Google patent on lockscreen gestures shows what might happen in future version of Android

November 18, 2011 | by Andrew Kameka

Google has been granted a patent for its pattern gesture to unlock a phone. But Google, not satisfied with merely using facial recognition software for lock screens, also has plans to make gestures perform functions while the phone remains locked.

The United States Patent & Trademark Office granted Google a patent for its existing gesture unlock feature, but 9to5Google spotted that it also showed a feature for gestures to provide quick access to common functions. For instance, switching between songs requires the user to unlock their phone, go to the Music app, and tap the next song feature. Google proposes a system by which the user could perhaps swipe to the right and then up to go to the next track. Or if someone wants to see their calendar, swipe right, down, and back to see an agenda.

Just because Google has applied for the patent doesn’t mean that it will be used, but this could be an interesting feature to have built into Android. Google has always been a proponent in shortcuts, and gesture-based controls built into the lockscreen would add a number of potential timesavers to Android. We’ve already seen alternative apps like WidgetLocker and MagicLocker provide app or widget shortcuts directly into the lockscreen, but what Google proposes could be neater and provide more options.

Further reading of the document at the USPTO website shows that the system could display personal data, play media files, change volume, place a call, and other actions.

android os, Gestures, Google, lockscreen, patents, Swipe gestures

3 Comments

Stoyan Deckoff said: On November 18, 2011

It reminds me to CyanogenMod locksceen gestures – draw a gesture while the phone is locked, and it will dial a phone or open an app.

Mike 'Wally' Wallach said: On November 18, 2011

Yeah, I draw a "c" and it jumps to my calculator. CM already has these, catch up google :p

Arash said: On February 27, 2012

Google should NOT be permitted to receive a patent for this “invention” as patents are granted only for inventions that aren’t available yet.

As CyanongenMod already has this for a long time now, Google cannot file a patent and claim it as their own invention. It has already been released for public use and is public knowledge.

I hope someone raises this issue to the USPTO.

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