Patents by Inventor John Barrett George

John Barrett George 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: 8023173
    Abstract: A controllable reflecting device having an array of bi-axial mirrors that are capable of pivoting in at least four directions is described. At least three primary colored light beams are directed at each of the bi-axial mirror in three of the four pivoting directions, one for each of the primary colored light beams and a single colored beam is reflected and directed toward a projection lens. In the fourth pivoting direction, no color beam is directed to the projection lens and black is projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: John Barrett George
  • Publication number: 20100110529
    Abstract: A controllable reflecting device having an array of bi-axial mirrors that are capable of pivoting in at least four directions is described. At least three primary colored light beams are directed at each of the bi-axial mirror in three of the four pivoting directions, one for each of the primary colored light beams and a single colored beam is reflected and directed toward a projection lens. In the fourth pivoting direction, no color beam is directed to the projection lens and black is projected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: John Barrett George
  • Publication number: 20100103499
    Abstract: A controllable reflecting device having an array of bi-axial mirrors that are capable of pivoting in at least four directions is described. Each micro-mirror of the micro-mirror array is supported through a torsion pivot by a yoke attached by a second coplanar orthogonal torsion pivot to the mirror array support. The mirror and yoke are electrically conductive to a common node on the mirror array support shared by all the mirror/yoke assemblies. Under each mirror/yoke assembly the mirror array support has four plate areas electrically isolated from each other and the mirror/yoke assembly. In response to electrical signals from driver switches integrated in the mirror array support, these plate areas, driven in pairs, selectively provide an electric field with respect to the common node. This electric field attracts the mirror and yoke to facilitate movement of the mirror/yoke assembly to a desired reflecting state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: John Barrett George
  • Publication number: 20090290128
    Abstract: A controllable reflecting device having an array of mirrors that is combined with a tiled color filter such that each micro mirror reflects a single primary color is described. The tiled color filter, in the light path between a light source and the mirror array, images one micro mirror wide primary color stripes on the micro mirror array in a repeating sequence (for example RGBRGB etc.). A movable mirror or lens in the optics path between the micro mirror array and a projection screen is moved to displace the image formed by the micro mirror array and projected to the screen such that for each image all pixel positions at the screen sequentially see a micro mirror of each primary color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: John Barrett George
  • Patent number: 7379124
    Abstract: Progressive rounding error and convergence error encountered due to multiple use of a center correction adjustment of an image of a video projection display is reduced by calculating a 3×3 matrix for a moved color signal where the non center matrix values represent the difference between the initially measured sensor values stored at initial alignment, and stored most recently measured sensor values. The matrix center value is the sum of the averaged values calculated from the edge center errors, the stored sum of previous moves and the current move. Rerun of the sensor finding routine resets the stored move sum to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: John Barrett George, Angela Renee Burnett
  • Patent number: 7372509
    Abstract: A dynamic focus amplifier for generating a dynamic focus voltage for a focus electrode for a cathode ray tube at a capacitive load includes a source of a periodic signal at a horizontal deflection frequency. A pull-down transistor is responsive to the periodic signal and coupled to the capacitive load for producing, in accordance with the periodic signal, a first portion of the dynamic focus voltage that decreases, during a first portion of a period of the periodic signal. A storage capacitor is coupled to the capacitive load for replenishing a charge stored in the storage capacitor from a charge stored in the capacitive load to develop a control voltage in the storage capacitor. A pull-up transistor is responsive to the control voltage and coupled to a source of a high voltage and to the capacitive load for producing from the high voltage a current that is coupled to the capacitive load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: John Barrett George
  • Patent number: 7330164
    Abstract: A method for setting opto-sensor detection sensitivity in a projection video display comprising the steps of sequentially generating video signals of different colors for illuminating a sensor with video images of the video signals. In responsive to the video signals automatically selecting respective detection thresholds. Sequentially detecting sensor signals in excess of the respective detection thresholds. Coupling the detected sensor signals for automated adjustment of the projection video display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: John Barrett George
  • Patent number: 7110234
    Abstract: In a projection television receiver, a common switch mode power supply energizes the convergence circuits, and other load circuits of the projection television receiver. In normal operation, a switch couples a supply voltage produces in the common switch mode power supply to the convergence circuits. When, as a result of a fault, a supply current in the convergence circuits is excessive, the common switch mode power supply is decoupled from the convergence circuits and other load circuits remain energized and operative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: John Barrett George, Kevin Michael Williams
  • Patent number: 7102302
    Abstract: A parabola generator for providing dynamic correction includes a capacitor source of a parabolic input signal at a frequency related to a horizontal deflection frequency coupled to a first terminal of the capacitor. A diode switch is coupled to a voltage at a reference level and to a second terminal of the capacitor for periodically clamping a peak level of a signal developed at the second terminal. A transistor switch is responsive to a periodic switch control signal and coupled to the second terminal of the capacitor for periodically clamping a signal applied from the second terminal, during retrace, for removing a parasitic parabolic voltage portion to generate a dynamic correction signal. The dynamic correction signal is coupled to the cathode ray tube to vary a field in a beam path of an electron beam of the cathode ray tube for providing dynamic correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: John Barrett George
  • Patent number: 7034901
    Abstract: A projection display comprises three cathode ray tubes each having a deflection yoke and convergence yoke and each tube generating a raster for projection. One of the three cathode ray tubes has the convergence yoke coupled for current flow in a direction opposite to that of the other two convergence yokes. An amplifier is respectively coupled to each convergence yoke for convergence correction of each raster. A convergence circuit supplies correction signal values that are coupled to each respective amplifier such that convergence correction by the other two convergence yokes is responsive to a difference between the correction signal value coupled to the one convergence yoke and the correction signal values coupled to the other two convergence yokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: John Barrett George
  • Patent number: 6982766
    Abstract: A projection display uses a matrix of digital correction factors defining deflection correction factors between which linear interpolation is used for intermediate points on the display. A circuit for generating a correction signal to correct image distortion on a display screen, comprises a memory storing displacement values corresponding to spaced points on the screen in a grid of rows and columns. The displacement values of the grid generally define correction curves for correcting the image distortion without introducing significant banded regions on the display screen. An interpolator is coupled to the memory for interpolating intermediate values between adjacent ones of the stored displacement values, and a digital to analog converter is coupled to the interpolator for providing the correction signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: John Barrett George, Frank Albert Glad
  • Patent number: 6774585
    Abstract: A method for generating display correction waveforms for a CRT display comprises the steps of selecting one of a plurality of trace portions for forming part of a correction waveform, the trace portions having different average values. Completing each of the correction waveform by combining each selected trace portion with a respective retrace portion such that all completed correction waveforms have a predetermined average value. The correction waveforms may have vertical and/or horizontal rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Günter Gleim, Friedrich Heizmann, John Barrett George, Albert Runtze
  • Publication number: 20040125243
    Abstract: A projection display comprises three cathode ray tubes each having a deflection yoke and convergence yoke and each tube generating a raster for projection. One of the three cathode ray tubes has the convergence yoke coupled for current flow in a direction opposite to that of the other two convergence yokes. An amplifier is respectively coupled to each convergence yoke for convergence correction of each raster. A convergence circuit supplies correction signal values that are coupled to each respective amplifier such that convergence correction by the other two convergence yokes is responsive to a difference between the correction signal value coupled to the one convergence yoke and the correction signal values coupled to the other two convergence yokes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: John Barrett George
  • Patent number: 6750921
    Abstract: A method for determining raster positioning in a video projection display apparatus comprises the steps of detecting illumination by a first edge of a measurement image moving in a first direction. Detecting illumination by a second edge of the measurement image moving in a second direction, and averaging movement values related to the first and second edge illuminations of the detecting steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventor: John Barrett George
  • Patent number: 6703783
    Abstract: A video imaging apparatus comprises first and second cathode-ray tubes, each having an ultor electrode and a focus electrode. A power supply generates an ultor voltage, which may have a fluctuating voltage component produced by beam current variations, and which is coupled to first and second ultor electrodes of the first and second cathode-ray tubes. A high voltage amplifier generates a dynamic focus voltage component at a frequency related to a deflection frequency. A combining network combines the fluctuating voltage component and the dynamic focus voltage component to develop a combined, dynamic focus voltage. The combined, dynamic focus voltage is coupled to each of the first and second focus electrodes for developing from the combined, dynamic focus voltage each of a first dynamic focus voltage at the first focus electrode and a second dynamic focus voltage at the second focus electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventor: John Barrett George
  • Patent number: 6671003
    Abstract: A method of operating a photo sensor in a projection display device comprises the steps of, illuminating the sensor with a projected image. Detecting a signal from the sensor responsive to the illumination by the projected image. Changing a threshold value of the detector until the signal detection ceases. Storing a value representative of the threshold value which terminated detection of the signal from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: John Barrett George, Sean Patrick McPeak, Angela Renee Burnett
  • Publication number: 20030214610
    Abstract: A projection display device includes a screen image measuring arrangement and is subject to unwanted illumination. The measuring arrangement comprises a photo sensor located adjacent to an edge of the screen for generating an output signal having a first component responsive to illumination by a projected image and a second component responsive to illumination by the unwanted illumination. A filter is coupled to the photo sensor for filtering the output signal to pass the first component of the output signal and to attenuate an amplitude of the second component of the output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: John Barrett George
  • Publication number: 20030197479
    Abstract: A video imaging apparatus comprises first and second cathode-ray tubes, each having an ultor electrode and a focus electrode. A power supply generates an ultor voltage, which may have a fluctuating voltage component produced by beam current variations, and which is coupled to first and second ultor electrodes of the first and second cathode-ray tubes. A high voltage amplifier generates a dynamic focus voltage component at a frequency related to a deflection frequency. A combining network combines the fluctuating voltage component and the dynamic focus voltage component to develop a combined, dynamic focus voltage. The combined, dynamic focus voltage is coupled to each of the first and second focus electrodes for developing from the combined, dynamic focus voltage each of a first dynamic focus voltage at the first focus electrode and a second dynamic focus voltage at the second focus electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: John Barrett George
  • Patent number: 6621240
    Abstract: A horizontal deflection winding centering circuit includes a Darlington transistor and a diode. The Darlington transistor and diode form a non-linear network that is coupled in series with an inductor. The series arrangement of inductor and non-linear network is coupled in parallel with a horizontal deflection winding. The base voltage of the Darlington transistor is produced by a voltage divider coupled in a current path of the inductor current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: John Barrett George, William Benjamin Aaron
  • Patent number: 6606130
    Abstract: A projection television display apparatus comprises a display device with an image formed for projection and a display screen for receiving the projected image. A plurality of photo sensors are located adjacent to edges of the display screen and each generates an output signal responsive to an intensity of illumination by the projected image. A detector with controllable detection threshold is coupled to the photo sensors for generating a signal having a first state when the output signal generated by each of the plurality photo sensors is greater than the detection threshold, and a second state when the output signal generated by each of said plurality photo sensors is less than the detection threshold. A controller is coupled to the display device and to the detector for setting the detection threshold for the output signal generated by each one of the plurality of photo sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventor: John Barrett George