Apple Files Holographic 3D Display System Patent

Apple has filed for Holographic 3-D Display patent. The present invention relates generally to visual display systems, and more particularly to a three-dimensional display system.

According to Apple, the two-dimensional projections of 3D scenes (”3D computer graphics”), are insufficient for inspection, navigation, and comprehension of some types of multivariate data, because high quality images appear unrealistic and flat without 3D rendering technology.

The illusion of three dimensions on a two dimensional surface can be created by providing each eye with different visual information.

Exaples include shuttered or passively polarized eyewear. The classic 3D glasses (one red lens and one blue lens) create the illusion of three dimensions when viewing specially prepared images.

Another kind of 3D glasses uses polarized filters, with one lens polarized vertically and the other horizontally, with the two images required for stereo vision polarized the same way. The polarized 3D specs allow for color 3D, while the red-blue lenses produce a dull black-and-white picture with red and blue fringes.

One kind of electronic 3D spectacles uses electronic shutters, while virtual reality glasses and helmets have separate video screens for each eye.

Apple contends that traditional use of 3D eyewear, including helmets, special glasses, or other devices that present the 3D world, is impractical and unworkable because people don’t like to wear them.

Thefore, Apple feels there is a need for an unobtrusive 3D viewing device to enable viewing and manipulation of 3D objects in 3D space without the need for special 3D gear. The patent application describes a projection display system that renders images in 3D and yet allows viewers freedom of movement without any eyewear or headgear.

Modern three-dimensional (”3D”) display technologies are popular in computer graphics, medical diagnostics, air traffic control, flight simulation, battlefield simulation, entertainment, weather diagnostics, advertising, animation, education, virtual reality, biomechanical studies, scientific visualization, and robotics.

Related Documents: United States Patent Application 20080091549.