Patents by Inventor Xiaodong Mao

Xiaodong Mao 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: 9737807
    Abstract: A method for determining the position of a controller device, comprises: receiving dimensions of the display input by a user of the computer-based system; capturing successive images of the display at the controller device; determining a position of the controller device relative to the display based on the dimensions of the display and a perspective distortion of the display in the captured successive images of the display; providing the determined position of the controller to the computer-based system to interface with the interactive program to cause an action by the interactive program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Mao, Noam Rimon
  • Patent number: 9682320
    Abstract: A game controller includes an image capture unit; a body; at least one input device assembled with the body, the input device manipulable by a user to register an input from the user; an inertial sensor operable to produce information for quantifying a movement of said body through space; and at least one light source assembled with the body; and a processor coupled to the image capture unit and the inertial sensor. The processor is configured to track the body by analyzing a signal from the inertial sensor and analyzing an image of the light source from the image capture unit. The processor is configured to establish a gearing between movement of the body and actions to be applied by a computer program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Mao, Richard L. Marks, Gary M. Zalewski
  • Patent number: 9630098
    Abstract: A head mounted display is provided. The head mounted display includes a head attachment portion and a viewing module coupled to the head attachment portion. The viewing module includes an inner portion having a view port into a screen configuring for rendering image content, and an exterior housing. Further included are a plurality illuminating elements integrated with the exterior housing of the viewing module. The plurality of illumination elements defined for image tracking of the head mounted display. Illumination logic is provided for controlling the plurality of illumination elements to be active or inactive during use of the head mounted display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Anton Mikhailov, Xiaodong Mao
  • Publication number: 20170080341
    Abstract: A system for interfacing with an interactive program is provided, including: a computing device for executing the interactive program, the interactive program being stored on a memory, the computing device enabling user control and input; a display device for rendering image content associated with an interactive program, the display device being configured to be attached to the user; wherein the computing device is configured to receive data from an image capture device to determine and track a position of the display device; wherein the computing device is configured to define at least two interactive zones, each interactive zone being defined by a spatial region configured to change a function of the display device when the display device is moved between the at least two interactive zones; and wherein the computing device is configured to set the function of the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Xiaodong Mao, Noam Rimon
  • Publication number: 20170021275
    Abstract: A method is provided, including: receiving inertial data from an input device, the inertial data being generated from one or more inertial sensors of the input device; receiving captured image data from an image capture device configured to capture images of an interactive environment in which the input device is disposed, the input device having a light emitting diode (LED) array that generates infrared light; processing the inertial data and the captured image data to determine a movement of the input device in the interactive environment; establishing a gearing that adjusts an amount by which the movement of the input device is mapped to movement of an image that is rendered to a display; changing the gearing to different settings during the movement of the image as the movement of the image is rendered to the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Gary M. Zalewski, Richard Marks, Xiaodong Mao
  • Patent number: 9545572
    Abstract: A system for interfacing with an interactive program is provided, including: a computing device for executing the interactive program; a display device for enabling user control and input to the interactive program, the display device being configured to be attached to the user; wherein the computing device is configured to receive data from an image capture device to determine and track a position of the display device; wherein the computing device is configured to define interactive zones, each interactive zone being defined by a spatial region having an associated specified function for an action of the display device when the display device is positioned within that interactive zone; and, wherein the computing device is configured to set the functionality of the action of the display device to the specified function associated with the interactive zone within which the display device is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Mao, Noam Rimon
  • Publication number: 20160317926
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for use in a game that includes the steps of receiving position information for a controller that is being manipulated by a user, analyzing the position information to determine whether a predetermined movement of the controller associated with a command has been performed, and executing the command if the predetermined movement of the controller associated with the command has been performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Gary M. Zalewski, Richard Marks, Xiaodong Mao
  • Publication number: 20160310847
    Abstract: Consumer electronic devices have been developed with enormous information processing capabilities, high quality audio and video outputs, large amounts of memory, and may also include wired and/or wireless networking capabilities. Additionally, relatively unsophisticated and inexpensive sensors, such as microphones, video camera, GPS or other position sensors, when coupled with devices having these enhanced capabilities, can be used to detect subtle features about users and their environments. A variety of audio, video, simulation and user interface paradigms have been developed to utilize the enhanced capabilities of these devices. These paradigms can be used separately or together in any combination. One paradigm automatically creating user identities using speaker identification. Another paradigm includes a control button with 3-axis pressure sensitivity for use with game controllers and other input devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Gustavo Hernandez-Abrego, Xavier Menendez-Pidal, Steven Osman, Ruxin Chen, Rishi Deshpande, Care Michaud-Wideman, Richard Marks, Eric J. Larsen, Xiaodong Mao
  • Patent number: 9405363
    Abstract: Consumer electronic devices have been developed with enormous information processing capabilities, high quality audio and video outputs, large amounts of memory, and may also include wired and/or wireless networking capabilities. Additionally, relatively unsophisticated and inexpensive sensors, such as microphones, video camera, GPS or other position sensors, when coupled with devices having these enhanced capabilities, can be used to detect subtle features about users and their environments. A variety of audio, video, simulation and user interface paradigms have been developed to utilize the enhanced capabilities of these devices. These paradigms can be used separately or together in any combination. One paradigm automatically creating user identities using speaker identification. Another paradigm includes a control button with 3-axis pressure sensitivity for use with game controllers and other input devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC. (SIEI)
    Inventors: Gustavo Hernandez-Abrego, Xavier Menendez-Pidal, Steven Osman, Ruxin Chen, Rishi Deshpande, Care Michaud-Wideman, Richard Marks, Eric J. Larsen, Xiaodong Mao
  • Publication number: 20160214015
    Abstract: Systems and methods for executing content to be rendered on a screen of a head mounted display (HMD) are provided. One method includes executing the content to render interactive scenes on the screen and tracking an orientation direction of the HMD when worn on a head of a user and the interactive scenes are being rendered on the screen. The method includes changing view directions into the interactive scenes based on changes in the orientation direction of the HMD, such that movements of the head of the user causes the changes in the view directions into the interactive scenes. The method further includes receiving images of a real world space using a camera of the HMD. The camera of the HMD is configured to capture a location of real world objects in the real world space relative to the user of the HMD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Osman, Xiaodong Mao
  • Publication number: 20160093108
    Abstract: A method for sharing content with other HMDs includes rendering content of a virtual environment scene on a display screen of a head-mounted display associated with a first user. The display screen rendering the virtual environment scene represents a virtual reality space of the first user. A request to share the virtual reality space of the first user is detected. The request targets a second user. In response to detecting acceptance of the request to share, the virtual reality space of the first user is shared with the second user. The sharing allows synchronizing the virtual environment scene rendered on the head mounted display of the first and the second users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Xiaodong Mao, Brian Watson
  • Publication number: 20160070702
    Abstract: A Method and System to enable user related content preferences intelligently on a headphone is disclosed. The embodiments relate generally to the field of user related content preferences. The embodiments are directed at controlling the content preference data so that a music cortex functions as a data agency to provide the music devices, music applications and streaming services smarter choices and intelligent recommendations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Xiaodong MAO, Xianghui MAO
  • Publication number: 20160042566
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for managing the sensory stimulus generated by a head mounted display (HMD). One method includes an operation for identifying the game state of a game being executed for display on a head mounted display (HMD). Further, the method includes an operation for determining the game intensity value for the game state based on user intensity ratings obtained from user play of the game. The user intensity ratings represent the level of sensory stimulus presented to users during the user play of the game via the HMDs of the respective users. Further, the method includes an operation for presenting the game intensity value to the HMD for rendering during execution of the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Xiaodong Mao
  • Publication number: 20150328540
    Abstract: A system for interfacing with an interactive program is provided, including: a computing device for executing the interactive program; a display device for enabling user control and input to the interactive program, the display device being configured to be attached to the user; wherein the computing device is configured to receive data from an image capture device to determine and track a position of the display device; wherein the computing device is configured to define interactive zones, each interactive zone being defined by a spatial region having an associated specified function for an action of the display device when the display device is positioned within that interactive zone; and, wherein the computing device is configured to set the functionality of the action of the display device to the specified function associated with the interactive zone within which the display device is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Xiaodong Mao, Noam Rimon
  • Publication number: 20150321085
    Abstract: A method for determining the position of a controller device, comprises: receiving dimensions of the display input by a user of the computer-based system; capturing successive images of the display at the controller device; determining a position of the controller device relative to the display based on the dimensions of the display and a perspective distortion of the display in the captured successive images of the display; providing the determined position of the controller to the computer-based system to interface with the interactive program to cause an action by the interactive program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Xiaodong Mao, Noam Rimon
  • Patent number: 9174119
    Abstract: A controller provides inputs to control execution of a program by combining controller input information and supplementary information utilizing a value of a first one of the controller input information or the supplementary input information as a modifying input to the game program for modifying a mapping or gearing of an input controlling a still active function activated in accordance with at least one of a second one of the controller input information or the supplementary input information or vice versa. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainement America, LLC
    Inventors: Gary M. Zalewski, Richard L. Marks, Xiaodong Mao
  • Patent number: 9124883
    Abstract: 3D shutter glasses with a synchronization signal sent through a stereo headphone wire are presented. In some embodiments, the 3D shutter glasses receive a synchronization signal through the same wire that transmits audio data to headphones or other audio devices. The synchronization signal may be combined with the audio data through various techniques so as to not disrupt the audio a listener hears, but to still provide the data to the 3D shutter glasses to synchronize with a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Xiaodong Mao
  • Patent number: 9108105
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing input to an interactive program are presented. An interactive system includes a server for executing the interactive program, and a game client interfaced with the server over a network. The game client is configured to send, over the network, position data defining a position of a controller device. The server is configured to define interactive zones, each interactive zone being defined by a spatial region having an associated specified function for an action of the controller device when the controller device is located within that interactive zone. The server is further configured to set the functionality of the action of the controller device to the specified function associated with the interactive zone within which the controller device is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Mao, Noam Rimon
  • Patent number: 9067139
    Abstract: A method for determining the position of a controller device, comprises: receiving dimensions of the display input by a user of the computer-based system; capturing successive images of the display at the controller device; determining a position of the controller device relative to the display based on the dimensions of the display and a perspective distortion of the display in the captured successive images of the display; providing the determined position of the controller to the computer-based system to interface with the interactive program to cause an action by the interactive program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Mao, Noam Rimon
  • Patent number: 8947347
    Abstract: Sound processing methods and apparatus are provided. A sound capture unit is configured to identify one or more sound sources. The sound capture unit generates data capable of being analyzed to determine a listening zone at which to process sound to the substantial exclusion of sounds outside the listening zone. Sound captured and processed for the listening zone may be used for interactivity with the computer program. The listening zone may be adjusted based on the location of a sound source. One or more listening zones may be pre-calibrated. The apparatus may optionally include an image capture unit configured to capture one or more image frames. The listening zone may be adjusted based on the image. A video game unit may be controlled by generating inertial, optical and/or acoustic signals with a controller and tracking a position and/or orientation of the controller using the inertial, acoustic and/or optical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Mao, Richard L. Marks, Gary M. Zalewski