Another Apple/PrimeSense 3D Scanner related patent has come to light today. A number of patent filings and granted patents have surfaced on this very complex technology in recent months that could be reviewed here: One, Two, Three, Four and Five. Today's high-end 3D optical scanning mapping system describes depth engines that generate 3D mapping data. This particular patent is not warm and fuzzy patent talking about applications but rather a patent steep in technical details that only engineers could love. If you're daring, then you check it out here.

Apple's patent FIG. 17 is a schematic bottom view of a micromirror assembly with a capacitive sensor which is considered to be a roof-shaped sensor.

A 3D scanning system could apply to a future 3D camera system for Apple's iDevices and far beyond into the area of computer vision that could be used in a vehicle Heads-Up Display system.

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