Apple wants to provide ‘virtual object kits’ for creating more reality CSR experiences

Apple has filed for a patent (number 20210233329) for a virtual object kit that would allow more realistic computer-generated reality experiences.

About the patent filing

In the patent filing, Apple notes that some devices are capable of generating and presenting CGR environments. Some CGR environments include virtual environments that are simulated replacements of physical environments. 

Some CGR environments include augmented environments that are modified versions of physical environments. Some devices that present CGR environments include mobile communication devices such as smartphones, head-mountable displays (such as the rumored “Apple Glasses”), eyeglasses, heads-up displays (HUDs), and optical projection systems. 

However, 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 overcome this limitation by providing virtual object kits. They would allow developers and multimedia artists to create customized virtual reality objects.

Summary of the patent filing

Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent filing: “n 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.”

The accompanying graphic is an example of a virtual object kit.