Future Apple Vision Pros could have integrated health sensors, according to a newly filed Apple patent (US 20240090777 A1) for a facial interface for such features.
About the patent filing
The patent filing relates generally to a facial interface of a head-mountable device. More particularly, it involves a facial interface of a head-mountable device including a pressure sensor assembly for detecting biometric information from a user.
In the patent filing, Apple notes that sensors can be utilized on head-mountable devices for various purposes, such as detecting user information, biometric information, user identity, movement, location, environmental detection, health evaluations, performance evaluations, etc. In fact, Apple says that an arrangement of sensors that are suitably integrated into the limited surfaces area and which comply with the material, structural and intended function of the sensor and head-mountable device is needed.
However, sensors in conventional head-mountable devices are employed in rudimentary ways, if at all, creating a limited user experience, and leading to user dissatisfaction and user discomfort. Apple says that such sensors “can contribute to bulky, heavy, and/or cumbersome devices, whose sensors are ineffective at achieving their full potential.” The tech giant wants to overcome such obstacles in future versions of the Vision Pro.
Summary of the patent filing
Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent filing: “A head-mountable device can include a display, a facial interface attached to the display to contact a face of a user, and a sensor unit attached to the facial interface. The sensor unit can include a deformable pad that contacts a nasal region of the user, a channel defining an internal volume, and a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the deformable pad through the internal volume.”
About the Vision Pro
Demos of the Apple Vision Pro at Apple Stores in the U.S. can be reserved on Apple.com. To reserve a free Vision Pro demo online, go here, then follow the steps to book an appointment at your local Apple Store.
Pricing for the Vision Pro starts at US$3,499 with 256GB of storage. ZEISS Optical Inserts are available: $99 for reading lens and $149 for prescription lens.
