Apple inc. (20240103707). METHODS FOR TIME OF DAY ADJUSTMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTS AND ENVIRONMENT PRESENTATION DURING COMMUNICATION SESSIONS simplified abstract

METHODS FOR TIME OF DAY ADJUSTMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTS AND ENVIRONMENT PRESENTATION DURING COMMUNICATION SESSIONS

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Nicholas W. Henderson of San Carlos CA (US)

James M. Dessero of Morgan Hill CA (US)

Matan Sauber of San Francisco CA (US)

Stephen O. Lemay of Palo Alto CA (US)

Jeffrey S. Allen

Michael A. Dunkley

Michael J. Rockwell of Palo Alto CA (US)

William A. Sorrentino, Iii of Mill Valley CA (US)

Hugh A. Sider of San Jose CA (US)

Magnus Danielsson

METHODS FOR TIME OF DAY ADJUSTMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTS AND ENVIRONMENT PRESENTATION DURING COMMUNICATION SESSIONS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240103707 titled 'METHODS FOR TIME OF DAY ADJUSTMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTS AND ENVIRONMENT PRESENTATION DURING COMMUNICATION SESSIONS

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a computer system that applies a time of day setting to a virtual environment, updates the setting based on events, displays content in an expanded mode, joins communication sessions while maintaining display of respective environments, moves portals based on user movement, shares virtual environments, displays media with simulated lighting, selects positions relative to content, presents representations of communication session participants based on content, and allows user interfaces to control visual appearances of environments.

• Computer system applies time of day setting to virtual environment
• Time of day setting is updated based on events
• Content can be displayed in expanded mode
• Computer systems can join communication sessions while maintaining display of respective environments
• Portals can be moved based on user movement
• Virtual environments can be shared
• Media can be displayed with simulated lighting
• Positions can be selected relative to content
• Representations of communication session participants can be presented based on content
• User interfaces can control visual appearances of environments

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in virtual reality gaming, virtual meetings and conferences, virtual tours, and virtual training simulations.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of creating immersive virtual environments that can adapt to different settings and events, as well as allowing for seamless communication and interaction within virtual spaces.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include enhanced user experience, increased engagement in virtual environments, improved collaboration in virtual communication sessions, and more realistic simulations for training purposes.

Potential Commercial Applications

Potential commercial applications of this technology include virtual reality gaming platforms, virtual meeting software, virtual tour applications for real estate or tourism, and virtual training programs for various industries.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be existing virtual reality platforms that offer similar features such as time settings, interactive environments, and communication capabilities.

Unanswered Questions

How does the system determine the optimal position relative to content?

The patent application does not provide specific details on how the computer system selects the position relative to content. Further information on the algorithms or methods used for this process would be helpful.

What types of media can be displayed with simulated lighting?

The patent application mentions that computer systems can display media with simulated lighting, but it does not specify the types of media that are compatible with this feature. Clarification on the supported media formats would be beneficial.

Original Abstract Submitted

in some embodiments, a computer system applies a time of day setting to a virtual environment. in some embodiments, the time of day setting is updated based on an event. in some embodiments, a computer system displays content in an expanded display mode. in some embodiments, computer systems join a communication session while maintaining display of respective environments. in some embodiments, a computer system moves a portal based on user movement. in some embodiments, computer systems share a virtual environment. computer systems can display media with simulated lighting. computer systems can share an environment. in some embodiments, a computer system selects a position relative to content. a computer system can present representations of communication session participants based on content. a computer system can present user interfaces to control visual appearances of an environment including media. computer systems can change an appearance of an environment based on environmental modes.