Apple receives patent for holodeck light bulb

Augmented Reality Apple receives patent for holodeck light bulb

2024-10-18 From Manuel Christa | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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Apple has received a new patent for a light system in the form of light bulbs that can project holograms such as augmented reality content onto tables, walls, and other surfaces without a headset. This technology not only fuels the holodeck fantasies of Star Trek fans but could fundamentally change the way we experience mixed reality content.

Apple patents holo-projector in a light bulb(Image: AI-generated) — Apple patents holo-projector in a light bulb
(Image: AI-generated)

The US Patent and Trademark Office has awarded Apple patents in the area of projection technology: The AR light system, housed in a light bulb, includes both low and high-resolution LED projectors. These are capable of projecting AR content onto various surfaces of a room, creating an immersive environment that does not require bulky headsets.

The low-resolution projectors are intended for simple mood images such as shadows of trees or animals, while the high-resolution projectors can project more complex content such as user interfaces, high-resolution videos, and games.

Holodeck of the Enterprise soon a reality? Not quite!

Without a headset, at least a 2D representation is visible. If the projection is to be visible in three dimensions, an AR headset is still required. Thus, this technology will not make a holodeck possible as known from Star Trek. But it is at least a step in that direction.

The hardware of the low-resolution LED projectors is relatively simple and cost-effective, which facilitates production and deployment. A passive cooling mechanism ensures that the projectors do not overheat. They are integrated into light bulbs, rather than being pure projectors, because they are also intended to be used as conventional light sources and to fit into existing sockets.

Given the company's current priorities, such as foldable devices, camera glasses, and a lighter Vision Pro, it may take some time before such AR lighting systems are brought to market.

The new patent from Apple for an AR light system demonstrates the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and creating new, immersive experiences. It is not Apple's first patent in this direction, but it is so far the most sophisticated, according to colleagues at Patently Apple. (mc)

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