Nokia patent app envisions touchscreen input lids

In an apparent effort to make using a touchscreen possible sans eyesight, Nokia has filed a patent application describing "slider inputs lids." Essentially, these lids would be placed onto a touchscreen to enable users to input certain commands without actually having to look at what's going on. For instance, a circular lid could give you easy access to volume, while a horizontal version could easily slide through music tracks or voicemail messages. The documentation points out that lids could contain a switch that would allow users to access a second set of user interface inputs "based on the position of the lid in relation to the touch sensitive area." Granted, this does seem like a stretch, but there's a hint of promise in there somewhere, we suppose.

[Via UnwiredView]

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 6th 2007 5:27PM]

This idea could begin to address the rampant inaccessibility of touch-only interfaces. It'd be a shame to need a suitcase full of lids for different apps, though.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 7th 2007 4:46PM]

Guys, doesn't the first illustration on the last row resemble an iPod? It sounds pretty simple, the click wheel will interact wih the touch screen to increase volume or change tracks. But would i really like a cover over a touchscreen? Naah, no ways!
www.cellpassion.com

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 8th 2007 5:48PM]

Better to add the Phraze-It Keyboard for typing with the fingertips of your fingers or thumbs on large on-screen keys. www.prevalentdevices.com

Its easy to type right on the touch screen using the Phraze-It Keyboard which is a full computer keyboard displayed on 15 finger typing keys.

See a video on www.youtube by typing in Phraze-It Keyboard.