Patents by Inventor Kenneth Herman

Kenneth Herman 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: 20230035941
    Abstract: Systems and processes for speech interpretation based on environmental context are provided. For example, a user gaze direction is detected, and a speech input is received from a first user of the electronic device. In accordance with a determination that the user gaze is directed at a digital assistant object, the speech input is processed by the digital assistant. In accordance with a determination that the user gaze is not directed at a digital assistant object, contextual information associated with the electronic device is obtained, wherein the contextual information includes speech from a second user. Determination is made whether the speech input is directed to a digital assistant of the electronic device. In accordance with a determination that the speech input is directed to a digital assistant of the electronic device, the speech input is processed by the digital assistant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Brad Kenneth HERMAN, Shiraz AKMAL, Aaron Mackay BURNS
  • Patent number: 10891801
    Abstract: A method for generating a user-customized computer-generated animation includes receiving digital content and determining a modifiable portion of the digital content. The digital content includes a computer-generated animation. A design template is received, where the design template includes a representation of the modifiable portion of the digital content. Template image data is generated by performing image analysis on the representation of the modifiable portion of the digital content. A revised portion of the digital content is generated based on the template image data, where the revised portion is a revised version of the modifiable portion of the digital content. Updated digital content that includes a version of the computer-generated animation with the revised portion of the digital content is generated and displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: DreamWorks Animation L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brad Kenneth Herman, Shiraz Akmal
  • Patent number: 10762714
    Abstract: A virtual reality system includes a platform, a headset, a mount, and a control unit. The headset includes a motion-sensing unit and a display unit configured to display a video of a virtual environment. The mount is positioned on the platform and configured to releasably engage the headset. While the headset is engaged with the mount, the headset is positioned in a first position. While the headset is disengaged from the mount, the headset is positioned in a second position. The control unit is connected to the headset and configured to receive first data representing the first position and associate the first position with a predetermined first perspective of the virtual environment. The control unit is also configured to receive second data representing the second position, determine a second perspective of the virtual environment corresponding to the second position, and provide video of the virtual environment from the second perspective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: DREAMWORKS ANIMATION LLC
    Inventors: Brad Kenneth Herman, St. John Colón
  • Patent number: 10738427
    Abstract: A retrieving tip for a cane or walking stick that provides the user a means to retrieve objects from a walking surface. The device employs a single moveable finger contained within the tip that can be extended for use with the user's foot. The finger when extended may be guided by the user to slip beneath an object to be retrieved and secured between the finger and tip body when the cane or walking stick is pushed downward against the walking surface. The tip may be furnished on new canes and walking sticks or as a replacement tip on existing canes or walking sticks. No maintenance or adjustments are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventor: Kenneth Herman Raihala
  • Publication number: 20190156584
    Abstract: A virtual reality system includes a platform, a headset, a mount, and a control unit. The headset includes a motion-sensing unit and a display unit configured to display a video of a virtual environment. The mount is positioned on the platform and configured to releasably engage the headset. While the headset is engaged with the mount, the headset is positioned in a first position. While the headset is disengaged from the mount, the headset is positioned in a second position. The control unit is connected to the headset and configured to receive first data representing the first position and associate the first position with a predetermined first perspective of the virtual environment. The control unit is also configured to receive second data representing the second position, determine a second perspective of the virtual environment corresponding to the second position, and provide video of the virtual environment from the second perspective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: DreamWorks Animation L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brad Kenneth HERMAN, St. John COLÓN
  • Patent number: 10181212
    Abstract: A virtual reality ride system including a headset, a control unit, and a dynamic platform. The headset includes a display unit configured to display a video of an animated virtual environment. The control unit includes one or more processors configured to perform render processing that renders the video of the virtual environment; event motion processing that generates first data representing motions associated with events in the virtual environment; and low-frequency motion processing that generates second data representing low-frequency vibrations unrelated to the events in the virtual environment. The dynamic platform is configured to produce the motions associated with the events in the virtual environment based on the first data, and to produce the low-frequency vibrations based on the second data. The low-frequency vibrations include a frequency between about 5 Hz and 70 Hz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: DreamWorks Animation L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brad Kenneth Herman, Shiraz Akmal, Bryn Lafollette
  • Patent number: 10176638
    Abstract: A virtual reality system includes a platform, a headset, a mount, and a control unit. The headset includes a motion-sensing unit and a display unit configured to display a video of a virtual environment. The mount is positioned on the platform and configured to releasably engage the headset. While the headset is engaged with the mount, the headset is positioned in a first position. While the headset is disengaged from the mount, the headset is positioned in a second position. The control unit is connected to the headset and configured to receive first data representing the first position and associate the first position with a predetermined first perspective of the virtual environment. The control unit is also configured to receive second data representing the second position, determine a second perspective of the virtual environment corresponding to the second position, and provide video of the virtual environment from the second perspective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: DreamWorks Animation L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brad Kenneth Herman, St. John Colón
  • Patent number: 10096157
    Abstract: A method for generating stereoscopic images includes obtaining image data comprising a plurality of sample points. A direction, a color value, and a depth value are associated with each sample point. The directions and depth values are relative to a common origin. A mesh is generated by displacing the sample points from the origin. The sample points are displaced in the associated directions by distances representative of the corresponding depth values. The image data is mapped to the mesh such that the color values associated with the sample points are mapped to the mesh at the corresponding directions. A first image of the mesh is generated from a first perspective, and a second image of the mesh is generated from a second perspective. The first and second images of the mesh may be caused to be displayed to provide an illusion of depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: DreamWorks Animation L.L.C.
    Inventor: Brad Kenneth Herman
  • Patent number: 9996975
    Abstract: A virtual reality ride system includes a platform having at least one seat, a first headset, a second headset, and one or more rendering processors. The first and second headsets each have a motion-sensing unit and a display unit configured to display animated video. The one or more processors are configured to render a first animated video of a virtual environment from a perspective based on the physical location and orientation of the first headset, and to render a second animated video of the virtual environment from a perspective based on the physical location and orientation of the second headset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: DreamWorks Animation L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brad Kenneth Herman, Shiraz Akmal, Paul Kurzawa
  • Patent number: 9897806
    Abstract: A computer-implemented process for generating stereoscopic images to supplement existing content includes obtaining first image data and obtaining second image data comprising a plurality of sample points. A direction, a color value, and a depth value are associated with each sample point. The direction and depth values are relative to a common origin. A mesh is generated such that the mesh is displaced from the origin in the directions associated with the sample points by distances representative of the corresponding depth values. The second image data is mapped to the mesh such that the color values associated with the sample points are mapped to the mesh at the corresponding directions. First and second stereoscopic images of the mesh are generated from first and second perspectives, respectively. The first image data is caused to be displayed on a first portion of a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: DREAMWORKS ANIMATION L.L.C.
    Inventor: Brad Kenneth Herman
  • Publication number: 20170316605
    Abstract: A method for generating stereoscopic images includes obtaining image data comprising a plurality of sample points. A direction, a color value, and a depth value are associated with each sample point. The directions and depth values are relative to a common origin. A mesh is generated by displacing the sample points from the origin. The sample points are displaced in the associated directions by distances representative of the corresponding depth values. The image data is mapped to the mesh such that the color values associated with the sample points are mapped to the mesh at the corresponding directions. A first image of the mesh is generated from a first perspective, and a second image of the mesh is generated from a second perspective. The first and second images of the mesh may be caused to be displayed to provide an illusion of depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: DreamWorks Animation LLC
    Inventor: Brad Kenneth HERMAN
  • Patent number: 9721385
    Abstract: A method for generating stereoscopic images includes obtaining image data comprising a plurality of sample points. A direction, a color value, and a depth value are associated with each sample point. The directions and depth values are relative to a common origin. A mesh is generated by displacing the sample points from the origin. The sample points are displaced in the associated directions by distances representative of the corresponding depth values. The image data is mapped to the mesh such that the color values associated with the sample points are mapped to the mesh at the corresponding directions. A first image of the mesh is generated from a first perspective, and a second image of the mesh is generated from a second perspective. The first and second images of the mesh may be caused to be displayed to provide an illusion of depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: DreamWorks Animation LLC
    Inventor: Brad Kenneth Herman
  • Publication number: 20160364896
    Abstract: A method for generating a user-customized computer-generated animation includes receiving digital content and determining a modifiable portion of the digital content. The digital content includes a computer-generated animation. A design template is received, where the design template includes a representation of the modifiable portion of the digital content. Template image data is generated by performing image analysis on the representation of the modifiable portion of the digital content. A revised portion of the digital content is generated based on the template image data, where the revised portion is a revised version of the modifiable portion of the digital content. Updated digital content that includes a version of the computer-generated animation with the revised portion of the digital content is generated and displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Brad Kenneth HERMAN, Shiraz AKMAL
  • Publication number: 20160343167
    Abstract: A virtual reality system includes a platform, a headset, a mount, and a control unit. The headset includes a motion-sensing unit and a display unit configured to display a video of a virtual environment. The mount is positioned on the platform and configured to releasably engage the headset. While the headset is engaged with the mount, the headset is positioned in a first position. While the headset is disengaged from the mount, the headset is positioned in a second position. The control unit is connected to the headset and configured to receive first data representing the first position and associate the first position with a predetermined first perspective of the virtual environment. The control unit is also configured to receive second data representing the second position, determine a second perspective of the virtual environment corresponding to the second position, and provide video of the virtual environment from the second perspective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: DreamWorks Animation LLC
    Inventors: Brad Kenneth HERMAN, St. John COLÓN
  • Publication number: 20160232710
    Abstract: A method for generating stereoscopic images includes obtaining image data comprising a plurality of sample points. A direction, a color value, and a depth value are associated with each sample point. The directions and depth values are relative to a common origin. A mesh is generated by displacing the sample points from the origin. The sample points are displaced in the associated directions by distances representative of the corresponding depth values. The image data is mapped to the mesh such that the color values associated with the sample points are mapped to the mesh at the corresponding directions. A first image of the mesh is generated from a first perspective, and a second image of the mesh is generated from a second perspective. The first and second images of the mesh may be caused to be displayed to provide an illusion of depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Brad Kenneth HERMAN
  • Publication number: 20160232706
    Abstract: A computer-implemented process for generating stereoscopic images to supplement existing content includes obtaining first image data and obtaining second image data comprising a plurality of sample points. A direction, a color value, and a depth value are associated with each sample point. The direction and depth values are relative to a common origin. A mesh is generated such that the mesh is displaced from the origin in the directions associated with the sample points by distances representative of the corresponding depth values. The second image data is mapped to the mesh such that the color values associated with the sample points are mapped to the mesh at the corresponding directions. First and second stereoscopic images of the mesh are generated from first and second perspectives, respectively. The first image data is caused to be displayed on a first portion of a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: Brad Kenneth HERMAN
  • Publication number: 20160219993
    Abstract: An ice cleat designed to fit slidably onto the finger of a retrieving tip for a cane, crutch, walking stick or the like, without use of tools to provide the walking aid user with anti-skid protection on icy or snow covered surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth Herman Raihala
  • Patent number: 9386831
    Abstract: An ice cleat designed to fit slidably onto the finger of a retrieving tip for a cane, crutch, walking stick or the like, without use of tools to provide the walking aid user with anti-skid protection on icy or snow covered surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth Herman Raihala
  • Patent number: 9235502
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for configuring a non-volatile memory (“NVM”). In some embodiments, each block of the NVM can include a block table-of-contents (“TOC”), which can be encoded (e.g., run-length encoded) and dynamically-sized. Thus, as user data is being programmed to a block, the size of a block TOC can be concurrently recalculated and increased only if necessary. In some embodiments, the NVM interface can use a weave sequence stored in the context information and at least one weave sequence associated with each page of a block to determine whether to replay across the pages of the block after system boot-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Vadim Khmelnitsky, Daniel J. Post, Nir Jacob Wakrat, Matthew J. Byom, Kenneth Herman, Alexander Sanks
  • Patent number: 9223787
    Abstract: Communications systems and methods for minimizing file corruption when communicating between a device and a host are provided. To initiate a file transfer section, a host can transfer data to a device on a primary communications channel. The device can then temporarily store the received data in a memory circuit until a command is received indicating that the file has been completely transferred. In order to avoid interfering with the data transfer, the host can provide such a command to the device on a sideband communications channel. Upon receiving the command, the device can integrate the received data into its file system by transferring the data from the memory circuit to a more permanent storage component. If the communications interface is disconnected before such a command is received, the temporarily stored data can be considered incomplete and can be deleted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Herman, Daniel Fletcher, Matthew Rogers