Patents by Inventor Randall B. Sprague
Randall B. Sprague 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: 7935050Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for scanned beam endoscopes, endoscope tips, and scanned beam imagers are disclosed. In one aspect, a scanned beam endoscope includes an endoscope tip having a scanner, an illumination optical fiber, and at least one light detection element. The illumination optical fiber may be positioned so that a beam emitted from it passes through one of the openings in the scanner. In another aspect, a scanned beam endoscope includes an endoscope tip having a handle substrate that may be attached to the scanner and include one or more vias formed therein for selectively positioning and aligning the illumination optical fiber, detection optical fibers, or both.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Selso Luanava, Randall B. Sprague
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Patent number: 7901084Abstract: A portable video projector includes facility to direct a projected image field along an axis in an alignment corresponding to the state of an optical element.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2006Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Stephen R. Willey, Randall B. Sprague, Thomas W. Montague, Christopher A. Wiklof, Maarten Niesten, Mark Freeman, Bruce Rothaar, V. G. Veeraraghavan, John R. Lewis
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Publication number: 20110025983Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Joshua O. Miller, Margaret K. Brown, Mark O. Freeman, Maarten Niesten, Bin Xue, Christopher A. Wiklof
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Publication number: 20110025930Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Joshua O. Miller, Margaret K. Brown, Mark O. Freeman, Maarten Niesten, Bin Xue, Christopher A. Wiklof
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Publication number: 20110018986Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Joshua O. Miller, Margaret K. Brown, Mark O. Freeman, Maarten Niesten, Bin Xue, Christopher A. Wiklof
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Patent number: 7834867Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Joshua O. Miller, Margaret K. Brown, Mark O. Freeman, Maarten Niesten, Bin Xue, Christopher A. Wiklof
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Patent number: 7822086Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Margaret K. Brown, Randall B. Sprague, Michael L. Schaaf, Bin Xue
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Publication number: 20100141366Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Dean R. Brown, Matthew Ellis
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Patent number: 7724210Abstract: A scanned light display system includes a light source operable to emit light and a curved mirror positioned to receive at least a portion of the light. The curved mirror is configured to substantially collimate the received light. The substantially collimated light is scanned to form an image by moving at least one of the light source and the curved mirror relative to each other. Alternatively, the scanned light display system includes a light source operable to emit light, a curved mirror positioned to receive some of the light, and an optical element positioned to receive light reflected from the curved mirror. The optical element is configured to substantially collimate the reflected light. The substantially collimated light is scanned to form an image by moving at least one of the light source, the curved mirror, and the optical element. Scanning mirror assemblies and methods of making are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Hakan Urey, Dean R. Brown, Margaret K. Brown, John R. Lewis, Mathew D. Watson, Thomas W. Montague, Stephen R. Willey
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Publication number: 20100118397Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Karlton D. Powell, Randall B. Sprague
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Patent number: 7715103Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Mark O. Freeman, Christian Dean DeJong, Jacques P. Lincoln, Karlton D. Powell
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Publication number: 20100053030Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a substrate including a display information optical path to receive display information and includes a non-display information optical path to receive non-display information. In some embodiments, the display information optical path includes a display information optical power. In some embodiments, the non-display information optical path includes one or more filters and a non-display information optical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventor: Randall B. Sprague
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Publication number: 20100026960Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2008Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.Inventor: Randall B. Sprague
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Patent number: 7639209Abstract: A scanned light display system includes a light source operable to emit light and a curved mirror positioned to receive at least a portion of the light. The curved mirror is configured to substantially collimate the received light. The substantially collimated light is scanned to form an image by moving at least one of the light source and the curved mirror relative to each other. Alternatively, the scanned light display system includes a light source operable to emit light, a curved mirror positioned to receive some of the light, and an optical element positioned to receive light reflected from the curved mirror. The optical element is configured to substantially collimate the reflected light. The substantially collimated light is scanned to form an image by moving at least one of the light source, the curved mirror, and the optical element. Scanning mirror assemblies and methods of making are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Hakan Urey, Dean R. Brown, Margaret K. Brown, John R. Lewis, Mathew D. Watson, Thomas W. Montague, Stephen R. Willey
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Patent number: 7636101Abstract: An electrophotographic printer includes an exposure unit having a MEMS scanner operable to scan a beam of light across a photoconductor. The MEMS scanner includes a mirror having an aspect ratio similar to the shape of the facets of a conventional rotating polygon scanner. In a preferred embodiment, the scan mirror has a length of about 750 microns in a dimension parallel to its axis of rotation and a length of about 8 millimeters in a dimension perpendicular to its axis of rotation. The MEMS scanner is operable to scan at a frequency of about 5 KHz and an angular displacement of about 20 degrees zero-to-peak mechanical scan angle.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2006Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Wyatt O. Davis, Dean R. Brown, Yoshiro Koga, Nobumasa Abe, Yujiro Nomura
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Publication number: 20090219262Abstract: An input device (300) is provided for use with an image projection system (100). The input device (300) includes a first end (309) having a photodetector (302) and a second end (310) having a phototransmitter (303). An image projection system output beam (124) of photons is projected on a projection surface (140) along with a projected image (128). When the photodetector (302) receives the image projection system output beam (124), the phototransmitter (303) delivers a transmitted beam (324) back to the image projection system (100). The input device (300) can be equipped with user control mechanisms so as to act as a mouse or otherwise control the image projection system (100).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.Inventors: Mark Champion, P. Selvan Viswanathan, Randall B. Sprague
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Publication number: 20090167726Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Christian Dean DeJong, Gregory T. Gibson
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Publication number: 20090147272Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2007Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Gregory T. Gibson, Joshua M. Hudman, Randall B. Sprague
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Publication number: 20090134319Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2009Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Jun Yan, Jason B. Tauscher, Wyatt O. Davis, John R. Lewis, Dean R. Brown, Thomas W. Montague, Chancellor W. Brown
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Patent number: 7515329Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Jun Yan, Jason B. Tauscher, Wyatt O. Davis, John R. Lewis, Dean R. Brown, Thomas W. Montague, Chancellor W. Brown