Patents by Inventor Gary D. Sharp

Gary D. Sharp 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).

  • Publication number: 20210271011
    Abstract: Optical films that are thermo-formed to create a curved surface while maintaining a fixed magnitude and orientation of the local in-plane birefringence. While perhaps not practical to maintain the magnitude of the differences in index of refraction between three orthogonal axes in a material undergoing an arbitrary deformation, it is possible to maintain the difference between two of the indices under certain conditions. This enables the incorporation of functional retarder layers into curved structures such as lenses and reflective polarizer films. Furthermore, it enables the minimization of retardation induced in the surrounding initially isotropic substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: David A. Coleman, Gary D. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20210263346
    Abstract: A digital neutral density (DND) filter that provides rapid reconfiguration between discrete density states using electro-optic devices such as liquid-crystal cells. Each filter stage may be dedicated to binary switching between a high-transmission state (giving minimal loss) and one or more prescribed densities in a filtering state. The design prescription may “hard-wire” a stage to produce switching between an all-pass filter and a prescribed filter density. Design parameters can be used to assign specific densities to each stage. Multiple stages can be cascaded to provide a plurality of discrete density values. Such DND filters can sacrifice analog tunability in order to optimize uniformity in color and transmission over a wide range of incidence angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventor: Gary D Sharp
  • Patent number: 10895675
    Abstract: Optical filters that enhance image quality by exploiting differences in the wavelength dependence of the spectral power distribution (SPD) and the degree of polarization between elements in a scene in order to preserve, and more preferably enhance, color-contrast between one or more salient objects in the scene and/or a salient object and a background. The higher degree of polarization may be associated with the background or the one or more salient objects. Color contrast is associated with one or more of a difference in saturation, a difference in hue, and a difference in lightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Gary Sharp Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Gary D. Sharp, Anthony D. McGettigan
  • Patent number: 10866429
    Abstract: Single-stage polarization interference filters (PIFs) which produce sinusoidal transmission spectra useful for (Red, Green, Blue) color enhancement (CE). The depth of the CE effect can be modulated by rotating a polarizer. Further, a color suppression (CS) (Cyan/Yellow) state is obtained by rotating a polarizer to the orthogonal state, and a spectrally flat neutral state is obtained at an intermediate polarizer orientation. Described are CE filters that are very stable in transmitted lumens and white-point during tuning, which can, for example, substantially eliminate the need for image post-processing. Tunable CE filters can be used for sensors, image capture, display, tunable light sources, augmented reality, virtual reality, and sunglass eyewear applications. Further described are camera filters with a unique two-step tuning mechanism, which allows photographers to make independent adjustments to functional filter characteristics using a single hand in a sequential manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Gary Sharp Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Gary D. Sharp, Anthony D. McGettigan
  • Publication number: 20200379155
    Abstract: In polarization-based optical systems, preserving a state-of-polarization (SOP) over a prescribed range of incidence angles and wavelengths may be necessary. Optical materials with local normal tilted with respect to an incident ray can introduce an undesirable polarization nonuniformity that can be substantially corrected using a compensator as disclosed herein. The compensator may include a uniaxial retarder and a z-partial polarizer (ZPP). The ZPP may include a uniaxial material with an absorption axis normal to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventor: Gary D. Sharp
  • Patent number: 10739651
    Abstract: Used herein are two or more switchable variable birefringence liquid crystal devices, in combination with a passive retarder, to produce a device that switches between two retardation values. The device preserves the normal-incidence retardation in each of two voltage states over a broad range of incidence angles using a novel self-compensation scheme. According to one embodiment of this design, the retardation in the thickness direction remains zero in both the unenergized and fully energized states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Gary Sharp Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Gary D. Sharp, Anthony D. McGettigan
  • Patent number: 10739611
    Abstract: A polarization conversion system separates light from an unpolarized image source into a first state of polarization (SOP) and an orthogonal second SOP, and directs the polarized light on first and second light paths. The SOP of light on only one of the light paths is transformed to an orthogonal state such that both light paths have the same SOP. A polarization modulator temporally modulates the light on the first and second light paths to first and second output states of polarization. First and second projection lenses direct light on the first and second light paths toward a projection screen to form substantially overlapping polarization encoded images. The polarization modulator may be located before or after the projection lenses. The polarization-encoded images may be viewed using eyewear with appropriate polarization filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20200241312
    Abstract: An imaging system that contains a display, a polarization folded path lens with an intended image signal path and an exit pupil wherein light entering the PFP lens from the display substantially follows the intended signal path. A variant of this system is disclosed where the light entering the PFP lens substantially follows the signal path and leaves via the Exit pupil (as opposed to being aperture). Compared to the prior art, the techniques described herein improve transmission efficiency and reduce corruption of the image by non-signal path light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Anthony D. McGettigan, Gary D. Sharp
  • Patent number: 10614767
    Abstract: A direct view display provides a light modulating panel and a backlight including first and second sets of spectral emitters. Several modes of operation may be provided including an advanced 2D mode, and an enhanced color gamut mode employing simultaneous illumination of the first and second set of spectral emitters. Another embodiment may be an optical structure for a multi-functional LCD display with wide color gamut and high stereo contrast. The optical structure may also be used to produce more saturated colors for a wider display color gamut and also may be used to produce a brighter backlight structure through light recycling of the wider bandwidth light back into the optical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Gary D. Sharp, Douglas J. McKnight, Terry Norton
  • Patent number: 10502981
    Abstract: An eyewear lens is described that provides polarization filtering and spectral filtering using polarization interference. The lens produces enhanced saturation and colorfulness, increasing enjoyment when observing commonly encountered imagery. The lens can be configured to optimize accuracy/efficiency when performing a task involving colored imagery, and can improve performance in sports. The lens can further be helpful for color discrimination by those with certain types of color vision deficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: GARY SHARP INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Gary D. Sharp
  • Patent number: 10393946
    Abstract: Disclosed is a manufacturing method for a stepped imaging directional backlight apparatus which may include a structured optical film and a tapered body. The structured optical film may include multiple optical functions and may be assembled by folding onto the tapered body, reducing cost and complexity of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: RealD Spark, LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Robinson, Graham J. Woodgate, Jonathan Harrold, Gary D. Sharp, Miller H. Schuck
  • Publication number: 20190196214
    Abstract: A polarization conversion system separates light from an unpolarized image source into a first state of polarization (SOP) and an orthogonal second SOP, and directs the polarized light on first and second light paths. The SOP of light on only one of the light paths is transformed to an orthogonal state such that both light paths have the same SOP. A polarization modulator temporally modulates the light on the first and second light paths to first and second output states of polarization. First and second projection lenses direct light on the first and second light paths toward a projection screen to form substantially overlapping polarization encoded images. The polarization modulator may be located before or after the projection lenses. The polarization-encoded images may be viewed using eyewear with appropriate polarization filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20190051259
    Abstract: A direct view display provides a light modulating panel and a backlight including first and second sets of spectral emitters. Several modes of operation may be provided including an advanced 2D mode, and an enhanced color gamut mode employing simultaneous illumination of the first and second set of spectral emitters. Another embodiment may be an optical structure for a multi-functional LCD display with wide color gamut and high stereo contrast. The optical structure may also be used to produce more saturated colors for a wider display color gamut and also may be used to produce a brighter backlight structure through light recycling of the wider bandwidth light back into the optical structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Gary D. Sharp, Douglas J. McKnight, Terry Norton
  • Patent number: 10203511
    Abstract: A polarization conversion system separates light from an unpolarized image source into a first state of polarization (SOP) and an orthogonal second SOP, and directs the polarized light on first and second light paths. The SOP of light on only one of the light paths is transformed to an orthogonal state such that both light paths have the same SOP. A polarization modulator temporally modulates the light on the first and second light paths to first and second output states of polarization. First and second projection lenses direct light on the first and second light paths toward a projection screen to from substantially overlapping polarization encoded images. The polarization modulator may be located before or after the projection lenses. The polarization-encoded images may be viewed using eyewear with appropriate polarization filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20190011825
    Abstract: A polarization conversion system (PCS) is located in the output light path of a projector. The PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a polarization rotating element, a reflecting element, and a polarization switch. Typically, a projector outputs randomly-polarized light. This light is input to the PCS, in which the PCS separates p-polarized light and s-polarized light at the polarizing beam splitter. P-polarized light is directed toward the polarization switch on a first path. The s-polarized light is passed on a second path through the polarization rotating element (e.g., a half-wave plate), thereby transforming it to p-polarized light. A reflecting element directs the transformed polarized light (now p-polarized) along the second path toward the polarization switch. The first and second light paths are ultimately directed toward a projection screen to collectively form a brighter screen image in cinematic applications utilizing polarized light for three-dimensional viewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
  • Patent number: 10082675
    Abstract: Liquid crystal devices are described that maintain performance of polarization/amplitude modulation under high irradiance conditions. Configurations that isolate polarizing elements under high thermal load are discussed which allow other elements, such as glass, which may be sensitive to stress birefringence to remain near optimum thermal conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. Sharp, Scott Gilman, David A. Coleman
  • Patent number: 10054851
    Abstract: A stiffening strip at selected edges of a screen may enable the use and mounting of a high-elastic modulus substrate screen material. Such screen materials may be engineered to provide polarization-preserving characteristics, and be applied to or part of the high-elastic modulus substrate. Furthermore, the stiffening strip may enable the use of screen vibration techniques to reduce speckle in display applications that use projection screens, particularly those display applications using illumination sources prone to speckle such as laser-based projection. The screen vibration may be provided by a vibrating device attached to the stiffening strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: RealD LUXE, LLC
    Inventors: Gary D. Sharp, Kevin R. Curtis, David A. Coleman
  • Patent number: 10049627
    Abstract: A direct view display provides a light modulating panel and a backlight including first and second sets of spectral emitters. Several modes of operation may be provided including an advanced 2D mode, and an enhanced color gamut mode employing simultaneous illumination of the first and second set of spectral emitters. Another embodiment may be an optical structure for a multi-functional LCD display with wide color gamut and high stereo contrast. The optical structure may also be used to produce more saturated colors for a wider display color gamut and also may be used to produce a brighter backlight structure through light recycling of the wider bandwidth light back into the optical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Gary D. Sharp, Douglas J. McKnight, Terry Norton
  • Patent number: 9946088
    Abstract: Stereoscopic display system assemblies may be configured to have optimal performance with passive, circular analyzing, cinema eyewear. They may comprise non-twisted electrically controlled birefringent liquid crystal modulators oriented at ±45° to the polarizer orientation of the eyewear. Exemplary embodiments may include single half-wave modulators with a crossing (i.e. negating) quarter wave films. The natural polarization state of the LCD may be rotated and cleaned-up when necessary to cross with the horizontal eyewear polarizer orientation. In an embodiment, the LC modulator substrate is positioned outermost for anti-reflection coating tolerance, durability and touch sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: REALD INC.
    Inventors: Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
  • Patent number: 9933636
    Abstract: An eyewear lens is described that provides polarization filtering and spectral filtering using polarization interference. The lens produces enhanced saturation and colorfulness, increasing enjoyment when observing commonly encountered imagery. The lens can be configured to optimize accuracy/efficiency when performing a task involving colored imagery, and can improve performance in sports. The lens can further be helpful for color discrimination by those with certain types of color vision deficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Gary D. Sharp