Patents by Inventor Lorne Whitehead

Lorne Whitehead 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).

  • DIFFUSER FOR LIGHT FROM LIGHT SOURCE ARRAY AND DISPLAYS INCORPORATING SAME
    Publication number: 20120257143
    Abstract: An optical structure placeable between a backlight array of point light sources and a planar display. The structure distributes light emitted by the point light sources to uniformly illuminate the plane of the display, without introducing significant viewing parallax. The emitted light is partially collimated within a preferred angular viewing range, maximizing the display's luminance when viewed from the normal direction. The structure is highly reflective, such that a substantial portion of any non-emitted light rays are internally reflected by the structure, increasing the likelihood that those rays will be subsequently emitted by the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Lorne A. WHITEHEAD
  • Locally dimmed display
    Patent number: 8277056
    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: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen
  • ENHANCING DYNAMIC RANGES OF IMAGES
    Publication number: 20120237136
    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: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Allan G. REMPEL, Wolfgang HEIDRICH, Helge SEETZEN, Gregory John WARD, Lorne A. WHITEHEAD
  • Methods and systems for converting images from low dynamic to high dynamic range
    Patent number: 8265378
    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: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward
  • RAPID IMAGE RENDERING ON DUAL-MODULATOR DISPLAYS
    Publication number: 20120218324
    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: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Heidrich
  • Methods and systems for converting images from low dynamic range to high dynamic range
    Patent number: 8249337
    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: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward
  • Enhancing dynamic ranges of images
    Patent number: 8233738
    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: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Allan Rempel, Wolfgang Heidrich, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward, Lorne A. Whitehead
  • LOCALLY DIMMED DISPLAY
    Publication number: 20120188296
    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: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lorne Whitehead, Greg Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONVERTING IMAGES FROM LOW DYNAMIC RANGE TO HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE
    Publication number: 20120176399
    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: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Lorne A. WHITEHEAD, Helge SEETZEN, Gregory John WARD
  • Rapid image rendering on dual-modulator displays
    Patent number: 8217970
    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: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Heidrich
  • Displays with a Backlight Incorporating Reflecting Layer
    Publication number: 20120169791
    Abstract: Displays comprise light control layers (16) in an optical path between a light source (12), such as an array of light emitting diodes and a spatial light modulator (14) such as a liquid crystal display panel. The light control layer comprises an enhanced specular reflector (ESR, 16a) film in optical contact to at least one layer of a transparent or translucent material (16B, 16C). The light control layer transmits light from the light source more readily than the ESR film standing on its own. In some embodiments the display may provide enhanced contrast and peak luminance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Henry H. Ip, Vincent Kwong
  • Diffuser for light from light source array and displays incorporating same
    Patent number: 8212966
    Abstract: An optical structure placeable between a backlight array of point light sources and a planar display. The structure distributes light emitted by the point light sources to uniformly illuminate the plane of the display, without introducing significant viewing parallax. The emitted light is partially collimated within a preferred angular viewing range, maximizing the display's luminance when viewed from the normal direction. The structure is highly reflective, such that a substantial portion of any non-emitted light rays are internally reflected by the structure, increasing the likelihood that those rays will be subsequently emitted by the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Lorne A. Whitehead
  • SCODAPHORESIS AND METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MOVING AND CONCENTRATING PARTICLES
    Publication number: 20120160682
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for moving and concentrating particles apply an alternating driving field and an alternating field that alters mobility of the particles. The driving field and mobility-varying field are correlated with one another. The methods and apparatus may be used to concentrate DNA or RNA in a medium, for example. Methods and apparatus for extracting particles from one medium into another involve applying an alternating driving field that causes net drift of the particles from the first medium into the second medium but no net drift of the particles in the second medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: The University of British Comlumbia
    Inventors: Andrea MARZIALI, Lorne WHITEHEAD
  • Optical Mixing and Shaping System for Display Backlights and Displays Incorporating the Same
    Publication number: 20120140446
    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: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Helge Seetzen, Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory J. Ward
  • EDGE LIT LED BASED LOCALLY DIMMED DISPLAY
    Publication number: 20120120131
    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: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Don Graham, Greg Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger
  • Apparatus and methods for rapid image rendering on dual-modulator displays
    Patent number: 8174546
    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: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Heidrich
  • Edge lit locally dimmed display
    Patent number: 8172401
    Abstract: An edge lit locally dimmed display has a spatial light modulator illuminated by a light source. The light source is positioned at an edge and behind the spatial light modulator. 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: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Gregory John Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger, Helge Seetzen
  • Enhancing dynamic ranges of images
    Patent number: 8135230
    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: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Allan G. Rempel, Wolfgang Heidrich, Helge Seetzen, Gregory John Ward, Lorne A. Whitehead
  • Scodaphoresis and methods and apparatus for moving and concentrating particles
    Patent number: 8133371
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for moving and concentrating particles apply an alternating driving field and an alternating field that alters mobility of the particles. The driving field and mobility-varying field are correlated with one another. The methods and apparatus may be used to concentrate DNA or RNA in a medium, for example. Methods and apparatus for extracting particles from one medium into another involve applying an alternating driving field that causes net drift of the particles from the first medium into the second medium but no net drift of the particles in the second medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Andrea Marziali, Lorne Whitehead
  • HDR displays with dual modulators having different resolutions
    Patent number: 8125425
    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: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Lorne A. Whitehead, Helge Seetzen, Don Graham, Greg Ward, Wolfgang Stuerzlinger