Patents by Inventor Nicola Bettina Pfeffer

Nicola Bettina Pfeffer 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).

  • Patent number: 11489005
    Abstract: Segmented LED arrays with various diffusing elements are disclosed. An example segmented LED array includes a plurality of LEDs arranged in a plurality of sections where a given section may include one or more LEDs and where each section may be aligned with a different respective optical element such as a lens. Each LED may be a wavelength-converting LED in that it may include a light emitter arrangement and a wavelength-converter structure. In various embodiments, diffusing elements in the form of one or more structures of a diffuser material may be provided over the wavelength-converter structure of one or more LEDs, the one or more structures being in a light path between the wavelength-converter structure and at least one of the plurality of optical elements, and configured to diffuse light emerging from the wavelength-converter structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Arjen van der Sijde, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer
  • Publication number: 20220292700
    Abstract: Multi-color flash with image post-processing that uses a camera device with a multi-color flash and implements post-processing to generate images is described. In one aspect, the multi-color flash with image post-processing may be implemented by a controller configured to control a camera and flashes of at least two different colors. The controller may be configured to cause the camera to acquire a first image of a scene while the scene is being illuminated with the first flash but not the second flash, then cause the camera to acquire a second image of the scene while the scene is being illuminated with the second flash but not the first flash, and generate a final image of the scene in post-processing based on a combination of the first image and the second image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: LUMILEDS LLC
    Inventors: Charles Schrama, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer, Arjen Gerben Van der Sijde
  • Patent number: 11437553
    Abstract: A lighting device comprises a light-emitting module with light-emitting elements, wherein the light-emitting elements are arranged adjacent to each other and are configured to emit light towards a light-emitting side. The light-emitting module is configured such that the light-emitting elements can be addressed partially independently of each other, such that some may be brought into a switched-on state while others are brought into a switched-off state. A top layer is disposed on the light-emitting module at the light-emitting side. Further comprising a switching material capable of a reversible change in transmittance for the light emitted by changing to a higher transmittance in regions where the top layer situated on light-emitting elements in the switched-on state or to a lower transmittance in regions of the top layer situated in the switched-off state. The invention further refers to methods for producing and operating a lighting device and using a lighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Nicola Bettina Pfeffer, Arjen Gerben Van der Sijde, Marcel Rene Bohmer
  • Publication number: 20220275924
    Abstract: LED arrays with diffusing elements are disclosed. In various embodiments, diffusing elements in the form of one or more structures of a diffuser material may be provided between an LED array and an optical element that collects light emitted by the array and directs the light to an optical far field. The optical element may image or approximately image the LED array. The diffusing elements at least partially blur patterning in the far field illumination that may otherwise arise from the optical element imaging the array. Each LED may be a wavelength-converting LED in that it may include a light emitter arrangement and a wavelength-converter structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Applicant: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Arjen van der Sijde, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer
  • Patent number: 11418730
    Abstract: The image capture system of the present disclosure comprises an illuminator comprising at least one infrared light LED or laser and one visible light LED, an image sensor that is sensitive to infrared light and visible light, a memory configured to store instructions, and a processor configured to execute instructions to cause the image capture system to emit infrared light, receive image data comprising at least one infrared image, and determine depth maps, visible focus settings, or infrared exposure settings based on the infrared image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Arjen Van Der Sijde, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer, Charles André Schrama
  • Patent number: 11417796
    Abstract: A light-emitting apparatus can include a reflective cavity that can reflect visible light within the reflective cavity. The reflective cavity can allow the reflected visible light to exit the reflective cavity only at one or more specified emission locations. A visible light-emitting diode can emit visible light into the reflective cavity. An infrared light-emitting diode can emit infrared light into the reflective cavity. A lens can angularly redirect infrared light and visible light that exit the cavity through the one or more emission locations. The reflective cavity can be formed by surfaces at least partially coated with a coating that is reflective for visible light. The coated surfaces can include a circuit board that supports the light-emitting diodes, an incident surface of the lens, and an extension portion of the lens that extends from a flange to the incident surface of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Mehdi Aas, Erno Fancsali, Frans Hubert Konijn, Arjen Gerben Van der Sijde, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer
  • Publication number: 20220256061
    Abstract: The invention describes an infrared imaging assembly (1) for capturing an infrared image (M0, M1) of a scene (S), comprising an infrared-sensitive image sensor (14); an irradiator (10) comprising an array of individually addressable infrared-emitting LEDs, wherein each infrared-emitting LED is arranged to illuminate a scene region (S1, . . . , S9); a driver (11) configured to actuate the infrared irradiator (10) by applying a switching pulse train (T1, . . . , T9) to each infrared-emitting LED; an image analysis module (13) configured to analyse a preliminary infrared image (M0) to determine the required exposure levels (130) for each of a plurality of image regions (R1, . . . , R9); and a pulse train adjusting unit (12) configured to adjust the duration (L1, . . . , L9) of a switching pulse train (T1, . . . , T9) according to the required exposure levels (130).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: Arjen Gerben Van der Sijde, Erno Fancsali, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer, Pieter Johannes Quintus van Voorst Vader
  • Patent number: 11361460
    Abstract: Multi-color flash with image post-processing that uses a camera device with a multi-color flash and implements post-processing to generate images is described. In one aspect, the multi-color flash with image post-processing may be implemented by a controller configured to control a camera and flashes of at least two different colors. The controller may be configured to cause the camera to acquire a first image of a scene while the scene is being illuminated with the first flash but not the second flash, then cause the camera to acquire a second image of the scene while the scene is being illuminated with the second flash but not the first flash, and generate a final image of the scene in post-processing based on a combination of the first image and the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Charles Schrama, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer, Arjen Gerben Van Der Sijde
  • Patent number: 11350022
    Abstract: The invention describes an infrared imaging assembly (1) for capturing an infrared image (M0, M1) of a scene (S), comprising an infrared-sensitive image sensor (14); an irradiator (10) comprising an array of individually addressable infrared-emitting LEDs, wherein each infrared-emitting LED is arranged to illuminate a scene region (S1, . . . , S9); a driver (11) configured to actuate the infrared irradiator (10) by applying a switching pulse train (T1, . . . , T9) to each infrared-emitting LED; an image analysis module (13) configured to analyse a preliminary infrared image (M0) to determine the required exposure levels (130) for each of a plurality of image regions (R1, . . . , R9); and a pulse train adjusting unit (12) configured to adjust the duration (L1, . . . , L9) of a switching pulse train (T1, . . . , T9) according to the required exposure levels (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Arjen Gerben Van Der Sijde, Erno Fancsali, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer, Pieter Johannes Quintus van Voorst Vader
  • Publication number: 20220146079
    Abstract: An adaptive lighting system comprises an array of independently controllable LEDs, and a metalens positioned to collimate, focus, or otherwise redirect light emitted by the array of LEDs. The adaptive lighting system may optionally include a pre-collimator positioned in the optical path between the array of LEDs and the metalens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Applicant: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Venkata Ananth TAMMA, Toni LOPEZ, Nicola Bettina PFEFFER, Marcel Rene BOHMER
  • Publication number: 20220113613
    Abstract: In a projection display system, a polarizing beamsplitter can split an unpolarized light beam into a first internal beam and a second internal beam, which can have polarization states that are orthogonal. A polarization rotator, such as a half-wave plate, can rotate a plane of polarization of at least one of the first internal beam or the second internal beam. A beam aligner, such as a second polarizing beamsplitter, can change a propagation direction of at least one of the first internal beam or the second internal beam. The polarization rotator and the beam aligner each can adjust at least one of the first or second internal beams such that the first internal beam forms a first exiting beam and the second internal beam forms a second exiting beam. The first exiting beam and the second exiting beam can be adjacent and parallel and have parallel polarization states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Frederic Stephane Diana, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer, Arjen Gerben Van der Sijde
  • Patent number: 11294239
    Abstract: A backlight apparatus can include a light emitting element configured to emit visible light. The backlight apparatus can include a polarizing device including a prism situated to receive the visible light and to polarize the visible light to generate polarized light. The backlight apparatus can include a light guide panel configured to receive the polarized light at an input surface facing the polarizing device and to distribute the polarized light to a major surface of the light guide panel facing a display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Mehdi Aas, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer, Arjen Gerben Van der Sijde, Erno Fancsali
  • Publication number: 20220094836
    Abstract: A method according to embodiments of the invention includes creating a three-dimensional profile of a scene, calculating a relative amount of light for each portion of the scene based on the three-dimensional profile, and activating a light source to provide a first amount of light to a first portion of the scene, and a second amount of light to a second portion of the scene. The first amount and the second amount are different. The first amount and the second amount are determined by calculating a relative amount of light for each portion of the scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Arjen Gerben Van der Sijde, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer, Pieter Johannes Quintus van Voorst Vader, Yourii Martynov
  • Publication number: 20220046162
    Abstract: A method includes capturing a first image of a scene, detecting a face in a section of the scene from the first image, and activating an infrared (IR) light source to selectively illuminate the section of the scene with IR light. The IR light source includes an array of IR light emitting diodes (LEDs). The method includes capturing a second image of the scene under selective IR lighting from the IR light source, detecting the face in the second image, and identifying a person based on the face in the second image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: Arjen Gerben Van Der Sijde, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer, Pieter Johannes Quintus van Voorst Vader, Yourii Martynov, Charles André Schrama
  • Patent number: 11236870
    Abstract: In an illumination system, a lens can substantially collimate light that is emitted from a location on a light source. The emitted light can have a central light portion and a peripheral light portion. The lens can have a first surface that faces the light source and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface can include a first convex central portion and a first total internal reflection (TIR) portion. The second surface can include a second convex central portion and a second TIR portion. The first and second convex central portions can substantially collimate the central light portion via refraction at the first convex central portion and refraction at the second convex central portion. The first and second TIR portions can substantially collimate the peripheral light portion via total internal reflection at the first TIR portion and total internal reflection at the second TIR portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Arjen Gerben Van Der Sijde, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer
  • Patent number: 11223814
    Abstract: In an imaging system, a lens can redirect light from an illuminated portion of a scene toward a one-dimensional focus that is positioned in a focal plane of the lens and is elongated in an imaging dimension. The redirected light can include first light that emerges from the lens and second light that emerges from the lens. A reflector positioned adjacent the lens can reflect the second light to form third light. A linear array of detector pixels can extend along the imaging dimension and can be positioned at the focal plane proximate the one-dimensional focus to receive the first light from the lens and receive the third light from the reflector. A processor can obtain one-dimensional image data from the detector pixels for sequentially illuminated portions of the scene and construct data representing an image of the full scene from the one-dimensional image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Arjen Gerben Van der Sijde, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer, Frans Hubert Konijn, Erno Fancsali
  • Patent number: 11223777
    Abstract: A method according to embodiments of the invention includes creating a three-dimensional profile of a scene, calculating a relative amount of light for each portion of the scene based on the three-dimensional profile, and activating a light source to provide a first amount of light to a first portion of the scene, and a second amount of light to a second portion of the scene. The first amount and the second amount are different. The first amount and the second amount are determined by calculating a relative amount of light for each portion of the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Arjen Gerben Van der Sijde, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer, Pieter Johannes Quintus van Voorst Vader, Yourii Martynov
  • Publication number: 20210404611
    Abstract: In an illumination system, a lens can substantially collimate light that is emitted from a location on a light source. The emitted light can have a central light portion and a peripheral light portion. The lens can have a first surface that faces the light source and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface can include a first convex central portion and a first total internal reflection (TIR) portion. The second surface can include a second convex central portion and a second TIR portion. The first and second convex central portions can substantially collimate the central light portion via refraction at the first convex central portion and refraction at the second convex central portion. The first and second TER portions can substantially collimate the peripheral light portion via total internal reflection at the first TIR portion and total internal reflection at the second TIR portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Arjen Gerben Van Der Sijde, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer
  • Patent number: 11204539
    Abstract: Methods and systems for color error correction for a segmented LED array are disclosed. A method includes calculating a target luminance for LED segments in a segmented LED array based on an initial luminance pattern, determining a luminance ratio based on the target luminance, the luminance ratio defined as a ratio of a primary luminance value of the primary LED segment to a secondary luminance value of the at least one adjacent LED segment, and comparing the luminance ratio to a predefined threshold ratio. If the luminance ratio is greater than or equal to the predefined ratio, then the secondary luminance value of the at least one adjacent LED segment is maintained. If the luminance ratio is less than the predefined ratio, then the secondary luminance value of the at least one adjacent LED segment is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Nicola Bettina Pfeffer, Arjen Gerben Van Der Sijde, Brendan Moran
  • Patent number: 11199755
    Abstract: A device includes a light-emitting device (LED) having at least two vertical light-emitting sides, and a ring-shaped light guide having a bottom side, a top side comprising a light-emitting surface, an inner sidewall, and an outer sidewall defining an indentation having at least two vertical in-coupling surfaces mated to the at least two vertical light-emitting sides of the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Varun Dev Kakkar, Arjen Van Der Sijde, Erno Fancsali, Chunxia Feng, Nicola Bettina Pfeffer