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AppleGranted patentPhones & computersInterest 6/10

Apple patents laptop case that works as a touch screen

Apple has been granted a patent for a laptop design where the outer shell acts as a touch-sensitive input device. The filing describes a hinge-based device with displays on both sides and sensors hidden under the exterior surface that detect how long you press the case. The device's processor then sends different commands depending on whether the touch is short or long.

Why it mattersThis could lead to laptops with more interactive surfaces, allowing users to control their devices by tapping the outer shell instead of just using a keyboard or trackpad.

In the filing’s own words

There are provided systems, devices and methods for operating a housing for an electronic device as an input/output (I/O) device. In one embodiment, an electronic device includes a housing configured to function as an integrated housing and I/O device and one or more sensors obscured by a panel of the housing. The one or more sensors being configured to sense via the panel of the housing. The electronic device further includes a processing unit communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to interpret electrical signals generated by the one or more sensors. One or more output devices are communicatively coupled to the processing unit and configured to provide an output in response to the one or more sensors generating an electrical signal.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An electronic device, comprising: a housing with first and second portions coupled by a hinge, the housing having an exterior surface; a first display in the first portion of the housing and configured to display a first image; a second display in the second portion of the housing and configured to display a second image; a touch sensor configured to detect touch input on the exterior surface of the housing; and a controller enclosed in the housing and communicatively coupled to the touch sensor, wherein the controller is configured to generate an output signal based on a duration of the touch input from the touch sensor, wherein the controller generates a first output signal for a first duration and a second output signal for a second duration, wherein the first duration is different than the second duration, and wherein the first output signal is different than the second output signal.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
Housing as an I/O device
Patent number
US12743124B2
Application number
18810901
Filed
Aug 21, 2024
Granted
Sep 22, 2026
Inventors
4
Claims
20

Classified under

G06F 1/1616 Physics & computingG06F 1/1656 Physics & computingG06F 1/1671 Physics & computingG06F 1/1673 Physics & computingG06F 1/1684 Physics & computingG06F 3/016 Physics & computing
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.