| Competition for head mounted augmented reality display systems is heating up. Going up against Google's Project Glass and the MEG4.0 from Olympus, Apple has recently been granted a patent for what it calls, a "Head Mounted Display." |
Filed in 2006, the patent, titled “Peripheral treatment for head-mounted displays,” describes how images could be projected to generate a peripheral display that would create “an enhanced viewing experience” for the user.
Apple notes the invention is designed to display video information in front of one’s eyes. Apple’s device would have one or two small CRT, LCD or OLED displays embedded in a wearable headset like a helmet, pair of glasses, or a visor, according to the patent description.
With two displays, stereoscopic 3D images can be shown to the user for a comfortable, immersive viewing experience. The HMD could also be used for augmented reality, transmitting a transparent image superimposed on the world in front of you using reflective mirrors. In the patent, Apple provides a few examples of where this would be useful: in surgery applications where CAT scans or MRI images could be combined with the surgeon’s field of vision; for military personnel, firefighters and police, who could use the display to show tactical information; and for scientists and engineers who could benefit from viewing stereoscopic CAD drawings.
Conceivably, if the patent idea used Apple's retina display technology the system would provide a clear immersive experience. Also users would also be able to make individual adjustments to the device so that it properly fits their eyes. The patent description also mentions that video and image information could be received from a portable external source, like an iPhone, which could divide the images into one frame for each eye.
SOURCE Wired
| By 33rd Square | Subscribe to 33rd Square |
In the patent, Apple provides a few examples of where this would be useful.
ReplyDeleteAir cleaner purifier New Orleans