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: 20160182885
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Lenny Lipton, Robert Akka, Matt Cowan, Josh Greer
  • Patent number: 9288465
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: ReaID Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Cowan, Josh Greer, Lenny Lipton
  • Patent number: 9191647
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: RealD Inc
    Inventors: Lenny Lipton, Robert Akka, Matt Cowan, Josh Greer
  • Patent number: 9088792
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Chiu, Lenny Lipton, Matt Cowan, Rod Archer, Klaus Zietlow, Michael G. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20150009287
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Lenny Lipton, Robert Akka, Matt Cowan, Josh Greer
  • Patent number: 8749615
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Lenny Lipton, Robert Akka, Matt Cowan, Josh Greer
  • Patent number: 8704733
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Cowan, Josh Greer, Lenny Lipton, Joseph Chiu
  • Patent number: 8487982
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Lenny Lipton, Robert Akka, Matt Cowan, Josh Greer
  • Patent number: 8400492
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Cowan, Josh Greer, Lenny Lipton
  • Patent number: 8373744
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Akka, Lenny Lipton, Matt Cowan, Josh Greer
  • Publication number: 20120256905
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: REALD INC.
    Inventors: Rod Archer, Matt Cowan, Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20120249756
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: REALD, INC.
    Inventors: Matt Cowan, Josh Greer, Lenny Lipton, Joseph Chiu
  • Patent number: 8206793
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Josh Greer, Mel Siegel, Lenny Lipton, Matt Cowan
  • Patent number: 8199070
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Cowan, Josh Greer, Lenny Lipton, Joseph Chiu
  • Publication number: 20110210964
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Chiu, Lenny Lipton, Matt Cowan, Rod Archer, Klaus Zietlow, Michael G. Robinson
  • Patent number: 7959296
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Cowan, Lenny Lipton, Jerry Carollo
  • Publication number: 20110096295
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: REALD
    Inventors: Matt Cowan, Lenny Lipton, Jerry Carollo
  • Publication number: 20110025832
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: REALD INC.
    Inventors: Matt Cowan, Josh Greer, Lenny Lipton
  • Patent number: 7857455
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Cowan, Lenny Lipton, Jerry Carollo
  • Patent number: RE44483
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Lenny Lipton, Matt Cowan