US Patent & Trademark Office has recently published a new patent application of Apple's that reveals they're working on a next generation 3D Holographic-like display system.

In one application, Apple's display system would automatically authenticate a user, greet them and provide a customized desktop for just that user. Something along the lines of how new computer car systems will adjust the seat and controls for a particular driver.  

The Holographic-like displays are based on a projection system and in many cases the impression given is that these systems would apply to applications as diverse as video conferencing, scientific modelling, entertainment and perhaps even forensics.

Think of the (US) TV show ‘Bones’ and their use of a device called holographic ‘angelator.’  One of the unique aspects of this invention is that users won't be hassled with 3D glasses or headgear of any kind.

Modern three-dimensional (3D) display technologies are useful in many area across  gaming, medical diagnostics, flight simulation, air traffic control, battlefield simulation, weather diagnostics, entertainment, advertising, education, animation, virtual reality, robotics, biomechanical studies, scientific visualization, and so forth. 

At the high end of the computational power spectrum, the same technological advances that permit intricate object databases to be interactively manipulated and animated now permit large amounts of image data to be rendered for high quality 3D displays.

Think of the benefits for collaborative multidiscipline design/engineering, sales pitches, retail sales displays, et al? 

And when this tech is integrated in devices such as the iPAD and iPhone - well - good bye 3D TV!