Indianapolis, IN, United States of America

Donald Henry Willis

This inventor holds 152 USPTO granted patents and 2 published patent applications, plus 5 CIPO patents and 10 EPO patents, primarily in Digital Video Processing (CPC class 315411). Top assignees: Rca Inc., Thomson Licensing, Thomson Licensing S.a.. Active years: 1976-2016.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Donald Henry Willis. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/donald-henry-willis

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

Calculating rank
USPTO Granted Patents = 152 

% Patents Active = 90.8

 

 

Average Co-Inventor Count = 1.4

ph-index = 19

Forward Citations = 1,580(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 1,520(Dec 10, 2025)


Inventors with similar research interests:


Location History:

  • Marion County, IN (US) (1985 - 1987)
  • Marion, IN (US) (2003)
  • Indianapolis, IN (US) (1976 - 2016)

Company Filing History:


Years Active: 1976-2016

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Areas of Expertise:
Pulse Width Modulation
Trick Modes
Digital Video
Video Processing
Sparkle Reduction
Interlaced Conversion
Frame Rate
DVD Navigation
Color Projection
MPEG De-Interlacing
User Interface
Recording Systems
152 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents

Title: Donald Henry Willis: Innovation and Patents Maestro

Introduction:

Donald Henry Willis, hailing from Indianapolis, IN, is a prolific inventor and patent holder with an impressive record of 150 patents under his belt. His ingenuity and contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of technology, particularly in the realm of pulse width modulated (PWM) displays and digital video processing systems. This article delves into Willis' latest patents, career highlights, collaborations, and the lasting impact of his innovations.

Latest Patents:

Willis's most recent patents highlight his expertise in improving display technology and video processing systems. One notable invention is the "System and Method for Dark Noise Reduction in Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) Displays." This patent introduces a system that effectively reduces dark noise in PWM displays, providing enhanced image quality and visual experience. By intelligently determining pixel values for dark portions of an image, Willis's invention contributes to a significant advancement in display technology.

Another remarkable patent of his is the "Digital Video Processing and Storage System for Video, Audio, and Ancillary Data." This invention tackles the challenges of handling and converting data between different formats for video processing. Notably, it focuses on generating and processing volume/file structures and navigation data, enabling seamless navigation through different images of one or more video programs. Willis's innovation paves the way for efficient data management and enhanced decoding capabilities.

Career Highlights:

Donald Henry Willis has made invaluable contributions during his tenure with prominent technology companies. He has shared his expertise in companies like Thomson Licensing, a well-known leader in multimedia technologies, and RCA Inc., an esteemed name in the electronics industry. Through his work, Willis has undoubtedly shaped the future of the technologies we rely on today.

Collaborations:

Throughout his career, Willis has collaborated with renowned individuals who share his passion for innovation and patents. Notable among his coworkers are Shu Lin and Mark Alan Schultz. Collaborating with visionaries such as Lin and Schultz has undoubtedly propelled Willis's groundbreaking ideas forward, fostering an environment of creativity and expertise.

Conclusion:

Donald Henry Willis's trailblazing spirit and vast knowledge in display technology and video processing systems have led to the creation of numerous patents that push the boundaries of technological advancement. His dedication to refining PWM displays, reducing dark noise, and enhancing navigation in video programs showcases his commitment to improving user experiences. Willis's collaborations within the industry further highlight his ability to work seamlessly with other talented individuals, resulting in even more significant innovations. As the realm of technology continues to evolve, Donald Henry Willis remains a true luminary, leaving an enduring legacy of patents and inventions that have shaped our modern world.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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