Patents by Inventor Matt Cowan
Matt Cowan 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).
-
Publication number: 20160182885Abstract: A method for demultiplexing frames of compressed image data is provided. The image data includes a series of left compressed images and a series of right compressed images, the right compressed images and left compressed images compressed using a compression function. The method includes receiving the frames of compressed image data via a medium configured to transmit images in single frame format, and performing an expansion function on frames of compressed image data, the expansion function configured to select pixels from the series of left compressed images and series of right compressed images to produce replacement pixels to form a substantially decompressed set of stereo image pairs. Additionally, a system for receiving stereo pairs, multiplexing the stereo pairs for transmission across a medium including single frame formatting, and demultiplexing received data into altered stereo pairs is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2015Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Lenny Lipton, Robert Akka, Matt Cowan, Josh Greer
-
Patent number: 9288465Abstract: A method and system for reducing visual ghost artifacts in plano-stereoscopic image transmissions is provided. Such visual ghost artifacts are reduced by retrieving a non-linear image representation comprising left and right image representations using an image processor, where each of the left and right image representations have a plurality of color component sub-images. The non-linear left and right image representations are transformed into respective linear left and right image representations. A left or right image compensation signal is generated by applying the determined at least one ghosting coefficient to its associated one of the plurality of color component sub-images. A respective compensated right or left image is generated by subtracting the left or right image compensation signal from the uncompensated linear left or right image representation.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2010Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: ReaID Inc.Inventors: Matt Cowan, Josh Greer, Lenny Lipton
-
Patent number: 9191647Abstract: A method for demultiplexing frames of compressed image data is provided. The image data includes a series of left compressed images and a series of right compressed images, the right compressed images and left compressed images compressed using a compression function. The method includes receiving the frames of compressed image data via a medium configured to transmit images in single frame format, and performing an expansion function on frames of compressed image data, the expansion function configured to select pixels from the series of left compressed images and series of right compressed images to produce replacement pixels to form a substantially decompressed set of stereo image pairs. Additionally, a system for receiving stereo pairs, multiplexing the stereo pairs for transmission across a medium including single frame formatting, and demultiplexing received data into altered stereo pairs is provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: RealD IncInventors: Lenny Lipton, Robert Akka, Matt Cowan, Josh Greer
-
Patent number: 9088792Abstract: An enhanced liquid crystal display design is provided having relatively fast response time particularly useful in high speed or highly intense applications, such as stereoscopic or autostereoscopic image display. The liquid crystal display device is configured to display stereoscopic images, and comprises an LCD panel and control electronics configured to drive the LCD panel to a desired 10 stereoscopic display state. The control electronics are configured to employ transient phase switching and overdrive the LCD panel to a desired state to enable relatively rapid display of stereoscopic images.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2010Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: Joseph Chiu, Lenny Lipton, Matt Cowan, Rod Archer, Klaus Zietlow, Michael G. Robinson
-
Publication number: 20150009287Abstract: A method for demultiplexing frames of compressed image data is provided. The image data includes a series of left compressed images and a series of right compressed images, the right compressed images and left compressed images compressed using a compression function. The method includes receiving the frames of compressed image data via a medium configured to transmit images in single frame format, and performing an expansion function on frames of compressed image data, the expansion function configured to select pixels from the series of left compressed images and series of right compressed images to produce replacement pixels to form a substantially decompressed set of stereo image pairs. Additionally, a system for receiving stereo pairs, multiplexing the stereo pairs for transmission across a medium including single frame formatting, and demultiplexing received data into altered stereo pairs is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Lenny Lipton, Robert Akka, Matt Cowan, Josh Greer
-
Patent number: 8749615Abstract: A method for demultiplexing frames of compressed image data is provided. The image data includes a series of left compressed images and a series of right compressed images, the right compressed images and left compressed images compressed using a compression function. The method includes receiving the frames of compressed image data via a medium configured to transmit images in single frame format, and performing an expansion function on frames of compressed image data, the expansion function configured to select pixels from the series of left compressed images and series of right compressed images to produce replacement pixels to form a substantially decompressed set of stereo image pairs. Additionally, a system for receiving stereo pairs, multiplexing the stereo pairs for transmission across a medium including single frame formatting, and demultiplexing received data into altered stereo pairs is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: Lenny Lipton, Robert Akka, Matt Cowan, Josh Greer
-
Patent number: 8704733Abstract: A method and system for use in conjunction with a push-pull liquid crystal modulator system for creating circularly polarized light of alternating handedness is provided. The method and system comprise a pair of surface mode liquid crystal cells and a driver electrically coupled to the cells. The driver is configured to move an electrical charge using a quenching pulse comprising a relatively brief voltage spike at a beginning of a waveform period. Multiple additional improvements are provided, including reducing the thickness of the LC gap (the distance between cell electrode plates), creating a charge connection or wiring connection to the cell electrodes, employing anti-reflection coating technology, thinner ITO and ITO index matched to the LC material, bonding all possible air to material surfaces, using superior glass, employing more efficient polarizers, and reducing projector blanking time.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: Matt Cowan, Josh Greer, Lenny Lipton, Joseph Chiu
-
Patent number: 8487982Abstract: A method for multiplexing a stream of stereoscopic image source data into a series of left images and a series of right images combinable to form a series of stereoscopic images, both the stereoscopic image source data and series of left images and series of right images conceptually defined to be within frames. The method includes compressing stereoscopic image source data at varying levels across the frame, thereby forming left images and right images, and providing a series of single frames divided into portions, each single frame containing one right image in a first portion and one left image in a second portion. Alternately, single frames may contain two right images in a first two portions of each single frame and two left images in a second two portions of each single frame, wherein each set of right and left images may be processed differently.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: Lenny Lipton, Robert Akka, Matt Cowan, Josh Greer
-
Patent number: 8400492Abstract: A method and system for projecting linearly polarized stereoscopic images to a viewer that results in increased viewer head-tipping capabilities is provided. The design includes projecting linearly polarized light energy toward a screen and providing the viewer with a set of linearly polarized eyewear configured to receive the linearly polarized light energy projected to the screen and transmit a right perspective view to a right eye of the viewer and a left perspective view to a left eye of the viewer. Projecting comprises performing a noise reduction technique to reduce crosstalk in linearly polarized light energy images projected.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: Matt Cowan, Josh Greer, Lenny Lipton
-
Patent number: 8373744Abstract: A method for multiplexing a stream of stereoscopic image source data including a series of left images and a series of right images combinable to form a series of stereoscopic images is provided. The primary application is for video applications, but film applications are also addressed. The method includes removing pixels from the stereoscopic image source data to form left images and right images and providing a series of single frames divided into portions, each single frame containing one right image in a first portion and one left image in a second portion. Multiplexing processes such as staggering, alternating, filtering, variable scaling, and sharpening from original, uncompressed right and left images may be employed alone or in combination, and selected or predetermined regions or segments from uncompressed images may have more pixels removed or combined than other regions.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: Robert Akka, Lenny Lipton, Matt Cowan, Josh Greer
-
Publication number: 20120256905Abstract: A segmented polarizing device may be a polarizing modulator which may include strips of switching polarizer material. The switching polarizer material may be used to switch individual segments of the polarizing modulator at a time. In such devices, the polarizing modulator may be one or more liquid crystal cells (LC cell). As the LC modulation panel of a display refreshes an image from top to bottom, changing from left eye content to right eye content, the polarization of a corresponding part of a scrolling polarizing screen may change along with the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2011Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: REALD INC.Inventors: Rod Archer, Matt Cowan, Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
-
Publication number: 20120249756Abstract: A method and system for use in conjunction with a push-pull liquid crystal modulator system for creating circularly polarized light of alternating handedness is provided. The method and system comprise a pair of surface mode liquid crystal cells and a driver electrically coupled to the cells. The driver is configured to move an electrical charge using a quenching pulse comprising a relatively brief voltage spike at a beginning of a waveform period. Multiple additional improvements are provided, including reducing the thickness of the LC gap (the distance between cell electrode plates), creating a charge connection or wiring connection to the cell electrodes, employing anti-reflection coating technology, thinner ITO and ITO index matched to the LC material, bonding all possible air to material surfaces, using superior glass, employing more efficient polarizers, and reducing projector blanking time.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: REALD, INC.Inventors: Matt Cowan, Josh Greer, Lenny Lipton, Joseph Chiu
-
Patent number: 8206793Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a screen is provided. The method includes propelling a quantity of paint comprising metallic flakes, such as aluminum flakes, toward the screen. The method also includes applying at least one magnetic field in a vicinity of the screen, wherein applying the at least one magnetic field causes at least one metallic flake in the quantity of paint to be oriented relative to the screen in a substantially preferred orientation, thereby producing a screen exhibiting beneficial projection qualities, such as brightness. The magnetic field(s) applied may be unsymmetric in the time domain of, for example, an AC component of the magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: Josh Greer, Mel Siegel, Lenny Lipton, Matt Cowan
-
Patent number: 8199070Abstract: A method and system for use in conjunction with a push-pull liquid crystal modulator system for creating circularly polarized light of alternating handedness is provided. The method and system comprise a pair of surface mode liquid crystal cells and a driver electrically coupled to the cells. The driver is configured to move an electrical charge using a quenching pulse comprising a relatively brief voltage spike at a beginning of a waveform period. Multiple additional improvements are provided, including reducing the thickness of the LC gap (the distance between cell electrode plates), creating a charge connection or wiring connection to the cell electrodes, employing anti-reflection coating technology, thinner ITO and ITO index matched to the LC material, bonding all possible air to material surfaces, using superior glass, employing more efficient polarizers, and reducing projector blanking time.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: Matt Cowan, Josh Greer, Lenny Lipton, Joseph Chiu
-
Publication number: 20110210964Abstract: An enhanced liquid crystal display design is provided having relatively fast response time particularly useful in high speed or highly intense applications, such as stereoscopic or autostereoscopic image display. The liquid crystal display device is configured to display stereoscopic images, and comprises an LCD panel and control electronics configured to drive the LCD panel to a desired 10 stereoscopic display state. The control electronics are configured to employ transient phase switching and overdrive the LCD panel to a desired state to enable relatively rapid display of stereoscopic images.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: RealD Inc.Inventors: Joseph Chiu, Lenny Lipton, Matt Cowan, Rod Archer, Klaus Zietlow, Michael G. Robinson
-
Patent number: 7959296Abstract: A multiple path stereoscopic projection system is disclosed. The system comprises a polarizing splitting element configured to receive image light energy and split the image light energy received into a primary path and a secondary path, a reflector in the secondary path, and a polarization modulator or polarization modulator arrangement positioned in the primary path and configured to modulate the primary path of light energy. A polarization modulator may be included within the secondary path, a retarder may be used, and optional devices that may be successfully employed in the system include elements to substantially optically superimpose light energy transmission between paths and cleanup polarizers. The projection system can enhance the brightness of stereoscopic images perceived by a viewer. Static polarizer dual projection implementations free of polarization modulators are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2010Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: Matt Cowan, Lenny Lipton, Jerry Carollo
-
Publication number: 20110096295Abstract: A multiple path stereoscopic projection system is disclosed. The system comprises a polarizing splitting element configured to receive image light energy and split the image light energy received into a primary path and a secondary path, a reflector in the secondary path, and a polarization modulator or polarization modulator arrangement positioned in the primary path and configured to modulate the primary path of light energy. A polarization modulator may be included within the secondary path, a retarder may be used, and optional devices that may be successfully employed in the system include elements to substantially optically superimpose light energy transmission between paths and cleanup polarizers. The projection system can enhance the brightness of stereoscopic images perceived by a viewer. Static polarizer dual projection implementations free of polarization modulators are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: REALDInventors: Matt Cowan, Lenny Lipton, Jerry Carollo
-
Publication number: 20110025832Abstract: A method and system for reducing ghost images in plano-stereoscopic image transmissions is provided. The method comprises establishing a plurality of expected ghosting profiles associated with a plurality of predetermined regions on a screen, and compensating for leakage in each predetermined region of a projected left and right eye images by removing an amount of ghost images leaking from the projected left eye image into the projected right eye image and vice versa. The system comprises a processor configured to receive the quantity of ghost artifacts and compute ghost compensation quantities for left eye images and right eye images. The processor is further configured to remove an amount of actual image ghost artifacts leaking from a projected left eye image into a projected right eye image and vice versa.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: REALD INC.Inventors: Matt Cowan, Josh Greer, Lenny Lipton
-
Patent number: 7857455Abstract: A multiple path stereoscopic projection system is disclosed. The system comprises a polarizing splitting element configured to receive image light energy and split the image light energy received into a primary path and a secondary path, a reflector in the secondary path, and a polarization modulator or polarization modulator arrangement positioned in the primary path and configured to modulate the primary path of light energy. A polarization modulator may be included within the secondary path, a retarder may be used, and optional devices that may be successfully employed in the system include elements to substantially optically superimpose light energy transmission between paths and cleanup polarizers. The projection system can enhance the brightness of stereoscopic images perceived by a viewer. Static polarizer dual projection implementations free of polarization modulators are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: Matt Cowan, Lenny Lipton, Jerry Carollo
-
Patent number: RE44483Abstract: A projection design configured for use with a projector having a projector lens is provided. The device includes at least one pi-cell or pi-cell electro-optical modulator in combination with a wire grid polarizer mounted proximate the pi-cell(s). The design may include a cleanup polarizer between the pi-cell(s) and the wire grid polarizer and optionally a protective window between the wire grid projector and projection lens. The device may be oriented at an angle substantially differing from the axis of the projector lens. The resultant device includes spacing for airflow and can offer improved performance, particularly in heating, over designs previously available.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: Lenny Lipton, Matt Cowan