Patents by Inventor Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr.

Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9600927
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the shape of an object based on shadows cast by the object are described. An example method may include receiving a plurality of images of an object casting a shadow. Each image may include a shadow cast by the object as the object is illuminated by a light source that moves over a plurality of positions. The method may further include determining, by a computing device, respectively for each image of the plurality of images a two-dimensional (2D) silhouette of the object and a respective position of the light source relative to the object. According to the method, a three-dimensional (3D) object data model of the object may be generated by the computing device based on the 2D silhouette of the object and the respective position of the light source relative to the object for each image of the plurality of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Arshan Poursohi, Thor Lewis, Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9240070
    Abstract: An example method may involve a computing device receiving low-resolution images of an object and high-resolution images of the object. The method may also involve causing a 3D image viewer to display a first high-resolution image of the object. The method may further involve receiving an input associated with adjusting a view of the object in the 3D image viewer. The method may still further involve, based on the input, causing the 3D image viewer to sequentially display at least a portion of the low-resolution images so as to adjust the view of the object in the 3D image viewer. The method may yet still further involve, in response to a completion of the sequential display, causing the 3D image viewer to display a second high-resolution image of the object that corresponds to a respective low-resolution image of the object displayed at the completion of the sequential display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Elving Anderson-Sprecher, Chaitanya Gharpure, Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr., James Joseph Kuffner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9183672
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a three-dimensional (3D) image viewer in a webpage are provided. According to an example method, a webpage may be provided, and the webpage may include embedded language that identifies a 3D image viewer to be provided within the webpage. Based on the embedded language, a computer having a processor and a memory may request information associated with rendering a 3D object data model in the 3D image viewer. The method may also include providing the 3D image viewer within the webpage, and receiving information associated with rendering the 3D object data model. Additionally, the 3D object data model may be rendered in the 3D image viewer based on the received information. Additional example systems and methods are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Hickman, James J. Kuffner, Jr., Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr., Arshan Poursohi, James R. Bruce, Thor Lewis, Chaitanya Gharpure
  • Patent number: 9163938
    Abstract: Methods and systems for image acquisition are described. In an example, a computing device may be configured to cause incremental relative rotation of a projector with respect to an image-capture device through multiple discrete angles. At each angle of the multiple discrete angles, the computing device may be configured to cause the image-capture device to capture a first image of an object, cause the projector to project a pattern on the object, and cause the image-capture device, while the pattern is projected on the object, to capture a second image of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Arshan Poursohi, Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9117267
    Abstract: Methods and systems for image marking and generation of a three-dimensional (3D) image of an object are described. In an example, a computing device may be configured to receive a first set of images of an object that capture details of the object. The computing device may also be configured to receive a second set of images that include markings projected on the object and that are indexed to correspond to images of the first set of images. The computing device may be configured to spatially align images of the second set of images based on the markings projected on the object and determine respective images of the first set of images corresponding to spatially aligned images of the second set of images. The computing device may then generate a 3D image of the object from the respective images of the first set of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr., Thor Lewis
  • Publication number: 20150161823
    Abstract: An example method may involve a computing device receiving low-resolution images of an object and high-resolution images of the object. The method may also involve causing a 3D image viewer to display a first high-resolution image of the object. The method may further involve receiving an input associated with adjusting a view of the object in the 3D image viewer. The method may still further involve, based on the input, causing the 3D image viewer to sequentially display at least a portion of the low-resolution images so as to adjust the view of the object in the 3D image viewer. The method may yet still further involve, in response to a completion of the sequential display, causing the 3D image viewer to display a second high-resolution image of the object that corresponds to a respective low-resolution image of the object displayed at the completion of the sequential display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Elving Anderson-Sprecher, Chaitanya Gharpure, Anthony Gerald Francis, JR., James Joseph Kuffner, JR.
  • Patent number: 9019268
    Abstract: System and methods for rendering three-dimensional (3D) object data models based on a comparison of images. A 3D object data model of an object can be characterized by parameters defining rendering features of the 3D object data model. A comparison can be made of a first rendering of the 3D object data model to one or more reference images related to the object and, based on the comparison, the parameters of the 3D object data model can be modified. Following the modification, the 3D object data model can be rendered to generate a second rendering. Based on the second rendered 3D object data model, statistical information can be obtained and based on the statistical information, the parameters of the 3D object data model can be modified again to further adjust the appearance of the second rendering of the 3D object data model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Kuffner, Jr., Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr., James R. Bruce, Arshan Poursohi
  • Patent number: 8922576
    Abstract: Methods and systems for interacting with multiple three-dimensional (3D) object data models are provided. An example method may involve providing to a display device for display a first 3D object data model and a second 3D object data model. Information associated with a modification to the first 3D object data model may be received. Based on the received information, a same change may be applied to the first 3D object data model and applied to the second 3D object data model to obtain a first modified 3D object data model and a second modified 3D object data model. According to the method, the first modified 3D object data model and the second modified 3D object data model may be provided to the display device for substantially simultaneous display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Hickman, James J. Kuffner, Jr., Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr., Arshan Poursohi, James R. Bruce, Thor Lewis, Chaitanya Gharpure
  • Publication number: 20140340398
    Abstract: Methods and systems for encoding and compressing 3D object data models are provided. An example method may involve receiving 3D mesh data for an object that includes geometry coordinates for a surface of the object. Additionally, material properties may be associated with the geometry coordinates. The method may also include identifying multiple portions of the mesh data based on the material properties associated with the geometry coordinates. For example, a given group of adjacent geometry coordinates having common material properties may be identified as a given portion. For at least some of the identified portions of the mesh data, the method may further include encoding information related to an identified portion of the mesh data and compressing the encoded information into a file of compressed geometric data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Ryan Hickman, James J. Kuffner, JR., Anthony Gerald Francis, JR., Arshan Poursohi, James R. Bruce, Thor Lewis, Chaitanya Gharpure, Won Chun
  • Patent number: 8878846
    Abstract: Methods and systems for superimposing virtual views of 3D objects with live images are provided. An example method may include determining 3D geometry information associated with an environment using one or more sensors of a mobile device, and recognizing 3D objects in the environment based on a database of 3D objects and the 3D geometry information. The method may also include determining a field of view of the environment based on a position of the mobile device in the environment and rendering an image of one or more of the 3D objects that are within the field of view. The rendered image may have a given perspective that is based on a viewpoint position from which the mobile device is viewed. The rendered image may also be combined with a live image of the field of view that is presented by the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr., James J. Kuffner, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140253546
    Abstract: Methods and systems for interacting with multiple three-dimensional (3D) object data models are provided. An example method may involve providing to a display device for display a first 3D object data model and a second 3D object data model. Information associated with a modification to the first 3D object data model may be received. Based on the received information, a same change may be applied to the first 3D object data model and applied to the second 3D object data model to obtain a first modified 3D object data model and a second modified 3D object data model. According to the method, the first modified 3D object data model and the second modified 3D object data model may be provided to the display device for substantially simultaneous display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Hickman, James J. Kuffner, JR., Anthony Gerald Francis, JR., Arshan Poursohi, James R. Bruce, Thor Lewis, Chaitanya Gharpure
  • Patent number: 8831366
    Abstract: Methods and systems for encoding and compressing 3D object data models are provided. An example method may involve receiving 3D mesh data for an object that includes geometry coordinates for a surface of the object. Additionally, material properties may be associated with the geometry coordinates. The method may also include identifying multiple portions of the mesh data based on the material properties associated with the geometry coordinates. For example, a given group of adjacent geometry coordinates having common material properties may be identified as a given portion. For at least some of the identified portions of the mesh data, the method may further include encoding information related to an identified portion of the mesh data and compressing the encoded information into a file of compressed geometric data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Hickman, James J. Kuffner, Jr., Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr., Arshan Poursohi, James R. Bruce, Thor Lewis, Chaitanya Gharpure, Won Chun
  • Patent number: 8817021
    Abstract: Methods and systems for writing, interpreting, and translating three-dimensional (3D) scenes are provided. An example method may involve accessing data associated with a three-dimensional (3D) scene that includes one or more objects of the 3D scene and one or more rendering effects for the one or more objects. Requests for assets and instructions associated with rendering the one or more objects based on the data associated with the 3D scene may be determined and sent to a server. Additionally, the method may include receiving from the server assets and instructions that facilitate rendering the one or more objects based on the one or more rendering effects. According to the method, the one or more objects of the 3D scene may be rendered based on the received instructions and the received assets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Hickman, James J. Kuffner, Jr., Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr., Arshan Poursohi, James R. Bruce, Thor Lewis, Chaitanya Gharpure
  • Patent number: 8766997
    Abstract: Methods and systems for interacting with multiple three-dimensional (3D) object data models are provided. An example method may involve providing to a display device for display a first 3D object data model and a second 3D object data model. Information associated with a modification to the first 3D object data model may be received. Based on the received information, a same change may be applied to the first 3D object data model and applied to the second 3D object data model to obtain a first modified 3D object data model and a second modified 3D object data model. According to the method, the first modified 3D object data model and the second modified 3D object data model may be provided to the display device for substantially simultaneous display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Hickman, James J. Kuffner, Jr., Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr., Arshan Poursohi, James R. Bruce, Thor Lewis, Chaitanya Gharpure
  • Patent number: 8754887
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining three-dimensional (3D) object data models of an object based on movement of the object. A processor may receive first scan data and second scan data of an object within in a space. The first scan data may comprise a first position of the object in the space and a first mesh image defining a first view of a shape of the object at the first position. The second scan data may comprise movement information defining a movement of the object from the first position to a second position within the space and a second mesh image defining a second view of the shape of the object at the second position. The first scan data and the second scan data may be aligned to generate a 3D object data model based on the first mesh image, the movement information, and the second mesh image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Kuffner, Jr., Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr., Arshan Poursohi, James R. Bruce, Ryan Hickman
  • Publication number: 20140112573
    Abstract: Methods and systems for image marking and generation of a three-dimensional (3D) image of an object are described. In an example, a computing device may be configured to receive a first set of images of an object that capture details of the object. The computing device may also be configured to receive a second set of images that include markings projected on the object and that are indexed to correspond to images of the first set of images. The computing device may be configured to spatially align images of the second set of images based on the markings projected on the object and determine respective images of the first set of images corresponding to spatially aligned images of the second set of images. The computing device may then generate a 3D image of the object from the respective images of the first set of images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Gerald Francis, JR., Thor Lewis
  • Publication number: 20140022355
    Abstract: Methods and systems for image acquisition are described. In an example, a computing device may be configured to cause incremental relative rotation of a projector with respect to an image-capture device through multiple discrete angles. At each angle of the multiple discrete angles, the computing device may be configured to cause the image-capture device to capture a first image of an object, cause the projector to project a pattern on the object, and cause the image-capture device, while the pattern is projected on the object, to capture a second image of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Arshan Poursohi, Anthony Gerald Francis, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140022248
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining three-dimensional (3D) object data models of an object based on movement of the object. A processor may receive first scan data and second scan data of an object within in a space. The first scan data may comprise a first position of the object in the space and a first mesh image defining a first view of a shape of the object at the first position. The second scan data may comprise movement information defining a movement of the object from the first position to a second position within the space and a second mesh image defining a second view of the shape of the object at the second position. The first scan data and the second scan data may be aligned to generate a 3D object data model based on the first mesh image, the movement information, and the second mesh image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: James J. KUFFNER, JR., Anthony Gerald FRANCIS, JR., Arshan POURSOHI, James R. BRUCE, Ryan HICKMAN
  • Patent number: 8525846
    Abstract: Methods and systems for material refinement for portions of a three-dimensional (3D) object data model are provided. An example method may include rendering a portion of a 3D object data model, and determining a first appearance metric between an appearance of the portion in the rendered view and a two-dimensional (2D) image. For one or more iterations, a modification to material properties associated with the portion may be determined based on the first appearance metric, and another view of the portion of the 3D object data model may be rendered. Also for the one or more iterations, another appearance metric between and an appearance of the portion in the rendered another view and the 2D image may be determined. Additionally, modified material properties for the portion that are associated with a minimum appearance metric of the one or more iterations may be stored for the 3D object data model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Hickman, James J. Kuffner, Jr., Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr., Arshan Poursohi, James R. Bruce, Thor Lewis, Chaitanya Gharpure
  • Patent number: 8515982
    Abstract: Methods and systems for interacting with multiple three-dimensional (3D) object data models are provided. An example method may involve receiving an annotated template of a first three-dimensional (3D) object data model. The annotated template may be associated with a given category of objects and may include one or more annotations to one or more aspects of an object described by the first 3D object data model. The method may also include determining matching correspondences between the first 3D object data model and a second 3D object data model that is a given object in the given category. For the one or more matching correspondences, an annotation that is associated with a correspondence point of the first 3D object data model may be applied as a call-out to a matching correspondence point of the second 3D object data model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Hickman, James J. Kuffner, Jr., Anthony Gerald Francis, Jr., Arshan Poursohi, James R. Bruce, Thor Lewis, Chaitanya Gharpure