Gizmodo
Here's an unexpected patent from Apple: a system for projecting 3D images. Sure, we've seen 3D panels from Sharp and 3D projectors that require glasses, but this is a projector setup that requires no glasses. And this makes sense for Apple why?
Really, it makes zero sense for any consumer products. Apple doesn't sell projectors, let alone projectors like this that require three objects placed precisely around a room. If they're really planning on some big crazy 3D computer display, they're looking very far ahead with this one. You aren't getting a Mac Pro 3D anytime soon. Sorry.
Perhaps it could be for some really fancy 3D display in stores? You know, letting you fiddle around with some crazy 3D interface? That would certainly help bring people in (like they needed help anyways).
Or, as I like to imagine, it's for the next generation of Stevenotes. Eventually, Jobs will kick the bucket like all other mere mortals. Rather than hire a successor before his death, instead keynotes will be performed by a holographic version of Jobs. Every Apple product for the next 50 years can be introduced on stage by a sprightly, turtlenecked image of Steve, expertly controlled backstage by his minions.
Or, you know, they're just patent squatting. You be the judge. [MacNN]
Comments
WOO 3D projectors!!!! by apple!!!
Why? Why NOT? Whatever they have up their sleeves, I look forward to seeing it in action!
@aseriesoftubes:
Word. 3D projectors, holograms as it were, have got to be one of the most anticipated up and coming technologies.
Amazing what science fiction films do for the progression of tech, eh? People would build light sabers, if they could only figure out how.
@Adam
Dude, didn't you see "Paycheck"? I know, Ben Affleck is painful, but what self-respecting big technology company doesn't mine every film-adapted Philip K Dick story for next generation GUIs?
How infeasible was it for Apple to make a little device that just plays music 7 years ago? You know, back when they just made overpriced computers.
iProjector
It fits in your pocket and holds 1000 slides.
I love Apple, not only for the products that they bring to market but the products that they force others to produce.
If someone in your company has an idea, for ANYTHING, you patent it. You can always license it later.
Looks like they are trying to solve one of the bigger problem for 3D viewing. The problem is to show the scene from "your" perspective. The 3D tracker locates you in the room and show a 3D scene from your viewpoint. It is only good for one viewer at a time but the result is much more realistic because your motion will change the view as if you are walking around a scene.
It's gonna be the MacBook Pro-jecter. Get it? AHhahahaha I haz jokes.
@t3knomanser:
That's not a bad idea. I'm therefore going to patent it, but would be happy to license it back to you under favorable terms if you ever want to use it again.
Why, that's just vague enough to work!
Looks like the left and right sub images will be projected onto the same screen. Wouldn't this still require the viewers to wear special glasses? If so, wouldn't the only thing new, if ever, be this "3D IMAGER" (aka camera) that allows the viewer to interact with the system?
Wow, that's got to be real brilliant and revolutionary, yeah right.
It's missing the flux capacitor in those diagrams somewhere.
Someone please help me out in this - I don't get how the hell patents work anymore. All of them seem so vague, yet we are constantly hearing about someone suing apple for infringement. Does this patent seriously hold up? If Apple were granted this patent, and someone else happened to also have a patent for a 3D projector, what do they argue over? The use of 'stick men' in their patents!?
@bmoctta: You see, one day, somebody says "Hey! I have an idea." Except it's not an idea really, more along the lines of A) a piece of shit, B) a variation of somebody else's piece of shit, or C) something so vague that you can apply it to anything a.k.a. sue the shirts off of somebody who might come up with an actually good use for it later, that happens to be other than you.
Then this idea gets sent off to the U.S. patents office, where some guys do some research and make sure your piece of shit doesnt match other pieces of shit, and put a big stamp on it saying that it's yours, and you now have the right to monetarily bitch slap anybody who tries to take it from you.
Sill Giz and your foolish mortal ways...The Steve will never die.
@Vagabum: We all know that the next piece to iLife coming is going to be iLive- a human mind-mapping and backup program.
@ subyfan
Apple details how to implement a 3-dimensional stereoscopic display. While 3d images have been around for years, Apple points out that computational power has advanced to the point where these true 3d images can be rendered and animated in realtime. Apple specifically explores the implementation of "autostereoscopic" systems that don't require the viewer to be wearing special glasses or goggles.
Apple believes its system addresses issues found in previous implementations of 3d and involves tracking the observer to ensure proper rendering of the 3d image regardless of where their exact position. Their system involves real time modulation of left/right sub images to be projected to the observer's left/right eyes individually. Apple also claims it can accommodate multiple observers to provide "a unique and personal 3D visual experience to each individual observer, with each visual experience (i.e., projected image) selectively being similar or different from the others, as desired." - MacRumors.com
[www.appleinsider.com]
@nine9nin:
That'd be very cool indeed, if Apple get it to work. Thanks for digging this up.
The link you provided has diagrams that shows how the left and right beam can be reflected to left/right eyes by using a screen surface of "programmable deflection angle". It even seems to imply that the reflection from each projection screen pixel can be controlled in a way that only goes to one of the eyes. Maybe like a huge DLP the size of a screen. At least that's how I understand.
This system for tracker the viewer and displaying the scene from the viewer's perspective. This will provide a much more realistic 3D/Stereo view. The only problem is it only works for one viewer.
I think this has to do with the "landmark event". My guess is Apple's breaking up into divisions. One focusing on the computer part (iMac, MacBook, etc.), the other focusing on consumer electronics (iPod, iPhone, "iProject"?) Just my 2 cents worth.
The first thing I see is virtual conferencing within Apple. Nothing like not really being there to get the point across.
@kOtic: I think your dead on correct. It makes sense from a business persepective
Its Obviously for the keynote. It's going to bring "Boom" to a whole new level.
FInally, a Holodeck. YES!
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