The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently granted Apple a significant patent that aims to add a new side-band display to its VisionPro smart glasses or similar head-mounted displays (HMDs).
Image source: patentlyapple.com
According to the patent background description submitted by Apple, HMD devices are now widely used in various fields such as aviation, engineering, medicine, military, and video games. Their initial design purpose is to provide users with an immersive interactive experience through dual stimulation of sight and sound. However, when the HMD is not worn, users find it difficult to easily obtain its status information, such as battery level and message notifications. Furthermore, it is difficult for outsiders to understand the status of the HMD or the user's situation without disturbing the user.
To address these issues, Apple's new patent proposes a clever solution: adding a display to the HMD's mounting strap. This display can show icons, messages, and battery status information, allowing users to easily access the information they need whether they are wearing the HMD or not. At the same time, this design also provides more possibilities for the personalization and customization of the HMD.
The patent reveals that this wearable electronic device primarily consists of an HMD (Head-Up Display) and a strap attached to it. The strap incorporates a display component that shows visual information about the HMD's status. The strap may be made of a perforated flexible fabric, or even a micro-perforated design, to increase comfort and breathability. Additionally, a transparent cover is coupled to the strap to protect the display component from damage.
Image source: patentlyapple.com
It's worth noting that the visual information displayed on this side-mounted display is dynamic, changing according to the HMD's mode. For example, when the HMD is inactive, the display can still show basic information such as battery level. This design not only improves readability but also enhances the device's usability.
Furthermore, Apple has also considered the battery life of the HMD. In some cases, flexible printed circuitry is incorporated into the mounting strip within the HMD to optimize battery layout and reduce space occupation. Simultaneously, the display components may employ advanced display technologies such as Micro-LED or fiber optic technology to improve display quality and reduce power consumption. (Image source: Sina XR)
