As it turns out, there’s a similar effect that can exist when it comes to augmented reality head-up displays—except that, in this case, you can’t just deal with the problematic pattern by ignoring it. You’ve got to embrace it head-on. That’s something Apple’s “Apple Glass” AR headset could do with a helping hand from some of Apple’s current light-sensing tech.
Like True Tone for AR
Apple addresses the problem in question in a new patent application, titled “Modifying Display Operating Parameters Based on Light Superposition From a Physical Environment.” The patent application, which was spotted by Apple Insider, is designed to help an Apple AR headset deal with difficult textures. It notes that:
It continues that there may be problems when “predominantly one color” is present as this “may interfere with the color composition of displayed computer-generated content by providing dominant hues that are difficult to mask using additive display methods and hardware.”
According to Apple, this is a problem others have tried to solve before by creating a sunglasses-type effect that dims the AR display. But this isn’t good enough for Apple. “The display displays a constantly darker version of the user’s physical environment, thereby degrading the user’s experience and preventing use of such systems in low light situations,” Apple notes in its patent application.
Apple engineers have therefore come up with a nifty alternative: Use a smart screen that can detect ambient light levels and other relevant pieces of information, and then make corrections accordingly to optimize the AR display. It sounds similar to the True Tone tech Apple introduced for the iPad Pro in 2016, which subsequently made its way to the iPhone and MacBooks.
True Tone makes displays look better by factoring in ambient light and brightness. Using this information, gathered by light sensors, it then readjusts the device display to make images look better and more natural. While the effect is subtle, it’s definitely noticeable, and greatly improves the appearance of the displays.
When to Expect Apple Glass
Apple has not yet officially announced when Apple Glass will launch—or even confirmed that it is working on it. According to rumors, Apple is currently working on both AR glasses and a virtual reality headset. The VR headset is expected to arrive first, possibly next year. Meanwhile, Apple’s AR glasses could debut sometime in 2023.
Image Credit: Apple/USPTO
