Apple patent describes recognition of the shape of objects on touchscreens

We have seen in the past several types of Apple patents related to the implementation of touch screens on larger devices, such as iMacs, but with specific purposes. One, rediscovered today by an extension published last year, suggests that ways are being investigated to identify the shape of objects on touchscreens, with security proposals.

When holding anything in front of a computer screen equipped with this technology, it would be possible to identify its format and, thus, allow authorization to certain areas of the operating system that are possible based on the object associated with them. Multiple objects registered in this way would give rise to several digital identities, with varying privileges.

Resuming old work with this type of invention suggests that Apple is interested in implementing touch screens on iMacs in the near future. Recent rumors regarding this suggest the launch of computers with this feature in 2010.

(via MacRumors)