Patents by Inventor Henry Fuchs

Henry Fuchs 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).

  • Publication number: 20150138069
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for unified scene acquisition and pose tracking in a wearable display are disclosed. According to one aspect, a system for unified scene acquisition and pose tracking in a wearable display includes a wearable frame configured to be worn by a user. Mounted on the frame are: at least one sensor for acquiring scene information for a real scene proximate to the user, the scene information including images and depth information; a pose tracker for estimating the user's head pose based on the acquired scene information; a rendering unit for generating a virtual reality (VR) image based on the acquired scene information and estimated head pose; and at least one display for displaying to the user a combination of the generated VR image and the scene proximate to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Henry Fuchs, Mingsong Dou, Gregory Welch, Jan-Michael Frahm
  • Patent number: 8896655
    Abstract: A method is provided in one example and includes capturing panoramic image data through a first camera in a camera cluster, and capturing close-up image data through a second camera included as part of a spaced array of cameras. The presence of a user in a field of view of the second camera can be detected. The close-up image data and the panoramic image data can be combined to form a combined image. In more specific embodiments, the detecting includes evaluating a distance between the user and the second camera. The combined image can reflect a removal of a portion of panoramic image data associated with the user in a video conferencing environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignees: Cisco Technology, Inc., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: J. William Mauchly, Madhav V. Marathe, Henry Fuchs, Jan-Michael Frahm
  • Patent number: 8152305
    Abstract: A broadband electromagnetic wave beam is projected from a broadband wave source (301). The wave beam is separated by an element (306) into narrowband wavelength beams. The narrowband beams are directed across a predetermined area (312). A narrowband wavelength beam corresponding to a desired pixel wavelength is selected and displayed on a display surface (318).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Kurtis P. Keller, Henry Fuchs, Leonard McMillan, Leandra Vicci
  • Publication number: 20120062565
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for generating autostereo three-dimensional views of a scene for a plurality of viewpoints are disclosed. According to one system, a display is configured to display images from plural different viewpoints using a barrier located in front of the display, where the barrier has a pseudo-random arrangement of light ports through which images on the display are viewable. A renderer coupled to the display simultaneously renders images from the different viewpoints such that pixels that should appear differently from the different viewpoints are displayed in a predetermined manner. The pseudo-random arrangement of the light ports in the barrier smoothes interference between the different viewpoints as perceived by viewers located at the different viewpoints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Henry Fuchs, Leonard McMillan, Andrew Nashel
  • Publication number: 20120050458
    Abstract: A method is provided in one example and includes capturing panoramic image data through a first camera in a camera cluster, and capturing close-up image data through a second camera included as part of a spaced array of cameras. The presence of a user in a field of view of the second camera can be detected. The close-up image data and the panoramic image data can be combined to form a combined image. In more specific embodiments, the detecting includes evaluating a distance between the user and the second camera. The combined image can reflect a removal of a portion of panoramic image data associated with the user in a video conferencing environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: J. William Mauchly, Madhav V. Marathe, Henry Fuchs, Jan-Michael Frahm
  • Publication number: 20120038739
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for shader lamps-based avatars of real and virtual people are disclosed. According to one method, shader lamps-based avatars of real and virtual objects are displayed on physical target objects. The method includes obtaining visual information of a source object and generating at least a first data set of pixels representing a texture image of the source object. At least one of a size, shape, position, and orientation of a 3D physical target object are determined. A set of coordinate data associated with various locations on the surface of the target object are also determined. The visual information is mapped to the physical target object. Mapping includes defining a relationship between the first and second sets of data, wherein each element of the first set is related to each element of the second set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory Francis Welch, Henry Fuchs, Peter Lincoln, Andrew Nashel, Andrei State
  • Publication number: 20110046483
    Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for image guided ablation. One system for image guided ablation includes an ultrasound transducer for producing a real-time ultrasound image of a target volume and of surrounding tissue. The system further includes an ablation probe for ablating the target volume. The system further includes a display for displaying an image to guide positioning of the ablation probe during ablation of the target volume. The system further includes at least one tracker for tracking position and orientation of the ablation probe during the ablation of the target volume. The system further includes a rendering and display module for receiving a pre-ablation image of the target volume and for displaying a combined image on the display, where the combined image includes a motion tracked, rendered image of the ablation probe and an equally motion tracked real-time ultrasound image registered with the pre-ablation image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Henry Fuchs, Hua Yang, Tabitha Peck, Anna Bulysheva, Andrei State
  • Publication number: 20100045783
    Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamic virtual convergence (218) and a video see through head mountable display (200) that uses dynamic virtual convergence are disclosed. A dynamic virtual convergence algorithm (218) includes sampling an image with two cameras. The cameras each have a field of view that is larger than a field of view of displays used to display images sampled by the cameras (210). A heuristic is used to estimate the gaze distance of the viewer. The display frustums are transformed so that they converge at the estimated gaze distance. The images sampled by the cameras (210) are then reprojected into the transformed display frustums. The reprojected images are displayed to the user to simulate viewing of close range objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Andrei State, Kurtis P. Keller, Jeremy D. Ackerman, Henry Fuchs
  • Publication number: 20090009723
    Abstract: A broadband electromagnetic wave beam is projected from a broadband wave source (301). The wave beam is separated by an element (306) into narrowband wavelength beams. The narrowband beams are directed across a predetermined area (312). A narrowband wavelength beam corresponding to a desired pixel wavelength is selected and displayed on a display surface (318).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Kurtis P. Keller, Henry Fuchs, Leonard McMillan
  • Patent number: 7182465
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for imperceptibly embedding structured light patterns in projected color images for display on planar and non-planar surfaces are disclosed. According to one method, an image exposure period for detecting an embedded structured light patterns in a projected image is selected based on analysis of pixel polarities for different pixel intensities of a pixel color. Pixel intensities for the color are varied in the user image so that pixel polarities encode the structured light patterns during image exposure period. The user image is projected with the structured light patterns onto the surface. Depth information is continuously acquired and used to adjust display of the user image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina
    Inventors: Henry Fuchs, Daniel Cotting, Martin Naef, Markus Gross
  • Publication number: 20050254726
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for imperceptibly embedding structured light patterns in projected color images for display on planar and non-planar surfaces are disclosed. According to one method, an image exposure period for detecting an embedded structured light patterns in a projected image is selected based on analysis of pixel polarities for different pixel intensities of a pixel color. Pixel intensities for the color are varied in the user image so that pixel polarities encode the structured light patterns during image exposure period. The user image is projected with the structured light patterns onto the surface. Depth information is continuously acquired and used to adjust display of the user image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Henry Fuchs, Daniel Cotting, Martin Naef, Markus Gross
  • Publication number: 20040238732
    Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamic virtual convergence (218) and a video see through head mountable display (200) that uses dynamic virtual convergence are disclosed. A dynamic virtual convergence algorithm (218) includes sampling an image with two cameras. The cameras each have a field of view that is larger than a field of view of displays used to display images sampled by the cameras (210). A heuristic is used to estimate the gaze distance of the viewer. The display frustums are transformed so that they converge at the estimated gaze distance. The images sampled by the cameras (210) are then reprojected into the transformed display frustums. The reprojected images are displayed to the user to simulate viewing of close range objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Andrei State, Kurtis P Keller, Jeremy D Ackerman, Henry Fuchs
  • Publication number: 20040127403
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful for preventing a bacteremia by administering ramoplanin to decolonize the intestinal tract of a patient. Also disclosed are methods for treating bacteremias using combination therapy directed both toward treating the infection as well as decolonizing the intestinal tract of the patient. The invention is particularly useful against antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, such as vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA), glycopeptide intermediary susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (GISA), and coagulase-negative staphylococci.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Francesco Parenti, Henry Fuchs, Timothy S. Leach
  • Publication number: 20030073625
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preventing respiratory infections associated with intubation and/or mechanical ventilation, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, in intubated patients. The method generally involves topical administration of a composition comprising an IB-367 peptide to the oral cavity of an intubated patient. As IB-367 peptides engender very little resistance, a significant advantage of the invention is that the prophylactic therapy may be applied without having to worry about creating resistant strains of pathogens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Rebecca Redman, Henry Fuchs
  • Patent number: 6503195
    Abstract: A real-time structured light depth extraction system includes a projector for projecting structured light patterns onto an object of interest. A camera positioned off-axis from the projector samples light reflected from the object synchronously with the projection of structured light patterns and outputs digital signals indicative of the reflected light. An image processor/controller receives the digital signals from the camera and processes the digital signals to extract depth information of the object in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Kurtis P. Keller, Jeremy D. Ackerman, Michael H. Rosenthal, Henry Fuchs, Andrei State
  • Patent number: 5870136
    Abstract: Methods, systems and computer products are provided for tracking objects within a scene using imperceptible structured light. The imperceptible structured light may be used in environments where humans work and therefore avoids disorienting observers. The structured light patterns are generated dynamically, allowing tracking without physical landmarks. Moreover, the occlusion of the generated landmarks is overcome by determining the position of objects using a determined camera position. The imperceptible structured light may be used in systems without tracking. The tracking may be used without imperceptible structured light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Henry Fuchs, Mark Alan Livingston, Thomas Gary Bishop, Gregory Francis Welch
  • Patent number: 4827445
    Abstract: The system provides a relatively inexpensive raster-scan type graphics system capable of real time operation, utilizing logic-enhanced pixels within an image buffer, permitting parallel (simultaneous) calculations at every pixel. A typical implementation would be as custom VLSI chips. Each cell of the image buffer corresponds to a pixel of the display, and a processor at each cell enables calculation of the pixel color and the like for each polygon in the image covering that same pixel (cell) of the display. In the sequence of most general applications, each polygon is operated upon in sequence, and the image is built up as the polygons are processed without the necessity of sorting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: University of North Carolina
    Inventor: Henry Fuchs
  • Patent number: 4783649
    Abstract: A VLSI graphics display image buffer which enables the graphics display system of Fuchs U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,465 to be economically realized. According to the present invention, the X and Y multiplier trees disclosed in Fuchs U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,465 can be combined into a single tree and connected to an IC memory grid of conventional design. Special memory chips of this design are then much like conventional RAM chips with only a small amount of additional logic circuitry. However, the standard grid of memory cells on such a chip is organized so that each row of memory cells corresponds to the different bits of the single pixel, whereas each column is the corresponding bit in every pixel. Each output of the X-Y multiplier tree is then available to the circuitry associated with a particular pixel and its row of memory cells. These VLSI chips can be organized so that the system can be implemented by a set of identical chips that need no special interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: University of North Carolina
    Inventors: Henry Fuchs, John W. Poulton
  • Patent number: 4607255
    Abstract: A three dimensional display utilizes a varifocal vibrating mirror which reflects the screen on a CRT. The varifocal mirror is vibrated at a rate synchronous with creation of frames on the point plotting CRT. A video source is utilized of the type having red, green and blue outputs utilized for normally creating color display. However, the coding is such that what would normally be interpreted as red, green and blue outputs of the video source are instead interpreted as x position, y position and intensity information for a CRT accepting x, y and i signals. A depth or z coordinate is implicitly encoded in the video source at the position within a single frame of the video source where the corresponding (x, y and i) values are stored. This position can be the relative position on a magnetic or optical disc, or position around a magnetic drum. In one embodiment of the invention a raster graphics system utilizing a frame buffer is utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignee: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Henry Fuchs, Stephen M. Pizer
  • Patent number: 4590465
    Abstract: The present invention provides a relatively inexpensive raster-scan type graphics system capable of real time operation, utilizing logic-enhanced pixels within an image buffer, permitting parallel (simultaneous) calculations at every pixel. A typical implementation would be as custom VLSI chips. In the sequence of most general applications, each polygon is operated upon in sequence, and the image is built up as the polygons are processed without the necessity of sorting. With respect to each successive polygon, the following operations are effected: (1) all pixels within the polygon are identified; (2) the respective pixels which would be visible to the observer, that is, not obstructed by some previously processed polygon, are determined; and (3) the proper color intensities for each visible pixel are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Inventor: Henry Fuchs