Thomas Allen Funkhouser

Title: Thomas Allen Funkhouser: Innovator in Depth Prediction and 3D Reconstruction

Introduction

Thomas Allen Funkhouser is a notable inventor based in Menlo, California. He has made significant contributions to the field of depth prediction and three-dimensional reconstruction. With a total of three patents to his name, Funkhouser's work is at the forefront of technological innovation.

Latest Patents

Funkhouser's latest patents include "Active stereo depth prediction based on coarse matching." This invention involves an electronic device that estimates a depth map of an environment by matching reduced-resolution stereo depth images captured by depth cameras. The device downsamples depth images and matches sections of these images to generate a coarse depth map. It then upsamples and refines this map to produce a high-resolution depth map, enhancing location-based functionality.

Another significant patent is "Radiance fields for three-dimensional reconstruction and novel view synthesis in large-scale environments." This patent outlines systems and methods for view synthesis and three-dimensional reconstruction that utilize a variety of images and depth data to learn about an environment. This is particularly useful for large outdoor environments, where the size and varying image exposures can pose challenges. The systems leverage panoramic images and corresponding lidar data to accurately learn and reconstruct large outdoor environments.

Career Highlights

Funkhouser is currently employed at Google Inc., where he continues to push the boundaries of innovation in his field. His work has garnered attention for its practical applications and potential to enhance various technologies.

Collaborations

Funkhouser has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Sameh Khamis and Yinda Zhang. These partnerships have contributed to the development of his innovative patents and have fostered a collaborative environment for technological advancement.

Conclusion

Thomas Allen Funkhouser is a distinguished inventor whose work in depth prediction and three-dimensional reconstruction is shaping the future of technology. His contributions at Google Inc. and his innovative patents reflect his commitment to advancing the field.