Patents by Inventor Steven Charles Read

Steven Charles Read 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).

  • Patent number: 9106811
    Abstract: Certain aspects relate to a method and system whereby any defined system characteristic, property, or parameter can be normalized for farther improving the displayed image quality. The normalization processing can use a generalized calibration process and can normalize a system characteristic, or a system property, and/or parameter to result in a more uniform or accurately displayed image using a generalized image processing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: IMAX Corporation
    Inventors: Weining Tan, Steven Charles Read, Matthew O'Dor
  • Patent number: 9091860
    Abstract: Systems and methods configured for outputting light having a polarization state distribution that is spatially uniform by applying a correction to, for example, a beam of light with a spatially uniform polarization state distribution that has been altered (unintentionally or otherwise) to become spatially non-uniform are described. A projection system can include an optical element and a polarization-altering device (PAD). The optical element can cause a polarization of light in the projection system to be spatially non-uniform. The PAD can change the polarization state distribution of the light spatially based on an amount of spatial non-uniformity on the light caused by the optical element and before the light enters the optical element. The projection system can output the light having a spatially uniform polarization state distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: IMAX Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Charles Read, John William Bowron
  • Publication number: 20150070741
    Abstract: Optical systems are provided that include illumination sources, micro-mirror array optical modulators, and an optical element. The micro-mirror array optical modulators can selectively modulate light beams, redirect light by diffraction and reflection, and provide an output modulated light beam that exhibits a diffraction handedness dependent on the spectral bandwidth of the light incident thereupon. The optical element has a color dependent aperture that defines portions of output modulated light beams that are transmitted and remaining portions that are blocked. An efficiency and contrast of each the output modulated light beams acquired by the optical element can be independently determined by a narrow spectral bandwidth of each of the light beams, the spectral characteristics of the color dependent aperture, and the diffraction handedness of the micro-mirror array optical modulators for the associated spectral bandwidth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: IMAX cORPORATION
    Inventors: John Bowron, Steven Charles Read, Andrew F. Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20140192076
    Abstract: Hybrid image projection systems and methods can superimpose image components of an input image. An input image can be divided into smaller regions and at least one parameter of each region can be determined. The input image can be decomposed based on the parameter of each region into multiple, less correlated, orthogonal or quasi-orthogonal image components. Each projector can display respective image components so that the images projected may be optically superimposed on a screen. The superposition of orthogonal or quasi-orthogonal image components can result in superposition of images in an existing multi-projector image systems being more insensitive to inter-projector image misalignment. Superimposing orthogonal or quasi-orthogonal images can be used to avoid visible image degradation, and provide more robust image quality in a multiple projector system implementation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: IMAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Weining Tan, Steven Charles Read
  • Publication number: 20140160301
    Abstract: Certain aspects relate to a method and system whereby any defined system characteristic, property, or parameter can be normalized for farther improving the displayed image quality. The normalization processing can use a generalized calibration process and can normalize a system characteristic, or a system property, and/or parameter to result in a more uniform or accurately displayed image using a generalized image processing method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: IMAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Weining Tan, Steven Charles Read, Matthew O'Dor
  • Publication number: 20140098351
    Abstract: Multiple source high performance stereographic projection systems are described. One projection system described comprises a first projection channel, a first light source capable of providing light for the first projection channel, and a second light source capable of providing light for the first projection channel, wherein when the projection system is in a first presentation mode the first and second light sources are on, and wherein when the projection system is in a second presentation mode the first light source is on and the second light source is at a reduced power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: IMAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Charles Read, Matthew Arnold O'Dor
  • Patent number: 8632189
    Abstract: Multiple source high performance stereographic projection systems are described. One projection system described comprises a first projection channel, a first light source capable of providing light for the first projection channel, and a second light source capable of providing light for the first projection channel, wherein when the projection system is in a first presentation mode the first and second light sources are on, and wherein when the projection system is in a second presentation mode the first light source is on and the second light source is at a reduced power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: IMAX Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Charles Read, Matthew Arnold O'Dor
  • Patent number: 8421991
    Abstract: Methods of and equipment for converting existing standard motion picture theatres to one having highly immersive, large fields of view are addressed. Aspects of the methods including moving motion picture screens closer to the audience and employing different projection equipment to avoid or minimize appearance of unrealistic or non-natural image artifacts. Alternative sound systems too are detailed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: IMAX Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Charles Read, Brian John Bonnick, George Eric Jacques
  • Publication number: 20130088688
    Abstract: Systems and methods configured for outputting light having a polarization state distribution that is spatially uniform by applying a correction to, for example, a beam of light with a spatially uniform polarization state distribution that has been altered (unintentionally or otherwise) to become spatially non-uniform are described. A projection system can include an optical element and a polarization-altering device (PAD). The optical element can cause a polarization of light in the projection system to be spatially non-uniform. The PAD can change the polarization state distribution of the light spatially based on an amount of spatial non-uniformity on the light caused by the optical element and before the light enters the optical element. The projection system can output the light having a spatially uniform polarization state distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: IMAXX Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Charles Read, John William
  • Patent number: 8251512
    Abstract: The present invention discloses systems, equipment and methods that allow the improved tiling of multiple projections displays in order to create higher resolution images. Equipment and methods are disclosed for improved blending of the seam by optical means where edge blending masks are employed to create a brightness ramp in the blending region. Equipment and methods are also disclosed for the correction of artifacts in an optically blended seam by modifying the brightness of image pixels in the overlap or blend region. Equipment, systems, and techniques are disclosed for preserving the resolution and uniformity of the image across each seam by actively controlling the position of each display using a servo controlled lens mount for the positioning of each projected image in conjunction with a real time image analysis system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: IMAX Corporation
    Inventors: Sean M. Adkins, Steven Charles Read
  • Publication number: 20110116048
    Abstract: Methods of and equipment for converting existing standard motion picture theatres to one having highly immersive, large fields of view are addressed. Aspects of the methods including moving motion picture screens closer to the audience and employing different projection equipment to avoid or minimize appearance of unrealistic or non-natural image artefacts. Alternative sound systems too are detailed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: IMAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: STEVEN CHARLES READ, BRIAN JOHN BONNICK, GEORGE ERIC JACQUES
  • Patent number: 7911580
    Abstract: Methods of and equipment for converting existing standard motion picture theatres to one having highly immersive, large fields of view are addressed. Aspects of the methods including moving motion picture screens closer to the audience and employing different projection equipment to avoid or minimize appearance of unrealistic or non-natural image artifacts. Alternative sound systems too are detailed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Imax Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Charles Read, Brian John Bonnick, George Eric Jacques
  • Publication number: 20090262305
    Abstract: Methods of and equipment for converting existing standard motion picture theatres to one having highly immersive, large fields of view are addressed. Aspects of the methods including moving motion picture screens closer to the audience and employing different projection equipment to avoid or minimize appearance of unrealistic or non-natural image artefacts. Alternative sound systems too are detailed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: STEVEN CHARLES READ, Brian John Bonnick, George Eric Jacques
  • Patent number: 7595860
    Abstract: Methods of and equipment for converting existing standard motion picture theatres to one having highly immersive, large fields of view are addressed. Aspects of the methods include moving motion picture screens closer to the audience and employing different projection equipment to avoid or minimize appearance of unrealistic or non-natural image artifacts. Alternative sound systems too are detailed, as is placement of various loudspeakers relative to, for example, projection screens or theatre walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: IMAX Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Charles Read, Brian John Bonnick, George Eric Jacques
  • Publication number: 20080278689
    Abstract: Multiple source high performance stereographic projection systems are described. One projection system described comprises a first projection channel, a first light source capable of providing light for the first projection channel, and a second light source capable of providing light for the first projection channel, wherein when the projection system is in a first presentation mode the first and second light sources are on, and wherein when the projection system is in a second presentation mode the first light source is on and the second light source is at a reduced power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Steven Charles Read, Matthew Arnold O'Dor
  • Publication number: 20080259223
    Abstract: The present invention discloses systems, equipment and methods that allow the improved tiling of multiple projections displays in order to create higher resolution images. Equipment and methods are disclosed for improved blending of the seam by optical means where edge blending masks are employed to create a brightness ramp in the blending region. Equipment and methods are also disclosed for the correction of artifacts in an optically blended seam by modifying the brightness of image pixels in the overlap or blend region. Equipment, systems, and techniques are disclosed for preserving the resolution and uniformity of the image across each seam by actively controlling the position of each display using a servo controlled lens mount for the positioning of each projected image in conjunction with a real time image analysis system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Steven Charles Read, Sean M. Adkins
  • Patent number: 7106411
    Abstract: Methods of and equipment for converting existing standard motion picture theatres to one having highly immersive, large fields of view are addressed. Aspects of the methods including moving motion picture screens closer to the audience and employing different projection equipment to avoid or minimize appearance of unrealistic or non-natural image artefacts. Alternative sound systems too are detailed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Imax Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Charles Read, Brian John Bonnick, George Eric Jacques
  • Patent number: D596659
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Imax Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Kucera, Steven Charles Read, Simon Treadwell