Apple's Working on Interactive 3D (Without Goofy Glasses)

[Paul Daniel Ash]

According to a new patent application, Apple is working on 3D without glasses, AppleInsider revealed today. The application, describing a projection screen that uses something called an "angularly responsive reflective surface", would allow users to see and manipulate 3D objects in normal light, without headgear.

The application talks about one of the stumbling blocks to broader acceptance of 3D being - essentially - that the specialized goggles make you look dumb, noting that "observers generally do not like to wear equipment over their eyes." The invention for which Apple is seeking a patent enables a "virtual 3D desktop" that will allow you to "manipulate objects within the desktop by reaching into the virtual display." The system that will accomplish this uses proximity sensors to determine where "one or more" users are, and customizes the display so that different images are beamed to each user's right and left eye, thereby creating the illusion of depth. Proximity sensors would also detect what each user is "grasping' or "pushing" and changes the display dynamically to match.

The complex system would need a number of different components to work, including a projector with analog mirrors and a "polygon scanner," a 3D imager, a projection screen with a highly flexible, mobile responsive surface, and a computer powerful enough to do the rendering. In addition, an advanced camera system would make sure that the images lined up just right in each of the user's eyes.

With the blockbuster film Avatar, 3D imaging is finally beginning to go mainstream, and as Engadget noted today, it's hard to find "any PC makers not working on 3D-enabled desktops and laptops at this point." What Apple is talking about with this invention, though, is taking that to the next level with 3D interactivity. We're still years away from this one, but Apple's already staked their claim.

[Messington]

So basically apple is going to sue iron man for copy right infringements.

[Bluprint]

If glasses suck then why not make contacts..

[extremzocker]

this sounds amazing but will probably be super expensive

If glasses suck then why not make contacts..

because the technology isnt that small and you still have to put them in.

[Zeal]

Steve Jobs watches Iron man.
Gets a wonderful idea!
Patents yet another thing that we probably wont ever see.
???
Ends up on Engadget and MMi
???
???
Profit.

[Markanthony3211]

This is why I love Apple, there 'Innovators' not 'Immitators'.
Everyone else is 'Immitators' of Apple, and then they get upset when they wonder why there sales aren't matching the original source (Apple). This is why Patents are so important.

By the way i have a Patent on that quote "Innovators not Immitators" if someone even thinks about using it, I will HTC You!


'Follow Me on Twitter@ Markanthony3211'

Be sure to let me know that your from MMI ^_^

[chris102192]

This is why I love Apple, there 'Innovators' not 'Immitators'.
Everyone else is 'Immitators' of Apple, and then they get upset when they wonder why there sales aren't matching the original source (Apple). This is why Patents are so important.

By the way i have a Patent on that quote "Innovators not Immitators" if someone even thinks about using it, I will HTC You!

I made it better.....
Apple intimidates others with their new innovations rather than imitate crappy work.

[pyroemaniac]

i don't really see how they're being innovative on this one
This has been on movies since star wars and the way i see it they're just taking that old idea and making sure no one else can


Just my opinion

[sziklassy]

If Apple succeeds in doing this they will probably instantly become the big cheese in all entertainment. I would bet the single greatest reason why 3G TVs won't do as well as companies hope is because of the glasses. I don't know about you, but having to put on special glasses to watch TV would be a giant PITA. Hopefully they license the tech (assuming they patent/create it) out to other companies because buying a 60" Apple branded TV (equivalent) would have a price tag I don't even want to think about.

i don't really see how they're being innovative on this one
This has been on movies since star wars and the way i see it they're just taking that old idea and making sure no one else can


Just my opinion

Lightsabers are also in star wars. If someone gets close to being able to make the real thing, I am sure that will be patented as well.

[Success.Is.Sweet]

So basically apple is going to sue iron man for copy right infringements.

Then Nintendo. [ame=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_3DS]Nintendo 3DS - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]

By the way i have a Patent on that quote "Innovators not Immitators" if someone even thinks about using it, I will HTC You!

My Morning Jacket will probably sue over that one since it's one of their lyrics in the song "Wordless Chorus".

[bagek]

i dont want to have to move more than usual to use a computer, this is why I never played the Wii, i prefer my gaming while sitting, fart

[scooby4]

Thats so kool....but considerin all u need to use it...it will b so expensive

[MetallicaFan1991]

Isn't someone else like LG or Samsung working on TV without the use of glasses??
Sony is the only way forward in 3D technology. Apple is trying to take over the whole electronic industry

[donkeykongking]

i just creamed,.... alot

[whereswaldo]

i've always thought that was the best part of star wars, i guess someone else finally noticed it

[eZStaR]

If Apple pulls this off, just watch google, HTC, microsoft etc EVERYONE copy it in 5 months. Then the news spreads all over MMi and engadget and people get in debutes who copied who. More lawsuits.

This already happened with the iPhone, then every one is like "Ohh HTC didn't copy iPhone, Android is the best blah blah blah."

I am just waiting, if they do this, some idiotic company such as HTC ripp it off completely and say its theirs and people will actually believe them.


EDIT: For those who are relating this to Iron man, you are dumb. Im sure you know that Iron man is a "movie."

[sucram6791]

if it works like the pic in the op im in!

[oogotbagsoo]

So basically apple is going to sue iron man for copy right infringements.

I lol'd HARD!

lmao

[Markanthony3211]

I made it better.....
Apple intimidates others with their new innovations rather than imitate crappy work.

You should put a Patent on your quote or Google will use it on their Android commercials lol.

[Unger]

I have seen this technology. At CES. Panasonic had one going... It was definitely sick! The rep there told me 2-3 year rollout... That was in January. This one is way down the road...