Apple has recently filed and published two patents related to tracking the body's movements and functions through their existing products. These patents, filed in 2021 and 2022, propose various ideas for detecting and monitoring a user's posture, movements, and head position relative to their body. One patent suggests using a "headset" in combination with other devices to track posture, while the other describes how existing wearables like smartwatches and ear devices can detect all body movements using inertial sensors and point-of-view video data.
The patents suggest that these sensors could be used to detect a user's posture, whether they're sitting or standing, and even alert them to obstacles when they're in a car. The head position monitoring technology could also feed into Apple's Spatial Audio applications, enhancing sound positioning. The patents even propose that the device could automatically switch modes when a user transitions from sitting to walking.
The second patent proposes using inertial sensors and point-of-view video data to create a full-body 2D skeletal model, which could enable detailed tracking of a user's movements. This technology could be integrated into existing wearables like Apple Watches and AirPods, making it possible to monitor a user's every move.