We know that Apple is investing in augmented reality/virtual reality technologies and almost certainly working on “Apple Glasses,” an AR/VR head-mounted display. Now the company has filed for a patent (number 202000074749) for a “virtual object kit.”
The kit could be used to create objects for computer-generated reality (CGR) environments. Some CGR environments include virtual environments that are simulated replacements of physical environments. Others include augmented environments that are modified versions of physical environments.
Apple says that “most previously available devices that present CGR environments are ineffective at presenting representations of certain objects. For example, some previously available devices that present CGR environments are unsuitable for presenting representations of objects that are associated with an action.” Apple wants to make it easier to create various items for inclusion in a CGR world.
Here’s the summary of the invention: “In some implementations, a method includes obtaining a virtual object kit that includes a set of virtual object templates of a particular virtual object type. In some implementations, the virtual object kit includes a plurality of groups of components. In some implementations, each of the plurality of groups of components is associated with a particular portion of a virtual object.
“In some implementations, the method includes receiving a request to assemble a virtual object. In some implementations, the request includes a selection of components from at least some of the plurality of groups of components. In some implementations, the method includes synthesizing the virtual object in accordance with the request.”
Apple has also field for a patent (number 20200073521) for merging virtual object kits.
Regarding “Apple Glasses,” such a device will arrive this year, next year, or 2021, depending on which rumor you believe. It may or may not have to be tethered to an iPhone to work. Other rumors say that Apple Glasses could have a custom-build Apple chip and a dedicated operating system dubbed “rOS” for “reality operating system.”
