MEX Notes: Apple seeks patents for 3D and 'physics metaphor' gesture controls

Apple seeks patents for 3D and 'physics metaphor' gesture controls – One of the insights resulting from MEX Pathway #4 (initiated in July 2010 and entitled 'Identify ways 3D input and output enrich the user experience) has been that the experience of 3D displays is greatly enhanced when married with 3D input mechanisms. Indeed, in our user testing we have discovered most customers find navigating the first glassless 3D displays to be difficult and straining for the eye, primarily because there is a sense of disconnect between controlling 3D visuals with a 2D input layer. While it is becoming increasingly difficult to separate patents filed as a 'future insurance policy' from those actively being developed into commercial products, the appearance of this patent at the USPTO suggests Apple is aware any 3D display on a future iPhone will need to be linked with 3D gesture recognition.

MEX