Apple applies for AR/VR device patent: finger sleeve design integrates multiple sensors

      According to foreign media MacRumors, Apple has submitted a device with a series of sensors and tactile feedback to the US Patent and Trademark Office. The device is designed for fingers and may be used as a control device for VR or AR devices.

　　IT Home learned that the patent application document submitted by Apple, titled "Finger device with sensor and touch", explains in detail how the device is used to wirelessly control computers and "virtual reality content and/or head-mounted display augmented reality content" "finger control device system".

　　In the filing, Apple acknowledged that some wearable control device proposals could resemble gloves with sensors to detect hand movements, but Apple said finger devices have some advantages, such as retaining the ability to feel objects in the user's surroundings and maintaining comfort.

　　In terms of design, the device has two small side walls that can hold fingers with magnets or springs, so it can accommodate fingers of different sizes. It may be "made of a deformable material such as metal," but the patent also suggests that other materials may be more suitable, such as fabric or chemical polymers.

　　The device's housing integrates force sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, optical sensors, touch sensors, status indicators, and more. These sensors use capacitive sensing technology and other methods to accurately determine the distance the user moves their fingers and the gestures they make during interaction. Foreign media MacRumors believes that the system is very accurate and can detect the user's pressing force and the exact direction of the pressing force.

　　Combined with some rumors, Apple's patent application may be the long-awaited control input headset product. A recent report from The Information claimed that Apple is developing multiple methods to control its mixed reality headset, including a "thimble-like device that can be worn on a person's finger."