Patents by Inventor Neil Messmer

Neil Messmer 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: 9667910
    Abstract: Video equalization including performing equalization such that a sequence of images have dynamic range (optionally other characteristics) that is constant to a predetermined degree, where the input video includes high and standard dynamic range videos and images from both. Equalization is performed with a common anchor point (e.g., 20% gray level, or log mean of luminance) input video and the equalized video, and such that the images determined by the equalized video have at least substantially the same average luminance as images determined by the input video. Other aspects are systems (e.g., display systems and video delivery systems) configured to perform embodiments of the equalization method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Neil Messmer
  • Patent number: 9529684
    Abstract: Methods and systems for hardware implementation of uniform random shuffling are disclosed. According to one aspect, a system for hardware implementation of uniform random shuffling includes multiple pseudo-random bit sequence (PRBS) generators, where each PRBS generator provides a pseudo-random sequence of numbers S and the next value in its pseudo-random sequence in response to receiving an output request. The system also includes selection logic for creating a sequence of output values O by repetitively selecting one of the plurality of modules according to a random selection function and sending an output request to the selected module, wherein the sequence of values O created from the output of the randomly selected modules comprises a uniform, randomly shuffled sequence. The probability that a PRBS generator will be selected is weighted based on the number N of pseudo-random values that have not yet been output out of L possible values in the sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: IXIA
    Inventors: Sergiu Sincan, Neil Messmer
  • Publication number: 20160249009
    Abstract: Video equalization including performing equalization such that a sequence of images have dynamic range (optionally other characteristics) that is constant to a predetermined degree, where the input video includes high and standard dynamic range videos and images from both. Equalization is performed with a common anchor point (e.g., 20% gray level, or log mean of luminance) input video and the equalized video, and such that the images determined by the equalized video have at least substantially the same average luminance as images determined by the input video. Other aspects are systems (e.g., display systems and video delivery systems) configured to perform embodiments of the equalization method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Neil MESSMER
  • Patent number: 9338389
    Abstract: Video equalization including performing equalization such that a sequence of images have dynamic range (optionally other characteristics) that is constant to a predetermined degree, where the input video includes high and standard dynamic range videos and images from both. Equalization is performed with a common anchor point (e.g., 20% gray level, or log mean of luminance) input video and the equalized video, and such that the images determined by the equalized video have at least substantially the same average luminance as images determined by the input video. Other aspects are systems (e.g., display systems and video delivery systems) configured to perform embodiments of the equalization method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Neil Messmer
  • Patent number: 9299293
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for backlighting a dual modulation display device. Each type of light source comprises a multi-primary light source having two or more primary color light emitters having different primary color characteristics from corresponding primary color emitters of other types of light source. Methods may comprise receiving illumination target values for a plurality of locations on the front modulator corresponding to the plurality of light sources, each of the locations on the front modulator configured to be illuminated by two or more of the plurality of light sources, determining primary color drive values source based on the primary color characteristics for that primary color and the illumination target value for the location corresponding to that light source, and driving the primary color light emitters or each type of light source based on the primary color drive values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Dobly Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Chun Chi Thomas Wan, Giorgio Giaretta, Lewis Johnson, Ka Wing Terence Lau, Christopher Orlick, Neil Messmer
  • Patent number: 9189995
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing control values for a backlight and/or a display modulation layer of a display. A ramping pattern is determined based on the difference between new and old control values. A blanking pattern is determined based on the motion detected in frame regions. The ramping pattern or blanking pattern may take into consideration the display modulation layer response characteristics. The ramping pattern and/or blanking pattern is applied to control values for the backlight and/or display modulation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Neil Messmer
  • Publication number: 20150293826
    Abstract: Methods and systems for hardware implementation of uniform random shuffling are disclosed. According to one aspect, a system for hardware implementation of uniform random shuffling includes multiple pseudo-random bit sequence (PRBS) generators, where each PRBS generator provides a pseudo-random sequence of numbers S and the next value in its pseudo-random sequence in response to receiving an output request. The system also includes selection logic for creating a sequence of output values O by repetitively selecting one of the plurality of modules according to a random selection function and sending an output request to the selected module, wherein the sequence of values O created from the output of the randomly selected modules comprises a uniform, randomly shuffled sequence. The probability that a PRBS generator will be selected is weighted based on the number N of pseudo-random values that have not yet been output out of L possible values in the sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Sergiu Sincan, Neil Messmer
  • Patent number: 8994615
    Abstract: A method for driving a solid-state illumination source to emit light having a brightness determined by a control value involves selecting a control mode based at least in part on the control value. In one embodiment a constant current is supplied to the solid-state illumination source for control values in a low range, a frequency-modulated (FM) current is supplied to the solid-state illumination source for control values in a mid range and a pulse-with modulation (PWM) current is supplied to the solid-state illumination source for control values in an upper range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Messmer, Damir Wallener
  • Publication number: 20150042890
    Abstract: Video equalization including performing equalization such that a sequence of images have dynamic range (optionally other characteristics) that is constant to a predetermined degree, where the input video includes high and standard dynamic range videos and images from both. Equalization is performed with a common anchor point (e.g., 20% gray level, or log mean of luminance) input video and the equalized video, and such that the images determined by the equalized video have at least substantially the same average luminance as images determined by the input video. Other aspects are systems (e.g., display systems and video delivery systems) configured to perform embodiments of the equalization method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Neil Messmer
  • Patent number: 8890910
    Abstract: Methods for controlling light sources in displays in response to image data determine both a central tendency for brightness and an upper extreme for brightness of an area of an image. Brightness of a light source is controlled based upon both the central tendency and the upper extreme. Controllers in displays such as televisions, computer monitors, digital cinema and the like may control light source in a manner that reduces or avoids perceptible haloing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Neil Messmer
  • Publication number: 20140253609
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for backlighting a dual modulation display device. Each type of light source comprises a multi-primary light source having two or more primary color light emitters having different primary color characteristics from corresponding primary color emitters of other types of light source. Methods may comprise receiving illumination target values for a plurality of locations on the front modulator corresponding to the plurality of light sources, each of the locations on the front modulator configured to be illuminated by two or more of the plurality of light sources, determining primary color drive values source based on the primary color characteristics for that primary color and the illumination target value for the location corresponding to that light source, and driving the primary color light emitters or each type of light source based on the primary color drive values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chun Chi Thomas Wan, Giorgio Giaretta, Lewis Johnson, Ka Wing Terence Lau, Christopher Orlick, Neil Messmer
  • Patent number: 8289270
    Abstract: Luminosity of individual LED light sources is measured and a forward voltage control of each LED is set so that each LED has a pre-determined (e.g., uniform) luminosity at a same modulation level. The LEDs are then driven via a modulation technique such as PWM, PCM, polyphase, etc. according to lighting requirements. The LEDs are, for example, a backlight of a dual modulation HDR LCD display system, and the lighting requirements are local dimming signals for the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Damir Wallener, Neil Messmer
  • Publication number: 20120081387
    Abstract: Methods for controlling light sources in displays in response to image data determine both a central tendency for brightness and an upper extreme for brightness of an area of an image. Brightness of a light source is controlled based upon both the central tendency and the upper extreme. Controllers in displays such as televisions, computer monitors, digital cinema and the like may control light source in a manner that reduces or avoids perceptible haloing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Neil Messmer
  • Publication number: 20120075360
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing control values for a backlight and/or a display modulation layer of a display. A ramping pattern is determined based on the difference between new and old control values. A blanking pattern is determined based on the motion detected in frame regions. The ramping pattern or blanking pattern may take into consideration the display modulation layer response characteristics. The ramping pattern and/or blanking pattern is applied to control values for the backlight and/or display modulation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Neil Messmer
  • Publication number: 20090303161
    Abstract: A method for driving a solid-state illumination source to emit light having a brightness determined by a control value involves selecting a control mode based at least in part on the control value. In one embodiment a constant current is supplied to the solid-state illumination source for control values in a low range, a frequency-modulated (FM) current is supplied to the solid-state illumination source for control values in a mid range and a pulse-with modulation (PWM) current is supplied to the solid-state illumination source for control values in an upper range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Neil Messmer, Damir Wallener
  • Publication number: 20090284459
    Abstract: Luminosity of individual LED light sources is measured and a forward voltage control of each LED is set so that each LED has a pre-determined (e.g., uniform) luminosity at a same modulation level. The LEDs are then driven via a modulation technique such as PWM, PCM, polyphase, etc. according to lighting requirements. The LEDs are, for example, a backlight of a dual modulation HDR LCD display system, and the lighting requirements are local dimming signals for the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Damir Wallener, Neil Messmer