Apple exploring 3D with multiple cameras

By on Mar 31, 2011 at 10:51 PM
3D March 31, 2011

Apple may soon include 3D tech in its devices, according to a recent patent filing. Apple has reportedly filed for a patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this week titled “Systems and Methods for an Imaging System Using Multiple Image Sensors.” The document details Apple’s plans to use two-cameras to capture and record 3D images and video. This is a feature we’ve seen on other devices, such as the HTC EVO 3D on Sprint, which sports two 5 megapixel cameras that are capable of recording 1080p HD video or 720p 3D video — no special glasses required. Apple plans to build on the techniques already in use, which involves software that has to “guess” the stereo disparity compensation required for 3D images and videos. The Cupertino based company plans to use a hardware approach with separate sensors that would produce a more accurate 3D image, AppleInsider said. We heard rumors earlier this year that Apple had plans for a 3D iPod touch, and this patent filing certainly solidifies Apple’s interest in 3D.

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  • DaHarder

    … but will it be regular old lame 3D or will it be ‘magical’?

    • Anonymous

      Apple patents third dimension.

  • http://twitter.com/dchang3 Daniel Chang

    ok… what is this patent?!?

    I don’t see how Apple could have “invented” this.

    • http://twitter.com/Alex_YC Alex Chernogaev

      Apple invented everything. Even things LG and HTC already do.

    • Anonymous

      it’s not a patent, its a patent application

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

    ” Apple plans to build on the techniques already in use”
    That doesn’t sound like apple at all. They created the GUI, mp3 player, tablet, smartphone, and now they are creating a third dimension….. magical!

    • Anonymous

      they created the smartphone? o.O

      • Anonymous

        Its sarcasm. Apple was not the first to invent any of those devices.

    • http://infotainmentempire.blogspot.com Rob

      Goddamn it, the GUI is not the issue here! You are out of your element.

      Mark that frame an 8 and you’re entering a world of pain.

      • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

        Awesome, dude, just awesome!

  • Anonymous

    Can they really patent that if it’s already used by a lot of different manufacturers?

    • DaHarder

      … or course not, but that’s never stopped them from trying in the past.

  • Anonymous

    one of these days apple is going to try to patent a real apple and no one will be able to buy apples at the store anymore unless u pay the apple tax plus $1,200 making the total cost $100,00 for one apple.

    It’s sad apple claims to be innovative yet they are ripping off other phone companies that beat them to the punch and now are tryin to patent this tech. They’re putting widgets in iOS 5 and will probably try to patent that too and the fanboys and girls will say apple invented widgets like how they claim apple invented the cellphone and the smartphone.

    Apple has truly fallen.

    • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

      They did invent the smartphone!
      Phones before it were touchscreen but not finger friendly, therefore not smart. They had apps but not an appstore, therefore not smart. No one waited in line for them, therefore not smart.

      • Tim242

        Smartphones don’t even have to have touchscreens at all, nor are appls required. You’re an idiot.

      • http://infotainmentempire.blogspot.com Rob

        He was being sarcastic. You and one person who liked your comment apparently missed the memo. Read some of his other posts and you’ll see he’s no Apple fanboy.

      • Tim242

        Ahhh. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell the difference. Though, I can usually.
        Guess I was not awake enough haha

      • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

        Not a fan of sarcasm, are you dude?

      • Tim242

        Smartphones don’t even have to have touchscreens at all, nor are appls required. You’re an idiot.

      • Drew

        Meh… One of the baseline attributes of being a smartphone is multitasking. In 2007 the iPhone did none of that and to a certain extent in 2011, they still don’t. Sorry, not buying it Walt…

      • http://twitter.com/Darkcloud25 Cloud San

        wtf are you talking about windows always had an app store handmark and others so what are you talking about please fanboy stop sucking the tea. and go ahead and keep buy your apple products that are in no way shape or form is innovative. i mean you go to korea and steal and buy tech from some poor guy that created the tech but didnt have to money to make it big. then that little old man gets no rec… or anything also how innovative is apple? the Complany doesnt have anything in their laptops, ipads or ipods that was made by them or in there own factorys. next time you take apart your apple device see if you find anything in that was made by apple. btw the next time you buy anything apple remember your funding korea that plans to blow us off the map. but dont listen to me.

      • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

        Welcome to the site.
        IT WAS SARCASM!
        I don’t think you are gonna like it here.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Omega-Man/100000590156587 Omega Man

    This is too funny!… so apple has turned from the innovator to the complete follower, in little more than a year!

  • Anonymous

    PLEASE make 3D go away. NO ONE CARES!!!

  • http://twitter.com/zc456 Squeaks

    How revolutionary. s

  • http://infotainmentempire.blogspot.com Rob

    “Apple plans to build on the techniques already in use, which involves software that has to “guess” the stereo disparity compensation required for 3D images and videos. The Cupertino based company plans to use a hardware approach with separate sensors that would produce a more accurate 3D image, AppleInsider said. ”

    So the first sentence says Apple plans to build on techniques which involve software, but then the third sentence says Apple plans to use a hardware approach… Am I the only one that thinks the report is contradicting itself??

    Actually kinda surprised to see Apple possibly exploring this, I thought people who didn’t want to sell TVs and phones were going to add 3D as a feature (Samsung, Sony, LG, HTC). But I probably will still buy the EVO 3D since it has much better hardware anyway…

  • Cer

    Now all the fanboys who was saying how much 3D is irrelevant on a smartphone are going to have to change their tunes. See, e.g., Gizmodo.

    • http://twitter.com/Darkcloud25 Cloud San

      lol i wonder what they say omg apple is great its nothing like the 3ds nintendo stole apples idea even tho the 3ds came out first i bet theyll say apples been working with 3d for years but yet nintendo has the rights to 3D more that 17yrs ago but a apple fan boy will denie this. but please fanboys go look at nintendos history and go take alook at virtualBoy and come back at me

  • http://twitter.com/Darkcloud25 Cloud San

    i know im going to be hated or kicked for this but @$#$ apple go read the history of apple and its so called founder. why name a company apple. why use the word I (all Seeing eye) why is the first apple logo a man under a tree with an apple over his head. why jobs had nightmares of demons. why jobs took a photo of him holding an apple computer underneath the forbiden tree, why Steven Woznik a member of the free masons the co founder of apple and why the first apple computer sold at $666.66. call me a fan boy hater or whatever keep buying apple

  • Anonymous

    Our patent system is broken. How can Apple claim “Systems and Methods for an Imaging System Using Multiple Image Sensors.” when they already exist? Perhaps the USPTO doesn’t have access to the internet to do a simple web search?

  • keg

    i want to see the study that says people actually want 3D tv, movies, phones and games.

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