, and perform your gesture.  Apple wants to do away with that and allow you to perform these gestures without looking at or worrying about the orientation of the device.   You can achieve this through a variety of touch and swipe patterns.  For example, if you begin a press and go clockwise, it can know to fast forward.  This can be done regardless or orientation of the device.  Similarly, you can press and move your finger counterclockwise to rewind.  The patent application also describes what other patterns are possible using multi-touch, hold gesture, etc.