Apple has now set its sights on the automotive industry. It examines seat belt technology under a new patent called “Indicator area restraint”. This has also fueled the company’s plans to enter the automotive industry with Apple Car.
Apple will make the seat belt buckle smart
Apple wants to go through a series of innovations in the buckle of the seat belt. Accordingly, the innovative buckles will be illuminated and flashing, as well as presenting various information. The company plans to design a flashing red seat belt instead of the classic red colored buckles.
According to the patent design, the red light will turn off after the seat belt is fastened. The buckle, on the other hand, will take on an opaque color in harmony with the color of the vehicle seats. Apple wants holes in the buckle for this lighting effect. These small holes will allow light to pass through, creating visually appealing yet discreet lighting.
The patent drawings show that Apple will use the word “Push” on the seat belt. It is thought that this indicator will work integrated with the seat belt. In other words, this indicator will light up as you move the seat belt closer to the buckle or after putting it on.
While not explicitly stated in the patent, Apple has allegedly added haptic feedback to the seat belt. This feature can increase user safety by providing feedback confirmation when wearing the seat belt.
This isn’t Apple’s first patent in the automotive industry. For example, the patent application titled “Guidance Of Autonomous Vehicles In Destination Vicinities Using Intent Signals” explains how to control Apple’s autonomous vehicle on certain roads. The patent application is based on the user guiding the autonomous vehicle on rough roads via a mobile device.
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