How to Build a 3D Model That Separates Light from Objects
This patent describes a method to create a detailed 3D digital model of a real scene that can tell the difference between the light in the scene and the objects it illuminates, even transparent ones.
Original patent title: “Systems and methods for reconstructing scenes to disentangle light and matter fields”
This patent describes a method to create a detailed 3D digital model of a real scene that can tell the difference between the light in the scene and the objects it illuminates, even transparent ones. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
The patent describes generating a "volumetric scene model" of a real-world location. This model is built from "digital images" captured by a camera from different viewpoints. A "scene reconstruction engine" processes these images to "disentangle light and matter fields." This means the resulting 3D model stores separate information about the physical properties of objects (the "matter field") and how light moves through the scene (the "light field"). The model includes "volumetric data elements" that represent material characteristics and "data elements" that represent light flow. A key feature is its ability to represent "partially light transmissive" materials, like glass or fog, by forming "corridors" between adjacent volumetric data elements. For example, a system could scan a room with a window and create a model that understands the glass is transparent and how light passes through it, separate from the solid walls.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover scene reconstruction methods that only produce surface meshes without volumetric data representing the interior of objects or spaces.
- Does not cover methods that do not explicitly separate (disentangle) the light field from the matter field within the generated scene model.
- Does not cover systems that generate scene models primarily from non-image input data, such as pure LiDAR point clouds lacking associated light information.
- Does not cover methods that cannot represent or account for partially light transmissive materials within the scene model, as specified by the "corridors" of transmissive media.
- Does not cover real-time rendering of scenes without first generating and storing a volumetric scene model as described.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The truly novel aspect is the explicit disentanglement of the "light field" (how light moves) from the "matter field" (object properties) within a volumetric model, particularly its ability to handle partially light transmissive materials like glass or fog.
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
Advanced photogrammetry software
Digital twin creation for industrial applications
High-fidelity virtual reality environments
Augmented reality applications that integrate virtual objects into real scenes
Visual effects pipelines for film and television
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Understanding how light interacts with objects, especially transparent ones, is crucial for creating realistic digital representations of the world. This technology is foundational for advanced virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences, where digital content needs to blend seamlessly with the real environment. It also has applications in film production for visual effects and in creating highly accurate digital twins for simulations and planning.
Filed
January 25, 2024
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies heavily invested in virtual and augmented reality, such as Meta, Apple, and Google, are actively developing technologies for realistic 3D scene reconstruction. Software companies like Unity and Epic Games, which provide tools for 3D content creation, also push the boundaries of representing light and matter. Additionally, startups focused on digital twins and advanced 3D scanning are likely exploring similar approaches.
Market impact
This type of technology enables the creation of more immersive and realistic digital experiences across various platforms. It allows for more accurate simulations and better integration of virtual objects into real-world views, which is critical for the growth of AR/VR. By providing a more nuanced understanding of scene properties, it could lead to new product categories in digital content creation, simulation, and remote collaboration, where precise environmental understanding is key.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
The patent describes generating a "volumetric scene model" of a real-world location. This model is built from "digital images" captured by a camera from different viewpoints. A "scene reconstruction engine" processes these images to "disentangle light and matter fields." This means the resulting 3D model stores separate information about the physical properties of objects (the "matter field") and how light moves through the scene (the "light field"). The model includes "volumetric data elements" that represent material characteristics and "data elements" that represent light flow. A key feature is its ability to represent "partially light transmissive" materials, like glass or fog, by forming "corridors" between adjacent volumetric data elements. For example, a system could scan a room with a window and create a model that understands the glass is transparent and how light passes through it, separate from the solid walls.
The clever bit
The truly novel aspect is the explicit disentanglement of the "light field" (how light moves) from the "matter field" (object properties) within a volumetric model, particularly its ability to handle partially light transmissive materials like glass or fog.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover scene reconstruction methods that only produce surface meshes without volumetric data representing the interior of objects or spaces.
- Does not cover methods that do not explicitly separate (disentangle) the light field from the matter field within the generated scene model.
- Does not cover systems that generate scene models primarily from non-image input data, such as pure LiDAR point clouds lacking associated light information.
- Does not cover methods that cannot represent or account for partially light transmissive materials within the scene model, as specified by the "corridors" of transmissive media.
- Does not cover real-time rendering of scenes without first generating and storing a volumetric scene model as described.
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 · 17.3 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). How to Build a 3D Model That Separates Light from Objects (U.S. Patent No. 12,737,963). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12737963/systems-and-methods-for-reconstructing-scenes-to-disentangle-light-and-matter
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 How to Build a 3D Model That Separates Light from Objects cover?
This patent describes a method to create a detailed 3D digital model of a real scene that can tell the difference between the light in the scene and the objects it illuminates, even transparent ones.
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?
Understanding how light interacts with objects, especially transparent ones, is crucial for creating realistic digital representations of the world. This technology is foundational for advanced virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences, where digital content needs to blend seamlessly with the real environment. It also has applications in film production for visual effects and in creating highly accurate digital twins for simulations and planning.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover scene reconstruction methods that only produce surface meshes without volumetric data representing the interior of objects or spaces.
Patent monitoring