Apple gets patent for a holodeck light bulb
Apple has been awarded a patent in the USA for a sensational idea. A light bulb is to enable mixed reality content without a headset.
(Image: Dilok Klaisataporn/Shutterstock.com)
It is somewhat reminiscent of the hardware required for a kind of mini holodeck: Apple has been awarded a patent in the USA for a light bulb that projects mixed reality content onto tables and walls. It would solve the current problem that wearers of mixed reality headsets such as the Vision Pro can see something virtual, but their surroundings remain excluded unless they also have headsets. The solution described in the patent would at least make it possible for the environment to view a 2D version of the content.
According to the patent application, the light bulb contains low- and high-resolution LED projectors. The low-resolution projectors are intended to be used for simple mood effects, while the high-resolution projectors should be able to project entire user interfaces or videos into the room so that they can be viewed together.
Can also be used for normal lighting
A positive side effect of such a lamp is that it can also be used for the normal purpose of lighting the room. Above all, however, it would ensure that the isolation of headset wearers would come to an end. Apple has made efforts to reduce this isolation in the Vision Pro with the EyeSight function and the external display. Nevertheless, users of a Vision Pro find themselves in a different virtual world that remains hidden from outsiders. Such a projection system could turn mixed reality into a group experience.
Videos by heise
Considering recent reports about Apple's smart home offensive and the initial release of the Vision Pro this year, such a light bulb would fit very well into a possible further strategy. Nevertheless, there are many questions about the technical implementation and how practicable the concept really is, as the rooms would undoubtedly have to be darkened.
Sensors to improve projections
Apple's descriptions indicate that such a light bulb could fit into standard light sockets. Sensors could be used to detect surfaces and people to make the projections as realistic as possible. Apple has already described the basic idea of a projector system in previous patents. The idea protection now granted is the most detailed version of such a solution to date.
(mki)
