Apple has just been granted a patent that may push interface innovation to the next level, and more importantly ahead of its competition. The patent was applied back in 2010 and just approved this week.

It details a dynamic that would a user of a tablet to generate 3D objects from 2D objects using finger gestures. Specifically, the patent describes an aspect of the interface mechanism in the following way:
"Detecting the 3D gesture input can include measuring a distance between the finger or the pointing device and a surface of the display. The 3D object can be modified according to the 3D gesture input, and the updated 3D object can be shown on the touch-sensitive display."
You can check out the illustration above, and it shows an interface control we've seen in devices like Leap Motion. It seems that it would allow the user to manipulate the 3D object via direct touch on the tablet's display as well. You can read the full patent details here.
 
For now, all eyes are focused on their September event.

[PatentlyApple ]