Apple's 3D OS X Interface Unveiled
Several Apple patent filings published Apple's new possible multidimensional interface for Mac OS X. The most extensive one, titled "Multidimensional Desktop" was submitted to the U.S Patent and Trademark Office back in June last year. The interface could be the possible one in the future versions of Mac OS X.
The filings depict a 3D version of the familiar 2D Mac OS X desktop, with some examples also removing or modifying Apple’s signature menubar at the top of the screen.
Most of the diagrams have side surfaces that could be capable of housing object receptacles, including a “floor” that would include the Mac OS X Dock and icon stacks positioned in the background. Like the floor surface, object receptacles like the Dock can be placed along the walls at certain “depths,” and not necessarily in front of the 3D icon stacks seated on the floor.
The side walls could be colored. For example, the side surfaces could be black in color, or respective patterns, colors, or images can be rendered on each side surface. Other differentiation schemes including color schemes and image schemes can also be applied.
Additionally, a lighting aspect could be employed to generate an illumination effect from window thumbnails or widgets placed on the side walls, such as a ray of light, or in imitation of local weather conditions.
A tool bar or layers palette can be displayed on the side walls when Photoshop is running.
There’s plenty more to learn, including the use of 3D icons and displaying Windows across one or more surfaces, with the ability to slide windows across the back surface and side walls.
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