Patents Assigned to Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd.
  • Patent number: 10732797
    Abstract: Views of a virtual environment can be displayed on mobile devices in a real-world environment simultaneously for multiple users. The users can operate selections devices in the real-world environment that interact with objects in the virtual environment. Virtual characters and objects can be moved and manipulated using selection shapes. A graphical interface can be instantiated and rendered as part of the virtual environment. Virtual cameras and screens can also be instantiated to created storyboards, backdrops, and animated sequences of the virtual environment. These immersive experiences with the virtual environment can be used to generate content for users and for feature films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Jose Perez, III, Peter Dollar, Barak Moshe
  • Patent number: 10701253
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for motion capture to generate content (e.g., motion pictures, television programming, videos, etc.). An actor or other performing being can have multiple markers on his or her face that are essentially invisible to the human eye, but that can be clearly captured by camera systems of the present disclosure. Embodiments can capture the performance using two different camera systems, each of which can observe the same performance but capture different images of that performance. For instance, a first camera system can capture the performance within a first light wavelength spectrum (e.g., visible light spectrum), and a second camera system can simultaneously capture the performance in a second light wavelength spectrum different from the first spectrum (e.g., invisible light spectrum such as the IR light spectrum). The images captured by the first and second camera systems can be combined to generate content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: John Knoll, Leandro Estebecorena, Stephane Grabli, Per Karefelt, Pablo Helman, John M. Levin
  • Patent number: 10692288
    Abstract: A method may include capturing a first image of a physical environment using a mobile device. The mobile device may include a physical camera and a display. The method may also include receiving a second image from a content provider system. The second image may be generated by the content provider system by rendering a view from a virtual camera in a virtual environment. The virtual environment may represent at least a portion of the physical environment. A location of the virtual camera in the virtual environment may correspond to a location of the physical camera in the physical environment. The second image may include a view of a computer-generated object. The method may additionally include generating a third image by compositing the first image and the second image, and causing the third image to be displayed on the display of the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Nicholas Rasmussen, Michael Koperwas, Earle M. Alexander, IV
  • Publication number: 20200145644
    Abstract: An immersive content presentation system and techniques that can detect and correct lighting artifacts caused by movements of one or more taking camera in a performance area consisting of multiple displays (e.g., LED or LCD displays). The techniques include capturing, with a camera, a plurality of images of a performer performing in a performance area at least partially surrounded by one or more displays presenting images of a virtual environment. Where the images of the virtual environment within a frustum of the camera are updated on the one or more displays based on movement of the camera, and images of the virtual environment outside of the frustum of the camera are not updated based on movement of the camera. The techniques further include generating content based on the plurality of captured images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD. LLC
    Inventors: Roger CORDES, Nicholas RASMUSSEN, Kevin WOOLEY, Rachel ROSE
  • Publication number: 20200143592
    Abstract: An immersive content presentation system and techniques that can detect and correct lighting artifacts caused by movements of one or more taking camera in a performance area consisting of multiple displays (e.g., LED or LCD displays). The techniques include capturing, with a camera, a plurality of images of a performer performing in a performance area at least partially surrounded by one or more displays presenting images of a virtual environment. Where the images of the virtual environment within a frustum of the camera are updated on the one or more displays based on movement of the camera, and images of the virtual environment outside of the frustum of the camera are not updated based on movement of the camera. The techniques further include generating content based on the plurality of captured images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD. LLC
    Inventors: Roger CORDES, Richard BLUFF, Lutz LATTA
  • Patent number: 10627908
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a view of a virtual reality (VR) environment via a computing device with a touch sensitive surface are disclosed. In some examples, a user may be enabled to augment the view of the VR environment by providing finger gestures to the touch sensitive surface. In one example, the user is enabled to call up a menu in the view of the VR environment. In one example, the user is enabled to switch the view of the VR environment displayed on a device associated with another user to a new location within the VR environment. In some examples, the user may be enabled to use the computing device to control a virtual camera within the VR environment and have various information regarding one or more aspects of the virtual camera displayed in the view of the VR environment presented to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Darby Johnston, Ian Wakelin
  • Patent number: 10602200
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for switching between different modes of a media content item. A media content item may include a movie that has different modes, such as a cinematic mode and an interactive mode. For example, a movie may be presented in a cinematic mode that does not allow certain user interactions with the movie. The movie may be switched to an interactive mode during any point of the movie, allowing a viewer to interact with various aspects of the movie. The movie may be displayed using different formats and resolutions depending on which mode the movie is being presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Andrew Grant, Lutz Markus Latta, Ian Wakelin, Darby Johnston, John Gaeta
  • Patent number: 10600245
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for switching between different modes of a media content item. A media content item may include a movie that has different modes, such as a cinematic mode and an interactive mode. For example, a movie may be presented in a cinematic mode that does not allow certain user interactions with the movie. The movie may be switched to an interactive mode during any point of the movie, allowing a viewer to interact with various aspects of the movie. The movie may be displayed using different formats and resolutions depending on which mode the movie is being presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Lutz Markus Latta, Ian Wakelin, Darby Johnston, Andrew Grant, John Gaeta
  • Patent number: 10594786
    Abstract: Views of a virtual environment can be displayed on mobile devices in a real-world environment simultaneously for multiple users. The users can operate selections devices in the real-world environment that interact with objects in the virtual environment. Virtual characters and objects can be moved and manipulated using selection shapes. A graphical interface can be instantiated and rendered as part of the virtual environment. Virtual cameras and screens can also be instantiated to created storyboards, backdrops, and animated sequences of the virtual environment. These immersive experiences with the virtual environment can be used to generate content for users and for feature films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Jose Perez, III, Peter Dollar, Barak Moshe
  • Patent number: 10553036
    Abstract: Views of a virtual environment can be displayed on mobile devices in a real-world environment simultaneously for multiple users. The users can operate selections devices in the real-world environment that interact with objects in the virtual environment. Virtual characters and objects can be moved and manipulated using selection shapes. A graphical interface can be instantiated and rendered as part of the virtual environment. Virtual cameras and screens can also be instantiated to created storyboards, backdrops, and animated sequences of the virtual environment. These immersive experiences with the virtual environment can be used to generate content for users and for feature films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Jose Perez, III, Peter Dollar, Barak Moshe
  • Patent number: 10489958
    Abstract: A system includes a computing device that includes a memory configured to store instructions. The system also includes a processor configured to execute the instructions to perform a method that includes receiving multiple representations of an object. Each of the representations includes position information of the object and corresponds to an instance in time. For at least one of the representations, the method includes defining a contour that represents a movable silhouette of a surface feature of the object. The method also includes producing a deformable model of the surface of the object from the defined contour and from the at least one representation of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Ronald Mallet, Yuting Ye, Michael Koperwas, Adrian R. Goldenthal, Kiran S. Bhat
  • Patent number: 10484824
    Abstract: A method may include causing first content to be displayed on a display device. The method may also include determining a location of a mobile device relative to the display device. In some embodiments, the mobile device may be positioned such that the first content is visible to a viewer of the mobile device. The method may additionally include causing second content to be displayed on the mobile device such that the second content is layered over the first content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: John Gaeta, Michael Koperwas, Nicholas Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 10423234
    Abstract: A system and method facilitating a user to manipulate a virtual reality (VR) environment are disclosed. The user may provide an input via a touch sensitive surface of a computing device associated with the user to bind a virtual object in the VR environment to the computing device. The user may then move and/or rotate the computing device to cause the bound virtual object to move and/or rotate in the VR environment accordingly. In some examples, the bound virtual object may cast a ray into the VR environment. The movement and/or rotation of the virtual object controlled by the computing device in those examples can change the direction of the ray. In some examples, the virtual object may include a virtual camera. In those examples, the user may move and/or rotate the virtual camera in the VR environment by moving and/or rotate the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Darby Johnston, Ian Wakelin
  • Patent number: 10373342
    Abstract: Views of a virtual environment can be displayed on mobile devices in a real-world environment simultaneously for multiple users. The users can operate selections devices in the real-world environment that interact with objects in the virtual environment. Virtual characters and objects can be moved and manipulated using selection shapes. A graphical interface can be instantiated and rendered as part of the virtual environment. Virtual cameras and screens can also be instantiated to created storyboards, backdrops, and animated sequences of the virtual environment. These immersive experiences with the virtual environment can be used to generate content for users and for feature films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Jose Perez, III, Peter Dollar, Barak Moshe
  • Patent number: 10321117
    Abstract: A method of generating unrecorded camera views may include receiving a plurality of 2-D video sequences of a subject in a real 3-D space, where each 2-D video sequence may depict the subject from a different perspective. The method may also include generating a 3-D representation of the subject in a virtual 3-D space, where a geometry and texture of the 3-D representation may be generated based on the 2D video sequences, and the motion of the 3-D representation in the virtual 3-D space is based on motion of the subject in the real 3-D space. The method may additionally include generating a 2-D video sequence of the motion of the 3D representation using a virtual camera in the virtual 3-D space where the perspective of the virtual camera may be different than the perspectives of the plurality of 2-D video sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Hilmar Koch, Ronald Mallet, Kim Libreri, Paige Warner, Mike Sanders, John Gaeta
  • Publication number: 20190124244
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for motion capture to generate content (e.g., motion pictures, television programming, videos, etc.). An actor or other performing being can have multiple markers on his or her face that are essentially invisible to the human eye, but that can be clearly captured by camera systems of the present disclosure. Embodiments can capture the performance using two different camera systems, each of which can observe the same performance but capture different images of that performance. For instance, a first camera system can capture the performance within a first light wavelength spectrum (e.g., visible light spectrum), and a second camera system can simultaneously capture the performance in a second light wavelength spectrum different from the first spectrum (e.g., invisible light spectrum such as the IR light spectrum). The images captured by the first and second camera systems can be combined to generate content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd.
    Inventors: John Knoll, Leandro Estebecorena, Stephane Grabli, Per Karefelt, Pablo Helman, John M. Levin
  • Publication number: 20190122374
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for motion capture to generate content (e.g., motion pictures, television programming, videos, etc.). An actor or other performing being can have multiple markers on his or her face that are essentially invisible to the human eye, but that can be clearly captured by camera systems of the present disclosure. Embodiments can capture the performance using two different camera systems, each of which can observe the same performance but capture different images of that performance. For instance, a first camera system can capture the performance within a first light wavelength spectrum (e.g., visible light spectrum), and a second camera system can simultaneously capture the performance in a second light wavelength spectrum different from the first spectrum (e.g., invisible light spectrum such as the IR light spectrum). The images captured by the first and second camera systems can be combined to generate content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Leandro Estebecorena, John Knoll, Stephane Grabli, Per Karefelt, Pablo Helman, John M. Levin
  • Patent number: 10269165
    Abstract: A system includes a computing device that includes a memory and a processor configured to execute instructions to perform a method that includes receiving multiple representations of one or more expressions of an object. Each representation includes position information attained from one or more images of the object. The method also includes producing an animation model from one or more groups of controls that respectively define each of the one or more expressions of the object as provided by the multiple representations. Each control of each group of controls has an adjustable value that defines the geometry of at least one shape of a portion of the respective expression of the object. Producing the animation model includes producing one or more corrective shapes if the animation model is incapable of accurately presenting the one or more expressions of the object as provided by the multiple representations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Kiran S. Bhat, Michael Koperwas, Rachel M. Rose, Jung-Seung Hong, Frederic P. Pighin, Christopher David Twigg, Cary Phillips, Steve Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10269169
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a method is described. The method includes generating a positional relationship between one or more support structures having at least one motion capture mark and at least one virtual structure corresponding to geometry of an object to be tracked and positioning the support structures on the object to be tracked. The support structures has sufficient rigidity that, if there are multiple marks, the marks on each support structure maintain substantially fixed distances from each other in response to movement by the object. The method also includes determining an effective quantity of ray traces between one or more camera views and one or more marks on the support structures, and estimating an orientation of the virtual structure by aligning the determined effective quantity of ray traces with a known configuration of marks on the support structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Steve Sullivan, Colin Davidson, Michael Sanders, Kevin Wooley
  • Patent number: 10147219
    Abstract: Performance capture systems and techniques are provided for capturing a performance of a subject and reproducing an animated performance that tracks the subject's performance. For example, systems and techniques are provided for determining control values for controlling an animation model to define features of a computer-generated representation of a subject based on the performance. A method may include obtaining input data corresponding to a pose performed by the subject, the input data including position information defining positions on a face of the subject. The method may further include obtaining an animation model for the subject that includes adjustable controls that control the animation model to define facial features of the computer-generated representation of the face, and matching one or more of the positions on the face with one or more corresponding positions on the animation model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Kiran Bhat, Michael Koperwas, Jeffery Yost, Ji Hun Yu, Sheila Santos