Patents by Inventor Christopher A. Richards

Christopher A. Richards 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: 20250149900
    Abstract: Various enhancements to grid-interactive inverters in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment includes input terminals configured to receive a direct current, output terminals configured to provide an alternating output current to the utility grid, a controller, an output current sensor, and a DC-AC inverter stage comprising a plurality of switches controlled by control signals generated by the controller. In addition, the controller is configured to: generate control signals that cause the switches in the DC-AC inverter stage to switch a direct current in a bidirectional manner; measure the alternating output current; perform frequency decomposition of the output current; and generate control signals that cause the switches in the DC-AC inverter stage to switch current in a way that the magnitude of a plurality of unwanted current components is subtracted from the resulting output current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2024
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Richard Jones, Alexandre Rudolf Kral
  • Publication number: 20250139736
    Abstract: The present invention sets forth a technique for performing resampling of a deep image. The technique includes receiving a deep image, where the deep image includes one or more channel sample values, each channel sample value including one or more associated depth values and partitioning the deep image into one or more three-dimensional (3D) regions, wherein each 3D region is defined by one or more planar surfaces each including an associated depth value. The technique also includes generating an upsampled image having a greater resolution than the deep image and interpolating, based on a specified interpolation technique, one or more new channel sample values associated with pixels included in the upsampled image. The technique further includes generating an output deep image based on the upsampled image and the one or more new channel sample values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2024
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Inventors: Michael Yves BERNASCONI, Xianyao ZHANG, Abdelaziz DJELOUAH, Christopher Richard SCHROERS, Gianluca Francesco FIGINI, Richard Warren SAYRE
  • Patent number: 12288281
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for performing frame interpolation. The technique includes generating (i) a first set of feature maps based on a first set of rendering features associated with a first key frame, (ii) a second set of feature maps based on a second set of rendering features associated with a second key frame, and (iii) a third set of feature maps based on a third set of rendering features associated with a target frame. The technique also includes applying one or more neural networks to the first, second, and third set of feature maps to generate a set of mappings from a first set of pixels in the first key frame to a second set of pixels in the target frame. The technique further includes generating the target frame based on the set of mappings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Richard Schroers, Karlis Martins Briedis, Abdelaziz Djelouah, Ian McGonigal, Mark Meyer, Marios Papas, Markus Plack
  • Publication number: 20250131781
    Abstract: Merchandise security systems and methods are provided. In one example, a merchandise security system includes a plurality of locks configured to protect one or more items from theft, each of the plurality of locks configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more mobile computing devices. Each of the plurality of locks is configured to establish communication with one or more of the mobile computing devices using a first communication protocol. Each of the plurality of locks is configured to subsequently communicate with one or more of the mobile computing devices using a second communication protocol, different than the first communication protocol, for identifying one or more of the plurality of locks to be unlocked. The one or more of the plurality of locks identified by the one or more mobile computing devices is configured to be unlocked in response to subsequently communicating with the one or more of the plurality of locks using the first communication protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2024
    Publication date: April 24, 2025
    Inventors: Christopher Richard Helman, Jeffrey A. Grant, Wesley J. Blanchard, Steven R. Bohon
  • Patent number: 12284360
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method trains a first parameter of a differentiable proxy codec to encode source content based on a first loss between first compressed source content and second compressed source content that is output by a target codec. A pre-processor pre-processes a source image to output a pre-processed source image, the pre-processing being based on a second parameter. The differentiable proxy codec encodes the pre-processed source image into a compressed pre-processed source image based on the first parameter. The method determines a second loss between the source image and the compressed pre-processed source image and determines an adjustment to the first parameter based on the second loss. The adjustment is used to adjust the second parameter of the pre-processor based on the second loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignees: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC., ETH ZÜRICH (EIDGENÖSSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZÜRICH)
    Inventors: Yang Zhang, Mingyang Song, Christopher Richard Schroers, Tunc Ozan Aydin, Yuanyi Xue, Scott Labrozzi
  • Patent number: 12278969
    Abstract: A system includes a machine learning (ML) model-based video downsampler configured to receive an input video sequence having a first display resolution, and to map the input video sequence to a lower resolution video sequence having a second display resolution lower than the first display resolution. The system also includes a neural network-based (NN-based) proxy video codec configured to transform the lower resolution video sequence into a decoded proxy bitstream. In addition, the system includes an upsampler configured to produce an output video sequence using the decoded proxy bitstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, Inc., ETH Zurich (Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich)
    Inventors: Christopher Richard Schroers, Roberto Gerson de Albuquerque Azevedo, Nicholas David Gregory, Yuanyi Xue, Scott Labrozzi, Abdelaziz Djelouah
  • Patent number: 12277738
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of changing a face within an output image or video frame that includes: receiving an input image that includes a face presenting a facial expression in a pose; processing the image with a neural network encoder to generate a latent space point that is an encoded representation of the image; decoding the latent space point to generate an initial output image in accordance with a desired facial identity but with the facial expression and pose of the face in the input image; identifying a feature of the facial expression in the initial output image to edit; applying an adjustment vector to a latent space point corresponding to the initial output image to generate an adjusted latent space point; and decoding the adjusted latent space point to generate an adjusted output image in accordance with the desired facial identity but with the facial expression and pose of the face in the input image altered in accordance with the adjustment vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignees: Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC, Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Sirak Ghebremusse, Stéphane Grabli, Jacek Krzysztof Naruniec, Romann Matthew Weber, Christopher Richard Schroers
  • Patent number: 12277662
    Abstract: Techniques for aligning object representations for animation include analyzing a source object representation and a target object representation to identify a category of the source object and a category of the target object. Based on the category or categories of the objects, a feature extraction machine learning models is selected. The source object representation and the target object representation are provided as input to the selected feature extraction machine learning model to generate respective semantic descriptors and shape vectors for the source and target objects. Based on the semantic descriptors and the shape vectors for the source and target objects, an alignment machine learning model generates an aligned target object representation that is aligned with the source object representation and usable for animating the target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignees: PIXAR, DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Hayko Riemenschneider, Clara Fernandez, Joan Massich, Christopher Richard Schroers, Daniel Teece, Rasmus Tamstorf, Charles Tappan, Mark Meyer, Antoine Milliez
  • Publication number: 20250116358
    Abstract: A pipe coupling has two segments with lugs adapted to receive adjustable fasteners to draw the segments together to join pipe elements. Each lug has an inner surface and a stop surface in spaced relationship. The stop surfaces on corresponding lugs contact each other when the adjustable fasteners are tightened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2024
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Inventors: Matthew A. Bowman, Christopher A. Richards
  • Publication number: 20250106353
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method receives a video including interlaced frames. Second fields for a second frame and the second fields for a third frame are analyzed to determine estimated second fields for the first frame in an image space. The method converts the first fields and the estimated second fields for the first frame into first features and second features, respectively, in a feature space. The estimated second features are determined for the estimated second fields for the first frame based on the first features for the first frame. Backward features from the second frame and forward features from the third frame are used to determine the estimated second features for the first frame. The method outputs a prediction for the estimated second fields for the first frame based on the estimated second features and generates a first frame with the first fields and estimated second fields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2024
    Publication date: March 27, 2025
    Applicants: Disney Enterprises, Inc., ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)
    Inventors: Yang Zhang, Zhaowei Gao, Mingyang Song, Christopher Richard Schroers
  • Publication number: 20250106408
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method analyzes flagged locations from a plurality of locations in an encoding of a video to form a cluster of locations. Draft micro-chunk boundaries for the cluster are determined based on searching for a first start location and a first end location in the encoding. The method searches in a first search range before the first start location and a second search range after the first end location for a second start location in the first search range and a second end location in the second search range. The second start location and the second end location form a micro-chunk. An encoding parameter set is determined for the micro-chunk formed by the second start location and the second end location based on content characteristics of the micro-chunk. The method uses the encoding parameter set to encode the micro-chunk for insertion in the encoding of the video.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2023
    Publication date: March 27, 2025
    Applicants: Disney Enterprises, Inc., Beijing YoJaJa Software Technology Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: YUANYI XUE, Roberto Gerson De Albuquerque Azevedo, Christopher Richard Schroers, SCOTT LABROZZI, Wenhao Zhang
  • Publication number: 20250104365
    Abstract: For artificial reality (XR) applications that need a guardian, aspects of the present disclosure can automatically determine where boundaries should be set in the real-world environment. Using a machine learning model, the automatic boundary system can detect the floor plane, then generate a height map of the real-world environment with the floor at zero. The height map can include positive heights (e.g., objects on the floor) and negative heights (e.g., downward leading stairs). The automatic boundary system can then generate a boundary for the area based on the detected heights by: applying thresholds to disregard objects at certain heights, applying thresholds to disregard open areas at certain widths, excluding oddly shaped areas that would constantly trigger the boundary if the user were nearby, etc. The user can further manually adjust the generated boundary in both directions (e.g., bringing it closer or further from the user).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2024
    Publication date: March 27, 2025
    Inventors: Asaf NITZAN, Ariana Yu-Chia HARVEY, Jasmine OU, Ting Ting WU, Christopher Richard TANNER, Muqing NIU, Peter JU, Eric LEUNG, James Alexander VALORI, Michael CASTILLO, Adi PERRY, Dan KLARMAN, Einav Namer YELIN, Tal Haim Ben BASAT, Jeremie GUEDJ, Alon LERNER, Savitha Yalanadu SHIVAIAH
  • Publication number: 20250104366
    Abstract: Instead of having a constant boundary, artificial reality (XR) applications that can run in boundaryless mode (e.g., in augmented or mixed reality) can be given controls by selective boundary system on an XR system to customize partial boundaries. For example, an application can specify to select particular boundaries when certain object types are in the real-world environment. In another example, an application can transition to different boundary modes when certain application events occur (e.g., when transitioning from virtual reality to mixed reality). On the backend, the selective boundary system can provide the application with an API that exposes boundary information. Based on this information, the application can use the API to create new boundaries or turn on or off certain boundaries based on requests by the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2024
    Publication date: March 27, 2025
    Inventors: Biju MATHEW, Christopher Richard TANNER, Jianhan XU, Wenxin XU, Shen LI, Peter JU, James Alexander VALORI, Eric LEUNG, Lu ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20250095115
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a grain analysis system is configured for analyzing a first video frame and outputting respective first film grain information for film grain that is included in the first video frame or configured for analyzing a second video frame and outputting second film grain information. At least one of a grain removal system and a grain synthesis system is included. The grain removal system is configured for removing the film grain from the first video frame using the first film grain information to generate a third video frame corresponding to the first video frame with film grain removed. The grain analysis system is separate from the grain removal system. The grain synthesis system is configured for synthesizing film grain for the third video frame using the first film grain information or the second film grain information. The grain analysis system is separate from the grain synthesis system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2023
    Publication date: March 20, 2025
    Applicants: Disney Enterprises, Inc., Beijing YoJaJa Software Technology Development Co., Ltd., ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)
    Inventors: Abdelaziz Djelouah, Yang Zhang, Roberto Gerson De Albuquerque Azevedo, Elham Amin Mansour, Mingyang Song, Christopher Richard Schroers, Yuanyi Xue, Scott Labrozzi, Wenhao Zhang, Xuewei Meng, Jeroen Schulte
  • Patent number: 12249746
    Abstract: Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stacks require a significant nominal compressive loading for proper operation and sealing. This loading is typically provided using relatively thick end plates and tight straps. In certain fuel cell applications, one or more solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stacks are secured in larger enclosures (e.g. for isolation and crashworthiness in automotive applications). The enclosures however can themselves be sturdy enough to provide the necessary loading on the fuel cell stacks within. The present invention takes advantage of that to allow for use of thinner end plates and/or weaker straps which would otherwise be insufficient for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2024
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: CELLCENTRIC GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Rae Hartwell, Christopher Richards, Elisabeth Funk Woolliams, Kathleen Megale
  • Publication number: 20250080797
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for inserting content into a media program. The technique includes determining a plurality of markers corresponding to a plurality of locations within a media program. The technique also includes for each marker included in the plurality of markers, automatically analyzing a first set of intervals within the media program that lead up to the marker and a second set of intervals within the media program that immediately follow the marker and determine a set of audio characteristics associated with the first set of intervals and the second set of intervals. The technique further includes generating a plurality of scores for the plurality of markers based on the set of audio characteristics for each marker and inserting additional content at one or more markers included in the plurality of markers based on the plurality of scores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Inventors: Yuanyi XUE, Michael John BRACCO, Scott Christopher LABROZZI, Christopher Richard SCHROERS, Wenhao ZHANG
  • Patent number: 12242985
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for portable network interfaces to manage authentication and license enforcement. A system may include a plurality of resource instances including a producer instance configured to implement a network-accessible service, and an authentication coordinator. The coordinator may assign an interface record to the service, wherein the interface record comprises an IP address and a set of security properties. The coordinator may configure the security properties to allow a client to request an attachment of the interface record to a selected resource instance, such that the selected resource instance is enabled to transmit network messages from the IP address using one or more physical network interfaces of the selected resource instance. The producer resource instance initiates authentication operations for the service, including at least one authentication operation based on the IP address of the interface record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Richard Jacques de Kadt, James Alfred Gordon Greenfield
  • Publication number: 20250065213
    Abstract: The present invention (101) relates to the field of Interactive Exercise machines. In particular, the present invention (101) provides a visual target assisted workout device that can be used either indoors or outdoors. The present invention (101) projects an image as a visual target for the user to run towards and determines the position of the user during the course of workout. The present invention (101) also calculates the distance travelled 10 by the user during the workout and the time taken to travel that distance and thereby, allowing the user to compute their acceleration, velocity, stamina and reflexes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Applicant: HYPERLAB SPORTECH PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventors: Hitarth PARIKH, Christopher RICHARD, Neel MEHTA
  • Patent number: 12231907
    Abstract: Embodiments of a wireless access node for dynamically transmitting an identification signal and/or detecting identification signals from other transmit nodes when operating in unlicensed spectrum and embodiments of a method of operation thereof are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method in a wireless access node that operates in an unlicensed frequency spectrum comprises determining, based on one or more parameters, whether the wireless access node is to transmit an identification signal and/or detect identification signals from other transmit nodes. The method further comprises operating in accordance with a result of the determining whether to transmit the identification signal and/or to detect identification signals from other transmit nodes. In this manner, throughput can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Christopher Richards, Roland Smith
  • Patent number: 12225272
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for inserting content into a media program. The technique includes determining a plurality of markers corresponding to a plurality of locations within a media program. The technique also includes for each marker included in the plurality of markers, automatically analyzing a first set of intervals within the media program that lead up to the marker and a second set of intervals within the media program that immediately follow the marker and determine a set of audio characteristics associated with the first set of intervals and the second set of intervals. The technique further includes generating a plurality of scores for the plurality of markers based on the set of audio characteristics for each marker and inserting additional content at one or more markers included in the plurality of markers based on the plurality of scores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignees: Disney Enterprises, Inc., BEIJING YOJAJA SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuanyi Xue, Michael John Bracco, Scott Christopher Labrozzi, Christopher Richard Schroers, Wenhao Zhang