The implication is that Apple will not introduce any augmented reality products until the wear experience upgrades.
Although Apple is not yet publicly available to show us something, but this does not mean that there is no movement within the company on the 8th, the United States Patent and Trademark Office open a patent application submitted by Apple Inc., the file implies that Apple intends in the future Sometime introduced a head-mounted display or smart glasses.
According to Slashgear, this file, called the Head-mounted Display Optical System, was submitted by mid-February 17 and was discovered this week by Patently Apple, which describes a multi-lens device that is more compact than existing head-mounted devices More lightweight and comfortable, smaller size.
The document states the head-mounted display system is preferred for viewing VR content, including movies and games, but it also offers design advice for AR headlines.
Apple recommends that future head-mounted devices use the Catadioptric Optical System to expand the image, by using a more compact lens set to reflex and fold the light, the device avoids the use of standard VR head was too long and bulky Magnified lens.
The use of this system in telescopes and some camera lenses has become quite commonplace.
Reflective optical systems have many potential benefits for head mounted displays because all AR / VR Head Manufacturers need to address the issue of how to provide a wearer with a large enough image through a microdisplay Can not make the entire component bulky.
To do this, the more common tactic is to adapt some of the smaller displays to multiple wearable lenses to fit the wearer's vision, and Apple's idea of using compact optics can theoretically Reduce product weight, and help simplify the design process.
Apple also envisions in the patent that the headset can be equipped with both built-in and external cameras, which means that future smart wearable devices can track their head by recording the 3D space around the wearer, tracking their eyes .
But like most Apple patent applications, this particular lens strategy may be just a technical groundwork, and in fact, as early as 2009, Apple approved the patent-pending ideas associated with head-mounted device solutions, The application theme is a head-mounted device capable of connecting to the iPod by wire.
In 2013, Apple approved a patented Oculus Rift-like head-mounted display device that is primarily for games and can be connected to an iPod or other stand-alone display device to watch videos. In 2015, the patent covered a wide range of connectivity devices iPhone and iPad.
By 2016, the United States Patent and Trademark Office exposed Apple's mobile helmet resembling a Samsung GearVR that could hold electronic displays with displays such as a cellphone, built-in headphones, Apple's Lightning interface, and Custom lens.
According to Green Pavilion Network, Apple last year received two patents, including mobile AR system monitoring environment and real-time information to the user and through a special way in a specific environment superimposed virtual information, etc., visible in the field of head-mounted display Apple equipment Time is still relatively long.
In addition to patent research, Apple also made significant investments in AR / VR in recent years. PrimeSense (2013), Metaio (2015), Faceshift (2015), Flyby Media (2016), SensoMotoric Instruments (2017) And other technology companies have become Apple's partners.
Bloomberg had previously reported that Apple will complete augmented reality headwear development in 2019 for sale by 2020. Although it is not disclosed in too many details, it is expected that such wearables will use at least one transparent display and, Support through Bluetooth and iPhone near the user to connect, and iPhone will be responsible for controlling the wearer who is looking to show what content.
Although the outside world has been drastically for several years, and some time there will be the news of Apple's smart glasses or headset out, but in accordance with Apple 'sure thing to do must be very perfect to send out' tone, We probably have to wait for some more time before we can see what Apple really introduced its intended hardware offerings.