Even when Apple released its unique magic keyboard for the iPad pro, the company was studying a traditional keyboard layout more like Microsoft surface. The wonderful control keyboard of iPad Pro was launched in 2020, but after its release, apple continues to study this surface like alternative.
"Hinged keyboard with multiple mounting modes for tablet computing devices accessories "This is a newly exposed patent, which was applied for in July 2020. Although the application time is far later than the development time of miaocontrol keyboard, this patent cites more than 40 applications, which can be traced back to 1993.
Each of these tends to cover all aspects of tablet keyboard solutions, such as slides or hinges. This latest patent describes the entire device, from the keyboard to how it is separated when necessary.
The patent says: " [this is ] an accessory device for tablet computing devices, [it ] can include a basic part with one or more input devices (such as keyboard, touch pad, touch screen display, etc.) To provide input to tablet computing devices. The accessory device may include a connecting mechanism for releasably connecting the base part of the accessory device to the tablet computing device in a variety of different installation modes, and the connecting mechanism may include an auxiliary display for providing graphics output along the surface of the connecting mechanism. "
Another paragraph states that "in addition or alternatively, the connecting mechanism may include a pen bin for placing a stylus". The concept and [surface] described in the figure( https://microsoft.pvxt.net/9W473 ) The similarity is most obvious. However, the patent drawing is never intended to be an illustration of the final product, but only as an auxiliary means to explain the patent requirements. " [drawing ] shows a system, including a tablet computing device and an accessory device, which can be releasably connected together in multiple installation modes. The base part can include a keyboard with a set of electromechanical keys. The connection mechanism can be set along one side of the keyboard and can be configured to rotatably connect the base part to the tablet computing device with touch screen display."
Some drawings have an unmistakable Apple Mark instead of MicrosoftSurface。 Sample sketches of tablet graphical interfaces clearly show the Mac OS, not the iPad OS, not IOS. This is enough to prove that these patent drawings come from apple. In addition, some of the patent drawings also show an example of a Mac display screen, "which changes when a part of the touch screen display screen is covered by the main part of the connecting mechanism of the accessory device".
The changes shown in the figure are similar to the recent MacBook Bangs in Pro Series. The Mac's menu bar is lowered, the battery indicator and the airplay / Wi Fi icon are raised to the corner, and the gap in the middle is filled by this "coupling mechanism".
It's strange to show MacOS in the picture of iPad, but it doesn't exactly prove that apple is also considering copying surface and putting MAC into tablet.
However, this is not a one-time and accidental mistake of the patent map maker to make a mistake in the clip art. The drawing on the change of the display screen due to the connection mechanism shows a fairly careful working change. For example, a picture shows that the mechanism also holds an apple pencil on a recessed bracket. The other shows taking the pencil out of the pen bin, revealing a row of tool icons.
The patent is attributed to four inventors, including Paul X. Wang, who often writes. Many of his previous patents for Apple include a projection keyboard that can be used with "Apple glass".