Apple files for three patents related to its rumored ‘Apple Glasses’

Apple has filed for three patents related to the rumored “Apple Glasses,” an augmented reality/virtual reality head-mounted display (HMD).

Patent filing number 20200233220 is for a “head-mounted display with facial interface for sensing physiological conditions.” This would entail Apple Glasses with a display unit and a facial interface. The display unit displays graphical content to the user. It attached to the display that’s supposed by the users’s face.  

What’s more, the facial interface includes a physiological sensor for sensing a physiological condition of the user in the facial engagement region. This would allow user reactions — such as raised eyebrows indicated surprise — to be registered by the Apple Glasses, which would adjust the AR/VR image being viewed, accordingly.

Patent filing number 20200233453 is related as it’s for a “head-mounted display and facial interface thereof.” Per this invention, the facial interface converts forward force applied to the upper portion by the forehead into inward force applied by side portions to the temple regions. It’s designed to provide more comfort to Apple Glasses users who use the HMD for long periods of time. How? With a lateral stabilizer that selectively transfers force back and forth between one of the side portions and the display unit.

Patent filing number 20200233681 is for a computer-generated reality (CGR) platform for generating CGR environments including virtual and augmented reality environments. Apple wants to perfect techniques that can improve the user experience, increase privacy and security, and enable computer-generated reality interfaces (e.g., 3D interfaces) and offers advanced functionality. (This patent filing could also involve AR features for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS.)

When it comes to Apple Glasses, such a device will arrive next year or 2022, depending on which rumor you believe. It will be a head-mounted display. Or may have a design like “normal” glasses. Or it may be available in both. The Apple Glasses 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.”