A new one was recently registered for the Apple company invention patent which describes a stylus that has implemented haptic feedback and can track the user's position in relation to an iDevice. I start with the optical technology in the stylus, technology that would allow Apple to track the user's position in relation to the iDevice using a camera included in the stylus. Using the camera, accelerometer, gyroscope and pressure sensors, the stylus would adjust the interface of the iDevice according to the way the user uses it, ultimately improving the user experience. Of course, the implementation of all these technologies in a stylus should have a very good motivation and tailor-made software, things that are currently missing in iOS.
In some embodiments, a stylus is provided with an optical sensor, such as a camera, that is used in determining a location and movement of the stylus relative to a touch screen display of a computing device. It should be appreciated, however, that displays other than touch screens may be implemented in some embodiments. The optical stylus may be configured to transmit the location and movement to the computing device. In some embodiments, the optical stylus may be configured to process and/or filter the location and movement information prior to transmission, whereas in other embodiments, raw data may be transmitted.
We move from the optical part to the feedback part because Apple imagines that its stylus could provide haptic feedback to those who use it. Specifically, Apple says it can implement a haptic actuator that would vibrate and give users feedback when they use the screen. Basically, Apple imagines that it can build an interface that would give users feedback when they press certain buttons or certain icons, and I think the idea is interesting, but maybe it would be better to implement it directly in the screen and not in an accessory third
Generally, input devices do not provide haptic feedback to a user in response to interactions with the input device. The user can typically only feel the rigid surface of the touch screen, making it difficult to find icons, hyperlinks, text boxes, or other user-selectable input elements on the display. An input device capable of generating haptic feedback may help a user navigate content displayed on the display screen, and may further serve to enhance the content of various applications by creating a more appealing and realistic user interface. "Haptic feedback" may be any tactile feedback. Examples include forces, vibrations, and/or motions that may be felt by the user.
Although Apple's technologies are very interesting, they are rarely implemented in products and I think this stylus will not be an exception.