The technology industry continues to be a hotbed of patent innovation. Activity is driven by the advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence, having an impact on 3D navigation interfaces, as these technologies can be used to improve gesture recognition accuracy or generate more realistic 3D environments through techniques like neural style transfer and growing importance of technologies such as 3D modelling and rendering software, virtual reality (VR) headsets, augmented reality (AR) devices and gesture recognition technology. In the last three years alone, there have been over 1.5 million patents filed and granted in the technology industry, according to GlobalData’s report on Innovation in technology: 3D navigation interfacesBuy the report here.

However, not all innovations are equal and nor do they follow a constant upward trend. Instead, their evolution takes the form of an S-shaped curve that reflects their typical lifecycle from early emergence to accelerating adoption, before finally stabilizing and reaching maturity.

Identifying where a particular innovation is on this journey, especially those that are in the emerging and accelerating stages, is essential for understanding their current level of adoption and the likely future trajectory and impact they will have.

185+ innovations will shape the technology industry

According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which plots the S-curve for the technology industry using innovation intensity models built on over 1.6 million patents, there are 185+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.

Within the emerging innovation stage, non-volatile flash memory, neuromorphic computing, and haptic feedback interfaces are disruptive technologies that are in the early stages of application and should be tracked closely. RAID transmission error detection, projector-camera system, and optimized vector processing are some of the accelerating innovation areas, where adoption has been steadily increasing. Among maturing innovation areas are resistive touch displays and digital watermarking, which are now well established in the industry.

Innovation S-curve for the technology industry

3D navigation interfaces is a key innovation area in technology

3D navigation interfaces refer to interface designs that enable users to interact with a three-dimensional environment using various input methods, such as gestures or voice commands. Such interfaces are widely employed in virtual reality (VR) applications, video games, and other immersive user experiences.

GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 40+ companies, spanning technology vendors, established technology companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of 3D navigation interfaces.

Key players in 3D navigation interfaces – a disruptive innovation in the technology industry

‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.

‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.

Patent volumes related to 3D navigation interfaces

Company Total patents (2010 - 2022) Premium intelligence on the world's largest companies
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance 1 Unlock Company Profile
Microsoft 15 Unlock Company Profile
Toyota Motor 4 Unlock Company Profile
Apple 119 Unlock Company Profile
CoreLogic 1 Unlock Company Profile
Intertrade 4 Unlock Company Profile
Hyundai Motor 9 Unlock Company Profile
Aisin 2 Unlock Company Profile
Pioneer 4 Unlock Company Profile
Alarmcom 11 Unlock Company Profile
Mitsubishi Electric 22 Unlock Company Profile
Panasonic 1 Unlock Company Profile
Sony Group 9 Unlock Company Profile
Tencent 4 Unlock Company Profile
THINKWARE Systems 16 Unlock Company Profile
Honeywell International 4 Unlock Company Profile
Nintendo 5 Unlock Company Profile
Navigon 3 Unlock Company Profile
Kia 5 Unlock Company Profile
Here North America 3 Unlock Company Profile
Hyundai Mnsoft 1 Unlock Company Profile
Mapbox 5 Unlock Company Profile
LaForge Optical 2 Unlock Company Profile
Intellectual Discovery 3 Unlock Company Profile
Thinkware 4 Unlock Company Profile
Navteq 10 Unlock Company Profile

Source: GlobalData Patent Analytics

Apple is the leading patent filer in 3D navigation interfaces. Apple introduced the first ever 3D maps with the release of their release of iOS15 in September 2021. The company’s patents are aimed at an integrated map and navigation program, providing a first operational mode for browsing and searching a map. The program has a second operational mode for providing a navigation presentation that provides a set of navigation directions along a navigated route by reference to the map. The other prominent patent filers in the space include Samsung Group and Zenrin.

In terms of geographic reach, Porsche Automobil leads the pack, followed by Alarm.com and LG. In terms of application diversity, Zenrin holds the top position, followed by Apple and Samsung Group.

The 3D navigation interfaces provide users with an immersive and intuitive experience, particularly in applications such as VR and gaming. By enabling users to interact with a three-dimensional environment using various input methods, 3D navigation interfaces can increase user engagement and retention, improve the visualization and understanding of complex data, and enhance accessibility for users with disabilities.

To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the technology industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Technology.

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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.

GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.