“Over the years Apple has had some massive projects supported by a huge body of patents before the invention ever came to market,” Jack Purcher reports for Patently Apple.
“For example, the one-time iWallet invention that was covered extensively by Patently Apple took years to come to market as Apple’s ‘Wallet’ formerly ‘Passbook,'” Purcher reports. “Apple’s iPen/handwriting recognition patents project is yet another invention that has a massive body of supporting patents that could be reviewed in our Archives. The sheer number of patents on this project would strongly suggest that this feature will one day become a market reality. It’s been rumored for the longest time that the iPad Pro may introduce this feature.”
“Today, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office published yet another patent application from Apple on this subject matter,” Purcher reports. “At this time it’s unknown as to what handwriting and pen related features will finally make it to market. But for now, Apple’s latest invention reveals another piece of the puzzle: Their handwriting recognition software architecture will involve a number of very specific processors to make the iPen experience work flawlessly if not magically, whenever it finally arrives.”
Much more, including Apple’s patent application illustrations, in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple’s smart-pen patents keep piling up!
SEE ALSO:
Warning: Apple’s mythical iPad Pro may replace your enterprise PCs – May 14, 2015
Why Apple’s ‘iPad Pro’ will flop or something – May 11, 2015
Hands-on with alleged ‘iPad Pro’ case gives shows comparison to Apple’s iPad Air – May 1, 2015
Apple’s 12.9-inch ‘iPad Pro’ to feature oxide LCD display; mass production in Q315, sources say – March 5, 2015
Is a larger ‘iPad Pro’ an absurd idea? – January 22, 2015
Analyst: Apple likely to launch simple stylus with 12.9-inch iPad Pro; advanced 3D stylus due later – January 18, 2015
Apple granted another smart pen patent for capturing digital copies of notes and drawings – December 30, 2014
Apple files their 10th ‘Smart Pen’ patent of the year – December 6, 2014
iPen: Apple patent applications reveal advanced modular smart-pen – February 2, 2014
iPen? Apple secretly files three dynamic smart-pen patents in Europe – February 28, 2013
Apple patent application reveals advanced ‘active stylus’ for iOS devices – December 31, 2012
Apple patent application reveals more about their optical iPen and graphics program – May 24, 2012
Apple patent app details smart, heated ‘iPen’ stylus for iPad and iPhone – July 7, 2011
Apple patent application details new type of stylus for iPad – February 3, 2011
Once the Newton got handwriting recognition right in the MessagePad 2100, it was a joy to use. I would love to have that capability working as seamlessly in the iPad.
My sentiments exactly. After progressing through the short training sessions the Newton 2100 processes cursive as well as handwritten text near flawlessly. The training sessions teach the Newton your unique handwriting style, accounting for such things as, character kearning, writing speed, word spacing, slant, and others, but once completed you could take handwritten notes and either have them transcribed and spoken, or used a text input in any app accepting text. I have yet to encounter ANYTHING, ANYWHERE that even come remotely close…. So how is this in anyway different from apples 1997 Newton 2100?
Oh yeah, I forgot, you could even speak to the 2100 and have it transcribe your spoken voice into editable text.
Like the Mississippi, Apple Inc. patents keep rolling on! 🙂
While Apple has been working on handwriting recognition since about 1990, it’s about time to bring it to the public in a popular device.
Just one thought: if they can integrate handwriting recognition and something like an equivalent to MathType in an iPad Pro (at decent size, weight, and battery lifetime) then each and every engineering and science major (and a large fraction of professionals as well) will be buying one within days (or at most weeks) of it becoming available.
Will be fantastic… It should not be all that hard to implement..
I have a feeling a new pradine shift is about to hit the stylus universe:)
Egg freckles. 🙂