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Published 14:52 IST, September 20th 2019

Pictures: Apple's augmented reality (AR) goggles could be in works

Apple's AR goggle could be on its way. Apple filed a new patent that confirms the company's plans to design new AR-based wearable eyewear. The iPhone maker has

Reported by: Tech Desk
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Apple's AR goggle could be on its way. Apple filed a new patent that confirms the company's plans to design new AR-based wearable eyewear. The iPhone maker has long been rumoured to introduce AR glasses. Apple will now likely speed up the process to bring this mysterious device into the market. Here is what we know about Apple's plans for AR glasses so far Apple has filed a new patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office suggesting that the company could finally be bringing its long-rumoured AR headset. It's been a few years since Apple has been rumoured to introduce a wearable device, more specifically, AR glasses. However, the company has always been silent about its exact plans for the same.

Apple AR Glasses

Apple has applied for not one but two patents that are related to augmented reality (AR) technology. It also confirms Apple's interest in a headset. What's more, code found in iOS 13 describes for a mysterious device code-named 'Garta.' Reports say Apple will likely release its AR glasses next year. We are seeking more details and clarity on Apple's plans, though. Apple appears to be pursuing a technology it describes as 'Display Device.' It uses a futuristic 'reflective holographic combiner.' It's totally possible that Apple may be looking at this technology as a sort of holographic technology to enhance the depth-of-field for content visible inside the headset's display. Apple will likely be focusing more on reducing a nauseating experience often caused by augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology.

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According to reports, Apple will also likely eliminate the need for moving parts from this device. It might as well result in a simplified design. A second patent filed by Apple suggests an 'image enhancement' system. The device will likely include an 'eye-tracking' system to detect the user's surroundings. As far as speculations are concerned, Apple's AR glasses are expected to work in tandem with the wearer's iPhone. The patent details a touch-screen, head-mounted display.

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This is how Apple describes the patent in its abstract:

"An augmented reality headset may include a reflective holographic combiner to direct light from a light engine into a user's eye while also transmitting light from the environment. The combiner and engine may be arranged to project light fields with different fields of view and resolution to match the visual acuity of the eye. The combiner may be recorded with a series of point to point holograms; one projection point interacts with multiple holograms to project light onto multiple eye box points. The engine may include a laser diode array, a distribution waveguide, scanning mirrors, and layered waveguides that perform pupil expansion and that emit wide beams of light through foveal projection points and narrower beams of light through peripheral projection points. The light engine may include focusing elements to focus the beams such that, once reflected by the holographic combiner, the light is substantially collimated."

14:24 IST, September 20th 2019