This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.
New Apple patents are published almost every day. But some of them deal with very interesting functions or products. This is also the case with the latest discovery.
Apple's work on AR glasses is no longer a secret. While initially reports from suppliers were the subject of discussion, today it is patents and previous iOS 13 leaks. It should be said at this point that the exact functionality of these supposed augmented reality glasses is not yet fully known. We can therefore only speculate what Apple actually plans to do with the new AR product; but here is a little taster. At the beginning of November, a report was published that Apple held an internal presentation in front of around 1,000 employees. The actual product, however, was only demonstrated in a video. According to an anonymous source who attended this presentation, the AR glasses in question have a high-resolution display and several cameras to enable users to read small letters. At the same time, other people can be displayed in front of and behind virtual objects.
Virtual coffee machine as an example
During the presentation, it was alleged that Apple's technology would be able to map the surfaces, edges, and dimensions of rooms with greater accuracy than existing devices on the market. Attendees were shown a video showing a virtual coffee maker on a real kitchen table surrounded by several people. That's insane! Incidentally, the prototypes are not actually located at Apple Park. Development is allegedly taking place in a research facility located near the UFO. But now let's move on to today's patent. The latest entry reveals a technology that would allow the AR glasses to unlock multiple devices simultaneously. The description of patent #62723209 states:
One aspect of the disclosure is a system for authenticated device-based user authentication. The system includes an authenticated device worn by a user as a head-mounted device, wherein the user is currently authenticated to access a restricted access function of the authenticated device. The system also includes a proximate device having a locked and an unlocked state, wherein a restricted access function of the proximate device is inaccessible to the user in the locked state and the restricted access function of the proximate device is accessible to the user in the unlocked state. The authenticated device is operable to detect the closest device, determine the user's intent to access the restricted access function of the closest device while the closest device is in the locked state, and broadcast authentication data. Based on the authentication data, the subsequent device identifies the user as an authenticated user and transitions from the locked state to the unlocked state, so that the restricted function of the subsequent device is accessible to the user.
Illustration shows person with glasses
In addition to the description, a drawing was also included. This clearly shows that this is actually a type of augmented reality headset. This could mean both AR and VR glasses. It goes on to say:
Many electronic devices restrict access to various features based on authenticating the user's identity. When multiple devices are used simultaneously, procedures to unlock each device individually can delay user access and reduce the quality of the user experience.
Normally, patents should be treated with caution - and this is no exception. But the evidence that Apple will actually present such a product is mounting. Originally, it was rumored that it could happen this year. But at the end of 2019, several sources reported that Apple could postpone the presentation until 2021. So we will have to be patient. You can find more patents on this topic below. (Photo by ra2studio / Bigstockphoto)
- iPhone 12: New WiFi standard also in Apple's AR glasses?
- Apple Patent: AR headset could have special functions
- Apple patent reveals new details about AR glasses
- iOS 13 GM reveals Apple's AR glasses
