Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are directed to enhancing a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) experience by using one or more unmanned vehicles to generate effects around a user of a headmounted display (HMD). The generated effects may be synchronized with VR/AR content presented to the user of the HMD. Particular systems and methods described herein are directed to enhancing a VR/AR experience by using one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to generate air flow effects around a user of a HMD. The air flow effects generated by UAV may simulate a physical and/or olfactory sensation corresponding to a VR/AR environment presented to the user using the HMD.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system may access a training sample from a training dataset, including a training image of a scene and a corresponding depth map. The system may access a circle-of-confusion map for the scene, which is generated based on the depth map and encodes a desired focal surface in the scene. The system may generate an output image by processing the training image, the corresponding depth map, and the corresponding circle-of-confusion map using a machine-learning model. The system may update the machine-learning model based on a comparison between the generated output image and a target image depicting the scene with a desired defocus-blur effect. The updated machine-learning model is configured to generate images with defocus-blur effect based on input images and corresponding depth maps.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system may access a training sample from a training dataset. The training sample may include a training image of a scene and a corresponding depth map of the scene. The system may generate a plurality of decomposition images by processing the training image and the corresponding depth map using a machine-learning model. The system may generate a focal stack based on the plurality of decomposition images and update the machine-learning model based on a comparison between the generated focal stack and a target focal stack associated with the training sample. The updated machine-learning model is configured to generate decomposition images with defocus-blur effect based on input images and corresponding depth maps.

Abstract: A process determines a position of an image capture device with respect to a physical object. The position corresponds to a vantage point for an initial image capture of the physical object performed by the image capture device at a first time. Further, the process generates an image corresponding to the position. In addition, the process displays the image on the image capture device. Finally, the process outputs one or more feedback indicia that direct a user to orient the image capture device to the image for a subsequent image capture at a second time within a predetermined tolerance threshold of the vantage point.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a head-mounted display (HMD) may have a camera for capturing a visual scene for presentation via the HMD. A user of the apparatus may specify a pre-planned travel route for a vehicle within the visual scene via an augmented reality (AR) experience generated by the HMD. The pre-planned travel route may be overlaid on the visual scene in the AR experience so that the user can account for real-time environmental conditions determined through the AR experience. The pre-planned travel route may be transferred to the vehicle and used as autonomous travel instructions.

Abstract: A virtual reality system has a virtual reality headset having an interior display screen that displays a virtual reality environment. Further, the virtual reality headset has a receiver, in operable communication with the virtual reality headset, that receives one or more user inputs from a user immersed in the virtual reality environment when wearing the virtual reality headset. In addition, the virtual reality headset has a memory that stores a theme associated with the virtual reality environment and a timeline associated with the theme. The timeline has a plurality of time-based intervals that each correspond to content for the theme. The processor alters the virtual reality environment to correspond to the content for the theme associated with a time-based interval selected by the user via the geometrically-shaped object through the receiver when the user is immersed in the virtual reality environment.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to providing operator visibility through an object that occludes the view of the operator by using a HMD system in communication with one or more imaging devices. A method of doing so may include: using one or more imaging devices coupled to an exterior of an object to capture image data of a real-world environment surrounding the object: calculating an orientation of a HMD positioned in an interior of the object; using at least the calculated orientation of the HMD, synthesizing a FOV of the image data with a FOV of the HMD; and rendering the synthesized FOV of the image data to the HMD. In some instances, the captured image data is used to create a three-dimensional model of the real-world environment, and synthesizing the FOV of the image data includes synthesizing a FOV of the 3D model with the FOV of the HMD.

Abstract: Systems and methods for correcting color of uncalibrated material is disclosed. Example embodiments include a system to correct color of uncalibrated material. The system may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium operatively coupled to processors. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may store instructions that, when executed cause the processors to perform a number of operations. One operation is to obtain a target image of a degraded target material with one or more objects. The degraded target material comprises degraded colors and light information corresponding to light sources in the degraded target material. Another operations is to obtain color reference data. Another operation is to identify an object in the target image that corresponds to the color reference data. Yet another operation is to correct the identified object in the target image. Another operation is to correct the target image.

Abstract: A process determines, with a content presentation device, a recognition indicium that corresponds to an identifier of the content presentation device. Further, the process provides, with the content presentation device, the recognition indicium to an output device so that the output device emits the recognition indicium. In addition, the process receives, at the content presentation device from the server, remaining content of an augmented reality experience that was paused by a processor in operable communication with an augmented reality device. The augmented reality device is distinct from the output device. Further, the processor sends the identifier and a position of the remaining content to the server. In addition, the process sends, with the content presentation device, the remaining content to the output device so that the output device emits the remaining content.

Abstract: A process determines, with a content presentation device, a recognition indicium that corresponds to an identifier of the content presentation device. Further, the process provides, with the content presentation device, the recognition indicium to an output device so that the output device emits the recognition indicium. In addition, the process receives, at the content presentation device from the server, remaining content of an augmented reality experience that was paused by a processor in operable communication with an augmented reality device. The augmented reality device is distinct from the output device. Further, the processor sends the identifier and a position of the remaining content to the server. In addition, the process sends, with the content presentation device, the remaining content to the output device so that the output device emits the remaining content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing machine-learning enabled user-specific evaluations are disclosed. Implementations include obtaining a first set of evaluation data from a user interface, obtaining a first set of target-descriptive data including target-specific characteristics objectively describing the evaluation targets, and training, with a machine-learning algorithm, a user-specific evaluation profile indicating evaluation patterns relative to the first set of evaluation data and the first set of target-specific characteristics. Implementations include applying the user-specific evaluation profile to a second set of target-descriptive data to predict a user-specific evaluation.

Abstract: A process generates a certificate of authenticity for a virtual item. Further, the process sends, with the processor, the certificate of authenticity to a decentralized network of computing devices such that two or more of the computing devices store the certificate of authenticity. The two or more of the computing devices receive, from a user device that provides a virtual reality experience in which a virtual item is purchased, a request for authentication of the certificate of authenticity. In addition, the two or more computing devices authenticate the certificate of authenticity based on one or more consistency criteria for the certificate of authenticity being met by the two or more computing devices.

Abstract: A user control apparatus has a laser emitter that emits a laser beam in a real-world environment. Further, the user control apparatus has an optical element that receives the laser beam and generates a plurality of laser beams such that a starting point and a plurality of endpoints, each corresponding to one of the plurality of laser beams, form a laser frustum. In addition, the user control apparatus has an image capture device that captures an image of a shape of the laser frustum based on a reflection of the plurality of laser beams from an object in the real-world environment so that a spatial position of the object in the real-world environment is determined for an augmented reality or virtual reality user experience.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a head-mounted display (HMD) may have a camera for capturing a visual scene for presentation via the HMD. A user of the apparatus may specify a pre-planned travel route for a vehicle within the visual scene via an augmented reality (AR) experience generated by the HMD. The pre-planned travel route may be overlaid on the visual scene in the AR experience so that the user can account for real-time environmental conditions determined through the AR experience. The pre-planned travel route may be transferred to the vehicle and used as autonomous travel instructions.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are directed to capturing intrinsic color images of subjects. A camera may be equipped with a light source that is coaxial to the camera's image sensor and configured to emit a pulse of light of short duration. During image capture of a subject, the camera light source may emit the pulse of light through the lens barrel of the camera and stop emission of light before the reflected light from the light source returns. Thereafter, the camera lens receives the reflected light from the light source (with the light source no longer emitting light) and charge is collected at one or more image sensor photodetector sites of the camera.

Abstract: A virtual reality system has a virtual reality headset having an interior display screen that displays a virtual reality environment. Further, the virtual reality headset has a receiver, in operable communication with the virtual reality headset, that receives one or more user inputs from a user immersed in the virtual reality environment when wearing the virtual reality headset. In addition, the virtual reality headset has a memory that stores a theme associated with the virtual reality environment and a timeline associated with the theme. The timeline has a plurality of time-based intervals that each correspond to content for the theme. The processor alters the virtual reality environment to correspond to the content for the theme associated with a time-based interval selected by the user via the geometrically-shaped object through the receiver when the user is immersed in the virtual reality environment.

Abstract: A dual light-source position detecting system for use in touch screens is provided that utilizes parallax to determine the position of an interposing object, and a prismatic film that is brightly retroreflective over a broad entrance angle to enhance to accuracy of the parallax determination of position. The position detecting system includes at least one camera positioned to receive light radiation traversing a detection area and that generates a signal representative of an image; two spaced-apart sources of light radiation, which may be LEDs, or IR emitters positioned adjacent to the camera for outputting light radiation that overlaps over at least a portion of a detection area, and a prismatic film positioned along a periphery of at least a portion of the detection area that retroreflects the light radiation from the two sources to the camera.

Abstract: A dual light-source position detecting system for use in touch screens is provided that utilizes parallax to determine the position of an interposing object, and a prismatic film that is brightly retroreflective over a broad entrance angle to enhance to accuracy of the parallax determination of position. The position detecting system includes at least one camera positioned to receive light radiation traversing a detection area and that generates a signal representative of an image; two spaced-apart sources of light radiation, which may be LEDs, or IR emitters positioned adjacent to the camera for outputting light radiation that overlaps over at least a portion of a detection area, and a prismatic film positioned along a periphery of at least a portion of the detection area that retroreflects the light radiation from the two sources to the camera.

Abstract: The invention provides a loss link forwarding method for a telecommunications network having a first group of cables, a second group of cables corresponding to the first group, the first and second groups being connected via a network cable. The method comprises in the event of failure or disconnection of a cable from the first group, transmitting a failure signal to the second group indicating that said cable of the first group of cables has failed or been disconnected, and disabling only the or each corresponding cable of the second group.

Abstract: Shoe sole that promotes a natural walking gait by promoting the natural step motion of a barefoot person walking in sand. The shoe sole has is a single-shot injection molded sole that has a continuously, irregularly curved lower surface and a multi-contoured upper surface. The lower surface has a radius of curvature in the heel area that is smaller than the radius of curvature in the toe area. The upper surface has an arch support, a depression for cradling the ball of the foot, and flex zones that promote flexing of the shoe sole in the longitudinal and transverse direction.