Apple Files Patent for an 'Illuminated Touchpad'

A recently discovered Apple patent filing details an illuminated touchpad that would sense an object over its surface and illuminate accordingly.

-----
Summary:
The invention relates, in one embodiment, to an illuminated input device. The illuminated input device includes an object sensing mechanism capable of sensing a user input over an input surface. The illuminated input device also includes a visual feedback system configured to illuminate the input surface in association with a user input.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method of operating an input device. The method includes sensing an object over an input surface. The method also includes and illuminating at least a portion of the input surface when an object is sensed.


The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method of operating an input device. The method includes illuminating at least a portion of an input surface when an object is detected over the input surface. The method also includes adjusting the illumination when the object is moved over the input surface.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method of operating an input device. The method includes detecting a user input over the input surface. The method also includes determining an input state of the input device based on the user input. The method additionally includes illuminating the input surface based on the input state of the input device. Each input state having a different illumination profile.
-----

A more detailed description of how the invention works can be read at the link below. Simply put, it appears that Apple may be considering an illuminated trackpad to go alongside its illuminated keyboard.

Read More [via AppleInsider]