Patents by Inventor Alex Kipman

Alex Kipman 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: 9911236
    Abstract: An optical see-through head-mounted display device includes a see-through lens which combines an augmented reality image with light from a real-world scene, while an opacity filter is used to selectively block portions of the real-world scene so that the augmented reality image appears more distinctly. The opacity filter can be a see-through LCD panel, for instance, where each pixel of the LCD panel can be selectively controlled to be transmissive or opaque, based on a size, shape and position of the augmented reality image. Eye tracking can be used to adjust the position of the augmented reality image and the opaque pixels. Peripheral regions of the opacity filter, which are not behind the augmented reality image, can be activated to provide a peripheral cue or a representation of the augmented reality image. In another aspect, opaque pixels are provided at a time when an augmented reality image is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Avi Bar-Zeev, Bob Crocco, Alex Kipman, John Lewis
  • Patent number: 9861886
    Abstract: An virtual character such as an on-screen object, an avatar, an on-screen character, or the like may be animated using a live motion of a user and a pre-recorded motion. For example, a live motion of a user may be captured and a pre-recorded motion such as a pre-recorded artist generated motion, a pre-recorded motion of the user, and/or a programmatically controlled transformation may be received. The live motion may then be applied to a first portion of an the virtual character and the pre-recorded motion may be applied to a second portion of the virtual character such that the virtual character may be animated with a combination of the live and pre-recorded motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Kathryn Stone Perez, Alex A. Kipman, Jeffrey Margolis
  • Patent number: 9761057
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to operating a user interface on an augmented reality computing device comprising a see-through display system. For example, one disclosed embodiment includes identifying one or more objects located outside a field of view of a user, and for each object of the one or more objects, providing to the user an indication of positional information associated with the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas George Salter, Ben Sugden, Daniel Deptford, Robert Crocco, Jr., Brian Keane, Laura Massey, Alex Kipman, Peter Tobias Kinnebrew, Nicholas Kamuda, Zachary Quarles, Michael Scavezze, Ryan Hastings, Cameron Brown, Tony Ambrus, Jason Scott, John Bevis, Jamie B. Kirschenbaum, Nicholas Gervase Fajt, Michael Klucher, Relja Markovic, Stephen Latta, Daniel McCulloch
  • Publication number: 20170236332
    Abstract: A mixed-reality display device comprises an input system, a display, and a graphics processor. The input system is configured to receive a parameter value, the parameter value being one of a plurality of values of a predetermined range receivable by the input system. The display is configured to display virtual image content that adds an augmentation to a real-world environment viewed by a user of the mixed-reality display device. The graphics processor is coupled operatively to the input system and to the display; it is configured to render the virtual image content so as to variably change the augmentation, to variably change a perceived realism of the real world environment in correlation to the parameter value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Alex Kipman, Purnima M. Rao, Rebecca Haruyama, Shih-Sang Carnaven Chiu, Stuart Mayhew, Oscar E. Murillo, Carlos Fernando Faria Costa
  • Patent number: 9734636
    Abstract: Embodiments that relate to presenting a plurality of visual information density levels for a plurality of geo-located data items in a mixed reality environment are disclosed. For example, in one disclosed embodiment a graduated information delivery program receives information for a first geo-located data item and provides a first visual information density level for the item to a head-mounted display device. When a spatial information density of geo-located data item information is below a threshold, the program provides a second visual information density level greater than the first level for a second geo-located data item displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas George Salter, Ben Sugden, Daniel Deptford, Robert Crocco, Jr., Brian Keane, Laura Massey, Alex Kipman, Peter Tobias Kinnebrew, Nicholas Kamuda
  • Patent number: 9734633
    Abstract: A system and related methods for visually augmenting an appearance of a physical environment as seen by a user through a head-mounted display device are provided. In one embodiment, a virtual environment generating program receives eye-tracking information, lighting information, and depth information from the head-mounted display. The program generates a virtual environment that models the physical environment and is based on the lighting information and the distance of a real-world object from the head-mounted display. The program visually augments a virtual object representation in the virtual environment based on the eye-tracking information, and renders the virtual object representation on a transparent display of the head-mounted display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Darren Bennett, Brian Mount, Stephen Latta, Alex Kipman, Ryan Hastings, Arthur Tomlin, Sebastian Sylvan, Daniel McCulloch, Jonathan Steed, Jason Scott, Mathew Lamb
  • Publication number: 20170216718
    Abstract: A system recognizes human beings in their natural environment, without special sensing devices attached to the subjects, uniquely identifies them and tracks them in three dimensional space. The resulting representation is presented directly to applications as a multi-point skeletal model delivered in real-time. The device efficiently tracks humans and their natural movements by understanding the natural mechanics and capabilities of the human muscular-skeletal system. The device also uniquely recognizes individuals in order to allow multiple people to interact with the system via natural movements of their limbs and body as well as voice commands/responses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: R. STEPHEN POLZIN, ALEX A. KIPMAN, MARK J. FINOCCHIO, RYAN MICHAEL GEISS, KATHRYN STONE PEREZ, KUDO TSUNODA, DARREN ALEXANDER BENNETT
  • Publication number: 20170178412
    Abstract: Embodiments that relate to presenting a plurality of visual information density levels for a plurality of geo-located data items in a mixed reality environment are disclosed. For example, in one disclosed embodiment a graduated information delivery program receives information for a first geo-located data item and provides a first visual information density level for the item to a head-mounted display device. When a spatial information density of geo-located data item information is below a threshold, the program provides a second visual information density level greater than the first level for a second geo-located data item displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas George Salter, Ben Sugden, Daniel Deptford, Robert Crocco, JR., Brian Keane, Laura Massey, Alex Kipman, Peter Tobias Kinnebrew, Nicholas Kamuda
  • Publication number: 20170144067
    Abstract: Techniques for assigning a gesture dictionary in a gesture-based system to a user comprise capturing data representative of a user in a physical space. In a gesture-based system, gestures may control aspects of a computing environment or application, where the gestures may be derived from a user's position or movement in a physical space. In an example embodiment, the system may monitor a user's gestures and select a particular gesture dictionary in response to the manner in which the user performs the gestures. The gesture dictionary may be assigned in real time with respect to the capture of the data representative of a user's gesture. The system may generate calibration tests for assigning a gesture dictionary. The system may track the user during a set of short gesture calibration tests and assign the gesture dictionary based on a compilation of the data captured that represents the user's gestures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Oscar E. Murillo, Andy D. Wilson, Alex A. Kipman, Janet E. Galore
  • Patent number: 9656162
    Abstract: A system recognizes human beings in their natural environment, without special sensing devices attached to the subjects, uniquely identifies them and tracks them in three dimensional space. The resulting representation is presented directly to applications as a multi-point skeletal model delivered in real-time. The device efficiently tracks humans and their natural movements by understanding the natural mechanics and capabilities of the human muscular-skeletal system. The device also uniquely recognizes individuals in order to allow multiple people to interact with the system via natural movements of their limbs and body as well as voice commands/responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: R. Stephen Polzin, Alex A. Kipman, Mark J. Finocchio, Ryan Michael Geiss, Kathryn Stone Perez, Kudo Tsunoda, Darren Alexander Bennett
  • Patent number: 9619939
    Abstract: Embodiments that relate to presenting a plurality of visual information density levels for a plurality of geo-located data items in a mixed reality environment are disclosed. For example, in one disclosed embodiment a graduated information delivery program receives information for a selected geo-located data item and provides a minimum visual information density level for the item to a head-mounted display device. The program receives via the head-mounted display device a user input corresponding to the selected geo-located data item. Based on the input, the program provides an increasing visual information density level for the selected item to the head-mounted display device for display within the mixed reality environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas George Salter, Ben Sugden, Daniel Deptford, Robert Crocco, Jr., Brian Keane, Laura Massey, Alex Kipman, Peter Tobias Kinnebrew, Nicholas Kamuda
  • Publication number: 20170069143
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to operating a user interface on an augmented reality computing device comprising a see-through display system. For example, one disclosed embodiment includes identifying one or more objects located outside a field of view of a user, and for each object of the one or more objects, providing to the user an indication of positional information associated with the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas George Salter, Ben Sugden, Daniel Deptford, Robert Crocco, JR., Brian Keane, Laura Massey, Alex Kipman, Peter Tobias Kinnebrew, Nicholas Kamuda, Zachary Quarles, Michael Scavezze, Ryan Hastings, Cameron Brown, Tony Ambrus, Jason Scott, John Bevis, Jamie B. Kirschenbaum, Nicholas Gervase Fajt, Michael Klucher, Relja Markovic, Stephen Latta, Daniel McCulloch
  • Patent number: 9519989
    Abstract: Using facial recognition and gesture/body posture recognition techniques, a system can naturally convey the emotions and attitudes of a user via the user's visual representation. Techniques may comprise customizing a visual representation of a user based on detectable characteristics, deducting a user's temperament from the detectable characteristics, and applying attributes indicative of the temperament to the visual representation in real time. Techniques may also comprise processing changes to the user's characteristics in the physical space and updating the visual representation in real time. For example, the system may track a user's facial expressions and body movements to identify a temperament and then apply attributes indicative of that temperament to the visual representation. Thus, a visual representation of a user, which may be, for example, an avatar or fanciful character, can reflect the user's expressions and moods in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Kathryn Stone Perez, Alex Kipman, Nicholas D. Burton, Andrew Wilson
  • Patent number: 9501873
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to operating a user interface on an augmented reality computing device comprising a see-through display system. For example, one disclosed embodiment includes identifying one or more objects located outside a field of view of a user, and for each object of the one or more objects, providing to the user an indication of positional information associated with the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas George Salter, Ben Sugden, Daniel Deptford, Robert Crocco, Jr., Brian Keane, Laura Massey, Alex Kipman, Peter Tobias Kinnebrew, Nicholas Kamuda, Zachary Quarles, Michael Scavezze, Ryan Hastings, Cameron Brown, Tony Ambrus, Jason Scott, John Bevis, Jamie B. Kirschenbaum, Nicholas Gervase Fajt, Michael Klucher, Relja Markovic, Stephen Latta, Daniel McCulloch
  • Patent number: 9495801
    Abstract: An augmented reality device including a plurality of sensors configured to output pose information indicating a pose of the augmented reality device. The augmented reality device further includes a band-agnostic filter and a band-specific filter. The band-specific filter includes an error correction algorithm configured to receive pose information as filtered by the band-agnostic filter and reduce a tracking error of the pose information in a selected frequency band. The augmented reality device further includes a display engine configured to position a virtual object on a see-through display as a function of the pose information as filtered by the band-agnostic filter and the band-specific filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Ebstyne, Frederik Schaffalitzky, Drew Steedly, Calvin Chan, Ethan Eade, Alex Kipman, Georg Klein
  • Publication number: 20160321841
    Abstract: A computing system and method for producing and consuming metadata within multi-dimensional data is provided. The computing system comprising a see-through display, a sensor system, and a processor configured to: in a recording phase, generate an annotation at a location in a three dimensional environment, receive, via the sensor system, a stream of telemetry data recording movement of a first user in the three dimensional environment, receive a message to be recorded from the first user, and store, in memory as annotation data for the annotation, the stream of telemetry data and the message, and in a playback phase, display a visual indicator of the annotation at the location, receive a selection of the visual indicator by a second user, display a simulacrum superimposed onto the three dimensional environment and animated according to the telemetry data, and present the message via the animated simulacrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Jonathan Christen, John Charles Howard, Marcus Tanner, Ben Sugden, Robert C. Memmott, Kenneth Charles Ouellette, Alex Kipman, Todd Alan Omotani, James T. Reichert, JR.
  • Patent number: 9468848
    Abstract: Techniques for assigning a gesture dictionary in a gesture-based system to a user comprise capturing data representative of a user in a physical space. In a gesture-based system, gestures may control aspects of a computing environment or application, where the gestures may be derived from a user's position or movement in a physical space. In an example embodiment, the system may monitor a user's gestures and select a particular gesture dictionary in response to the manner in which the user performs the gestures. The gesture dictionary may be assigned in real time with respect to the capture of the data representative of a user's gesture. The system may generate calibration tests for assigning a gesture dictionary. The system may track the user during a set of short gesture calibration tests and assign the gesture dictionary based on a compilation of the data captured that represents the user's gestures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Oscar E. Murillo, Andy Wilson, Alex A. Kipman, Janet Galore
  • Patent number: 9400559
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable media are disclosed for gesture shortcuts. A user's movement or body position is captured by a capture device of a system, and is used as input to control the system. For a system-recognized gesture, there may be a full version of the gesture and a shortcut of the gesture. Where the system recognizes that either the full version of the gesture or the shortcut of the gesture has been performed, it sends an indication that the system-recognized gesture was observed to a corresponding application. Where the shortcut comprises a subset of the full version of the gesture, and both the shortcut and the full version of the gesture are recognized as the user performs the full version of the gesture, the system recognizes that only a single performance of the gesture has occurred, and indicates to the application as such.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Latta, Kevin Geisner, John Clavin, Kudo Tsunoda, Kathryn Stone Perez, Alex Kipman, Relja Markovic, Gregory N. Snook
  • Publication number: 20160171779
    Abstract: An optical see-through head-mounted display device includes a see-through lens which combines an augmented reality image with light from a real-world scene, while an opacity filter is used to selectively block portions of the real-world scene so that the augmented reality image appears more distinctly. The opacity filter can be a see-through LCD panel, for instance, where each pixel of the LCD panel can be selectively controlled to be transmissive or opaque, based on a size, shape and position of the augmented reality image. Eye tracking can be used to adjust the position of the augmented reality image and the opaque pixels. Peripheral regions of the opacity filter, which are not behind the augmented reality image, can be activated to provide a peripheral cue or a representation of the augmented reality image. In another aspect, opaque pixels are provided at a time when an augmented reality image is not present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Avi Bar-Zeev, Bob Crocco, Alex Kipman, John Lewis
  • Patent number: 9361732
    Abstract: Various embodiments relating to controlling a see-through display are disclosed. In one embodiment, virtual objects may be displayed on the see-through display. The virtual objects transition between having a position that is body-locked and a position that is world-locked based on various transition events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Ebstyne, Frederik Schaffalitzky, Stephen Latta, Paul Albert Lalonde, Drew Steedly, Alex Kipman, Ethan Eade