The Microsoft Surface Pro patent is considering a second rear display with the support of a stylus

A new Microsoft patent application was filed by Redmond on May 1, 2017, but was only published by the US Patent and Trademark Office on November 1, 2018. The patent application has an interesting feature that could appear on a future version of Surface Pro. This is a second additional screen located at the back of the Surface device, which Microsoft nicknamed "reflective screen" and which would be positioned just above the hinge of the kickstand at the back.

The patent abstract explains that the screen would be a reflective multilayer structure that forms an outer surface of the electronic device and has a light emitting screen. The display portion is separated by a dielectric polarizing film and a diffuser from the surface of the computer. Microsoft gives us an idea of ​​what need he sees the filling technology for consumers in the background section of the patent filing.

Microsoft notes that users require smaller, more powerful devices and that these devices must use components with multiple purposes. It is also noted that some peripherals have an unused area near a keyboard or touchpad, with the exception of palm rests. The patent summary then explains how would work the inking area of ​​a stylus pen on this screen.

Essentially, opaque metal-toned external display technology can illuminate pixels when they are touched with a finger or stylus (presumably the surface pen), and then transmit light sequentially when the pen or the finger moves. It looks like the screen gives the effect of writing on a piece of paper so you can write sentences by hand and see all the words at the same time.

The display itself is metallic to match the metal on the back of the Surface Pro for a uniform appearance. Microsoft is talking about scenarios in which the same technology could be used in an external device, integrated into appliances, or integrated into the surface of an office. As with all patent applications, there is no guarantee that this technology will make it a consumer product. Microsoft introduced the most recent Surface Pro 6 in early October 2018; it is therefore likely that we will see a new Surface Pro in at least a year, which could incorporate this integrated reflective display.