Patents by Inventor Ian Christopher O'connell

Ian Christopher O'connell 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: 11849252
    Abstract: This invention concerns a method of filming a subject to be projected as a Pepper's Ghost image. The method may comprise filming a subject under a lighting arrangement having one or more front lights for illuminating a front of a subject and one or more backlights. The lights may be controlled such that the total brightness of the one or more front lights, as measured of the subject, is less than or approximately the same as the total brightness of the one or more backlights, as measured at the subject. The subject may be located directly above one or more floor lights such the subject is illuminated from below by the one or more floor lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Holicom Film Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Ley, Ian Christopher O'Connell, Bruce Finn
  • Publication number: 20230076734
    Abstract: This invention concerns a method of filming a subject to be projected as a Pepper's Ghost image. The method may comprise filming a subject under a lighting arrangement having one or more front lights for illuminating a front of a subject and one or more backlights. The lights may be controlled such that the total brightness of the one or more front lights, as measured of the subject, is less than or approximately the same as the total brightness of the one or more backlights, as measured at the subject. The subject may be located directly above one or more floor lights such the subject is illuminated from below by the one or more floor lights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen Ley, Ian Christopher O'Connell, Bruce Finn
  • Patent number: 11442339
    Abstract: This invention concerns a method of filming a subject to be projected as a Pepper's Ghost image. The method may comprise filming a subject under a lighting arrangement having one or more front lights for illuminating a front of a subject and one or more backlights. The lights may be controlled such that the total brightness of the one or more front lights, as measured of the subject, is less than or approximately the same as the total brightness of the one or more backlights, as measured at the subject. The subject may be located directly above one or more floor lights such the subject is illuminated from below by the one or more floor lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen Ley, Ian Christopher O'Connell, Bruce Finn
  • Publication number: 20210103203
    Abstract: This invention concerns a method of filming a subject to be projected as a Pepper's Ghost image. The method may comprise filming a subject under a lighting arrangement having one or more front lights for illuminating a front of a subject and one or more backlights. The lights may be controlled such that the total brightness of the one or more front lights, as measured of the subject, is less than or approximately the same as the total brightness of the one or more backlights, as measured at the subject. The subject may be located directly above one or more floor lights such the subject is illuminated from below by the one or more floor lights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Applicant: Holicom Film Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Ley, Ian Christopher O'Connell, Bruce Finn
  • Patent number: 10718994
    Abstract: This invention concerns a method of filming a subject to be projected as a Pepper's Ghost image. The method may comprise filming a subject under a lighting arrangement having one or more front lights for illuminating a front of a subject and one or more backlights. The lights may be controlled such that the total brightness of the one or more front lights, as measured of the subject, is less than or approximately the same as the total brightness of the one or more backlights, as measured at the subject. The subject may be located directly above one or more floor lights such the subject is illuminated from below by the one or more floor lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Holicom Film Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Ley, Ian Christopher O'Connell, Bruce Finn
  • Patent number: 10447967
    Abstract: A method of producing a Pepper's Ghost, includes projecting an image of a subject onto a reflective and transparent screen to create a virtual image of the subject alongside an object, the subject in the virtual image having a color temperature. The object is illuminated with light having a color and intensity that results in a color temperature of the object at least approximately matching the color temperature of the subject in the virtual image. The subject in the virtual image has a luminance and may be illuminated with light having a color and intensity that results in a luminance of the object at least approximately matching the luminance of the subject in the virtual image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Musion IP Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian Christopher O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20190294031
    Abstract: This invention concerns a method of filming a subject to be projected as a Pepper's Ghost image. The method may comprise filming a subject under a lighting arrangement having one or more front lights for illuminating a front of a subject and one or more backlights. The lights may be controlled such that the total brightness of the one or more front lights, as measured of the subject, is less than or approximately the same as the total brightness of the one or more backlights, as measured at the subject. The subject may be located directly above one or more floor lights such the subject is illuminated from below by the one or more floor lights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Stephen Ley, Ian Christopher O'Connell, Bruce Finn
  • Patent number: 10317778
    Abstract: This invention concerns a method of filming a subjected to be projected as a Pepper's Ghost image. The method may comprise filming a subject under a lighting arrangement having one or more front lights for illuminating a front of a subject and one or more backlights. The lights may be controlled such that the total brightness of the one or more front lights, as measured of the subject, is less than or approximately the same as the total brightness of the one or more backlights, as measured at the subject. The subject may be located directly above one or more floor lights such the subject is illuminated from below by the one or more floor lights. The lights may comprise one or more LEDs. A drop-off distance of the front lights may be less than a distance between the front lights and a backscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Holicom Film Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Ley, Ian Christopher O'Connell, Bruce Finn
  • Publication number: 20180007314
    Abstract: A method of producing a Pepper's Ghost, includes projecting an image of a subject onto a reflective and transparent screen to create a virtual image of the subject alongside an object, the subject in the virtual image having a colour temperature. The object is illuminated with light having a colour and intensity that results in a colour temperature of the object at least approximately matching the colour temperature of the subject in the virtual image. The subject in the virtual image has a luminance and may be illuminated with light having a colour and intensity that results in a luminance of the object at least approximately matching the luminance of the subject in the virtual image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Ian Christopher O'Connell
  • Patent number: 9549149
    Abstract: A telepresence system includes a projector for generating an image, a projection screen for reviewing the image generated by the projector and generating a reflected image and a foil for reviewing the reflected image generated by the projection screen. The foil generates and directs partially reflected image toward an audience, the partially reflected image being perceived by the audience as a virtual image or hologram located on a viewing stage. Additionally, the system incorporates a camera for filming an individual through the foil, the camera being located on a camera side of the foil and positioned adjacent to the viewing stage, the individual being located on an individual side of the foil and positioned on a filming stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Ian Christopher O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20160050390
    Abstract: A telepresence system includes a projector for generating an image, a projection screen for reviewing the image generated by the projector and generating a reflected image and a foil for reviewing the reflected image generated by the projection screen. The foil generates and directs partially reflected image toward an audience, the partially reflected image being perceived by the audience as a virtual image or hologram located on a viewing stage. Additionally, the system incorporates a camera for filming an individual through the foil, the camera being located on a camera side of the foil and positioned adjacent to the viewing stage, the individual being located on an individual side of the foil and positioned on a filming stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventor: Ian Christopher O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20150227028
    Abstract: This invention concerns a method of filming a subjected to be projected as a Pepper's Ghost image. The method may comprise filming a subject under a lighting arrangement having one or more front lights for illuminating a front of a subject and one or more backlights. The lights may be controlled such that the total brightness of the one or more front lights, as measured of the subject, is less than or approximately the same as the total brightness of the one or more backlights, as measured at the subject. The subject may be located directly above one or more floor lights such the subject is illuminated from below by the one or more floor lights. The lights may comprise one or more LEDs. A drop-off distance of the front lights may be less than a distance between the front lights and a backscreen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen Ley, Ian Christopher O'Connell, Bruce Finn
  • Patent number: 9088691
    Abstract: A telepresence system includes a projector for generating an image, a projection screen for reviewing the image generated by the projector and generating a reflected image and a foil for reviewing the reflected image generated by the projection screen. The foil generates and directs partially reflected image toward an audience, the partially reflected image being perceived by the audience as a virtual image or hologram located on a viewing stage. Additionally, the system incorporates a camera for filming an individual through the foil, the camera being located on a camera side of the foil and positioned adjacent to the viewing stage, the individual being located on an individual side of the foil and positioned on a filming stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Musion IP Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian Christopher O'Connell
  • Patent number: 9033522
    Abstract: This invention concerns a method of filming a subjected to be projected as a Pepper's Ghost image. The method may comprise filming a subject under a lighting arrangement having one or more front lights for illuminating a front of a subject and one or more backlights. The lights may be controlled such that the total brightness of the one or more front lights, as measured of the subject, is less than or approximately the same as the total brightness of the one or more backlights, as measured at the subject. The subject may be located directly above one or more floor lights such the subject is illuminated from below by the one or more floor lights. The lights may comprise one or more LEDs. A drop-off distance of the front lights may be less than a distance between the front lights and a backscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: HOLICOM FILM LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen Ley, Ian Christopher O'Connell, Bruce Finn
  • Publication number: 20130335505
    Abstract: A telepresence system includes a projector for generating an image, a projection screen for reviewing the image generated by the projector and generating a reflected image and a foil for reviewing the reflected image generated by the projection screen. The foil generates and directs partially reflected image toward an audience, the partially reflected image being perceived by the audience as a virtual image or hologram located on a viewing stage. Additionally, the system incorporates a camera for filming an individual through the foil, the camera being located on a camera side of the foil and positioned adjacent to the viewing stage, the individual being located on an individual side of the foil and positioned on a filming stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Ian Christopher O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8462192
    Abstract: A telepresence system includes a projector for generating an image, a projection screen for reviewing the image generated by the projector and generating a reflected image and a foil for reviewing the reflected image generated by the projection screen. The foil generates and directs partially reflected image toward an audience, the partially reflected image being perceived by the audience as a virtual image or hologram located on a viewing stage. Additionally, the system incorporates a camera for filming an individual through the foil, the camera being located on a camera side of the foil and positioned adjacent to the viewing stage, the individual being located on an individual side of the foil and positioned on a filming stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Musion IP Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian Christopher O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20110242322
    Abstract: A mobile studio for producing video and audio content, the mobile studio comprising: a vehicle comprising a body mounted on a chassis, said body having a studio chamber enclosure formed by a floor, a ceiling, spaced opposite outer side walls and spaced outer front and rear walls, wherein the floor of the studio chamber comprises a stage area; at least one LED lighting assembly located in the studio chamber suitable for providing sufficient illumination for image capture such that the captured image is suitable for projection as a Pepper's Ghost image; at least one camera to capture the image of a subject on the stage area; and a communications device to transmit the captured image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Musion IP Limited
    Inventor: Ian Christopher O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20110235702
    Abstract: A codec comprising a video input (33) for receiving a continuous video stream, an encoder (42) for encoding the video stream to result in an encoded video stream, a video output (37) for transmitting the video stream and switching means (39). The switching means is for switching the encoded video stream during encoding between a first mode, in which the video stream is encoded in accordance with a first encoding format, to a second mode, in which the video stream is encoded in accordance with a second encoding format. The invention also relates to a corresponding codec for decoding the video stream. In another aspect the invention concerns a processor for identifying an outline of a subject within a video image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Ian Christopher O'Connell, Alex Howes
  • Publication number: 20110181837
    Abstract: This invention concerns a method of producing a Pepper's Ghost. The method may comprise projecting an image of a subject onto a reflective and transparent screen (7) to create a virtual image (15) of the subject alongside an object (21). The subject of the virtual image may have a colour temperature and the method may comprise illuminating the object (21) with light having a colour and intensity that results in a colour temperature of the object (21) at least approximately matching the colour temperature of the subject of the virtual image. The method may comprise altering the intensity of light that falls on the object (21) by moving the lighting arrangement towards or away from the object (21) whilst maintaining an intensity of light omitted by the lighting arrangement constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Ian Christopher O'Connell, Eiisabeth Berry, Mark Hanna
  • Publication number: 20110157297
    Abstract: A telepresence system comprising a projector for generating an image, a projection screen for reviewing the image generated by the projector and generating a reflected image and a foil for reviewing the reflected image generated by the projection screen. The foil generates and directs partially reflected image toward an audience, the partially reflected image being perceived by the audience as a virtual image or hologram located on a viewing stage. The system may comprise a camera for filming an individual through the foil, the camera being located on a camera side of the foil and positioned adjacent to the viewing stage, the individual being located on an individual side of the foil and positioned on a filming stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Ian Christopher O'Connell