Samsung has previously confirmed that it is working on an augmented reality (AR) headset, and a recently published patent document sheds some light on what the company’s first AR headset could offer. The company’s patent hints at a head-mounted device that runs on its own operating system. It is also expected to feature a Qualcomm chip, thanks to the partnership between the two companies on the project. A mixed reality headset from Samsung will compete with devices from companies like Meta, HTC and Magic Leap, offering similar functionality.
Samsung AR reality headset design seen in patent document
Spotted by 91Mobiles on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) database, Samsung’s patent is titled “Wearable device for displaying a visual object to adjust the visibility of the virtual object and manner thereof.” It appears to be a head-mounted device (HMD) that has a built-in display and relies on AR technology.
Samsung’s AR headset patent images hint at several features
Photo credit: WIPO/Samsung
According to the patent document, Samsung’s device is equipped with a processor that can take reference points inside the virtual space, and it uses them to create a field-of-view (FoV). This can be used to enable various features on the headset when viewing objects in a virtual environment. However, there is no mention of the display technology used on the device.
Once a FoV is created by the mixed reality headset, it can display multiple virtual objects within it. According to the patent, the headset’s processor is capable of handling the visibility of the virtual object and how it is shown along with other virtual objects inside the virtual space.
The document also suggests that the position of virtual objects in the virtual space created by the headset can be adjusted by the wearer. The headset has also been shown working with other devices providing input, including handheld controllers.
Other images of the alleged headset show that it will be equipped with a series of sensors that will enable augmented reality features on the headset. It is expected to offer support for wireless connectivity, but it is unclear whether it will need to be connected to an external battery pack like the Apple Vision Pro.
Like every other patent that is published, there is no guarantee that Samsung will launch a mixed reality headset with the design shown in the patent document. We can expect to see more details of the mixed reality headset being developed in partnership with Qualcomm in the future.
