Apple Granted 76 New Patents: Virtual Paper, No Notch iPhone & Vision Pro Innovations
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently published 76 new utility patents for Apple Inc. This report highlights patents for virtual paper, a no notch iPhone, and several patents related to head-mounted displays (HMDs), including two significant Vision Pro patents. We conclude with a summary of the other patents granted to Apple this week.
In 2020, Patently Apple reported on Apple’s development of tools for next-gen virtual paper intended for augmented reality environments. Today, Apple was granted a patent that allows virtual paper to crumple, fold, and bend while maintaining graphics in various positions. This technology supports mixed reality content in 2D, 3D, and animation, with images shifting based on the state and perspective of the virtual paper.
In Apple’s Patent FIG. 4A, 2D text “Matrix” appears to float above the 3D chicken graphic within the virtual paper. This creates an effect where the text occludes part of the chicken’s crest, allowing users to experience depth and layering in the virtual space.
Figure 4B shows the backside of the virtual paper, where the chicken appears as a blurred outline, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the graphics as the virtual paper moves.
Figures 4C-4E demonstrate how the virtual content transforms in relation to the paper’s movement. Parts of the 3D chicken can be seen protruding from the sides as the virtual page turns.
For more detailed information, check Apple’s granted patent 12148116.
No Notch iPhone Patent
(Devices With Displays Having Transparent Openings And Uniformity Correction)
Apple has been working on eliminating the iPhone notch. Their first patent was issued in April 2022, and now, they have received a third patent related to this design. To view more, explore granted patent 12148370.
Master Vision Pro Patents
Apple files many patents related to individual device components. However, the company occasionally releases what can be called a “Master patent,” giving a comprehensive overview of a device. Recently, two major Master patents for Vision Pro were published, containing extensive information. A warning from the U.S. Patent Office accompanies these patents due to their size.
To review these intricate patents, click on granted patents titled “Head Mountable Display” under numbers: 12148332 and 12147598.
Other HMD Patents Granted Today
- 12147607: Transitioning Between Environments
- 12148241: Eye Enrollment For Head-mounted Enclosure
- 12147053: Removable Facial Interface
- 12147052: Head-mounted Device With Tension Adjustment
- 12147038: Optical Systems With Interleaved Light Redirectors
This Week’s Remaining Granted Patents