Apple patents interface for 3D objects creation

Apple is going to obtain a patent for 'Working with 3D objects'. It implies the technology of generating, modifying, and manipulating 3D objects with the help of 3D gesture inputs.

Three-dimensional objects can be modified using 3D gesture inputs. For example, a 3D object shown on a touch-sensitive display can be detected, and a 3D gesture input that includes a movement of a finger or a pointing device in proximity to a surface of the touch-sensitive display can be detected. Detecting the 3D gesture input can include measuring a distance between the finger or the pointing device and a surface of the display. The 3D object can be modified according to the 3D gesture input, and the updated 3D object can be shown on the touch-sensitive display.

The 3D object can be generated based on two types of inputs. The first is a touch or a two-dimensional (2D) gesture input. The second is 3D gesture input which implies detecting a movements in proximity to a surface of the screen.

The patent also explains how the touch sensor and proximity sensor will be used together to identify 3D gestures.

An apparatus for generating or modifying 3D objects can include a sensor to detect touch inputs, 2D gesture inputs that are associated with a surface, and 3D gesture inputs that include a movement perpendicular to the surface. A data processor is provided to receive signals output from the sensor, the signals representing detected 3D gesture inputs and at least one of detected touch inputs or detected 2D gesture inputs. The data processor generates or modifies a 3D object in a user interface according to the detected 3D gesture inputs and at least one of detected touch inputs or detected 2D gesture inputs.

So the patent describes a user-friendly technology that will allow to generate, modify, and manipulate 3D objects and virtual 3D environments.