在“增强头戴显示器中图像显示”的专利申请中,苹果公司声称其方法“为头戴显示器用户提供了更宽的视野以及创造了更为自然的观看情形,从而改进了头戴显示器的舒适度以及可用性。”

在苹果公司现有的产品当中,如iPod,如果利用一块小的视频屏幕,将因佩戴头戴显示器而获得最大的好处。尽管对于所描述的头戴显示器来说,苹果公司并未特指iPod就是可能的视频源,但是,其专利申请指出“外部源可以是一台便携式设备。”

第二项专利“用于头戴显示器的外设处理”中提出了一种“采用微机电(MEMS)/激光显示器架构”的系统。通过采用一种MEMS激光显示器,苹果公司希望避免现有的头戴显示器所存在的问题,也就是说,观察盒子内部可能因外围视觉受限所带来的不适感以及运动不适感。

虽然苹果公司指出,OLED以及LCoS微显示器存在的缺点是寿命、分辨率以及幻觉效应以及其它问题,但是,它也承认采用MEMS激光系统可能存在的问题。第二个专利申请指出,MEMS激光“目前对安全性以及功耗存在一些担心。”

苹果公司解决上述担忧的能力将可能决定其iGlasses是否会以及何时成为现实。在iPod引起的伤害听力问题上,苹果公司已经遭遇了各方批评,因此,苹果公司不会急切地避免发布一款可能损伤佩戴者视觉的头戴显示器。

翻页查看英文原文:

Apple patent may be prelude to iGlasses

Apple on Thursday filed two patent applications that describe improvements in head-mounted displays, which typically combine one or two small display screens with magnifying lenses inside a helmet or glasses.

In "Enhanced Image Display In Head-Mounted Displays," Apple claims that its approach provides "a wider field of view and [creates] a more natural viewing situation for a user of a head mounted display, which results in improved comfort and usability for head mounted displays."

Among Apple's current products, the iPod, with its small video screen, would benefit the most from a head-mounted display. While Apple does not specifically cite its iPod as a possible video source for wearers of the described head-mounted display, its patent application points out that the "external source can be a portable source."

The second patent,"Peripheral Treatment For Head-Mounted Displays," calls for a system using "a micro-electro-mechanical (MEM)/Laser display architecture." By using a MEM laser display, Apple hopes to avoid problems with existing head-mounted displays, namely the sensation of looking into a box and motion sickness that may be caused by limiting peripheral vision.

While Apple points out the shortcomings of OLED and LCoS microdisplays -- longevity, resolution, and rainbow effects, among others -- it also acknowledges potential issues with MEM laser systems. The second patent application notes that with MEM lasers, "there are currently some concerns about safety and power consumption."

Apple's ability to address those concerns will likely determine if and when its iGlasses become a reality. Having already weathered criticism about iPod-induced deafness, Apple no doubt is eager to avoid releasing a head-mounted display that might damage a wearer's vision.