Lanny S Smoot

US Patent:

7273280, Sep 25, 2007

Filed:

Oct 4, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/243625

Inventors:

Lanny Smoot - Thousand Oaks CA, US
Alfredo Medina Ayala - West Covina CA, US
William Joseph McArdle - Burbank CA, US
Arthur Jun Tanaka - Los Angeles CA, US
Don Kravitz - Los Angeles CA, US
James Stephen Frankenberger - Simi Valley CA, US
Deborah Susan Kurth - Los Angeles CA, US
Kenneth L. Knowles - Malibu CA, US

Assignee:

Disney Enterprises, Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

G03B 21/14

US Classification:

353 30, 353 94, 353 29

Abstract:

A method and system of selectively projecting images is disclosed. An illuminated area is created on a projection surface by directing a light source to the projection surface. The illuminated area is detected with a camera. Electrical signals are transmitted from the camera to the projector, the electrical signals being indicative of the position of the illuminated area in relation to the projection surface. Based on the received electrical signals, an image and a second image are projected on the projection surface. The image is projected on the illuminated area of the projection surface. The second image is projected on an area of the projection surface that is not illuminated by the light source. Applications of this method and system include the projection of background and foreground images creating the illusion of an x-ray beam, the projection of a normal image and an overblown image creating the illusion of a magnifying light beam.

US Patent:

7740359, Jun 22, 2010

Filed:

Aug 13, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/837990

Inventors:

Gary W. Schnuckle - Altadena CA, US
Lanny S. Smoot - Thousand Oaks CA, US

Assignee:

Disney Enterprises, Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

G03B 21/14

US Classification:

353 79, 353 7, 353 9, 353 10, 353121, 353122, 359446, 359475, 359476, 359477, 359462, 472 60, 472119

Abstract:

An apparatus for displaying images from a video projector. The apparatus includes a virtual projector screen assembly with an elongate screen element, such as a rod, that is mounted at one end to a base. The base is adapted for pivoting about its axis, arid a driver mechanism pivots the, base at high frequencies. During operation, the screen element oscillates between two edge positions with images projected from the projector being displayed on a side of the screen element facing or proximate to the projector. The two edge positions can be thought of as intersecting at the base and define a sweep angle (e. g. , the angular difference between the two outer travel points of the screen element that is typically less than about 90 degrees). The driver may include a motor with an oscillating output shaft that pivots the base such as with a belt attached to the base.

US Patent:

7775883, Aug 17, 2010

Filed:

Nov 5, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/703052

Inventors:

Lanny Starkes Smoot - Thousand Oaks CA, US
William Joseph McArdle - Burbank CA, US

Assignee:

Disney Enterprises, Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

A63F 9/24
A63F 13/00
G06F 17/00
G06F 19/00

US Classification:

463 36, 463 30, 463 31, 463 34

Abstract:

A surface-based interactive environment that utilizes low cost equipment to create a highly interactive environment for participants. The game can include electronic versions of traditional games, such as air hockey, football, soccer, and the like. The game can also include one or more electronically generated characters with whom the participants can interact. The system utilizes a high-mounted projector to create the game environment and/or generate the characters. A remotely mounted infrared light source and infrared camera are used to detect the participants as they move around within the interaction area of the game.

US Patent:

7940370, May 10, 2011

Filed:

Sep 2, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/202667

Inventors:

David F. Barnett - Simi Valley CA, US
Lanny S. Smoot - Thousand Oaks CA, US
Todd P. Camill - Sherman Oaks CA, US

Assignee:

Disney Enterprises, Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

G03B 25/00

US Classification:

352 87, 352101, 352102

Abstract:

A 3D zoetrope that allows for storytelling and user interaction. The zoetrope includes an object support such as a disk that supports a plurality of objects. In one embodiment, the object support mechanism rotates the plurality of objects at a predetermined speed. The objects are illuminated and obscured by an illumination source in such manner as to make the objects appear to be animated in an interactive manner based on user input such as voice input. For example, the zoetrope may include an input interface for receiving external signals that may affect the operation of the animation sequence. The external signals may include audio, video, digital, or analog signals.

US Patent:

7940371, May 10, 2011

Filed:

Apr 21, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/764186

Inventors:

David F. Barnett - Simi Valley CA, US
Lanny S. Smoot - Thousand Oaks CA, US
Todd P. Camill - Sherman Oaks CA, US

Assignee:

Disney Enterprises, Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

G03B 25/00

US Classification:

352101, 352 87, 359 15

Abstract:

A zoetrope configured for user interaction. The zoetrope includes an object support that pivotally supports a holographic disc or other projection element containing a plurality of images. A positioning mechanism rotates the holographic disc at a predetermined speed or positions the projection element in numerous positions. The disc or projection element is illuminated by an illumination source in such a manner as to selectively make the images contained therein be projected in a sequence that provides a projected object that may be animated in an interactive manner based on user input such as voice input. The zoetrope may read out holographic images in response to a user's voice input to project a 3D object that appears to be speaking the words or song input by the user such as by illuminating the disc once per revolution in a particular angular orientation associated with a desired one of the holographic images.

US Patent:

7982450, Jul 19, 2011

Filed:

Feb 13, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/371385

Inventors:

Lanny S Smoot - Thousand Oaks CA, US

International Classification:

G01R 31/08
G01R 27/26

US Classification:

324 67, 324519, 324658, 324686

Abstract:

A handheld device providing an internal view through an obscuring wall or other obscuring surfaces of hidden structural or facilities elements (such as wooden studs, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC), or the absence thereof. A continuous and homogeneous luminescent gas or other visual display material whose optical characteristics change as a result of the applied electric field is used both to simultaneously detect capacitance changes associated with hidden objects and to display those detected those objects. Different types of chambers are disclosed for the gas as well as means to prevent fringing effects. The gas is held just at its ionization level at which point it becomes optically visible. Circuitry is disclosed for controlling the energy source based on current draw or light output of the gas and feedback circuitry is disclosed to neutralize the effects of ambient light. Also disclosed is a device and method for the detection and mapping of electric fields.

US Patent:

8022941, Sep 20, 2011

Filed:

Oct 12, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/549096

Inventors:

Lanny Starkes Smoot - Thousand Oaks CA, US

Assignee:

Disney Enterprises, Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

G06F 3/042
G06F 3/041

US Classification:

345175, 345173, 178 1801, 178 1809

Abstract:

A multi-user touch-responsive viewing screen is described which uses frustrated total internal reflection in a slab of transparent material to illuminate the contact point between the slab and a finger or other object substantially matching the slab's index of refraction. Light, coupled upon touch, can be detected with a video camera, and used to determine both the position and pressure of the touch. Multiple touches can be accommodated and each touch accurately located. Projected images can be applied to the slab and a diffuser to construct an interactive touch screen.

US Patent:

8139197, Mar 20, 2012

Filed:

May 10, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/104812

Inventors:

David F. Barnett - Simi Valley CA, US
Lanny S. Smoot - Thousand Oaks CA, US
Todd P. Camill - Sherman Oaks CA, US

Assignee:

Disney Enterprises, Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

G03B 25/00

US Classification:

352101, 352 87, 359 15

Abstract:

A zoetrope configured for user interaction. The zoetrope includes an object support that pivotally supports a holographic disc or other projection element containing a plurality of images. A positioning mechanism rotates the holographic disc at a predetermined speed or positions the projection element in numerous positions. The disc or projection element is illuminated by an illumination source in such a manner as to selectively make the images contained therein be projected in a sequence that provides a projected object that may be animated in an interactive manner based on user input such as voice input. The zoetrope may read out holographic images in response to a user's voice input to project a 3D object that appears to be speaking the words or song input by the user such as by illuminating the disc once per revolution in a particular angular orientation associated with a desired one of the holographic images.