Patents by Inventor Lanny Smoot

Lanny Smoot 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: 10265610
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for transmitting information using modulated magnetic fields. A system comprises a transmitter having a first magnetic field source for transmitting a first modulated magnetic field to a receiver for decoding and a field controller coupled to the first magnetic field source for controlling the first modulated magnetic field. The system can further include a receiver having a first magnetometer configured to detect the first modulated magnetic field produced by the first magnetic field source and a decoder coupled to the first magnetometer for interpreting the first modulated magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Harout Jarchafjian, Lanny Smoot, Robert Michel
  • Patent number: 9843744
    Abstract: A process and system capture infrared light that is reflected or emitted from a device to precisely locate the device. The process and system project visible light from a light source toward the device such that the light is precisely targeted at the device. Preferably the visible light passes through an atmosphere containing particulate matter rendering the visible light as a beam that appears to emanate from the device rather than from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Ackley, Lanny Smoot, Alfredo Ayala
  • Patent number: 9801254
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a backlit luminous structure. The backlit luminous structure includes a substrate, such as a two dimensional or three dimensional object or surface, an ultraviolet emitting electroluminescent coating or other type of UV emitting coating that emits ultraviolet wavelengths when activated, and an ultraviolet activated luminous coating applied on the ultraviolet emitting electroluminescent coating. When activated, the ultraviolet emitting electroluminescent coating generates ultraviolet wavelengths that aviate the luminous coating. The backlit luminous structure may be used in a variety of applications, such as, but not limited to, theme parks, amusement attractions, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander W. Hsing, Lanny Smoot
  • Patent number: 9671858
    Abstract: In one implementation, a method includes detecting, using a processor, user input through a camera lens. The method further includes determining, using the processor, that an identity of a user, selected from identities of at least two users, is associated with the user input. The method also includes tracking, using the processor, a local interaction between the at least two users based on at least the identity, the user input, and stored rules that govern the local interaction. The tracking can include determining whether the user has complied with the stored rules that govern the local interaction. Furthermore, the local interaction can include a multiplayer game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Lanny Smoot, Armen Mkrtchyan, Leonard J. Mazzocco
  • Patent number: 9524047
    Abstract: Disclosed are touch detection systems and methods. In one embodiment, a display panel enabling touch detection comprises a touch pane configured to allow a light including a detection light, a back inner surface, and a display generation module located between the touch pane and the back inner surface. The display generation module is configured to produce a visual display at the touch pane. The display generation module is further configured to pass the detection light received from the touch pane. The display panel also comprises a detection light receiver situated at the back inner surface configured to detect the detection light received through the display generation module for enabling a detection of touches to the touch pane of the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Lanny Smoot
  • Publication number: 20160346671
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for transmitting information using modulated magnetic fields. A system comprises a transmitter having a first magnetic field source for transmitting a first modulated magnetic field to a receiver for decoding and a field controller coupled to the first magnetic field source for controlling the first modulated magnetic field. The system can further include a receiver having a first magnetometer configured to detect the first modulated magnetic field produced by the first magnetic field source and a decoder coupled to the first magnetometer for interpreting the first modulated magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Harout Jarchafjian, Lanny Smoot, Robert Michel
  • Publication number: 20160201888
    Abstract: A process and system capture infrared light that is reflected or emitted from a device to precisely locate the device. The process and system project visible light from a light source toward the device such that the light is precisely targeted at the device. Preferably the visible light passes through an atmosphere containing particulate matter rendering the visible light as a beam that appears to emanate from the device rather than from the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Ackley, Lanny Smoot, Alfredo Ayala
  • Publication number: 20160183346
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a backlit luminous structure. The backlit luminous structure includes a substrate, such as a two dimensional or three dimensional object or surface, an ultraviolet emitting electroluminescent coating or other type of UV emitting coating that emits ultraviolet wavelengths when activated, and an ultraviolet activated luminous coating applied on the ultraviolet emitting electroluminescent coating. When activated, the ultraviolet emitting electroluminescent coating generates ultraviolet wavelengths that aviate the luminous coating. The backlit luminous structure may be used in a variety of applications, such as, but not limited to, theme parks, amusement attractions, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Alexander W. Hsing, Lanny Smoot
  • Patent number: 9213888
    Abstract: In one implementation, a method includes detecting, using a processor, user input through a camera lens. The method further includes determining, using the processor, that an identity of a user, selected from identities of at least two users, is associated with the user input. The method also includes tracking, using the processor, a local interaction between the at least two users based on at least the identity, the user input, and stored rules that govern the local interaction. The tracking can include determining whether the user has complied with the stored rules that govern the local interaction. Furthermore, the local interaction can include a multiplayer game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Lanny Smoot, Armen Mkrtchyan, Leonard Mazzocco
  • Patent number: 9179134
    Abstract: A multi-planar plenoptic display assembly with multiple spatially-varying light emitting and modulating planes. The display assembly includes at least one light emitting device and may include a modulating device used in conjunction according to display methods taught herein to display light field data. A display assembly controller may be used to render a light field with depth into a multi-planar plenoptic display assembly by assigning decomposed portions of the light field to the display assembly for display or presentation by differing ones of the emitting elements and by operating a modulating device to provide a parallax barrier. In one embodiment, a projector is used with bi-state screens. In another embodiment, two automultiscopic displays (either parallax barrier or lenticular lenses) are overlaid with a beam splitter. In a further embodiment, an oscillating mirror is used to temporally and optically move one automultiscopic layer (either parallax barrier or lenses) through space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Nicola V. Ranieri, Simon Heinzle, Quinn Smithwick, Markus Gross, Wojciech Matusik, Lanny Smoot, Daniel Reetz
  • Patent number: 9041642
    Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) display apparatus for without 3D glasses. The display apparatus includes a display element operated to display left and right eye images. A back light assembly back lights the display element and includes light bars with a row of infrared (IR) light receivers that are each paired to a white light emitting diode (LED). Viewers in seats in tiered rows such that their heads are in known viewing locations. Left and right side illuminators illuminate the left and right sides of the faces of the viewers with IR light. The IR light is synchronized with display of the left and right eye images. IR reflected from viewers' faces pass through the display element and is focused onto IR light receivers, which causes LEDs to emit light onto the display element and provide left or right eye images to the viewers at their left or right eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Lanny Smoot, Quinn Smithwick
  • Publication number: 20150111646
    Abstract: In one implementation, a method includes detecting, using a processor, user input through a camera lens. The method further includes determining, using the processor, that an identity of a user, selected from identities of at least two users, is associated with the user input. The method also includes tracking, using the processor, a local interaction between the at least two users based on at least the identity, the user input, and stored rules that govern the local interaction. The tracking can include determining whether the user has complied with the stored rules that govern the local interaction. Furthermore, the local interaction can include a multiplayer game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Lanny Smoot, Armen Mkrtchyan, Leonard J. Mazzocco
  • Patent number: 8970489
    Abstract: In one implementation, a method includes detecting, using a processor, user input through a camera lens. The method further includes determining, using the processor, that an identity of a user, selected from identities of at least two users, is associated with the user input. The method also includes tracking, using the processor, a local interaction between the at least two users based on at least the identity, the user input, and stored rules that govern the local interaction. The tracking can include determining whether the user has complied with the stored rules that govern the local interaction. Furthermore, the local interaction can include a multiplayer game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Lanny Smoot, Armen Mkrtchyan, Leonard J. Mazzocco
  • Publication number: 20140292651
    Abstract: In one implementation, a method includes detecting, using a processor, user input through a camera lens. The method further includes determining, using the processor, that an identity of a user, selected from identities of at least two users, is associated with the user input. The method also includes tracking, using the processor, a local interaction between the at least two users based on at least the identity, the user input, and stored rules that govern the local interaction. The tracking can include determining whether the user has complied with the stored rules that govern the local interaction. Furthermore, the local interaction can include a multiplayer game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Lanny Smoot, Armen Mkrtchyan, Leonard J. Mazzocco
  • Patent number: 8823702
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating volumetric images viewable without 3D eyewear. The apparatus includes an image display assembly displaying a first image at a first display time and a second image at a second display time (e.g., a number of planar or 2D images on a display screen/surface). The apparatus includes a flexible two-way mirror element (a varifocal beamsplitter). During operations, the first and second images from the display assembly are directed toward and then reflected from the back side of the mirror element. The apparatus also includes a hoop-shaped frame supporting a peripheral edge of the mirror element. A driver shakes the frame to resonate the mirror element between convex and concave shapes while it is used for reflecting the first and second images. The apparatus also includes a concave mirror positioned relative to the mirror element to receive the reflected first and second images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Quinn Smithwick, Lanny Smoot, Daniel Reetz
  • Publication number: 20140168051
    Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) display apparatus for without 3D glasses. The display apparatus includes a display element operated to display left and right eye images. A back light assembly back lights the display element and includes light bars with a row of infrared (IR) light receivers that are each paired to a white light emitting diode (LED). Viewers in seats in tiered rows such that their heads are in known viewing locations. Left and right side illuminators illuminate the left and right sides of the faces of the viewers with IR light. The IR light is synchronized with display of the left and right eye images. IR reflected from viewers' faces pass through the display element and is focused onto IR light receivers, which causes LEDs to emit light onto the display element and provide left or right eye images to the viewers at their left or right eyes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Lanny Smoot, Quinn Smithwick
  • Patent number: 8737035
    Abstract: In one implementation, the present disclosure provides a method for imparting motion to a magnetically movable object. The method includes disposing the magnetically movable object over a display of an electronic device. The method further includes imparting motion to the magnetically movable object by adjusting a magnetic field that is produced by a magnetic field source, the magnetic field being applied to the magnetically movable object through the display of the electronic device. The adjusting the magnetic field can be based on a location of the magnetically movable object over the display. Furthermore, the display can be a touch sensitive display and the adjusting the magnetic field can be based on touch input of the touch sensitive display. The imparting motion can include moving the magnetically movable object around the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Lanny Smoot, Jarvis Schultz
  • Publication number: 20140028663
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating volumetric images viewable without 3D eyewear. The apparatus includes an image display assembly displaying a first image at a first display time and a second image at a second display time (e.g., a number of planar or 2D images on a display screen/surface). The apparatus includes a flexible two-way mirror element (a varifocal beamsplitter). During operations, the first and second images from the display assembly are directed toward and then reflected from the back side of the mirror element. The apparatus also includes a hoop-shaped frame supporting a peripheral edge of the mirror element. A driver shakes the frame to resonate the mirror element between convex and concave shapes while it is used for reflecting the first and second images. The apparatus also includes a concave mirror positioned relative to the mirror element to receive the reflected first and second images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: QUINN SMITHWICK, LANNY SMOOT, DANIEL REETZ
  • Publication number: 20140003651
    Abstract: In one implementation, a method includes detecting, using a processor, user input through a camera lens. The method further includes determining, using the processor, that an identity of a user, selected from identities of at least two users, is associated with the user input. The method also includes tracking, using the processor, a local interaction between the at least two users based on at least the identity, the user input, and stored rules that govern the local interaction. The tracking can include determining whether the user has complied with the stored rules that govern the local interaction. Furthermore, the local interaction can include a multiplayer game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Lanny Smoot, Armen Mkrtchyan, Leonard Mazzocco
  • Publication number: 20130308243
    Abstract: In one implementation, the present disclosure provides a method for imparting motion to a magnetically movable object. The method includes disposing the magnetically movable object over a display of an electronic device. The method further includes imparting motion to the magnetically movable object by adjusting a magnetic field that is produced by a magnetic field source, the magnetic field being applied to the magnetically movable object through the display of the electronic device. The adjusting the magnetic field can be based on a location of the magnetically movable object over the display. Furthermore, the display can be a touch sensitive display and the adjusting the magnetic field can be based on touch input of the touch sensitive display. The imparting motion can include moving the magnetically movable object around the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Lanny Smoot, Jarvis Schultz