Patents by Inventor Patrick F. Brinkley
Patrick F. Brinkley 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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Patent number: 11862069Abstract: A micro-LED driver applies a low baseline power (i.e., a baseline voltage or current) to pre-charge a micro-LED in a nominally-off (i.e., non-light-emitting) state in addition to applying an operating driving power to drive the micro-LED in a light-emitting state. By pre-charging the micro-LED prior to applying the operating driving power, the micro-LED driver significantly decreases the time between application of the operating driving power and onset of emission of light from the micro-LED. In some embodiments, the micro-LED driver applies an operating driving power having multiple phases of current density to reduce the time between application of the operating driving power and onset of emission of light from the micro-LED.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Aurelien Jean Francois David, Patrick F. Brinkley, Carlin Vieri
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Publication number: 20230113160Abstract: A laser display system 100 is configured to increase the dynamic range of a laser diode by modulating an operating current applied to the laser diode based on a desired sequence of brightness levels and a temperature of the laser diode. In some embodiments, a measuring circuit measures a voltage of the laser diode at a given current, which indirectly indicates the temperature of the laser diode, thus obviating the need for a direct measurement of temperature. In addition, in some embodiments, the measuring circuit identifies a threshold current of the laser diode based on a range of current values at which values of the current multiplied by the derivative of the voltage against the current vary relatively rapidly. By compensating for temperature effects and identifying the threshold current, a driver of the laser diode more precisely controls light output of the laser diode across an increased dynamic range.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2021Publication date: April 13, 2023Inventors: Aurelien Jean Francois David, Bergen Albert Fletcher, Stuart James Myron Nicholson, Patrick F. Brinkley
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Publication number: 20230023570Abstract: An optical combiner including a waveguide prism configured to convey display light, from a display panel, from a proximal end of the waveguide prism to a distal end of the waveguide prism via total internal reflection. The optical combiner also includes an outcoupling interface positioned at the distal end of the waveguide prism on a surface of the waveguide prism that faces a user's eye. The outcoupling interface includes a plurality of polarization-dependent layers including a refractive beam-splitting convex lens to fold the light path of the display light and reduce the dimensions of a near-eye optical system implementing the optical combiner.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2020Publication date: January 26, 2023Inventors: Yi Qin, Serge Joel Armand Bierhuizen, Patrick F. Brinkley, Oscar Alberto Martinez, Jerome Carollo
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Publication number: 20220310000Abstract: A micro-LED driver applies a low baseline power (i.e., a baseline voltage or current) to pre-charge a micro-LED in a nominally-off (i.e., non-light-emitting) state in addition to applying an operating driving power to drive the micro-LED in a light-emitting state. By pre-charging the micro-LED prior to applying the operating driving power, the micro-LED driver significantly decreases the time between application of the operating driving power and onset of emission of light from the micro-LED. In some embodiments, the micro-LED driver applies an operating driving power having multiple phases of current density to reduce the time between application of the operating driving power and onset of emission of light from the micro-LED.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2022Publication date: September 29, 2022Inventors: Aurelien Jean Francois David, Patrick F. Brinkley, Carlin Vieri
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Patent number: 9202821Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for forming electromechanical systems (EMS) displays where the area of a substrate occupied by a pixel circuit can be reduced if portions of the pixel circuit can be built in three dimensions. In some aspects, certain EMS displays can incorporate structures that are substantially normal to the surface of a substrate. Incorporating circuit components, such as transistors, into such structures, can reduce the area they occupy within the plane of the substrate. In some aspects, the components of a transistor can be fabricated directly into a MEMS anchor that supports a light modulator or a portion of an actuator over the substrate. In some other aspects, the transistor can be fabricated on one or more sidewalls of any MEMS structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2013Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Pixtronix, Inc.Inventors: Patrick F. Brinkley, Wilhelmus A. De Groot, Jasper L. Steyn, Elif Selin Mungan
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Publication number: 20150108479Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for forming electromechanical systems (EMS) displays where the area of a substrate occupied by a pixel circuit can be reduced if portions of the pixel circuit can be built in three dimensions. In some aspects, certain EMS displays can incorporate structures that are substantially normal to the surface of a substrate. Incorporating circuit components, such as transistors, into such structures, can reduce the area they occupy within the plane of the substrate. In some aspects, the components of a transistor can be fabricated directly into a MEMS anchor that supports a light modulator or a portion of an actuator over the substrate. In some other aspects, the transistor can be fabricated on one or more sidewalls of any MEMS structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2013Publication date: April 23, 2015Applicant: Pixtronix, Inc.Inventors: Patrick F. Brinkley, Wilhelmus A. De Groot, Jasper L. Steyn, Elif Selin Mungan
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Patent number: 8310758Abstract: A static interferometric image device including a plurality of solidified liquid layers is formed over a substrate by an inkjet process such that the layers are lateral to one another. In some embodiments, the substrate includes pre-defined cavities, and the liquid layers are formed in the cavities. In other embodiments, the substrate includes a substantially planar, stepped, or continuously transitioning surface, and the solidified liquid layers are formed on the surface. Optical fillers or spacers are provided for defining interferometric gaps between absorbers and reflectors in the display device, based at least partially on an image that the display device is designed to display.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2011Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Miles, Brian W. Arbuckle, Ion Bita, Manish Kothari, Patrick F. Brinkley, Gang Xu, Nassim Khonsari, Jonathan C. Griffiths
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Publication number: 20110292512Abstract: Methods of fabricating a static interferometric image device and static interferometric image device formed by the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a substrate. A plurality of liquid layers are formed over the substrate by an inkjet process such that the layers are lateral to one another. The liquid layers contain a solidifiable material or particles. Then, the plurality of liquid layers are solidified to form a plurality of solid layers. In some embodiments, the substrate includes pre-defined cavities, and the liquid layers are formed in the cavities. In other embodiments, the substrate includes a substantially planar, stepped, or continuously transitioning surface, and the liquid layers are formed on the surface. The inkjet process provides optical fillers or spacers for defining interferometric gaps between absorbers and reflectors in the display device, based at least partially on an image that the display device is designed to display.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Miles, Brian W. Arbuckle, Ion Bita, Manish Kothari, Patrick F. Brinkley, Gang Xu, Nassim Khonsari, Jonathan C. Griffiths
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Patent number: 8023191Abstract: Methods of fabricating a static interferometric image device and static interferometric image device formed by the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a substrate. A plurality of liquid layers are formed over the substrate by an inkjet process such that the layers are lateral to one another. The liquid layers contain a solidifiable material or particles. Then, the plurality of liquid layers are solidified to form a plurality of solid layers. In some embodiments, the substrate includes pre-defined cavities, and the liquid layers are formed in the cavities. In other embodiments, the substrate includes a substantially planar, stepped, or continuously transitioning surface, and the liquid layers are formed on the surface. The inkjet process provides optical fillers or spacers for defining interferometric gaps between absorbers and reflectors in the display device, based at least partially on an image that the display device is designed to display.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Miles, Brian W. Arbuckle, Ion Bita, Manish Kothari, Patrick F. Brinkley, Gang Xu, Nassim Khonsari, Jonathan C. Griffiths
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Patent number: 7932728Abstract: A method of fabricating a MEMS device includes conditioning of an insulating layer by applying a voltage across the insulating layer via a conductive sacrificial layer for a period of time, prior to removal of the conductive sacrificial layer. This conditioning process may be used to saturate or stabilize charge accumulated within the insulating layer. The resistance across the insulating layer may also be measured to detect possible defects in the insulating layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Chen-Jean Chou, Chun-chen Wu, Patrick F. Brinkley
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Publication number: 20090315567Abstract: A method of fabricating a MEMS device includes conditioning of an insulating layer by applying a voltage across the insulating layer via a conductive sacrificial layer for a period of time, prior to removal of the conductive sacrificial layer. This conditioning process may be used to saturate or stabilize charge accumulated within the insulating layer. The resistance across the insulating layer may also be measured to detect possible defects in the insulating layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Chen-Jean Chou, Chun-chen Wu, Patrick F. Brinkley
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Publication number: 20090279174Abstract: Methods of fabricating a static interferometric image device and static interferometric image device formed by the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a substrate. A plurality of liquid layers are formed over the substrate by an inkjet process such that the layers are lateral to one another. The liquid layers contain a solidifiable material or particles. Then, the plurality of liquid layers are solidified to form a plurality of solid layers. In some embodiments, the substrate includes pre-defined cavities, and the liquid layers are formed in the cavities. In other embodiments, the substrate includes a substantially planar, stepped, or continuously transitioning surface, and the liquid layers are formed on the surface. The inkjet process provides optical fillers or spacers for defining interferometric gaps between absorbers and reflectors in the display device, based at least partially on an image that the display device is designed to display.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2008Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Miles, Brian W. Arbuckle, Ion Bita, Manish Kothari, Patrick F. Brinkley, Gang Xu, Nassim Khonsari, Jonathan C. Griffiths
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Patent number: 7547568Abstract: A method of fabricating a MEMS device includes conditioning of an insulating layer by applying a voltage across the insulating layer via a conductive sacrificial layer for a period of time, prior to removal of the conductive sacrificial layer. This conditioning process may be used to saturate or stabilize charge accumulated within the insulating layer. The resistance across the insulating layer may also be measured to detect possible defects in the insulating layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Chen-Jean Chou, Chun-chen Wu, Patrick F. Brinkley
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Patent number: 6169590Abstract: A multi-colored pixel for a twisted nematic liquid crystal display including red, green, and blue subpixels, wherein each subpixel includes a pair of substrates, a pair of polarizers, opposing electrodes, and a color personalized retardation film which compensates for the different wavelength of each color. The personalized retardation films of the different color subpixels results in elimination of the multi-gap approach and substantially eliminates the problem of different color leakages at different viewing angles, including normal. Also, one polymer based element, preferably a polyimide, functions as both a color filter and a retardation film in certain embodiments of this invention.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1997Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: OIS Optical Imaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Adiel Abileah, Gang Xu, Patrick F. Brinkley
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Patent number: 5895106Abstract: A normally white (NW) twisted nematic liquid crystal display (LCD) outputs improved viewing characteristics which are defined by high contrast ratios and/or reduced inversion. The display includes a pair of negative tilted retarders (#2 and #6) located on one side of the liquid crystal layer (#10), each of the tilted retarders including a tilt or incline angle which varies throughout the thickness of the layer. Additionally, one or two negative uniaxial or biaxial retarders (#4 and #7) are provided on the same side of the liquid crystal layer as the tilted retarders. As a result of the particular orientations, alignments, and retardation values described in the different embodiments, the display exhibits improved contrast and reduced inversion.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: OIS Optical Imaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: John A. VanderPloeg, Gang Xu, Patrick F. Brinkley, Michael R. Jones
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Patent number: 5818615Abstract: A multi-colored pixel for a twisted nematic liquid crystal display including red, green, and blue subpixels, wherein each subpixel includes a pair of substrates, a pair of polarizers, opposing electrodes, and a color personalized retardation film which compensates for the different wavelength of each color. The personalized retardation films of the different color subpixels results in elimination of the multi-gap approach and substantially eliminates the problem of different color leakages at different viewing angles, including normal. Also, one polymer based element, preferably a polyimide, functions as both a color filter and a retardation film in certain embodiments of this invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1995Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: OIS Optical Imaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Adiel Abileah, Gang Xu, Patrick F. Brinkley
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Patent number: 5715028Abstract: A liquid crystal display and corresponding method are provided for reducing display image reflections off of a reflection point on an external medium (e.g. cockpit canopy or automotive windshield). A retarder is provided on the front side of the display so that the polarization direction of the display image is substantially parallel to the plane of incidence when the image reaches the reflection point. Additionally, the angle of incidence .THETA..sub.i is substantially matched to the Brewster angle .THETA..sub.p in order to maximize the reduction of reflection at the reflection point. The retarder has a retardation value of from about 220-320 nm according to certain embodiments, and is a 1/2 .lambda. retarder according to preferred embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: OIS Optical Imaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Adiel Abileah, Patrick F. Brinkley, Gang Xu
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Patent number: 5579139Abstract: A liquid crystal display and corresponding method are provided for reducing display image reflections off of a reflection point on an external medium (e.g. cockpit canopy or automotive windshield). A retarder is provided on the front side of the display so that the polarization direction of the display image is substantially parallel to the plane of incidence when the image reaches the reflection point. Additionally, the angle of incidence .THETA..sub.i is substantially matched to the Brewster angle .THETA..sub.P in order to maximize the reduction of reflection at the reflection point. The retarder has a retardation value of from about 220-320 nm according to certain embodiments, and is a 1/2.lambda. retarder according to preferred embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Assignee: OIS Optical Imaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Adiel Abileah, Patrick F. Brinkley, Gang Xu
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Patent number: 5499126Abstract: A multi-colored pixel for a twisted nematic liquid crystal display including red, green, and blue subpixels, wherein each subpixel includes a pair of substrates, a pair of polarizers, opposing electrodes, and a color personalized retardation film which compensates for the different wavelength of each color. The personalized retardation films of the different color subpixels results in elimination of the multi-gap approach and substantially eliminates the problem of different color leakages at different viewing angles, including normal. Also, one polymer based element, preferably a polyimide, functions as both a color filter and a retardation film in certain embodiments of this invention.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1993Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Assignee: OIS Optical Imaging Systems, Inc.Inventors: Adiel Abileah, Gang Xu, Patrick F. Brinkley