‘Apple Glasses’ may have touch input sensors built into its display

The rumored “Apple Glasses,” an augmented reality/virtual reality/mixed reality head-mounted display (HMD), may have built-in touch sensors. The company has filed for a patent (number 20210089150) for “electronic devices with finger sensors.”

The idea is for the HMD structure to sport a front face on which an external display is mounted. One or more finger sensors could be configured to detect touch input, force input, and/or other input from an external object such as a user’s finger may be included in the head-mounted device. A finger sensor may have an elongated shape that runs along a peripheral edge of an external display on the front face. Finger sensors may also be located on other portions of the support structures.

In the patent data, Apple says that challenges can arise in providing output and gathering input in a wearable electronic device such as a head-mounted device. The tech giant says that, if care isn’t taken, input-output devices may be cumbersome to use and may not be able to provide desired output.”