Google AR glasses are no longer popular, but Apple is still not giving up?

Recently, a new patent application published by Apple explains how they plan to convert their AR glasses into VR mode or high-contrast AR mode. Simply put, it is to use photochromic lenses with opacity to obtain different light intake like smart windows.

According to Apple's description, there is a special material on the lens that can use ultraviolet rays to adjust the transparency of the lens. 20 years ago, sunglasses became popular, and the principle used was somewhat similar to Apple's patent. When we wear sunglasses to go out, they automatically turn dark, and if we go indoors, they will become more transparent.

Apple AR glasses can selectively dim some of the light in the real world, and the lenses don't necessarily have to be completely dark. Tiny mirrors guide ultraviolet light directly into individual pixels of the lens. When the digital content generated by the display is superimposed on the real scene, the lens can adjust the brightness or even completely block external light to enhance contrast.

Current AR glasses generally stop at a single level of lens transparency, providing a "blended" view of both real and digital elements. Assuming Apple's system has the capabilities provided by the patent, the lenses could become partially opaque, thereby enhancing the brightness of digital objects, or could become completely opaque, similar to VR glasses.

Whether photochromic lenses appear in Apple's AR glasses remains to be seen. The concept considers using pixel-sized micromirrors and possibly even heating elements, which could increase the cost, size, and electronic complexity of the headset, as would using a retinal projector instead of a basic screen. On the other hand, implementing this feature could make the glasses usable in more conditions.