Way back in 2006, Apple filed a patent for an augmented reality display device which was subsequently granted to them in 2012. Now, Patently Apple reports that Apple has been granted a second patent for the device, which includes an updated description as to how it potentially operates.
The updated description reads:
“A computer program product, stored on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, for projecting a source image in a head-mounted display apparatus, the head-mounted display apparatus having a display operable to project a display image viewable by a user and a peripheral light element positioned to emit light of one or more colors in close proximity to the periphery of the display, the computer program product comprising instructions operable to cause a processor to: receive data representing a source image; generate, based on the data representing the source image, a display image; generate, based at least in part on the data representing the source image, a set of peripheral conditioning signals to control the peripheral light element; display the display image on the display; and use the set of peripheral conditioning signals to control colors emitted from peripheral light element.”
If that sounds vague and confusing, consider the original patent essentially describes the device as a “head-mounted display apparatus”. In other words: an augmented reality headset.
This updated patent is another point in Apple’s recent activities related to virtual and augmented reality. Back in February of this year, Apple acquired augmented reality technology developer Flyby Media, who specialises in computer vision software. Flyby media also worked with Google on the Project Tango AR device. Apple also acquired Emotient, a company that creates technology to read human facial expressions and emotions.
Apple also recently hired Doug Bowman, former computer science professor and director of Virginia Tech’s centre for human-computer interaction. A year prior, Apple was granted another patent related to a mobile headset not unlike Samsung’s Gear VR. Whatever Apple’s plans for virtual and augmented reality, it’s probably safe to say they won’t be completely gaming-focused, and will instead lean toward social applications with a view that echoes that of Mark Zuckerberg’s vision for the future of Oculus beyond gaming.
