3D Environment Scanning Interface With Real-Time Coverage Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods of scanning and modeling using augmented and/or virtual reality are cumbersome, inefficient, and limited in functionality, lacking sufficient feedback and guidance for users, leading to longer scanning times and energy wastage, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

The system includes a computer system with a graphical user interface that provides real-time feedback and guidance through a touch-sensitive display, allowing users to interact with augmented and/or virtual reality environments by detecting movements and inputs, displaying three-dimensional models, and indicating unscanned areas, thereby simplifying the scanning process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional scanning methods are used, then the scanning process can be completed, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning speedVSAvoidscanning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback during scanning by displaying a preview of the three-dimensional model that updates as the user moves through the environment. This feedback mechanism shows scan progress and quality metrics, allowing users to adjust their scanning path and ensure complete coverage without unnecessary repetitions, thereby reducing total scanning time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the environment before completing the full scan. By providing an initial preview and identifying unscanned areas in advance, the system guides users to focus on specific regions that need attention, preventing wasted time on already-scanned areas and optimizing the overall scanning workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If conventional scanning methods are used, then the environment can be scanned, but sufficient feedback is not provided to the user

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeedback informationVSAvoiduser guidance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements multiple feedback mechanisms including: (1) Real-time preview of the three-dimensional model showing scan progress, (2) Visual indicators overlaying the camera view to highlight unscanned areas, (3) Quality metrics displaying confidence levels and scan completeness, and (4) Guidance cues directing users to optimal scanning positions. This comprehensive feedback loop enables users to understand scan status and make informed decisions about their scanning path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If conventional scanning methods are used, then the scan can be completed, but energy is wasted due to longer scanning times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidscanning duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system autonomously determines scan completion by analyzing its own progress data and providing self-assessment through the feedback interface. It automatically identifies when sufficient coverage has been achieved and guides users to stop scanning, preventing unnecessary continued operation that would waste battery power. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about scan sufficiency without requiring external intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional scanning methods are used, then the three-dimensional model can be generated, but the process is limited in functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning functionalityVSAvoidscan quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system integrates multiple scanning modes and capabilities within a single platform, supporting various camera types (depth sensors, RGB cameras, LiDAR), different scanning scenarios (indoor, outdoor, structured, unstructured environments), and multiple output formats. This multi-functional design allows the same system to adapt to diverse scanning requirements while maintaining consistent quality standards through unified processing algorithms and quality assessment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12469207B2Systems, methods, and graphical user interfaces for scanning and modeling environments

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 APPLE INC

AI summary

A computer system displays a preview of a three-dimensional model of a physical environment that includes a partially completed three-dimensional model of the physical environment that is displayed with a first orientation that corresponds to a first viewpoint of a user. The computer system detects first movement that changes a current viewpoint of the user in the physical environment to a second viewpoint and updates the preview of the three-dimensional model, including adding additional information to and rotating the partially completed three-dimensional model to a second orientation. While displaying a second view of the physical environment that corresponds to the second viewpoint, the computer system, in response to detecting a first input, updates the preview of the three-dimensional model in the first user interface, including rotating the partially completed three-dimensional model to a third orientation that does not correspond to the second viewpoint of the user.