Apple’s new patent hints at new AR/VR headset
Follow UsApple's new patent hints at AR/VR headset with sensors for eyebrows.
In a new patent filing, it appears that Apple may be playing around with the idea of an Augmented Reality headset. The patent was originally filed in March 2019 and published a few days ago. The report of the patent comes via Variety and includes the fact that Apple may be working on a headset that can do far more than just project animated content into the real world.
SurveyAccording to the patent for ‘Display System having Sensors,’ the device in question is to have a collection of cameras to track and map the external environment. This is in line with what we’ve seen of other mixed reality headsets like those from HTC and Oculus. However, Apple’s patent also includes sensors on the inside of the headset to track the eyes of the wearer. The patent covers the potential inclusion of more sensors like those to track the wearer’s eyebrows, lower jaw, head pose, etc.
The patent also reveals that Apple’s AR headset is slightly different from the rest in the sense that it would potentially use a pass-through video feed, which the headset would then composite digital assets into, finally displaying the resulting image in a VR-like experience. However, the patent is rather generic in nature and covers multiple implementations and permutations and combinations.
It has long been rumoured that Apple was experimenting with AR/VR headsets, with AR gaming being a rather prominent feature amongst the new iOS devices. This is one of several patents that has been filed by Apple surrounding AR/VR devices, but as is the case with most patent filings, there’s no word on when, or if even, these concept devices will ever come to see the light of day.
