Apple has filed a 21-page patent application that was approved yesterday for a new in-car display technology. In essence, it allows one screen to display two sets of information, as the viewing angle changes.

The idea isn’t new, but the tech behind it is. It was Range Rover that introduced it first to the automotive world back in one of its early SUVs. Back then, the company used a polarizing filter overlaid on top of the screen - not so different from the privacy screens used for PCs and laptops.

Apple's display patent

Apple’s tech is magnitudes more complicated. It builds on the earlier patent the company was granted for a privacy display that appears to be blank to the naked eye. Popping on an Apple AR headset or glasses reveals an image that otherwise is hidden.

The new technology consists of a screen with eye-tracking software and a layer of prismatic lenses above the display. By controlling the backlight, the display can show two different images at the same time and thanks to the prismatic lenses, those images are shown at different angles.

In the lengthy patent application, Apple lists a bunch of potential uses - from privacy situations to screen sharing. But the most obvious use is the navigation device mentioned by Apple. With the Apple Car development progressing, the company clearly considers using a single, centrally positioned screen, but serve driver and front seat passenger only the information relevant to them.

Apple's earlier patent for AR-only privacy display

The driver can focus on driving and have all the essential information on hand - navigation and car info - while the passenger can enjoy a movie without distracting the driver. Similarly, this may allow back seat passengers to enjoy different content without the need for multiple screens.

Source