Richard Newcombe

Title: Innovations by Richard Newcombe

Introduction

Richard Newcombe is a notable inventor based in Nuneaton, GB. He has made significant contributions to the fields of robotics and immersive gaming through his innovative patents. With a total of five patents to his name, Newcombe's work focuses on enhancing real-time camera tracking and localization using depth maps.

Latest Patents

One of Newcombe's latest patents is titled "Real-time camera tracking using depth maps." This invention describes a method where depth map frames are captured by a mobile depth camera at over 20 frames per second. These frames are utilized to dynamically update a set of registration parameters in real-time, which specify the movement of the mobile depth camera. The output of this real-time camera tracking is particularly beneficial for computer game applications and robotics. An iterative closest point process is employed with projective data association and a point-to-plane error metric to compute the updated registration parameters. Additionally, a graphics processing unit (GPU) implementation is used to optimize the error metric in real-time, and a dense 3D model of the mobile camera environment is incorporated in some embodiments.

Another significant patent is "Mobile camera localization using depth maps." This invention is aimed at applications in robotics, immersive gaming, and augmented reality. It describes a process where a mobile depth camera is tracked in an environment while simultaneously forming a 3D model using the sensed depth data. The invention includes mechanisms to detect when camera tracking fails and relocalize the camera using previously gathered keyframes. Furthermore, it addresses loop closures, where the mobile camera revisits a location, by comparing features of the current depth map with the 3D model in real-time. The detected loop closures enhance the consistency and accuracy of the 3D model of the environment.

Career Highlights

Richard Newcombe is currently associated with Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC, where he continues to innovate and develop cutting-edge technologies. His work has significantly impacted the way depth cameras are utilized in various applications, paving the way for advancements in robotics and gaming.

Collaborations

Newcombe has collaborated with notable professionals in his field, including Shahram Izadi and David G Molyneaux. Their combined expertise has contributed to the success of various projects and patents.

Conclusion

Richard Newcombe's innovative contributions to real-time camera tracking and localization using depth maps have established him as a prominent figure in