We’re getting to the point where 3D is about as likely as Dippin’ Dots to be the future. And for all of its clumsy, forced iterations, there’s maybe nowhere that third dimension has been less successful than in phones. This recently discovered Apple patent indicates that Cupertino’s either going to cure all our 3D headaches with a better system, or taint one of our favourite gadgets with its crushing pointlessness.
The patent, unearthed by Patently Apple, applies to both still and video shots and would hypothetically vastly improve on the 3D imaging used by smartphones today. Apple’s solution involves using microlenses to better handle polarised light, and multiple sensors for better depth perception:
In one embodiment, the first imaging device may be a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor. The LIDAR sensor may emit laser pulses that are reflected off of the surfaces of objects in the image and detect the reflected signal. The LIDAR sensor may then calculate the distance of an object from the sensor by measuring the time delay between transmission of a laser pulse and the detection of the reflected signal. Other embodiments may utilise other types of depth-detection techniques, such as infrared reflection, RADAR, laser detection and ranging, and the like.
It’s a comprehensive patent that runs through several means to the 3D end and more than a few applications (such as facial recognition).
But more importantly, it doesn’t mean that the iPhone 3D is anywhere in our immediate — or distant — future. Patents are often filed defensively, in case a company at some point might want to explore a technology. And more and more frequently, they’re used offensively, to beat down competitors with similar specs. This is one case in which I hope it’s the latter: A sword to beat down an army of terrible 3D handsets, rather than a shield to protect them. [Patently Apple]