Patents Assigned to Production Resource Group Inc.
  • Patent number: 8314800
    Abstract: Three-digital micromirror devices (“DMD”) are used to alter the shape of light that is projected onto a stage. The DMDs each receive a primary color and selectively reflects some light of that color, thereby shaping the light that is projected onto the stage. The control for the alteration is controlled by an image. That image can be processed, thereby carrying out image processing effects on the shape of the light that is displayed. One preferred application follow the shape of the performer and illuminates the performer using a shape that adaptively follows the performer's image. This results in a shadowless follow spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Production Resource Group Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Hewlett
  • Patent number: 8050777
    Abstract: Producing complicated effects based on image processing operations. The image processing operations are defined for a processor which may be different than the processor which is actually used. The processor that is actually used runs an interpreter that interprets the information into its own language, and then runs the image processing. The actual information is formed according to a plurality of layers which are combined in some way so that each layer can effect the layers below it. For example, the layers may add to, subtract from, or form transparency to the layer below it or make color filtering the layer below it. This enables many different effects computed and precompiled for a hypothetical processor, and a different processor can be used to combine and render those effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A Hunt, Drew Findley
  • Patent number: 7835092
    Abstract: A flexible medium for a scrolling color changer and method of making thereof. The medium is made by applying an ink using a Meyer Rod which has varying cell lengths along its length. This leaves varying size cells of ink at different locations along the length of the medium. The ink has special characteristics whereby its evaporation rate and viscosity are carefully controlled. The viscosity is such that an amount of levelling will occur will be equal to the distance between any cells, but that cell to cell levelling will not, in general, occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Hewlett
  • Patent number: 7761803
    Abstract: A system for designing light and sound systems for use in stage productions. Virtual reality interfaces facilitate the selection and location of lighting and sound displays by providing a real-time simulation of the devices and the display produced thereby. The system also calculates parameters with respect to structural elements used for mounting the lighting and sound equipment. In addition, the virtual reality interface permits the simulation of the packing of the lighting and sound equipment and the automatic calculation of parameters relating to packing space, package weight, preferred location, and order of packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Parker, William Hewlett
  • Patent number: 7748878
    Abstract: Wireless network used to control multiple lights, includes multiple different networks for different purposes, and interference prevention mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robin Lee
  • Patent number: 7000417
    Abstract: A super cooler device including a thermo electric cooler on a digital micro mirror device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Nigel Evans, William E. Hewlett
  • Patent number: 6919916
    Abstract: A technique of using an electronic device to change light into the facsimile of an image. Signals are generated, indicative of the image shape. An array of electro optical devices are transformed based on the image signals, and those devices are used to transform the light characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Production Resource Group Inc.
    Inventor: Scott M Perry
  • Publication number: 20040227813
    Abstract: A technique of using an electronic device to change light into the facsimile of an image. Signals are generated, indicative of the image shape. An array of electro optical devices are transformed based on the image signals, and those devices are used to transform the light characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Production Resource Group Inc.
    Inventor: Scott M. Perry
  • Patent number: 6801353
    Abstract: Techniques for use in a digital mirror device based luminaire. The techniques include using a filter as a gobo for definition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Production Resource Group Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hunt, William E. Hewlett, Ian Clarke
  • Patent number: 6771411
    Abstract: A digital micromirror device (“DMD”) is used to alter the shape of light that is projected onto a stage. The DMD selectively reflects some light, thereby shaping the light that is projected onto the stage. The control for the alteration is controlled by an image. That image can be processed, thereby carrying out image processing effects on the shape of the light that is displayed. One preferred application follows the shape of the performer and illuminates the performer using a shape that adaptively follows the performer's image. This results in a shadowless follow spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Production Resource Group Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Hewlett