Patents by Inventor Kenneth J. Huebner

Kenneth J. Huebner 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: 9235292
    Abstract: An interactive image projecting device that projects an image onto a display surface and controls the projected image based upon movement of the image projecting device or the detection of another image. The image projecting device includes a projector that generates an image from a control unit. The device includes a position indicating emitter that generates a position indicator and an image sensor that is operable to detect the position indicator from either the device including the image sensor or a position indicator from another device. Based upon the sensed position indicator from another device, the control unit operates to modify the image projected from the device such that the image from a first device can interact with an image from a second device. The first and second devices each have a wireless transceiver such that the devices can communicate with each other during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Patent number: 9179182
    Abstract: An interactive video control system that can control multiple displays, such as a panel image and/or a projected image using motion gestures from a moveable controller. Further, a plurality of display images may be modified such that the images appear at least partially aligned and combined. The control system may be comprised of a moveable, handheld controller and console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Patent number: 9132346
    Abstract: A handheld projecting device that illuminates a visible image comprised of one or more video objects that appear to interact, connect, and/or form paths with physical objects and/or other video objects within a user's environment. In at least one embodiment, a projecting device animates and projects one or more video objects that appear to responsively adapt to the position and orientation of at least one physical object for unique graphic and tactile effects. In some embodiments, a projecting device may connect together physical objects and video objects to form a user-defined object path, such as a racetrack or adventure trail. Video objects may be rendered and illuminated as three-dimensional objects to simulate real world objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Publication number: 20140267031
    Abstract: A spatially aware pointer that can augment a pre-existing mobile appliance with remote control, hand gesture detection, and/or 3D spatial depth sensing abilities. In at least one embodiment, a spatially aware pointer can be operatively connected to the data port of a mobile appliance (e.g., mobile phone or tablet computer) to provide remote control, hand gesture detection, and 3D spatial depth sensing abilities to the mobile appliance. Such an enhancement may, for example, allow a user with a mobile appliance to make a 3D spatial model of at least a portion of an environment, or remotely control a TV set with hand gestures, or engage other mobile appliances to create interactive projected images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Publication number: 20140198079
    Abstract: An interactive image projecting device that projects an image onto a display surface and controls the projected image based upon movement of the image projecting device or the detection of another image. The image projecting device includes a projector that generates an image from a control unit. The device includes a position indicating emitter that generates a position indicator and an image sensor that is operable to detect the position indicator from either the device including the image sensor or a position indicator from another device. Based upon the sensed position indicator from another device, the control unit operates to modify the image projected from the device such that the image from a first device can interact with an image from a second device. The first and second devices each have a wireless transceiver such that the devices can communicate with each other during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Patent number: 8651666
    Abstract: An interactive image projecting device that projects an image onto a display surface and controls the projected image based upon movement of the image projecting device or the detection of another image. The image projecting device includes a projector that generates an image from a control unit. The device includes a position indicating emitter that generates a position indicator and an image sensor that is operable to detect the position indicator from either the device including the image sensor or a position indicator from another device. Based upon the sensed position indicator from another device, the control unit operates to modify the image projected from the device such that the image from a first device can interact with an image from a second device. The first and second devices each have a wireless transceiver such that the devices can communicate with each other during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Patent number: 8567961
    Abstract: A low cost, light projection and sensing system that projects an image onto a display surface using an array of light emitters. The system or device has an integral sensing capability of the display surface using light sensors. Both the emitters and sensors are coupled to a control unit. The device modifies the light-projected image and sensor view region with its control unit. The device projects an animated overlaid image or large tiled image of photographic resolution. In at least one embodiment, a projection device may create smooth animation of its projected image by varying the brightness of one or more illuminated images within its generated video frames. Computer implemented methods are utilized for light emitter activation and brightness control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Publication number: 20130265502
    Abstract: A handheld projecting device that illuminates a visible image comprised of one or more video objects that appear to interact, connect, and/or form paths with physical objects and/or other video objects within a user's environment. In at least one embodiment, a projecting device animates and projects one or more video objects that appear to responsively adapt to the position and orientation of at least one physical object for unique graphic and tactile effects. In some embodiments, a projecting device may connect together physical objects and video objects to form a user-defined object path, such as a racetrack or adventure trail. Video objects may be rendered and illuminated as three-dimensional objects to simulate real world objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Publication number: 20130229396
    Abstract: A handheld image projecting device that modifies a visible image being projected based upon the position, orientation, and shape of remote surfaces, remote objects like a user's hand making a gesture, and/or images projected by other image projecting devices. The handheld projecting device utilizes at least one illuminated position indicator for 3D depth sensing of remote surfaces and optically indicating the location of its projected visible image. In some embodiments, a handheld projecting device enables a plurality of projected visible images to interact, often combining the visible images, reducing image distortion on multi-planar surfaces, and creating life-like graphic effects for a uniquely interactive, multimedia experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Patent number: 8388151
    Abstract: An interactive image projecting device that projects an image onto a display surface and controls the projected image based upon the detection or identification of the device housing or the remote object. The device has a touch-sensitive, flexible housing that may be transformed into different shapes. The image projecting device includes a projector that generates an image from a control unit. The device includes an illuminating emitter, which illuminates the device body and remote objects, and a light sensor that is operable to detect the position of its housing or remote object. Based upon the sensed housing or remote object, the control unit operates to modify the image projected from the device such that the image from the device can interact with its housing or remote object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Publication number: 20120262487
    Abstract: An interactive video control system that can control multiple displays, such as a panel image and/or a projected image using motion gestures from a moveable controller. Further, a plurality of display images may be modified such that the images appear at least partially aligned and combined. The control system may be comprised of a moveable, handheld controller and console.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Publication number: 20120092623
    Abstract: A low cost, light projection and sensing system that projects an image onto a display surface using an array of light emitters. The system or device has an integral sensing capability of the display surface using light sensors. Both the emitters and sensors are coupled to a control unit. The device modifies the light-projected image and sensor view region with its control unit. The device projects an animated overlaid image or large tiled image of photographic resolution. In at least one embodiment, a projection device may create smooth animation of its projected image by varying the brightness of one or more illuminated images within its generated video frames. Computer implemented methods are utilized for light emitter activation and brightness control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Patent number: 8100540
    Abstract: A low cost, light projection and sensing system that projects an image onto a display surface using an array of light emitters. Further, the device has an integral sensing capability of the display surface using light sensors. Both the emitters and sensors are coupled to a control unit. Whereby, the device can modify the light-projected image and sensor view region with its control unit. The device can also project an animated overlaid image or large tiled image of photographic resolution. In operation, the device can determine the position and range of a remote object, along with illuminating its touch sensitive housing with a projected image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Publication number: 20110019162
    Abstract: An interactive image projecting device that projects an image onto a display surface and controls the projected image based upon the detection or identification of the device housing or the remote object. The device has a touch-sensitive, flexible housing that may be transformed into different shapes. The image projecting device includes a projector that generates an image from a control unit. The device includes an illuminating emitter, which illuminates the device body and remote objects, and a light sensor that is operable to detect the position of its housing or remote object. Based upon the sensed housing or remote object, the control unit operates to modify the image projected from the device such that the image from the device can interact with its housing or remote object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Patent number: 7874681
    Abstract: An interactive image projecting device that projects an image onto a display surface and controls the projected image based upon movement of the image projecting device or the detection of another image. The image projecting device includes a projector that generates an image from a control unit. The device includes a position indicating emitter that generates a position indicator and an image sensor that is operable to detect the position indicator from either the device including the image sensor or a position indicator from another device. Based upon the sensed position indicator from another device, the control unit operates to modify the image projected from the device such that the image from a first device can interact with an image from a second device. The first and second devices each have a wireless transceiver such that the devices can communicate with each other during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Publication number: 20100277696
    Abstract: A low cost, light projection and sensing system that projects an image onto a display surface using an array of light emitters. Further, the device has an integral sensing capability of the display surface using light sensors. Both the emitters and sensors are coupled to a control unit. Whereby, the device can modify the light-projected image and sensor view region with its control unit. The device can also project an animated overlaid image or large tiled image of photographic resolution. In operation, the device can determine the position and range of a remote object, along with illuminating its touch sensitive housing with a projected image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner
  • Publication number: 20090091710
    Abstract: An interactive image projecting device that projects an image onto a display surface and controls the projected image based upon movement of the image projecting device or the detection of another image. The image projecting device includes a projector that generates an image from a control unit. The device includes a position indicating emitter that generates a position indicator and an image sensor that is operable to detect the position indicator from either the device including the image sensor or a position indicator from another device. Based upon the sensed position indicator from another device, the control unit operates to modify the image projected from the device such that the image from a first device can interact with an image from a second device. The first and second devices each have a wireless transceiver such that the devices can communicate with each other during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Huebner