MICROVISION, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150237316 | Multi-Segment Brightness Compensation - A scanning projector includes a brightness compensation component. The brightness compensation component modifies pixel brightness as a function of instantaneous scan phase of a sinusoidally scanning mirror. The brightness compensation component uses different brightness compensation functions based on whether the instantaneous scan phase is above or below a threshold. The threshold may correspond to a knee of a maximum laser power limit curve. | 08-20-2015 |
20150116672 | Scanning Laser Proximity Detection - A scanning laser projector detects obstructions in a projector field of view using a proximity detector that detects infrared light at a photodetector. The photodetector is tested with an additional infrared light source. The additional infrared light source may also be used as proximity detector that can detect a local obstruction blocking the photodetector. | 04-30-2015 |
20140327835 | High Efficiency Laser Modulation - A scanning laser projector drives laser light sources with waveforms for higher efficiency. Optical light power values for pixels are mapped to amplitude/duration pairs. Laser diodes are driven with electrical currents having the amplitude for time period specified by the duration. For increasing optical light power values, amplitude values are increased, and then durations are increased. | 11-06-2014 |
20140320829 | Multiple Laser Drive Method, Apparatus and System - A scanning projector includes a scanning mirror that sweep a beam in two dimensions. The beam is created by multiple laser light sources, at least two of which create light at substantially the same wavelength. A first of the two light sources is driven up to a transition point past which both of the two light sources are driven (equally or unequally). | 10-30-2014 |
20140313558 | MEMS Device with Asymmetric Flexures - A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device includes a scanning platform suspended from a fixed platform by two flexures that form a pivot axis. The two flexures may be symmetric or asymmetric about a centerline of the scanning platform. At least one flexure includes two segments that are not parallel to each other. A second flexure may include two segments with one segment being wider than the other. Flexure design reduces effects of mounting and thermal stresses when the MEMS device is mounted as part of an assembly. | 10-23-2014 |
20140313557 | MEMS Device with Multi-Segment Flexures - A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device includes a scanning platform suspended from a fixed platform by two flexures that form a pivot axis. The two flexures may be symmetric or asymmetric about a centerline of the scanning platform. At least one flexure includes two segments that are not parallel to each other. A second flexure may include two segments with one segment being wider than the other. Flexure design reduces effects of mounting and thermal stresses when the MEMS device is mounted as part of an assembly. | 10-23-2014 |
20140232699 | Interactive Projection System with Actuated Stylus - An actuated stylus conditionally occludes or exposes a reflector. The actuation mechanism may be mechanical, electrical, or a combination. When the reflector is occluded and the stylus is in the field of view of an interactive projection, no light is reflected back to the projection system. When the reflector is exposed, light is reflected back to the projection system. The reflector may be exposed in a time coded sequence to encode information such as a stylus ID and user action. | 08-21-2014 |
20140198368 | High Gain Display Screen with Rotated Microlens Array - A transparent screen includes a microlens array. The microlens array includes microlenses that are individually rotated to reflect a projected image to a common eyebox. The microlenses may have a dichroic coating to reflect narrowband light. An automotive windshield may include an embedded microlens array as part of a head up display. Eyewear includes an eyepiece with a rotated microlens array and a projector to project content on the microlens array. | 07-17-2014 |
20140118704 | Mobile Device, Case and Attachment with Retractable Optic - A retractable optic conditionally redirects an image from a scanning laser projector. The retractable optic may be coupled to a mobile device, a mobile device case, or may be part of an attachment. The retractable optic includes a reflective surface that has a free-form shape defined by a polynomial that is a function of two independent, transverse coordinate variables. | 05-01-2014 |
20140104501 | Scanned Beam Intensity Modulation Using Amplitude and Drive Duty Cycle - A scanning laser projector includes a scanning mirror that moves in a sinusoidal motion on at least one axis. Pixels are displayed by modulating a laser beam that is reflected by the scanning mirror. Pixels are generated using light pulses of different duty cycles based on the position and/or angular velocity of the laser beam. | 04-17-2014 |
20140085610 | Virtual Segmentation of Interactive Scanning Laser Projector Display - Regions are defined in projected content to create a virtually segmented display. When reflections are received from objects within a defined region, the reflections are recognized and passed to a user interface circuit. When reflections are received from objects outside a defined region, the reflections are gated and not recognized. | 03-27-2014 |
20140036374 | Bifocal Head-up Display System - A bifocal head-up display system includes a projector, at least one projection surface in an intermediate image plane, and relay optics to direct a display image to a reflector in a vehicle operator's field of view. The display image includes two image portions focused at different distances from the vehicle operator. A first image portion focused at a first distance may include information related to vehicle operation, and a second image portion focused at a second distance may include to information related to extra-vehicular objects. | 02-06-2014 |
20130301097 | Scanned Image Projection System Employing Intermediate Image Plane - In imaging system ( | 11-14-2013 |
20130301014 | Wide Field of View Substrate Guided Relay - A substrate guided relay includes multiple output couplers and multiple light valves positioned between the substrate and the output couplers. The number of light valves may be equal to the number of output couplers, or may be more or less than the number of output couplers. The light valves may be enabled sequentially, or may be enabled based on the position of a user's eye. The light valves may include liquid crystal material. | 11-14-2013 |
20130300999 | Scanned Image Projection System Employing Intermediate Image Plane - In imaging system ( | 11-14-2013 |
20130293591 | Projector with Shutter - A projection apparatus includes a shutter mechanism to prevent light from reaching an image plane during calibration of light sources. The shutter mechanism may include liquid crystal material that exhibits an effective index of refraction that varies with applied voltage. During calibration, a light beam is shuttered, light sources are driven by calibration data, and optical power is measured. | 11-07-2013 |
20130235441 | Nanoscale Integrated Beam Scanner - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a beam scanner may comprise a nanophotonics chip to provide a scanned output beam. The nanophotonics chip comprises a substrate, a grating in-coupler formed in the substrate to couple a beam from a light source into the substrate, a modulator to modulate the beam, and a photonic crystal (PC) superprism to provide a scanned output beam that is scanned in response to the modulated beam. | 09-12-2013 |
20130194555 | Piezoelectric Actuated Device, Method and System - A piezoelectric actuated device includes one or more areas of piezoelectric material coupled to a substrate. The piezoelectric material may be placed on regions of the substrate that exhibit the greatest curvature and stress when the device is vibrating according to a desired structural Eigenmode of vibration. The piezoelectric material may have a non-uniform density. | 08-01-2013 |
20130142383 | Scanned Image Projection System with Gesture Control Input - An imaging system ( | 06-06-2013 |
20130120819 | Scanning Projector with Non-Rectangular Display - A scanning beam projection system includes a scanning mirror having a fast-scan axis and a slow-scan axis. Movement on the fast-scan axis is controlled by a fast-scan scanning mirror control system. The control system receives position information describing angular displacement of the mirror. A fast-scan drive signal is generated that causes the scanning mirror to oscillate at a resonant frequency with a varying amplitude. | 05-16-2013 |
20130120428 | Mobile Projector with Position Dependent Display - A projection apparatus memorizes settings as a function of location, orientation, elevation, or any combination. The projection apparatus recalls the settings when the location, orientation, elevation, or combination of the projection apparatus matches memorized values. Memorized settings may include projector settings, image source settings, audio output settings, audio source settings, and the like. | 05-16-2013 |
20130107000 | Scanning Laser Time of Flight 3D Imaging | 05-02-2013 |
20130100075 | Multipoint Source Detection in a Scanned Beam Display - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, an image or projection cone is projected onto a projection surface via a raster scan to generate the image, or in a light cone. Movements of two or more input sources with respect to projection cone are detected, and a determination is made whether the input sources have crossed a crossover line in the projection cone. If the input sources have moved greater than a threshold amount after crossing the crossover line, position data between the input sources may be exchanged to reflect proper position data for the input sources. | 04-25-2013 |
20130050156 | Sinusoidal Laser Scanner with Optical Filter - A scanning projector includes an optical filter. The optical filter exhibits a variable attenuation as a function of position. The scanning projector may scan sinusoidally in at least one dimension. The variable attenuation of the optical filter compensates for brightness variations due to sinusoidal scanning. | 02-28-2013 |
20130038837 | Mixed Polarization Imaging System for Three-Dimensional Projection and Corresponding Methods - An imaging system ( | 02-14-2013 |
20130033732 | Rotating MEMS Scanner - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a rotating scanning platform comprises a rotating body and two or more suspension flexures to support the rotating body at a first end of respective suspension flexures, wherein the suspension flexures have a length that is greater than a radius of the rotating body, and the suspension flexures are disposed at an offset from a center of rotation of the rotating body. The suspension flexures are fixed, respectively, to a substrate at a second end at a location that is closer to the center of rotation than to the first end of a respective suspension flexure to allow the rotating body to rotate about the center of rotation with generally linear rotation in response to a drive signal. | 02-07-2013 |
20130016321 | Active Polarization Switch for Speckle Reduction in Laser Projection SourcesAANM Duelli; MarkusAACI SeattleAAST WAAACO USAAGP Duelli; Markus Seattle WA USAANM Freeman; Mark O.AACI SnohomishAAST WAAACO USAAGP Freeman; Mark O. Snohomish WA USAANM DeJong; Christian DeanAACI SammamishAAST WAAACO USAAGP DeJong; Christian Dean Sammamish WA USAANM Lescure; Alban N.AACI Les MureauxAACO FRAAGP Lescure; Alban N. Les Mureaux FR - A laser-based imaging system ( | 01-17-2013 |
20130003026 | Scanning Laser Projector with Safety System - A scanning projector includes a MEMS device with a scanning mirror that sweeps a light beam in two dimensions. A laser limit comparison circuit determines a metric from measured peak scan angles and measured light output. The metric is compared to a threshold and a light source is shut down when the metric exceeds the threshold. | 01-03-2013 |
20130003021 | Beam Combiner for Scanned Beam Display or the Like - A beam combiner has a first coating on a first side capable of imparting a first polarization rotation, and a second coating on a second side capable of imparting a second polarization rotation. A first beam impinging on the first side passes through the first and second coatings as a first beam component. Second and third beams impinging on the second side partially reflect off the second coating as a second beam component, and partially transmit through the second coating to reflect off the first coating and exit through the second coating as a third beam component. The first, second and third beam components are disposed at selected positions and have respective selected polarizations as a combined beam spot. The positions and polarization of the beams components result in a projected image having increased allowable brightness and/or having reduced speckle. | 01-03-2013 |
20120281721 | Substrate Guided Relay with Image Compensation - A display system includes a substrate guided relay and a scanning projector. The scanning projector exhibits a brightness variation on a resonant scanning axis, and the substrate guided relay exhibits a brightness variation along a length of an output coupler. The scanning projector includes a brightness compensation circuit to compensate for both the brightness variation caused by the resonant scanning and the brightness variation along the length of the output coupler. | 11-08-2012 |
20120281024 | Scanning Projection Apparatus with Tangential Compensation - A scanning projector includes a scanning mirror that sweep a beam in two dimensions. Tangential distortion in a fast-scan dimension is compensated by incorporating a tangent function when determining the light beam location and interpolating pixel data. Tangential distortion in a slow-scan dimension is compensated by driving the scanning mirror nonlinearly in the slow scan dimension such that the light beam sweeps across the display surface at a constant rate. | 11-08-2012 |
20120280972 | Dual Laser Drive Method, Apparatus, and System - A scanning projector includes a scanning mirror that sweep a beam in two dimensions. The beam is created by multiple laser light sources, at least two of which create light at substantially the same wavelength. The two light sources at the same wavelength may be driven at different times, or may be driven simultaneously (equally or unequally). | 11-08-2012 |
20120268839 | Magnetically Actuated System - A magnetically actuated system includes a conductor and a magnetic field apparatus to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field apparatus includes magnets and magnetically permeable materials to focus the magnetic field in areas of the conductor that produce a drive torque when the conductor carries a current. | 10-25-2012 |
20120262680 | Free Form Optical Redirection Apparatus and Devices Using Same - A projection system ( | 10-18-2012 |
20120257282 | Optical Wedge Redirection Apparatus and Optical Devices Using Same - An exit pupil expander ( | 10-11-2012 |
20120188148 | Head Mounted Meta-Display System - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, to implement a meta-display in a head or body worn display system, a display having a first field of view is stored in a memory, and a portion of the first field of view is displayed in a second field of view wherein the first field of view is larger than the second field of view. A position of a user's body is detected with a body sensor and a position of the user's head is detected with a head sensor. The portion of the first field of view displayed in the second field of view is based on a position of the user's head with respect to the user's body. | 07-26-2012 |
20120182303 | Substrate Guided Relay Having an Absorbing Edge to Reduce Alignment Constraints - Briefly, in accordance with one more embodiments, a substrate guided relay comprises a slab guide having an absorbing edge at a first end of the slab guide. An input coupler is disposed on a surface of the slab guide at an angle with respect to a first edge of the slab guide. An output coupler is disposed on the surface at a second end of the slab guide. Light rays that enter the slab guide toward the first end are absorbed by the absorbing edge, and light rays that enter the slab guide toward the output coupler exit the slab guide via the output coupler. The absorbing edge on the first edge of the slab guide allows the input coupler to be placed on the slab guide without regard to alignment of the input coupler with the first end of the slab guide. | 07-19-2012 |
20120176682 | Substrate Guided Relay Having A Homogenizing Layer - Briefly, in accordance with one more embodiments, a substrate guided relay for a photonics module includes a slab guide having a first end and a second end, and a first surface and a second surface. An input coupler disposed at the first end of the slab guide at an interface between the input coupler and the slab guide receives an input beam and feeds the input beam into the slab guide which generates multiple copies of the input beam. An output coupler disposed on the first surface of the slab guide causes the multiple copies of the input beam to exit the slab guide via the output coupler as an output. A homogenizer disposed on the second surface of the slab guide reflects at least some of the multiple copies of the input beam to increase uniformity of the output. | 07-12-2012 |
20120176549 | Closed Loop Laser Control - The radiance of a laser is a function of drive current. The radiance is also a function of other factors, such as age and temperature. A laser projection device adjusts laser drive parameters using a gradient descent operation. The device parameters may be adjusted iteratively and periodically. The period may be shorter or longer than a scan line in a video image. | 07-12-2012 |
20120146751 | Magnetically Actuated System - A magnetically actuated system includes a conductor and a magnetic field apparatus to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field apparatus includes magnets and magnetically permeable materials to focus the magnetic field in areas of the conductor that produce a drive torque when the conductor carries a current. | 06-14-2012 |
20120092741 | Two-Mirror Scanning System - A scanning beam projection system includes a two-mirror scanning system. One mirror scans in one direction, and a second mirror scans in a second direction. A fast scan mirror receives a modulated light beam from a fold mirror and directs the modulated light beam to a slow can mirror. The fold mirror may be formed on an output optic or may be formed on a common substrate with the slow scan mirror. | 04-19-2012 |
20120092738 | Scanning Platform Having Asymmetric Flexures - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanning platform to scan a beam as a projected image comprises a frame and a scanning mirror supported by a flexure coupled to the frame of the scanning platform. The flexure has an asymmetric structure comprising a longer flexure arm and a shorter flexure arm to locate the scanning mirror at a position offset from a center of the frame. The resonant frequency of oscillation of the scanning mirror may be maintained or otherwise determined by selecting an appropriate cross-sectional area of the longer flexure arm or the shorter flexure arm, or combinations thereof. | 04-19-2012 |
20120086915 | Image Projection Apparatus Tiling System and Method - In one tiling system described below, a first portable projection device ( | 04-12-2012 |
20120075686 | Beam Profile Control in a Scanned Beam Display - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a display projector may comprise a light source to generate a beam to be scanned, a scanning platform to scan the beam in a selected pattern to project an image on a projection surface, and a collection lens and microlens array to shape the beam to a desired beam profile without significantly increasing spot size of the beam with increasing distance from the projection surface. | 03-29-2012 |
20120069415 | Scanning Projector with Dynamic Scan Angle - A scanning projector includes a MEMS device with a scanning mirror that sweeps a beam in two dimensions. Actuating circuits receive scan angle information and provide signal stimulus to the MEMS device to control the amount of mirror deflection on two axes. The period of movement on one or both axes may be modified to effect changes in line density in a resultant display. | 03-22-2012 |
20120069245 | Video System Sampling Phase Determination - A phase for an analog-to-digital converter sampling clock is determined. The analog-to-digital converter samples a video signal to generate pixel values. Differences of successive pixel values are compared to a threshold. The number of times the threshold is exceeded is counted for multiple phase values to create a phase profile. The threshold may be dynamic. | 03-22-2012 |
20120062971 | Tuned Support Structures for Electrostatic Comb Drive Scanner - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, an electric comb drive scanner comprises a scanning body comprising a mirror supported by one or more flexures along a first axis and one or more support structures coupled to the one or more flexures. One or more drive combs are disposed on the one or more support structures, wherein the drive combs cause the mirror to rotate about the first axis in response to a drive signal applied to the drive combs. The one or more support structures are tuned to reduce non-uniformity of warping of the support structures to reduce variation in disengagement of the drive combs along a length of the drive combs. | 03-15-2012 |
20120032875 | Scanned Image Projection System Employing Beam Folding Apparatus - An imaging system ( | 02-09-2012 |
20120019923 | Variable Reflectivity Notch Filter and Optical Devices Using Same - A variable reflectivity notch filter ( | 01-26-2012 |
20120013855 | Laser Scanning Imaging System with Reduced Speckle - An imaging system ( | 01-19-2012 |
20120013852 | Alternating Beam Laser Imaging System with Reduced Speckle - An imaging system ( | 01-19-2012 |
20120001834 | Scanned Beam Display Having a Redirected Exit Cone - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanned beam display, comprises a light source to generate a beam to be scanned and a scanning platform to scan the beam into an exit cone. The scanning platform receives the beam at a selected feed angle, and the scanning platform has a surface structure to redirect the exit cone at an exit angle that is less than the feed angle. | 01-05-2012 |
20110286068 | Static Stray Light Removal for MEMS Feed Optics in a Scanned Beam Display - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanned beam display comprises a light source to generate a light beam and a scanning platform to receive the light beam and to scan the light beam as a projected image. The scanned beam display further comprises first and second optics, wherein the first optic directs the light beam onto the scanning platform to be reflected through the second optic as the projected image. A reflective surface disposed on at least one of the first optic or the second optic reflect stray light away from the projected image. | 11-24-2011 |
20110249197 | Wavelength Combining Apparatus, System and Method - A wavelength combining apparatus includes first and second optical devices. The first optical device collects and collimates or focuses light from multiple laser light sources. The second optical device includes multiple nonparallel dichroic surfaces to combine light received from the first optical device. | 10-13-2011 |
20110249020 | Scanning Projector with Vertical Interpolation onto Horizontal Trajectory - A scanning projector includes a scanning mirror that sweep a beam in two dimensions. Source image data is interpolated vertically, and the results are stored in a frame buffer. Each row of the frame buffer holds vertically interpolated pixel data that lies on a trajectory corresponding to a horizontal sweep of the beam. Pixel data in each row is then interpolated to determine display pixel data. At least one light source is driven with the display pixel data to produce the beam that is reflected by the scanning mirror. | 10-13-2011 |
20110234919 | Integrated Photonics Module and Devices Using Integrated Photonics Modules - An integrated photonics module may include a selective fold mirror configured to pass at least a portion of emitted light toward the MEMS scanner and reflect scanned light through to a field of view. The selective fold mirror may use beam polarization to select beam passing and reflection. The integrated photonics module may include a beam rotator such as a quarter-wave plate to convert the polarization of the emitted light to a different polarization adapted for passage through the fold mirror. The integrated photonics module may include one or more light detectors. | 09-29-2011 |
20110228175 | Projection System and Corresponding Method - An image projection system ( | 09-22-2011 |
20110205612 | Magnetically Actuated System - A magnetically actuated system includes a conductor and a magnetic field apparatus to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field apparatus includes magnets and magnetically permeable materials to focus the magnetic field in areas of the conductor that produce a drive torque when the conductor carries a current. | 08-25-2011 |
20110205504 | Laser Display System with Optical Feedback Configured to Reduce Speckle Artifacts - An imaging system ( | 08-25-2011 |
20110205498 | Laser Projection White Balance Tracking - The radiance of a laser diode is a function of laser diode drive current. The radiance is also a function of other factors, such as age and temperature. A laser projection device includes laser diodes to generate light in response to a commanded radiance, and also includes photodetectors to provide a measured radiance. The commanded radiance and measured radiance are compared, and drive currents for the laser diodes are adjusted to provide luminance and color balance tracking. | 08-25-2011 |
20110199284 | Piezoresistive Sensors for MEMS Device Having Rejection of Undesired Motion - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a piezoresistive stress sensor comprises a plurality of piezoresistive elements coupled in a bridge circuit disposed on, near, or contiguous to a flexure to detect torsional flexing about an axis of the flexure. The bridge circuit has at least two nodes disposed along the axis of the flexure and at least two nodes disposed off the axis of the flexure to maximize, or nearly maximize, an output of the bridge circuit in response to the torsional flexing of the flexure. A torsional flexing component of the output signal of the bridge circuit is relatively increased with respect to a component of the output signal generated by non-torsional stress of the flexure, or a component of the output signal generated by non-torsional stress of the flexure is reduced with respect to the torsional flexing component of the output signal, or combinations thereof. | 08-18-2011 |
20110194083 | Magnetically Actuated System - A magnetically actuated system includes a conductor and a magnetic field apparatus to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field apparatus includes magnets and magnetically permeable materials to focus the magnetic field in areas of the conductor that produce a drive torque when the conductor carries a current. | 08-11-2011 |
20110181791 | Method and Apparatus for Laser Diode Compensation - The luminance of a laser diode is a function of laser diode drive current. The luminance is also a function of other factors, such as age and temperature. A laser projection device includes laser diodes to generate light in response to a commanded luminance, and also includes photodiodes to provide a measured luminance. The commanded luminance and measured luminance are compared, and drive currents for the laser diodes are adjusted to compensate for changes in laser diode characteristics. | 07-28-2011 |
20110181574 | Controlled Light Source Startup in a Display - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a display is powered on to display a projected image, and the operation of one or more display elements are ramped up until a stabilized state is reached. During said ramping up, a light source of the display is powered display at less than full power until the stabilized state is reached. While the light source is operating at less than full power, a splash screen may be displayed. After the stabilized state is reached, the light source can then be operated at or near full power. By providing a light output that is less than full power during ramp up, the display does not need to wait until the stabilized state is reached before the light source is powered on. As a result, the projector provides an output earlier in time to cue to the user that the projector is operating. | 07-28-2011 |
20110181553 | Interactive Projection with Gesture Recognition - An apparatus determines a cursor position in an illumination field of a projector. An obstruction is detected in the illumination field. The cursor position is determined as the point on the obstruction furthest from where the obstruction crosses a border of the illumination field. A distance to the point on the obstruction is determined and compared to a distance to a point not on the obstruction. Gestures are recognized as a function of movement of the obstruction and the determined distances. | 07-28-2011 |
20110176068 | Closed Loop Feedback for Electronic Beam Alignment - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a closed loop feedback system for electronic beam alignment in a scanned beam display comprises a light source to emit one or more light beams, a controller to provide a control signal to drive the light source, a scanning platform to receive the one or more light beams and scan the light beams in a scanning pattern to project an image, and an alignment detector to provide a feedback signal indicative of beam position information of the light beams in the far field to the controller. An optic may be disposed in the beam path to magnify and/or to transform beam position information into the far field for the one or more alignment detectors. The controller adjusts the control signal in response to the feedback signal received from the alignment detector to maintain alignment of the light beams in a far field. | 07-21-2011 |
20110164225 | Arrangement for and method of projecting an image with linear scan lines - A lightweight, compact image projection module, especially for mounting in a housing having a light-transmissive window, is operative for sweeping a composite laser beam as a pattern of linear scan lines on a planar projection surface and for causing selected pixels arranged along each linear scan line to be illuminated to produce an image of high quality and in color. | 07-07-2011 |
20110164191 | Interactive Projection Method, Apparatus and System - An apparatus determines a cursor position in an illumination field of a projector. An obstruction is detected in the illumination field. The cursor position is determined as the point on the obstruction furthest from where the obstruction crosses a border of the illumination field. | 07-07-2011 |
20110149380 | Electro-Optical Deflection/Modulation - An optical deflector includes multiple voltage-dependent refractive boundaries. Light passes through the refractive boundaries and accumulates a deflection angle. An electrode placed to apply a voltage to the boundaries may be non-uniform to modulate a wavefront as it passes. A scanning laser projector includes the optical deflector to modulate laser light. | 06-23-2011 |
20110149251 | Diffractive Optical Element Having Periodically Repeating Phase Mask and System for Reducing Perceived Speckle - A optical apparatus ( | 06-23-2011 |
20110116169 | Dichroic Filter Laser Beam Combining - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a dichroic optic having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, wherein the second side has an optical filter, wherein each of a light beam having a first wavelength, a second wavelength and a third wavelength enter, exit or reflect from the dichroic optic only from at least one of the first or second sides, wherein prior to incidence on the dichroic optic each of the light beams having the first, second and third wavelengths are non-collinear with each other, wherein the light beam having the first wavelength and the light beam having the second wavelength are substantially collinear within the dichroic optic, wherein the optical filter has a response capable of transmitting at least one of the light beam having the first wavelength and the light beam having the second wavelength, while reflecting the light beam having the third wavelength, and wherein the light beam having the first wavelength, the second wavelength, and the third wavelength are combined in a substantially collinear manner. | 05-19-2011 |
20110111849 | Spatially Aware Mobile Projection - A spatially aware apparatus includes a projector. Projected display contents can change based on the position, motion, or orientation of the apparatus. The apparatus may include gyroscope(s), accelerometer(s), global positioning system (GPS) receiver(s), radio receiver(s), or any other devices or interfaces that detect, or provide information relating to, motion, orientation, or position of the apparatus. | 05-12-2011 |
20110109884 | Post-Scan Distortion Adjustment Optics for Infinite Focus Projector System - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanned beam display may utilize one or more post-scan optics while at least partially maintaining an infinite focus, or nearly infinite focus, property of the display. The display may comprise a light source to generate a light beam, a scanning platform to generate a raster scan from the light beam projected as a projected image, one or more post-scan optics to at least partially adjust the projected image, and one or more collimating optics to focus the light beam from the light source, the one or more collimating optics having a selected focal length to at least partially provide infinite, or nearly infinite focus, of the projected image at or beyond a selected distance. | 05-12-2011 |
20110102763 | Three Dimensional Imaging Device, System and Method - A 3D imaging system projects a light spot on an object and images the light spot with a 2D image sensor. The position of the light spot within the field of view of the 2D image sensor is used to determine the distance to the object. | 05-05-2011 |
20110090467 | Image Projection Arrangement with Divergent Light Beams - A lightweight, compact image projection module has a laser package having a common exit port, and a plurality of lasers mounted in the package and operative for emitting a plurality of laser beams of different wavelengths through the common exit port. An optical assembly focuses the laser beams exiting the common exit port, and includes a common focusing lens through which the laser beams pass along respective paths that are in angular misalignment. An optical corrector element in at least one of the paths corrects the misalignment to produce aligned beams. A scanner sweeps the aligned beams in a pattern of scan lines, each scan line having a number of pixels. A controller causes selected pixels to be illuminated, and rendered visible, by the aligned beams to produce the image. | 04-21-2011 |
20110081945 | High Efficiency Laser Drive Apparatus - A laser drive apparatus includes a plurality of transistors coupled to different power supply voltages. A control circuit selects one of the plurality of transistors to drive a light source. The control circuit also determines a pulse width to drive the selected transistor. A calibration feedback circuit may be used to calibrate power supplies that provide the different power supply voltages. A dither circuit may be used to reduce the number of bits received by the control circuit. | 04-07-2011 |
20110080533 | Dithering Laser Drive Apparatus - A laser drive apparatus includes a plurality of transistors driven by different comparators. The different comparators receive an analog drive value and different ramp signals and produce pulse width modulated output signals. A calibration feedback circuit may be used to calibrate a power supply that provides a power supply voltage. A dither circuit may be used to reduce the number of bits received by the laser drive apparatus. | 04-07-2011 |
20110069084 | IMAGE GENERATION WITH INTERPOLATION OF PIXELS ON A GRID TO PIXELS ON A SCAN TRAJECTORY - An image generation apparatus provides interpolation and distortion correction. The interpolation and distortion correction may be provided in one or two dimensions. Nonlinear image scan trajectories, such as sinusoidal and bi-sinusoidal trajectories are accommodated. Horizontal and vertical scan positions are determined using a linear pixel clock, and displayed pixel intensities are determined using interpolation techniques. | 03-24-2011 |
20110063574 | Three-Dimensional Display Using an Invisible Wavelength Light Source - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a full color image and an invisible wavelength monochrome image are projected onto a display screen via a scanning platform of a scanned beam display. The monochrome image is re-radiated from a Photoluminescent material of the display screen as a visible wavelength monochrome image. The overall image may be viewed by a viewer as a three-dimensional image by providing the monochrome image to a first eye of the user without the full color image, and providing the full color image to a second eye of the user without the monochrome image. | 03-17-2011 |
20110063527 | Arrangement for and Method of Projecting A Color Image By Switching Scan Directions In Alternate Frames - A lightweight, compact image projection module, especially for mounting in a housing having a light-transmissive window, is operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern of scan lines to be illuminated to produce an image of high resolution in color. The direction of scanning of the scan lines is switched between alternate frames, and the resulting image is the superposition of successive frames integrated for viewing by the human eye. | 03-17-2011 |
20110058108 | Scanned Beam Display with Parallelogram Distortion Correction - A scanning assembly ( | 03-10-2011 |
20110058045 | Scanning Mirror Position Determination - A scanning projector includes a mirror that scans in two dimensions, at least one of which is sinusoidal. A position sensor provides a position signal that represents an angular displacement of the mirror. The position signal is amplified by an amplifier with time variant characteristics. A beam position determination component compensates for the time variant characteristics of the amplifier. | 03-10-2011 |
20110026549 | Electromagnetic Scanner Having Variable Coil Width - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanner for a scanned beam display may comprise a scanning platform having a mirror disposed thereon to reflect a beam of light impinging on the mirror, a drive coil disposed on the scanning platform to scan the reflected beam of light in response to a drive current applied to the drive coil. The drive coil has coil winding segments having a narrower width in one or more regions of the drive coil, and has coil winding segments having a greater width in one or more other regions of the drive coil to provide a the drive coil with a reduced electrical resistance. | 02-03-2011 |
20110025983 | Integrated Photonics Module and Devices Using Integrated Photonics Modules - An integrated photonics module includes at least one light source and a MEMS scanner coupled to and held in alignment by an optical frame configured for mounting to a host system. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module may include a plurality of light sources and a beam combiner coupled to the optical frame. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module includes a selective fold mirror configured to direct at least a portion of emitted light toward the MEMS scanner in a normal direction and pass scanned light through to a field of view. The selective fold mirror may use beam polarization to select beam passing and reflection. The integrated photonics module may include a beam rotator such as a quarter-wave plate to convert the polarization of the emitted light to a different polarization adapted for passage through the fold mirror. The integrated photonics module may include one or more light detectors. | 02-03-2011 |
20110025930 | Integrated Photonics Module and Devices Using Integrated Photonics Modules - An integrated photonics module includes at least one light source and a MEMS scanner coupled to and held in alignment by an optical frame configured for mounting to a host system. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module may include a plurality of light sources and a beam combiner coupled to the optical frame. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module includes a selective fold mirror configured to direct at least a portion of emitted light toward the MEMS scanner in a normal direction and pass scanned light through to a field of view. The selective fold mirror may use beam polarization to select beam passing and reflection. The integrated photonics module may include a beam rotator such as a quarter-wave plate to convert the polarization of the emitted light to a different polarization adapted for passage through the fold mirror. The integrated photonics module may include one or more light detectors. | 02-03-2011 |
20110018986 | Integrated Photonics Module and Devices Using Integrated Photonics Modules - An integrated photonics module includes at least one light source and a MEMS scanner coupled to and held in alignment by an optical frame configured for mounting to a host system. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module may include a plurality of light sources and a beam combiner coupled to the optical frame. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module includes a selective fold mirror configured to direct at least a portion of emitted light toward the MEMS scanner in a normal direction and pass scanned light through to a field of view. The selective fold mirror may use beam polarization to select beam passing and reflection. The integrated photonics module may include a beam rotator such as a quarter-wave plate to convert the polarization of the emitted light to a different polarization adapted for passage through the fold mirror. The integrated photonics module may include one or more light detectors. | 01-27-2011 |
20110013097 | Correcting Scanned Projector Distortion By Varying the Scan Amplitude - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, scanned beam projector may comprise a light source, a scan drive and a scanning platform to project an image onto a projection surface. The scan drive circuit is capable of at least partially correcting distortion in the projected image by varying an amplitude of the scan drive signal to at least partially compensate for the distortion in the projected image. | 01-20-2011 |
20110001888 | Phased Locked Resonant Scanning Display Projection - A scanning projector includes a mirror that scans in two dimensions. The scanning mirror oscillates at a resonant frequency on a fast-scan axis, and is phase locked to an incoming frame rate on a slow-scan axis. An interpolation component interpolates pixel intensity data from adjacent pixels based on the position of the mirror when a pixel clock arrives. Incoming video data is stored in a buffer. Less than a complete frame of video data may be stored in the buffer. | 01-06-2011 |
20110001804 | Apparatus for Displaying 3D Images - A 3D visualization apparatus is described based on the method of generating different horizontal light emitting directions from different screen positions. This is achieved by way of an array of scanning light source modules placed behind the screen. The scanning modules can be implemented by using an array of ID or 2D scanning modules where each one is coupled with at least one light source. | 01-06-2011 |
20100315597 | Apparent Speckle Reduction Via Beam Offset Diversity in Pupil Space - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, beam position diversity or beam offset diversity in pupil space performs the complement to angular diversity by maintaining angular content of a beam while changing its position and/or polarization properties in pupil space over time. | 12-16-2010 |
20100315552 | Asynchronous Scanning Display Projection - A scanning projector includes a mirror that scans in two dimensions, at least one of which is sinusoidal. A digital phase lock loop locks to the sinusoidal movement of the mirror. A free-running pixel clock is provided. An interpolation component interpolates pixel intensity data from adjacent pixels based on the position of the mirror when a pixel clock arrives. | 12-16-2010 |
20100265467 | Laser Projection Source with Polarization Diversity Element for Speckle Reduction - An imaging system ( | 10-21-2010 |
20100265466 | Laser Projection Source with Birefringent Wedge for Speckle Reduction - An imaging system ( | 10-21-2010 |
20100265420 | Scanned Projection System Using Polymerized Liquid Crystal Layer for Speckle Reduction - An imaging system ( | 10-21-2010 |
20100259806 | Fatigue Resistant MEMS Apparatus and System - A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) includes a conductor with improved reliability. The conductor flexes with a moving member in the MEMS device, and the improved reliability is achieved through material selections that provides increased fatigue resistance, reduced crack propagation, and/or mechanisms for improved live at a given strain level. The conductor may include a single material, or may include layers of different materials. | 10-14-2010 |
20100245957 | Two-Mirror Scanning System - A scanning beam projection system includes a two-mirror scanning system. One mirror scans in one direction, and a second mirror scans in a second direction. A fast scan mirror receives a modulated light beam from a fold mirror and directs the modulated light beam to a slow can mirror. The fold mirror may be formed on an output optic or may be formed on a common substrate with the slow scan mirror. | 09-30-2010 |
20100232005 | Speckle Reduction in Display Systems Using Transverse Phase Modulation in A Non-Image Plane - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanned beam display comprises one or more light sources to generate one or more light beams, a scanner module to receive the one or more light beams to generate a displayed image via scanning of the light beams onto a projection surface, and a spatial phase modulator disposed between the light source and the scanner module to phase modulate the one or more light beams to provide speckle reduction in the display image projected onto the projection surface. | 09-16-2010 |
20100202034 | Substrate-Guided Display with Improved Image Quality - A display system includes and image-guiding substrate with input and/or output structures configured to improve image quality. | 08-12-2010 |
20100201953 | Substrate-Guided Display Having Polarization Selective Input Structure - A display system includes and image-guiding substrate with input and/or output structures configured to improve image quality. | 08-12-2010 |
20100156863 | Closed Loop Laser Control - The radiance of a laser is a function of drive current. The radiance is also a function of other factors, such as age and temperature. A laser projection device adjusts laser drive parameters using a gradient descent operation. The device parameters may be adjusted iteratively and periodically. The period may be shorter or longer than a scan line in a video image. | 06-24-2010 |
20100150190 | Laser Wavelength Control - The wavelength of light output from a semiconductor laser varies over time as various parameters vary. Current in a phase section of the semiconductor laser is modified to counteract the wavelength variations. The current in the phase section may be modified in response to video data on a pixel-by-pixel basis or longer. | 06-17-2010 |
20100142154 | Thermally Dissipative Enclosure Having Shock Absorbing Properties - A thermally dissipative housing ( | 06-10-2010 |
20100141366 | Magnetically Actuated System - A magnetically actuated system includes a conductor and a magnetic field apparatus to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field apparatus includes magnets and magnetically permeable materials to focus the magnetic field in areas of the conductor that produce a drive torque when the conductor carries a current. | 06-10-2010 |
20100118397 | Reduced Laser Speckle Projection Screen - A projection screen reduces laser speckle. Cells having non-zero volume are arranged on the projection screen so as to receive laser light. The cells are at least partially filled with a light scattering media. The laser light enters the cells and is spatially scattered. The light emerging from the cells includes many phase fronts with a more random polarization state. Speckle is reduced as a result. The cells are oriented to reduce lateral movement of light from one cell to another, thereby reducing blooming that would otherwise occur. | 05-13-2010 |
20100111472 | Substrate Guided Relay with Pupil Expanding Input Coupler - An optical substrate guided relay ( | 05-06-2010 |
20100097534 | Projection System Using High-Frequency Drive Modulation to Reduce Perceived Speckle - An image producing system ( | 04-22-2010 |
20100080253 | Laser Display System with Optical Feedback Configured to Reduce Speckle Artifacts - An imaging system ( | 04-01-2010 |
20100079861 | Exit Pupil Forming Scanned Beam Projection Display Having Higher Uniformity - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a display screen for a scanned beam display system comprises an exit pupil expander comprising a reflective layer to reflect an incoming beam from a scanned beam projector to an eyebox. Exit numerical aperture cones emanating from the exit pupil expander resulting from the reflected incoming beam are angularly redirected toward an eyebox disposed near an image plane to result in at least partially overlapping zeroth-order diffraction pattern from multiple spots on the exit pupil expander. | 04-01-2010 |
20100079836 | Scanning Mirror Control Having Least Mean Square Tone Adder - A scanning beam projection system includes a scanning mirror having a fast-scan axis and a slow-scan axis. Movement on the slow-scan axis is controlled by a slow-scan scanning mirror control system. The control system receives position information describing angular displacement of the mirror. An outer loop of the control system includes least mean square (LMS) tone adders that determine harmonically related signals that when combined produce a scanning mirror drive signal. An inner loop of the control system compensates for a scanning mirror resonant vibration mode at a frequency within the frequency band occupied by the harmonically related signals. | 04-01-2010 |
20100073748 | Scanning Mirror Control - A scanning beam projection system includes a scanning mirror having a fast-scan axis and a slow-scan axis. Movement on the slow-scan axis is controlled by a slow-scan scanning mirror control system. The control system receives position information describing angular displacement of the mirror. An outer loop of the control system operates in the frequency domain and determines harmonic drive coefficients for a scanning mirror drive signal. An inner loop of the control system operates in the time domain and compensates for a scanning mirror resonant vibration mode at a frequency within the frequency band occupied by the harmonic drive coefficients. | 03-25-2010 |
20100060863 | Distortion Altering Optics for MEMS Scanning Display Systems or the Like - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a wedge is disposed after the MEMS scanner in a MEMS scanning display system which redirects the scan cone at the same time stretches and/or squashes the image to reduce or eliminate distortion inherent in scanning projectors, the distortion being a result of a trajectory of the scanned beam caused by the off axis input beam and a transform from a scanning mirror to an image plane. | 03-11-2010 |
20100053758 | OPTICAL RELAY FOR COMPACT HEAD UP DISPLAY - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, an optical relay for a head up display, the optical relay comprises a glare trap having angularly selectivity by being capable of reflecting light having an angle of incidence greater than a first angle, and being capable of transmitting light having an angle of incidence less than a second angle, and a first optic arranged to receive light reflected off the glare trap at an angle of incidence greater than the first angle, and to direct light through the glare trap at an angle of incidence less than the second angle to exit the glare trap. | 03-04-2010 |
20100053753 | Optical Relay for Compact Head Up Display - An optical relay ( | 03-04-2010 |
20100053591 | Scanned Proximity Detection Method and Apparatus for a Scanned Image Projection System - A encoded image projection system ( | 03-04-2010 |
20100046075 | EMBEDDED RELAY LENS FOR HEAD-UP DISPLAYS OR THE LIKE - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, an optical relay comprises a partially-reflective-coated Fresnel lens or similar low-profile lens such as a diffractive lens or a holographic lens having a first index of refraction and a filler medium having a second index of refraction and being disposed adjacent to the Fresnel lens. The optical relay enables the optical power of the Fresnel or similar low-profile lens embedded within the two layers to influence a beam that is reflected from the optical relay while allowing transmitted light to experience little or no influence from the embedded lens. | 02-25-2010 |
20100026960 | Scanned Beam Overlay Projection - A scanning beam overlay projection system displays an image on a projection surface by scanning a light beam in a raster pattern. Reflective spots on the projection surface reflect light back to the projection system when illuminated by the light beam. A photodetector in the projection system detects the reflected light, and timing circuits determine where in the raster pattern the reflective spots are located. The image can be scaled and warped to correlate tagged points within the image with the locations of the reflective spots on the projection surface. | 02-04-2010 |
20100002991 | Substrate Guided Relay with Polarization Rotating Apparatus - A substrate guided relay ( | 01-07-2010 |
20090284816 | Induced Resonance Comb Drive Scanner - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a MEMS based scanning platform is arranged to have increased efficiency by driving a first frame of the scanning platform directly by applying a drive voltage to a set of comb fingers disposed on the first frame to cause the first frame to oscillate via torsional rotation of a first flexure and by driving a second frame of the scanning platform indirectly via mechanical coupling of the second frame with the first frame via a second flexure, wherein damping losses and work capacity are such that the operation of the scanning mirror is more efficient than if the set of comb fingers were disposed on the second frame and directly driven by the drive voltage. The scanning platform may comprise a 1D scanner, a 2D scanner, or a multiple-dimensional scanner. | 11-19-2009 |
20090284622 | Digital Photographing Apparatus Having a Laser Scanning Projector - In a portable housing, a digital photographing apparatus ( | 11-19-2009 |
20090274185 | Laser Drive Amplifier - A laser drive amplifier apparatus includes a device (e.g., Class A amplifier or digital-to-analog converter) driving a laser diode. A programmable switching power supply provides a power supply voltage for the device driving the laser diode. One or more voltages on the device are measured, and the power supply voltage is changed in response thereto. The power supply voltage may be updated for each video line, video frame, or zone in a video display. | 11-05-2009 |
20090251788 | Optical Device for Use with Scanned Beam Light Sources - Substrate-guided relays that employ light guiding substrates to relay images from sources to viewers in optical display systems. The substrate-guided relays are comprised of an input coupler, an intermediate substrate, and an output coupler. In some embodiments, the output coupler is formed in a separate substrate that is coupled to the intermediate substrate. The output coupler may be placed in front of or behind the intermediate substrate, and may employ two or more partially reflective surfaces to couple light from the coupler. In some embodiments, the input coupler is coupled to the intermediate substrate in a manner that the optical axis of the input coupler intersects the optical axis of the intermediate substrate at a non-perpendicular angle. | 10-08-2009 |
20090231719 | Eyebox Shaping Through Virtual Vignetting - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a compressed microlens array comprises an array of lenslets arranged in the array to have the lenslet centers spaced apart at a first distance in a first direction and to have the lenslet centers spaced apart at a second distance in a second direction such that the first direction is greater than the second direction. A raster scan of an image projected onto the array of lenslets results in the image being displayed in an eyebox having an aspect ratio having a length in the first direction being longer than a length in second direction via virtual vignetting of the diffraction patterns resulting from the raster scan. | 09-17-2009 |
20090219262 | Active Input Device for a Scanned Beam Display - An input device ( | 09-03-2009 |
20090213040 | Apparatus and Method for Interpolating the Intensities of Scanned Pixels from Source Pixels - A scan assembly of an image generator sweeps an image beam in a first dimension at a first rate and bi-directionally in a second dimension at a slower rate. Sweeping the beam bi-directionally in the vertical dimension (generally the dimension of the lower sweep rate) can reduce the scanning power by eliminating the flyback period, and, where the scan assembly includes a mechanical reflector, can reduce the error in the beam position without a feedback loop by reducing the number of harmonics in the vertical sweep function. Furthermore, because the image beam is “on” longer due to the elimination of the flyback period, the scanned image is often brighter for a given beam intensity. The scan assembly may also sweep the image beam non-linearly in the vertical dimension, and this sweep may be bi-directional or uni-directional. Sweeping the beam non-linearly can also reduce the error in the beam position by reducing the number of harmonics in the vertical sweep function. | 08-27-2009 |
20090212203 | System for Determining An Operational State of a MEMS Based Display - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, an operational state of a MEMS device of a scanner system may be determined. In the event it is determined that the MEMS device is possibly operating in an unsafe mode, the laser may be turned off and/or the MEMS device may be shut down. An operational state of the MEMS device may be determined for example by obtaining a MEMS drive voltage sense signal and/or a MEMS drive current sense signal, and a potentially unsafe mode of operation may be identified if one or more of such signals are not at proper values with respect to predetermined threshold values. | 08-27-2009 |
20090201589 | Wide Field of View Head-Up Display System - A projection system, such as a system suitable for head-up displays in automobiles, includes a laser projection source ( | 08-13-2009 |
20090195875 | Avoiding Interference Artifacts in a Head-Up Display or a Reflected See-Through Type Display - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a birefringent layer may be utilized in conjunction with a head-up display (HUD) for a vehicle or the like, for example where the birefringent layer is disposed in or on the windshield. The birefringent layer may impart a change in the polarization of light emerging from a projector of the head-up display in order to reduce or minimize interference between beams from the display and reflecting off of two or more surfaces that are combined at the viewer's eye, and/or to reduce or minimize the effect of polarizing sunglasses on the viewability of the image projected by the display. In one or more embodiments, the birefringent layer alters the polarization of the light reaching the viewer's eye if the user is wearing polarizing glasses or lenses so that less light from the display is blocked. | 08-06-2009 |
20090190098 | Scanned Beam Display Engine with Polarizing Beam Splitter - A scanned beam projection system includes a polarizing beam splitter, a polarization rotating component and a scanning mirror. Light is directed on a first light path to the polarizing beam splitter at a substantially constant angle of incidence. The P-polarized light passes through. The P-polarized light passes through the polarization rotating component, is reflected off the scanning mirror back through the polarization rotating component, and arrives at the polarizing beam splitter as S-polarized light with a non-constant angle of incidence. The S-polarized light is reflected by the polarizing beam splitter, and a scanned image results. | 07-30-2009 |
20090167726 | Input Device for a Scanned Beam Display - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, an input device may be utilized in conjunction with a scanned beam display or the like, or may be based on the scanning platform as used in a scanned beam display such as a MEMS based scanner. An input event such as illumination of a photodetector or reflection of a scanned beam off of a retroreflector may be correlated with a timing event of the scanning platform such as a refresh signal, or a horizontal and vertical sync signals. The correlation of the timing event may be representative of an X-Y location, and in some embodiments of a Z location, that may be utilized to provide input data back to a host device. | 07-02-2009 |
20090161707 | Method and Apparatus for Laser Diode Compensation - The luminance of a laser diode is a function of laser diode drive current. The luminance is also a function of other factors, such as age and temperature. A laser projection device includes laser diodes to generate light in response to a commanded luminance, and also includes photodiodes to provide a measured luminance. The commanded luminance and measured luminance are compared, and drive currents for the laser diodes are adjusted to compensate for changes in laser diode characteristics. | 06-25-2009 |
20090161191 | Scanned Beam Display Having High Uniformity and Diminished Coherent Artifacts - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, time averaged Moiré patterns may be utilized in a scanned beam display having a Gaussian beam profile or the like in order to tailor uniformity of the image by controlling both the near field and far field regions of the display to result in a stable and uniform scanned beam display image. Consideration is made regarding the light source parameters of focus numerical aperture, profile, shape, and/or wavelength to achieve higher uniformity and stability without resulting in significant visible coherent artifacts such as tiled intensity patterns and/or Moiré. | 06-25-2009 |
20090161181 | Method and apparatus for phase correction in a scanned beam imager - A method for detecting scanner phase error in a bidirectional scanned beam imager includes obtaining first and second images derived from respective first and second scan directions, comparing apparent image feature positions in the first and second images, and calculating a phase error corresponding to a difference between the apparent image feature positions. The comparison may include multiplying frequency domain transformations of the images. | 06-25-2009 |
20090160833 | Laser Projection White Balance Tracking - The radiance of a laser diode is a function of laser diode drive current. The radiance is also a function of other factors, such as age and temperature. A laser projection device includes laser diodes to generate light in response to a commanded radiance, and also includes photodetectors to provide a measured radiance. The commanded radiance and measured radiance are compared, and drive currents for the laser diodes are adjusted to provide luminance and color balance tracking. | 06-25-2009 |
20090153932 | MEMS devices and related scanned beam devices - Embodiments relate to a MEMS device including a scanner rotatable about at least one rotation axis, with the scanner having a characteristic resonant frequency. According to one embodiment, the MEMS device includes drive electronics operable to generate a drive signal that causes the scanner to oscillate at an operational frequency about the at least one rotation axis. The drive signal has a drive frequency selected to be about equal to the characteristic resonant frequency or a sub-harmonic frequency of the characteristic resonant frequency. According to another embodiment, the drive electronics are operable to generate a drive signal having a plurality of drive-signal pulses that moves the scanner at an operational frequency and sensing electronics are operable to sense a position of the scanner only when the drive-signal pulses of the drive signal are not being transmitted by the drive electronics. The MEMS device embodiments may be incorporated in scanned beam imagers, endoscopes, and displays. | 06-18-2009 |
20090147272 | PROXIMITY DETECTION FOR CONTROL OF AN IMAGING DEVICE - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a proximity detector is placed proximate to projector to detect an obstruction disposed proximate to the projector. The proximity detector is capable of estimating the distance from an object to the projector. If an object is detected within a minimum distance, the projector operation may be altered, for example to cause the projector to turn off, or to reduce the intensity of emitted light so that the power of the emitted light the minimum distance will be reduced to below a selected range. Furthermore, if an object cannot be detected within or near a maximum distance, the projector operation may likewise be altered, for example the proximity detector may cause the projector to turn off. | 06-11-2009 |
20090141244 | MEMS based projector having a prism - A MEMS-based projector may be included in various user devices. A selective fold mirror, a MEMS-based projector, and a polarization rotator may be oriented to reflect a beam within the device for external projection. Alternatively, a total internal reflection prism may take the place of a selective fold mirror or a polarization rotator and may reduce the number of necessary components in the user device. Various optical components may be placed in the MEMS-based projector and arranged in different positions to reflect a light beam in a desired direction for external projection. The components that make up the MEMS-based projector may depend on the available footprint in the device and the direction in which the light beam is to be projected. Some optical components may provide multiple functionalities which would otherwise require multiple components and may reduce the size of the projector. | 06-04-2009 |
20090134319 | Scanned Beam Display and Method of Operating - A MEMS oscillator, such as a MEMS scanner, has an improved and simplified drive scheme and structure. Drive impulses may be transmitted to an oscillating mass via torque through the support arms. For multi-axis oscillators drive signals for two or more axes may be superimposed by a driver circuit and transmitted to the MEMS oscillator. The oscillator responds in each axis according to its resonance frequency in that axis. The oscillator may be driven resonantly in some or all axes. Improved load distribution results in reduced deformation. A simplified structure offers multi-axis oscillation using a single moving body. Another structure directly drives a plurality of moving bodies. Another structure eliminates actuators from one or more moving bodies, those bodies being driven by their support arms. | 05-28-2009 |
20090128782 | MEMS Based Projector - A MEMS-based projector may be included in various user devices. A selective fold mirror, a MEMS-based projector, and a polarization rotator may be oriented to reflect a beam within the device for external projection. Alternatively, a total internal reflection prism may take the place of a selective fold mirror or a polarization rotator and may reduce the number of necessary components in the user device. Various optical components may be placed in the MEMS-based projector and arranged in different positions to reflect a light beam in a desired direction for external projection. The components that make up the MEMS-based projector may depend on the available footprint in the device and the direction in which the light beam is to be projected. Some optical components may provide multiple functionalities which would otherwise require multiple components and may reduce the size of the projector. | 05-21-2009 |
20090079941 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGE PROJECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An image projection system having an optical projector and a method for projecting an image. The image projection system enables viewing the images in three dimensions and securely viewing the images in a public forum. The image projection system may include a portable, handheld optical projector that is spaced apart from a display screen and that redirects an image signal to the display screen. The image signal is scattered by the display screen and transmitted to a viewer's eyes through a set of eyewear worn by the viewer. The display screen preserves the polarization state of the image signal. The portable handheld optical projector may be a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, a portable computer, or the like that includes one or more sets of light emission systems capable of projecting the image signal. The optical projector may be portable and handheld, or stationary or semi-stationary. | 03-26-2009 |
20090067057 | BURIED NUMERICAL APERTURE EXPANDER HAVING TRANSPARENT PROPERTIES - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a buried numerical aperture expander may be utilized to provide a head-up or virtual display at a larger field of view without requiring a larger amount of space, larger sized display, or larger sized optics. The buried numerical aperture expander is capable of selectively reflecting light emanating from a display such that the reflected light is expanded into a larger field of view, while simultaneously allowing other light to be transmitted through the buried numerical aperture expander without expansion so that the buried numerical aperture expander may be deployed in conjunction with a windshield or window without adversely affecting the ability to see through buried numerical aperture expander. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066916 | SCANNING LASER PROJECTOR WITH REDUCED LASER POWER INCIDENT ON THE RETINA - A scanning laser projector projects multiple laser beams. The multiple laser beams have angular offsets relative to each other to separate the spots created by the laser beams on a projection surface. The angular offsets are set based on the desired spacing between the spots. Parameters within a video processing path are set to allow different pixel data to be simultaneously processed for each of the projected laser beams. | 03-12-2009 |
20090051828 | ELECTRONIC ALIGNMENT OF PRIMARY COLOR PIXELS IN A SCANNED DISPLAY - An image generation apparatus provides correction for color offsets. Color offsets may be caused by misalignments in laser diodes or optics assemblies in a laser projector. The offsets may be measured during or after manufacture of the laser projector. An image buffer is responsive to the offset data to translate each color plane separately. The image buffer may include separately addressable portions for each color. Further, variable delay elements on the output of the image buffer may provide color offset correction. Interpolation provides further offset correction. | 02-26-2009 |
20090046140 | Mobile Virtual Reality Projector - A spatially aware apparatus includes a projector. Projected display contents can change based on the position, motion, or orientation of the apparatus. The apparatus may include gyroscope(s), accelerometer(s), global positioning system (GPS) receiver(s), radio receiver(s), or any other devices or interfaces that detect, or provide information relating to, motion, orientation, or position of the apparatus. | 02-19-2009 |
20090028199 | LASER PROJECTION TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION - The temperature of a laser diode changes in response to video content across a line of a displayed image, and the radiance changes as a function of temperature. An adaptive model estimates the temperature of the laser diode based on prior drive current values. For each displayed pixel, diode drive current is determined from the estimated diode temperature and a desired radiance value. A feedback circuit periodically measures the actual temperature and updates the adaptive model. | 01-29-2009 |
20090027748 | MEMS Oscillator Having A Combined Drive Coil - A MEMS oscillator, such as a MEMS scanner, has an improved and simplified drive scheme and structure. Drive impulses may be transmitted to an oscillating mass via torque through the support arms. For multi-axis oscillators drive signals for two or more axes may be superimposed by a driver circuit and transmitted to the MEMS oscillator. The oscillator responds in each axis according to its resonance frequency in that axis. The oscillator may be driven resonantly in some or all axes. Improved load distribution results in reduced deformation. A simplified structure offers multi-axis oscillation using a single moving body. Another structure directly drives a plurality of moving bodies. Another structure eliminates actuators from one or more moving bodies, those bodies being driven by their support arms. | 01-29-2009 |
20090015929 | SUBSTRATE-GUIDED RELAYS FOR USE WITH SCANNED BEAM LIGHT SOURCES - Substrate-guided relays that employ light guiding substrates to relay images from sources to viewers in optical display systems. The substrate-guided relays are comprised of an input coupler, an intermediate substrate, and an output coupler. In some embodiments, the output coupler is formed in a separate substrate that is coupled to the intermediate substrate. The output coupler may be placed in front of or behind the intermediate substrate, and may employ two or more partially reflective surfaces to couple light from the coupler. In some embodiments, the input coupler is coupled to the intermediate substrate in a manner that the optical axis of the input coupler intersects the optical axis of the intermediate substrate at a non-perpendicular angle. | 01-15-2009 |
20080297731 | APPARENT SPECKLE REDUCTION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEMS LASER PROJECTION SYSTEM - A laser projection system is disclosed having reduced apparent speckle. The system includes a laser emitting a first beam on an optical element. The optical element emits a second beam incident on a scanner that scans the beam onto a projection screen. The optical element may be an exit pupil expander, delay plate, or have a locally electrically modulated index of refraction. In other embodiments, the laser has a tunable wavelength distribution that is changed for each frame displayed by the projection system to reduce apparent speckle. In still other embodiments, the angular content of a beam incident on a scanner is modulated to produce a time varying speckle pattern. | 12-04-2008 |
20080237349 | Scanning Light Collection - A barcode scanner includes a scanning platform coupled to a fixed platform by flexible members. The scanning platform, fixed platform, and flexible members are made of a polymer such as is commonly used for printed circuit boards. The scanning platform has a laser light source, focusing lens, photodetector, and light collection optic mounted thereto. The polymer qualities and the moment of inertia of the scanning platform can be controlled to achieve a desired mechanical resonance. | 10-02-2008 |
20080230611 | Variable Laser Beam Focus - An imaging device includes a scanning platform coupled to a fixed platform by flexible members. The scanning platform, fixed platform, and flexible members are made of a polymer such as is commonly used for printed circuit boards. The scanning platform has a laser light source, focusing lens, variable focus mechanism, photodetector, and light collection optic mounted thereto. The variable focus mechanism can sweep the outgoing laser light focus to determine the reflection distance. A scan angle may be modified in response. 3D imaging may also be performed. | 09-25-2008 |
20080225366 | Distortion and Polarization Alteration in MEMS Based Projectors or the Like - Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a prism capable of being utilized in a scanned beam projector comprises a first window disposed on a first surface through which the beam is capable of passing to impinge upon a scan engine at an angle of incidence off axis from an axis normal to a plane of the scan engine, and a second window disposed on a second surface through which the beam is capable of passing. The first surface of the prism is disposed at a non-parallel angle with respect to the second surface to reduce distortion of the scan pattern or image from the scan engine. The prism may further comprise one or more internal surfaces capable of reflecting the beam onto the scan engine off axis, where such reflecting may impart a desired polarization state to the beam reflected onto the scan engine. | 09-18-2008 |
20080218822 | Scanned-Beam Heads-Up Display and Related Systems and Methods - A heads-up display that includes a scanner and a projection assembly. The scanner generates an image by sweeping a beam of electromagnetic energy, and the projection assembly directs the image into a predetermined viewing space having a region with a substantially uniform intensity profile. Such a heads-up display can often be made smaller than a conventional heads-up display, and can often generate an image having a higher quality than an image generated by a conventional display. Furthermore, one can often calibrate and recalibrate such a display without physically modifying or replacing a component of the display or of a vehicle incorporating the display. | 09-11-2008 |
20080212194 | Scanned-Beam Heads-Up Display and Related Systems and Methods - A heads-up display that includes a scanner and a projection assembly. The scanner generates an image by sweeping a beam of electromagnetic energy, and the projection assembly directs the image into a predetermined viewing space having a region with a substantially uniform intensity profile. Such a heads-up display can often be made smaller than a conventional heads-up display, and can often generate an image having a higher quality than an image generated by a conventional display. Furthermore, one can often calibrate and recalibrate such a display without physically modifying or replacing a component of the display or of a vehicle incorporating the display. | 09-04-2008 |