Patents by Inventor Mark Andrew Sagar

Mark Andrew Sagar 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: 11908057
    Abstract: Systems and methods for image retargeting are provided. Image data may be acquired that includes motion capture data indicative of motion of a plurality of markers disposed on a surface of a first subject. Each of the markers may be associated with a respective location on the first subject. A plurality of blendshapes may be calculated for the motion capture data based on a configuration of the markers. An error function may be identified for the plurality of blendshapes, and it may be determined that the plurality of blendshapes can be used to retarget a second subject based on the error function. The plurality of blendshapes may then be applied to a second subject to generate a new animation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignees: Soul Machines Limited, Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Sagar, Tim Szu-Hsien Wu, Frank Filipe Bonniwell, Homoud B. Alkouh, Colin Joseph Hodges
  • Patent number: 11908060
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer implemented system for animating a virtual object or digital entity. It has particular relevance to animation using biologically based models, or behavioural models particularly neurobehavioural models. There is provided a plurality of modules having a computational element and a graphical element. The modules are arranged in a required structure and have at least one variable and being associated with at least one connector. The connectors link variables between modules across the structure, and the modules together provide a neurobehavioural model. There is also provided a method of controlling a digital entity in response to an external stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Soul Machines Limited
    Inventors: David Peter Bullivant, Paul Burton Robertson, Mark Andrew Sagar
  • Patent number: 11893671
    Abstract: Systems and methods for image retargeting are provided. Image data may be acquired that includes motion capture data indicative of motion of a plurality of markers disposed on a surface of a first subject. Each of the markers may be associated with a respective location on the first subject. A plurality of blendshapes may be calculated for the motion capture data based on a configuration of the markers. An error function may be identified for the plurality of blendshapes, and it may be determined that the plurality of blendshapes can be used to retarget a second subject based on the error function. The plurality of blendshapes may then be applied to a second subject to generate a new animation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Sagar, Tim Szu-Hsien Wu, Frank Filipe Bonniwell, Homoud B. Alkouh, Colin Joseph Hodges
  • Publication number: 20240037826
    Abstract: Systems and methods for image retargeting are provided. Image data may be acquired that includes motion capture data indicative of motion of a plurality of markers disposed on a surface of a first subject. Each of the markers may be associated with a respective location on the first subject. A plurality of blendshapes may be calculated for the motion capture data based on a configuration of the markers. An error function may be identified for the plurality of blendshapes, and it may be determined that the plurality of blendshapes can be used to retarget a second subject based on the error function. The plurality of blendshapes may then be applied to a second subject to generate a new animation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Sagar, Tim Szu-Hsien Wu, Frank Filipe Bonniwell, Homoud B. Alkouh, Colin Joseph Hodges
  • Publication number: 20230105458
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer implemented system for animating a virtual object or digital entity. It has particular relevance to animation using biologically based models, or behavioural models particularly neurobehavioural models. There is provided a plurality of modules having a computational element and a graphical element. The modules are arranged in a required structure and have at least one variable and being associated with at least one connector. The connectors link variables between modules across the structure, and the modules together provide a neurobehavioural model. There is also provided a method of controlling a digital entity in response to an external stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Applicant: Soul Machines Limited
    Inventors: David Peter BULLIVANT, Paul Burton ROBERTSON, Mark Andrew SAGAR
  • Patent number: 11527030
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer implemented system for animating a virtual object or digital entity. It has particular relevance to animation using biologically based models, or behavioural models particularly neurobehavioural models. There is provided a plurality of modules having a computational element and a graphical element. The modules are arranged in a required structure and have at least one variable and being associated with at least one connector. The connectors link variables between modules across the structure, and the modules together provide a neurobehavioural model. There is also provided a method of controlling a digital entity in response to an external stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Soul Machines Limited
    Inventors: David Peter Bullivant, Paul Burton Robertson, Mark Andrew Sagar
  • Patent number: 11354844
    Abstract: A method for creating a model of a virtual object or digital entity is described, the method comprising receiving a plurality of basic shapes for a plurality of models; receiving a plurality of specified modification variables specifying a modification to be made to the basic shapes; and applying the specified modification(s) to the plurality of basic shapes to generate a plurality of modified basic shapes for at least one model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Soul Machines Limited
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Sagar, Tim Szu-Hsien Wu, Werner Ollewagen, Xiani Tan
  • Publication number: 20220092837
    Abstract: Systems and methods for image retargeting are provided. Image data may be acquired that includes motion capture data indicative of motion of a plurality of markers disposed on a surface of a first subject. Each of the markers may be associated with a respective location on the first subject. A plurality of blendshapes may be calculated for the motion capture data based on a configuration of the markers. An error function may be identified for the plurality of blendshapes, and it may be determined that the plurality of blendshapes can be used to retarget a second subject based on the error function. The plurality of blendshapes may then be applied to a second subject to generate a new animation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Sagar, Tim Szu-Hsien Wu, Frank Filipe Bonniwell, Homoud B. Alkouh, Colin Joseph Hodges
  • Publication number: 20220058849
    Abstract: Systems and methods for image retargeting are provided. Image data may be acquired that includes motion capture data indicative of motion of a plurality of markers disposed on a surface of a first subject. Each of the markers may be associated with a respective location on the first subject. A plurality of blendshapes may be calculated for the motion capture data based on a configuration of the markers. An error function may be identified for the plurality of blendshapes, and it may be determined that the plurality of blendshapes can be used to retarget a second subject based on the error function. The plurality of blendshapes may then be applied to a second subject to generate a new animation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Sagar, Tim Szu-Hsien Wu, Frank Filipe Bonniwell, Homoud B. Alkouh, Colin Joseph Hodges
  • Patent number: 11176725
    Abstract: Systems and methods for image retargeting are provided. Image data may be acquired that includes motion capture data indicative of motion of a plurality of markers disposed on a surface of a first subject. Each of the markers may be associated with a respective location on the first subject. A plurality of blendshapes may be calculated for the motion capture data based on a configuration of the markers. An error function may be identified for the plurality of blendshapes, and it may be determined that the plurality of blendshapes can be used to retarget a second subject based on the error function. The plurality of blendshapes may then be applied to a second subject to generate a new animation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignees: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC, Soul Machines Limited
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Sagar, Tim Szu-Hsien Wu, Frank Filipe Bonniwell, Homoud B. Alkouh, Colin Joseph Hodges
  • Publication number: 20210216349
    Abstract: Interaction with a Computer is provided via an autonomous virtual embodied Agent. The Computer outputs Digital Content, which includes any content that exists in the form of digital data and is representable to a User. A subset of, or all, Digital Content is configured as Shared Digital Content which is representable to both the User and to the Agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Robert Jason Munro, Shane Allan Blackett, Mark Andrew SAGAR
  • Publication number: 20200349752
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer implemented system for animating a virtual object or digital entity. It has particular relevance to animation using biologically based models, or behavioural models particularly neurobehavioural models. There is provided a plurality of modules having a computational element and a graphical element. The modules are arranged in a required structure and have at least one variable and being associated with at least one connector. The connectors link variables between modules across the structure, and the modules together provide a neurobehavioural model. There is also provided a method of controlling a digital entity in response to an external stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Applicant: Soul Machines Limited
    Inventors: David Peter Bullivant, Paul Burton Robertson, Mark Andrew Sagar
  • Publication number: 20200342649
    Abstract: Systems and methods for image retargeting are provided. Image data may be acquired that includes motion capture data indicative of motion of a plurality of markers disposed on a surface of a first subject. Each of the markers may be associated with a respective location on the first subject. A plurality of blendshapes may be calculated for the motion capture data based on a configuration of the markers. An error function may be identified for the plurality of blendshapes, and it may be determined that the plurality of blendshapes can be used to retarget a second subject based on the error function. The plurality of blendshapes may then be applied to a second subject to generate a new animation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Sagar, Tim Szu-Hsien Wu, Frank Filipe Bonniwell, Homoud B. Alkouh, Colin Joseph Hodges
  • Patent number: 10783690
    Abstract: Systems and methods for image retargeting are provided. Image data may be acquired that includes motion capture data indicative of motion of a plurality of markers disposed on a surface of a first subject. Each of the markers may be associated with a respective location on the first subject. A plurality of blendshapes may be calculated for the motion capture data based on a configuration of the markers. An error function may be identified for the plurality of blendshapes, and it may be determined that the plurality of blendshapes can be used to retarget a second subject based on the error function. The plurality of blendshapes may then be applied to a second subject to generate a new animation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Sagar, Tim Szu-Hsien Wu, Frank Filipe Bonniwell, Homoud B. Alkouh, Colin Joseph Hodges
  • Patent number: 10755465
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer implemented system for animating a virtual object or digital entity. It has particular relevance to animation using biologically based models, or behavioural models particularly neurobehavioural models. There is provided a plurality of modules having a computational element and a graphical element. The modules are arranged in a required structure and have at least one variable and being associated with at least one connector. The connectors link variables between modules across the structure, and the modules together provide a neurobehavioural model. There is also provided a method of controlling a digital entity in response to an external stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Soul Machines Limited
    Inventors: David Peter Bullivant, Paul Burton Robertson, Mark Andrew Sagar
  • Publication number: 20190172242
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer implemented system for animating a virtual object or digital entity. It has particular relevance to animation using biologically based models, or behavioural models particularly neurobehavioural models. There is provided a plurality of modules having a computational element and a graphical element. The modules are arranged in a required structure and have at least one variable and being associated with at least one connector. The connectors link variables between modules across the structure, and the modules together provide a neurobehavioural model. There is also provided a method of controlling a digital entity in response to an external stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Applicant: Soul Machines Limited
    Inventors: David Peter Bullivant, Paul Burton Robertson, Mark Andrew Sagar
  • Patent number: 10181213
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer implemented system for animating a virtual object or digital entity. It has particular relevance to animation using biologically based models, or behavioral models particularly neurobehavioral models. There is provided a plurality of modules having a computational element and a graphical element. The modules are arranged in a required structure and have at least one variable and being associated with at least one connector. The connectors link variables between modules across the structure, and the modules together provide a neurobehavioral model. There is also provided a method of controlling a digital entity in response to an external stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Soul Machines Limited
    Inventors: David Peter Bullivant, Paul Burton Robertson, Mark Andrew Sagar
  • Publication number: 20180197322
    Abstract: Systems and methods for image retargeting are provided. Image data may be acquired that includes motion capture data indicative of motion of a plurality of markers disposed on a surface of a first subject. Each of the markers may be associated with a respective location on the first subject. A plurality of blendshapes may be calculated for the motion capture data based on a configuration of the markers. An error function may be identified for the plurality of blendshapes, and it may be determined that the plurality of blendshapes can be used to retarget a second subject based on the error function. The plurality of blendshapes may then be applied to a second subject to generate a new animation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Sagar, Tim Szu-Hsien Wu, Frank Filipe Bonniwell, Homoud B. Alkouh, Colin Joseph Hodges
  • Publication number: 20160180568
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer implemented system for animating a virtual object or digital entity. It has particular relevance to animation using biologically based models, or behavioural models particularly neurobehavioural models. There is provided a plurality of modules having a computational element and a graphical element. The modules are arranged in a required structure and have at least one variable and being associated with at least one connector. The connectors link variables between modules across the structure, and the modules together provide a neurobehavioural model. There is also provided a method of controlling a digital entity in response to an external stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: David Peter Bullivant, Paul Burton Robertson, Mark Andrew Sagar