Patents by Inventor Helge Seetzen

Helge Seetzen 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).

  • Locally dimmed display
    Patent number: 8277056
    Abstract: A locally dimmed display has a spatial light modulator illuminated by a light source. The spatial light modulator is illuminated with a low resolution version of a desired image. The illumination may comprise a series of lighting elements that vary smoothly from one element to another at the spatial light modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen
  • ENHANCING DYNAMIC RANGES OF IMAGES
    Publication number: 20120237136
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects take as input image data in a lower-dynamic-range (LDR) format and produce as output enhanced image data having a dynamic range greater than that of the input image data (i.e. higher-dynamic range (HDR) image data). In some embodiments, the methods are applied to video data and are performed in real-time (i.e. processing of video frames to enhance the dynamic range of the video frames is completed at least on average at the frame rate of the video signal).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Allan G. REMPEL, Wolfgang HEIDRICH, Helge SEETZEN, Gregory John WARD, Lorne A. WHITEHEAD
  • Methods and systems for converting images from low dynamic to high dynamic range
    Patent number: 8265378
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for converting a digital image represented in a lower bit depth representation to a higher bit depth representation. A saturation region is identified, where a color model value of the pixels in the saturation region is above an upper saturation threshold or below a lower saturation threshold. The color model value for each pixel in the saturation region is then adjusted by a corresponding adjustment. The magnitude of the adjustment for each pixel is based on characteristics of the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward
  • RAPID IMAGE RENDERING ON DUAL-MODULATOR DISPLAYS
    Publication number: 20120218324
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided that employ one or more of a variety of techniques for reducing the time required to display high resolution images on a high dynamic range display having a light source layer and a display layer. In one technique, the image resolution is reduced, an effective luminance pattern is determined for the reduced resolution image, and the resolution of the effective luminance pattern is then increased to the resolution of the display layer. In another technique, the light source layer's point spread function is decomposed into a plurality of components, and an effective luminance pattern is determined for each component. The effective luminance patterns are then combined to produce a total effective luminance pattern. Additional image display time reduction techniques are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Heidrich
  • Methods and systems for converting images from low dynamic range to high dynamic range
    Patent number: 8249337
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for converting a digital image represented in a lower bit depth representation to a higher bit depth representation. A saturation region is identified, where a color model value of the pixels in the saturation region is above an upper saturation threshold or below a lower saturation threshold. The color model value for each pixel in the saturation region is then adjusted by a corresponding adjustment. The magnitude of the adjustment for each pixel is based on characteristics of the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward
  • Electronic camera having multiple sensors for capturing high dynamic range images and related methods
    Patent number: 8242426
    Abstract: An electronic camera comprises two or more image sensor arrays. At least one of the image sensor arrays has a high dynamic range. The camera also comprises a shutter for selectively allowing light to reach the two or more image sensor arrays, readout circuitry for selectively reading out pixel data from the image sensor arrays, and, a controller configured to control the shutter and the readout circuitry. The controller comprises a processor and a memory having computer-readable code embodied therein which, when executed by the processor, causes the controller to open the shutter for an image capture period to allow the two or more image sensor arrays to capture pixel data, and, read out pixel data from the two or more image sensor arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory John Ward, Helge Seetzen, Wolfgang Heidrich
  • Enhancing dynamic ranges of images
    Patent number: 8233738
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects take as input image data in a lower-dynamic-range (LDR) format and produce as output enhanced image data having a dynamic range greater than that of the input image data (i.e. higher-dynamic range (HDR) image data). In some embodiments, the methods are applied to video data and are performed in real-time (i.e. processing of video frames to enhance the dynamic range of the video frames is completed at least on average at the frame rate of the video signal).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Allan Rempel, Wolfgang Heidrich, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward, Lorne A. Whitehead
  • LOCALLY DIMMED DISPLAY
    Publication number: 20120188296
    Abstract: A locally dimmed display has a spatial light modulator illuminated by a light source. The spatial light modulator is illuminated with a low resolution version of a desired image. The illumination may comprise a series of lighting elements that vary smoothly from one element to another at the spatial light modulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lorne Whitehead, Greg Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONVERTING IMAGES FROM LOW DYNAMIC RANGE TO HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE
    Publication number: 20120176399
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for converting a digital image represented in a lower bit depth representation to a higher bit depth representation. A saturation region is identified, where a color model value of the pixels in the saturation region is above an upper saturation threshold or below a lower saturation threshold. The color model value for each pixel in the saturation region is then adjusted by a corresponding adjustment. The magnitude of the adjustment for each pixel is based on characteristics of the image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Lorne A. WHITEHEAD, Helge SEETZEN, Gregory John WARD
  • Rapid image rendering on dual-modulator displays
    Patent number: 8217970
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided that employ one or more of a variety of techniques for reducing the time required to display high resolution images on a high dynamic range display having a light source layer and a display layer. In one technique, the image resolution is reduced, an effective luminance pattern is determined for the reduced resolution image, and the resolution of the effective luminance pattern is then increased to the resolution of the display layer. In another technique, the light source layer's point spread function is decomposed into a plurality of components, and an effective luminance pattern is determined for each component. The effective luminance patterns are then combined to produce a total effective luminance pattern. Additional image display time reduction techniques are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Heidrich
  • N-modulation displays and related methods
    Patent number: 8199401
    Abstract: A display has a light source, a spatial light modulator and an intermediate spatial light modulator. The display may be a front projection display or a rear-projection display. The spatial light modulator is illuminated with light from a light source. The intermediate spatial light modulator is located in a light path between the light source and the spatial light modulator. The light source may comprise an array of controllable light-emitters. The display may provide a high dynamic range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Ajit Ninan, Helge Seetzen
  • Optical Mixing and Shaping System for Display Backlights and Displays Incorporating the Same
    Publication number: 20120140446
    Abstract: A backlight (42, 62) for a display (40, 60) comprises a plurality of independently controllable light sources (48) and inclined surfaces inclining in a radially outward direction from each light source for shaping the distribution of emitted light. The light sources (48) may each comprise a group of differently-colored light emitters. The backlight 842, 62) may include light integrators (64) configured to mix light of the differently-colored light emitters. Inclined surfaces (44) for shaping the distribution of emitted light may be arranged around exits of the light integrators (64).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Helge Seetzen, Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory J. Ward
  • EDGE LIT LED BASED LOCALLY DIMMED DISPLAY
    Publication number: 20120120131
    Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. The screen is illuminated with light from a light source comprising an array of controllable light-emitters. The controllable-emitters and elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Don Graham, Greg Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger
  • WIDE COLOR GAMUT DISPLAYS
    Publication number: 20120113162
    Abstract: A display has a modulator illuminated by a illuminator comprising an array of light sources. The array includes light sources of a plurality of colors. The light sources of different colors are individually controllable. Within each color, the light sources that illuminate different areas on the modulator are individually controllable. The display may provide a high dynamic range and a wide color gamut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Helge SEETZEN
  • Apparatus and methods for rapid image rendering on dual-modulator displays
    Patent number: 8174546
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided that employ one or more of a variety of techniques for reducing the time required to display high resolution images on a high dynamic range display having a light source layer and a display layer. In one technique, the image resolution is reduced, an effective luminance pattern is determined for the reduced resolution image, and the resolution of the effective luminance pattern is then increased to the resolution of the display layer. In another technique, the light source layer's point spread function is decomposed into a plurality of components, and an effective luminance pattern is determined for each component. The effective luminance patterns are then combined to produce a total effective luminance pattern. Additional image display time reduction techniques are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Heidrich
  • Edge lit locally dimmed display
    Patent number: 8172401
    Abstract: An edge lit locally dimmed display has a spatial light modulator illuminated by a light source. The light source is positioned at an edge and behind the spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator is illuminated with a low resolution version of a desired image. The illumination may comprise a series of lighting elements that vary smoothly from one element to another at the spatial light modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen
  • Wide color gamut displays
    Patent number: 8164602
    Abstract: A display has a modulator illuminated by a illuminator comprising an array of light sources. The array includes light sources of a plurality of colors. The light sources of different colors are individually controllable. Within each color, the light sources that illuminate different areas on the modulator are individually controllable. The display may provide a high dynamic range and a wide color gamut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Helge Seetzen
  • Edge-Lit Local Dimming Displays, Display Components and Related Methods
    Publication number: 20120092395
    Abstract: An edge-lit display having a front modulator in the top layer of an optical package and an extractor in at least one of the top and bottom layers. A control system is connected to control the extraction mechanism to project light which approximates a desired image onto the front modulator, estimate a pattern of light incident on the front modulator, and control the front modulator based on the estimated pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Helge Seetzen
  • Enhancing dynamic ranges of images
    Patent number: 8135230
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects take as input image data in a lower-dynamic-range (LDR) format and produce as output enhanced image data having a dynamic range greater than that of the input image data (i.e. higher-dynamic range (HDR) image data). In some embodiments, the methods are applied to video data and are performed in real-time (i.e. processing of video frames to enhance the dynamic range of the video frames is completed at least on average at the frame rate of the video signal).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Allan G. Rempel, Wolfgang Heidrich, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward, Lorne A. Whitehead
  • HDR displays with dual modulators having different resolutions
    Patent number: 8125425
    Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. The screen is illuminated with light from a light source comprising an array of controllable light-emitters. The controllable-emitters and elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Don Graham, Greg Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger