Abstract: According to embodiments herein, a device obtains visualization data that depicts at least one three-dimensional object. The device sanitizes the visualization data, in part by: identifying neighboring polygons of the at least one three-dimensional object and their windings, and correcting errors in the neighboring polygons and their windings. The device also decimates meshes of polygons in the sanitized visualization data, to form compressed visualization data, by: performing one or more sanity checks, prior to performing an atomic decimation operation or texture compression; and storing, by the device, the compressed visualization data in one or more files.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device obtains visualization data that depicts a three-dimensional item. The device identifies, from the visualization data, one or more materials of the three-dimensional item. The device generates, based on the visualization data, physically based rendering data for the one or more materials of the three-dimensional item. The device forms a container that includes the visualization data and the physically based rendering data. The visualization data is stored using a file format that does not support the physically based rendering data.

Abstract: According to embodiments herein, a device obtains visualization data that depicts at least one three-dimensional object. The device sanitizes the visualization data, in part by: identifying neighboring polygons of the at least one three-dimensional object and their windings, and correcting errors in the neighboring polygons and their windings. The device also decimates meshes of polygons in the sanitized visualization data, to form compressed visualization data, by: performing one or more sanity checks, prior to performing an atomic decimation operation or texture compression; and storing, by the device, the compressed visualization data in one or more files.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device obtains visualization data that depicts a three-dimensional item. The device identifies, from the visualization data, one or more materials of the three-dimensional item. The device generates, based on the visualization data, physically based rendering data for the one or more materials of the three-dimensional item. The device forms a container that includes the visualization data and the physically based rendering data. The visualization data is stored using a file format that does not support the physically based rendering data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device obtains visualization data that depicts a three-dimensional item. The device identifies, from the visualization data, one or more materials of the three-dimensional item. The device generates, based on the visualization data, physically based rendering data for the one or more materials of the three-dimensional item. The device forms a container that includes the visualization data and the physically based rendering data. The visualization data is stored using a file format that does not support the physically based rendering data.

Abstract: According to embodiments herein, a device obtains visualization data that depicts at least one three-dimensional object. The device sanitizes the visualization data, in part by: identifying neighboring polygons of the at least one three-dimensional object and their windings, and correcting errors in the neighboring polygons and their windings. The device also decimates meshes of polygons in the sanitized visualization data, to form compressed visualization data, by: performing one or more sanity checks, prior to performing an atomic decimation operation or texture compression; and storing, by the device, the compressed visualization data in one or more files.

Abstract: Various techniques are described herein that provide for a real-time image or video processing system that is able to capture and stream or record/store video content of an object, and turn the captured content into a new video format that can be properly projected onto a pyramid holographic projector. In one specific embodiment, the techniques herein capture a video selfie of a user and stream it live or else store it for playback later as a saved message. Other embodiments, such as controlled avatars, animated characters, etc., may also be converted from a standard 2D format into a pyramid hologram format, either in real-time or else during post-processing, accordingly.

Abstract: Various techniques are described herein that provide for real-time quality control during manufacturing using augmented reality. In particular, in one embodiment, techniques herein project a three-dimensional (3D) virtual shape/model onto a work-in-progress part in the real-world in order to see defects in real-time, thus allowing for mid-manufacturing corrections. The embodiments herein generally consist of first calibrating a “virtual world” to the real world, then calibrating the physical product to the virtual world, and lastly projecting information onto the physical product, such as various design information and/or quality control information.

Abstract: Various techniques are described herein that provide for real-time quality control during manufacturing using augmented reality. In particular, in one embodiment, techniques herein project a three-dimensional (3D) virtual shape/model onto a work-in-progress part in the real-world in order to see defects in real-time, thus allowing for mid-manufacturing corrections. The embodiments herein generally consist of first calibrating a “virtual world” to the real world, then calibrating the physical product to the virtual world, and lastly projecting information onto the physical product, such as various design information and/or quality control information.

Abstract: Various techniques are described herein that provide for a real-time image or video processing system that is able to capture and stream or record/store video content of an object, and turn the captured content into a new video format that can be properly projected onto a pyramid holographic projector. In one specific embodiment, the techniques herein capture a video selfie of a user and stream it live or else store it for playback later as a saved message. Other embodiments, such as controlled avatars, animated characters, etc., may also be converted from a standard 2D format into a pyramid hologram format, either in real-time or else during post-processing, accordingly.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein are directed to a travel case for a portable Pepper's Ghost Illusion setup. In particular, various embodiments are described that provide a road case that folds out into a Pepper's Ghost Illusion system, allowing for extended portability. Specifically, in one embodiment, the portable case may be built for air travel (e.g., less than 50 pounds and less than or equal to 62 linear inches (H+W+D)), using a panel display and space-saving designs for legs, holographic foil and frame, and other components (e.g., remotes, wires, etc.). For example, foam used for cushioning and packaging can double as a stage.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein are directed to an artificial intelligence (AI) character capable of natural verbal and visual interactions with a human. In one embodiment, an AI character system receives, in real-time, one or both of an audio user input and a visual user input of a user interacting with the AI character system. The AI character systems determines one or more avatar characteristics based on the one or both of the audio user input and the visual user input of the user. The AI character system manages interaction of an avatar with the user based on the one or more avatar characteristics.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein are directed to foil tensioning systems for Pepper's Ghost Illusion. In one embodiment, a roller-based foil tensioning system provides for a holographic foil to be secured to a roller system on two or four sides, rolled outwards, and are then bolted in place, tightening the holographic screen material. In another embodiment, a frame-based foil tensioning system provides for the foil to be secured to a frame system on two or four sides, stretched outwards by expansion of the frame's size (e.g., by a screw jack system), and then bolted in place (while tightened). Illustratively, the foil can be secured to a tensioning system (e.g., the roller system, the expanding frame, or any frame that can be pulled apart) in a variety of manners (e.g., locking strips or snaps and a groove, loops and a rod, two rods with a foil loop, etc.).

Abstract: Systems and methods herein are directed to a dual-sided Pepper's Ghost Illusion is shown and described. In particular, various embodiments are described that allow using multiple image sources (e.g., projected bounces and/or panel displays) so the holographic image can be seen from both sides of the holographic system. In one embodiment, a specifically designed “Z frame” may be used to minimize the visible components in such a dual-sided system (e.g., particularly for smaller displays).

Abstract: Systems and methods herein are directed to avatar control systems. In one embodiment, interactive holographic avatar control is described. In another embodiment, remote kinetic avatar control is described. In still another embodiment, depth-based user tracking for avatar control is described. In still another embodiment, enhanced avatar kinetic movement interpolation is described. In still another embodiment, dynamic joint mapping for avatar control is described. In still another embodiment, dynamic animation population for avatar control is described.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein are directed to providing a visual effect background that may be added behind a transparent holographic projection screen (e.g., of a Pepper's Ghost Illusion system) that provides for greater scenic depth behind the holographic projection, regardless of the amount of actual physical space behind the transparent screen. The background, which may be used for projection-based holographic projections or video panel display projections, generally establishes an optical illusion of depth behind the holographic images (producing a depth perception or “perspective” that gives a greater appearance of depth or distance behind a holographic projection).

Abstract: According to embodiments herein, depth key compositing is the process of detecting specific desired portions/objects of a digital image using mathematical functions based on depth, in order to separate those specific portions/objects for further processing. In one particular embodiment, a digital visual image is captured from a video capture device, and one or more objects are determined within the digital visual image that are within a particular depth range of the video capture device. From there, the one or more objects may be isolated from portions of the digital visual image not within the particular depth range, and the isolated objects are processed for visual display apart from the portions of the digital visual image not within the particular depth range. Also, in certain embodiments, the detected portion of the digital image (isolated objects) may be layered with another image, such as for film production, or used for holographic projection.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein are directed to creating a holographic image (e.g., in line with Pepper's Ghost Illusion) using a low-profile bounce chamber. As described herein, a bounce is provided at an angle (e.g., a 45-degree angle) to a holographic screen/foil in a Pepper's Ghost Illusion setup. One the same side of the bounce is an image projector that directs an image onto a mirror, which then reflects and disperses the image onto the bounce. In one embodiment, the bounce is a rear projection bounce, under which the projector and mirror reside. In another embodiment, the projector and mirror are arranged for a front projection bounce.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein are directed to avatar control systems. In one embodiment, interactive holographic avatar control is described. In another embodiment, remote kinetic avatar control is described. In still another embodiment, depth-based user tracking for avatar control is described. In still another embodiment, enhanced avatar kinetic movement interpolation is described. In still another embodiment, dynamic joint mapping for avatar control is described. In still another embodiment, dynamic animation population for avatar control is described.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein are directed to three-dimensional image sources for an enhanced Pepper's Ghost Illusion. In one embodiment, a contoured bounce is described, allowing for contorting a bounce to different shapes, giving it enhanced three-dimensional (3D) effect. For instance, the bounce may include certain topography (raised portions), or else may actually comprise various 3D shapes (e.g., cubes, semi-spheres, etc.). In another embodiment, a multi-level image source is described, allowing for multiple image sources (e.g., projected bounces and/or panel displays) to be used and placed at different heights with respect to a transparent viewing screen, thus projecting images that appear at various depths, increasing the three-dimensional (3D) effect of the Pepper's Ghost Illusion. In addition, in one embodiment, the heights of the image sources may be adjusted (e.g., dynamically), making corresponding holographic images change their depth perspective to an audience, further enhancing the 3D effect.