Patent Shows What “Out of Control” Apple Tablet Multitouch Gestures Might Be About

Earlier this week, some new Apple tablet rumors pointed to multi-touch gestures that will be “out of control”. That rumor was like the Apple tablet in general: enough to get you interested and excited, but not enough to really say anything.

Today, some patents that were dug up by MobileCrunch provide one possible explanation of just how out of control the tablet’s multi-touch gestures will be. The two patents were applied for by Fingerworks, a company Apple acquired.

Patent numero uno is for a multi-touch technology that would enable users to write on the screen naturally by simply placing their thumb and forefinger together, as if they were holding a pen. Using traditional writing hand position, users can write directly onto the screen. This would certainly be a useful addition to the slate, though some might prefer the feeling of a stylus or tangible writing instrument.

The second patent is for a technology that would enable the touchscreen to differentiate between hard typing and just resting a hand on the screen. This feature would make the device more intuitive and prevent unintentional typing. So if you want to take a moment and gather your thoughts before typing your next line, you can leave your hands resting on the keyboard like you would a physical keyboard.

Both of these sound pretty useful, but I don’t know that they are “out of control”. We’ll see if either shows up on the actual tablet (and what joins them). [via MobileCrunch]