Apple's Patent Background

Some electronic devices can display three-dimensional models that a user can control as part of an electronic device operation. For example, gaming consoles can display three-dimensional avatars that represent a user, and the user can direct the avatar to perform specific actions in a game. The three-dimensional models can be constructed from the combination of several assets such as a body, a head, eyes, ears, nose, hair, glasses, a hat, or other accessories. The assets can be placed on and incorporated into the model (e.g., placed on and integrated into an external surface of the model), or placed adjacent to the external surface of the model. To enhance the user's experience, the user can personalize a displayed model by selecting and moving specific assets with respect to the remainder of the model.

A New Apple 3D Creation App

In the big picture, Apple's invention covers systems, methods, and computer-readable media for positioning and orienting movable assets on a three-dimensional model. In other words, the invention is about a new 3D Creation App for games and beyond.

According to Apple, an electronic device (noted as an iPad, iPod, iPhone, MacBook, television or other) can display a three-dimensional model (e.g., an avatar) that may be constructed from several assets. For example, fashion accessory assets (e.g., glasses) can be placed on an external surface of a head asset of the model. Each asset can be placed or disposed on the model in a manner that may ensure that the position and orientation of the asset relative to other portions of the model are consistent when viewed from different angles. When a user moves an asset with respect to the remainder of the model, for example, by dragging the asset, the asset can move in a manner that maintains a consistent asset position and orientation with respect to other portions of the model.

According to Apple, a computer display can include model 110 provided in front of a background 102. The model can represent any suitable object including a real person, an animal, a place, or a thing (e.g., an imaginary being). In some cases, the model can include an avatar. A user can create the model by selecting assets from asset bar 120, and positioning specific assets on the model. The assets can include, for example, a face, mouth, eyes, ears, nose, mustache, beard, hair, eyebrows, glasses, hats, accessories (e.g., jewelry or even Band-Aids), clothing, or other components that can be included on or integrated into a model. The assets can be provided from a source of assets (e.g., a library of assets that may be stored locally on or remotely from an electronic device).

When a user selects an asset type on the asset bar, such as hair asset type 122 (as emphasized in the graphic above), the device can display a menu or listing of one or more different hair options (not shown). The user can select one of the hair options to be applied to the model. A user can select any suitable number of options associated with a single asset to place on a model (e.g., asset size, shape, style, etc.). For example, a user can select different colors for an asset. As shown in FIG. 1, to change a color of hair asset 112, a user can select one of the color options provided by color menu 140 of the asset bar.

Beyond Avatar Creation

Apple notes that although many of the embodiments of the present invention are described in the patent application as relating to "personal computing devices," it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to personal computing applications, but is generally applicable to other applications. In theory, agencies like the police could use such an app for facial compositions for sketch artist renderings. It could also apply to photo related apps like iPhoto or Aperture. In turn, it could apply to smaller Magazine and Modeling agencies that could use it to jazz up photos with accessories and so forth.  

Pivot Point and Asset Normal

To ensure that the position and orientation of an asset with respect to a model are consistent when viewed from different angles when the placement of the asset is moved to a particular contact point along a surface of the model, each asset can include a pivot point and an asset normal.

The pivot point can define a point of the asset, and the pivot point may have a consistent positional relationship with respect to any particular contact point along an external surface of a model on which the asset is to be placed.

The asset normal can correspond to a direction with respect to the pivot point of the asset providing an orientation for the asset, and the asset normal may have a consistent orientational relationship with respect to a surface normal at any particular contact point along an external surface of a model on which the asset is to be placed. The asset normal may not necessarily be perpendicular to a particular surface of the asset.

The "Surface Normal" Contact Point

When a user provides an instruction to place or move an asset with respect to a model, a particular contact point on the external surface of the model that corresponds to the user-provided instruction may be identified as a "surface normal."

A surface normal corresponding to the identified contact point may also be identified, and may include a line that passes through the identified contact point and that is perpendicular to a plane tangent to the external surface of the model at the identified contact point. To ensure a proper position and orientation with respect to the model, the asset can be placed such that the asset's pivot point coincides with the identified contact point, and such that the asset's asset normal matches the identified surface normal.

Apple states that an electronic device can determine a point on a model at which to place an asset using any suitable approach. In some cases, an electronic device can identify an input point at which a user instructs the device to place an asset. FIG. 3 is an illustrative representation for identifying a contact point on a model. In general, an "asset" could represent the placement of a head, eyes, ears, nose, hair, glasses, a hat, or other accessories.

Apple Notes Movable, Heads-Up & 3D Holographic Displays

In the area of the invention discussing displays used in relation to this app, Apple goes beyond LCD displays and mentions alternative displays such as a movable display and/or a projecting system for providing a display of content on a surface remote from electronic device such as a video projector, a head-up display, or a three-dimensional holographic display.

As another example, display 1110 may include a digital or mechanical viewfinder, such as a viewfinder of the type found in compact digital cameras, reflex cameras, or any other suitable still or video camera.

The patent figures noted above are more illustrative views of an asset placed at different positions and orientations on a three-dimensional model.

Patent Credits

Apple's patent application was originally filed in Q3 2010 by sole inventor Thomas Goossens of Apple Paris and published today by the US Patent and Trademark Office.

It should be noted that many modern video games today allow the user to customize individual characters in the game and one of Apple's application attributes will be used in a like-minded manner.

Notice: Patently Apple presents a detailed summary of patent applications with associated graphics for journalistic news purposes as each such patent application is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trade Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any patent application should be read in its entirety for full and accurate details. Revelations found in patent applications shouldn't be interpreted as rumor or fast-tracked according to rumor timetables. Apple's patent applications have provided the Mac community with a clear heads-up on some of Apple's greatest product trends including the iPod, iPhone, iPad, iOS cameras, LED displays, iCloud services for iTunes and more. About Comments: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit comments.

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