Abstract: A display system that is adapted to provide control blow-by. The display system includes a projector that is operable to project light through a lens. The system also includes a first polarizer positioned proximate to the lens receiving and first polarizing the projected light. The display system further includes a projection screen assembly that includes a transparent projection screen and a second polarizer. The projected light first strikes the transparent projection screen causing a projected image to be displayed. The second polarizer is adapted to second polarize the projected light to provide cross-polarization and reduce blow-by in the display system. The first and second polarizers are configured with first and second axes of polarization, and the first and second polarizers are arranged in the display system with the first axis of polarization substantially orthogonal to the second axis of polarization to provide full cross-polarization of the projected light.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to adjusting projected images from a projector. A projected image is compensated to neutralize effects of a projection surface and optimized based on anticipated pixel drift movement.

Abstract: Methods and systems described herein play multi-source media content. A multi-source media content includes digital assets from multiple media sources. The digital assets may include a video digital asset, an audio digital asset, or a textual digital asset. The digital assets may be provided by different media content providers. The digital assets from multiple media sources may be played such that various components (e.g., a video component, an audio component, or a textual component) of a media content are synchronized. When a digital asset or a digital asset segment for a media content is retrieved from a media content provider into the domain, an index is created to associate the digital asset with the media source from which the digital asset or the digital asset segment may be retrieved. As such, a media content may be played without retrieving, from a media content provider, those digital assets or digital asset segments already existing in the domain.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a motorized monopole for a camera, including: a monopole; an offset arrangement attached to the monopole; a camera mount; the offset arrangement rotating with respect to the monopole; the offset arrangement terminating in a connection attaching the camera mount; and a first motor imparting tilt movement to the camera mount with respect to the connection. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method for performing light-based calibration of optics with caustic surfaces. The method includes mapping a light detecting device to a programmable light source. Then, the method includes operating a calibration light source to direct light onto one or more caustic surfaces of an optical assembly, e.g., an assembly of one or more lenses, facets, lenticules, and lenslets. The method may then involve, with the light detecting device, capturing an image of a projection surface of the optical assembly, which is opposite the one or more caustic surfaces in the optical assembly, as the projection surface is illuminated by the light from the light source. Further, the method includes processing the captured image, along with the mapping of the light detecting device to the programmable light source, to generate a calibration map of the optical assembly including the caustic surfaces.

Abstract: A method for generating three dimensional (3D) displays. The method includes displaying a hologram that combines three (or more) images encoded into three (or more) different OAM channels, and the method also includes reflecting light from the displayed hologram to create a multichannel light beam. Then, the method involves decoding the multichannel light beam to decode and display the three encoded images. The decoding step includes displaying the three encoded images in decoded form in three view zones, three focal planes, or on three spaced-apart planes. The decoding is performed by a single decoding screen using holograms used for generating the three encoded images or is performed by three decoding screens configured based on a differing one of the holograms used for generating the three encoded images. The displaying of the hologram step includes operating a spatial light modulator (SLM) to display the hologram on a screen of the SLM.

Abstract: To generate a media presentation of a live event, a user interface is coupled to at least three cameras that share substantially the same vantage point. One of the cameras (e.g., a context camera) provides a context view of the event that is displayed on a screen of the user interface. The views of the other two cameras are superimposed onto the context view to define sub-portions that are visually demarcated within the context view. In one embodiment, only one of views is visually demarcated in the context view at any given time. Based on user interaction, the user interface can switch between the cameras views and control the cameras to capture different portions of the context view. Based the image data captured by the views of the cameras within the context view, the user interface generates a media presentation that may be broadcast to multiple viewers.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method, including: identifying a first type of media and a second type of media; determining a compression technique to be used to compress a combined media created from the first type of media and the second type of media; and aligning using a processor, based on the compression technique determined, the first type of media and the second type of media to create the combined media. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: As described herein, an electronic device with a display screen may simulate the color diffusion that occurs in a physical painting process. For instance, the user may perform one or more actions that simulate a brushstroke on the display screen such as swiping a touch-sensitive area or dragging a cursor across the screen. The electronic device then calculates a geodesic distance between a pixel inside a region defined by the brushstroke and a pixel located outside this region based on the physical distance between the two pixels and a weighting factor that varies depending on whether an image boundary is between the two pixels. Based on the geodesic distance, the electronic device uses a color diffusion relationship that defines the effect of the color of the brushstroke on the pixel and a time delay controlling when the color of the brushstroke reaches the pixel in order to simulate color diffusion.

Abstract: A user content protection system and method that may include a content-sharing application associated with a user device and/or an access monitor configured to monitor access limitations placed on content shared by the content sharing application. The content-sharing application may be configured to share content from the user device to one or more other user devices. The access monitor may provide conditional access to the content depending on whether or not certain access limitations have been exceeded.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for user interaction with and curation of digital media content, such that users are able to specify a particular clip of video content, and utilize the clip in a desired way. The disclosed systems and methods allow users to view video content, select video clips within the video content, save video clips into a collection of video clips, and curate the collection of video clips. The disclosed systems and methods also allow users to view bookmarks indicating the positions of saved video clips within video content, and to interact with video clips within a video player.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an approach for simulating and rendering granular materials. A simulation application generates video frames depicting a granular material phenomenon using a strain based elasto-plastic constitutive model integrated with a hybrid Eulerian/Lagrangian material point method (MPM). The elasto-plastic constitutive model includes physical equation(s) which dictate forces that affect the granular material during the simulation. In particular, the constitutive model may include user-controllable parameters defining threshold(s) to start plastic deformation, as well as a hardening parameter which controls how fast the granular material packs under compression. The MPM is a procedure in which particles of the granular material and a background grid are coupled, with the grid being used to assist in computing forces dictated by the physical equation(s) of the elasto-plastic constitutive model.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a free-form electrostatic speaker, including: a three dimensional object body; at least a portion of the three dimensional object body having a free-form electrode layer disposed thereon; the free-form electrode layer being shaped to substantially match the at least a portion of the three dimensional object body; a free-form diaphragm positioned proximate to, and being shaped to substantially match, the free-form electrode layer; and an input element coupled to the free-form electrode layer that accepts input from an external source. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus provide high speed multicomponent imagery from high frame rate binary spatial light modulators. The process and apparatus decompose an image frame into a plurality of subframes such that each subframe in the plurality of subframes corresponds to an image component of the image frame. The process and apparatus sequentially illuminate, with a spatially addressable backlight, each of the subframes displayed on a spatial light modulator segment through a lenslet array and at least one optical component onto a diffuser. Further, a process and apparatus provide high speed projection with multiple projectors. The process and apparatus decompose an image frame into a plurality of image components. Further, the process and apparatus associate each of the plurality of image components with each of a plurality of associated projectors. The process and apparatus concurrently projects the plurality of image components from the plurality of associated projectors.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for creating a digital puppet show by animating a digital puppet using gestures and sound. The method includes presenting the digital puppet to a user on a display. The method further includes receiving motion data corresponding to a gesture, using a camera, from the user, translating the motion data into digital data using a motion tracking algorithm, and animating the digital puppet, on the display, using the digital data. The method can further include receiving audio data from the user using a microphone and playing the audio data, using a speaker, while animating the digital puppet on the display to create the digital puppet show.

Abstract: A method for controlling an amusement park ride to provide safe access for maintenance and testing. The method includes first determining a location of an access control key and then second determining whether the determined location is within a control space. The method includes, when the access control key is in the control space, operating a machine of the park ride in a first operating mode. When outside the control space, the method includes operating the machine in a second operating mode. The second operating mode may include disabling the machine. The method may further include, after the operating the machine in the second operating mode, repeating the first determining of the location of the access control key, third determining whether the determined location is within a predefined safe space, and, when the access control key is within the predefined safe space operating the machine in a third operating mode.

Abstract: A system for augmenting the appearance of an object including a plurality of projectors. Each projector includes a light source and a lens in optical communication with the light source, where the lens focuses light emitted by the light source on the object. The system also includes a computer in communication with the plurality of projectors, the computer including a memory component and a processing element in communication with the memory component and the plurality of projectors. The processing element determines a plurality of images to create an augmented appearance of the object and provides the plurality of images to the plurality of projectors to project light corresponding to the plurality of images onto the object to create the augmented appearance of the object. After the images are projected onto the object, the augmented appearance of the objected is substantially the same regardless of a viewing angle for the object.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting light probes for outdoor images are disclosed. A light probe database is created to learn a mapping from the outdoor image's features to predicted outdoor light probe illumination parameters. The database includes a plurality of images, image features for each of the plurality of images, and a captured light probe for each of the plurality of images. A light probe illumination model based on a sun model and sky model is fitted to the captured light probes. The light probe for the outdoor image may be predicted based on the database dataset and fitted light probe models.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for training and utilizing a boundary graph machine learning algorithm. The system including a processor configured to receive a plurality of entry nodes, each of the plurality of entry nodes including an entry node input and an entry node output, add each of the plurality of entry nodes to a graph using the entry node input and the entry node output, receiving a plurality of training nodes, each of the plurality of training nodes including a training node input and a training node output, add each of the plurality of training nodes to the graph when the training node input for each of the plurality of training nodes is similar to the training node output of a closest node and the training node output of each of the plurality of training nodes is different than the training node output of the closest node.

Abstract: Techniques are described for retrieving advertisements for insertion into a document. Embodiments receive a document comprising a request to retrieve a plurality of advertisement creatives. In response to transmitting the request specified within the received document to the advertisement management system, a single software object defining all of the plurality of advertisement creatives is received. Embodiments insert each of the plurality of advertisement creatives into the document, prior to rendering the document, and then render the document together with the advertisement creatives.

Abstract: A method for editing content including at least one three-dimensional object. The method includes determining by a processing element one or more constraints, rendering by the processing element a shell defining an offset distance to the three-dimensional object corresponding to the one or more constraints, receiving a user input to a point related or connected to the three-dimensional object, and moving the point in a direction corresponding to the user input. In the method, the movement of the point is limited in at least one direction by the shell.

Abstract: Techniques for generating a photo album are described. Embodiments analyze a plurality of photo albums to determine photo album characteristics, where each of the plurality of photo albums comprises a respective plurality of digital photographs arranged in a respective order. Here, the plurality of photo albums relate to one or more digital photograph collections. Additionally, a digital photograph collection is processed to determine characteristics of each digital photograph within the digital photograph collection. Embodiments also generate a photo album using digital photographs from the digital photograph collection, based on the determined photograph album characteristics, where the generated photo album comprises a second plurality of digital photographs arranged in a determined order.

Abstract: Approaches are described for assigning roles to agents in a group of agents engaging in an activity. An assignment analysis system receives a first set of detections, where each detection in the first set of detections comprises a physical location. The assignment analysis system defines an exemplar formation comprising an arrangement of each role in a set of roles. The assignment analysis system calculates a first cost function between at least one detection in the first set of detections and at least one role in the set of roles. The assignment analysis system generates a first set of permutations based on the first cost function. The assignment analysis system assigns a first role in the set of roles to a first detection in the first set of detections based on the first set of permutations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivery of localized media assets to a content playback device are disclosed. A file server stores a base file and localized file associated with a localized media content. The base file and localized file each include one or more fragments. A web server delivers base file fragments and localized file fragments from the file server to the content playback device. Playback logic contained in one or more playlists determines an order of streaming each of the plurality of base file fragments and each of the plurality of localized file fragments for playback of the localized media content.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for creating tactile content by using an audio stream. The method includes capturing an audio stream using a microphone, processing the audio stream to generate an audio data stream, executing a haptic algorithm using the audio data stream to generate an activation pattern for a plurality of actuators, and activating the plurality of actuators according to the activation pattern. The activation pattern is generated from the audio data stream based on both a frequency of the audio stream and triggering sounds in the audio stream. The plurality of actuators include both voice coils and vibrating motors.

Abstract: The present disclosure may take the form of a method for enhancing performance of interactive content. The method includes analyzing by a processing element a user actuated object of the interactive content, predicting action of the user actuated object in a proceeding frame of the interactive content, using the predicted action, determining by the processing element if the user actuated object can be cached for the proceeding frame, if the user actuated object can be cached, saving the user actuated object as a bitmap object and display the bitmap object in the proceeding frame and if the user actuated object cannot be cached, rendering a vector graphic of the user actuated object in the proceeding frame.

Abstract: A control method that executes a numerical non-linear optimization procedure with forward simulation of the full dynamics of the bipedal robot (including ground collisions) to compute a foothold, which produces the desired center of mass velocity during the next step of the walking cycle. The controller includes a gait generator that outputs desired joint trajectories designed to track a desired foothold provided by the foot placement algorithm. A torque calculator is included to output desired joint torques designed to track the desired joint trajectories provided by the gait generator. Additionally, the controller includes an actuator controller that produces the desired joint torques determined by the torque calculator at each joint on the physical robot, which may be a legged robot with torque-controlled joints. The foot placement algorithm may use nonlinear optimization that is solvable using a mathematical model of the dynamics of the controlled robot.

Abstract: A holographic display system for generating a super hologram with full parallax in different fields of view in the horizontal and vertical directions. The display system includes assemblies or subsystems each adapted to combine holographic displays and coarse integral displays to produce or display a coarse integral hologram. The display system is adapted to combine such displays or display systems to add more detail or information. For example, the display system can be assembled as if it were made up of “holographic bricks” that can be stacked and combined to provide a unique image/output. Briefly, the display system described herein teaches techniques for combining coarse integral holographic (CIH) displays in a seamless and scalable manner, e.g., a display system where multiple spatial light modulators (SLMs) can be placed or provided behind coarse integral optics.

Abstract: A special effects (FX) system for generating a penumbra or glow effect about an object. Briefly, the FX system includes at least one sheet of retroreflective material and a penumbra activator. The penumbra activator is designed to selectively direct light toward a reflective surface of the retroreflective material. For example, the penumbra activator may include an elongated core element extending from a hilt. The body of the core element may include strings or sets of direction light sources, which may be spaced apart along the length of external surfaces of the core element body. A controller is used to operate the light sources such as by sequentially illuminating the lights sources from an end near the base/hilt to an end near a tip/distal end of the core element body, with earlier lit sources remaining on in some cases to cause a light sword blade to grow out of the hilt.

Abstract: Methods and systems of equalizing spatial frequency signals for images are provided. Images distorted through defocus, motion blur, under-sampling or other reasons may be equalized. Equalized spatial frequency signals may be used to determine correspondence matching between images. Image patches from two or more image signals may be identified and analyzed to determine image patches that contain similar representations of the real scene, with sufficient local details for accurately computing cross-correlation.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for harvesting electrical energy from interaction with papers. The system comprising an electret disposed between a first electrode and a second electrode, and an interactive device connected to one end of the first electrode and one end of the second electrode to provide an electrical potential, the interactive device configured to receive the electrical potential by moving the second electrode relative to the electret for generating electrical energy. Interactive devices that can be activated by the generator can include a light-emitting diode, an electronic paper display, an infrared communication, and a buzzer.

Abstract: Interactive multimedia package methods and systems are provided. An interactive multimedia package system may generate, manage, deliver, and/or play interactive multimedia packages with various digital media. An interactive multimedia package may be incorporated into any platform such as physical media (e.g., CDs, DVDs, etc.), web services (e.g., download, or streaming), and other applications. A user may shop directly off of the digital media that he or she is experiencing (e.g., watching a movie, viewing a digital news, reading an e-book, playing a video game, etc.) The user may be directed to an e-commerce website, a digital storefront, or a list of items associated with an object, by clicking on the object of interest in the digital media.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for optimizing loading of content data on a webpage by utilizing client-side technology. The system comprising a server and a client device, the client device configured to request a webpage from a server, receive an image tag and a configuration file from the server, determine a selected image from a plurality of images using client capabilities, the image tag, and the configuration file, create an image handle to request the selected image from the server, transmit the image handle to the server, and receive the selected image from the server. The client device may also receive supported advertisements from the server, select at least one advertisement from the supported advertisements using the client capabilities, and request the at least one advertisement from the server.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for optimizing mapping, tracking, and transporting of content data on a webpage using client-side technologies. The system including a server and a client device, the client device configured to retrieve content data from a first webpage accessed from the server, assemble a cookie using the content data from the first webpage, store the cookie in a memory of the client device, detect a second webpage accessed, retrieve the cookie in response to detecting the second webpage, extract the content data from the cookie, and load the content data on the second webpage.

Abstract: An assembly adapted for visually disguising drive or support features of an amusement park ride or a display system using a drive to move a show element about a space. The assembly includes a platform and a drive mechanism for selectively moving a support member. The assembly also includes an object supported upon an end of the support member spaced apart from the drive mechanism, and the support member extends through a slot in the platform. The assembly also includes a canopy positioned between the supported object and a surface of the platform facing the supported object. The canopy blocks an observer from seeing the slot in the platform. The canopy includes a plurality of camouflaging elements positioned between the slot in the platform and the supported object, and the camouflaging elements are arranged in two or more layers.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an approach for automatically determining task-specific robot model reductions. In one embodiment, a simplification application determines a smallest order statespace model whose stabilizing controller also stabilizes a full-order robot model. The simplification application may determine such a model via an iterative procedure in which the reduced order is initialized to the number of unstable poles of the open-loop full-order system and, while the closed loop full-order system with the balanced reduced order system's stabilizing controller is unstable, fractional balanced reduction is applied to generate a balanced reduced system. If one or more unstable closed-loop poles exist in the full-order system with the stabilizing controller of the newly-generated balanced reduced system, the reduced order is incremented by one, and fractional balanced reduction repeated, until no unstable closed-loop poles remain.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for tracking physical play objects by virtual or non-player characters in an electronic game environment. More specifically, techniques are disclosed for enabling a game system to track a physical toy object, using tracking information to update the game state, and transmitting updated game state to the toy object and update the toy state. Additionally, a player is able to control the physical toy object, and use the physical toy object to play a game. The game system may track a remote-controlled toy, a handheld toy, or the player himself or herself. The virtual feedback to changes in the physical environment results in a more immersive game experience for the player.

Abstract: Methods and a system for the recharging of battery-operated devices, whereby the recharging process is made less burdensome and inconvenient to the users of the devices. Embodiments provide for incorporating recharging into the normal usage patterns for the devices using activities consistent with predetermined intended usage of the devices, thereby causing the user to perceive less inconvenience. Other embodiments provide for systematically detecting and wirelessly recharging devices, whereby the burden to the users may be reduced or entirely eliminated.

Abstract: A method for fabricating custom surface reflectance and spatially-varying bi-directional reflectance distribution functions (BDRFs or svBRDFs). The 3D printing method optimizes micro-geometry to produce a normal distribution function (NDF) that can be printed on surfaces with a 3D printer. Particularly, the method involves optimizing the micro-geometry for a wide range of analytic NDFs and simulating the effective reflectance of the resulting surface. Using the results of the simulation, the appearance of an input svBRDF can be reproduced. To this end, the micro-geometry is optimized in a data-driven fashion and distributed on the surface of the printed object. The methods were demonstrated to allow 3D printing svBRDF on planar samples with current 3D printing technology even with a limited set of printing materials, and the described methods have been shown to be naturally extendable to printing svBRDF on arbitrary shapes or 3D objects.

Abstract: A method including receiving a first image of a scene captured from a first perspective, the first image including an object and a background; segmenting the first image to extract a first two-dimensional contour of the object; approximating a plurality of three-dimensional locations of a plurality of points on the first contour; generating a three-dimensional billboard of the object based on the three-dimensional locations; and projecting the first image onto the three-dimensional billboard.

Abstract: The embodiments presented herein describe integrating a projector in a book to display images or animations on one or more pages of the book. Specifically, the book may include a projector that is arranged in the form factor of the book. The book may also contain one or more mirrors that reflect an image from the projector onto a desired location on a page in the book. In one embodiment, the image is projected from the rear of the book onto a back side of the page that is opposite the front side of the page facing the user. So long as the material of the page is sufficiently translucent, the image projected on the back side of the page will be visible to the user looking at the front side of the page.

Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for creating a composite video stream. Additionally, a first selection of pixels from the first video stream and a second selection of pixels from the second video stream are received. Here, both the first selection of pixels and the second selection of pixels indicate pixels that are to be included in the composite video stream. Embodiments identify a plurality of spatiotemporal seams across the first video stream and the second video stream, based at least in part on the first selection of pixels and the second selection of pixels. The first video stream and the second video stream are then composited into the composite video stream, by joining frames from the first video stream and the second video stream at the identified plurality of spatiotemporal seams.

Abstract: A device and method incorporates features of a temporal contrast sensor with a camera sensor in an imager. The method includes registering the camera sensor with the temporal contrast sensor as a function of a calibration target. The method includes receiving camera sensor data from the camera sensor and temporal contrast sensor data from the temporal contrast sensor. The method includes generating a plurality of images as a function of incorporating the temporal contrast sensor data with the camera sensor data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for non-linear navigation of video content comprising receiving a video content asset comprising a plurality of video content clips tagged with information tags, the information tags connecting the video content clips to form a plurality of navigation paths; presenting a first video clip from the plurality of video clips; displaying a set of navigation options for selection by a user, each of the navigation options corresponding to a particular navigation path; receiving a navigation option selection from the user; and presenting a second video clip from the plurality of video clips based on the navigation path corresponding to the navigation option selected by the user.

Abstract: A method and device generates a trajectory. The method includes receiving a plurality of tracklets indicative of movement of a plurality of targets over a predetermined temporal interval. The method includes determining a plurality of context data for a pair of tracklets based upon at least one additional tracklet. The method includes computing a probability that the pair of tracklets relate to a first one of the targets. The method includes generating a trajectory for the first target based upon a concatenation of select ones of the tracklets. The concatenation maximizes the probability that the pair of tracklets correspond to the first target based upon the context data associated with the pair of the tracklets.

Abstract: Methods and systems described herein detect object boundaries of videos. A window around the pixel may be followed in adjacent image frames of the image frame to determine object boundaries. Inconsistencies in image patches over a temporal window are detected, and each pixel of the image frame of a video is assigned an object boundary probability. The pixel may belong to a texture edge if the window content does not change throughout the adjacent image frames, or the pixel may belong to an object boundary if the window content changes. A probability value indicating the likelihood of the pixel belonging to an object boundary is determined based on the window content change and is assigned to the corresponding pixel.

Abstract: A system for examining intrusions of a physical environment into a reach envelope of a vehicle traveling along a length of track. The system includes a test skid including a chassis with front and rear wheel assemblies each adapted for rollably engaging the track. The test skid may further include a laser measuring scanner supported on an upper surface of the chassis and adapted for scanning a vertical plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the chassis to measure a plurality of distances between the laser measuring scanner and surfaces of the physical environment when the test skid moved along the track. The system also includes a test controller executing an examination program to determine a real world envelope based on the measured distances from the laser measuring scanner and to determine intrusions by comparing a reach envelope for the vehicle with the determined real world envelope.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for generating polygon meshes. One example of a method for generating a polygon mesh includes scanning a plurality of lines of an image to determine one or more pixel run lengths of interest, building a collection of rectangles based on the one or more pixel run lengths from the plurality of lines, and simplifying the collection of rectangles by combining rectangles with similar widths and/or heights.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for generating a hull that may have concavities. One example of such a method includes creating a collection of columns representing a first hull, growing the first hull by increasing a height of one or more columns, creating a collection of rows representing a second hull, growing the second hull by increasing a width of one or more rows, and creating a third hull by combing the first and second hulls.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cross platform sharing of user-generated content. The system may comprise a first user device of a first platform type including one or more processors configured to execute computer program modules. A space module may be configured to effectuate display of a virtual space on the first user device and facilitate interaction of a user of the first user device with the virtual space. A content creation module may be configured to configure user-generated virtual space content in the virtual space to be experienced by the user in the virtual space on the first user device. A share module may be configured to convert the user-generated virtual space content to sharable virtual space content. A communications module may be configured to transmit the sharable virtual space content from the first user device to a remote server.