Apple patents method to shrink 3D scene data for faster loading
Apple describes a way to compress 3D Gaussian splat data, a technique used to create realistic 3D images from photos. The method reduces the size of the data by simplifying the 2D textures that make up the 3D model. This allows the 3D view to be displayed using less storage and processing power.
In the filing’s own words
Various implementations disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods that compress three-dimensional Gaussian splat (3DGS) data based on a compression scheme. For example, a process may include obtaining 3DGS data representing at least a portion of an element and includes multiple two-dimensional (2D) textures that each represent values for a respective parameter at different 2D positions within the respective 2D texture. The process may further include generating a compressed version of the 3DGS data that represents the at least the portion of the element based on a compression scheme, the compressed version of the 3DGS data including a reduction of the multiple 2D textures of the 3DGS data. The process may further include providing the compressed version of the 3DGS data, where a three-dimensional (3D) view of a representation of the at least the portion of the element is presented based on the compressed version of the 3DGS data.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A method comprising: at a processor of a device: obtaining three-dimensional Gaussian Splat (3DGS) data representing at least a portion of an element, wherein the 3DGS data comprises multiple two-dimensional (2D) textures that each represent values for a respective parameter at different 2D positions within the respective 2D texture such that pixel values of each 2D texture correspond to values of the respective parameter for corresponding portions of the element that is represented; generating a compressed version of the 3DGS data that represents the at least the portion of the element based on a compression scheme, wherein the compressed version of the 3DGS data comprises a reduction of the multiple 2D textures of the 3DGS data; and providing the compressed version of the 3DGS data, wherein a three-dimensional (3D) view of a representation of the at least the portion of the element is presented based on the compressed version of the 3DGS data.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- THREE-DIMENSIONAL GAUSSIAN SPLAT COMPRESSION
- Publication number
- US20260278850A1
- Application number
- 19546937
- Filed
- Feb 23, 2026
- Published
- Sep 17, 2026
- Inventors
- 18
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G06T 9/002 Physics & computingG06V 40/176 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.