The US Patent & Trademark Office has revealed a patent application from Apple which applies to optoelectronic devices such as those that are capable of generating an array of optical beams. As Patently Apple reported, this can lead to the development of advanced microlens arrays and optical devices. It further has the potential to enhance Face ID performance as well as other applications related to the virtual reality and augmented reality headsets that Apple is in the process of developing at the moment.
One of the applications of the above technology is the projection of a “pattern of spots onto a target scene,” such as using the structured-light pattern for depth mapping roles. An excellent example of this can be Face ID. Another area where an optical arrangement such as this where projecting a single or multiple high-quality light beams can have a lot of potential are projectors for time-of-flight sensing. Such time-of-flight applications again can lead to the development of advanced mixed reality headsets that has “more realistic AR/VR features.”
Such a feature can also be put to use in the autonomous or self-driving cars of the future. Here, the advanced ToF systems can be programmed to keep a tab on the driver as well as the passengers. The technology can then make the car drive in autonomous mode if it finds the driver is not fit enough to drive the car and needs assistance, thereby averting a potentially catastrophic situation.
Yet another area where the ToF feature backed by the above technology can have a big role to play is new generation gesture control systems. This can lead to a much better in-car user interface where the driver or passengers are able to control the various features of the car via gesture control itself. That can include opening or closing the sunroof, adjusting climate control features, changing the audio source, and so on.
Overall, the latest Apple invention has a lot of potential in AR ad VR headsets as well as the next generation of ToF technology.
With a keen interest in tech, I make it a point to keep myself updated on the latest developments in the world of technology and gadgets. That includes smartphones or tablet devices but stretches to even AI and self-driven automobiles as well, the latter being my latest fad. Besides writing, I like watching videos, reading, listening to music, or experimenting with different recipes. Motion picture is another aspect that interests me a lot and maybe I’ll make a film sometime in the future.