Patents by Inventor Miller H. Schuck
Miller H. Schuck 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).
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Publication number: 20130235284Abstract: Proposed are various embodiments of projection systems that generally provide stereoscopic images. The projection systems act to split a spatially separated image in a stereoscopic image frame and superimpose the left- and right-eye images on a projection screen with orthogonal polarization states. The embodiments are generally well suited to liquid crystal polarization based projection systems and may use advanced polarization control.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: RealD Inc.Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Douglas J. McKnight, Gary D. Sharp
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Publication number: 20130182227Abstract: Optical systems, such as 2-D and 3-D projection systems, may be configured to have a compact back focal length to allow for more compact projection lenses, lower throw ratios, improved contrast, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, an optical system may include a relay element configured to form an intermediate image having a focal point proximate to a projection lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: REALD INC.Inventor: Miller H. Schuck
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Publication number: 20130169935Abstract: A polarization conversion system (PCS) is located in the output light path of a projector. The PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a polarization rotating element, a reflecting element, and a polarization switch. Typically, a projector outputs randomly-polarized light. This light is input to the PCS, in which the PCS separates p-polarized light and s-polarized light at the polarizing beam splitter. P-polarized light is directed toward the polarization switch on a first path. The s-polarized light is passed on a second path through the polarization rotating element (e.g., a half-wave plate), thereby transforming it to p-polarized light. A reflecting element directs the transformed polarized light (now p-polarized) along the second path toward the polarization switch. The first and second light paths are ultimately directed toward a projection screen to collectively form a brighter screen image in cinematic applications utilizing polarized light for three-dimensional viewing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: REALD INC.Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
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Patent number: 8425041Abstract: Proposed are various embodiments of projection systems that generally provide stereoscopic images. The projection systems act to split a spatially separated image in a stereoscopic image frame and superimpose the left- and right-eye images on a projection screen with orthogonal polarization states. The embodiments are generally well suited to liquid crystal polarization based projection systems and may use advanced polarization control.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Douglas J. McKnight, Gary D. Sharp
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Patent number: 8403488Abstract: Projection systems and methods for providing stereoscopic images viewed through passive polarizing eyewear. The systems relate to projectors that create left and right eye images simultaneously and often as side-by-side images on the image modulator. The systems act to superimpose the spatially separated images on a projection screen with alternate polarization states. The embodiments are best suited to liquid crystal polarization based projection systems and use advanced polarization control.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Douglas J. McKnight, Gary D. Sharp
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Publication number: 20120320165Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods for reclaiming the full field of view (FOV) of the original camera lens in a stereoscopic image capture system using an anamorphic attachment. Also disclosed are apparatuses and methods of projecting stereoscopic images on a fixed size screen from a single projector that was initially designed primarily for 2D operation. An exemplary apparatus may comprise an anamorphic afocal converter configured to halve a FOV of a camera or projector into two optical paths, and convert the halved FOVs into two full FOVs of the camera or projector. Such an apparatus may further comprise reflecting elements cooperatively arranged to direct two rectified images at a camera sensor or projection screen, where one or more reflecting elements receive the first of the two full FOVs and one or more reflecting elements receive the second of the two full FOVs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: REALD INC.Inventor: Miller H. Schuck
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Patent number: 8328362Abstract: Three dimensional projection systems may be single projector or multiple projector systems. These 3D projection systems may include a polarization conversion system (PCS). The PCS may be designed for relatively small throw ratios and thus, may be designed to accommodate the small throw ratios. The PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a first optical stack, a reflector and a second quarter wave retarder. The first optical stack may include a rotator, a polarizer, a polarization switch and a first quarter wave retarder. The PCS may receive light from a projector and the PBS may direct the light toward the first optical stack. The light may be converted to a different polarization state as it passes through the first optical stack. The converted light may then be re-directed by a reflecting element to the second quarter wave retarder. The second quarter wave retarder may convert linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: David A. Coleman, Miller H. Schuck, Gary D. Sharp, Scott E. Gilman
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Patent number: 8220934Abstract: A polarization conversion system (PCS) is located in the output light path of a projector. The PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a polarization rotating element, a reflecting element, and a polarization switch. Typically, a projector outputs randomly-polarized light. This light is input to the PCS, in which the PCS separates p-polarized light and s-polarized light at the polarizing beam splitter. P-polarized light is directed toward the polarization switch on a first path. The s-polarized light is passed on a second path through the polarization rotating element (e.g., a half-wave plate), thereby transforming it to p-polarized light. A reflecting element directs the transformed polarized light (now p-polarized) along the second path toward the polarization switch. The first and second light paths are ultimately directed toward a projection screen to collectively form a brighter screen image in cinematic applications utilizing polarized light for three-dimensional viewing.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
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Publication number: 20110205496Abstract: A polarization conversion system (PCS) is located in the output light path of a projector. The PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a polarization rotating element, a reflecting element, and a polarization switch. Typically, a projector outputs randomly-polarized light. This light is input to the PCS, in which the PCS separates p-polarized light and s-polarized light at the polarizing beam splitter. P-polarized light is directed toward the polarization switch on a first path. The s-polarized light is passed on a second path through the polarization rotating element (e.g., a half-wave plate), thereby transforming it to p-polarized light. A reflecting element directs the transformed polarized light (now p-polarized) along the second path toward the polarization switch. The first and second light paths are ultimately directed toward a projection screen to collectively form a brighter screen image in cinematic applications utilizing polarized light for three-dimensional viewing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: ReaID, Inc.Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
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Publication number: 20110205495Abstract: Three dimensional projection systems may be single projector or multiple projector systems. These 3D projection systems may include a polarization conversion system (PCS). The PCS may be designed for relatively small throw ratios and thus, may be designed to accommodate the small throw ratios. The PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a first optical stack, a reflector and a second quarter wave retarder. The first optical stack may include a rotator, a polarizer, a polarization switch and a first quarter wave retarder. The PCS may receive light from a projector and the PBS may direct the light toward the first optical stack. The light may be converted to a different polarization state as it passes through the first optical stack. The converted light may then be re-directed by a reflecting element to the second quarter wave retarder. The second quarter wave retarder may convert linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: REALD INC.Inventors: David A. Coleman, Miller H. Schuck, Gary D. Sharp, Scott E. Gilman
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Publication number: 20110176114Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to a stereoscopic projection system and methods. An exemplary disclosed projection system includes an optical component disposed between the lenses of a lens arrangement. An exemplary lens arrangement includes a first power group, a second power group, and an aperture stop. In an embodiment, the optical component is disposed between the first power group and the aperture stop. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical component is proximate to the aperture stop. By disposing the optical component closer to or proximate to the aperture stop in the lens arrangement, various benefits may be realized, including improved contrast uniformity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: RealD Inc.Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, III, Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
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Patent number: 7982954Abstract: Disclosed herein are light collectors for use in projection applications. The light collectors gather light from surface emitting sources (e.g., LEDs) of differing color (or same color in some embodiments) using input lightpipes. A light collection system splits the light into orthogonal linear polarization states and efficiently propagates the light by use of a polarizing beamsplitter (PBS) and a reflecting element. Further, the light collection system may efficiently homogenize the light using an output lightpipe in a lightpath from the output of the PBS and the reflecting element. In addition, the light collection system may present a single, linear polarization at the output through the use of a half-wave switch (LC cell) in some embodiments or ColorSelect filter in other embodiments. The light collection system may be integrated into a single, monolithic glass, plastic or combination glass/plastic assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson
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Patent number: 7905602Abstract: A polarization conversion system (PCS) is located in the output light path of a projector. The PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a polarization rotating element, a reflecting element, and a polarization switch. Typically, a projector outputs randomly-polarized light. This light is input to the PCS, in which the PCS separates p-polarized light and s-polarized light at the polarizing beam splitter. P-polarized light is directed toward the polarization switch on a first path. The s-polarized light is passed on a second path through the polarization rotating element (e.g., a half-wave plate), thereby transforming it to p-polarized light. A reflecting element directs the transformed polarized light (now p-polarized) along the second path toward the polarization switch. The first and second light paths are ultimately directed toward a projection screen to collectively form a brighter screen image in cinematic applications utilizing polarized light for three-dimensional viewing.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: RealD Inc.Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
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Publication number: 20100328561Abstract: Projection systems and methods for providing stereoscopic images viewed through passive polarizing eyewear. The systems relate to projectors that create left and right eye images simultaneously and often as side-by-side images on the image modulator. The systems act to superimpose the spatially separated images on a projection screen with alternate polarization states. The embodiments are best suited to liquid crystal polarization based projection systems and use advanced polarization control.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: REALD INC.Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Douglas J. McKnight, Gary D. Sharp
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Publication number: 20100141856Abstract: Proposed are various embodiments of projection systems that generally provide stereoscopic images. The projection systems act to split a spatially separated image in a stereoscopic image frame and superimpose the left- and right-eye images on a projection screen with orthogonal polarization states. The embodiments are generally well suited to liquid crystal polarization based projection systems and may use advanced polarization control.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: REAL DInventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Douglas J. McKnight, Gary D. Sharp
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Patent number: 7542206Abstract: Disclosed herein are light collectors for use in projection applications. The light collectors gather light from surface emitting sources (e.g., LEDs) of differing color (or same color in some embodiments) using input lightpipes. A light collection system splits the light into orthogonal linear polarization states and efficiently propagates the light by using polarizing beamsplitters (PBSs) and a reflecting element to recycle light at a port of the PBS. Further, the light collection system may efficiently homogenize the light using an output lightpipe in a lightpath from the outputs of the PBSs. In addition, the light collection system may present a single, linear polarization at the output through the use of a half-wave switch (LC cell) in some embodiments or ColorSelect filter in other embodiments. The light collection system may be integrated into a single, monolithic glass, plastic or combination glass/plastic assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Real DInventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson
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Publication number: 20090128780Abstract: A polarization conversion system separates light from an unpolarized image source into a first state of polarization (SOP) and an orthogonal second SOP, and directs the polarized light on first and second light paths. The SOP of light on only one of the light paths is transformed to an orthogonal state such that both light paths have the same SOP. A polarization modulator temporally modulates the light on the first and second light paths to first and second output states of polarization. First and second projection lenses direct light on the first and second light paths toward a projection screen to form substantially overlapping polarization encoded images. The polarization modulator may be located before or after the projection lenses. The polarization-encoded images may be viewed using eyewear with appropriate polarization filters.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: REAL DInventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
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Publication number: 20080225236Abstract: A polarization conversion system (PCS) is located in the output light path of a projector. The PCS may include a polarizing beam splitter, a polarization rotating element, a reflecting element, and a polarization switch. Typically, a projector outputs randomly-polarized light. This light is input to the PCS, in which the PCS separates p-polarized light and s-polarized light at the polarizing beam splitter. P-polarized light is directed toward the polarization switch on a first path. The s-polarized light is passed on a second path through the polarization rotating element (e.g., a half-wave plate), thereby transforming it to p-polarized light. A reflecting element directs the transformed polarized light (now p-polarized) along the second path toward the polarization switch. The first and second light paths are ultimately directed toward a projection screen to collectively form a brighter screen image in cinematic applications utilizing polarized light for three-dimensional viewing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: COLORLINK, INC.Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson, Gary D. Sharp
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Publication number: 20080174868Abstract: Disclosed herein are light collectors for use in projection applications. The light collectors gather light from surface emitting sources (e.g., LEDs) of differing color (or same color in some embodiments) using input lightpipes. A light collection system splits the light into orthogonal linear polarization states and efficiently propagates the light by use of a polarizing beamsplitter (PBS) and a reflecting element. Further, the light collection system may efficiently homogenize the light using an output lightpipe in a lightpath from the output of the PBS and the reflecting element. In addition, the light collection system may present a single, linear polarization at the output through the use of a half-wave switch (LC cell) in some embodiments or ColorSelect filter in other embodiments. The light collection system may be integrated into a single, monolithic glass, plastic or combination glass/plastic assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: COLORLINK, INC.Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson
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Publication number: 20080018861Abstract: Disclosed herein are light collectors for use in projection applications. The light collectors gather light from surface emitting sources (e.g., LEDs) of differing color (or same color in some embodiments) using input lightpipes. A light collection system splits the light into orthogonal linear polarization states and efficiently propagates the light by use of a polarizing beamsplitter (PBS) and a reflecting element to recycle light at a port of the PBS. Further, the light collection system may efficiently homogenize the light using an output lightpipe in a lightpath from the output of the PBS. In addition, the light collection system may present a single, linear polarization at the output through the use of a half-wave switch (LC cell) in some embodiments or ColorSelect filter in other embodiments. The light collection system may be integrated into a single, monolithic glass, plastic or combination glass/plastic assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: COLORLINK, INC.Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson