Science

New patents reveals Apple may be working on 'smart clothing'


New patents reveals Apple may be working on ‘smart clothing’ that is capable of tracking blood pressure and respiration

  • A stretchable band of fabric could be used in socks, pants, hats, and more
  • The band features accelerometers to measure breathing and an ECG sensor
  • Apparel would wirelessly communicate with an external computing device

A new patent application from Apple hints at the company’s plans to move from gadgets into apparel.

The patent, which was originally filed in 2018 and made public on October 3, focuses on a stretchable band within a ‘ring-shaped strip of fabric.’ 

Components listed in the band include a blood pressure sensor, accelerometer configured to measure breathing, and an electrocardiogram sensor capable of recording electrical signals related to heart activity.  

Apple's latest patent application shows a band of stretchable fabric (pictured above) equipped with sensors to collect data on blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing, which could be used in a line of smart clothing.

Apple’s latest patent application shows a band of stretchable fabric (pictured above) equipped with sensors to collect data on blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing, which could be used in a line of smart clothing.

The band would be able to wirelessly communicate with an external computing device, similar to how the first generation Apple Watch communicated with the iPhone. 

A simple drawing filed with the application shows a band that could potentially fit at the end of a sleeve or perhaps the top of a pair of socks. 

Other potential use cases outlined in the patent include placing the band in hat, belt, waistband in a pair of shorts or pants, underwear, or headband.

Though its unclear when, if ever, the company would move toward selling clothing, other patent filings have hinted that the company is moving deeper into the wearables industry.

Apple Watch was the company's first major foray into the wearables market and shows the company's growing interest in fashion.

Apple Watch was the company’s first major foray into the wearables market and shows the company’s growing interest in fashion.

Reports earlier this year suggested the company was preparing a set of augmented reality glasses, which would compliment the Apple Watch as the company’s next major wearable computing device.

APPLE’S AR GLASSES PATENT 

There has been speculation that Apple is developing an AR headset that may work in tandem with the iPhone. 

Catcher Technology, a Taiwanese company that manufactures metal casings for Apple products, may also make parts for Apple’s AR glasses.

In an interview with Nikkei Asian Review, Allen Horng, the chairman of Catcher Technology, did not confirm what project his company is working on, but there has been speculation that it’s working on Apple’s AR product given that the company already works with Apple on its product casings. 

Apple filed a patent in 2017 for a head-mounted, touch-screen display that could work with an iPhone. The firm made its first step into the AR world with the launch of ARKit 

Apple filed a patent in 2017 for a head-mounted, touch-screen display that could work with an iPhone. The firm made its first step into the AR world with the launch of ARKit 

The Apple AR glasses patent details a head-mounted, touch-screen display that could work alongside an iPhone.  

It also presents a way of representing points of interest (a landmark or an object such as a moving car) in a view of a real environment on an iPhone screen, with interaction functionality. 

As such, the iPhone could potentially connect to the AR headset, allowing the wearer to see point of interest in real time. 

There had been conflicting reports about whether Apple’s AR projects had been canceled.

The latest round of reports were based on test code found in the upcoming iOS 13 update, which when taken alongside other AR patents filed by the company, suggest the plans are, or were, in a relatively advanced state. 

Apple has long been rumored to be developing its own pair of AR glasses. The tech giant has filed a patent this year that gives a glimpse into what it may be developing behind closed doors

Apple has long been rumored to be developing its own pair of AR glasses. The tech giant has filed a patent this year that gives a glimpse into what it may be developing behind closed doors

A previous patent details a virtual user interface that can be used on a device like an iPhone or a headset. Users would interact with AR environments using a touchscreen device (pictured)

A previous patent details a virtual user interface that can be used on a device like an iPhone or a headset. Users would interact with AR environments using a touchscreen device (pictured) 



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