Apple patent points to augmented reality shooter concept

A patent filed by Apple in April of 2009, recently published by the USPTO, reveals what appears to be a concept for an augmented reality game. Specifically, the document seeks to patent a method for two "interactive game devices" to share locational data and track each other in a "real world, interactive game environment." Using the "interactive game device" -- which looks a lot like an iPhone in the diagrams -- each player's real-world actions would be tracked and their positions would be relayed via an icon on the screen.

One of the included diagrams illustrates an AR shooter game as an example, and the patent text even mentions the possibility of a "gun" attachment. It's important to note that what Apple is attempting to patent is the method for creating such a game -- devices communicating and displaying their positions -- not the game concept itself. Assuming such a game were created, it certainly looks interesting. Think of it as Laser Tag for a new generation. Oh, wait.

http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/06/ap...ooter-concept/