Patents by Inventor Thomas F. LaDuke
Thomas F. LaDuke 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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Patent number: 11314086Abstract: A display system for creating a multiplane display. The display system includes a viewing space for viewers. The display system includes a convex screen and a mirror element spaced apart from the convex screen to provide a collimated display. The mirror element is both reflective and transmissive of light, and a fraction of light from the convex screen that strikes a front concave surface of the mirror element is reflected into the viewing space. The convex screen and the front concave surface of the mirror element are each shaped to have an optical prescription defined for a collimated display whereby light reflected into the viewing space is collimated to provide variable depth imagery. The display system includes a background space behind the mirror element, and light from the background space from projection screens and illuminated objects is transmitted through the mirror element to viewers in the viewing space.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2020Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. LaDuke, Mark A. Reichow
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Patent number: 11022814Abstract: A system for projecting content, such as images, onto a moving object. The system includes a tracking module, a prediction module, a projection generation module, and a projector. In one example, the tracking module and the prediction module provide commentary data to the projection generation module, which uses the data to select or render content for projection on the object at a select location. The complementary data includes tracked position information and predicted position information.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Daniel M. Joseph, Dumene Comploi, Jessica A. Klouda, Thomas F. LaDuke, Edgar F. Mahnke, IV, Mark A. Reichow, Thomas T. Tait
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Patent number: 10942360Abstract: Display systems for achieving collimated projection effects. For example, in a theatrical or concert installation, display systems can be used to project images of scenery that appear to be vast and at a great distant behind the viewing window. The system may include a flat panel display, a corrective mirror, and a concave mirror positioned for viewing by an observer. The corrective mirror pre-warps an image generated by the flat panel display and reflects the undistorted image onto the concave mirror such that the observer perceives the image generated by the flat panel display as being at a large distance. The corrective mirror does not distort with changes in viewpoint. In another implementation, the system may include a short throw projector generating an image, a free-form projection screen, and a concave mirror positioned for viewing by many observers through a viewing window.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Reichow, Thomas F. Laduke, Quinn Y. Smithwick
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Publication number: 20200257117Abstract: A display system for creating a multiplane display. The display system includes a viewing space for viewers. The display system includes a convex screen and a mirror element spaced apart from the convex screen to provide a collimated display. The mirror element is both reflective and transmissive of light, and a fraction of light from the convex screen that strikes a front concave surface of the mirror element is reflected into the viewing space. The convex screen and the front concave surface of the mirror element are each shaped to have an optical prescription defined for a collimated display whereby light reflected into the viewing space is collimated to provide variable depth imagery. The display system includes a background space behind the mirror element, and light from the background space from projection screens and illuminated objects is transmitted through the mirror element to viewers in the viewing space.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Thomas F. LaDuke, Mark A. Reichow
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Patent number: 10663724Abstract: A display system for creating a multiplane display. The display system includes a viewing space for viewers. The display system includes a convex screen and a mirror element spaced apart from the convex screen to provide a collimated display. The mirror element is both reflective and transmissive of light, and a fraction of light from the convex screen that strikes a front concave surface of the mirror element is reflected into the viewing space. The convex screen and the front concave surface of the mirror element are each shaped to have an optical prescription defined for a collimated display whereby light reflected into the viewing space is collimated to provide variable depth imagery. The display system includes a background space behind the mirror element, and light from the background space from projection screens and illuminated objects is transmitted through the mirror element to viewers in the viewing space.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Laduke, Mark A. Reichow
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Publication number: 20200089015Abstract: Display systems for achieving collimated projection effects. For example, in a theatrical or concert installation, display systems can be used to project images of scenery that appear to be vast and at a great distant behind the viewing window. The system may include a flat panel display, a corrective mirror, and a concave mirror positioned for viewing by an observer. The corrective mirror pre-warps an image generated by the flat panel display and reflects the undistorted image onto the concave mirror such that the observer perceives the image generated by the flat panel display as being at a large distance. The corrective mirror does not distort with changes in viewpoint. In another implementation, the system may include a short throw projector generating an image, a free-form projection screen, and a concave mirror positioned for viewing by many observers through a viewing window.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Inventors: MARK A. REICHOW, THOMAS F. LADUKE, QUINN Y. SMITHWICK
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Publication number: 20190394546Abstract: An acoustical screen that can be utilized in a variety of applications including as part of a projection screen to cover and hide the presence of an audio speaker. The acoustical screen is formed using multiple hole sizes, e.g., three or more hole diameters or outer dimensions if not round. These differently-sized holes are placed in pseudo-random positions so that there is no perceivable repeating pattern of hole placement in the acoustical screen. By avoiding an ordered grid of holes of a single diameter as in prior speaker grills, the new acoustical screen disguises the visible reflection pattern through non-uniformity. It also provides an improved acoustic transmission surface that allows sound with a greater variety of wavelengths to pass while reflecting a less pronounced echo. The acoustical screen will be in demand for use in entertainment venues using projection systems with speakers positioned behind a front projected screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2018Publication date: December 26, 2019Inventors: STEVEN M. CHAPMAN, MASON DARYL LEV, BRYAN L. JOLLEY, JEFFREY A. DAVIS, THOMAS F. LADUKE
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Patent number: 10506315Abstract: An acoustical screen that can be utilized in a variety of applications including as part of a projection screen to cover and hide the presence of an audio speaker. The acoustical screen is formed using multiple hole sizes, e.g., three or more hole diameters or outer dimensions if not round. These differently-sized holes are placed in pseudo-random positions so that there is no perceivable repeating pattern of hole placement in the acoustical screen. By avoiding an ordered grid of holes of a single diameter as in prior speaker grills, the new acoustical screen disguises the visible reflection pattern through non-uniformity. It also provides an improved acoustic transmission surface that allows sound with a greater variety of wavelengths to pass while reflecting a less pronounced echo. The acoustical screen will be in demand for use in entertainment venues using projection systems with speakers positioned behind a front projected screen.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2018Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Steven M. Chapman, Mason Daryl Lev, Bryan L. Jolley, Jeffrey A. Davis, Thomas F. Laduke
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Publication number: 20190353917Abstract: A system for projecting content, such as images, onto a moving object. The system includes a tracking module, a prediction module, a projection generation module, and a projector. In one example, the tracking module and the prediction module provide commentary data to the projection generation module, which uses the data to select or render content for projection on the object at a select location. The complementary data includes tracked position information and predicted position information.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2018Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Daniel M. Joseph, Dumene Comploi, Jessica A. Klouda, Thomas F. LaDuke, Edgar F. Mahnke, IV, Mark A. Reichow, Thomas T. Tait
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Patent number: 10165239Abstract: A digital theatrical lighting fixture that can be used to provide a new lighting system with improved features and functionality. The digital theatrical lighting fixture integrates light production, light modulation, and a camera into a single device along with a control interface, integrated image processing capability such as for processing images captured by the camera, and communication capability, e.g., for communicating with a central controller and/or with other digital theatrical lighting fixtures. This highly integrated fixture uses the camera to monitor a lit scene, and its (or the central controller's) intelligence/software to dynamically adjust its output as well as to implement a show lighting script much like a projector. In a lighting system, the lighting fixtures described herein can communicate to each other and to a central controller (or control systems) such that lighting produced by the lighting system can be calibrated and coordinated in a comprehensive way.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: Thomas F. Laduke
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Publication number: 20180176521Abstract: A digital theatrical lighting fixture that can be used to provide a new lighting system with improved features and functionality. The digital theatrical lighting fixture integrates light production, light modulation, and a camera into a single device along with a control interface, integrated image processing capability such as for processing images captured by the camera, and communication capability, e.g., for communicating with a central controller and/or with other digital theatrical lighting fixtures. This highly integrated fixture uses the camera to monitor a lit scene, and its (or the central controller's) intelligence/software to dynamically adjust its output as well as to implement a show lighting script much like a projector. In a lighting system, the lighting fixtures described herein can communicate to each other and to a central controller (or control systems) such that lighting produced by the lighting system can be calibrated and coordinated in a comprehensive way.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventor: THOMAS F. LADUKE
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Patent number: 9956717Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for modifying an input image to map to a three dimensional shape prior to forming the three dimensional shape. The method includes receiving by a processor at least two pre-forming images of a locally unique non-repeating pattern printed on an input material. The at least two pre-forming images are captured prior to the input material being formed into the three dimensional shape. The method further includes receiving by the processor at least two post-forming images of the pattern printed on the input material, wherein the post-forming images are captured after the input material has been formed into the three dimensional shape and analyzing by the processor the at least pre-forming images and the at least two post-forming images to determine a translation table.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Anselm Grundhofer, Thomas F. LaDuke, David Robert Wyatt Rose, Henning Zimmer, Dumene Comploi
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Patent number: 9885947Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials and methods used to form a three dimensional (3D) article having a printed layer thereon. The 3D articles are capable of displaying rear projected images, effectively as a 3D “screen” for displaying an image or a movie. The 3D articles are used as standalone articles or as a portion of an animatronic figure. The articles are made by forming a substantially planar thermoformable laminate including a rear projection screen material, printing and curing a radiation curable ink onto one or both sides of the laminate, and thermoforming to impart a shape to the laminate.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Dolce Lin Wang, Thomas F. LaDuke
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Patent number: 9625732Abstract: An apparatus, such as a Pepper's ghost system, for displaying images. The apparatus includes a projection assembly projecting an image stream and a tensioning assembly supporting a reflective element such as a polyester film. The tensioning assembly includes first and second edge retention assemblies retaining, respectively, a first edge of the reflective element and a second edge of the reflective element opposite the first edge. The tensioning assembly includes a tension adjuster applying tensile forces at spaced apart locations along the first edge of the reflective element. The first edge of the reflective element is serrated such as with a plurality of spaced apart slots that may be shaped as a partial oval. The first edge retention assembly includes a pair of retention plates with the first edge sandwiched there between. The first edge retention assembly includes fasteners passing through slots to couple the first and second plates together.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Laduke, Mark A. Reichow, Mason Daryl Lev
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Patent number: 9526156Abstract: There is provided a system and method for controlling a tracking device to follow a location of a performer on a stage. The tracking device may comprise a lighting fixture such as a high output video projector or an automated mechanical moving light such as a DMX lighting fixture to provide a followspot, or a microphone to record audio from a particular performer. The method comprises capturing a video feed of the stage using a camera, presenting the video feed on a display of a control device, receiving input data indicating a position of the performer in the video feed, translating the input data into the location of the performer on the stage, and adjusting the tracking device to follow the location of the performer on the stage. The control device thereby provides lighting operators with an intuitive interface readily implemented using cost effective commodity hardware.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. LaDuke, Robert Scott Trowbridge
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Publication number: 20160161836Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials and methods used to form a three dimensional (3D) article having a printed layer thereon. The 3D articles are capable of displaying rear projected images, effectively as a 3D “screen” for displaying an image or a movie. The 3D articles are used as standalone articles or as a portion of an animatronic figure. The articles are made by forming a substantially planar thermoformable laminate including a rear projection screen material, printing and curing a radiation curable ink onto one or both sides of the laminate, and thermoforming to impart a shape to the laminate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2016Publication date: June 9, 2016Inventors: Dolce Lin Wang, Thomas F. LaDuke
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Patent number: 9289969Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials and methods used to form a three dimensional (3D) article having a printed layer thereon. The 3D articles are capable of displaying rear projected images, effectively as a 3D “screen” for displaying an image or a movie. The 3D articles are used as standalone articles or as a portion of an animatronic figure. The articles are made by forming a substantially planar thermoformable laminate including a rear projection screen material, printing and curing a radiation curable ink onto one or both sides of the laminate, and thermoforming to impart a shape to the laminate.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Dolce Lin Wang, Thomas F. LaDuke
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Publication number: 20150375493Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials and methods used to form a three dimensional (3D) article having a printed layer thereon. The 3D articles are capable of displaying rear projected images, effectively as a 3D “screen” for displaying an image or a movie. The 3D articles are used as standalone articles or as a portion of an animatronic figure. The articles are made by forming a substantially planar thermoformable laminate including a rear projection screen material, printing and curing a radiation curable ink onto one or both sides of the laminate, and thermoforming to impart a shape to the laminate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Dolce Lin Wang, Thomas F. LaDuke
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Publication number: 20150375445Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for modifying an input image to map to a three dimensional shape prior to forming the three dimensional shape. The method includes receiving by a processor at least two pre-forming images of a locally unique non-repeating pattern printed on an input material. The at least two pre-forming images are captured prior to the input material being formed into the three dimensional shape. The method further includes receiving by the processor at least two post-forming images of the pattern printed on the input material, wherein the post-forming images are captured after the input material has been formed into the three dimensional shape and analyzing by the processor the at least pre-forming images and the at least two post-forming images to determine a translation table.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Anselm Grundhofer, Thomas F. LaDuke, David Robert Wyatt Rose, Henning Zimmer, Dumene Comploi
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Patent number: 8899756Abstract: A projection system for projecting a still or video image onto a liquid surface. The system includes an agitation mechanism selectively operable to generate gas bubbles on the liquid surface. The system includes a tracking system tracking a location, size, and shape of the gas bubbles on the liquid surface. The system also includes a projector projecting a video stream onto the gas bubbles based on the location, shape, and size of the area of the liquid surface containing the gas bubbles. The tracking system may include an infrared (IR) light source delivering IR light to the liquid surface and an IR video camera receiving a portion of the delivered IR light that is reflected by the gas bubbles. The reflected IR light defines a dynamic projection surface presented by the gas bubbles on the liquid surface by defining a boundary on the liquid surface about the gas bubbles.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Thomas F. LaDuke