Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s Magic Mouse: The Visual Details

The Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Magic Mouse made its debut in October 2009. Since then, the device has changed the way that millions of people use their computers.

While you may be familiar with the way the current Magic Mouse operates, you cannot expect Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) to sit around for too long before making an update. In other words, the Cupertino based company is always looking for ways to upgrade its many products.

We have dug up a patent awarded to Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) related to its Magic Mouse.

The title of the patent is “Detecting a palm touch on a surface” and here is the abstract describing the technology in greater detail:

“The detection of a palm touch on a touch surface, such as a mouse surface, is disclosed. A palm touch can be determined as the touch on the touch surface that has a radius exceeding a predetermined palm touch radius. Alternatively, a palm touch can be determined as the touch on the touch surface located beyond the expected distance between finger touches.”

Just like the Magic Mouse when it was first introduced, there was some confusion as to how it would work. Some people didn’t understand that there was a way to change the traditional mouse for the better. However, once Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) showed what its mouse could do, the industry changed forever.

For a better idea of what this technology encompasses and how it could potentially be used in the future, here is more from the patent summary:

“This relates to the detection of a palm touch on a touch surface, such as a mouse surface. In some embodiments, a touch at a farther distant location on the touch surface relative to other touches on the touch surface can be indicative of a palm touch. For example, an expected distance between finger touches can be determined. Any touch at a location beyond that expected distance can be considered a palm touch. In some embodiments, a touch having a larger touch radius relative to other touch radii can be indicative of a palm touch. For example, a predetermined palm touch radius can be set. Any touch have a radius that exceed the predetermined palm touch radius can be considered a palm touch.”

Could all this mean we are getting ready for a change to the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Magic Mouse that millions have fallen in love with? Quite possibly.

The patent was originally filed for on November 12, 2008. Wayne Westerman is listed as the inventor.