In November, the UPSTO Commissioner for Patents told the EE Times that his office was still falling behind and the backlog was growing. That understatement was clearly evidenced today when the UPSTO published between 65-70 Apple patents in a single day. While there were several technological themes that emerged within this allotment, such as back-up and programming, the number one theme of the day dealt with a new multi-dimensional GUI from Apple. "As the capabilities of processing devices progress" the patent reads, "so do the demands on the graphical user interface to convey information to the users in an intuitive manner." Apple defines multi-dimensional as an interface capable of displaying 2.5D or 3D imagery. Apple introduces us to the Newtonian physics model that could be utilized in this new GUI and presents us with several patent figures that illustrate coming features and/or effects. One of these cool effects includes the ability to wrap open windows around multiple surfaces. There are approximately 12 patents relating to this proposed GUI and this report simply presents you with a few highlights.
On April 17, 2008, the US Patent & Trademark Office published Apple's patent application titled "Enhancing Online Shopping Atmosphere." Apple's patent generally relates to improving the experiences that online-shoppers may have at an online Apple Store, sometime in the future. While Apple points to the obvious advantages of shopping online, such as being continuously open for business 24/7, allowing consumers to quickly use search functions to find multiple items and of course the best of all, never having to leave the house to shop. However, Apple acknowledges that they have a long way to go before delivering a more interactive experience that could match that found in the real world. Apple's patent points out that "one drawback of online shopping is that the experience can feel sterile and isolating. Customers in such an environment may be less likely to have positive feelings about the online shopping experience, may be less inclined to engage in the online equivalent of window shopping (e.g., will not linger in front of a display), and may ultimately spend less money than their counterparts who shop in physical stores."
On March 20, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a new patent application of Apple's that reveals they're working on a next generation 3D Holographic-like display system. In one application, Apple's display system would automatically authenticate a user, greet them and provide a customized desktop for just that user. Something along the lines of how new computer car systems will adjust the seat and controls for a particular driver.The Holographic-like displays are based on a projection system and in many cases the impression given is that these systems would apply to applications as diverse as video conferencing, scientific modeling, entertainment and perhaps even forensics. Think of the TV show "Bones" and their use of a device called holographic "angelator."One of the unique aspects of this invention is that users won't be hassled with 3D glasses or headgear of any kind.
