Microsoft has just filed a patent for a new accessory for their Surface Pen. The proposed object would act as both a strap for holding a Surface Pen in place against a Windows 10 device and also as a method for charging the pen. As can be seen in the image below, the concept shows miniature strap that connects to a USB port. The strap would hold the Surface Pen while wires within it would connect to the USB connector and charge it when plugged into a powered on machine.
Here’s the relevant passage from the overly-long, though not unexpectedly so, patent filing.
Inductive peripheral retention device techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an apparatus includes a plug configured to removably engage a communication port of a device to form a communicative coupling with the device. The plug is securable to and removable from the device using one or more hands of a user. The apparatus also includes a peripheral securing portion connected to the plug and configured to removably engage a peripheral device via an inductive element formed as a flexible loop and configured to form a communicative coupling between the peripheral device and the device.
In one or more implementations, inductance is detected of a flexible element configured to transfer power to a peripheral device via inductance. Responsive to a determination that the detected inductance is above a threshold, a first power mode is utilized in which a first amount of power is provided to the flexible element. Responsive to a determination that the detected inductance is below a threshold, a second power mode is utilized in which a second amount of power is provided to the flexible element that is less than the first amount of power.
A patent filing doesn’t necessarily guarantee that a company will produce a product but it is interesting to see what sort of ideas Microsoft is considering for future product releases. Would you use an accessory such as this one? Let us know in the comments below.
