Patents by Inventor Richard L. Marks

Richard L. Marks 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: 20140342827
    Abstract: A game controller includes an image capture unit; a body; at least one input device assembled with the body, the input device manipulable by a user to register an input from the user; an inertial sensor operable to produce information for quantifying a movement of said body through space; and at least one light source assembled with the body; and a processor coupled to the image capture unit and the inertial sensor. The processor is configured to track the body by analyzing a signal from the inertial sensor and analyzing an image of the light source from the image capture unit. The processor is configured to establish a gearing between movement of the body and actions to be applied by a computer program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Xiaodong Mao, Richard L. Marks, Gary M. Zalewski
  • Patent number: 8797260
    Abstract: A game controller is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Mao, Richard L. Marks, Gary M. Zalewski
  • Patent number: 8758132
    Abstract: One or more images can be captured with a depth camera having a capture location in a coordinate space. First and second objects in the one or more images can be identified and assigned corresponding first and second object locations in the coordinate space. A relative position can be identified in the coordinate space between the first object location and the second object location when viewed from the capture location by computing an azimuth angle and an altitude angle between the first object location and the object location in relation to the capture location. The relative position includes a dimension of depth with respect to the coordinate space. The dimension of depth is determined from analysis of the one or more images. A state of a computer program is changed based on the relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Marks, Hrishikesh R. Deshpande
  • Patent number: 8723984
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing image and sound during interactivity with a computer program is provided. The apparatus includes an image capture unit that is configured to capture one or more image frames. Also provided is a sound capture unit. The sound capture unit is configured to identify one or more sound sources. The sound capture unit generates data capable of being analyzed to determine a zone of focus at which to process sound to the substantial exclusion of sounds outside of the zone of focus. In this manner, sound that is captured and processed for the zone of focus is used for interactivity with the computer program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Marks, Xiadong Mao
  • Patent number: 8686939
    Abstract: Methods for tracking a controller of a video game and for providing inputs to a system are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Mao, Richard L. Marks, Gary M. Zalewski
  • Patent number: 8675915
    Abstract: Systems, methods and for analyzing game control input data are disclosed. A machine-readable medium having embodied thereon instructions for analyzing game control input data is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
    Inventors: Gary M. Zalewski, Richard L. Marks, Xiadong Mao
  • Publication number: 20140059484
    Abstract: A method of moving objects in a graphical user interface, includes obtaining a video image of a user of the interface; displaying the video image on a display such that the video image is superposed with one or more objects displayed on the display; and moving one or more objects displayed on the display based on recognition of motions of the video image of the user. Recognition of motions of the video image may include recognition of motions of an image of the user's hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L Marks, Ruxin Chen
  • Publication number: 20140031120
    Abstract: A method for interfacing with a video game is provided, including: rendering display data on a main display, the display data defining a scene rendered by the video game, the display data being configured to include a visual cue; capturing the display data by an image capture device incorporated into a portable device; analyzing the captured display data to identify the visual cue; in response to identification of the visual cue, determining additional information that is in addition to the scene of the video game that is displayed on the main display, the additional information defining graphics or text to be added to the scene of the video game; presenting the additional information on a personal display incorporated into the portable device, the presentation of the additional information being synchronized to the rendering of the display data on the main display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic S. Mallinson, Richard L. Marks
  • Patent number: 8568230
    Abstract: A method for detecting direction conveyed by a user when interfacing with a computer program executed on a computing device. The computing device being interfaced with an image capture device. The method includes detecting a human head of a person in the image taken with the image capture device and assigning the human head a head location. And, detecting an object held by the person in the image and assigning the object an object location. The method determines a relative position in space between the head location and the object location from the capture location, such that the relative position is used to identify a pointing direction of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Entertainment Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Marks, Hrishikesh R. Deshpande
  • Patent number: 8549442
    Abstract: A method of moving objects in a graphical user interface, includes obtaining a video image of a user of the interface; displaying the video image on a display such that the video image is superposed with one or more objects displayed on the display; and moving one or more objects displayed on the display based on recognition of motions of the video image of the user. Recognition of motions of the video image may include recognition of motions of an image of the user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Marks, Ruxin Chen
  • Patent number: 8547401
    Abstract: A portable device configured to provide an augmented reality experience is provided. The portable device has a display screen configured to display a real world scene. The device includes an image capture device associated with the display screen. The image capture device is configured to capture image data representing the real world scene. The device includes image recognition logic configured to analyze the image data representing the real world scene. Image generation logic responsive to the image recognition logic is included. The image generation logic is configured to incorporate an additional image into the real world scene. A computer readable medium and a system providing an augmented reality environment are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic S. Mallinson, Richard L. Marks
  • Publication number: 20130084981
    Abstract: A controller provides inputs to control execution of a program by combining controller input information and supplementary information utilizing a value of a first one of the controller input information or the supplementary input information as a modifying input to the game program for modifying a mapping or gearing of an input controlling a still active function activated in accordance with at least one of a second one of the controller input information or the supplementary input information or vice versa. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Gary M. Zalewski, Richard L. Marks, Xiaodong Mao
  • Patent number: 8337306
    Abstract: A method for controlling a view of a scene is provided. The method initiates with detecting an initial location of a control object. An initial view of the scene is displayed on a virtual window, the initial view defined by a view-frustum based on a projection of the initial location of the control object through outer edges of the virtual window. Movement of the control object to a new location is detected. An updated view of the scene is displayed on the virtual window, the updated view defined by an updated view-frustum based on a projection of the new location of the control object through the outer edges of the virtual window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Larsen, Hrishikesh R. Deshpande, Richard L. Marks
  • Publication number: 20120319950
    Abstract: One or more images can be captured with a depth camera having a capture location in a coordinate space. First and second objects in the one or more images can be identified and assigned corresponding first and second object locations in the coordinate space. A relative position can be identified in the coordinate space between the first object location and the second object location when viewed from the capture location by computing an azimuth angle and an altitude angle between the first object location and the object location in relation to the capture location. The relative position includes a dimension of depth with respect to the coordinate space. The dimension of depth is determined from analysis of the one or more images. A state of a computer program is changed based on the relative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Marks, Hrishikesh R. Deshpande
  • Patent number: 8303405
    Abstract: A controller provides inputs to control execution of a program by combining controller input information and supplementary information indicating a three-dimensional motion of the controller. The combined input can be obtained by assigning the value of the controller input information as coarse control information and assigning the value of the supplementary input information as fine control information or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
    Inventors: Gary M. Zalewski, Richard L. Marks, Xiadong Mao
  • Patent number: 8303411
    Abstract: Detecting direction pointing direction when interfacing with a computer program is described. Two or more stereo images presented in front of two or more corresponding image capture devices can be captured. Each image capture device having a capture location in a coordinate space. The image capture devices can be synchronized with a strobe signal that is visible to each image capture device. When a person is captured in the image, first and second body parts of the person in the image can be identified and assigned first and second locations in the coordinate space. A relative position that includes a dimension of depth can be identified in coordinate space between the first location and the second location when viewed from the capture location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Marks, Hrishikesh R. Deshpande
  • Publication number: 20120268359
    Abstract: An electronic device may be controlled using nerve analysis by measuring a nerve activity level for one or more body parts of a user of the device using one or more nerve sensors associated with the electronic device. A relationship can be determined between the user's one or more body parts and an intended interaction by the user with one or more components of the electronic device using each nerve activity level determined. A control input or reduced set of likely actions can be established for the electronic device based on the relationship determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Ruxin Chen, Ozlem Kalinli, Richard L. Marks, Jeffrey R. Stafford
  • Patent number: 8295549
    Abstract: A peripheral device for communicating with a computer gaming system having an image capture device associated therewith is provided. The image capture device is configured to capture image data of the peripheral device and the computer system is configured to exchange wireless communication data with the peripheral device. The peripheral device includes a body having a first location and a second location, where the first location is defined for a first light emitting object and the second location is defined for a second light emitting object. The first and second illuminating objects having a size that is identifiable in captured image data. The first location on the body is at a fixed predetermined distance from the second location. The peripheral device includes one or more buttons, and circuitry interfaced with the first and second light emitting objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Marks, Xiadong Mao, Gary M. Zalewski
  • Patent number: 8251820
    Abstract: One or more images can be captured with a depth camera having a capture location in a coordinate space. First and second objects in the one or more images can be identified and assigned corresponding first and second object locations in the coordinate space. A relative position can be identified in the coordinate space between the first object location and the second object location when viewed from the capture location by computing an azimuth angle and an altitude angle between the first object location and the object location in relation to the capture location. The relative position includes a dimension of depth with respect to the coordinate space. The dimension of depth is determined from analysis of the one or more images. A state of a computer program is changed based on the relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Marks, Hrishikesh R. Deshpande
  • Patent number: 8188968
    Abstract: An input device for interfacing with a computing device is provided. The input device includes a body configured to be held within a human hand. The input device includes a light emitting diode (LED) affixed to the body and a power supply for the LED. A mode change activator is integrated into the body, where the mode change activator is configured to cause a change of a color of a light originating from the LED. The color change is capable of being detected to cause a mode change at the computing device. Methods for detecting input commands from an input source within a field of sight of an image capture device, and a computing system which includes the input device are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Marks