Apple does it again

If there is one company that knows the importance of investing in innovation at right time, it would be none
other than Apple. An investment made 6 years ago is going to bear fruits (hopefully sweet apples ) in
near future.

In 2010 Apple acquired Assignee rights in a patent (US8482535B2) that is going to help the company in
the famous on-going patent litigation case (Immersion Corp. Vs Apple Inc and AT&T). The said case targets
the brand’s successful merchandise – Apple iPhone 6, 6s Plus (3D Touch) along with MacBook and Apple
Watch, released last year.

The main Infringement patent and the oldest (in terms of priority date) among the three patents cited by the
Immersion Corporation against Apple is U.S. Patent No. 8,773,356: “Method and Apparatus for Providing
Tactile Sensations” (Priority Date - Nov 1, 2001).

Apple stands the chance of Invalidating the above patent as per the below facts/relevant text provided in
the Apple’s patent (U.S. Patent No. 8,482,535 – Priority Date Nov 8, 1999).

It is right time to introduce myself. I have no commercial interest in the said case. The below text and the
said patent litigation suit are available in public domain. As a technologist and patent enthusiast, I am just
re-synthesizing the bits spread over the spectrum of knowledge available via the network of networks.
Subject Patent - US8773356B2 (Priority Date –
Nov 01, 2001)
F1. A method, comprising:
outputting a display signal configured to
display a graphical object on a touch-sensitive
input device;
F2. receiving a sensor signal from the touch-
sensitive input device, the sensor signal
indicating an object contacting the touch-
sensitive input device;
F3. determining an interaction between the
object contacting the touch-sensitive input
device and the graphical object;
F4. and
generating an actuator signal based at least in
part on the interaction and haptic effect data in
a lookup table.
Relevant Result - US8482535B2 (Priority Date –
Nov 08, 1999)
[Description]
The disclosed invention, including co-pending
applications incorporated by reference, contains
unique embodiments which allow one to
interact, by feel, with a display, called herein a
“programmable tactile display”. It encompasses
two main focus areas: A display having features
commonly associated with a touch screen, but
in a new form which can be sensed in several
tactile manners, as well as visually.
It is a goal of the invention to provide means for
both z (direction into the display screen) and
force based input of single or multiple human
or object inputs.
4. Allow programmable screen operation by feel if
possible, for ease of use while driving (or while
engaged in other tasks) and safety. The “feel”
sensation should be itself programmable, such
that varying responses can be given the
operator, depending on what screen and what
function or what amount is being actuated or
interrogated (that is you touch it to get a sensation
first indicative of the current value or screen type)
Also illustrated is an Optical touch screen
equipped with a force feedback signal which is
acoustically generated by a piezo electric or
other transducer providing an acoustic wave
force pulse back to the user to signal that one is
close to the point desired or has reached it for
example.
It is also highly useful for other applications, such
as Kiosks, control panels in the home, and the like.
Apple may or may not use the above mentioned patent, but for me it’s a winner. For the purpose of the
blog, the detailed mapping text is not provided. The patent in which Apple invested six years ago is a
wonderfully drafted legal document that has other supporting text reinforcing the case in favor of Apple.

So, Congratulations to Apple for doing what it does best (Again !!!). Good Luck to Immersion corporation
for its future ventures. For all the innovators out there, you never know what your idea can do in future. So
get them patented without thinking short-term.

Disclaimer- The author is not liable for use/misuse of the information provided above. Please use your
discretion while making use of the publicly provided information.

Apple seems to be in great position to win #BattleOfHaptics #3DTouch #Apple #immersion #patent
#infringement #haptics #iPhone6 #ForceTouch bit.ly/1SBnWof