Apple submitted patents for a smart pen technology that could bring some very interactive features to Mac and iOS products of the future. These patents detail a camera-equipped stylus, which will be able to scan the physical texture of objects as it traces over them. Once the landscape of an object has been registered, the connected device will map it out accurately on screen as an image so that users can study objects.

Also mentioned in the patents is a device that looks like large cordless telephone. Details are slim, but it could potentially end up supplementing the smart stylus, providing users with detailed tactile feedback of the scanned texture.

It’s hard to see this technology being too useful outside of the education sector, where students could hypothetically use these devices to study geography, or take part in hands-on virtual field trips. It’s also possible that this tech could be of great use as an accessibility tool.

To use a stylus comfortably, you usually need a fairly large screen. Now, I can’t help but think that this could be another hint toward the oft-rumored iPad Pro.

Via Venture Beat