Patents by Inventor Andrew D. Wilson

Andrew D. Wilson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20190107884
    Abstract: Representative embodiments disclose mechanisms for calibrating an eye gaze selection system. When the calibration is triggered, a snapshot of an area around the current user's gaze point is taken. The snapshot area is then animated to cause motion of the snapshot area. As the snapshot is animated, the user's gaze will naturally track the thing the user was focusing on. This creates an eye tracking vector with a magnitude and direction. The magnitude and direction of the eye tracking vector can then be used to calculate a correction factor for the current user's gaze point. Calibration can be triggered manually by the user or based on some criteria such as error rates in item selection by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Shane Williams, Andrew D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10254832
    Abstract: Representative embodiments disclose mechanisms for selection of items using eye tracking. One or more primary selection targets are presented to the user. When the user selects a primary selection target, secondary selection targets are presented in close proximity to the primary selection target, either before or after selection of the primary selection target. The secondary selection targets are animated in a way that moves them away from the primary selection target. The user's eye naturally follows the secondary selection target of interest, if any, producing a vector having a magnitude and a direction. The magnitude and direction of the vector are used to identify which, if any, of the secondary selection targets are intended ty the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Shane Williams, Andrew D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20190094958
    Abstract: Representative embodiments disclose mechanisms for selection of items using eye tracking. One or more primary selection targets are presented to the user. When the user selects a primary selection target, secondary selection targets are presented in close proximity to the primary selection target, either before or after selection of the primary selection target. The secondary selection targets are animated in a way that moves them away from the primary selection target. The user's eye naturally follows the secondary selection target of interest, if any, producing a vector having a magnitude and a direction. The magnitude and direction of the vector are used to identify which, if any, of the secondary selection targets are intended ty the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Shane Williams, Andrew D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10203836
    Abstract: A unique system and method is provided that facilitates pixel-accurate targeting with respect to multi-touch sensitive displays when selecting or viewing content with a cursor. In particular, the system and method can track dual inputs from a primary finger and a secondary finger, for example. The primary finger can control movement of the cursor while the secondary finger can adjust a control-display ratio of the screen. As a result, cursor steering and selection of an assistance mode can be performed at about the same time or concurrently. In addition, the system and method can stabilize a cursor position at a top middle point of a user's finger in order to mitigate clicking errors when making a selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Hrvoje Benko, Andrew D. Wilson, Patrick M. Baudisch
  • Patent number: 10168827
    Abstract: Pen and computing device sensor correlation technique embodiments correlate sensor signals received from various grips on a touch-sensitive pen and touches to a touch-sensitive computing device in order to determine the context of such grips and touches and to issue context-appropriate commands to the touch sensitive pen or the touch-sensitive computing device. A combination of concurrent sensor inputs received from both a touch-sensitive pen and a touch-sensitive computing device are correlated. How the touch-sensitive pen and the touch-sensitive computing device are touched or gripped are used to determine the context of their use and the user's intent. A context-appropriate user interface action based can then be initiated. Also the context can be used to label metadata.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Ken Hinckley, Hrvoje Benko, Michel Pahud, Andrew D. Wilson, Pourang Polad Irani, Francois Guimbretiere
  • Patent number: 10123140
    Abstract: Technologies pertaining to calibration of filters of an audio system are described herein. A mobile computing device is configured to compute values for respective filters, such as equalizer filters, and transmit the values to a receiver device in the audio system. The receiver device causes audio to be emitted from a speaker based upon the values for the filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Desney S. Tan, Daniel Morris, Andrew D. Wilson, Yong Rui, Nikunj Raghuvanshi, Jeannette M. Wing
  • Patent number: 10089937
    Abstract: Described is using a combination of which a multi-view display is provided by a combining spatial multiplexing (e.g., using a parallax barrier or lenslet), and temporal multiplexing (e.g., using a directed backlight). A scheduling algorithm generates different views by determining which light sources are illuminated at a particular time. Via the temporal multiplexing, different views may be in the same spatial viewing angle (spatial zone). Two of the views may correspond to two eyes of a person, with different video data sent to each eye to provide an autostereoscopic display for that person. Eye (head) tracking may be used to move the view or views with a person as that person moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Wilson, Steven Bathiche
  • Publication number: 20180275751
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the index, search, and retrieval of user interface content. In one implementation, an image of a user interface as presented to a user via a display device can be captured. The image can be processed to identify a content element depicted within the image. The content element can be associated with the image. The image as associated with the content element can be stored in relation to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew D. Wilson, Michael Mauderer
  • Patent number: 10057764
    Abstract: A privacy preserving sensor apparatus is described herein. The privacy preserving sensor apparatus includes a microphone that is configured to output a signal that is indicative of audio in an environment. The privacy preserving sensor apparatus further includes feature extraction circuitry integrated in the apparatus with the microphone, the feature extraction circuitry configured to extract features from the signal output by the microphone that are usable to detect occurrence of an event in the environment, wherein the signal output by the microphone is unable to be reconstructed based solely upon the features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Yong Rui, Daniel Morris, Andrew D. Wilson, Nikunj Raghuvanshi, Desney S. Tan, Jeannette M. Wing
  • Patent number: 10044790
    Abstract: A unique system and method that facilitates extending input/output capabilities for resource deficient mobile devices and interactions between multiple heterogeneous devices is provided. The system and method involve an interactive surface to which the desired mobile devices can be connected. The interactive surface can provide an enhanced display space and customization controls for mobile devices that lack adequate displays and input capabilities. In addition, the interactive surface can be employed to permit communication and interaction between multiple mobile devices that otherwise are unable to interact with each other. When connected to the interactive surface, the mobile devices can share information, view information from their respective devices, and store information to the interactive surface. Furthermore, the interactive surface can resume activity states of mobile devices that were previously communicating upon re-connection to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Hinckley, Andrew D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10044982
    Abstract: A tele-immersive environment is described that provides interaction among participants of a tele-immersive session. The environment includes two or more set-ups, each associated with a participant. Each set-up, in turn, includes mirror functionality for presenting a three-dimensional virtual space for viewing by a local participant. The virtual space shows at least some of the participants as if the participants were physically present at a same location and looking into a mirror. The mirror functionality can be implemented as a combination of a semi-transparent mirror and a display device, or just a display device acting alone. According to another feature, the environment may present a virtual object in a manner that allows any of the participants of the tele-immersive session to interact with the virtual object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Wilson, Zhengyou Zhang, Philip A. Chou, Neil S. Fishman, Donald M. Gillett, Hrvoje Benko
  • Publication number: 20180220297
    Abstract: A privacy preserving sensor apparatus is described herein. The privacy preserving sensor apparatus includes a microphone that is configured to output a signal that is indicative of audio in an environment. The privacy preserving sensor apparatus further includes feature extraction circuitry integrated in the apparatus with the microphone, the feature extraction circuitry configured to extract features from the signal output by the microphone that are usable to detect occurrence of an event in the environment, wherein the signal output by the microphone is unable to be reconstructed based solely upon the features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Yong Rui, Daniel Morris, Andrew D. Wilson, Nikunj Raghuvanshi, Desney S. Tan, Jeannette M. Wing
  • Publication number: 20180213195
    Abstract: A “Concurrent Projector-Camera” uses an image projection device in combination with one or more cameras to enable various techniques that provide visually flicker-free projection of images or video, while real-time image or video capture is occurring in that same space. The Concurrent Projector-Camera provides this projection in a manner that eliminates video feedback into the real-time image or video capture. More specifically, the Concurrent Projector-Camera dynamically synchronizes a combination of projector lighting (or light-control points) on-state temporal compression in combination with on-state temporal shifting during each image frame projection to open a “capture time slot” for image capture during which no image is being projected. This capture time slot represents a tradeoff between image capture time and decreased brightness of the projected image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sasa Junuzovic, William Thomas Blank, Steven Bathiche, Anoop Gupta, Andrew D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10026177
    Abstract: The subject application relates to a system(s) and/or methodology that facilitate vision-based projection of any image (still or moving) onto any surface. In particular, a front-projected computer vision-based interactive surface system is provided which uses a new commercially available projection technology to obtain a compact, self-contained form factor. The subject configuration addresses installation, calibration, and portability issues that are primary concerns in most vision-based table systems. The subject application also relates to determining whether an object is touching or hovering over an interactive surface based on an analysis of a shadow image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Wilson, Steven N. Bathiche
  • Publication number: 20180173300
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method of detecting a user interaction with a virtual object. In some embodiments, a depth sensing device of an NED device receives a plurality of depth values. The depth values correspond to depths of points in a real-world environment relative to the depth sensing device. The NED device overlays an image of a 3D virtual object on a view of the real-world environment, and identifies an interaction limit in proximity to the 3D virtual object. Based on depth values of points that are within the interaction limit, the NED device detects a body part or a user device of a user interacting with the 3D virtual object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Julia Schwarz, Hrvoje Benko, Andrew D. Wilson, Robert Charles Johnstone Pengelly, Bo Robert Xiao
  • Patent number: 9964624
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for utilizing a camera device to track an object is presented. As part of the method, a region of interest is determined within an overall image sensing area. A point light source is then tracked within the region of interest. In a particular arrangement, the camera device incorporates CMOS image sensor technology and the point light source is an IR LED. Other embodiments pertain to manipulations of the region of interest to accommodate changes to the status of the point light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9961315
    Abstract: A “Concurrent Projector-Camera” uses an image projection device in combination with one or more cameras to enable various techniques that provide visually flicker-free projection of images or video, while real-time image or video capture is occurring in that same space. The Concurrent Projector-Camera provides this projection in a manner that eliminates video feedback into the real-time image or video capture. More specifically, the Concurrent Projector-Camera dynamically synchronizes a combination of projector lighting (or light-control points) on-state temporal compression in combination with on-state temporal shifting during each image frame projection to open a “capture time slot” for image capture during which no image is being projected. This capture time slot represents a tradeoff between image capture time and decreased brightness of the projected image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sasa Junuzovic, William Thomas Blank, Steven Bathiche, Anoop Gupta, Andrew D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9939888
    Abstract: A system is described herein which receives internal-assessed (IA) movement information from a mobile device. The system also receives external-assessed (EA) movement information from at least one monitoring system which captures a scene containing the mobile device. The system then compares the IA movement information with the EA movement information with respect to each candidate object in the scene. If the IA movement information matches the EA movement information for a particular candidate object, the system concludes that the candidate object is associated with the mobile device. For example, the object may correspond to a hand that holds the mobile device. The system can use the correlation results produced in the above-indicated manner to perform various environment-specific actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Wilson, Hrvoje Benko
  • Publication number: 20180074678
    Abstract: A unique system and method is provided that facilitates pixel-accurate targeting with respect to multi-touch sensitive displays when selecting or viewing content with a cursor. In particular, the system and method can track dual inputs from a primary finger and a secondary finger, for example. The primary finger can control movement of the cursor while the secondary finger can adjust a control-display ratio of the screen. As a result, cursor steering and selection of an assistance mode can be performed at about the same time or concurrently. In addition, the system and method can stabilize a cursor position at a top middle point of a user's finger in order to mitigate clicking errors when making a selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Hrvoje Benko, Andrew D. Wilson, Patrick M. Baudisch
  • Patent number: 9870083
    Abstract: A grip of a primary user on a touch-sensitive computing device and a grip of a secondary user on the touch-sensitive computing device are sensed and correlated to determine whether the primary user is sharing or handing off the computing device to the secondary user. In the case of handoff, capabilities of the computing device may be restricted, while in a sharing mode only certain content on the computing device is shared. In some implementations both a touch-sensitive pen and the touch-sensitive computing device are passed from a primary user to a secondary user. Sensor inputs representing the grips of the users on both the pen and the touch-sensitive computing device are correlated to determine the context of the grips and to initiate a context-appropriate command in an application executing on the touch-sensitive pen or the touch-sensitive computing device. Meta data is also derived from the correlated sensor inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Ken Hinckley, Hrvoje Benko, Michel Pahud, Andrew D. Wilson, Pourang Polad Irani, Francois Guimbretiere