Patents by Inventor Mark A. Reichow
Mark A. Reichow 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).
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Patent number: 11314086Abstract: A display system for creating a multiplane display. The display system includes a viewing space for viewers. The display system includes a convex screen and a mirror element spaced apart from the convex screen to provide a collimated display. The mirror element is both reflective and transmissive of light, and a fraction of light from the convex screen that strikes a front concave surface of the mirror element is reflected into the viewing space. The convex screen and the front concave surface of the mirror element are each shaped to have an optical prescription defined for a collimated display whereby light reflected into the viewing space is collimated to provide variable depth imagery. The display system includes a background space behind the mirror element, and light from the background space from projection screens and illuminated objects is transmitted through the mirror element to viewers in the viewing space.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2020Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. LaDuke, Mark A. Reichow
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Patent number: 11022814Abstract: A system for projecting content, such as images, onto a moving object. The system includes a tracking module, a prediction module, a projection generation module, and a projector. In one example, the tracking module and the prediction module provide commentary data to the projection generation module, which uses the data to select or render content for projection on the object at a select location. The complementary data includes tracked position information and predicted position information.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Daniel M. Joseph, Dumene Comploi, Jessica A. Klouda, Thomas F. LaDuke, Edgar F. Mahnke, IV, Mark A. Reichow, Thomas T. Tait
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Patent number: 10942360Abstract: Display systems for achieving collimated projection effects. For example, in a theatrical or concert installation, display systems can be used to project images of scenery that appear to be vast and at a great distant behind the viewing window. The system may include a flat panel display, a corrective mirror, and a concave mirror positioned for viewing by an observer. The corrective mirror pre-warps an image generated by the flat panel display and reflects the undistorted image onto the concave mirror such that the observer perceives the image generated by the flat panel display as being at a large distance. The corrective mirror does not distort with changes in viewpoint. In another implementation, the system may include a short throw projector generating an image, a free-form projection screen, and a concave mirror positioned for viewing by many observers through a viewing window.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Reichow, Thomas F. Laduke, Quinn Y. Smithwick
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Patent number: 10917683Abstract: A show system or in-room entertainment or show system configured to provide engaging and immersive multimedia shows or presentations in nearly any space (or “room”) that is defined by one or more walls. The in-room show system generally includes a controller for selectively operating a display device (e.g., a television or the like), a video projector, an audio system (e.g., one or more speakers), and other show components (e.g., one or more lights, a fan, a mechanical device, and so on). Media content is predefined for the room, and the controller operates (such as in response to a triggering switch or remote control device that may take the form of a show prop activated by someone in the room) to serve the media content to tell a story and/or magically transform the space into a multidimensional and immersive entertainment space.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2016Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Reichow, Jeffrey L. Voris, John David Smith, Zachery W. Kennedy, Preston Timothy Landry
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Publication number: 20210034315Abstract: A merchandise fixture system networking a visual merchandise designer (VIVID) system with a plurality of merchandise fixtures (e.g., shelved structures, vending machines, kiosks, and the like) that are placed in brick and mortar stores and other physical facilities chosen so that consumers can view, use, and interact with the fixtures and the merchandise they are displaying. The merchandise fixtures are “smart” in that they include digital or electronic components that allow them to be monitored, controlled, and reprogrammed remotely using, for example, the VIVID system. The controlling and programming typically include operating a media output assembly that may include visual display devices, speakers, and lighting components, and digital media or content is provided by the VIVID system for use by the media output assembly to create a fixture with visual and audio outputs that attract consumers to the fixture and influence the attracted consumers to interact with and purchase merchandise.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2019Publication date: February 4, 2021Inventors: MARK A. REICHOW, STEPHANIE SAKKAB COLVIN
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Patent number: 10905970Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure may take the form of a method of dispersing scents in congruity with entertainment. Multiple scents are dispersed into the environment surrounding a participant at various points in congruity with visual entertainment. The scents are selectively provided at various times to coincide with the display of one or more elements in the entertainment experience such as a location or character. One embodiment of the present disclosure may take the form of a system for blending scents. The system includes an airflow source, a plurality of scent distributors, and a controller operably coupled to the airflow source and plurality of scent distributors to selectively control delivery of the scents from the plurality of scent distributors to bulk airflow delivered to a participant environment.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Mark A. Reichow, Samantha M. Catanzaro, David Lester, Steven A. Johnson
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Publication number: 20200257117Abstract: A display system for creating a multiplane display. The display system includes a viewing space for viewers. The display system includes a convex screen and a mirror element spaced apart from the convex screen to provide a collimated display. The mirror element is both reflective and transmissive of light, and a fraction of light from the convex screen that strikes a front concave surface of the mirror element is reflected into the viewing space. The convex screen and the front concave surface of the mirror element are each shaped to have an optical prescription defined for a collimated display whereby light reflected into the viewing space is collimated to provide variable depth imagery. The display system includes a background space behind the mirror element, and light from the background space from projection screens and illuminated objects is transmitted through the mirror element to viewers in the viewing space.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Thomas F. LaDuke, Mark A. Reichow
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Patent number: 10694160Abstract: The present disclosure is related to methods and systems for calibrating a projector. The method includes displaying a plurality of calibration patterns, where the calibration patterns are displayed separately by different wavelength channel bands, e.g., red channel, blue channel, green channel. The method then includes receiving by a processing element one or more calibration images. The method then includes determining one or more displacements corresponding to a plurality of pixels in the calibration image with respect to a plurality of pixels in the calibration pattern to adjust for distortions on a per wavelength channel basis.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Thomas T. Tait, Clarissa J. Matalone, Anselm Grundhofer, Lucas T. Phelan, Mark A. Reichow, David R. Rose
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Patent number: 10663724Abstract: A display system for creating a multiplane display. The display system includes a viewing space for viewers. The display system includes a convex screen and a mirror element spaced apart from the convex screen to provide a collimated display. The mirror element is both reflective and transmissive of light, and a fraction of light from the convex screen that strikes a front concave surface of the mirror element is reflected into the viewing space. The convex screen and the front concave surface of the mirror element are each shaped to have an optical prescription defined for a collimated display whereby light reflected into the viewing space is collimated to provide variable depth imagery. The display system includes a background space behind the mirror element, and light from the background space from projection screens and illuminated objects is transmitted through the mirror element to viewers in the viewing space.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Laduke, Mark A. Reichow
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Publication number: 20200162710Abstract: The present disclosure is related to methods and systems for calibrating a projector. The method includes displaying a plurality of calibration patterns, where the calibration patterns are displayed separately by different wavelength channel bands, e.g., red channel, blue channel, green channel. The method then includes receiving by a processing element one or more calibration images. The method then includes determining one or more displacements corresponding to a plurality of pixels in the calibration image with respect to a plurality of pixels in the calibration pattern to adjust for distortions on a per wavelength channel basis.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2018Publication date: May 21, 2020Inventors: Thomas T. Tait, Clarissa J. Matalone, Anselm Grundhofer, Lucas T. Phelan, Mark A. Reichow, David R. Rose
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Publication number: 20200089015Abstract: Display systems for achieving collimated projection effects. For example, in a theatrical or concert installation, display systems can be used to project images of scenery that appear to be vast and at a great distant behind the viewing window. The system may include a flat panel display, a corrective mirror, and a concave mirror positioned for viewing by an observer. The corrective mirror pre-warps an image generated by the flat panel display and reflects the undistorted image onto the concave mirror such that the observer perceives the image generated by the flat panel display as being at a large distance. The corrective mirror does not distort with changes in viewpoint. In another implementation, the system may include a short throw projector generating an image, a free-form projection screen, and a concave mirror positioned for viewing by many observers through a viewing window.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Inventors: MARK A. REICHOW, THOMAS F. LADUKE, QUINN Y. SMITHWICK
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Patent number: 10585471Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods to provide an interactive space based on events likely to occur. A system may be coupled to a vehicle. The events likely to occur may be predicted based on motion of the vehicle and/or other information. Content may be presented to the user. The predicted events may be used as a basis for adjusting the content. This may allow the motion of the vehicle and/or the predicted events to form a part of a user's experience with the interactive space. The users may feel more immersed in the experiences as the vehicle moves.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2017Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Reichow, Kameron Burk, Gary R. Marshall, Michael P. Goslin, Jonathan M. Ackley
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Patent number: 10491889Abstract: A display system for illuminating surfaces of objects in a ride or show set for viewing by a viewer in a viewing space wearing three-dimensional (3D) glasses or headgear. The 3D glasses or headgear is adapted to pass or transmit light associated with a first set of three wavelengths to a left eye and to pass or transmit light with a second set of three wavelengths differing from the first set of three wavelengths. Each of these wavelengths may be associated with a primary color wavelength for providing left and right eye content to a viewer. The system, therefore, may include a wavelength multiplex visualization (WMV) projection system projecting light having the first and second sets of three wavelengths to provide the viewer stereo content via the 3D glasses or headgear.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Mark A. Reichow, Steven T. Kosakura, Thomas Tracey Tait
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Publication number: 20190353917Abstract: A system for projecting content, such as images, onto a moving object. The system includes a tracking module, a prediction module, a projection generation module, and a projector. In one example, the tracking module and the prediction module provide commentary data to the projection generation module, which uses the data to select or render content for projection on the object at a select location. The complementary data includes tracked position information and predicted position information.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2018Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Daniel M. Joseph, Dumene Comploi, Jessica A. Klouda, Thomas F. LaDuke, Edgar F. Mahnke, IV, Mark A. Reichow, Thomas T. Tait
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Publication number: 20190262739Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure may take the form of a method of dispersing scents in congruity with entertainment. Multiple scents are dispersed into the environment surrounding a participant at various points in congruity with visual entertainment. The scents are selectively provided at various times to coincide with the display of one or more elements in the entertainment experience such as a location or character. One embodiment of the present disclosure may take the form of a system for blending scents. The system includes an airflow source, a plurality of scent distributors, and a controller operably coupled to the airflow source and plurality of scent distributors to selectively control delivery of the scents from the plurality of scent distributors to bulk airflow delivered to a participant environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2018Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Mark A. Reichow, Samantha M. Catanzaro, David Lester, Steven A. Johnson
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Patent number: 10366642Abstract: A multiplane display system that includes two or more display devices provided at two or more layers. One or more of these display devices is a transparent transmissive display device. Foreground or first layer content is generated for and displayed by a first transparent transmissive display device while background content is generated for and displayed by a second display device, which is in a spaced apart plane or layer that is behind the plane or layer of the first display device. In some embodiments, the two layers of content are pre-generated and played back to provide 3D or multiplane imagery or an interactivity assembly can be provided to sense user input and, in response, to generate new or modified content (media) for the first and/or second transparent transmissive display devices. Each of the transparent transmissive display devices or layer may be a transparent organic light emitted diode (tOLED) display device.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2016Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Mark A. Reichow, John David Smith, Jonathan Ackley
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Patent number: 10310274Abstract: A display system adapted to display images with animation and depth without requiring a viewer to wear special 3D eyewear. The system includes a controller and a programmable light source operating in response to control signals from the controller to output light. The system further includes an edge-lit layer with an edge optically coupled to the programmable light source, and the output light is trapped in the layer with total internal reflection (TIR), The layer is divided into first and second segments, and an optical barrier is inserted between the segments. First and second display areas, such as etched graphics, are provided on surfaces of the two segments, and the display areas are configured to enable the light trapped via TIR to escape. Independent lighting of the segments can be used to provide animation. Depth is provided by stacking one-to-many additional similar layers on the first layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2018Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: Mark A. Reichow
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Publication number: 20190101976Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods to provide an interactive space based on events likely to occur. A system may be coupled to a vehicle. The events likely to occur may be predicted based on motion of the vehicle and/or other information. Content may be presented to the user. The predicted events may be used as a basis for adjusting the content. This may allow the motion of the vehicle and/or the predicted events to form a part of a user's experience with the interactive space. The users may feel more immersed in the experiences as the vehicle moves.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2017Publication date: April 4, 2019Inventors: Mark A. REICHOW, Kameron BURK, Gary R. MARSHALL, Michael P. GOSLIN, Jonathan M. ACKLEY
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Patent number: 10238976Abstract: A system for providing an interactive experience for multiple game-players. The experience is provided in a light-controlled setting where the game-players may wear or hold one or more of various toys (e.g., gloves). The system detects and recognizes the toy along with gestures and pointing efforts performed by the game-player and the system generates an effect based on the type of toy and the type of gesture. The system also generates one or more visual targets that are visible to the game-player such as projections, holograms, and displays of one or more of various fantasy virtual adversaries. The generated effects may include any combination of sensory effects including visual, audio, tactile, and smell/taste. The generated effect may be directed based on the pointing efforts of the game-player. The system may then register the effect on the target, if the pointing efforts intersect with the virtual location of the target.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Jonathan Ackley, Christopher J. Purvis, Scott Frazier Watson, Mark A. Reichow, Kyle Prestenback
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Publication number: 20190045175Abstract: A display system for illuminating surfaces of objects in a ride or show set for viewing by a viewer in a viewing space wearing three-dimensional (3D) glasses or headgear. The 3D glasses or headgear is adapted to pass or transmit light associated with a first set of three wavelengths to a left eye and to pass or transmit light with a second set of three wavelengths differing from the first set of three wavelengths. Each of these wavelengths may be associated with a primary color wavelength for providing left and right eye content to a viewer. The system, therefore, may include a wavelength multiplex visualization (WMV) projection system projecting light having the first and second sets of three wavelengths to provide the viewer stereo content via the 3D glasses or headgear.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: MARK A. REICHOW, STEVEN T. KOSAKURA, THOMAS TRACEY TAIT