Apple invents a future Modular Framework for Vision Pro that would allow users to add various Components & Adjustable Lenses
Today the U.S. Patent Office published two patent application of Apple's that relates to possible future modular designs for Vision headset hardware that would allow a user to add components and even lenses that are adjustable.
Modular Components for an XR Headset
Last month Apple was granted a patent for smartglasses with a modular design. Today, a newly published patent application from Apple describes applying the module design principles to a possible future XR Vision headset.
Today, the Apple Vision Pro headset offers users an external battery that connects to a side support bar as pictured below.
A part of that design is covered in today’s patent application from Apple but goes a little further with their modular design.
The “side bar” that I described is referred to in this patent as a supplemental unit that could provide power and/or added processing functionality to the system.
Today, the supplemental unit on Apple’s first Vision Pro systems doesn’t offer interchangeable components and thus only offers a single configuration. VR/MR systems are increasingly being used in a variety of different environments and scenarios. Thus, it can be desirable for a VR/MR system to have different properties depending on the desired use or uses.
For example, certain components can maximize comfort levels and audio quality, while other components can reduce the weight of the wearable and maximize securement of the device.
The modular nature of a wearable VR/MR system and its associated components can allow particular components to be selected for incorporation into the device. For example, the components that maximize comfort and audio quality can be selected for scenarios where a user may wear a device for long periods of time, while the components that maximize weight reduction and securement may be selected for scenarios where a user desired to be highly mobile.
Apple’s patent FIG. 2A below shows an exploded view of a wearable electronic device (HMD#200) that can include modular components which can be selectively and removably or releasably attached or coupled to one another.
The operational element, component, or components of the HMD, such as #237 and #238 can include any number of functional and/or electrical components, including output components, such as an audio module or component, display module, or data output component, input components, such as a touch sensor or touch sensitive element or component, button, toggle, switch, fingerprint sensor, camera, or other form of sensor, or any other functional and/or operational component desired.
For full details, review Apple's patent application 20240369847.
Adjustable and Modular Lenses
To continue on the “modular” design theme, a second Apple patent covers “modular lenses.” Today, Vision Pro offers prescription lenses that could magnetically attached to Vision Pro’s standard lenses. In this patent, Apple envisions allowing a user or users to adjust the lenses of your HMD for different user’s eyesight.
Appl
e notes that an HMD can include an optical assembly that combines installable lens assemblies with built-in adjustable lenses that provide vision correction appropriate for any given user. By providing wearable electronic devices with modular features and adjustable vision correction, certain lens assemblies can provide the desired vision correction for any given user and facilitate exchange with a different lens assembly for a different user.
Apple’s patent FIG. 4 below illustrates a view of an adjustable lens with lenses in a first configuration and an effective lens created thereby; FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the adjustable lens of FIG. 4 with lenses in a second configuration and an effective lens created thereby.
(Click on Patent Figures to Enlarge)
Apple’s patent FIG. 6 above illustrates a schematic view of another lens assembly of the head-mountable device. For more details, check out patent application 20240369843.