Apple Patents "3D Remote Control System" with Potential for Virtual Reality
Apple has patented a "3D remote control system," according to a filing released today. The device is meant to let users direct movement and images on a screen, including a zoom feature letting the user move in and out of images or portions of images. A device like that could come in handy if Apple ever acts on its patent for what sounds a lot like a shopping virtual world released last month. That seems especially plausible when you consider that applications for the remote could include handhelds, like the iPhone, or smaller "miniature electronic devices" like "watches, rings, necklaces, belts, accessories for belts, headsets, accessories for shoes, virtual reality devices, other wearable electronics, accessories for sporting equipment, accessories for fitness equipment, key chains, or combinations thereof."
A lot of people have looked at the iPhone as a potential tool for augmented reality, much like the work Alcatel-Lucent has done on a Micro PC. It looks like Apple may be thinking of the iPhone or iPod as an
interface for an entirely different system.
It does look like a strong nod towards 3D virtual worlds or video games, though. Beyond the application mentioned above, when describing the included figures (right), Apple says that "The absolute x- and y-positions of remote control 16 can be used, for example, in video games to position a user's character or to otherwise track the movement of the remote control in a user's environment. "
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