HomeWinBuzzer NewsMicrosoft Patent Describes Surface Pro Stylus Mouse Replacement

Microsoft Patent Describes Surface Pro Stylus Mouse Replacement

A new patent describes a new stylus technology for Surface Pro stylus that will allow the same functionality as a mouse.

-

A new published last week showcases the company's further development of its series of hardware. Published last week on the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the filing was made by back in 2017.

Titled “MULTI-FUNCTIONAL STYLUS”, the patent describes how new implementations can boost the functionality of a stylus. The tech detailed in the filing would likely be added to a new , possible for the future Surface Pro 7.

The idea behind the patent is to replace a normal mouse entirely for input operations. This is achieved through a new “pointing stick” at the top of the stylus. Users will be able to use this tip as a moving unit for manipulating the cursor on a touch-enabled hardware.

Microsoft's new Surface Pen could also gain pressure sensitivity according to this patent. This means users can use it as a button, and allow different functions based on the press. Needless to say, this could easily be a replacement for a mouse click.

“According to some example embodiments, a stylus may automatically switch between transmission via the electrostatic channel associated with the touch-screen and transmission via another wireless channel based on sensing the proximity of the stylus to the touch-screen,” Microsoft explains.

Type Cover Patent

Last week, we discussed Microsoft's patent for a new Type Cover for the Surface Pro 7. The document itself describes a magnet-oriented technique that would hold the Surface Type Cover closed when you aren't using it.

This would stop assumedly cover both orientations, both closed in your bag and folded behind the device when it's in tablet mode.

SourceUSPTO
Luke Jones
Luke Jones
Luke has been writing about all things tech for more than five years. He is following Microsoft closely to bring you the latest news about Windows, Office, Azure, Skype, HoloLens and all the rest of their products.

Recent News