Source: news.google.com
The US Patent and Trademark Office recently published a second Apple patent application for a so-called “smart ring.” The technology could eventually be used with AR, VR and MR apps, according to Patently Apple (opens in a new tab).
The proposed smart ring features sensors intended to “detect the presence of objects, distances to objects or proximity to objects, movements of objects (eg, whether objects are moving, or the speed, acceleration, or direction of movement of objects). objects), etc. in.”
In addition, the included technology can improve the sensitivity or speed of sensor system operations.
At the heart of Apple’s patent application is an invention that includes one or more automatic mixing interferometry (SMI) sensors.
As Patently Apple explains:
“In one case, SMI sensors can be used to determine a relationship between a ring and a handheld device, such as an Apple Pencil.
More specifically, the patent concerns the configuration and operation of SMI-based gesture input systems, that is, systems that can identify gestures made by a user using signals received from one or more SMI sensors.
An SMI sensor can be used to optically measure the relative movement (displacement) between the SMI sensor and a target (eg, a surface or object), with a lower wavelength resolution.
When displacement measurements are associated with measurement times, the velocity of the target can also be measured. Furthermore, by modulating the SMI sensor with a known wavelength modulation (for example, a triangular modulation), the absolute distance from the SMI sensor to the target can be measured.”
Apple is expected to introduce an AR/VR headset for entertainment and gaming that will compete with the Meta, Oculus Rift/Quest and other products. It’s long been rumored to have a big reveal in 2022, but the new earbuds should be revealed next year, perhaps as early as next month.
Introducing a new category of products to kick off a new year makes sense. If correct, it would be the company’s first special January event since 2010. That was the year the late Steve Jobs announced the first iPad, which launched later that year.
As we noted, “since Apple loves its anniversaries, it’s very tempting to believe the January release window is rumored.”
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