Adam Kos Haptic output system je newly registered patent to Apple regarding the way in which haptic feedback can be used in AirPods. It primarily focuses on how to ideally direct users to various events – the biggest use seems to be in VR and AR. Wearable accessories are increasingly ubiquitous in modern societyand, for example, wireless headphones are worn to provide comfortable listening to music and other audio. But they can also be used for something else - the haptic response in the headphones could, for example, direct the wearer's attention in a given direction.
The patent deals more with the specifications of achieving this goal of directing attention than with illustrating the benefits of the solution itself. However, it describes the use of haptic feedback in a virtual conference. Here, directional haptic outputs could be used to direct the headset wearer's attention towards the participant's virtual location.
AirPods with haptic feedback more for VR and AR
As another example, directional haptic output can be used to direct the user's attention to the position of a graphical object in a virtual or augmented reality environment. For example, this would sound like one person speaking to you from a distance from your left while another is on your right whispering softly in your ear. After all, support for surround sound for movies and series is already present in AirPods Pro. The dynamic sensing of the head position here ensures that every sound comes to you from the right direction. It should be noted that Apple has previously worked on the development of a 3D surround sound format.
It could be interest you
Recently, Apple has been trying to get as many patents related to haptic feedback approved as possible. First it was the Apple Ring, which could better capture yours gestures, and not only when using Apple Pencil, but also in the case of movement in augmented or virtual reality. In addition, he added "smart" socks, i.e. a shoe insert or a mat that you would stand on and that would give you feedback about your movement through vibrations. He is also considering a smart mattress with implemented vibration motors. Now we have haptic feedback in AirPods too. What does Apple want to tell us? Haptic feedback has its advantages. These are natural vibrations arising from some action. In the case of its use in AirPods, it is thus clearly offered when used in combination with VR and AR. The question is rather how comfortable it would be to receive such a response in the ears.
Gallery
