Apple's iPhone 5 was much lighter and brighter than its predecessor because Apple had introduced the integrated touch display with the smartphone. Now, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has officially granted Apple a patent for the integrated touch display technology.

USPTO released a series of 39 newly granted patents for Apple and the integrated display technology is one among them. The patent (number 8390582) has been granted for an invention relating to integrating touch sensing circuitry into the display pixel stackup of a display, such as an LCD display, Patently Apple reports. "Various structures formed within a display pixel stackup are designed to operate as circuitry of the display system to generate an image on the display," the report notes.

The Cupertino-tech giant had originally applied for the patent in 2009 where it listed Steven Porter Hotelling, Marduke Yousefpor, Shih Chang Chang and John Z. Zhong as inventors of the technology.

According to Apple, such a technology utilizes fewer parts or processing steps and that it allows for the display to be thinner, brighter, and require less power. The notable aspect in the patent is that it covers computers as well meaning Apple would be able to integrate the technology if it ever decides to make a touch screen MacBook.

"An integrated touch screen can include multi-function circuit elements that form part of the display circuitry of a the display system that generates an image on the display, and also form part of the touch sensing circuitry of a touch sensing system that senses one or more touches on or near the display," the report explains the patent.

In addition to the integrated display technology, Apple has also been awarded a patent for 'Method for Fabricating Touch Sensor Panels', the iPad smart cover and for its Cinema Display.

Apple recently filed a patent application for its much-talked about iWatch. The patent application shows a wearable device that will work like a 'slap bracelet.' It was reported back in January that Apple apparently filed an interesting patent application for what it calls a 'Smart Shoe.' The application describes a sensor and an alarm system that can be embedded into the footwear, helping users with notifications as to when they should replace worn-out shoes.