In 2022, Apple filed three distinct patents representing a single challenge for the iPad. Clearly, Apple engineers work on various kinds of {hardware} that Apple executives can select from for a last product. On February 3, Apple vividly printed two of the three innovations.
Within the first invention, Apple launched a modular system the place customers may select a conventional keyboard or secondary artist show to make use of with the Apple Pencil, to make use of in different sport console interfaces, or to make use of as a DJ or mini gadget. piano keyboard and so on.
For extra info on this invention, see our report, New Apple Patent Unveils Pleasure A extremely configurable MacBook-like computing system. In photograph #106 above, we see a contact floor show part that may double as an iPad for leisurely studying. There are a number of graphics on this report that present the numerous completely different configurations Apple envisions.
In Apple’s second invention, we see how this model permits the display screen to be positioned in two instructions, face out and in. When going through the display screen and closed, the display screen will act like an iPad with the keyboard keys positioned on the again of the display screen in order that the again sits flat on the person and never on the keyboard as is usually the case. 2-in-1 laptops do this.
As proven within the determine. 7C beneath, magnetic aspect #780b might transfer between first place #781a and second place #781b.
Within the patented Apple FIG. 3A above, we see that the hinge might present an interface and/or in 4A the hinge can magnetically help an Apple Pencil; in fig. 8A and 8B see that the hinge can present a communication interface that helps the addition of different equipment equivalent to a digital camera, projector, microphone or gentle. For extra info on this invention, see our report, Apple Recordsdata for Patent Protection Articulating keyboard accent for iPad supplies a laptop computer really feel tremendous versatile. “
The US Patent and Trademark Workplace yesterday printed its third invention with reference to next-generation iPad equipment. On this model, Apple notes that the accent can even present a soft-touch digital keyboard that’s not onerous on the person’s fingers. Figs. Determine 2 beneath exhibits a perspective view of a pc and an enter gadget;
Extra particularly, in FIG. 2, Computing System #202 is organized with Touchscreen #210 the place the person can view the touchscreen whereas additionally having the ability to view and work together with Keyboard #212 in a traditional, laptop-like orientation. In embodiments the place the enter gadget #204 is mixed with a stand or help for the computing gadget, the enter gadget might be organized to be configurable within the relative place proven within the determine. 2 whereas the computing gadget can also be organized within the relative place proven within the determine. 2.
Apple patented FIG. Determine 3 above exhibits an exploded aspect view of the determine meeting. 2; Figs. Determine 6 beneath exhibits a segmented perspective view of a rendering of a pc and an enter gadget.
(Click on on the picture to enlarge it)
Within the third model of this invention for Apple, they added 20 new technical factors to higher defend the patent. Listed here are 12 of the main new claims:
- Pc and digital accent package, consisting of: digital accent with connected gadget and connected gadget together with magnet; A pc consisting of: a housing with a show; Coupling part that may be connected to the digital accent via the magnets of the connected gadget; and a sensor configured to detect the presence of an digital accent and trigger the computing gadget to execute program directions saved within the reminiscence gadget in response to the detection of the digital accent.
- … the place the connecting part consists of magnetically enticing parts.
- … the place this system’s directions embrace directions for altering the person interface that the show display screen shows.
- … the place program directions change the visible configuration of the show.
- … the place {an electrical} connection is established between the computing gadget and the digital accent in response to the connection of the digital accent to the computing gadget.
- … the place the attachment gadget is configured to orient the digital accent in relation to the computing gadget.
- … the place the digital accent consists of a pc case or pc cowl.
- … the place the digital accent is configured to connect removablely to the again floor of the computing gadget.
- Digital gadget, consisting of: a housing consisting of an digital show; Attachment interface configured to connect the digital gadget to the accent on a detachable foundation; A sensor configured to detect the presence of the accent; A processor and reminiscence gadget that has executable directions coded on it, through which the directions, when executed by the processor, trigger the processor to switch the person interface of the digital show in response to detection of the accent.
- Digital gadget and accent package, consisting of: an digital accent comprising a magnetic mounting gadget; An digital gadget consisting of: a shell; show a topic in housing; and a coupling part that may be connected to the magnetic fastener; The connection part and the attachment gadget are configured to information and preserve alignment between the accent and the digital gadget.
- Compilation of Declare 18, whereby the person interface offered by the show of the digital gadget is configured to be modified in response to sensor detection of the digital accent.
- Compilation of Declare #19, the place a software program setting for the digital gadget is configured to be modified based mostly on the placement of the digital accent on the digital gadget.
For extra particulars, see Apple Patent Software US 20220413633 A1.
It might be nice to see Apple attempt to shake issues up within the iPad house over the following 12 months or so, and it will be thrilling to see a handful of patented options in 2022.
Apple inventors
- Terry Van Osdal: {Hardware} Engineer, iPad Group
- Adam Garelli: Senior Product Design Architect, Core Integration Structure
- Senem Ezgi Emgin: HW + SW Prototyping Engineer
- Artwork Clarke: Director of ML Developer Expertise Product Administration and AIML Privateness Champion. Clarke notes: “We’re constructing the AI/ML platform that Apple builders use to ship superb person experiences with industry-leading privateness commitments to their customers.