39 replies to this topic 3 votes

[javagreen]

"Apple's first slide-to-unlock patent was granted in 2010, its second in 2011, and on cue version 3.0 was just dropped on us. US patent number 8,286,103 issued yesterday and, as expected, it's even broader than the first two. The '103 patent moves past the limiting language of the first two patents that required that the unlock image move along a predefined path, or that it at least start and stop at predefined locations on the screen. The '103 patent now broadly covers continuously moving an image to a general unlock region on the screen to unlock the device.

While most of the background language in Apple's newest claims mirrors the first two patents, two key sections were overhauled. For the path, the new claims only require the step of "continuously moving the unlock image on the touch-sensitive display in accordance with movement of the detected contact." So the predefined path limitation is gone. Also, the new claims only indicate that there be "movement of the unlock image from the first location to an unlock region" on the display. Again, no single predefined start or stop location is required.
You can see that the effective scope of the claim isn't concerned with where you start, the path you take, or that you end up anywhere other than a general "unlock region." It's really only important that you continuously move an image to an unlock region. That's significantly expanded patent coverage."

More at the source : The Verge



It even states, prior workarounds may be the next infringements. This is just what the world needed.....

[theclueless]

if apple sued for a device infringing this patent that got released before this new patent got filed, isn't that the definition of prior art?

[Blueclub]

Samsung Galaxy S3 already does this, "Move anywhere to unlock."

[Hardcore Til I Die]

theclueless, on 10 October 2012 - 21:05, said:

if apple sued for a device infringing this patent that got released before this new patent got filed, isn't that the definition of prior art?

Patents are backdated to when they were first put in arent they?

So if you apply for a patent in 2007, and it's granted in 2012, everyone found to be infringing between 2007-2012 could be sued.

That's my understanding but I could be completely wrong.

[Red Hot]

Those patents are so s---, can't understand how they are allowed to patent this kind of thing.

Next apple patent will be about the use of fingers to interact with touch screen devices.

[Relativity_17]

Red Hot, on 10 October 2012 - 21:21, said:

Next apple patent will be about the use of fingers to interact with touch screen devices.

We present here an original claim applicable to the use of touch screens, covering the manner in which a user comes in contact with the screen, performs or does not perform a motion while remaining in contact with the screen, and then stops touching the screen.

[Buttus]

WaqasTariq, on 10 October 2012 - 21:10, said:

Samsung Galaxy S3 already does this, "Move anywhere to unlock."

no image moves when you unlock the s3. you can just swipe any direction and it unlocks or brings up the lock prompt to enter the PIN, pattern, whatever...

this sounds like the little arrow that moves when you swipe it, like i had on my blackberry storm years ago...

[Blueclub]

Buttus, on 10 October 2012 - 21:40, said:

no image moves when you unlock the s3. you can just swipe any direction and it unlocks or brings up the lock prompt to enter the PIN, pattern, whatever...

this sounds like the little arrow that moves when you swipe it, like i had on my blackberry storm years ago...

What will you call the ripple effect? When you touch and move your finger on a locked S3 screen the ripple moves with you.

[ArialBlue]

And this is why I stay away from Apple products - moral obligation.

[Growled]

ArialBlue, on 10 October 2012 - 23:18, said:

And this is why I stay away from Apple products - moral obligation.

I agree. I just don't agree with the way that they do business.

[Praetor]

WaqasTariq, on 10 October 2012 - 21:10, said:

Samsung Galaxy S3 already does this, "Move anywhere to unlock."

Jellybean does that - slide to anywhere to unlock. I find hard to believe that Apple can be granted a patent when there's allot of prior art, unless someone is getting their pockets full.

[Buttus]

WaqasTariq, on 10 October 2012 - 21:48, said:

What will you call the ripple effect? When you touch and move your finger on a locked S3 screen the ripple moves with you.

it doesn't move, it ripples. a puddle ripples when you walk through it, it doesn't move with your feet as you walk.

[Astra.Xtreme]

Growled, on 10 October 2012 - 23:29, said:

I agree. I just don't agree with the way that they do business.

Please do explain how any of this is Apple's fault. They are playing by the rules...

[javagreen]

Astra.Xtreme, on 11 October 2012 - 00:14, said:

Please do explain how any of this is Apple's fault. They are playing by the rules...

Playing by the rules? bull****!

Apple already had 2 patents on slide-to-unlock, and this is the third. Why? Precisely because Apple is a pathetic money grab. This patent is not only anti-competitive, it was filed with the motive to create more frivolous lawsuits and slow down/block the competition.

So now other manufacturers have to spend more time & valuable resources on such a trivial thing like unlocking a phone.

[Teebor]

I'm sure that I read somwhere that apple had got a press defined as a zero length swipe in a recent legal battle/patent thing

Therefore this patent would include everything everywhere that already exists and could exist. Therefore should not be allowed, if it is allowed then it should be massively protested against by everyone