Patents by Inventor Helge Seetzen

Helge Seetzen 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: 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130300887
    Abstract: A camera has two distinct image sensor arrays. The image sensor arrays are at least one of different types and different resolutions. The image sensor arrays have different dynamic ranges such that one of the image sensor arrays is a high dynamic range image sensor array configured to capture a wider range of light intensity than the other of the image sensor arrays. The camera has an imaging mechanism configured to combine information collected by each of the image sensor arrays to produce a high dynamic range image. The image sensor arrays include one low resolution image sensor array having a high dynamic range, and one high resolution image sensor array having a normal dynamic range smaller than the high dynamic range wherein luminance values within the normal dynamic range represent a subset of luminance values within the high dynamic range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory John Ward, Helge Seetzen, Wolfgang Heidrich
  • Patent number: 8582913
    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: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Allan G. Rempel, Wolfgang Heidrich, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward, Lorne A. Whitehead
  • Patent number: 8531353
    Abstract: A dual modulator display has a first array of pixels that illuminates a second array of pixels with a pattern of light. The second array of pixels modulates the pattern of light to yield an image. A method for determining control values for pixels of the first array of pixels begins with an initial set of control values and refines the control values. The control values may be refined one at a time. Images may be displayed in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Wolfgang Heidrich, Matthew Trentacoste, Gregory J. Ward, Helge Seetzen
  • Patent number: 8513588
    Abstract: An electronic camera comprises two or more image sensor arrays. At least one of the image sensor arrays has a high dynamic range. The camera also comprises a shutter for selectively allowing light to reach the two or more image sensor arrays, readout circuitry for selectively reading out pixel data from the image sensor arrays, and, a controller configured to control the shutter and the readout circuitry. The controller comprises a processor and a memory having computer-readable code embodied therein which, when executed by the processor, causes the controller to open the shutter for an image capture period to allow the two or more image sensor arrays to capture pixel data, and, read out pixel data from the two or more image sensor arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory John Ward, Helge Seetzen, Wolfgang Heidrich
  • Patent number: 8509528
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for converting a digital image represented in a lower bit depth representation to a higher bit depth representation. A saturation region is identified, where a color model value of the pixels in the saturation region is above an upper saturation threshold or below a lower saturation threshold. The color model value for each pixel in the saturation region is then adjusted by a corresponding adjustment. The magnitude of the adjustment for each pixel is based on characteristics of the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward
  • Patent number: 8493313
    Abstract: A process for reducing noise and temporal artifacts (e.g. walking LEDs) on a dual modulation display system by applying temporal filtering to rear modulation signals of a sequence of video frames. Flare and dimming rates are calculated for a current frame in the video. If a flare rate threshold is exceeded, an intensity of the backlight is limited to a predetermined flare rate. If a dimming rate threshold is exceeded, the backlight intensity is limited to a predetermined dimming rate. The limitations are applied, for example, on an element-by-element basis. In the event of a scene change, the limitations do not need to be applied. A forward modulation signal is calculated by taking into account any applied backlight limitations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Gerwin Damberg, Helge Seetzen
  • Patent number: 8471807
    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 an illuminator comprising an array of individually-controllable light sources. The light sources and elements of the light modulator may be controlled to adjust the intensity and frequency of light emanating from corresponding areas on the screen. The display may be calibrated to compensate for differences in intensities of the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Helge Seetzen, Lorne Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Chun-Chi Wan
  • Patent number: 8446351
    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: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen, Don Graham
  • Patent number: 8434887
    Abstract: A backlight (42, 62) for a display (40, 60) comprises a plurality of independently controllable light sources (48) and inclined surfaces inclining in a radially outward direction from each light source for shaping the distribution of emitted light. The light sources (48) may each comprise a group of differently-colored light emitters. The backlight 842, 62) may include light integrators (64) configured to mix light of the differently-colored light emitters. Inclined surfaces (44) for shaping the distribution of emitted light may be arranged around exits of the light integrators (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Helge Seetzen, Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory J. Ward
  • Patent number: 8419194
    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: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen
  • Patent number: 8408718
    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: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen
  • Patent number: 8405689
    Abstract: A display has a modulator illuminated by a illuminator comprising an array of light sources. The array includes light sources of a plurality of colors. The light sources of different colors are individually controllable. Within each color, the light sources that illuminate different areas on the modulator are individually controllable. The display may provide a high dynamic range and a wide color gamut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Helge Seetzen
  • Publication number: 20130038790
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mapping video signal parameters such as tone and color may be applied at various points in a video generation and delivery pipeline. apparatus may be configured to control mappings based on a range of inputs which may include one or more of: ambient conditions, user inputs, control information, adaptation models. Apparatus and methods may be applied to display video or other images so as to preserve a creative intent embodied in video or other image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Helge Seetzen, Robin Atkins, Neil W. Messmer, Gerwin Damberg
  • Publication number: 20120307114
    Abstract: An electronic camera comprises two or more image sensor arrays. At least one of the image sensor arrays has a high dynamic range. The camera also comprises a shutter for selectively allowing light to reach the two or more image sensor arrays, readout circuitry for selectively reading out pixel data from the image sensor arrays, and, a controller configured to control the shutter and the readout circuitry. The controller comprises a processor and a memory having computer-readable code embodied therein which, when executed by the processor, causes the controller to open the shutter for an image capture period to allow the two or more image sensor arrays to capture pixel data, and, read out pixel data from the two or more image sensor arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory John Ward, Helge Seetzen, Wolfgang Heidrich
  • Publication number: 20120274674
    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: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lorne Whitehead, Greg Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen