A newly granted patent indicates that Apple may be working on a new modular strap for the Vision Pro.
About the patent
In the patent Apple notes that recent advances in portable computing have enabled head-mountable display (HMD) systems that provide augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) experiences to users. These HMD systems have many components, such as a display, viewing frame, lens, batteries, and other components.
Certain components of the HMD system can also help create a unique user experience. HMD display systems typically include a display, where a user can view and interact with visualizations presented on the display screen of the HMD.
However, Apple says that conventional HMD systems can also be difficult to program, develop, and test new software. Indeed, conventional HMD systems “suffer from a lack of efficient connectivity that can facilitate adequate testing parameters,” the tech giant adds.
What’s more, thermal ergonomics are a challenge for HMD systems. In particular, thermal ergonomics are an increasing challenge as HMD system components are designed with reduced form factors that typically draw thermal elements closer to the user, which can add to user discomfort. Additionally, increases in thermal energy dissipation often result in component degradation. Apple says that what’s needed is improvement to the connectivity to HMD systems such as the Vision Pro while reducing an amount of heat transferred to users.
Apple’s solution seems to entail a removable strap for an HMD system. The removable strap can include a display connector, a dongle connector, an electronics pod, and a thermal spreader.
Summary of the patent
Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent filing: “A head-mountable display (HMD) system includes a display portion, a modular securement assembly connectable to the display portion, and a dongle configured to connect the removable strap to at least one of a power supply, a computing device, or an external display. In some examples, the modular securement assembly includes: a removable strap with an electronics pod with a thermal shell and a thermal conduit; and a retention band connectable to the removable strap.”
About the Vision Pro
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