Patents by Inventor Tony Baldridge

Tony Baldridge 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).

  • Patent number: 9615082
    Abstract: The system enables conversion of black and white images to color images and/or two-dimensional images into three-dimensional images based on adding color and/or depth to images using masks for regions in the images, as well as reshaping of masks to cover objects that have moved and changed shape as the objects move in a sequence of images. Also, includes motion picture project management system for reviewers, coordinators and artists. Artists utilize image analysis and image enhancement and computer graphics processing for example to convert two-dimensional images into three-dimensional images or otherwise create or alter motion pictures. Enables the efficient management of projects related to motion pictures to enable enterprises to manage assets, control costs, predict budgets and profit margins, reduce archival storage and otherwise provide displays tailored to specific roles to increase worker efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: LEGEND3D, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Sandrew, Anthony Lopez, Jared Sandrew, Tony Baldridge
  • Patent number: 9609307
    Abstract: Machine learning method that learns to convert 2D video to 3D video from a set of training examples. Uses machine learning to perform any or all of the 2D to 3D conversion steps of identifying and locating objects, masking objects, modeling object depth, generating stereoscopic image pairs, and filling gaps created by pixel displacement for depth effects. Training examples comprise inputs and outputs for the conversion steps. The machine learning system generates transformation functions that generate the outputs from the inputs; these functions may then be used on new 2D videos to automate or semi-automate the conversion process. Operator input may be used to augment the results of the machine learning system. Illustrative representations for conversion data in the training examples include object tags to identify objects and locate their features, Bézier curves to mask object regions, and point clouds or geometric shapes to model object depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: LEGEND3D, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony Lopez, Jacqueline McFarland, Tony Baldridge
  • Patent number: 9438878
    Abstract: Method for converting 2D video to 3D video using 3D object models. Embodiments of the invention obtain a 3D object model for one or more objects in a 2D video scene, such as a character. Object models may for example be derived from 3D scanner data; planes, polygons, or surfaces may be fit to this data to generate a 3D model. In each frame in which a modeled object appears, the location and orientation of the 3D model may be determined in the frame, and a depth map for the object may be generated from the model. 3D video may be generated using the depth map. Embodiments may use feature tracking to automatically determine object location and orientation. Embodiments may use rigged 3D models with degrees of freedom to model objects with parts that move relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: LEGEND3D, Inc.
    Inventors: Vicente Niebla, Jr., Tony Baldridge, Thomas Schad, Scott Jones
  • Patent number: 9407904
    Abstract: A method that enables creation of a 3D virtual reality environment from a series of 2D images of a scene. Embodiments map 2D images onto a sphere to create a composite spherical image, divide the composite image into regions, and add depth information to the regions. Depth information may be generated by mapping regions onto flat or curved surfaces, and positioning these surfaces in 3D space. Some embodiments enable inserting, removing, or extending objects in the scene, adding or modifying depth information as needed. The final composite image and depth information are projected back onto one or more spheres, and then projected onto left and right eye image planes to form a 3D stereoscopic image for a viewer of the virtual reality environment. Embodiments enable 3D images to be generated dynamically for the viewer in response to changes in the viewer's position and orientation in the virtual reality environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: LEGEND3D, INC.
    Inventors: Jared Sandrew, Tony Baldridge, Jacqueline McFarland, Scott Jones, Thomas Schad
  • Patent number: 9286941
    Abstract: The system enables conversion of black and white images to color images and/or two-dimensional images into three-dimensional images based on adding color and/or depth to images using masks for regions in the images, as well as reshaping of masks to cover objects that have moved and changed shape as the objects move in a sequence of images. Also, includes motion picture project management system for reviewers, coordinators and artists. Artists utilize image analysis and image enhancement and computer graphics processing for example to convert two-dimensional images into three-dimensional images or otherwise create or alter motion pictures. Enables the efficient management of projects related to motion pictures to enable enterprises to manage assets, control costs, predict budgets and profit margins, reduce archival storage and otherwise provide displays tailored to specific roles to increase worker efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: LEGEND3D, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Sandrew, Tony Baldridge, Jared Sandrew, Anthony Lopez
  • Patent number: 9288476
    Abstract: Enables real-time depth modifications to stereo images of a 3D virtual reality environment locally and for example without iterative workflow involving region designers or depth artists that includes re-rendering these images from the original 3D model. Embodiments generate a spherical translation map from the 3D model of the virtual environment; this spherical translation map is a function of the pixel shifts between left and right stereo images for each point of the sphere surrounding the viewer of the virtual environment. Modifications may be made directly to the spherical translation map, and applied directly to the stereo images, without requiring re-rendering of the scene from the complete 3D model. This process enables depth modifications to be viewed in real-time, greatly improving the efficiency of the 3D model creation, review, and update cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: LEGEND3D, INC.
    Inventors: Jared Sandrew, Tony Baldridge, Anthony Lopez, Jacqueline McFarland, Scott Jones, Thomas Schad
  • Patent number: 9282321
    Abstract: A system that coordinates multiple simultaneous reviews of a 3D model, potentially from different viewpoints. Embodiments support multiple reviewers using review stations that render images of the model based on the pose of the reviewer. For example, multiple reviewers may use virtual reality headsets to observe a 3D virtual environment from different orientations. A coordinator uses a coordinator station to observe the entire 3D model and the viewpoints of each of the reviewers in this 3D model. Embodiments may support reviewer designation of regions within the model that require review or modification; these designated regions are also displayed on the coordinator station. Embodiments may support real time updates to the 3D model and propagation of updated images to the coordinator and to the multiple viewers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: LEGEND3D, INC.
    Inventors: Jared Sandrew, Tony Baldridge, Anthony Lopez, Jacqueline McFarland, Scott Jones, Thomas Schad
  • Patent number: 9007365
    Abstract: A line depth augmentation system and method for conversion of 2D images to 3D images. Enables adding depth to regions by altering depth of lines in the regions, for example in cell animation images or regions of limited color range. Eliminates creation of wireframe or other depth models and complex modeling of regions to match the depth of lines therein. Enables rapid conversion of two-dimensional images to three-dimensional images by enabling stereographers to quickly add/alter line depth without artifacts in images for example lines in monochrome regions. Embodiments may output a stereoscopic image pair of images with lines having desired depth, or any other three-dimensional viewing enabled image, such as an anaglyph image. Although the lines may be of a different depth than the region they appear in, the human mind interprets the monochromatic region as having depth associated with the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Legend3D, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Sandrew, Jared Sandrew, Jill Hunt, Tony Baldridge, James Prola
  • Patent number: 8953905
    Abstract: Movies to be colorized/depth enhanced (2D?3D) are broken into backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined into composite frame which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting/reshaping. Colors/depths are automatically applied with masks throughout a scene from the composite background and to motion objects. Areas never exposed by motion or foreground objects may be partially or fully realistically drawn/rendered/applied to the occluded areas and applied throughout the images to generate artifact-free secondary viewpoints during 2D?3D conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Legend3D, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Sandrew, Tony Baldridge, Anthony Lopez, Timothy Tranquill, Craig Cesareo
  • Patent number: 8897596
    Abstract: Motion picture scenes to be colorized/depth enhanced (2D?3D) are broken into separate elements, backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined into composite frame which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting/reshaping. Colors and/or depths are automatically applied to masks throughout a scene from the composite background, translucent, motion objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Legend3D, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Passmore, Tony Baldridge, Barry Sandrew
  • Publication number: 20140146037
    Abstract: A line depth augmentation system and method for conversion of 2D images to 3D images. Enables adding depth to regions by altering depth of lines in the regions, for example in cell animation images or regions of limited color range. Eliminates creation of wireframe or other depth models and complex modeling of regions to match the depth of lines therein. Enables rapid conversion of two-dimensional images to three-dimensional images by enabling stereographers to quickly add/alter line depth without artifacts in images for example lines in monochrome regions. Embodiments may output a stereoscopic image pair of images with lines having desired depth, or any other three-dimensional viewing enabled image, such as an anaglyph image. Although the lines may be of a different depth than the region they appear in, the human mind interprets the monochromatic region as having depth associated with the line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: LEGEND 3D, INC.
    Inventors: Barry Sandrew, Jared Sandrew, Jill Hunt, Tony Baldridge, James Prola
  • Patent number: 8401336
    Abstract: Motion picture scenes to be colorized/depth enhanced (2D->3D) are broken into separate elements, backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined into composite frame which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting/reshaping. Colors and/or depths are automatically applied to masks throughout a scene from the composite background and to motion objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Legend3D, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Baldridge, Barry Sandrew
  • Patent number: 8396328
    Abstract: Motion picture scenes to be colorized/depth enhanced (2D->3D) are broken into separate elements, backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined into composite frame which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting/reshaping. Colors and/or depths are automatically applied to masks throughout a scene from the composite background and to motion objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Legend3D, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Sandrew, Tony Baldridge
  • Patent number: 8385684
    Abstract: Movies to be colorized/depth enhanced (2D->3D) are broken into backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined into composite frame which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting/reshaping. Colors/depths are automatically applied with masks throughout a scene from the composite background and to motion objects. Areas never exposed by motion or foreground objects may be partially or fully realistically drawn/rendered/applied to the occluded areas and applied throughout the images to generate artifact-free secondary viewpoints during 2D->3D conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Legend3D, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Sandrew, Tony Baldridge, Barry Sandrew
  • Publication number: 20120120054
    Abstract: Movies to be colorized/depth enhanced (2D->3D) are broken into backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined into composite frame which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting/reshaping. Colors/depths are automatically applied with masks throughout a scene from the composite background and to motion objects. Areas never exposed by motion or foreground objects may be partially or fully realistically drawn/rendered/applied to the occluded areas and applied throughout the images to generate artifact-free secondary viewpoints during 2D->3D conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Jared Sandrew, Tony Baldridge, Barry Sandrew
  • Patent number: 8160390
    Abstract: Motion picture scenes to be colorized/depth enhanced (2D?3D) are broken into separate elements, backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined into composite frame which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting/reshaping. Colors and/or depths are automatically applied to masks throughout a scene from the composite background and to motion objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Legend3D, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Sandrew, Tony Baldridge
  • Publication number: 20120063681
    Abstract: Motion picture scenes to be colorized/depth enhanced (2D->3D) are broken into separate elements, backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined into composite frame which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting/reshaping. Colors and/or depths are automatically applied to masks throughout a scene from the composite background and to motion objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Barry SANDREW, Tony Baldridge
  • Patent number: 8078006
    Abstract: Motion picture scenes to be colorized/depth enhanced (2D?3D) are broken into separate elements, backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined into composite frame which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting/reshaping. Colors and/or depths are automatically applied to masks throughout a scene from the composite background and to motion objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Legend3D, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Sandrew, Tony Baldridge
  • Patent number: 8073247
    Abstract: Motion picture scenes to be colorized/depth enhanced (2D->3D) are broken into separate elements, backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined into composite frame which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting/reshaping. Colors and/or depths are automatically applied to masks throughout a scene from the composite background and to motion objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Legend3D, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Sandrew, Tony Baldridge