Managing Virtual Objects on Resizable Surfaces in 3D Digital Spaces
This patent describes how a computer system can display and automatically resize digital surfaces that hold virtual items within a three-dimensional digital environment, offering feedback when items are added or removed.
Original patent title: “Methods for displaying objects relative to virtual surfaces”
This patent describes how a computer system can display and automatically resize digital surfaces that hold virtual items within a three-dimensional digital environment, offering feedback when items are added or removed. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent focuses on methods for displaying and managing virtual content within a three-dimensional digital environment. A computer system first shows a "virtual surface" which acts like a digital container for one or more "virtual objects." For example, this could be a virtual whiteboard in a VR meeting room. The system can automatically adjust the size of these virtual surfaces to fit their contents, such as expanding the whiteboard if more sticky notes (virtual objects) are added. It also provides feedback, like a visual highlight or sound, when virtual objects are placed onto or taken off these surfaces, as mentioned in the abstractabstractA short summary at the front of the patent describing the invention. Not legally binding.Read more →.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover displaying objects only in a two-dimensional environment without any depth.
- Does not cover physical surfaces or objects that exist in the real world.
- Does not cover virtual surfaces that require manual resizing by a user.
- Does not cover systems that lack feedback mechanisms for adding or removing objects from virtual surfaces.
- Does not specify particular user interaction methods like gestures or voice commands for object manipulation.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The clever part is the system's ability to automatically resize virtual surfaces to fit their contained objects and provide immediate feedback. This dynamic adaptation helps maintain a tidy and responsive 3D environment, making it easier for users to manage complex virtual layouts without manual adjustments.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Virtual reality meeting applications (e.g., spatial whiteboards)
Augmented reality design tools (e.g., placing virtual models on a digital table)
3D modeling software workspaces
Gaming environments with interactive virtual displays
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Managing virtual objects in three-dimensional environments is crucial for immersive experiences like virtual and augmented reality. This patent addresses how digital spaces can dynamically adapt to user actions, making interactions with virtual content more intuitive and less cumbersome. It lays groundwork for more natural ways to organize and interact with digital information in future computing platforms.
Filed
September 22, 2023
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies heavily invested in virtual and augmented reality platforms, such as Meta, Apple, and Microsoft, are continually developing methods for more intuitive interaction with virtual objects and environments. Software companies creating 3D design tools, like Autodesk and Adobe, also build on similar concepts to improve user experience within complex digital workspaces. The original assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more → is unknown, but the technology is relevant to many current industry leaders.
Market impact
This type of technology enhances the usability of virtual and augmented reality applications by making digital environments more responsive and self-organizing. It contributes to a smoother user experience, potentially reducing the learning curve for new 3D interfaces. While not a standalone market creator, it improves the foundational interactions within a rapidly growing segment of consumer electronics and enterprise software, making virtual spaces more practical and engaging.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent focuses on methods for displaying and managing virtual content within a three-dimensional digital environment. A computer system first shows a "virtual surface" which acts like a digital container for one or more "virtual objects." For example, this could be a virtual whiteboard in a VR meeting room. The system can automatically adjust the size of these virtual surfaces to fit their contents, such as expanding the whiteboard if more sticky notes (virtual objects) are added. It also provides feedback, like a visual highlight or sound, when virtual objects are placed onto or taken off these surfaces, as mentioned in the abstract.
The clever bit
The clever part is the system's ability to automatically resize virtual surfaces to fit their contained objects and provide immediate feedback. This dynamic adaptation helps maintain a tidy and responsive 3D environment, making it easier for users to manage complex virtual layouts without manual adjustments.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover displaying objects only in a two-dimensional environment without any depth.
- Does not cover physical surfaces or objects that exist in the real world.
- Does not cover virtual surfaces that require manual resizing by a user.
- Does not cover systems that lack feedback mechanisms for adding or removing objects from virtual surfaces.
- Does not specify particular user interaction methods like gestures or voice commands for object manipulation.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$19K – $61K
Midpoint $38K · 17.0 yr remaining · industry ×1.6
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
(2026). Managing Virtual Objects on Resizable Surfaces in 3D Digital Spaces (U.S. Patent No. 12,737,093). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12737093/methods-for-displaying-objects-relative-to-virtual-surfaces
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Managing Virtual Objects on Resizable Surfaces in 3D Digital Spaces cover?
This patent describes how a computer system can display and automatically resize digital surfaces that hold virtual items within a three-dimensional digital environment, offering feedback when items are added or removed.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
Managing virtual objects in three-dimensional environments is crucial for immersive experiences like virtual and augmented reality. This patent addresses how digital spaces can dynamically adapt to user actions, making interactions with virtual content more intuitive and less cumbersome. It lays groundwork for more natural ways to organize and interact with digital information in future computing platforms.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover displaying objects only in a two-dimensional environment without any depth.
Patent monitoring