apple patent hints at iphone with virtual buttons above the display - infrared touch screen panel

Apple was granted a patent by the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office on Tuesday (USPTO)
Show Design brings more
Touch Display technology beyond the screen.
Like 3D Touch, the technology offers new input options, but measures the presence and pressure in the opposite directioni. e.
Above the display.
"Using one or more proximity sensors in multiple sensors combined with one or more touch sensors
Disclosed touch screens for detecting the presence of fingers, body parts, or other objects and controlling or triggering one or more functions based on the touch "image" provided by the sensor output, "The patent title is" close and multi
Detection and debugging of touch sensors.
This technology will allow the user to "press" the Air virtual button without touching the screen to access the content or activate different functions.
This technology works in conjunction with the infrared proximity sensor to provide a complete "image" of the touch input by providing hover gesture detection ".
The patent also mentions infrared LEDs and photodiodes.
In Apple's design, the photodiodes will capture the resulting LED lights that bounce off the user's fingers and give the output accordingly.
With the help of multiple sensors, the system can also detect the user's fingers when hovering over the display.
Although Apple has obtained the patent, it may take a long time for the final product to reach consumers.
As with all patents, it is not necessary for the patented company to use the technology in the actual production equipment.
So while we may never see Apple bring Virtual more
For future iPhones, we know at least what technology the company is exploring.
Two patents announced last month
Self Healing
Maintenance Technology, as well as dual rear camera settings in future iPhone models.