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AppleGranted patentAR, VR & displaysInterest 6/10

Apple patents VR display that adjusts depth based on your movement

Apple has been granted a patent for a method that changes how deep virtual objects appear in a 3D environment. The system tracks where you are looking and adjusts the object's depth if you move your device too quickly or far, using specific motion thresholds to trigger the change.

Why it mattersThis could make virtual reality experiences feel more stable and comfortable by preventing visual strain when users move their heads or devices abruptly.

In the filing’s own words

Some examples are directed to systems and methods for displaying content at an electronic device in communication with display(s) and input device(s). The method can include displaying content at a first apparent depth in a computer-generated environment relative to a viewpoint of the user. The first apparent depth is selected in accordance with a measure of a depth of a fixation point of the user during a first time period. The method can include updating the display of the content while displaying the content and in response to detecting motion of the electronic device in a physical environment of the electronic device. Updating the display of the content can include displaying the content at a second apparent depth different from the first apparent depth in the computer-generated environment relative to the viewpoint of the user in accordance with a determination that the motion satisfies one or more criteria.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A method, comprising: at an electronic device in communication with one or more displays and one or more input devices: displaying, via the one or more displays, content at a first apparent depth in a three-dimensional environment relative to a viewpoint of a user, wherein the first apparent depth is selected in accordance with a measure of a depth of a fixation point of the user during a first time period; and while displaying the content and in response to detecting motion of the electronic device in a physical environment of the electronic device, updating the display of the content, including: in accordance with a determination that the motion satisfies one or more criteria, the one or more criteria including a criterion that is satisfied when one or more measures of motion of the electronic device exceed a predetermined displacement threshold, a predetermined speed threshold, or a predetermined acceleration threshold, displaying, via the one or more displays, the content at a second apparent depth different from the first apparent depth in the three-dimensional environment relative to the viewpoint of the user; wherein the one or more measures of the motion of the electronic device over a predetermined interval correspond at least partially to a respective motion profile, the respective motion profile including at least one of: a characteristic corresponding to motion of the electronic device along a predetermined path; or a characteristic corresponding to an activity associated with the user.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
Comfortable display of content
Patent number
US12730508B1
Application number
18885029
Filed
Sep 13, 2024
Granted
Sep 8, 2026
Inventors
8
Claims
24

Classified under

G06F 3/013 Physics & computing
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.