[By Neil Hughes, AppleInsider.com]

Apple has toyed with the idea of adding two or more rear-facing cameras and sensors to a device like an iPhone, allowing pictures to be taken and displayed in 3D.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this week revealed a patent application from Apple related to 3D picture taking, entitled “Systems and Methods for an Imaging System Using Multiple Image Sensors.” First discovered by AppleInsider, the filing describes a system that would capture, process and render 3D images with the accompanying dual-camera hardware.

The application refers to Apple’s approach as a “paradigm shift from the known software-based approaches.” It notes that current software must “guess” at how to perform stereo disparity compensation for 3D images.

Those guesses, Apple said, can result in images with artifacts in a composed 3D image that would result in a poor quality photo. Apple’s method would instead employ a hardware-based approach with a “deterministic calculation for stereo disparity compensation.”

Apple would create hardware with multiple imaging systems, employing separate luma, chroma and depth/distance sensors to capture images that can be turned into a single, three-dimensional picture.

In addition to still images, Apple’s system would also be able to record video in 3D. Setup and calibration of such a system would be a simple one-time event, the application claims.

3D picture taking capabilities for the average consumer just arrived in the U.S. this week, with the launch of the new Nintendo 3DShandheld gaming console. Nintendo’s portable device features two rear cameras for capturing still pictures and playing augmented reality games in 3D.

On Nintendo’s gaming system, the 3D content is shown on a glasses-free 3D display. Of course, if Apple were to offer 3D picture taking capabilities on a future device, it too would need to feature 3D display capabilities.

The patent application revealed this week is not the first time Apple has shown interest in 3D imaging. In 2009, the company explored 3D display capabilities with head tracking technology, while in 2008 it was revealed to be researching auto-stereoscopic 3D display hardware. The Cupertino, Calif., company has also shown interest in a 3D interface for Mac OS X.

The patent application revealed this week by the USPTO is credited to Brett Bilbrey and Guy Cote. It was first filed in September of 2009.

See the original post here:  http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/03/31/apple_exploring_multi_camera_systems_for_3d_picture_taking.html

[Press Release]

Sony has selected Arqiva as their technology partner for the live global 3D distribution of the 2011 Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships to worldwide cinemas. This will be the first time this famous tournament has been transmitted live to cinemas or seen in stunning high-definition 3D, and so it represents an innovative and unique viewing opportunity for tennis enthusiasts all around the world. Four key matches will be transmitted – the men’s semi-finals, the women’s final and the men’s final.

Working closely with Sony and their theatrical distribution partners Supervision Media, Arqiva will provide the complete global transmission chain via Arqiva’s Digital Cinema Satellite Distribution System including SNG, teleport services and satellite capacity. Arqiva’s Digital Cinema platform on IS-905 will electronically distribute Sony’s feed to European cinemas with multiple international satellites used to reach 3D capable cinemas around the globe.

George Eyles, Head of Digital Cinema at Arqiva Broadcast & Media, said: “We have an excellent working relationship with both Sony and Supervision and are delighted that they have asked us to distribute this famous sporting event in such an innovative and high-tech medium. We will provide considerable input into the many technical aspects of the transmissions, drawing on our previous experience of delivering 3D cinema events including the 2010 Rugby Six Nations, 2010 Football World Cup and the world’s first live 3D Opera. Our digital cinema platform on IS-905 is well established for European HD and 3D cinema distribution while our integrated international network delivers the necessary global reach for a truly international sporting event.”

David McIntosh, Director of Digital Cinema for Sony Europe, added: “Arqiva’s international infrastructure offers us the flexibility and reliability we need to bring this prestigious sporting event to appreciative audiences all around the world. They have proven expertise of successfully delivering major sporting events in 3D so we will be drawing extensively on their experience and knowledge to ensure that cinemas around the world can show the matches in the highest possible quality and with maximum confidence.  Sony’s 3D broadcast experience, combined with Arqiva’s track record  in 3D distribution and Sony Digital Cinema 4K projection of ‘easy on the eye’ superior 3D, will ensure we bring the best 3D experience to fans in cinemas.”

Daniel Webber, Managing Director, SuperVision Media, commented: “Having worked with Arqiva on previous international events we are delighted that they will be providing the distribution elements of these important transmissions. With a huge anticipated take-up by cinemas spread right across the world, it’s vital to have a technology partner who understands and can professionally handle all the regional variations in equipment and standards – Arqiva is that company.”

See the original press release here:  http://www.allvoices.com/s/event-8644557/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5wcm5ld3N3aXJlLmNvbS9uZXdzLXJlbGVhc2VzL2FycWl2YS1wYXJ0bmVycy13aXRoLXNvbnktdG8tZGVsaXZlci0zZC13aW1ibGVkb24tdGVubmlzLXRvLXdvcmxkd2lkZS1jaW5lbWFzLTExOTAxNjM5NC5odG1s