How to Build 3D Models Using Pictures from Different Angles
This patent describes a system that creates a three-dimensional digital object by combining multiple flat images taken from different viewpoints, then lets a user fine-tune how those images wrap around the object.
Original patent title: “3D model generation using multiple textures”
This patent describes a system that creates a three-dimensional digital object by combining multiple flat images taken from different viewpoints, then lets a user fine-tune how those images wrap around the object. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
The system first takes several "textures" (pictures) of an object, each showing a different side or view. It then automatically creates a rough 3D shape of the object and tries to stick these pictures onto the right parts of that shape, which is called an "initial alignment" (AbstractabstractA short summary at the front of the patent describing the invention. Not legally binding.Read more →). A user can then give "input" to adjust how these pictures are placed and stretched on the 3D model (Abstract). Finally, all these separate pictures are blended into one single, complete picture that covers the entire 3D model, defining how it looks from all angles. This finished 3D model, along with its combined picture, is then saved. For example, if you wanted to create a 3D model of a toy car, you would take pictures of its front, back, sides, and top. The system would then build a car shape and let you adjust how those photos fit onto the digital car.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Generating 3D models solely from a single photograph or texture.
- Creating 3D models without needing multiple textures from different views of the object.
- Systems that generate 3D models without any user input to refine texture placement or alignment.
- Methods that create 3D models using only depth data, LiDAR scans, or other non-texture-based inputs.
- Generating 3D models where the multiple textures are not combined into a single, unified texture.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The core idea is taking multiple flat images, each from a different view, and intelligently combining them into a single, seamless texture that accurately covers a 3D model, allowing for user-guided refinement to ensure visual quality.
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
Creating assets for video games
Building virtual objects for augmented reality apps
Generating digital twins of real-world items
Producing visual effects for movies
3D scanning services for e-commerce
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Creating realistic 3D models is crucial for many digital experiences, especially in extended reality (XR) like virtual and augmented reality. This method helps streamline the process of making digital objects look accurate and detailed by efficiently using multiple visual inputs. This is important for industries building virtual worlds, training simulations, or digital product prototypes.
Filed
December 4, 2023
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies like Epic Games (Unreal Engine), Unity Technologies, Adobe (Substance 3D), and Meta Platforms (Quest) are continuously developing tools and platforms for 3D asset creation and XR experiences. Startups focusing on photogrammetry and 3D scanning also operate in this space.
Market impact
This type of technology enables faster and more accurate creation of digital content, reducing the manual effort involved in 3D modeling. It contributes to the growth of the XR industry by making it easier to populate virtual environments with realistic objects. It also supports the development of digital twins and high-fidelity assets for various simulations and visualizations.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
The system first takes several "textures" (pictures) of an object, each showing a different side or view. It then automatically creates a rough 3D shape of the object and tries to stick these pictures onto the right parts of that shape, which is called an "initial alignment" (Abstract). A user can then give "input" to adjust how these pictures are placed and stretched on the 3D model (Abstract). Finally, all these separate pictures are blended into one single, complete picture that covers the entire 3D model, defining how it looks from all angles. This finished 3D model, along with its combined picture, is then saved. For example, if you wanted to create a 3D model of a toy car, you would take pictures of its front, back, sides, and top. The system would then build a car shape and let you adjust how those photos fit onto the digital car.
The clever bit
The core idea is taking multiple flat images, each from a different view, and intelligently combining them into a single, seamless texture that accurately covers a 3D model, allowing for user-guided refinement to ensure visual quality.
What it does not cover
- Generating 3D models solely from a single photograph or texture.
- Creating 3D models without needing multiple textures from different views of the object.
- Systems that generate 3D models without any user input to refine texture placement or alignment.
- Methods that create 3D models using only depth data, LiDAR scans, or other non-texture-based inputs.
- Generating 3D models where the multiple textures are not combined into a single, unified texture.
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 · 17.2 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 3D Models Using Pictures from Different Angles (U.S. Patent No. 12,737,973). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12737973/3d-model-generation-using-multiple-textures
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 3D Models Using Pictures from Different Angles cover?
This patent describes a system that creates a three-dimensional digital object by combining multiple flat images taken from different viewpoints, then lets a user fine-tune how those images wrap around the object.
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?
Creating realistic 3D models is crucial for many digital experiences, especially in extended reality (XR) like virtual and augmented reality. This method helps streamline the process of making digital objects look accurate and detailed by efficiently using multiple visual inputs. This is important for industries building virtual worlds, training simulations, or digital product prototypes.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Generating 3D models solely from a single photograph or texture.
Patent monitoring