Most recent features. Eye control - is it possible?
US Patent and Trademark Office
There were indications that Apple had achieved a notableprogress on its long-established and highly anticipated Apple Glasses product, and a new patent application describes how smart glasses can be controlled with your own eyes.
This isn't the first time Apple describes the use of eyes inas an input mechanism. An earlier patent application described how tracking the direction you're looking can be used for augmented reality video filming. However, a new patent describes a more sophisticated eye control technology.
The patent application states that control of Apple's smart glasses can be achieved through a combination of eye movements, blinking and gazing.
The patent describes ways of interactionuser and electronic device through sight. In some embodiments, a user uses their eyes to interact with user interface objects displayed on an electronic device. Technologies provide a more natural and efficient interface, in some exemplary embodiments, allowing the user to control the device using primarily eye gestures (eg, movement, blinking, and gazing).
It also describes how to use the gaze.to quickly determine the starting position (for example, to select or place an object) and then move the assigned position without using the gaze, since the precise determination of the assigned position can be difficult when using the gaze due to the uncertainty and instability of the user's eye position.
Of course, there will be more traditional wayswork. The patent includes various touch surfaces that you can interact with using touch and tap, while voice command is also supported through Siri.
Apple Glasses may be sensitive totouch and accept inputs such as taps and swipes. The Siri assistant will also be involved. The user can enlarge the object that he sees using voice commands, the patent says.
Interestingly, based on the patent text, this approach could possibly be supported on any other device with a camera, although it would be more "advantageous" for AR gadgets such as Apple Glasses.
The text of the patent is very voluminous, it providescountless examples of how this approach can work. For example, if you need to look at something, then if you look at it for a few seconds, you can automatically activate the enlarged image.
In some embodimentsthe cost 502 and the cost 504 are increased in accordance with the determination that the view of the user 200 satisfies predetermined criteria (e.g., the direction of view 508 matches both the cost 502 and the cost 504 continuously for a predetermined period of time or for a predetermined amount of time in predefined time window (e.g. 3 seconds within a 4 second window)).
Part of the description of a new patent from Apple
Also in the Apple patent notes that the HMD systemincludes an image sensor, optionally one or more visible light image sensors such as charge-coupled (CCD) sensors, and / or additional metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors. This allows you to capture images of physical objects from a real environment.
The image sensor can also include one or more infrared (IR) sensors — a passive IR sensor or an active IR sensor — to detect infrared light.
Smart glasses release date Apple Glasses
According to Bloomberg, the glasses won't be released until 2023. An Apple VR headset capable of rivaling the Oculus Rift 2 is close to launch.
But, according to analyst TF InternationalSecurities Ming-Chi Kuo, perhaps Apple's most respected and trusted expert, said the headset won't be ready to ship until 2022 "in the very near future." However, according to Bloomberg, a presentation shown inside Apple and leaked to The Information points to a 2023 launch date.
Still, you can expect points earlier - JohnProsser, Apple's established leader, said Apple Glasses could hit the market earlier than we thought. Prosser believes the launch is slated for "March-June 2021".
Prosser also stated that the companyannounces the headset before it is ready for release. Similarly, the public waited months for the first generation Apple Watch to hit the market after its debut. Apple allegedly wants the media to attend the opening, so it may wait until quarantine measures are eased.
According to Prosser, the company may be planning to present the lenses as "just one more thing" at its annual fall show.
Now insiders claim that the lenses have passed the prototype stage and entered trial operation, which is an important milestone in bringing Apple wearable devices to the market.
Apple VR headset vs Apple Glasses
In addition to development, the company is working on a VR headset that could be less complex to develop and closer to launch.
The Apple VR headset is reported to be equipped withultra-high-definition screens and cinematic sound systems designed to deliver a realistic visual experience. The information was shared by people who saw the prototypes.
These sources also reported that the headsetlooks like a thinner fabric-covered Oculus Quest, but its design is not final. The company continues to test models to determine the ideal fit for most head shapes.
It is reported that the Apple VR headset, like hercompetitors will benefit from its own App Store, where users can access gaming, video streaming, and communications software. Siri's voice assistant will be tasked with controlling the headset, although a physical remote is reportedly being tested.
In terms of a potential release date, the VR headset is on the verge of debuting next year and will be released in 2022.
Cost Apple Glasses: what price can you expect and why?
According to Prosser, Apple glasses are currentlyGlasses cost $499. Now, that price might seem low, especially compared to competing AR headsets like Microsoft's Hololens 2.
The Hololens 2 is priced at $3,500, but much of the cost comes from having all the electronics needed to make AR work built into the headset itself.
Apple Glasses will likely rely on the iPhonefor data processing, so the model will have significantly less detail and complexity than Hololens. They will work like Vuzix Blade smart glasses with a built-in camera and Alexa integration.
Special features AppleGlasses: what will they actually do
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple AR glasses willtransfer information from your phone. In particular, the glasses "must sync with the wearer's iPhone to display texts, emails, maps and games in the user's field of vision."
Apple is also considering setting up a dedicated app store in a similar way to how you get apps for Apple TV and Apple Watch.
In addition, a patent previously issued to Apple is stillFurther fueling the rumor is that Apple Glasses won't require prescription lenses, as the smart glasses automatically adjust for people with low vision using "optical matching." This patent is for a headset vision correction system that eliminates the need to wear prescription lenses under an augmented reality device. The patent proposes built-in optics that eliminate astigmatism and myopia. However, this patent could be for a standalone VR headset powered by a smartphone or a pair of second-generation Apple smart glasses.
Design Apple Glasses: glasses like Clark Kent instead of "two glasses" on the face
The latest Apple Glasses prototype reportedly looks like an "unintimidating" pair of plastic cups. Marketing materials suggest "Clark Kent design."
The model has a LiDAR scanner in the right temple, butthere are no other cameras for privacy reasons (although this may change). The glasses also come with a plastic stand with wireless chargers.
Being an iPhone will definitely influence the design of Apple Glasses. While the glasses won't be lightweight like Ray's Ban aviators, they can be comfortable enough to feel like regular glasses.
There are no plans to release the first Apple Glassesgenerations in a tinted assortment. For now, users will have to use regular sunglasses. But if the device takes off, perhaps the company will consider expanding its product line.
Characteristics Apple Glasses: what to expect from new smart glasses
There is no 100% data about the device yet,but assumptions can be made based on knowledge of current technology. For example, Apple's smart glasses will at least have the same field of view (52 degrees) and resolution (47 pixels per inch) as the Hololens 2.
If Apple is committed to creating a real solutionAugmented Reality - Unlike an on-screen display that displays 2D floating notifications or maps like Google Glasses, it's reasonable to expect Apple Glasses to connect directly to the iPhone over a dedicated Wi-Fi connection.
If the iPhone should process all the videos takenglasses cameras, and send 3D images to the glasses at very high frames per second (minimum 60 Hz with optimal 120 Hz refresh), this will require much higher bandwidth than Bluetooth.
As for the battery life, you canexpect at least three hours if Apple wants to be competitive. Although it can be assumed that the company will provide some kind of wireless charging glasses case that can extend its lifespan throughout the day, as with the Apple AirPods.
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