Apple gains visual effects, display patents

The US Patent & Trademark Office has officially granted three new patents to Apple, two of which are connected to visual effects. The first, Methods and apparatuses for the automated display of visual effects, describes a means of generating real-time graphics on a data processing system. The patent does not list many specifics, but suggests that game developers may find it saves time. The patent was originally submitted in April of last year.

Computing visible regions for a hierarchical view depicts the operation of graphical user interfaces, and particularly a technique for rendering only what is visible when windows in a GUI overlap each other. Some windows can be translucent in sections, letting users view the rest of the GUI sitting beneath. The patent application is relatively old, having first been filed in 2002.

The non-graphical patent, Method and apparatus for marking content during distribution of the content to a client, is tied to the routine operation of networks. Here content is marked during distribution across a network, so that the client receiving it can be identified. This patent was also submitted in 2002.

Filed under: Apple, gaming, developer, Graphics/Web Design
Other story tags: patents