IT and Society: Apple patents glasses-free 3D projection system

Apple has received a patent for glasses-free 3D display system.

One of the main drawbacks of most modern 3D devices is the necessity to wear special glasses. Many analysts call it the major deterrent factor of 3D TV expansion. Apple came up with a solution of this problem.

The patent issued on November 30 2010 features the description of the Three-dimensional display system. The document outlines how the technology will locate and track a viewer’s eyes and will then render images on a textured screen that correspond to the eyes’ position. The 3D image is formed from the merging of two images drawn from the difference in perspective of the viewer’s two eyes.

Apple believes that the new technology will not only enable viewing the 3D imagery without any special eyewear, but will also give a chance to freely move about the room watching stereoscopic images.