Patents by Inventor Mathew D. Watson
Mathew D. Watson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240146897Abstract: An eye tracking system includes a pair of glasses including two frames, a projector coupled to the pair of glasses and operable to project a beam of light, and an eyepiece mounted in one of the two frames and optically coupled to the projector. The eyepiece is operable to direct at least a portion of the beam of light towards an eye of a user. The eye tracking system also includes one or more optical sensors coupled to at least one of the two frames of the pair of glasses and operable to detect a set of reflected signals off the eye of the user, and a processor coupled to the projector and the one or more optical sensors, wherein the processor is operable to determine an eye orientation based on the set of reflected signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2023Publication date: May 2, 2024Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson, Samuel Scott Frank, Charles David Mellvile
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Patent number: 11935206Abstract: A virtual image generation system comprises a planar optical waveguide having opposing first and second faces, an in-coupling (IC) element configured for optically coupling a collimated light beam from an image projection assembly into the planar optical waveguide as an in-coupled light beam, a first orthogonal pupil expansion (OPE) element associated with the first face of the planar optical waveguide for splitting the in-coupled light beam into a first set of orthogonal light beamlets, a second orthogonal pupil expansion (OPE) element associated with the second face of the planar optical waveguide for splitting the in-coupled light beam into a second set of orthogonal light beamlets, and an exit pupil expansion (EPE) element associated with the planar optical waveguide for splitting the first and second sets of orthogonal light beamlets into an array of out-coupled light beamlets that exit the planar optical waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2023Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Magic Leap, IncInventors: Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson, David Tinch, Ivan Li Chuen Yeoh, John Graham Macnamara, Lionel Ernest Edwin, Michael Anthony Klug, William Hudson Welch
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Publication number: 20230393401Abstract: A method of operating an eyepiece waveguide includes directing light from a projector to impinge on an incoupling grating (ICG). The method also includes diffracting a first fraction of the light from the projector into a first portion of the eyepiece waveguide, propagating the first fraction of the light into a second portion of the eyepiece waveguide, and diffracting the first fraction of the light out of the eyepiece waveguide. The method further includes diffracting a second fraction of the light from the projector into the second portion of the eyepiece waveguide, propagating the second fraction of the light into the first portion of the eyepiece waveguide, and diffracting the second fraction out of the eyepiece waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson, Brandon Michael-James Born, Samarth Bhargava, Victor Kai Liu
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Patent number: 11838496Abstract: An eye tracking system includes a pair of glasses including two frames; a light scanning projector coupled to the pair of glasses and operable to scan a beam of light to project an image frame including a plurality of pixels; an eyepiece mounted in one of the two frames and optically coupled to the light scanning projector; one or more photodetectors coupled to one of the two frames and operable to detect time-varying reflected signals; and a processor coupled to the light scanning projector and the photodetectors. The eyepiece includes an exit pupil expander operable to direct a portion of the beam of light towards an eye of a user. Each of the time-varying reflected signals is associated with the plurality of pixels. The processor is operable to correlate the time-varying reflected signals with the plurality of pixels and determine a first eye orientation.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Brian T Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson, Samuel Scott Frank, Charles David Melville
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Publication number: 20230367387Abstract: A waveguide apparatus includes a planar waveguide and at least one optical diffraction element (DOE) that provides a plurality of optical paths between an exterior and interior of the planar waveguide. A phase profile of the DOE may combine a linear diffraction grating with a circular lens, to shape a wave front and produce beams with desired focus. Waveguide apparati may be assembled to create multiple focal planes. The DOE may have a low diffraction efficiency, and planar waveguides may be transparent when viewed normally, allowing passage of light from an ambient environment (e.g., real world) useful in AR systems. Light may be returned for temporally sequentially passes through the planar waveguide. The DOE(s) may be fixed or may have dynamically adjustable characteristics. An optical coupler system may couple images to the waveguide apparatus from a projector, for instance a biaxially scanning cantilevered optical fiber tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2023Publication date: November 16, 2023Applicant: MAGIC LEAP, INC.Inventors: Rony Abovitz, Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson
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Patent number: 11774765Abstract: A method of operating an eyepiece waveguide having a first region and a second region includes directing light from a first projector to impinge on a first incoupling grating (ICG) and light from a second projector to impinge on a second ICG. Light from the first projector is diffracted into a first portion and a second portion of the first region of the eyepiece waveguide and out of the eyepiece waveguide. Light from the second projector is diffracted into a first portion and a second portion of the second region of the eyepiece waveguide and out of the eyepiece waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson, Brandon Michael-James Born, Samarth Bhargava, Victor Kai Liu
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Publication number: 20230237749Abstract: A virtual image generation system comprises a planar optical waveguide having opposing first and second faces, an in-coupling (IC) element configured for optically coupling a collimated light beam from an image projection assembly into the planar optical waveguide as an in-coupled light beam, a first orthogonal pupil expansion (OPE) element associated with the first face of the planar optical waveguide for splitting the in-coupled light beam into a first set of orthogonal light beamlets, a second orthogonal pupil expansion (OPE) element associated with the second face of the planar optical waveguide for splitting the in-coupled light beam into a second set of orthogonal light beamlets, and an exit pupil expansion (EPE) element associated with the planar optical waveguide for splitting the first and second sets of orthogonal light beamlets into an array of out-coupled light beamlets that exit the planar optical waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. SCHOWENGERDT, Mathew D. WATSON, David TINCH, Ivan Li Chuen YEOH, John Graham MACNAMARA, Lionel Ernest EDWIN, Michael Anthony KLUG, William Hudson WELCH
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Patent number: 11656677Abstract: A waveguide apparatus includes a planar waveguide and at least one optical diffraction element (DOE) that provides a plurality of optical paths between an exterior and interior of the planar waveguide. A phase profile of the DOE may combine a linear diffraction grating with a circular lens, to shape a wave front and produce beams with desired focus. Waveguide apparati may be assembled to create multiple focal planes. The DOE may have a low diffraction efficiency, and planar waveguides may be transparent when viewed normally, allowing passage of light from an ambient environment (e.g., real world) useful in AR systems. Light may be returned for temporally sequentially passes through the planar waveguide. The DOE(s) may be fixed or may have dynamically adjustable characteristics. An optical coupler system may couple images to the waveguide apparatus from a projector, for instance a biaxially scanning cantilevered optical fiber tip.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Rony Abovitz, Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson
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Patent number: 11651566Abstract: A virtual image generation system comprises a planar optical waveguide having opposing first and second faces, an in-coupling (IC) element configured for optically coupling a collimated light beam from an image projection assembly into the planar optical waveguide as an in-coupled light beam, a first orthogonal pupil expansion (OPE) element associated with the first face of the planar optical waveguide for splitting the in-coupled light beam into a first set of orthogonal light beamlets, a second orthogonal pupil expansion (OPE) element associated with the second face of the planar optical waveguide for splitting the in-coupled light beam into a second set of orthogonal light beamlets, and an exit pupil expansion (EPE) element associated with the planar optical waveguide for splitting the first and second sets of orthogonal light beamlets into an array of out-coupled light beamlets that exit the planar optical waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson, David Tinch, Ivan Li Chuen Yeoh, John Graham Macnamara, Lionel Ernest Edwin, Michael Anthony Klug, William Hudson Welch
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Publication number: 20230096079Abstract: A method of operating an eyepiece waveguide having a first region and a second region includes directing light from a first projector to impinge on a first incoupling grating (ICG) and light from a second projector to impinge on a second ICG. Light from the first projector is diffracted into a first portion and a second portion of the first region of the eyepiece waveguide and out of the eyepiece waveguide. Light from the second projector is diffracted into a first portion and a second portion of the second region of the eyepiece waveguide and out of the eyepiece waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson, Brandon Michael-James Born, Samarth Bhargava, Victor Kai Liu
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Patent number: 11536972Abstract: An eyepiece waveguide for an augmented reality display system includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface and a diffractive input coupling element formed on or in the first surface or the second surface of the substrate. The diffractive input coupling element is configured to receive an input beam of light and to couple the input beam into the substrate as a guided beam. The eyepiece waveguide also includes a diffractive combined pupil expander-extractor (CPE) element formed on or in the first surface or the second surface of the substrate. The diffractive CPE element includes a first portion and a second portion divided by an axis. A first set of diffractive optical elements is disposed in the first portion and oriented at a positive angle with respect to the axis and a second set of diffractive optical elements is disposed in the second portion and oriented at a negative angle with respect to the axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2021Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson, Brandon Michael-James Born, Samarth Bhargava, Victor Kai Liu
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Patent number: 11487106Abstract: A method of fabricating a multi-element fiber scanner includes providing a fiber optic cable having a cladding region and a fiber core and focusing a laser beam at a series of predetermined locations inside the cladding region of the fiber optic cable. The method also includes creating a plurality of damage sites at the predetermined locations, exposing the fiber optic cable to an etchant solution, and preferentially etching the plurality of damage sites to form a base having a base plane and a longitudinal axis orthogonal to the base plane, a retention collar disposed a predetermined distance along the longitudinal axis from the base, a first fiber link including the fiber core, passing through the base plane, and joined to the retention collar, and a plurality of additional links joined to the base, extending from the base to the retention collar, and joined to the retention collar.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2021Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson, Charles David Melville, William Andrew Lee
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Patent number: 11460628Abstract: A waveguide display system may include an eyepiece waveguide that can have a first surface and a second surface, the waveguide including an incoupling diffractive optical element (DOE) and an outcoupling DOE. The waveguide display system may include a light source and a scanning mirror, and may include reflective and collimating optical elements. The incoupling DOE can be configured to selectively propagate incident light beams to the outcoupling DOE in the waveguide through total internal reflection (TIR).Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2021Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson, Steven Alexander-Boyd Hickman, Charles David Melville, Samuel Scott Frank
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Patent number: 11442227Abstract: A fiber optic element of a fiber scanning system includes a motion actuator having longitudinal side members, an internal orifice, a first support region, a central region, and a second support region. The fiber optic element also includes a first fiber optic cable passing through the internal orifice and having a first fiber joint as well as a second fiber optic cable passing through the internal orifice. The second fiber optic cable has a second fiber joint disposed in the central region and spliced to the first fiber joint, a second coupling region, a light delivery region, and a light emission tip. The light delivery region is characterized by a first diameter and the light emission tip is characterized by a second diameter less than the first diameter.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson, Charles David Melville
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Patent number: 11402636Abstract: A waveguide display disposed in glasses includes a first pupil expander assembly operable to project a first image defined by a first field of view, and a second pupil expander assembly disposed adjacent the first pupil expander assembly and operable to project a second image defined by a second field of view different from the first field of view. The first pupil expander assembly is operable to emit light at a first non-zero angle with respect to a first emission plane associated with the first pupil expander assembly. The second pupil expander assembly is operable to emit light at a second non-zero angle with respect to a second emission plane associated with the second pupil expander assembly. The first non-zero angle is opposite to the second non-zero angle.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2020Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson, Charles David Melville
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Patent number: 11332407Abstract: A method of fabricating a variable diameter fiber includes providing a fiber optic cable comprising a cladding region, a fiber core, and a plurality of sacrificial regions disposed in the cladding region and focusing a laser beam at a series of predetermined locations inside the fiber optic cable. The method also includes creating a series of damage sites associated with the series of predetermined locations, wherein the series of damage sites define a variable diameter profile and a latticework in the cladding region of the fiber optic cable. The method further includes exposing the fiber optic cable to an etchant solution, preferentially etching the series of damage sites, and separating peripheral portions of the fiber optic cable to release the variable diameter fiber.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson, Charles David Melville, An-Shyang Chu, Timothy Mark Dalrymple, Vaibhav Mathur, Alejandro Lopez, Aaron Mark Schuelke
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Publication number: 20220011098Abstract: A waveguide apparatus includes a planar waveguide and at least one optical diffraction element (DOE) that provides a plurality of optical paths between an exterior and interior of the planar waveguide. A phase profile of the DOE may combine a linear diffraction grating with a circular lens, to shape a wave front and produce beams with desired focus. Waveguide apparati may be assembled to create multiple focal planes. The DOE may have a low diffraction efficiency, and planar waveguides may be transparent when viewed normally, allowing passage of light from an ambient environment (e.g., real world) useful in AR systems. Light may be returned for temporally sequentially passes through the planar waveguide. The DOE(s) may be fixed or may have dynamically adjustable characteristics. An optical coupler system may couple images to the waveguide apparatus from a projector, for instance a biaxially scanning cantilevered optical fiber tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2021Publication date: January 13, 2022Applicant: MAGIC LEAP, INC.Inventors: Rony Abovitz, Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson
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Patent number: 11221213Abstract: An augmented reality AR system and method for a retail experience include a waveguide apparatus that includes a planar waveguide and at least one optical diffraction element The AR retail system and method recognizes user location in a retail establishment, retrieves data corresponding to the retail establishment and generates virtual content relating to the retail establishment based on the retrieved data. The AR retail system and method creates a virtual user interface in a user's field of view. Virtual content is displayed on the virtual user interface while the user is engaged in retail activity and may be based on user input. The AR retail system and method may provide entertainment, facilitate the shopping experience, offer virtual coupons, render games based on locations throughout a store or based on a shopping list, provide information about food choices such as calorie counts, and identify metadata associated with items.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Rony Abovitz, Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson
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Publication number: 20210364803Abstract: An eyepiece waveguide for an augmented reality display system includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface and a diffractive input coupling element formed on or in the first surface or the second surface of the substrate. The diffractive input coupling element is configured to receive an input beam of light and to couple the input beam into the substrate as a guided beam. The eyepiece waveguide also includes a diffractive combined pupil expander-extractor (CPE) element formed on or in the first surface or the second surface of the substrate. The diffractive CPE element includes a first portion and a second portion divided by an axis. A first set of diffractive optical elements is disposed in the first portion and oriented at a positive angle with respect to the axis and a second set of diffractive optical elements is disposed in the second portion and oriented at a negative angle with respect to the axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Schowengerdt, Mathew D. Watson, Brandon Michael-James Born, Samarth Bhargava, Victor Kai Liu
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Publication number: 20210358224Abstract: A virtual image generation system comprises a planar optical waveguide having opposing first and second faces, an in-coupling (IC) element configured for optically coupling a collimated light beam from an image projection assembly into the planar optical waveguide as an in-coupled light beam, a first orthogonal pupil expansion (OPE) element associated with the first face of the planar optical waveguide for splitting the in-coupled light beam into a first set of orthogonal light beamlets, a second orthogonal pupil expansion (OPE) element associated with the second face of the planar optical waveguide for splitting the in-coupled light beam into a second set of orthogonal light beamlets, and an exit pupil expansion (EPE) element associated with the planar optical waveguide for splitting the first and second sets of orthogonal light beamlets into an array of out-coupled light beamlets that exit the planar optical waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. SCHOWENGERDT, Mathew D. WATSON, David TINCH, Ivan Li Chuen YEOH, John Graham Macnamara, Lionel Ernest EDWIN, Michael Anthony KLUG, William Hudson WELCH