Patents by Inventor DANIEL M. REETZ

DANIEL M. REETZ 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: 9082214
    Abstract: A method for providing a three dimensional (3D) drawing experience. The method includes capturing a 3D image of a participant and then processing this image to key the participant's image from a background. The keyed participant's image is mixed with a 3D background image such as frames or scenes from a 3D movie, and the mixed 3D image is projected on a projection screen. For example, left and right eye images may be projected from a pair of projectors with polarization films over the lenses, and the projection screen may be a polarization-maintaining surface such as a silver screen. The user moves a drawing instrument in space in front of the projection screen, and spatial tracking performed to generate a locus of 3D positions. These 3D positions are used to create a 3D drawing image that is projected with the 3D background and participant images in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Lanny S. Smoot, Quinn Smithwick, Daniel M. Reetz, Michael J. Ilardi
  • Publication number: 20130002815
    Abstract: A method for providing a three dimensional (3D) drawing experience. The method includes capturing a 3D image of a participant and then processing this image to key the participant's image from a background. The keyed participant's image is mixed with a 3D background image such as frames or scenes from a 3D movie, and the mixed 3D image is projected on a projection screen. For example, left and right eye images may be projected from a pair of projectors with polarization films over the lenses, and the projection screen may be a polarization-maintaining surface such as a silver screen. The user moves a drawing instrument in space in front of the projection screen, and spatial tracking performed to generate a locus of 3D positions. These 3D positions are used to create a 3D drawing image that is projected with the 3D background and participant images in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: LANNY S. SMOOT, QUINN SMITHWICK, DANIEL M. REETZ, MICHAEL J. ILARDI