Apple is Working on Augmented Reality for iPhone Maps

Apple is working on bringing augmented reality to its iPhone maps application, according to a new patent filing found by AppleInsider.

The patent entitled, 'Augmented Reality Maps', notes that current augmented reality apps might let you locate a point of interest but then you need to switch out of the app to the Maps application for directions.

"However, such systems can fail to orient a user's with a poor sense of direction and force the user to correlate the directions with objects in reality. Such a transition is not always as easy as it might seem. For example, an instruction that directs a user to go north on Main St. assumes that the user can discern which direction is north. Further, in some instances, street signs might be missing or indecipherable, making it difficult for the user to find the directed route. "


Apple's solution is to use augmented reality to display directions.

"By interpreting the data describing the surrounding areas, the device can determine what objects are presently being viewed on the display. The device can further overlay information regarding the presently viewed objects, thus enhancing reality. In some embodiments, the device can also display search results overlaid onto the displayed video feed. Search results need not be actually viewable by a user in real life. Instead, search results can also include more-distant objects."

"In one form of interaction, a device can receive an input from the user requesting directions from a present location to a selected search result. Directions can be overlaid onto the presently displayed video feed, thus showing a course and upcoming turns. As the user and associated device progress along a route, the overlaid directions can automatically update to show the updated path. "

Apple is also looking into improve Maps by implementing schematic maps that distort data to emphasize more important areas and deemphasize areas that are less important, according to another recent patent filing.


Read More [via AppleInsider]