Apple patents 3D file format for adding and sharing notes on virtual objects
Apple has been granted a patent for a new file structure that allows users to add notes or annotations to 3D models. The system lets creators turn these notes on or off, update them, and share the file with others for collaboration.
In the filing’s own words
Techniques are disclosed for rendering graphical content, e.g., in an extended reality (XR) environment, that provide for a creator (or recipient) of a 3D object markup file, e.g., a user operating an electronic device configured to be aware of the structure and organization of the 3D object markup file's format, to: create a 3D object markup file; reproduce a 3D object for display, along with its corresponding markup information; toggle the markup information on or off for display; and/or make further updates to such markup information with complete reproduction fidelity and accuracy. Techniques herein also provide for the sharing of 3D object markup files (including any persistent markup information) with other users, e.g., asynchronously or in real-time, allowing for collaboration in the process of marking up virtual 3D objects. The 3D object markup file may also be exported, such that the markups are no longer editable or toggleable for display.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A three-dimensional (3D) object graphical markup method, comprising: obtaining, at a first device, a 3D object file in a first file format specifying a 3D object; displaying, at the first device, the 3D object; receiving, from a user of the first device, an indication of a first markup at a first location corresponding to the 3D object; displaying, at the first device, the first markup at the first location corresponding to the 3D object; creating, at the first device, a 3D object markup file, wherein the 3D object markup file comprises a 3D object information portion and a markup information portion; and exporting the 3D object information portion and the markup information portion of the 3D object markup file to a second file format, wherein the 3D object information portion comprises information from the 3D object file specifying the 3D object, and wherein the markup information portion comprises information specifying one or more characteristics of the first markup and the first location.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- Systems and methods for creating, updating, and sharing novel file structures for persistent 3D object model markup information
- Patent number
- US12731331B2
- Application number
- 18694574
- Filed
- Sep 21, 2022
- Granted
- Sep 8, 2026
- Inventors
- 5
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G06T 17/00 Physics & computingG06T 11/23 Physics & computingMore from Apple in AR, VR & displays
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.