Patents Issued in May 1, 2018
  • Patent number: 9959631
    Abstract: A tomography apparatus includes a data acquirer acquiring a first image and a second image that are partial images, by using data acquired in a first angular section corresponding to a first time point and a second angular section corresponding to a second time and facing the first angular section, by performing a tomography scan on an object that is moving, and acquiring first information indicating a motion amount of the object by using the first image and the second image, and an image reconstructor reconstructing a target image indicating the object at a target time, based on the first information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignees: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jong Beom Ra, Seungeon Kim, Kyoung-yong Lee, Toshihiro Rifu, Jonghyon Yi, Iljun Ahn, Yongjin Chang, Byung-sun Choi
  • Patent number: 9959632
    Abstract: A computer implemented method of object extraction from video images, the method comprising steps a computer is programmed to perform, the steps comprising: receiving a plurality of video images, deriving a plurality of background templates from at least one of the received video images, calculating a plurality of differences from an individual one of the received video images, each one of the differences being calculated between the individual video image and a respective and different one of the background templates, and extracting an object of interest from the individual video image, using a rule applied on the calculated differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: PLAYSIGHT INTERACTIVE LTD.
    Inventors: Evgeni Khazanov, Chen Shachar
  • Patent number: 9959633
    Abstract: An embodiment relates to a method for the detection of texture of a digital image, including providing a raw data image of the image by means of Bayer image sensors, determining noise in at least a region of the raw data image and determining the texture based on the determined noise without using a high pass or low pass filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Angelo Bosco, Arcangelo Ranieri Bruna, Davide Giacalone, Rosetta Rizzo
  • Patent number: 9959634
    Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying depth data associated with an object are disclosed. The method includes capturing, with an image capturing device, a plurality of source images of the object. The image capturing device has a sensor that is tilted at a known angle with respect to an object plane of the object such that the image capturing device has a depth of field associated with each source image, the depth of field defining a plane that is angled with respect to the object plane. An image processor analyzes the plurality of source images to identify segments of the source images that satisfy an image quality metric. Position data is assigned to the identified segments of the source images, the position data including depth positions based on the plane defined by the depth of field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Peter Gregory Brueckner, Iain Richard Tyrone McClatchie, Matthew Thomas Valente
  • Patent number: 9959635
    Abstract: A state determination device includes a calculator that receives multiple eye region images captured at different timings in a time interval from when a person opening eyes closes the eyes to when the person opens the eyes next and calculates a luminance value relating to multiple pixels included in each of the eye region images and a determiner, wherein the determiner calculates a time interval from a first time point when the luminance value relating to the pixels reaches a predetermined first luminance value for the first time to a second time point when the luminance value relating to the pixels reaches a second luminance value after the first time point; if a time interval from the first time point to the second time point is a first time interval, the determiner determines that the person is in a first state; if the time interval from the first time point to the second time point is a second time interval which is shorter than the first time interval, the determiner determines that the person is in a se
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wataru Nakai
  • Patent number: 9959636
    Abstract: An image processing system and method for determining an intrinsic colour component of one or more objects for use in rendering the object(s) is described. One or more input images are received, each representing a view of the object(s), wherein values of the input image(s) are separable into intrinsic colour estimates and corresponding shading estimates. A set of surface normals for the object(s) of the input image(s) is determined. In accordance with the values of the input image(s) and the determined set of surface normals, a global lighting estimate is determined which provides consistent corresponding intrinsic colour estimates for a plurality of regions of the object(s) from the input image(s). The intrinsic colour component is determined in accordance with the values of the input image(s) and the determined global lighting estimate. The determined intrinsic colour component of the object(s) and the determined set of surface normals for the object(s) are stored for use in rendering the object(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Imagination Technologies Limited
    Inventors: James Imber, Adrian Hilton, Jean-Yves Guillemaut
  • Patent number: 9959637
    Abstract: The disclosure is related to a method and a computer apparatus for processing a border of a computer figure and merging the figure into a background image. In the method, a user interface is provided for the user to operate the computer figure through a touch screen. The computer figure is configured to be merged into a background image, or a specific image object. The computer figure is processed by performing a border-treatment algorithm when it is moved and combined with the background image. In the process of border-treatment, the graphic information of the background image is taken into consideration. The computer figure is allowed to be well merged into the background image by considering the background's graphic information when the images are combined. Therefore, a visual effect of fusing the images can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: FRAMY INC.
    Inventors: Yu-Hsien Li, Chen-Chou Lin
  • Patent number: 9959638
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray tube that radiates, an X-ray, a detector that outputs a plurality of pieces of pre-compression data on a basis of the X-ray first processing circuitry and second processing circuitry. The first processing circuitry groups the plurality of pieces of pre-compression data to generate grouped data corresponding to the pre-compression data in each group, and generates data for restoration for restoring the pre-compression data, wherein the first processing circuitry transmits the grouped data and the data for restoration to the second processing circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Tomotaka Sasaya
  • Patent number: 9959639
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ptychographic imaging is described. Typically a high number of pixels (after binning) is needed to obtain a high quality reconstruction of an object. By using calculation planes with more nodes (for example 512×512 nodes) than the number of pixels of the detector, a high quality reconstruction of an object can be made, even when using for example a 16 segment detector, or a 32×32 pixel detector. Although the reconstructed object shows less resolution (“sharpness”), all features are there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: FEI Company
    Inventors: Eric Gerardus Theodoor Bosch, Ivan Lazic
  • Patent number: 9959640
    Abstract: A method includes performing a first pass of an iterative image reconstruction in which an intermediate first spectral image and an intermediate second spectral image are generated using an iterative image reconstruction algorithm, start first spectral and second spectral images, and initial first spectral regularization and second spectral regularization parameters, updating at least one of the initial first spectral regularization or second spectral regularization parameters, thereby creating an updated first spectral regularization or second spectral regularization parameter, based at least on a sharpness of one of the intermediate first spectral or second spectral images, and performing a subsequent pass of the iterative image reconstruction in which an updated intermediate first spectral and second spectral image is generated using the iterative image reconstruction algorithm, the intermediate first spectral and second spectral images, and the updated first spectral regularization and Compton scatter reg
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Koehler, Roland Proksa, Michael Grass
  • Patent number: 9959641
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for providing displays of maps or mapping objects in a mapping application or system, wherein transitions between the maps or mapping objects is provided seamlessly and/or with orientation(s) preserved based a user interface device control actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Michael J. Martin, Thomas C. Cassey, Francisco A. Crespo
  • Patent number: 9959642
    Abstract: A vector data selection unit selects, from a vector file of a past line graph, each vector data of a time period where a new line graph overlaps. An attribute value setting unit sets, of the vector data selected, a high transparency degree value to oldest vector data, sets a low transparency degree value to newest vector data, and sets an intermediate transparency degree value to intermediate vector data. A graph display unit displays a portion of a time period of the past line graph where the new line graph overlaps, with a gradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Hori, Daisuke Kisara, Kentaro Mori, Yuichi Okano, Kageyasu Miyahara, Masayuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 9959643
    Abstract: Cache thrashing or over-accessing of a cache can be reduced by reversing the order of traversal of a triangle on different granularities. In the case where triangles are not grouped, the traverse order may be reversed on each triangle. In cases where triangles are grouped, the traversal order may be reversed with each group change. However, when motion is excessive, for example beyond a threshold, then the traversal order reversal may be disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Jon N. Hasselgren, Tomas G. Akenine-Moller, Carl J. Munkberg, Franz P. Clarberg, Jim K. Nilsson
  • Patent number: 9959644
    Abstract: A computerized method for annotating at least one feature of an image of a view, includes the steps of obtaining the image with an image sensor of a portable device, and retrieving at least one condition. Based on the at least one condition, the method automatically selects a feature identification method among a plurality of features identification methods. It then applies the feature identification method for identifying the at least one feature, and annotates some of the identified features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Mathieu Monney, Serge Ayer, Martin Vetterli
  • Patent number: 9959646
    Abstract: According to one aspect of an embodiment, an information display device includes a display unit that displays first content in a display region. The information display device includes a detection unit configured to detect a physical state of a terminal device. The information display device includes a display control unit configured to direct the display unit to display second new content in the display region while changing a display mode of the first content, on the basis of the detection result of the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: YAHOO JAPAN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chiemi Taki, Daisuke Kobayashi, Keisuke Kimura, Tatsuaki Suzuki, Kensuke Takada
  • Patent number: 9959647
    Abstract: Various technologies pertaining to modeling patterns of activity observed in remote sensing images using geospatial-temporal graphs are described herein. Graphs are constructed by representing objects in remote sensing images as nodes, and connecting nodes with undirected edges representing either distance or adjacency relationships between objects and directed edges representing changes in time. Activity patterns may be discerned from the graphs by coding nodes representing persistent objects like buildings differently from nodes representing ephemeral objects like vehicles, and examining the geospatial-temporal relationships of ephemeral nodes within the graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Randolph Brost, William C. McLendon, III, Ojas D. Parekh, Mark Daniel Rintoul, Jean-Paul Watson, David R. Strip, Carl Diegert
  • Patent number: 9959648
    Abstract: A medical image display apparatus which displays, in a display screen, a display image having undergone gray level transform of changing number of gray levels of a medical image, obtains a representative value of pixel values concerning a region of a block, in the medical image, which corresponds to each partial region in a region designated in the display image. The medical image display apparatus sets a specific region in the display screen so as to include the designated region, and superimposes/displays and arranges obtained representative values on the specific region in correspondence with the arrangement of the partial regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Gakuto Aoyama, Masahiro Yakami
  • Patent number: 9959649
    Abstract: It is an object to generate a desired composite image in which a motion area of a subject is correctly composited. A difference image between a base target and an aligned swap target is generated (S1021), and an extracted contour in the difference image is determined according to the active contour model (S1022). The inner area of the contour and the outer area of the contour are painted with different colors to be color-coded so as to generate a mask image for alpha blending (S1023). Using the mask image thus generated, the swap target that is aligned with respect to the base target is composited with the base target of the base image by alpha blending (S1024).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: MORPHO, INC.
    Inventors: Teppei Inomata, Kojiro Kato, Masaki Satoh, Kouta Kurihara, Kazuki Kimura, Ryo Ono
  • Patent number: 9959650
    Abstract: A method for merging graphic layers is provided. The method includes: receiving a plurality of graphic layers in a current frame; assigning sequence numbers to the graphic layers according to an overlay order; judging whether a first graphic layer and a second graphic layer vary in a period; merging the first graphic layer with the second graphic layer when judging that the first graphic layer and the second graphic layer do not vary in the period; and displaying the graphic layers in order of the sequence numbers according to the sequence numbers, wherein the first graphic layer and the second graphic layer are adjacent graphic layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: VIA ALLIANCE SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yanjie Wang, Chenyang Zhu
  • Patent number: 9959651
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processing images representing a real scene, the images comprising at least two images obtained from at least two sources of images, a sub-image of each of the at least two images representing an overlapping area of the real scene. A role map comprising a plurality of parts, all the points of each part of the role map being associated with a single identifier of a source of images, is generated during a training phase. To process the images, parts of the role map are selected as a function of an identifier of a considered source of images, and sub-images of an image obtained from the considered source of images are processed, the processed sub-images corresponding to the selected parts of the role map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Julien Sevin, Gérald Kergourlay
  • Patent number: 9959652
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a display method and a terminal. The display method comprises: identifying a background picture on a screen interface of a terminal; and when the background picture comprises a preset object, ensuring that there is no display content shielding a display region of the preset object on the screen interface. By using the technical solution of the present disclosure, it is avoided that display content on a terminal shields a preset object on a background picture, so that the preset object can be fully displayed, which helps to improve use experience of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Yulong Computer Telecommunication Scientific (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaoyan Ma, Xinfeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 9959653
    Abstract: A computer system running image processing software receives an identification of a desired scene of a geographical area for which an oblique-mosaic image is desired including one or more geometry parameters of a virtual camera; creates a mathematical model of the virtual camera having mathematical values that define the camera geometry parameters that configure the model to capture the geographical area, and looking down at an oblique angle; creates a ground elevation model of the ground and vertical structures within the oblique-mosaic pixel map, wherein source images were captured at an oblique angle and compass direction similar to the oblique angle and compass direction of the virtual camera; and reprojects, with the mathematical model, source oblique image pixels of the overlapping source images for pixels included in the oblique-mosaic pixel map using the ground elevation model to thereby create the oblique-mosaic image of the geographical area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Schultz, Frank Giuffrida, Robert Gray
  • Patent number: 9959654
    Abstract: A set of animation data for an element in an animation is statistically sampled to obtain a common context. The common context is a subset of a plurality of frames of the set of animation data. Further, output of a data-driven model for the animation, which utilizes at least a subset of the common context, is compared with output of a computational model for the animation. The computational model has a first set of logic. The data-driven model has a second set of logic that has less logic than the first set of logic. In addition, an error between the computational model and the data-driven model is computed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gene S. Lee
  • Patent number: 9959655
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product provide the ability to render an animated creature in real-time. A creature diagram for a creature, having chains sections, is drawn. An effector is created for each section and each chain, and defines a target position and an orientation that is reached. A chain solving type is selected for the chains, and is used to simulate a desired biomechanical behavior of the creature. The creature diagram, including the sections, chains, and chain solving types, is mapped to a three-dimensional (3D) model. The creature is animated/rendered in a real-time 3D application based on the mapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventor: Alain Baur
  • Patent number: 9959656
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention set forth a technique for animating objects placed across a surface of a graphics object. A CAD application receives a set of motions and initially applies a different motion in the set of motions to each object placed across the surface of the graphics object. The CAD application calculates bounding areas of each object according to the current motion applied thereto, which are subsequently used by the CAD application to identify collisions that are occurring or will occur between the objects. Identified collisions are cured by identifying valid motions in the set of motions that can be applied to a colliding object and then calculating bounding areas for the valid motions to select a valid motion that, when applied to the object, does not cause the object to collide with any other objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Susan Amkraut, Michael Girard
  • Patent number: 9959657
    Abstract: A method of animating a computer generation of a head, the head having a mouth which moves in accordance with speech to be output by the head, said method comprising: providing an input related to the speech which is to be output by the movement of the lips; dividing said input into a sequence of acoustic units; selecting expression characteristics for the inputted text; converting said sequence of acoustic units to a sequence of image vectors using a statistical model, wherein said model has a plurality of model parameters describing probability distributions which relate an acoustic unit to an image vector, said image vector comprising a plurality of parameters which define a face of said head; and outputting said sequence of image vectors as video such that the mouth of said head moves to mime the speech associated with the input text with the selected expression, wherein a parameter of a predetermined type of each probability distribution in said selected expression is expressed as a weighted sum of pa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Javier Latorre-Martinez, Vincent Ping Leung Wan, Bjorn Stenger, Robert Anderson, Roberto Cipolla
  • Patent number: 9959658
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for improved techniques for consuming and interacting with media content. Specifically, the media guidance application may generate holographic animations that move from a holographic structure from which a user has selected a media asset and direct the user to a display device capable of presenting the media asset. For example, in response to a user selecting a baseball movie from a holographic bookcase, the media guidance application may generate for display a holographic baseball that is “thrown” from the bookcase to a television that will present the baseball movie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ROVI GUIDES, INC.
    Inventors: Jason W. Conness, Todd Mariani
  • Patent number: 9959659
    Abstract: A tile-based rendering method includes performing binning of a current frame; generating an identification code of binning information or property information of a tile to be rendered in the current frame; comparing the identification code of the tile to be rendered to an identification code of a previous tile, wherein a location of the previous tile in a previous frame is the same as a location of the tile to be rendered in the current frame; and rendering the current frame by either re-using an image stored in a frame buffer or performing pixel processing of the tile to be rendered depending on a result of the comparing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yeongon Cho, Soojung Ryu, Jeongae Park, Woong Seo, Sangheon Lee, Seunghun Jin
  • Patent number: 9959660
    Abstract: A device for image processing includes a first queue, a second queue, a cache, and a processor. The first queue is capable of receiving a first image tile. The processor is electrically connected to the first queue, the second queue, and the cache, respectively. The processor is capable of obtaining the first image tile from the first queue and obtaining mask information of the background mask corresponding to the first tile from the cache. The processor determines the relationship between the first image tile and the background mask based on the first image tile and the mask information so as to selectively transfer the first image tile to the second queue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: VIA ALLIANCE SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fengxia Wu, Wei Zhang, Zhou Hong, Yuanfeng Wang
  • Patent number: 9959661
    Abstract: Provide are a methods and devices for processing graphics data in a graphics processing unit (GPU). The method of processing graphics data includes receiving, at a processor, a difference of Gaussian (DOG) layer of an image, detecting, from the received DOG layer, a candidate DOG layer of the image as an intermediate layer, detecting at least one extreme point by comparing values of the candidate DOG layer with values of a previous DOG layer and a next DOG layer, and storing the at least one extreme point in a buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ankur Deshwal, Somya Singhal, Keshavan Varadarajan, Soma Kohli
  • Patent number: 9959662
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing distortions introduced by deformation of a surface with an existing parameterization. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises receiving a rest pose mesh comprising a plurality of faces, a rigidity map corresponding to the rest pose mesh, and a deformed pose mesh; using the rigidity map to generate a simulation grid on the rest pose mesh, the simulation grid comprising a plurality of cells; defining a set of constraints on the simulation grid, the constraints being derived at least in part from the rigidity map; running a simulation using the simulation grid and the set of constraints to obtain a warped grid; and texture mapping the deformed pose mesh based on data from the warped grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth John Mitchell, Charalampos Koniaris, Darren Cosker
  • Patent number: 9959663
    Abstract: A system and method for generating textures on an object from physical ink data and physical applicator data, including: receiving, by a module for generating a rendering outside the object (RHO), the physical ink and physical applicator data and transforming this data to provide a rendering outside the object comprising compatible physical data for projection against a target object regardless of the projection mode; receiving, by a module for transforming RHO, the previously obtained RHO data, and adapting this data for a given rendering projection mode; and receiving, by a module for integrating the physical parameters, the data of the object, the data of the set of textures, the transformed RHO data, and generating a new set of textures for said objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ALLEGORITHMIC
    Inventors: Sebastien Deguy, Christophe Soum, Cyrille Damez, Eric Batut
  • Patent number: 9959664
    Abstract: Embodiments can provide adaptive image filtering. Under this approach, image quality can be enhanced by adjusting an approximation function to better adapt image signals in different parts of an image. Certain parts of the image may be enhanced using a certain approximation function while some other parts of the image may be enhanced using a different approximation function. In certain embodiments, the approximation function selected for a part of the image can be a polynomial function having a specific order. The specific polynomial order can be applied directly to obtain an estimated image value of the part of the image. In certain embodiments, the estimation of the reconstruction error can include iteratively estimating a bias term of the reconstruction error and a variance term of the reconstruction error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Bochang Moon, Markus Gross, Steven McDonagh, Kenneth J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9959665
    Abstract: A graphics processing unit (GPU) may include a triangle setup engine (TSE) configured to determine coordinates of a triangle, rotate coordinates of the triangle based on an angle. To rotate the coordinates, the TSE generates coordinates of the triangle in a rotated domain, and determines coordinates of a bounding box in the rotated domain based on the coordinates of the triangle in the rotated domain. The TSE determines a first plurality of parallel scanlines in the rotated domain, and a second plurality of parallel scanlines in the rotated domain. The first and second pluralities of scanlines are perpendicular. The TSE determines whether the bounding box coordinates are located within two adjacent scanlines. If the bounding box coordinates are located within the two adjacent scanlines, the TSE removes the triangle from the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Nagarjuna Duvvuru, Tao Wang, Jian Liang, Chunlin Wang
  • Patent number: 9959666
    Abstract: The invention is directed to systems and methods for detailing a graphical 3D solid model displayed to a user. An example system includes a graphical user interface device (e.g., joystick, keyboard, stylus, roller ball, touch screen, tablet, etc.) configured to receive input from a user and transmit the input to a computer including a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and/or a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a memory for use with the computer, and a video display configured to graphically display the detailed 3D solid model to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Bob Tipton
  • Patent number: 9959667
    Abstract: A method of automatically transforming a computerized 3D model having regions of images utilized as textures on one or more physical objects represented in the 3D model (such as building sides and roofs, walls, landscapes, mountain sides, trees and the like) to include material property information for one or more regions of the textures of the 3D model. In this method, image textures applied to the 3D model are examined by comparing, utilizing a computer, at least a portion of each image texture to entries in a palette of material entries. The material palette entry that best matches the one contained in the image texture is assigned to indicate a physical material of the physical object represented by the 3D model. Then, material property information is stored in the computerized 3D model for the image textures that are assigned a material palette entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventor: Stephen Schultz
  • Patent number: 9959668
    Abstract: Virtual surface update and composition techniques are described. These techniques include support of initialization and batching of updates, use of updates and lookaside lists, use of gutters, blending and BLT operations, surface optimization techniques such as push down as well as enumeration and clumping, mesh usage, and occlusion management techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Reiner Fink, Leonardo E. Blanco, Cenk Ergan, Joshua Warren Priestley, Silvana Patricia Moncayo, Blake D. Pelton
  • Patent number: 9959669
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rendering a computer-generated image using a stencil buffer is described. The method divides an arbitrary closed polygonal contour into first and higher level primitives, where first level primitives correspond to contiguous vertices in the arbitrary closed polygonal contour and higher level primitives correspond to the end vertices of consecutive primitives of the immediately preceding primitive level. The method reduces the level of overdraw when rendering the arbitrary polygonal contour using a stencil buffer compared to other image space methods. A method of producing the primitives in an interleaved order, with second and higher level primitives being produced before the final first level primitives of the contour, is described which improves cache hit rate by reusing more vertices between primitives as they are produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Imagination Technology Limited
    Inventor: Simon Fenney
  • Patent number: 9959670
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for rendering a multi-resolution terrain using GPU tessellation. A method for rendering a terrain using GPU tessellation according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: generating a quad patch to which an inner tessellation factor and an edge tessellation factor are allocated by using a quadtree including a parent node and child nodes; generating a base mesh b using the quad patch; and restoring a terrain by applying a displacement map to the base mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: KOREA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Jung-Hyun Han, Hyeong Yeop Kang, Han Young Jang
  • Patent number: 9959671
    Abstract: A system and method are provided which generate a three-dimensional model of a subject from continuous capture of images or video on a hand-held portable device, such as the typical consumer “smartphone.” The system may comprise a depth sensor, an integrated digital camera, an inertial measurement unit, and a template-driven data processing pipeline. The pipeline receives and processes depth, color and inertial measurement data to produce a real-time three-dimensional rendering of the subject. The system may also allow for coordination of multiple connected devices such that processing functions may be allocated to different devices. A user may save the rendering in a variety of different formats and transmit it to multiple devices via any conventional means available. The system is thread-safe to prevent crashes. It is also platform-agnostic and may operate on a variety of hardware and software platforms on different types and brands of devices without re-programming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Scandy, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Paul Carriere, IV, Kaben Gabriel Nanlohy, Harold Cole Wiley
  • Patent number: 9959672
    Abstract: Techniques for dynamically subdividing a 3D mesh to enhance texture and color reproduction are provided. In embodiments, a high-resolution image of an object is received, where the high-resolution image is mapped to a 3D mesh of the object. The high-resolution image has a higher resolution than the 3D mesh. Degrees of color variation in the high-resolution image are detected. Weights are calculated for areas of the 3D mesh based on the degrees of color variation in the high-resolution image. One or more of the areas of the 3D mesh is subdivided based on the calculated weights. Color values from the high-resolution image are then assigned to the 3D mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Naveen Prakash Goel, Harsh Vardhan Chopra, Amit Mittal
  • Patent number: 9959673
    Abstract: A method for improving the image quality of a three-dimensional magnetic resonance image dataset recorded with a magnetic resonance device, wherein, from at least one correction image dataset recorded with a modality other than magnetic resonance imaging, registered with the magnetic resonance image dataset, showing at least partly the same recording region as the magnetic resonance image dataset, especially an x-ray image dataset, relevant material parameters are derived locally-resolved for the magnetic resonance imaging, which are used for establishing a virtual magnetic resonance comparison dataset in a simulation wherein, as a function of a comparison between the magnetic resonance image dataset and the magnetic resonance comparison dataset, at least one measure parameter describing an image quality improvement measure to be applied in the k-space is determined and the image quality improvement measure is carried out with the measure parameter relating to the magnetic resonance image dataset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dirk Ertel, Yiannis Kyriakou
  • Patent number: 9959674
    Abstract: Techniques for displaying navigation information on a mobile device are provided that include a method that includes obtaining an indication of a position and an indication of a direction associated with the mobile device, using the indication of the position, the indication of the direction, information regarding identities of POIs within a geographic region of interest, and information regarding areas associated with the POIs to determine at least one relevant POI, of the POIs, that is associated with the position and direction, and displaying at least one visual indication associated with each of the at least one relevant POI on the mobile device. The appearance of the at least one visual indication is dependent on at least one of a distance from the mobile device of the relevant POI associated with the visual indication or presence of a known physical barrier between the mobile device and that relevant POI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Jiajian Chen, Hui Chao
  • Patent number: 9959675
    Abstract: A “Layout Optimizer” provides various real-time iterative constraint-satisfaction methodologies that use constraint-based frameworks to generate optimized layouts that map or embed virtual objects into environments. The term environment refers to combinations of environmental characteristics, including, but not limited to, 2D or 3D scene geometry or layout, scene colors, patterns, and/or textures, scene illumination, scene heat sources, fixed or moving people, objects or fluids, etc., any of which may evolve or change over time. A set of parameters are specified or selected for each object. Further, the environmental characteristics are determined automatically or specified by users. Relationships between objects and/or the environment derived from constraints associated with objects and the environment are then used to iteratively determine optimized self-consistent and scene-consistent object layouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Ran Gal, Pushmeet Kohli, Eyal Ofek, Lior Shapira
  • Patent number: 9959676
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide methods, systems, and computer readable storage media for presenting a meeting between remote participants. In a particular embodiment, a method provides, during a conference session, compiling view information used to determine a first view seen by the first participant. The method further provides receiving conference video comprising at least video captured of a second participant remote to the physical location of the first participant. Also, the method provides presenting the video captured of the second participant such that the second participant appears at a first position of a meeting location in the first view to the first participant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Tamar Barzuza, Yair Wiener, Ori Modai
  • Patent number: 9959677
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a method can include executing, by a computing device, a virtual reality (VR) application, providing, by the computing device, content for display on a screen of a VR headset in a VR space, the content including at least one object being associated with an action, detecting a first movement of a user immersed in the VR space towards the at least one object included in the VR space, and performing the associated action in the VR space based on detecting the first movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Alejandro José Kauffmann, Jon Michael Wiley, Manuel Christian Clement
  • Patent number: 9959678
    Abstract: A head mounted display (HMD) in a VR system includes sensors for tracking the eyes and face of a user wearing the HMD. The VR system records calibration attributes such as landmarks of the face of the user. Light sources illuminate portions of the user's face covered by the HMD. In conjunction, facial sensors capture facial data. The VR system analyzes the facial data to determine the orientation of planar sections of the illuminated portions of face. The VR system aggregates planar sections of the face and maps the planar sections to landmarks of the face to generate a facial animation of the user, which can also include eye orientation information. The facial animation is represented as a virtual avatar and presented to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Oculus VR, LLC
    Inventors: Dov Katz, Michael John Toksvig, Ziheng Wang, Timothy Paul Omernick, Torin Ross Herndon
  • Patent number: 9959679
    Abstract: A method of controlling a widget in a virtual space is disclosed, comprising: moving a field-of-view and a point of gaze in the virtual space; determining if the widget and the point of gaze overlap each other, and providing an input to the widget if the widget and the point of gaze overlap; determining if at least a part of the widget is positioned outside the field of view; and moving the widget so that the part of the widget is positioned inside the field of view if it is determined that at least a part of the widget is positioned outside the field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: COLOPL, Inc.
    Inventor: Shuhei Terahata
  • Patent number: 9959680
    Abstract: A real-time travel experience system based on virtual reality technology includes sight real-time acquisition subsystems, a network transmission subsystem, a center platform subsystem and experience site subsystems. Based on virtual reality technology, the system collects the scenery and environment parameters of scenic spots using an unmanned aerial vehicle, transmits the data to an experience site, and simulates a sight real-time state vis the experience site by using the data received, providing more real user experiences; meanwhile, the user can view in motion via a walking caterpillar and a rotary base, a scenery environment can also be moved or steered due to the motion or steering of the user, so that the user experience is significantly enhanced. The system can be widely applied in various virtual travel systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Yuanling Zhang
  • Patent number: 9959681
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an augmented reality contents generation and play system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Ji-Yeon Jeong