Apple patents a system that will prevent people from scaring you while you're in a virtual reality helmet

A new patent from Apple has revealed how a future Apple VR headset will be able to detect someone trying to get your attention while you're immersed in virtual reality.

The patent is titled "System and Method for Alerting the User While Immersed in Computer Reality" and covers systems and methods for alerting the user of a virtual reality headset. The patent explains in utterly creepy clerical language:

The user's ability to sense and be aware of their physical surroundings may be significantly impaired when using a computer reality application. The use of the computer reality application may make it difficult to attract the attention of others near the user. The present document describes systems and processes for facilitating the attraction of the attention of a user immersed in a computer reality application.

The system includes a head-mounted display, as well as an image sensor and a microphone that can detect when a VR/AR headset user is "hailed."

The system can not only alert you when someone is trying to get your attention in VR, but can also use image recognition to figure out exactly who is trying to talk to you. The headset can display an audible and visual warning when it detects a hail storm.

According to multiple reports, Apple is working on a mixed reality headset that can be used for gaming and communication.

Source: uspto.gov

Illustration: techradar