interment saran: Apple files patent for interactive 3D interface, keeps rumor mills turning

Monday, February 13, 2012

Apple files patent for interactive 3D interface, keeps rumor mills turning

Murmurs of an iPad 3 on the horizon not doing it for you? How about a new pseudo-3D interface? A patent filing has whet our appetites with the possibility (that's what it is; a possibility) of a future Apple device capable of gauging depth and displaying a 3D environment based on the user's eye movement. On-screen content would adjust to your eye movement, expanding items where ever your eyesight falls. It would also create a "virtual 3D operating system environment," where the user would feel like the UI projects beyond the two-dimensional screen. The patent includes details on 'realistic' drop shadows for icons and other OS furniture based on the degree and angle of ambient light. The filing, from April 2010, says that the technology would use an accelerometer, GPS and 'gyrometer' to reference the placement of the device and report on its movements. Sound interesting? Those in need of more foggy details and line drawings can hit up the full patent request at the source below.

Apple files patent for interactive 3D interface, keeps rumor mills turning originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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