Fresh Apple Patent Describes a new Handwriting Input System for the Rumored iPad Pro

[RaduTyrsina]

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has published an application from Apple called “Continuous Handwriting UI.” According to online reports, the patent describes an official Apple user interface element which would allow users to write continuously on their iPads, with the writing gradually fading. PatentlyApple has more details on this:

Apple's invention provides a device (e.g., mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, desktop, laptop, etc.) that receives handwriting input in a handwriting area and displays recognized text for the input in a text area of the device. Apple's patent FIG. 22 noted below conceptually illustrates a software architecture of a handwriting recognition system.

In some embodiments, the device displays the text area and the handwriting area on the touch sensitive display of the device. In some embodiments, the handwriting area and the text area may be the same area (for example, a user can handwrite in an area and the input is recognized as text within the same area). The text area can be any area where text input can be displayed, e.g., a note-taking application, an email application, and so on.

The handwriting area provides a region where a user can draw or write a handwritten input. The touch-sensitive display can display one or more virtual keys, buttons, or the like, to provide additional functionality.

The new handwriting recognition system also seems to be smart enough in order to automatically remove pieces of written text as it recognizes them or keeps partially fading them while the user continues to write.

This isn't the first rumor which is suggesting that the elusive 12.9-inch iPad Pro will come with a new kind of handwriting recognition technology and a basic stylus for easier input.

Another patent filing from Apple describes a new earphone design that come with built-in magnets to make them easier for carrying around. Furthermore, the earphones will come with touch sensors that will automatically switch off music playback on the device they are connected to, once they come in contact with each other.

Source: PatentlyApple