Apple's next iPad Smart Cover will make use of LED lights to deliver notifications, a patent filing suggests, Digital Spy said.

An Apple document titled "Integrated visual notification system in an accessory device" has been registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

The accessory in question appears to retain the design of the current tri-fold Smart Cover, but features low-power LED or electroluminescent panels powered by either a MagSafe cable or inductive wireless charging.

An included diagram depicts the cover with see-through shapes, allowing the iPad screen to display information even when the case is closed.

Users will also be able to dismiss notifications while the case is closed, using the tablet's volume rocker, according to AppleInsider.

The smart cover could be launched alongside Apple's next flagship tablet, which is expected to be the iPad Air 2.