Patents by Inventor Thomas Marshall Miller, IV

Thomas Marshall Miller, IV 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: 11823316
    Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying a virtual character in a mixed reality environment are disclosed. In some embodiments, a view of the virtual character is based on an animation rig comprising primary joints and helper joints. The animation rig may be in a pose defined by spatial relationships between the primary joints and helper joints. The virtual character may be moving in the mixed reality environment. In some instances, the virtual character may be moving based on a comparison of interestingness values associated with elements in the mixed reality environment. The spatial relationship transformation associated with the movement may be indicated by movement information. In some embodiments, the movement information is received from a neural network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall Miller, IV, Nafees Bin Zafar, Sean Michael Comer, James Jonathan Bancroft
  • Patent number: 11798215
    Abstract: Examples of the disclosed systems and methods may provide for improved and more realistic rendering of virtual characters and a more realistic interaction between a user and virtual characters. For example, the systems and methods describe techniques for mathematically generating a map used for animating facial expressions in a multidimensional animation blendspace. As another example, the systems and methods describe a transition system for dynamically transitioning facial expressions across a face of the virtual character. As another example, realistic physical movements can be added to a virtual character's facial expressions to provide interactivity with other virtual characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: MAGIC LEAP, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall Miller, IV, The Hung Quach, Jeffrey Lin
  • Patent number: 11763510
    Abstract: Real-time animation of a virtual character can be provided by pre-calculating a control policy that identifies a suitable animation clip to animate the next movement of the virtual character. The control policy can be calculated using a Markov decision process (MDP) and can specify an action to take (e.g., a movement) when the virtual character is in a particular state (e.g., in a particular position or pose). The control policy can be determined based on a discounted set of rewards or punishments associated with various actions that can occur in each state. The control policies can be pre-calculated, offline from a runtime animation engine (e.g., in an augmented reality display). The runtime animation engine can use the control policies to select an animation clip to move the virtual character through an environment in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: MAGIC LEAP, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Marshall Miller, IV
  • Publication number: 20230290031
    Abstract: Examples of systems and methods for rendering an avatar in a mixed reality environment are disclosed. The systems and methods may be configured to automatically scale an avatar or to render an avatar based on a determined intention of a user, an interesting impulse, environmental stimuli, or user saccade points. The disclosed systems and methods may apply discomfort curves when rendering an avatar. The disclosed systems and methods may provide a more realistic interaction between a human user and an avatar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall Miller, IV, Josh Anon, Frank Alexander Hamilton, IV, Cole Parker Heiner, Victor Ng-Thow-Hing, Rodrigo Cano, Karen Stolzenberg, Lorena Pazmino, Gregory Minh Tran, Stephane Antoine Joseph Imbert, Anthony Marinello
  • Publication number: 20230258942
    Abstract: A user may interact and view virtual elements such as avatars and objects and/or real world elements in three-dimensional space in an augmented reality (AR) session. The system may allow one or more spectators to view from a stationary or dynamic camera a third person view of the users AR session. The third person view may be synchronized with the user view and the virtual elements of the user view may be composited onto the third person view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall Miller, IV, Takashi Kuribayashi, John Monos
  • Patent number: 11699255
    Abstract: Examples of systems and methods for rendering an avatar in a mixed reality environment are disclosed. The systems and methods may be configured to automatically scale an avatar or to render an avatar based on a determined intention of a user, an interesting impulse, environmental stimuli, or user saccade points. The disclosed systems and methods may apply discomfort curves when rendering an avatar. The disclosed systems and methods may provide a more realistic interaction between a human user and an avatar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall Miller, IV, Josh Anon, Frank Alexander Hamilton, IV, Cole Parker Heiner, Victor Ng-Thow-Hing, Rodrigo Cano, Karen Stolzenberg, Lorena Pazmino, Gregory Minh Tran, Stephane Antoine Joseph Imbert, Anthony Marinello
  • Patent number: 11662588
    Abstract: A user may interact and view virtual elements such as avatars and objects and/or real world elements in three-dimensional space in an augmented reality (AR) session. The system may allow one or more spectators to view from a stationary or dynamic camera a third person view of the users AR session. The third person view may be synchronized with the user view and the virtual elements of the user view may be composited onto the third person view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: MAGIC LEAP, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall Miller, IV, Takashi Kuribayashi, John Monos
  • Publication number: 20230087227
    Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying a virtual character in a mixed reality environment are disclosed. In some embodiments, a view of the virtual character is based on an animation rig comprising primary joints and helper joints. The animation rig may be in a pose defined by spatial relationships between the primary joints and helper joints. The virtual character may be moving in the mixed reality environment. In some instances, the virtual character may be moving based on a comparison of interestingness values associated with elements in the mixed reality environment. The spatial relationship transformation associated with the movement may be indicated by movement information. In some embodiments, the movement information is received from a neural network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall MILLER, IV, Nafees BIN ZAFAR, Sean Michael COMER, James Jonathan BANCROFT
  • Publication number: 20230073991
    Abstract: Examples of the disclosed systems and methods may provide for improved and more realistic rendering of virtual characters and a more realistic interaction between a user and virtual characters. For example, the systems and methods describe techniques for mathematically generating a map used for animating facial expressions in a multidimensional animation blendspace. As another example, the systems and methods describe a transition system for dynamically transitioning facial expressions across a face of the virtual character. As another example, realistic physical movements can be added to a virtual character's facial expressions to provide interactivity with other virtual characters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall Miller, IV, The Hung Quach, Jeffrey Lin
  • Patent number: 11544888
    Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying a virtual character in a mixed reality environment are disclosed. In some embodiments, a view of the virtual character is based on an animation rig comprising primary joints and helper joints. The animation rig may be in a pose defined by spatial relationships between the primary joints and helper joints. The virtual character may be moving in the mixed reality environment. In some instances, the virtual character may be moving based on a comparison of interestingness values associated with elements in the mixed reality environment. The spatial relationship transformation associated with the movement may be indicated by movement information. In some embodiments, the movement information is received from a neural network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall Miller, IV, Nafees Bin Zafar, Sean Michael Comer, James Jonathan Bancroft
  • Patent number: 11527031
    Abstract: Examples of the disclosed systems and methods may provide for improved and more realistic rendering of virtual characters and a more realistic interaction between a user and virtual characters. For example, the systems and methods describe techniques for mathematically generating a map used for animating facial expressions in a multidimensional animation blendspace. As another example, the systems and methods describe a transition system for dynamically transitioning facial expressions across a face of the virtual character. As another example, realistic physical movements can be added to a virtual character's facial expressions to provide interactivity with other virtual characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall Miller, IV, The Hung Quach, Jeffrey Lin
  • Publication number: 20220366626
    Abstract: Examples of systems and methods for rendering an avatar in a mixed reality environment are disclosed. The systems and methods may be configured to automatically scale an avatar or to render an avatar based on a determined intention of a user, an interesting impulse, environmental stimuli, or user saccade points. The disclosed systems and methods may apply discomfort curves when rendering an avatar. The disclosed systems and methods may provide a more realistic interaction between a human user and an avatar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall Miller, IV, Josh Anon, Frank Alexander Hamilton, IV, Cole Parker Heiner, Victor Ng-Thow-Hing, Rodrigo Cano, Karen Stolzenberg, Lorena Pazmino, Gregory Minh Tran, Stephane Antoine Joseph Imbert, Anthony Marinello
  • Publication number: 20220270316
    Abstract: Examples of systems and methods for rendering an avatar in a mixed reality environment are disclosed. The systems and methods may be configured to automatically select avatar characteristics that optimize gaze perception by the user, based on context parameters associated with the virtual environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Joelle Zimmermann, Thomas Marshall Miller, IV, John Monos
  • Patent number: 11380039
    Abstract: Examples of systems and methods for rendering an avatar in a mixed reality environment are disclosed. The systems and methods may be configured to automatically scale an avatar or to render an avatar based on a determined intention of a user, an interesting impulse, environmental stimuli, or user saccade points. The disclosed systems and methods may apply discomfort curves when rendering an avatar. The disclosed systems and methods may provide a more realistic interaction between a human user and an avatar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall Miller, IV, Victor Ng-Thow-Hing, Josh Anon, Frank Alexander Hamilton, IV, Cole Parker Heiner, Rodrigo Cano, Karen Stolzenberg, Lorena Pazmino, Gregory Minh Tran, Stephane Antoine Joseph Imbert, Anthony Marinello
  • Patent number: 11348300
    Abstract: Examples of systems and methods for rendering an avatar in a mixed reality environment are disclosed. The systems and methods may be configured to automatically select avatar characteristics that optimize gaze perception by the user, based on context parameters associated with the virtual environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.
    Inventors: Joelle Zimmermann, Thomas Marshall Miller, IV, John Monos
  • Publication number: 20220146833
    Abstract: A user may interact and view virtual elements such as avatars and objects and/or real world elements in three-dimensional space in an augmented reality (AR) session. The system may allow one or more spectators to view from a stationary or dynamic camera a third person view of the users AR session. The third person view may be synchronized with the user view and the virtual elements of the user view may be composited onto the third person view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall Miller, IV, Takashi Kuribayashi, John Monos
  • Publication number: 20220130094
    Abstract: Real-time animation of a virtual character can be provided by pre-calculating a control policy that identifies a suitable animation clip to animate the next movement of the virtual character. The control policy can be calculated using a Markov decision process (MDP) and can specify an action to take (e.g., a movement) when the virtual character is in a particular state (e.g., in a particular position or pose). The control policy can be determined based on a discounted set of rewards or punishments associated with various actions that can occur in each state. The control policies can be pre-calculated, offline from a runtime animation engine (e.g., in an augmented reality display). The runtime animation engine can use the control policies to select an animation clip to move the virtual character through an environment in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventor: Thomas Marshall Miller, IV
  • Publication number: 20220076475
    Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying a virtual character in a mixed reality environment are disclosed. In some embodiments, a view of the virtual character is based on an animation rig comprising primary joints and helper joints. The animation rig may be in a pose defined by spatial relationships between the primary joints and helper joints. The virtual character may be moving in the mixed reality environment. In some instances, the virtual character may be moving based on a comparison of interestingness values associated with elements in the mixed reality environment. The spatial relationship transformation associated with the movement may be indicated by movement information. In some embodiments, the movement information is received from a neural network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall MILLER, IV, Nafees BIN ZAFAR, Sean Michael COMER, James Jonathan BANCROFT
  • Patent number: 11262588
    Abstract: A user may interact and view virtual elements such as avatars and objects and/or real world elements in three-dimensional space in an augmented reality (AR) session. The system may allow one or more spectators to view from a stationary or dynamic camera a third person view of the users AR session. The third person view may be synchronized with the user view and the virtual elements of the user view may be composited onto the third person view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Marshall Miller, IV, Takashi Kuribayashi, John Monos
  • Patent number: 11257268
    Abstract: Real-time animation of a virtual character can be provided by pre-calculating a control policy that identifies a suitable animation clip to animate the next movement of the virtual character. The control policy can be calculated using a Markov decision process (MDP) and can specify an action to take (e.g., a movement) when the virtual character is in a particular state (e.g., in a particular position or pose). The control policy can be determined based on a discounted set of rewards or punishments associated with various actions that can occur in each state. The control policies can be pre-calculated, offline from a runtime animation engine (e.g., in an augmented reality display). The runtime animation engine can use the control policies to select an animation clip to move the virtual character through an environment in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: Thomas Marshall Miller, IV