Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are near the forefront of today’s biggest tech companies as each tries to forge their own path through a space in the industry that is still extremely new. Even Amazon, a company which generally specializes in online merchant sales is using their expertise to research and develop something in the area. It’s been known for a little while that Amazon has had something in the works in regards to AR technology. Back in October a patent for AR goggles was discovered to have been acquired by Amazon, and while there have been no new details on that particular patent or the potential technology behind it, Amazon is still very much interested in AR it seems.
A new patent was awarded to Amazon on December 1st which showcases an augmented reality experience that would be goggle-free, suggesting Amazon is researching a way to present consumers with a series of AR projectors, which could overlay 3D objects on top of space in the real world. Amazon’s patent describes it as having one or more cameras which could gather a 3D image of the surrounding area, which could then relay that imagery to the computing system in the AR device and produce an Augmented Reality Functional Node, which consumers could then interact with through hand gestures.
Beyond the multiple cameras and processors that would comprise the technology, there would also be a collection of sensors included to track and measure just about anything from hand gestures, eye movement, weight, temperature, smell, ultrasound and more. Although Amazon may not yet be developing either of the AR technologies they now have patents for, it’s entirely possible that they have plans to develop on both to offer two completely different products aimed at two different groups. The patent of course, makes no mention of progress on such a device or if Amazon is even currently working on something, the patent may simply be a safeguard for now to secure their ideas on one day making this technology a reality. In any case, interacting with AR without having to wear a pair of goggles or glasses would certain be simpler and perhaps allow for a better field of vision.
