A recently [revealed][1] Apple patent shows that Dashboard may gain a 3D interface in the near future. With the Worldwide Developers conference just over a month away so are already speculating that the interface may find its way into the upcoming Leopard OS.

The patent application seems to describe a system of "virtual" Dashboards, which would operate much like "Spaces" the virtual desktop setup in Leopard.

The rotating cube interface that the Apple design team seems semi-obsessed with is one possible implementation of the virtual Dashboard model.

Other types of organization schemes in the patent include a very Rolodex-looking graphic to flip through multiple dashboards -- i.e. the Window switcher in Vista. As well as a rotating carousel-looking object.

There's no telling which, if any, of these designs will end up in Leopard, but I really hope this isn't one the "additional features" Jobs' is always hinting at -- eye candy is not a feature.

[1]: http://www.macnn.com/blogs/?p=290 "Apple patent reveals Leopard’s Multiple Dashboard feature, more"