Apple awarded 3D patent, sure to revolutionize the iPad

Apple positions the iPad and iPhone on the awe factor. Play a little jingle, feature some unique, unforgettable apps on an ultra-thin screen and white background, and just like that, intrigue is sparked for the Apple brand and Apple products. Now, imagine all those elements in the iPad or iPhone with an added element of intrigue: 3D.

Months ago, Toshiba announced the advent of limitless 3D, an LED TV in a new dimension without the need for glasses. Nintendo, months earlier, introduced 3D gaming (Nintendo 3DS) on its portable device and like Toshiba, it too requires no need for glasses. Recognizing an unnecessary flaw, both Toshiba and Nintendo capitalized and will no doubt continue to capitalize on others’ fundamental flaw: the requirement of overly expensive, overly bulky glasses for 3D viewing.

Announced Tuesday, Apple too has a stake in glasses-free 3D with its recently awarded patent. With its unique lineup off products, Apple has several likely applications for the 3D technology that would utilize a reflective, rippled screen that produces a projected image for the eyes to interpret separately. The Apple iPad, iPhone and iPhone could all be recipients of the future technology, and the best part, no glasses would be necessary. 

In the patent, Apple provides several hints of where it believes the 3D technology will be useful.

Growing examples include medical diagnostics, flight simulation, air traffic control, battlefield simulation, weather diagnostics, entertainment, advertising, education, animation, virtual reality, robotics, biomechanical studies, scientific visualization, and so forth.

Apple, in many ways is the ultimate listener of consumers looking for innovative, convenient technology. Where others so often fail, Apple excels. Apple first simplified the interface of the computer, then the mp3 player, then the tablet, and now it is looking to add another dimension, literally, to its devices to make them even more consumer-centric.