14 DAY TRIAL // Patents are a dime a dozen, and while Apple’s are usually irresistible, they fall into anonymity more often than not. But one new invention could materialize this year, if Tim Cook’s comments regarding a future Mac Pro are to be considered.
Patently Apple learned today that Apple has been granted a new invention by the United States Patent and Trademark office relating to a new version of the Magic Mouse, a “Pro” version of the point-and-click device, if you will.
The filing up on USPTO details a “Force sensor for use in an input device and methods for constructing and using the sensor.”
The abstract description mentions “a force sensor that is scalable in size and adaptable to a variety of form factors, including those suitable for use in an input device for a computer or other processing system, and in some cases including those of the configuration normally referred to as a computer mouse.”
Leaving the patent jargon aside, the invention is, in all senses, a new mouse.
“The force sensor will include at least two structural members that are cooperatively attached one another as to be displaced from one another in response to a force acting upon one of the structural members,” the description adds.
The new hardware could be used as a gaming mouse, as well as an input device for professional use by the creative industry (video production, the music industry, etc.).
“In some examples, the engagement between the two structural members will be specifically configured to allow such displacement in response to forces acting laterally on the force sensor,” Apple continues.
“The force sensor will also include one or more sensing mechanisms to provide a measurement of the sensed deflection,” reads the abstract of the invention.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has been quoted as saying that the Pro industry has a lot to look forward to, yet the company’s Mac Pro has long been due for an overhaul.
“Our Pro customers like you are really important to us. Although we didn't have a chance to talk about a new Mac Pro at today's event, don't worry as we're working on something really great for later next year,” Cook said in 2012.
Apple could well throw in this brilliant new mouse invention along with a powerful new Mac Pro workstation, tackling both gaming and creativity.
With WWDC just a month away, our hopes are high for such an announcement this year.