Mixed 2D/3D Web Content Display Across Linked Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to adequately facilitate the distribution, viewing, and sharing of 2D and 3D content across devices with varying capabilities, such as desktops and mobile devices or HMDs, limiting the effective utilization of their respective strengths for 2D and 3D content interaction.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for linking devices to share and display 2D and 3D content, where a first device obtains webpage content including 2D and 3D references, and a second device, such as an HMD, displays the 3D content within a CGR environment using real-world imagery and 3D models, enabling synchronized interaction and viewpoint adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If 2D content is displayed on desktop/laptop screens, then viewing comfort is improved, but 3D content viewing capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing comfortVSAvoid3D content viewing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device that captures the desktop display and transmits the video signal to a mobile device or HMD. This mediator enables 3D content viewing on devices with superior 3D capabilities while maintaining the desktop's role as the primary 2D display, thus resolving the contradiction between viewing comfort and 3D capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from direct 2D screen display to 3D spatial visualization by routing content through mobile devices or HMDs that provide stereoscopic or augmented reality capabilities. This dimensional transformation allows users to view 3D content while keeping the desktop interface intact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If 3D content is viewed on mobile devices, then 3D viewing capability is improved, but ease of use for 2D content deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D viewing capabilityVSAvoidease of use for 2D content
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the viewing experience by dedicating the desktop to 2D content consumption and mobile devices/HMDs to 3D content viewing. This segmentation allows each device to optimize for its strengths while the system as a whole provides both capabilities through coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If devices are used in fixed positions, then stability is improved, but interaction flexibility with 3D content deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidinteraction flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the dynamic capabilities of mobile devices, which can be freely moved and oriented in 3D space, to provide flexible interaction with 3D content. The desktop remains stationary providing stable 2D display, while the mobile device introduces dynamic positioning and orientation control for 3D viewing experiences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3608756B1Detection and display of mixed 2d/3d content
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 APPLE INC
  • EP3608756B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3608756B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3608756B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various implementations disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods that enable a first device to obtain two-dimensional (2D) content referenced by a webpage and a second device in communication with the first device to display 3D content referenced by the webpage. In an example, it is detected that the webpage references 3D content associated with 2D content and detected that a second device, capable of displaying the 3D content referenced by the webpage, is linked to or in communication with the first device. In one example, the second device receives input corresponding to a user selection to view the 3D content, and in response, displays an 3D environment including the 3D content.