Expands on augmented reality concepts

Two Apple patent applications, newly published by the USPTO, could potentially allow for complex 3D interpretations of places iPhone owners have been. One of the documents is titled Generating a Three-Dimensional Model using a Portable Electronic Device Recording, and illustrates how an iPhone's GPS and motion sensors could complement other recording technologies, such as video. "By walking with the device in the user's real environment, a user can virtually navigate representation of a three-dimensional environment," the application says.

The concept is essentially a form of augmented reality, already present in some iPhone apps. Instead of simply combining a live camera feed with location data, however, the technology would allow people to explore or record elaborate 3D representations, for instance in mapping circumstances. One diagram depicts a version of Google Maps' Street View feature.

The second application is called Three Dimensional Navigation Using Deterministic Movement of an Electronic Device, and complements the first. It deals more explicitly with the recording process; "in some embodiments," one section explains, "a user can record an object or environment using an electronic device, and tag the recorded images or video with movement information describing the movement of the device during the recording. The recorded information can then be processed with the movement information to generate a three-dimensional model of the recorded environment or object." A given object example is a car, with a person circling around it to capture all sides.

Each application was originally submitted in January 2009, credited to Richard Tsai, Andrew Just and Brandon Harris.

by MacNN Staff