Apple Researching Stylus Concepts with Optical Tracking and Haptic Feedback

while steve jobs famously panned idea of stylus iphone @ device's unveiling in january 2007, apple has continued researching ideas stylus-based input, if part of continued reevaluation of how users interact devices , how technology change interactions on time. toward end, unwired view highlights pair of apple patent applications filed in late 2010 , published today addressing optical , haptic stylus concepts.

apple's idea optical stylus takes advantage of tiny camera on tip of pen allow track patterns on device's screen invisible user's eye. stylus incorporate other sensors such pressure sensors, accelerometers, , gyroscopes determine orientation , movement.

quote

in embodiments, stylus provided optical sensor, such camera, used in determining location , movement of stylus relative touch screen display of computing device. should appreciated, however, displays other touch screens may implemented in embodiments. optical stylus may configured transmit location , movement computing device. in embodiments, optical stylus may configured process and/or filter location , movement information prior transmission, whereas in other embodiments, raw data may transmitted.

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apple's generic iphone stylus concept enlarged view of encoding pattern tracking movement​

alternatively, apple suggests incorporate haptic feedback allow users gain tactile feel content on device's screen via stylus. apple has researched haptics quite time, , patent application published today describes how haptic actuator embedded in stylus receive signals device users gain tactile feel context of onscreen input.

quote

generally, input devices not provide haptic feedback user in response interactions input device. user can typically feel rigid surface of touch screen, making difficult find icons, hyperlinks, text boxes, or other user-selectable input elements on display. input device capable of generating haptic feedback may user navigate content displayed on display screen, , may further serve enhance content of various applications creating more appealing , realistic user interface. "haptic feedback" may tactile feedback. examples include forces, vibrations, and/or motions may sensed user.

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apple's concept stylus haptic feedback​

there has been no evidence apple looking @ incorporating stylus products, remains clear company thinking how such pen-based input used in novel ways.

article link: apple researching stylus concepts optical tracking , haptic feedback

 

the best stylus finger.

 

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