Today the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of 53 newly granted patents for Apple Inc. In part one of this report we briefly cover a patent covering Touch ID for Apple Watch, and a second patent covering the use of Augmented Devices when wearing a Head-Mounted Device. Our report also covers design patents for the AirPods Pro case, the Apple Research App icon on an iPhone and an iPhone battery.  

Patent #1: Touch ID for Apple Watch

Today Apple was granted a patent relating to a future Apple Watch with a side Touch ID button. In Apple's patent FIG. 1 below we see a view of one example of Apple Watch with a biometric sensing system and button assembly; FIG. 4C is an exploded view of portions of the embodiment of a biometric sensing system; FIG. 3C is another view of portions of the embodiment of a biometric sensing system.

According to Apple's patent, the Apple Watch processor may apply the biometric identification (fingerprint) for any of several purposes; for example, user identification, device unlocking, application authorization or to authorize a transaction. In some embodiments, the processor may also instruct the biometric sensor to capture a biometric datum from the user. Fingerprints and DNA are example biometric characteristics. For more details, review granted patent 11,379,011.

Patent #2: Augmented Devices

Implementations of Apple’s granted patent includes the use of a first device to provide a CGR environment that augments the input and output capabilities of a second device. For example, an HMD may display a user’s MacBook in the form of a virtual MacBook and allow for the display to be made wider or taller so as to view content in a superior manner.

Apple's patent FIG. 5 below is a block diagram illustrating a view of a CGR environment that includes video passthrough of a physical environment; FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a view of a CGR environment that includes video passthrough of a physical environment and virtual content that augments an output capability of a second device of the physical environment.

Other virtual devices that could be altered in the HMD include HomePod, a television, Apple Watch and Internet of Things.

For more details, review granted patent 11,379,033

Today’s Key Granted Design Patents