Apple Solves Vision Issues in VR Headsets with Liquid Lens Technology
Apple has unveiled a groundbreaking solution to address vision problems faced by wearers of virtual reality (VR) headsets – liquid lenses. VR users who wear glasses often struggle to find a comfortable fit with existing devices. Apple had previously introduced prescription attachable lenses for its Vision Pro, but this add-on came at an extra cost. However, the tech giant’s latest patent shows promise in resolving these inconveniences, as reported by IT media Tech Radar on the 17th of November.
The United States patent outlines Apple’s design for an “electronic device with a liquid lens,” specifically mentioning a “head mounted device with an adjustable liquid lens.” It can be inferred that this head-mounted device refers to a VR headset. The patent’s core concept revolves around manipulating the refractive index of the lens by deforming the liquid inside it through an electronic signal. This adaptive liquid lens technology eliminates the need for additional accessories to correct users’ vision, with calibration being facilitated by the headset’s built-in eye tracking system.
The patent also suggests that this innovative technology could potentially be applied to spectacles, hinting at Apple’s plans for its forthcoming augmented reality (AR) glasses.
However, it is important to note that obtaining a patent does not guarantee the practical implementation of the liquid lens technology in the actual production of VR headsets. While the technology may be theoretically viable, the practical considerations of design and cost may impact its commercial viability. Apple may also explore alternative solutions moving forward.
Moreover, even if liquid lenses are successfully integrated into Apple’s VR headsets, the timeline for their release remains uncertain. It is unlikely that they will be incorporated into the initial iteration of the Vision Pro expected in early 2024 or the subsequent generations in the coming years. According to TechRadar’s observations, it is reasonable to expect liquid lenses to appear sometime around the third generation, which could potentially arrive in approximately five years.
Although Apple’s liquid lens technology holds significant promise, its practical implementation and integration into future VR headsets will require careful consideration. As enthusiasts eagerly await Apple’s next VR offerings, only time will tell how this innovative solution will shape the future of immersive digital experiences.
Part of Apple’s Liquid Lens Patent [사진: 미특허청]
[디지털투데이 AI리포터] Apple has found a solution to vision problems in virtual reality (VR) headsets. These are ‘liquid lenses’.
In general, it is difficult for people who wear glasses to wear a VR headset. The Apple Vision Pro has a prescription for attachable lenses, but the downside is that you have to pay extra.
However, if Apple’s latest patent is applied to the headset, these inconveniences can be resolved, IT media Tech Radar reported on the 17th (local time).
According to a recent patent filed in the United States, Apple created a design called an ‘electronic device with a liquid lens’. The patent describes a ‘head mounted device with an adjustable liquid lens’. A head mounted device is assumed to refer to a VR headset.
The essence of the patent is that an electronic signal sent to the lens deforms the liquid inside the lens, changing the refractive index of the lens. This way, the liquid lens can correct the user’s vision without the need for a separate accessory. Calibration is also done by the headset’s own eye tracking system.
The patent states that this technology can also be applied to spectacles. This could refer to Apple’s augmented reality (AR) glasses.
However, as with all patents, there is no guarantee that this liquid lens technology will be implemented in actual headphones. Theoretically, it could exist, but putting liquid lenses on commercially available headphones may not be practical from a design or cost perspective. Or Apple could develop a completely different solution.
In addition, even if the liquid lens is installed on the Apple VR headset, it is not known when it will appear. It will be impossible to fit into the first generation Vision Pro, which is expected to be released in early 2024, and is unlikely to be fitted into the second generation headsets that are said to be released in the next few years next. Therefore, it is very likely that we will see liquid lenses on the 3rd generation model in about five years, TechRadar observed.
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