Patents by Inventor Steven M. Chapman

Steven M. Chapman 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: 20190394546
    Abstract: An acoustical screen that can be utilized in a variety of applications including as part of a projection screen to cover and hide the presence of an audio speaker. The acoustical screen is formed using multiple hole sizes, e.g., three or more hole diameters or outer dimensions if not round. These differently-sized holes are placed in pseudo-random positions so that there is no perceivable repeating pattern of hole placement in the acoustical screen. By avoiding an ordered grid of holes of a single diameter as in prior speaker grills, the new acoustical screen disguises the visible reflection pattern through non-uniformity. It also provides an improved acoustic transmission surface that allows sound with a greater variety of wavelengths to pass while reflecting a less pronounced echo. The acoustical screen will be in demand for use in entertainment venues using projection systems with speakers positioned behind a front projected screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: STEVEN M. CHAPMAN, MASON DARYL LEV, BRYAN L. JOLLEY, JEFFREY A. DAVIS, THOMAS F. LADUKE
  • Patent number: 10506315
    Abstract: An acoustical screen that can be utilized in a variety of applications including as part of a projection screen to cover and hide the presence of an audio speaker. The acoustical screen is formed using multiple hole sizes, e.g., three or more hole diameters or outer dimensions if not round. These differently-sized holes are placed in pseudo-random positions so that there is no perceivable repeating pattern of hole placement in the acoustical screen. By avoiding an ordered grid of holes of a single diameter as in prior speaker grills, the new acoustical screen disguises the visible reflection pattern through non-uniformity. It also provides an improved acoustic transmission surface that allows sound with a greater variety of wavelengths to pass while reflecting a less pronounced echo. The acoustical screen will be in demand for use in entertainment venues using projection systems with speakers positioned behind a front projected screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Steven M. Chapman, Mason Daryl Lev, Bryan L. Jolley, Jeffrey A. Davis, Thomas F. Laduke
  • Publication number: 20190347855
    Abstract: According to one implementation, an augmented reality image generation system includes a display, and a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing a software code. The hardware processor executes the software code to receive a camera image depicting one or more real-world object(s), and to identify one or more reference point(s) corresponding to the camera image, each of the reference point(s) having a predetermined real-world location. The software code further maps the real-world object(s) to their respective real-world location(s) based on the predetermined real-world location(s) of the reference point(s), merges the camera image with a virtual object to generate an augmented reality image including the real-world object(s) and the virtual object, and renders the augmented reality image on the display. The location of the virtual object in the augmented reality image is determined based on the real-world location(s) of the real-world object(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Michael P. Goslin, Steven M. Chapman, Mark Arana
  • Publication number: 20190342472
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for compositing real-time, real-world video with virtual objects. An electronic device includes circuitry coupled to a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the circuitry to receive video of a given video capture region. The circuitry is caused to receive location information and camera information from the unmanned vehicle. The circuitry is caused to obtain a representation of a location of interest corresponding to the location of the unmanned vehicle. The circuitry is caused to display the representation. The circuitry is caused to obtain virtual objects. The circuitry is caused to place the virtual objects into the representation. The circuitry is caused to render the virtual objects and the video to generate a rendered video including rendered virtual objects in at least one frame of the video. The circuitry is caused to send the rendered video.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. CHAPMAN, Mehul PATEL, Joseph POPP
  • Patent number: 10453252
    Abstract: Features of the surface of an object of interest captured in a two-dimensional (2D) image are identified and marked for use in point matching to align multiple 2D images and generating a point cloud representative of the surface of the object in a photogrammetry process. The features which represent actual surface features of the object may have their local contrast enhanced to facilitate their identification. Reflections on the surface of the object are suppressed by correlating such reflections with, e.g., light sources, not associated with the object of interest so that during photogrammetry, such reflections can be ignored, resulting in the creation of a 3D model that is an accurate representation of the object of interest. Prior to local contrast enhancement and the suppression of reflection information, identification and isolation of the object of interest can be improved through one or more filtering processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Chapman, Mehul Patel
  • Publication number: 20190302472
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward stabilizing an image projected by a projector in an environment including vibrations or other movements that displace the projected image. In one set of implementations, an image projected by a projector may be stabilized by using an image stabilization system that detects a displacement of the projector from an equilibrium position and controls an optical element of the projector to offset the displacement. In an additional set of implementations, an image projected by the projector may be stabilized by using an image stabilization system that measures a rate of displacement from equilibrium of an image projected by the projector to predict a displacement of the projector and counteract the predicted displacement. In another set of implementations, an image projected by a projector may be stabilized by precalculating a plurality of lookup tables that correct for displacements of the projected image during operation of the projector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. CHAPMAN, Joseph POPP, Joseph HAGER, Mehul PATEL
  • Publication number: 20190278995
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking objects in a field of view are disclosed. In one embodiment a method may include obtaining, from the non-transient electronic storage, object data. The object data may include a position of one or more objects as a function of time in a field of view. The method may include generating, with the one or more physical computer processors and the one or more AR components, a first virtual object to depict at least one or more of the object data of a first object at a first time. The method may include displaying, via the display, the first virtual object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Mine, Steven M. Chapman, Alexa L. Hale, Joseph M. Popp, Dawn J. Binder, Calis O. Agyemang, Alice Taylor
  • Publication number: 20190281194
    Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying object features via an AR device are disclosed. The method may include receiving, from a transmitter, a signal from an object on a movie set. The signal may specify object data. The object may be a prop. The object data may specify one or more features corresponding to the prop. The method may include generating, with the one or more physical computer processors and the one or more AR components, a representation of the one or more features using visual effects to depict at least some of the object data. The method may include displaying, via the AR device, the representation onto a view of the prop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Mine, Steven M. Chapman, Alexa L. Hale, Calis O. Agyemang, Joseph M. Popp
  • Publication number: 20190272666
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for a system of markers and methods of using the system of markers to provide a precise scene scale reference for captured aerial images. Each of the markers may include one or more pairs of aligned collimated light emitters, where each pair of light emitters is configured to emit two light beams that converge at a known distance from the marker. When two or more markers are used, the system of markers may be aligned in a unique physical orientation to form a shape of known dimensions (e.g., a line, a triangle, or square) that provides an accurate scene scale reference for captured images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. CHAPMAN, Mehul PATEL, Joseph POPP, Steven KOSAKURA
  • Patent number: 10360713
    Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for providing event enhancement using augmented reality (AR) effects. In one implementation, such a system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a memory storing an AR effect generation software code. The hardware processor is configured to execute the AR effect generation software code to receive a venue description data corresponding to an event venue, to identify the event venue based on the venue description data, and to identify an event scheduled to take place at the event venue. The hardware processor is further configured to execute the AR effect generation software code to generate one or more AR enhancement effect(s) based on the event and the event venue, and to output the AR enhancement effect(s) for rendering on a display of a wearable AR device during the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Arana, Steven M. Chapman, Michael DeValue, Michael P. Goslin
  • Publication number: 20190192965
    Abstract: An air flow generator may be implemented on an augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) controller or head-mounted display (HMD) through which an AR or VR experience is presented. Based on content upon which the AR or VR experience is based, air flow effects can be provided by the air flow generator. In particular, desired air flow effect parameters based on or obtained from the content, can be used to enhance the AR or VR experience through generating air flow directed at a user of the HMD. The air flow generated by the air flow generator can be further enhanced by the addition of liquid and/or scented additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: STEVEN M. CHAPMAN, JAVIER SOTO, MEHUL PATEL, JOSEPH POPP, CALIS AGYEMANG
  • Publication number: 20190197781
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for generating improved AR content. An electronic device includes circuitry coupled to a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the circuitry to obtain frame data for a frame captured using a camera. The frame data includes a level of focus for one or more frame objects in the frame. The circuitry is caused to associate an augmented reality object with at least one of the one or more frame objects. The circuitry is caused to determine a fit factor between a level of focus of the augmented reality object and level of focus of the at least one of the frame objects associated with the augmented reality object. Additionally, the circuitry is caused to, if the fit factor does not satisfy a threshold, apply a decrease to the level of focus of the augmented reality object in order to generate an increased fit factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: MEHUL PATEL, STEVEN M. CHAPMAN, BENJAMIN F. HAVEY, JOSEPH POPP
  • Publication number: 20190139281
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to presenting a more realistic augmented reality view on a video see-through display of a device by configuring the device such that the displayed image of the real world substantially matches what would be perceived by the user if the display were not present. This may be implemented by determining one or more of: a distance from the user's eyes to the display of the device, and an angular offset between the optical axis of a rear camera of the device and the user's visual field, and using the determined distance and/or angular offset to adjust the image that is displayed to the user. The image that is displayed to the user may be adjusted by optically or digitally zooming the rear camera of the device. It may also be adjusted by tilting the rear camera or by digitally translating the displayed video feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: STEVEN M. CHAPMAN, JOSEPH POPP, MEHUL PATEL, CALIS AGYEMANG
  • Publication number: 20190066359
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander C. Chen, Steven M. Chapman, Benjamin Havey
  • Patent number: 10140754
    Abstract: Techniques described herein are directed to simulating lighting conditions of a real-world location in advance of beginning video production at the location. As described herein, captured data (e.g., captured images, captured video, and/or scanned three-dimensional data) of a candidate outdoor location may be used to generate a three dimensional model of the outdoor location. Thereafter, a simulation software application may be used to provide a graphical user interface for rendering the three dimensional model of the location under a variety of different lighting conditions. In particular implementations, the simulation software application may be used to render the location under a variety of different light conditions corresponding to different times of day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: James Voris, Steven M. Chapman, Benjamin F. Havey, Joseph Popp, Mehul Patel
  • Publication number: 20180322695
    Abstract: Features of the surface of an object of interest captured in a two-dimensional (2D) image are identified and marked for use in point matching to align multiple 2D images and generating a point cloud representative of the surface of the object in a photogrammetry process. The features which represent actual surface features of the object may have their local contrast enhanced to facilitate their identification. Reflections on the surface of the object are suppressed by correlating such reflections with, e.g., light sources, not associated with the object of interest so that during photogrammetry, such reflections can be ignored, resulting in the creation of a 3D model that is an accurate representation of the object of interest. Prior to local contrast enhancement and the suppression of reflection information, identification and isolation of the object of interest can be improved through one or more filtering processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: STEVEN M. CHAPMAN, MEHUL PATEL
  • Publication number: 20180241965
    Abstract: According to one implementation, a system for differentially transforming video content includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing a video reformatting software code. The hardware processor executes the video reformatting software code to receive an input video file including video content formatted for a first set of coordinates, and to detect one or more principle features depicted in the video content based on a predetermined principle feature identification data corresponding to the video content. The hardware processor further executes the video reformatting software code to differentially map the video content to a second set of coordinates to produce a reformatted video content. The resolution of the one or more principle features is enhanced relative to other features depicted in the reformatted video content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher S. Taylor, Steven M. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20180157047
    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 be operating a second, physical camera for capturing video or still images within the visual scene. The HMD may generate an augmented reality (AR) experience by presenting an AR view frustum representative of the actual view frustum of the physical camera. The field of view of the user viewing the captured visual scene via the AR experience is generally larger that the AR view frustum, allowing the user to avoid unnatural tracking movements and/or hunting for subjects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. CHAPMAN, Joseph POPP
  • Patent number: 8978620
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an internal combustion engine with an engine block and a cylinder liner housing a piston. The engine block includes at least one cylinder cavity and at least one replaceable cylinder liner positioned within the cylinder cavity. At least two press fit areas create an interference fit between the engine block and the replaceable cylinder liner. One press fit area is located proximate to the top surface of the engine block and the other press fit area is located in the engine block at the opposite end of the cylinder liner. A storage volume is formed between the press fit areas by the outer surface of the cylinder liner and the surface of the engine block defining the cylinder cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron S. Quinton, Jerl J. Purcell, Nathaniel Hassall, Steven M. Chapman, Jim D. Kahlenbeck
  • Publication number: 20130206124
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an internal combustion engine with an engine block and a cylinder liner housing a piston. The engine block includes at least one cylinder cavity and at least one replaceable cylinder liner positioned within the cylinder cavity. At least two press fit areas create an interference fit between the engine block and the replaceable cylinder liner. One press fit area is located proximate to the top surface of the engine block and the other press fit area is located in the engine block at the opposite end of the cylinder liner. A storage volume is formed between the press fit areas by the outer surface of the cylinder liner and the surface of the engine block defining the cylinder cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Aaron S. Quinton, Jerl J. Purcell, Nathaniel Hassall, Steven M. Chapman, Jim D. Kahlenbeck