Let the Apple Car rumors roll on. Apple has been granted and/or filed for two patents involving augmented reality and virtual reality displays in an automobile.
Number 20200258480” involves an “augmented reality display system” for an automobile.It would generate an augmented reality (AR) display, on one or more transparent surfaces of the vehicle. The AR display can include an indicator of the vehicle speed and compare it to the local speed limit. It can also include display elements representing real-life, environmental objects and tell the driver how close they are to the car.
The AR display could be overlaid on the windshield, another window, or a separate display. It could also provide on-screen directions.Apple’s idea is that such a display could provide info that would improve the safety of those riding in a vehicle equipped with such a screen.
Patent number 20200258311 — which Apple has filed for, but hasn’t been granted — is for an “immersive virtual display” that could implement methods addressing problems with vehicles in motion that may result in motion sickness for passengers. The VR system may provide virtual views that match visual cues with the physical motions that a passenger experiences.
The VR system may provide immersive VR experiences by replacing the view of the real world with virtual environments. Active vehicle systems and/or vehicle control systems may be integrated with the VR system to provide physical effects with the virtual experiences.
The virtual environments may be altered to accommodate a passenger upon determining that the passenger is prone to or is exhibiting signs of motion sickness. The VR system could work in tandem with the rumored “Apple Glasses,” the company’s rumored AR/VR head-mounted display.
