Apple exploring interactive, glasses-free 3D holographic displays

By Neil Hughes

As 3D is pushed as the next big thing in Hollywood films and home theater, Apple has show interest in a three-dimensional interactive experience that would allow multiple users to manipulate holographic 3D objects in space without the need for special glasses or headgear.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this week revealed a new patent application from Apple. Originally filed on Jan. 14 of 2010, the application entitled “Three-Dimensional Display System” describes a projection screen with an “angularly responsive reflective surface.”

The 18-page filing is very similar to another 25-page filing discovered by AppleInsider in 2008. But in addition to advanced 3D technology, Apple’s latest filing describes a new and advanced method of multi-touch input, through manipulation of three-dimensional holograms that can be touched by a user.

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