Patents by Inventor Burkhard Katz

Burkhard Katz 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: 5886818
    Abstract: Image compositing apparatus and methodology for the creation, in a defined volume of three-dimensional space, of a composite organization of plural images/visual phenomena, including at least one projected real image, displayed in formats including (a) front-to-rear, (b) side-by-side and (c) overlapping and intersecting, adjacency. The apparatus incorporates different unique arrangements of visual sources, and optical elements including concave reflectors, beam splitters and image-forming/image-transmissive scrim/screen structures. In one important modification of the system, which does not necessarily require compositing, a projected real image is derived from an image-producing data stream containing three-dimensional image cues selected from the group consisting of shading, occlusion, perspective, motion parallax, size vs. depth, light (chroma value) vs. depth and definition vs. depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Dimensional Media Associates
    Inventors: Susan Kasen Summer, Steve A. Welck, Burkhard Katz, Jon M. Dickinson, Pierre C. Van Rysselberghe
  • Patent number: 5580140
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for projecting images, advertisements and the like to passengers of moving vehicles. A projector is placed on the vehicle and it projects an image on the walls of a train tunnel, clouds near an airplane, etc. as the vehicle moves. A technique is provided for correcting distortion caused by the positional changes between the vehicle and the projection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Dimensional Media Associates
    Inventors: Burkhard Katz, Susan K. Summer
  • Patent number: 5311357
    Abstract: Apparatus for creating a three-dimensional image in space of an object. The device employs concave mirrors positioned in a unique arrangement with respect to one another so that the clarity and image produced therefrom is enhanced. Additionally, a videotape option allows a whole image to be broadcast and real objects merged with the broadcast image so that the entire combined image appears three-dimensional and realistic to a properly located observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Image Technology Associates
    Inventors: Susan K. Summer, Burkhard Katz