Apple has submitted a patent at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) shows a multi-lens AR headset build that could help in reducing fatigue while using it. The idea seems to use stacks of lenses to reduce the optical path; thus reducing weight.
Called “Optical System for Head-mounted Display,” the patent shows a design that makes use of a catadioptric optical system; a combination of both concave and convex lenses in a single assembly. Bending the light back and forth allows it to fold and be directed in a more controlled manner. Reducing the amount of distance it needs to travel to provide the impression of a larger display.
In all fairness, this not exactly a new solution; as it is currently used to construct telescopes and zoom lenses for DSLRs.
The patent may not be a real product as many patents are filed to safeguard ideas rather than for commercialisation. That said, Apple clearly has plans for both AR and VR; seeing that it has been putting a lot of effort into the ARkit adoption for the current generation of iPhones.
