Good news! Apple fans could soon have an invaluable addition to their toolkit to locate their misplaced Apple Pencil.
A recent patent application from Apple unveils a potential "Find My Apple Pencil" feature that may be integrated into upcoming devices.
'Find My Apple Pencil' Feature
The existing Find My app allows users to track down most Apple devices, but the Apple Pencil has been conspicuously absent from the list.
However, a patent application uncovered by Patently Apple indicates that this omission might change soon.
As reported by 9to5Mac, the patent application made public by the US Patent & Trademark Office outlines Apple's intentions to include the Apple Pencil in its "Find My" devices service.
The proposed method described in the patent does not rely on an ultra-wideband chip commonly used in tracking devices. Instead, Apple plans to utilize an acoustic signal to locate the misplaced stylus.
According to the patent, the acoustic resonators integrated into the housing structure of the stylus play a crucial role in enabling its tracking capabilities.
These resonators, situated at one end of the Apple Pencil opposite the tip, consist of specially engineered portions of the stylus outer housing thinned down to achieve a specific resonant behavior or frequency.
How the Feature Works
In practice, when an electronic device like an iPhone sends a location request to the Apple Pencil, the stylus responds by generating an acoustic signal using the acoustic resonators.
A specified target detector then detects this signal. The resonant frequency of the Apple Pencil's end-cap triggers the device's vibrations.
The tracking method is based on the concept of resonant frequency, where an object reaches its maximum amplitude when vibrating at its resonant frequency.
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This phenomenon may be familiar to passengers on a plane or train when objects on their tray tables vibrate intensely due to the vehicle's vibrations matching the resonant frequency of those objects.
By leveraging the resonant frequency of the Apple Pencil's end-cap, users can generate an acoustic signal with their iPhones that initiates vibrations in the stylus.
Although this method may appear relatively straightforward, it offers the advantages of being cost-effective and requiring minimal additional space.
Take Note
It is crucial to note that this tracking method is effective only within acoustic range. If an Apple Pencil is left behind at a coffee shop or a similar location, it cannot be reached using this method. Nonetheless, this feature could provide a practical solution for misplaced styluses in close proximity.
As with any patent application, it is important to remember that not all ideas presented will be incorporated into commercial products. Apple files numerous patents every year, many of which never see the light of day.
The potential inclusion of the Apple Pencil in Apple's Find My app would undoubtedly be embraced by creative professionals and iPad users who rely on the stylus for precise input.
Apple Pencil owners can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their beloved stylus is just a few taps away from being found.
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