3D Object Scanning With Visual Capture Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems struggle to efficiently and accurately scan real-world objects for generating three-dimensional models without requiring precise positioning on reference patterns or objects, leading to inefficiencies in XR environment creation.

Innovation Solution

Electronic devices employ multiple sensors, including image and depth sensors, to capture objects from various angles and perspectives, performing image segmentation and photogrammetry to construct three-dimensional models without the need for external references, and provide visual feedback on scan progress through user interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional scanning systems are used to scan real-world objects, then three-dimensional models can be generated, but the systems require precise positioning on reference patterns or objects which reduces scanning efficiency and increases operation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning efficiencyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the requirement for external reference patterns or objects from the scanning system. The system now scans real-world objects directly without needing to position them on predefined reference structures, thereby eliminating the associated positioning complexity and improving scanning efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-positioning and self-calibration by using the real-world object itself as the reference frame. The multiple sensors automatically determine spatial relationships and generate three-dimensional models without requiring external reference structures, making the system self-sufficient and easier to operate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to capture objects from various angles, then scanning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple different sensors (image sensors, depth sensors, LiDAR, ToF sensors) into a single integrated scanning system. These sensors work together synergistically to capture comprehensive object data from various angles, improving measurement precision while managing system complexity through unified processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning system is designed with multi-functional sensors that can perform multiple measurement tasks simultaneously. The same sensor array used for capturing object geometry also captures texture and depth information, reducing the need for separate specialized devices and managing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances the speed and accuracy of object scanning, enabling precise three-dimensional modeling directly from real-world environments, facilitating improved XR content creation.

Implementation Method 1

depth sensor(s) 212 that is/are configured to capture depth information about the real-world object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

image sensor(s) 210 that is/are configured to capture image information about the real-world object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

performing image segmentation and photogrammetry to construct three-dimensional models

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotogrammetry: Photogrammetry

Data Source

PatentUS20260065606A1Systems and methods for processing scanned objects
Publication Date: 2026.03.05 APPLE INC
  • US20260065606A1 patent drawing
  • US20260065606A1 patent drawing
  • US20260065606A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In some examples, while receiving captures of a first real world object, an electronic device displays a representation of a real world environment and a representation of the first real world object. In some examples, in response to receiving a first capture of a first portion of the first real world object and in accordance with a determination that the first capture satisfies one or more object capture criteria, the electronic device modifies a visual characteristic of the first portion of the representation of the first real world object. In some examples, an electronic device receives a request to capture the first real world object, and in response to the request, the electronic device determines a bounding volume around the representation of the first real world object and displays a plurality of capture targets on a surface of the bounding volume.