Apple granted U.S. design patents for iBooks page-turning animation, iPad Smart Case

“Among the multitude of patents Apple was awarded on Tuesday were two design properties for the page-turning animation seen in iOS apps like iBooks, and IP for the third-generation iPad’s full-body case,” Mikey Campbell reports for AppleInsider.

“The page turning animation IP was first filed for in December 2011 as an ornamental design for a display screen,” Campbell reports. “Users can interact with graphical elements closely resembling a piece of paper, using a finger to slowly curl the page over, or quickly turn the page with a swiping motion. The animation even allows for users to move their finger vertically, revealing the top or bottom portion of the next page much like a real binded book.”

Campbell reports, “The second design patent issued to Apple on Tuesday was for the iPad Smart Case first debuted alongside the third-generation tablet in 2011. Like the original Smart Cover, the Smart Case turns the attached iPad on and off by using magnetic sensors in the iPad that interact with magnets embedded in the top cover, but adds an extra layer of protection for the tablet’s aluminum chassis.”

More info, including Apple’s patent application illustrations, in the full article here.