Foreign media reported that Apple recently announced two patents for its 3D user interface. They can interact with Mac or iOS devices through 3D motion and space technology. Patent No. 9,417,706 patents can observe the user's hand movements through a camera, thereby allowing the user interface to transition from one state to another. Patent No. 9,417,763, however, solves the problem of location of mobile devices in space. It can use all the sensors to measure the relative motion and determine the purpose of the reference system, such as the user's face.
Apple's new patent schematic
The No. 9,417,706 patent only requires the camera to be connected with the computing device. Although the patent document shows a combination of a desktop and a camera, this does not mean that the technology is limited to desktops.
According to the patent document, analogy, the "push" or "wipe" action can start the detection system in the operating system, which allows the device to start watching the user's next gesture. In addition, users can control objects in a computer screen in a 3D environment.
In response to this patent, the document specifically mentions unlocking gestures - a bit like iOS's "Slide Unlocking" but the difference is that it does not require contact with the screen.
Patent No. 9,417,763 has an augmented reality significance. The patent can detect lateral movement, flipping up and down, and flipping information right and left on the user's face. Devices equipped with this technology will not only track the relative distance between the device and the user but also detect the user's eye position.
One of the most useful applications for this patent is the driving function of high-performance GPU programs, that is, when the user is not looking for the device or turn off the battery while not looking at the device screen.
It is reported that No. 9,417,706 was applied for in May 2014 and approved in May of the following year; No. 9,417,763 was applied for in December 2014 and approved in April of the following year. Both patents were announced on Tuesday local time.
Previously, there was news that Cooke told the media that Apple is engaged in multiple augmented reality projects, so it is not surprising to apply for so many patents, but what we are most interested in is what Apple's augmented reality device is.