Google patents method to edit 3D photos using depth data
Google has filed a patent application for a method that captures images with depth information and saves them in a standard file format. The system allows users to select specific objects within the photo, using the depth data to automatically separate those objects from the background for easier editing.
In the filing’s own words
Implementations described herein relate to a computer-implemented method that includes capturing image data using one or more cameras, wherein the image data includes a primary image and associated depth values. The method further includes encoding the image data in an image format. The encoded image data includes the primary image encoded in the image format and image metadata that includes a device element that includes a profile element indicative of an image type and a first camera element, wherein the first camera element includes an image element and a depth map based on the depth values. The method further includes, after the encoding, storing the image data in a file container based on the image format. The method further includes causing the primary image to be displayed.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A computer-implemented method comprising: obtaining image data from a file container, the image data comprising a plurality of pixel values, each pixel value corresponding to a respective pixel of a plurality of pixels of a primary image, and image metadata that comprises a depth map; causing the primary image to be displayed; receiving user input indicative of selection of an object depicted in the primary image; generating a segmentation mask based on the depth map, wherein the segmentation mask identifies a subset of pixels of the primary image that correspond to the object; obtaining an object image of the object based on the segmentation mask; and providing a user interface that enables selection of the object image.
Facts
- Company
- Google (Google LLC)
- Official title
- TECHNIQUES TO CAPTURE AND EDIT DYNAMIC DEPTH IMAGES
- Publication number
- US20260281298A1
- Application number
- 19654346
- Filed
- Apr 21, 2026
- Published
- Sep 17, 2026
- Inventors
- 5
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
H04N 13/271 Electricity & electronicsG06T 7/55 Physics & computingG06T 2207/10028 Physics & computingMore from Google in Cameras & imaging
- Google patents camera that snaps photos when it hears or sees specific things Sep 24, 2026
- Google patents camera format that combines a photo and video in one file Sep 8, 2026
- Google patents phone camera logic for choosing between flash and multi-shot Sep 8, 2026
- Google patents video tech that fixes blur using motion sensors Sep 15, 2026
- Google patents photo trick to add photographer to group shots Sep 15, 2026
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.