Room Scan Edge Refinement Using Live 2D Image Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scanning systems struggle to accurately align the edges of 3D representations with the actual elements in a physical environment during the scanning process, leading to discrepancies in the generated 3D room plans.

Innovation Solution

The system refines the position of edges in a 3D room plan by using live 2D image data to adjust the 3D representations, incorporating 2D shape generation and refinement based on 2D image sequences, and blending adjustments based on edge pixel support, camera angle, visible size, and timestamp.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If 3D representations are generated during scanning, then the scanning process can proceed in real-time, but the edges of the 3D representations do not align accurately with actual environmental elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time scanning capabilityVSAvoidedge alignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary generation of 3D representations during the scanning process, allowing real-time visualization and processing. Edge refinement is then applied using 2D image data to correct alignment discrepancies, combining preliminary action with subsequent refinement to achieve both speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses 2D image data as feedback to correct the 3D representation edges. By comparing the projected 3D edges with actual 2D image edges and applying refinement based on this feedback, the system maintains real-time operation while improving edge alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If 3D representations are generated during scanning, then the scanning process can proceed efficiently, but computational resources are consumed by processing sensor data and generating real-time 3D models

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning efficiencyVSAvoidcomputational resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the processing task into distinct modules: 3D representation generation from sensor data, edge projection to 2D images, and refinement based on edge alignment. This segmentation allows efficient processing by handling complex computations separately and optimizing each stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs partial refinement actions by adjusting only the edge positions rather than regenerating the entire 3D model. This partial action approach maintains scanning efficiency while consuming fewer computational resources compared to complete model regeneration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12548178B1Room scan refinements

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 APPLE INC

AI summary

Various implementations disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods that present a live view of a room based on two-dimensional (2D) images obtained during a scan. Sensor data is obtained during a scan of a room of a physical environment. The sensor data includes a 3D point cloud and a sequence of 2D images corresponding to captured views of the room. A shape representing an element of the room based on the sensor data is generated. A position of an edge of the shape is refined based on an image of the sequence of 2D images obtained during the scan of the room. A live view of the room is presented based on the sequence of 2D images obtained during the scan of the room, where the live view includes a line positioned based on the refined position of the edge of the shape.