According to iphoneincanada.com, a new Apple patent named Working with 3D objects has been published by the US patent and Trademark office (USPTO). The patent explains a graphical interface which allows users to manipulate and develop 3 D objects on electronic devices such as tablets and smart phones. Multiple sources have reported that the interface is likely to be a CAD application that will run on a computing device with touch sensitive surface technology, the website further added. There are rumors the process is going to be controlled by special features which will be placed right above the touch screen surface. The device will have the ability to detection fingers location using advanced proximity and capacitive touch sensors.
“Apple’s filing details that the process can be controlled by special gestures made above a touchscreen’s surface, referring to a device that can detect the location of fingers with a “combination of capacitive touch sensors and proximity sensors embedded in the display”. The patent also details creation of 3D objects “extruded” from 2D images. For instance, to extrude a triangular prism out of a triangle, a user can touch the two-dimensional object in three places and “pull” or “lift” up, away from the screen’s surface”, said iphoneincanada.com
“In order to generate the 3D renderings, a user can manipulate a 2D object with conventional touchscreen gestures, such as pinching. Instead of continuing with established iOS gestures, the invention deviates by introducing a third axis of control. To indicate the end of a 3D gesture input, or deselection of an object, the application can be programmed to detect any number of 3D gestures, such as a user spreading their fingers or quickly moving them away from the screen. An object can be reselected by touching and holding on the screen for a certain amount of time” it further explained.
The touch sensor and the proximity sensor will be embedded in the display, iphoneincanada.com claimed on their website. It will also be possible to create 3D objects from 2 D images with the help of approved patent design.
The patent design also includes an interesting feature which lets the user convert 3D objects into objects made of clay or some other similar material. To make the 3D experience more exciting, the patent allows usage of stereoscopic glasses. Todd Benjamin and Nicholas King are the inventors of the patent that was filled back in 2012.
Source: iPhone in Canada