Future Generation of iPhone May Support Camera Finger Swipes
When you think a camera is just for taking photos, Apple thinks different. As revealed by Patently Apple, Apple has filed a patent application that describes an innovative concept to control iPhone (or iPad) by swiping a finger over the external camera lens. As of today, you can only control iPhone using finger gesture via the multi-touch screen. It’s interesting to see Apple supports camera finger-swipes.
So, what’s its usage? Why do you need to control iPhone via the back camera?
The use of this includes the control of rewinding and fast forwarding voicemail. Just think about how you navigate through your voicemail box. You need move the phone away from your ear and use the dialpad to key in command to rewind/forward voicemail. Here, with the support of camera-based swipe controls, you can simply swipe your finger over the camera to control the voicemail navigation while the iPhone is still up against your ear.
Patently Apple also mentioned another usage for calls:
A similar concept may be applied to control call functions during a telephone call conversation with a called or calling party. The motions described above, namely sliding a finger in various directions across the lens and/or tapping the iPhone could also control call functions, such as merging multiple calls, setting a call on hold/unhold, and switching between or among multiple simultaneous calls. The setting of these motions to correspond with call control or voicemail control commands may be put into place by Apple or customized by the user.
This application of camera finger-swipes does not limit to the control of voicemail or calls. It can also extend to the control of iPhone interface. Say, swiping your finger over the camera in downward direction to scroll down a web page or document.
All these finger gestures innovation targets to enhance the one-handed control. I love the idea to control the voicemail navigation. But there is no confirmation from Apple when this feature will come to iPhone. Hopefully, we can see it in the iPhone 4G.
[Image via Patently Apple]
