Follow-ups to the Apple Vision Pro may be more modular in design. Apple has been granted a patent (number US 12124034 B2) for a “Modular System for Head-Mounted Device.”
About the patent
The patent relates generally to head-mounted devices, and, more particularly, to modular configurations for head-mounted devices. In the patent Apple says that head-mounted devices, such as head-mounted displays, headsets, visors, smartglasses, head-up display, etc., can perform a range of functions that is determined by the components (e.g., sensors, circuitry, and other hardware) included with the wearable device as manufactured. However, space, cost, and other considerations may limit the ability to provide every component that might provide a desired function.
For example, different users may have different preferences regarding the components and functions that are provided by a given head-mounted device. Apple says that some users may desire certain capabilities, such as high resolution display and long battery life, while other users may desire other capabilities, such as smaller form factor. What’s more, a given user may desire different functions at different times. For example, a given user may desire high resolution display at home and long battery life when outside the home.
Apple says that given the diversity of desired components and functions, it would be beneficial to allow a user to modify components and functions of a head-mounted device to customize the user experience according to the user’s desires. The new patent involves head-mounted devices that facilitate customization, adaptability, and modification by a user according to the user’s desires.
Summary of the patent
Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent: “Head-mounted devices can be formed as a modular system that provides a variety of different components and functions to achieve the results that are desired by a user. The modular configurations allow a user to easily customize a head-mounted device with one or more arm modules to provide features that integrate with other operations of the frame module of the head-mounted device.
“The arm modules can be easily exchanged with each other to provide different components and functions at different times. Accordingly, a frame module of a head-mounted device need not include permanent components that provide every function that will later be desired by the user. Instead, the head-mounted device can have expanded and customizable capabilities by the use of one or more arm modules.”
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