One of the best features of Apple's iPad is how easy it can be to operate the touchscreen, something that individuals who frequently use any of Apple's products are now very familiar with, whether from owning an iPad mini or the always popular iPhone. While the iPad has done a good job of being able to detect touches in the past, it has not always been able to determine the force with which somebody is pressing down on the screen. Soon, this might all change.

According to a new report from AppleInsider, the tech giant has filed a patent to develop a new version of the iPad that would allow the device to measure the force somebody is using on the screen by using infrared transmitters. The technology involved, known as frustrated total internal reflection (FITR), is also used to power the interactive touchscreen displays that are regularly used by anchors on CNN.

FITR uses light emitters that are built into the display to bounce light off the inside of the surface, detecting when it is being touched by a fingertip. It can then translate the surface area being covered to figure out how hard the user is pressing down.

The subtle change in the detection of the surface screen will be especially useful for those who use their tablets for art projects, as it would be able to change line weights when you are sketching with your fingertips, for example. FITR would make touchscreen use more of a spectrum, allowing users greater freedom while using their iPads.

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