Apple’s Find My network tracking features are supported by many devices, including iPhones and AirPods. However, the Apple Pencil still lacks this ability. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently published an Apple patent application. The patent describes a system the company could use to include support for the Find My network for tracking Apple Stylus. According to the patent, users can locate a lost Apple Pencil with future models. Recent Apple research deals with incorporating acoustic resonators into styluses to determine their position. However, for this technology to work, the
Apple Pencil will need to be very close to its owner.
What is an audio resonator? An acoustic resonator is a device specifically designed to resonate (or vibrate) in response to sound waves or sound energy. These devices are made primarily to enhance or amplify specific frequencies or wavelengths of sound. How will it work?
“Location of a lost stylus or other peripheral input device can be accomplished by means of an acoustic resonator built into the stylus’ housing structure. Acoustic resonators can be formed at the tip of the stylus. stylus facing its tip and may include portions of the pen’s outer shell that are thinned to a technical thickness that have a specific resonant behavior or frequency,” Apple said in the patent.
The patent claims that the acoustic resonators, including the resonator diaphragm, will be housed in the pencil cap. It also describes a method by which the iPhone can produce sound that will interact with the Apple Pencil’s resonators.
When activated, these resonators will create a sound to help users locate a lost Apple Pencil. The cap liner will also have holes that allow changes in air pressure due to membrane vibrations. This will be important for the sound produced and emitted by the stylus.
Unlike AirPods, the Apple Stylus tracking system can only work when it’s nearby. Given the limited space available in the Apple Pencil, this technology may be the only solution.
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