We now delve once again into the unusual, yet interesting world of Apple patents, and this latest report from Engadget deals with what should have been an even smarter (say, super-intelligent?) Smart Cover for the Apple iPad.

Photo credit: USPTO

The patent is for a Smart Cover that would feature an integrated display; as such, it could show new notifications, apps and other related pieces of information. It would be powered by the iPad itself and connected to the left side of the tablet.

The Smart Cover would even be able to serve as an alternate keyboard, much in the same way as the Touch Cover of the upcoming Microsoft Surface. These features, according to the patent application, would “greatly enhance the overall functionality of the tablet device.” Several design schematics for the enhanced Smart Cover were posted along with the Engadget article.

Still, there are even more great and convenient features that can be found on the patent’s schematics. If the case is folded upwards, it could allow you to play multimedia and adjust the volume or perform other actions. A sketching area can be seen in front as well; this allows users to leave the iPad on standby and still be able to take down notes or view their notifications.

Since this is just a patent application, we don’t expect to see this technology implemented on the next full-size iPad, much less the rumored iPad Mini. It might become reality in a future iteration, but it could possibly be years before such a potentially expensive contraption is released.