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Apple, Inc. recently submitted a patent request for, “a three-dimensional imaging and display system,” where “User input is optically detected in an imaging volume by measuring the path length of an amplitude modulated scanning beam as a function of the phase shift thereof.
Visual image user feedback concerning the detected user input is presented.” Basically, Kinect has some new competition.
The patent describes the design to be a device that sits on a desk, uses infrared lasers, high-speed photo detector and a projector beam “to project images onto the display area  of various virtual objects that are characterized as being virtually located within the imaging volume. These virtual objects may include, for example, knobs, sliders, buttons, and so forth.”
Users would be able to grasp virtual knobs, flip virtual switches, press virtual buttons and otherwise use the empty space in front of them to interact with their computer. The final design may even include sound, “For example, turning one of the knob images may be accompanied by a clicking sound corresponding to certain arcs of rotation of the knob.”
Apple’s future 3D imaging device would include an auxiliary display device for other electronic devices, such as an iPod or iPad, to allow them to have 3D imaging capabilities as well. Imagine being able to use your iPad as a 3D viewer wherein you are able to place your hand on a virtual dial from the comfort of your couch and turn up or down the volume of your Airplay-enabled stereo. Living room gaming would never be the same again.
via : Padgadget