Patents by Inventor Gregory John Ward

Gregory John Ward 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).

  • LOCAL MULTISCALE TONE-MAPPING OPERATOR
    Publication number: 20160125581
    Abstract: In a method to generate a tone-mapped image from a high-dynamic range image (HDR), an input HDR image is converted into a logarithmic domain and a global tone-mapping operator generates a high-resolution gray scale ratio image from the input HDR image. Based at least in part on the high-resolution gray scale ratio image, at least two different gray scale ratio images are generated and are merged together to generate a local multiscale gray scale ratio image that represents a weighted combination of the at least two different gray scale ratio images, each being of a different spatial resolution level. An output tone-mapped image is generated based on the high-resolution gray scale image and the local multiscale gray scale ratio image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gregory John WARD
  • Modular electronic displays
    Patent number: 9324253
    Abstract: Modular displays are made up of arrays of modules that include light sources and light modulators. The modules may include control circuits that perform some image processing functions. The modules may illuminate a screen directly or may include optical systems that project light onto a screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Helge Seetzen
  • Rapid Estimation Of Effective Illuminance Patterns For Projected Light Fields
    Publication number: 20160111049
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided that employ one or more of a variety of techniques for reducing the time required to display high resolution images on a high dynamic range display having a light source layer and a display layer. In one technique, the image resolution is reduced, an effective luminance pattern is determined for the reduced resolution image, and the resolution of the effective luminance pattern is then increased to the resolution of the—display layer. In another technique, the light source layer's point spread function is decomposed into a plurality of components, and an effective luminance pattern is determined for each component. The effective luminance patterns are then combined to produce a total effective luminance pattern. Additional image display time reduction techniques are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. WHITEHEAD, Helge SEETZEN, Gregory John WARD, Wolfgang HEIDRICH
  • Local multiscale tone-mapping operator
    Patent number: 9299317
    Abstract: In a method to generate a tone-mapped image from a high-dynamic range image (HDR), an input HDR image is converted into a logarithmic domain and a global tone-mapping operator generates a high-resolution gray scale ratio image from the input HDR image. Based at least in part on the high-resolution gray scale ratio image, at least two different gray scale ratio images are generated and are merged together to generate a local multiscale gray scale ratio image that represents a weighted combination of the at least two different gray scale ratio images, each being of a different spatial resolution level. An output tone-mapped image is generated based on the high-resolution gray scale image and the local multiscale gray scale ratio image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory John Ward
  • Projection Display Providing Additional Modulation and Related Methods
    Publication number: 20160086555
    Abstract: A projection display system includes a spatial modulator that is controlled to compensate for flare in a lens of the projector. The spatial modulator increases achievable intra-frame contrast and facilitates increased peak luminance without unacceptable black levels. Some embodiments provide 3D projection systems in which the spatial modulator is combined with a polarization control panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory John Ward, Robin Atkins
  • 3D Cameras for HDR
    Publication number: 20160057334
    Abstract: High dynamic range 3D images are generated with relatively narrow dynamic range image sensors. Input frames of different views may be set to different exposure settings. Pixels in the input frames may be normalized to a common range of luminance levels. Disparity between normalized pixels in the input frames may be computed and interpolated. The pixels in the different input frames may be shifted to, or stay in, a common reference frame. The pre-normalized luminance levels of the pixels may be used to create high dynamic range pixels that make up one, two or more output frames of different views. Further, a modulated synopter with electronic mirrors is combined with a stereoscopic camera to capture monoscopic HDR, alternating monoscopic HDR and stereoscopic LDR images, or stereoscopic HDR images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ajit Ninan, Scott Daly, Gregory John Ward, Robin Atkins
  • Encoding, decoding, and representing high dynamic range images
    Patent number: 9271011
    Abstract: Techniques are provided to encode and decode image data comprising a tone mapped (TM) image with HDR reconstruction data in the form of luminance ratios and color residual values. In an example embodiment, luminance ratio values and residual values in color channels of a color space are generated on an individual pixel basis based on a high dynamic range (HDR) image and a derivative tone-mapped (TM) image that comprises one or more color alterations that would not be recoverable from the TM image with a luminance ratio image. The TM image with HDR reconstruction data derived from the luminance ratio values and the color-channel residual values may be outputted in an image file to a downstream device, for example, for decoding, rendering, and/or storing. The image file may be decoded to generate a restored HDR image free of the color alterations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Wenhui Jia, Ajit Ninan, Ten Arkady, Gregory John Ward
  • Rapid estimation of effective illuminance patterns for projected light fields
    Patent number: 9269312
    Abstract: A method for estimating an effective luminance pattern representing a distribution of projected light in a display apparatus involves determining driving values for one or more light sources arranged to project light. The light sources are solid-state light sources such as light-emitting diodes in some embodiments. The method determines an effective luminance pattern for the projected light by determining contributions to the effective luminance pattern for different components of a point spread function and then combining the contributions of the components the effective luminance pattern to yield an estimated effective luminance pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Heidrich
  • Image display
    Patent number: 9270956
    Abstract: A display has a screen which incorporates a light modulator. The screen may be a front projection screen or a rear-projection screen. The screen is illuminated with light from a light source comprising an array of controllable light-emitters. The controllable-emitters and elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may provide a high dynamic range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen, Don Graham
  • Method and apparatus for image data transformation
    Patent number: 9224363
    Abstract: Image data is transformed for display on a target display. A sigmoidal transfer function provides a free parameter controlling min-tone contrast. The transfer function may be dynamically adjusted to accommodate changing ambient lighting conditions. The transformation may be selected so as to automatically adapt image data for display on a target display in a way that substantially preserves creative intent embodied in the image data. The image data may be video data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Anders Ballestad, Andrey Kostin, Gregory John Ward
  • Projection display providing additional modulation and related methods
    Patent number: 9224320
    Abstract: A projection display system includes a spatial modulator that is controlled to compensate for flare in a lens of the projector. The spatial modulator increases achievable intra-frame contrast and facilitates increased peak luminance without unacceptable black levels. Some embodiments provide 3D projection systems in which the spatial modulator is combined with a polarization control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory John Ward, Robin Atkins
  • 3D cameras for HDR
    Patent number: 9210322
    Abstract: High dynamic range 3D images are generated with relatively narrow dynamic range image sensors. Input frames of different views may be set to different exposure settings. Pixels in the input frames may be normalized to a common range of luminance levels. Disparity between normalized pixels in the input frames may be computed and interpolated. The pixels in the different input frames may be shifted to, or stay in, a common reference frame. The pre-normalized luminance levels of the pixels may be used to create high dynamic range pixels that make up one, two or more output frames of different views. Further, a modulated synopter with electronic mirrors is combined with a stereoscopic camera to capture monoscopic HDR, alternating monoscopic HDR and stereoscopic LDR images, or stereoscopic HDR images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Ajit Ninan, Scott Daly, Gregory John Ward, Robin Atkins
  • Mannequin studio
    Patent number: 9188840
    Abstract: A studio arrangement including a plurality of paths having a common termination point wherein none of the paths are parallel to another, a plurality of mannequins each comprising a conveyance that is slidably engaged with a different one of the paths such that each mannequin can slide along the path to the termination point, a background comprising a white surface, the background located behind the termination point, an image capture device located at a first position on an axis that intersects a mannequin at a second position when the mannequin is positioned at the termination point, and one or more light sources each aimed at the background and positioned in front of the termination point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: ThredUp, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hugh Voris, Michael Santhanam, Vivek Daver, Gregory John Ward
  • Locally Dimmed Nano-Crystal Based Display
    Publication number: 20150294630
    Abstract: Dual modulator displays are disclosed incorporating a phosphorescent plate interposed in the optical path between a light source modulation layer and a display modulation layer. Spatially modulated light output from the light source modulation layer impinges on the phosphorescent plate and excites corresponding regions of the phosphorescent plate which in turn emit light having different spectral characteristics than the light output from the light source modulation layer. Light emitted from the phosphorescent plate is received and further modulated by the display modulation layer to provide the ultimate display output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Louis D. Silverstein, Helge Seetzen
  • Multi-Field CCD Capture for HDR Imaging
    Publication number: 20150256752
    Abstract: Techniques are described to combine image data from multiple images with different exposures into a relatively high dynamic range image. A first image of a scene may be generated with a first operational mode of an image processing system. A second image of the scene may be generated with a second different operational mode of the image processing system. The first image may be of a first spatial resolution, while the second image may be of a second spatial resolution. For example, the first spatial resolution may be higher than the second spatial resolution. The first image and the second image may be combined into an output image of the scene. The output image may be of a higher dynamic range than either of the first image and the second image and may be of a spatial resolution higher than the second spatial resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ajit Ninan, Gregory John Ward, Qifan Huang
  • Mannequin studio
    Patent number: 9122128
    Abstract: A studio arrangement including a plurality of paths having a common termination point wherein none of the paths are parallel to another, a plurality of mannequins each comprising a conveyance that is slidably engaged with a different one of the paths such that each mannequin can slide along the path to the termination point, a background comprising a white surface, the background located behind the termination point, an image capture device located at a first position on an axis that intersects a mannequin at a second position when the mannequin is positioned at the termination point, and one or more light sources each aimed at the background and positioned in front of the termination point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: ThredUP, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hugh Voris, Michael Santhanam, Vivek Daver, Gregory John Ward
  • Apparatus for providing light source modulation in dual modulator displays
    Patent number: 9099046
    Abstract: Dual modulator displays are disclosed incorporating a phosphorescent plate interposed in the optical path between a light source modulation layer and a display modulation layer. Spatially modulated light output from the light source modulation layer impinges on the phosphorescent plate and excites corresponding regions of the phosphorescent plate which in turn emit light having different spectral characteristics than the light output from the light source modulation layer. Light emitted from the phosphorescent plate is received and further modulated by the display modulation layer to provide the ultimate display output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Louis D. Silverstein, Helge Seetzen
  • Encoding, Decoding, and Representing High Dynamic Range Images
    Publication number: 20150215634
    Abstract: Techniques are provided to encode and decode image data comprising a tone mapped (TM) image with HDR reconstruction data in the form of luminance ratios and color residual values. In an example embodiment, luminance ratio values and residual values in color channels of a color space are generated on an individual pixel basis based on a high dynamic range (HDR) image and a derivative tone-mapped (TM) image that comprises one or more color alterations that would not be recoverable from the TM image with a luminance ratio image. The TM image with HDR reconstruction data derived from the luminance ratio values and the color-channel residual values may be outputted in an image file to a downstream device, for example, for decoding, rendering, and/or storing. The image file may be decoded to generate a restored HDR image free of the color alterations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Wenhui JIA, Ajit NINAN, Ten ARKADY, Gregory John WARD
  • Multi-field CCD capture for HDR imaging
    Patent number: 9077910
    Abstract: Techniques are described to combine image data from multiple images with different exposures into a relatively high dynamic range image. A first image of a scene may be generated with a first operational mode of an image processing system. A second image of the scene may be generated with a second different operational mode of the image processing system. The first image may be of a first spatial resolution, while the second image may be of a second spatial resolution. For example, the first spatial resolution may be higher than the second spatial resolution. The first image and the second image may be combined into an output image of the scene. The output image may be of a higher dynamic range than either of the first image and the second image and may be of a spatial resolution higher than the second spatial resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Ajit Ninan, Gregory John Ward, Qifan Huang
  • Encoding, decoding, and representing high dynamic range images
    Patent number: 9036042
    Abstract: Techniques are provided to encode and decode image data comprising a tone mapped (TM) image with HDR reconstruction data in the form of luminance ratios and color residual values. In an example embodiment, luminance ratio values and residual values in color channels of a color space are generated on an individual pixel basis based on a high dynamic range (HDR) image and a derivative tone-mapped (TM) image that comprises one or more color alterations that would not be recoverable from the TM image with a luminance ratio image. The TM image with HDR reconstruction data derived from the luminance ratio values and the color-channel residual values may be outputted in an image file to a downstream device, for example, for decoding, rendering, and/or storing. The image file may be decoded to generate a restored HDR image free of the color alterations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Wenhui Jia, Ajit Ninan, Arkady Ten, Gregory John Ward