Apple has filed a patent for the Apple Pencil, which can copy colors and textures from real objects
According to information shared by Patently Apple, Apple has applied for a patent for the Apple Pencil stylus, which can identify and digitally copy colors and textures from real-world objects . It was stated that the pen in question will have color sensors that can sample the surface of real-world objects and detect their colors.
Looking at the images in the patent, it is possible to say that the Apple Pencil may have a built-in ambient light sensor, light emitter and a light detector that can detect the color and texture of a surface. According to the patent document, the pen will be able to wirelessly transmit color sensor measurements, texture measurements and related angular direction measurements to external devices such as the Apple iPad.
The patent says the pen can measure texture by detecting how lighting and angles affect an object’s surface. Similarly, a combination of optical sensors can be used to measure how reflective an object is and provide more accurate color information.
Since it’s only applying for a patent right now, it’s naturally unclear when the product will be released, or even if it will actually be released. Apple previously applied for a patent for a similar feature in June 2020, but such a feature was never implemented. In the meantime, it should be reminded that a new generation Apple Pencil was launched in 2018. So it may really be time for a new Apple Pencil.
The features that Apple offers in this patent application are actually nothing new. The Scribble pen, released in 2014, could scan and reproduce colors with both real ink and digital color samples.
