Apple Patents Futuristic 3D System to Work With Holographic Images

Apple has patented a futuristic 3D system that could let users work with holographic images or manipulate virtual objects, reports Patently Apple. The system described would generate an invisible space in front you that could be used to work with holographic images or project your hands onto a screen to manipulate virtual items.

Apple's inventor Christoph Krah states that the three-dimensional ("3D") imaging apparatuses that are described in the invention are suitable for head tracking (also see), (hand) gesturing, presence detection, auxiliary display functions, and other capabilities and functionalities that could involve combinations including an assortment of the following components: A collimated high-speed infrared ("IR") or visible laser (e.g. such as used for fiber optic communications) A visible 3-color illumination source and driver circuit A high-speed photo detector (e.g., PIN diode based) A digital signal processor ("DSP") Dual axis scanning device (e.g., analog mirror) and driver circuit Analog subsystem Video subsystem.


The patent was filed October 21, 2005 and lists Christoph H. Krah as its inventor.