Apple patents 3D files that let users add and share notes on virtual objects
Apple describes a system for adding notes or marks to 3D objects in virtual or augmented reality environments. The filing explains how these marks can be saved in a special file format, toggled on or off for viewing, and shared 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 specifying a 3D object; displaying, at the first device, the 3D object; obtaining a first markup at a first location corresponding to the 3D object, wherein the first markup comprises a direct mark on the 3D object; obtaining a second markup at a second location corresponding to the 3D object, wherein the second markup comprises an indirect mark associated with the 3D object; displaying, at the first device, the first markup at the first location corresponding to the 3D object; displaying, at the first device, the second markup at the second location associated with the 3D object; and creating, at the first device, a 3D object markup file, wherein the 3D object markup file comprises: a 3D object information portion comprising information from the 3D object file specifying the 3D object; and a markup information portion comprising information specifying at least the first markup and the second markup.
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
- Publication number
- US20260330760A1
- Application number
- 19726470
- Filed
- Jun 30, 2026
- Published
- Oct 22, 2026
- Inventors
- 5
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G06T 17/00 Physics & computingG06T 11/23 Physics & computingMore from Apple in AR, VR & displays
- Apple patents AR glasses that zoom in on what you look at Sep 8, 2026
- Apple patents finger ring that controls VR with taps and waves Sep 15, 2026
- Apple patents head-mounted device that types via eye swipes and hand pinches Oct 6, 2026
- Apple patents eye-tracking and hand gestures to select screen items Oct 20, 2026
- Apple patents AR glasses that adjust lenses to fit your eyes Sep 17, 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.