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).

  • Multi-segment imager
    Patent number: 8976080
    Abstract: Several embodiments of projection systems are disclosed that comprise a plurality of controllable emitters, each said emitter providing light for a light path; a plurality of first optical elements, each said first optical element receiving light from one of said emitters; a controllable modulator receiving light from said plurality of first optical elements; a plurality of conduits, each said conduit disposed over a portion of said controllable modulator; a plurality of second optical elements, each of said second optical elements receiving light from at least one of said plurality of conduits, and a controller for sending control signals to said controllable emitters and said controllable modulator. The illumination from the emitters may form a plurality of overlapping areas of illumination upon a projection screen where the image is intended to be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Martin J. Richards, Gerwin Damberg, Gregory John Ward, Kenneth Schindler
  • IMAGE DISPLAY
    Publication number: 20150043050
    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: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen, Don Graham
  • Enhancing dynamic ranges of images
    Patent number: 8948537
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects take as input image data in a lower-dynamic-range (LDR) format and produce as output enhanced image data having a dynamic range greater than that of the input image data (i.e. higher-dynamic range (HDR) image data). In some embodiments, the methods are applied to video data and are performed in real-time (i.e. processing of video frames to enhance the dynamic range of the video frames is completed at least on average at the frame rate of the video signal).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Allan G. Rempel, Wolfgang Heidrich, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward, Lorne A. Whitehead
  • AUTOSTEREO TAPESTRY REPRESENTATION
    Publication number: 20150009302
    Abstract: Representation and coding of multi-view images using tapestry encoding are described. A tapestry comprises information on a tapestry image, a left-shift displacement map and a right-shift displacement map. Perspective images of a scene can be generated from the tapestry and the displacement maps. The tapestry image is generated from a leftmost view image, a rightmost view image, a disparity map and an occlusion map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory John Ward, Timo Kunkel, Scott Daly
  • Apparatus and Methods for Encoding, Decoding and Representing High Dynamic Range Images
    Publication number: 20150003537
    Abstract: A data structure defining a high dynamic range image comprises a tone map having a reduced dynamic range and HDR information. The high dynamic range image can be reconstructed from the tone map and the HDR information. The data structure can be backwards compatible with legacy hardware or software viewers. The data structure may comprise a JFIF file having the tone map encoded as a JPEG image with the HDR information in an application extension or comment field of the JFIF file, or a MPEG file having the tone map encoded as a MPEG image with the HDR information in a video or audio channel of the MPEG file. Apparatus and methods for encoding or decoding the data structure may apply pre- or post correction to compensate for lossy encoding of the high dynamic range information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory John Ward, Maryann Simmons
  • Display with red, green, and blue light sources
    Patent number: 8890799
    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: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen, Don Graham
  • Enhancing dynamic ranges of images
    Patent number: 8824829
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects take as input image data in a lower-dynamic-range (LDR) format and produce as output enhanced image data having a dynamic range greater than that of the input image data (i.e. higher-dynamic range (HDR) image data). In some embodiments, the methods are applied to video data and are performed in real-time (i.e. processing of video frames to enhance the dynamic range of the video frames is completed at least on average at the frame rate of the video signal).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Coporation
    Inventors: Allan G. Rempel, Wolfgang Heidrich, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward, Lorne A. Whitehead
  • Optical Mixing and Shaping System for Display Backlights and Displays Incorporating the Same
    Publication number: 20140226134
    Abstract: A backlight for a display comprises a plurality of independently controllable light sources and inclined surfaces inclining in a radially outward direction from each light source for shaping the distribution of emitted light. The light sources may each comprise a group of differently-colored light emitters. The backlight may include light integrators configured to mix light of the differently-colored light emitters. Inclined surfaces for shaping the distribution of emitted light may be arranged around exits of the light integrators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Helge Seetzen, Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward
  • Apparatus for Providing Light Source Modulation in Dual Modulator Displays
    Publication number: 20140198142
    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: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Louis D. Silverstein, Helge Seetzen
  • Representation and Coding of Multi-View Images Using Tapestry Encoding
    Publication number: 20140198182
    Abstract: Representation and coding of multi-view images using tapestry encoding are described. A tapestry comprises information on a tapestry image and a world coordinates map associated with the tapestry image, each of which may contain information from one or more perspectives of a scene. Perspective images of a scene can be generated from the tapestry image and the world coordinates map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory John Ward, Scott Daly
  • ENHANCING DYNAMIC RANGES OF IMAGES
    Publication number: 20140168249
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects take as input image data in a lower-dynamic-range (LDR) format and produce as output enhanced image data having a dynamic range greater than that of the input image data (i.e. higher-dynamic range (HDR) image data). In some embodiments, the methods are applied to video data and are performed in real-time (i.e. processing of video frames to enhance the dynamic range of the video frames is completed at least on average at the frame rate of the video signal).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Allan G. REMPEL, Wolfgang HEIDRICH, Helge SEETZEN, Gregory John WARD, Lorne A. WHITEHEAD
  • PROJECTION DISPLAYS
    Publication number: 20140152713
    Abstract: A locally dimmed display has a spatial light modulator illuminated by a light source. The spatial light modulator is illuminated with a low resolution version of a desired image. The illumination may comprise a series of lighting elements that vary smoothly from one element to another at the spatial light modulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen
  • Locally dimmed cinema projection system with reflective modulation and narrowband light sources
    Patent number: 8733960
    Abstract: A backlight for a display comprises a plurality of independently controllable light sources and inclined surfaces inclining in a radially outward direction from each light source for shaping the distribution of emitted light. The light sources may each comprise a group of differently-colored light emitters. The backlight may include light integrators configured to mix light of the differently-colored light emitters. Inclined surfaces for shaping the distribution of emitted light may be arranged around exits of the light integrators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Helge Seetzen, Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward
  • RAPID IMAGE RENDERING ON DUAL-MODULATOR DISPLAYS
    Publication number: 20140118425
    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: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Heidrich
  • Mitigation of LCD flare
    Patent number: 8698729
    Abstract: Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) flare is reduced by adjusting a backlight to a level where the LCD flare is not visible, and then introducing a simulated veiling glare. The glare is further adjusted by the backlight simulation to hide the geometry (e.g., Light Emitting Diode (LED) array) of the backlight. The reduction is performed, for example, by processing signals for driving the backlight and a front modulator in a dual modulation display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory John Ward, James Harrison, Helge Seetzen, Matthew Trentacoste
  • Multiple exposure methods and apparatus for electronic cameras
    Patent number: 8698946
    Abstract: A method for capturing multiple sets of image data with an electronic camera having a shutter and an electronic shutter for selectively allowing light to reach an image sensor comprises opening the shutter and the electronic shutter, allowing light to reach the image sensor for a first exposure time, closing the electronic shutter, reading out pixel data captured during the first exposure time, allowing light to reach the image sensor for a second exposure time, and, reading out pixel data captured during the second exposure time. The method may be used to obtain multiple differently exposed images of a scene for combination into a high dynamic range image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory John Ward
  • Projection displays
    Patent number: 8684533
    Abstract: A locally dimmed display has a spatial light modulator illuminated by a light source. The spatial light modulator is illuminated with a low resolution version of a desired image. The illumination may comprise a series of lighting elements that vary smoothly from one element to another at the spatial light modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen
  • ENHANCING DYNAMIC RANGES OF IMAGES
    Publication number: 20140064634
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus according to various aspects take as input image data in a lower-dynamic-range (LDR) format and produce as output enhanced image data having a dynamic range greater than that of the input image data (i.e. higher-dynamic range (HDR) image data). In some embodiments, the methods are applied to video data and are performed in real-time (i.e. processing of video frames to enhance the dynamic range of the video frames is completed at least on average at the frame rate of the video signal).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Allan G. REMPEL, Wolfgang HEIDRICH, Helge SEETZEN, Gregory John WARD, Lorne A. WHITEHEAD
  • Parallax Reduction
    Publication number: 20140029244
    Abstract: Parallax in an optical device is reduced by apply one or a combination of several disclosed techniques, including reduced solid angle or increased collimation of light sources, increased diffusion/scattering at an output of the device, and/or reflective structures for collimation and containment of reflected light. The techniques are advantageously applied to a backlight LCD display, and particularly to high dynamic range dual modulation displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Vincent Kwong, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward
  • Rapid image rendering on dual-modulator displays
    Patent number: 8624944
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Heidrich