Liquid Crystal Lenses Other Than For Eyewear Patents (Class 349/200)
  • Patent number: 11974471
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a display panel and a display device. The display panel includes a first substrate, a first driving circuit layer located on the first substrate, a second substrate located on the first driving circuit layer, and a second driving circuit layer located on the second substrate, and a pixel electrode layer located on the second driving circuit layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Wuhan China Star Optoelectronics Semiconductor Display Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huihui Zhao, Wenxu Xianyu
  • Patent number: 11968436
    Abstract: Light weight lens barrel systems and methods are provided. In one example, an imaging device includes a lens barrel including a body and a plurality of focusing fins extending from the body. The imaging device further includes a lens system disposed within the lens barrel and configured to receive electromagnetic radiation and direct the electromagnetic radiation. The imaging device further includes a detector array including a plurality of detectors. Each of the plurality of detectors is configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the lens system and generate an image based on the electromagnetic radiation. Related methods and systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Teledyne FLIR Commercial Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd E. Rixman
  • Patent number: 11921384
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a light control device includes a first liquid crystal cell, a second liquid crystal cell, and a polarization conversion element disposed between the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell. One substrate of each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell includes an insulating substrate, and first to fourth electrodes arranged on the insulating substrate and formed in a strip shape. The electric potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode, the electric potential difference between the second electrode and the third electrode, and the electric potential difference between the third electrode and the fourth electrode are different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: JAPAN DISPLAY INC.
    Inventors: Takeo Koito, Tae Kurokawa, Masashi Mitsui
  • Patent number: 11880109
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a light control device includes a first liquid crystal cell, a second liquid crystal cell, and a polarization conversion element disposed between the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell. One substrate of each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell includes an insulating substrate, and first to fourth electrodes arranged on the insulating substrate and formed in a strip shape. The electric potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode, the electric potential difference between the second electrode and the third electrode, and the electric potential difference between the third electrode and the fourth electrode are different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: JAPAN DISPLAY INC.
    Inventors: Takeo Koito, Tae Kurokawa, Masashi Mitsui
  • Patent number: 11852952
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid crystal lens including: a first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate and containing liquid crystal molecules. The first substrate includes a Fresnel lens and a first electrode sequentially toward the liquid crystal layer. The second substrate includes a second electrode. The Fresnel lens includes a Fresnel-shaped part including annular lens surfaces in a concentric circle pattern and a flat part including a flat surface that extends in a radial direction of the concentric circle and intersects at least one of the annular lens surfaces. The annular lens surfaces are on a liquid crystal layer-facing surface of the Fresnel-shaped part and defines an uneven surface. The flat surface is on the liquid crystal layer-facing surface of the flat part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: SHARP DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naru Usukura, Hiroaki Asagi, Yasuhiro Haseba, Kiyoshi Minoura
  • Patent number: 11852846
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) display device includes a display panel which operates in a first mode for displaying a first image or a second mode for displaying a second image and a liquid crystal lens panel disposed on the display panel, where the liquid crystal lens panel refracts the first image in a way such that the first image has a first viewing angle and refracts the second image in a way such that the second image has a second viewing angle greater than the first viewing angle. The liquid crystal lens panel includes an upper substrate, a first lens layer including a plurality of first lenses, a lower substrate, a second lens layer including a plurality of second lenses, and a liquid crystal layer. A first pitch of each of the plurality of first lenses is less than a second pitch of each of the plurality of second lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sujung Huh, Hyun Jin Cho, Rangkyun Mok
  • Patent number: 11815746
    Abstract: An optical system includes a circular lens having a first set of electrodes arranged in a concentric pattern and a liquid crystal material in electrical communication with the first set of electrodes. The optical system also includes a first cylindrical lens having a vertical meridian and a second set of electrodes oriented along an axis parallel to the vertical meridian. The optical system additionally includes a second cylindrical lens having a third set of electrodes oriented at an angle with respect to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Weijian Li, Isabella T. Lewis, Robert Arthur Sprague
  • Patent number: 11762129
    Abstract: A liquid crystal element (100) refracts and outputs light. The liquid crystal element (100) includes a first electrode (1), a second electrode (2), an insulating layer (21) that is an electric insulator, a resistance layer (22), a liquid crystal layer (23) including liquid crystal, and a third electrode (3). The insulating layer (21) is disposed between each location of the first and second electrodes (1) and (2) and the resistance layer (22) to insulate the first and second electrodes (1) and (2) from the resistance layer (22). The resistance layer (22) has an electrical resistivity higher than that of the first electrode (1) and lower than that of the insulating layer (21). The resistance layer (22) and the liquid crystal layer (23) are disposed between the insulating layer (21) and the third electrode (3). The resistance layer (22) is disposed between the insulating layer (21) and the liquid crystal layer (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: OSAKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Giichi Shibuya, Hiroyuki Yoshida, Masanori Ozaki
  • Patent number: 11757076
    Abstract: A light source module includes a circuit board, light emitting diode chips on an upper surface of the circuit board, the light emitting diode chips being spaced apart and each emitting blue light and having a first surface facing the upper surface of the circuit board, a second surface opposite the first surface, and first and second electrodes on the first surface, a first multilayer reflective structure on the second surface and including a plurality of alternately stacked insulating layers having different refractive indices, and a lens respectively covering each of the light emitting diode chips and contacting the upper surface of the circuit board at an acute contact angle, the lens having a thickness of 2.5 mm or less from the upper surface of the circuit board, and a contact region with the upper surface of the circuit board with a diameter of 1 mm to 3 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chigoo Kang, Seogho Lim, Ilseop Won, Jungwoo Lee
  • Patent number: 11754904
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a light control device comprises a first liquid crystal cell includes a first liquid crystal layer, a second liquid crystal cell includes a second liquid crystal layer, and a third liquid crystal cell includes a third liquid crystal layer. The first liquid crystal layer and the third liquid crystal layer each have a first region that scatters a first polarization component and that transmits a second polarization component. The second liquid crystal layer has a third region that overlaps the first region and converts the second polarization component into the first polarization component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: JAPAN DISPLAY INC.
    Inventors: Tae Kurokawa, Takeo Koito, Masashi Mitsui
  • Patent number: 11747619
    Abstract: An augmented reality system (70, 100, 140, 180, 190) includes an augmented reality projector (72, 102, 142, 192) that is configured to project an image to an eye (82, 118, 154, 206) of an observer and to allow the observer to view a real scene (80, 116, 164, 204) through the projector. The system further includes first and second electrically-tunable dynamic lenses (74, 76, 104, 106, 144, 146, 194, 196), which are positioned respectively on opposing first and second sides of the projector, and a controller (78, 110, 150, 198) that is coupled to the projector and the first and second electrically-tunable dynamic lenses. The controller is configured to receive an adjustable accommodation parameter and a specified distance of interest and to set respective first and second refractive powers of the first and second dynamic lenses responsively to the adjustable accommodation parameter and the distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: OPTICA AMUKA (A.A.) LTD.
    Inventors: Yoav Yadin, Yariv Haddad, Yuval Vardy
  • Patent number: 11686982
    Abstract: A display panel includes: a first substrate and a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate; pixel electrodes located on a side of the first substrate proximate to the liquid crystal layer; and a light-shielding pattern located on a side of the second substrate proximate to the liquid crystal layer. The second substrate has a light-shielding region shielded by the light-shielding pattern and light-exiting regions not shielded by the light-shielding pattern. A pixel electrode in the pixel electrodes is configured to converge light entering the pixel electrode from the first substrate; and the pixel electrode is used to control a deflection state of a liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer, so that light passing through the pixel electrode is incident to the light-shielding pattern and/or a corresponding light-exiting region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiandong Meng, Jifeng Tan, Wei Wang, Qiuyu Ling, Xiaochuan Chen
  • Patent number: 11668941
    Abstract: A conventional head-mounted display (HMDs) can display a virtual image at a fixed focus (e.g., infinite focus). If the user looks at an object that appears closer than the virtual image, then accommodation by the user's eyes will cause the virtual image to appear blurry. The HMDs disclosed herein include a dynamic electro-active focusing element that changes the focus of the virtual image to account for accommodation by the user. This dynamic electro-active focusing element may include a curved layer of electro-active material, such as nematic or bi-stable (e.g., cholesteric) liquid crystal, disposed between a static concave mirror and a convex surface on a beam splitter or other optical element. Changing the refractive index of the electro-active material causes the focus of the dynamic electro-active focusing element, making it possible to shift the virtual image's focus in as the user's eyes change focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: e-Vision Smart Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Van Heugten
  • Patent number: 11570338
    Abstract: A light-concentrating device, a light-concentrating display screen, and an electric product are provided. The light-concentrating device includes a light-concentrating plate. The light-concentrating plate includes dimming units, each dimming unit including a house, the house being filled with first light-transmissive liquid and second light-transmissive liquid insoluble with each other. Light may be refracted when passing through the interface between the first light-transmissive liquid and the second light-transmissive liquid. Adjustment electrodes are provided on sides of the house, and a common electrode layer is provided at an end of the house. The voltages may be applied between the common electrode layer and the adjustment electrodes on the sides of the house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuhu Jia
  • Patent number: 11558560
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus including: an image sensor having a photo-sensitive surface; an optical device arranged on an optical path of light incidenting on the photo-sensitive surface, the optical device being electrically controllable to have a spatially variable focal length; and a processor configured to: generate and send a drive signal to the optical device to compensate for field curvature of optical device by adjusting focal lengths of different portions of the optical device to different extents, wherein a focal length of a first portion of the optical device is higher than a focal length of a second portion of the optical device surrounding the first portion; and control the image sensor to capture a distorted image of a real-world environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Varjo Technologies Oy
    Inventor: Mikko Ollila
  • Patent number: 11513416
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, apparatus, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a process, method, and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, generating a gradient in an index of refraction of a material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignees: e-Vision Smart Optics, Inc., Kent State University
    Inventors: Liwei Li, Anthony Van Heugten, Dwight P. Duston, Phil Bos, Douglas Bryant
  • Patent number: 11502229
    Abstract: A light source module includes a circuit board, light emitting diode chips on an upper surface of the circuit board, the light emitting diode chips being spaced apart and each emitting blue light and having a first surface facing the upper surface of the circuit board, a second surface opposite the first surface, and first and second electrodes on the first surface, a first multilayer reflective structure on the second surface and including a plurality of alternately stacked insulating layers having different refractive indices, and a lens respectively covering each of the light emitting diode chips and contacting the upper surface of the circuit board at an acute contact angle, the lens having a thickness of 2.5 mm or less from the upper surface of the circuit board, and a contact region with the upper surface of the circuit board with a diameter of 1 mm to 3 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chigoo Kang, Seogho Lim, Ilseop Won, Jungwoo Lee
  • Patent number: 11442331
    Abstract: A mobile communication apparatus, an optical assembly, and an aperture module thereof are provided. The aperture module includes a first liquid crystal (LC) aperture unit and a second LC aperture unit. The first LC aperture unit includes a first LC layer and two first transparent electrode layers disposed on two sides of the first LC layer. At least one of the first transparent electrode layers has a first opening. The second LC aperture unit includes a second LC layer and two second transparent electrode layers disposed on two sides of the second LC layer. At least one of the second transparent electrode layers has a second opening having a central axis overlapped with that of the first opening. The aperture module is configured to control each of the first switch region and the second switch region to be at a light permeable state or a light shield state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: SILICON TOUCH TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Chi-Yuan Chin
  • Patent number: 11428385
    Abstract: Provided is a light source module including a package body having a groove portion, a semiconductor light emitting diode (LED) chip provided on a bottom surface of the groove portion, the semiconductor LED chip being configured to emit light based on a first driving voltage applied thereto, a variable light transmission unit provided on the groove portion and having light transmissivity varying based on a second driving voltage applied thereto, a first electrode side surface and a second electrode side surface provided on side surfaces of the groove portion and connecting the bottom surface of the groove portion to the variable light transmission unit, and a processor configured to control application of the first driving voltage to the semiconductor LED chip and the second driving voltage to the variable light transmission unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dongsoo Lim, Chinwoo Kim, Yongchul Kang, Heejin Kim, Jeongje Moon, Jaeyoo Jeong, Jun Cho, Jongwook Ju
  • Patent number: 11418728
    Abstract: An imaging system may comprise: a lens including one or more lens elements; a programmable liquid crystal light modulator disposed adjacent to the lens; an imaging sensor; and a processing system comprising at least one processor and memory. The processing system may be configured to control the imaging system to: capture an image through the lens using the imaging sensor; analyze the image to determine at least one characteristic of the lens; and based on the analysis of the image, control the programmable liquid crystal light modulator to set an effective aperture for the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Aptiv Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Yew-Kwang Low
  • Patent number: 11418696
    Abstract: In order to effectively perform auto focusing and an OIS function, provided is an optical device in a first diopter state, the optical device comprising: a liquid lens having a variable diopter; a memory in which regions of interest (ROIs) according to the variable diopter are recorded; a lens control unit for retrieving a first ROI corresponding to the first diopter from the memory and configuring the first ROI; and a diopter operating unit for auto-focusing the first ROI to change the liquid lens to have a second diopter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeeho Hyun, Sungmin Woo, Gunshik Shin
  • Patent number: 11385385
    Abstract: This invention provides a vision system that is arranged to compensate for optical drift that can occur in certain variable lens assemblies, including, but not limited to, liquid lens arrangements. The system includes an image sensor operatively connected to a vision system processor, and a variable lens assembly that is controlled (e.g. by the vision processor or another range-determining device) to vary a focal distance thereof. A positive lens assembly is configured to weaken an effect of the variable lens assembly over a predetermined operational range of the object from the positive lens assembly. The variable lens assembly is located adjacent to a front or rear focal point of the positive lens. The variable lens assembly illustratively comprises a liquid lens assembly that can be inherently variable over approximately 20 diopter. In an embodiment, the lens barrel has a C-mount lens base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Esther Oteo Lozano, Jose Fernandez Dorado
  • Patent number: 11314142
    Abstract: Configurable optical device comprising an optical element (1) or various optical elements (1) arranged in series, wherein each element (1) comprises an active region (2) with an entry surface (21) and an exit surface (22) for light beams, and a perimeter (3); each element (1) comprising at least one first transparent electrode (4) and at least one transparent counter electrode (5) the corresponding electrical connections being located in the perimeter (3); the device being configured such that, upon application of a potential difference between electrodes (4, 5) of each element (1), an electric field that alters the degree of commutation in different regions of the active zone (2) of each element (1) is generated, thus creating a varying optical path profile in each element (1), which allows an incident light beam to be focused in different ways, depending on the electric field applied to each electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE MADRID
    Inventors: Morten Andreas Geday, Manuel Caño Garcia, Jose Manuel Oton Sanchez, Patxi Xabier Quintana Arregui, Jacob Andreas Geday
  • Patent number: 11226533
    Abstract: A typical liquid crystal lens includes liquid crystal sandwiched between transparent substrates, which are patterned with ring electrodes. Applying a voltage across the electrodes causes the liquid crystal molecules to rotate, changing their apparent refractive index and the lens's focal length. The ring electrodes are separated by gaps and get narrower toward the lens's periphery. If the ring electrodes are too narrower, their cannot switch the liquid crystal well. To address this problem, an inventive liquid crystal lens includes a substrate with a stepped surface that defines concentric liquid crystal regions with thicknesses that increase with lens radius. Each region is switched by a different set of ring electrodes, which may be on, under, or opposite the stepped surface. Within each region, the ring electrodes get narrower farther from the lens's center. But the ring electrodes' widths also increase with liquid crystal thickness, offsetting the decrease in width that degrades lens performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: e-Vision Smart Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Van Heugten
  • Patent number: 11194179
    Abstract: A process for creating wiring on a curved surface, such as the surface of a contact lens, includes the following. Creating a groove or trench in the curved surface. Forming a seed layer on the surface and on the groove. Removing the seed layer from the surface while leaving some or all of it in the groove. Depositing conductive material in the groove. Preferably, the deposited conductive material is thicker than the seed layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Tectus Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Anthony Perozziello, Edward John Palen, Michael West Wiemer
  • Patent number: 11061179
    Abstract: Designs of display devices using an integrated lens are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, an integrated lens includes at least one planar lens and at least one liquid lens. The planar lens includes at least a substrate and a plurality of nanosized studs while the liquid lens includes a liquid layer (e.g., liquid crystals) and two (electrodes sandwiching the liquid layer. Depending on the implementation, the studs may be in different heights, spaced evenly or unevenly and oriented towards or outwards a focal point. One of the two electrodes is patterned per a predefined pattern to have an array of small electrodes. Together with another one of the two electrodes and the planar lens, the affected electric field applied across the liquid layer achieves desired optical characteristics to allow a viewer a media advantageously through the integrated lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventor: Darwin Hu
  • Patent number: 10802374
    Abstract: A liquid crystal lens includes at least two liquid crystal cells, and at least two electrode layer units. Each of the liquid crystal cells has a central portion, a first surrounding portion, and a second surrounding portion. Each of the electrode layer units is disposed to supply voltage to the respective liquid crystal cell to permit one of the liquid crystal cells to have a first radial gradient of refractive index in the central portion thereof, and to permit the other one of the liquid crystal cells to have a second radial gradient of refractive index in the first surrounding portion thereof, to thereby allow the two liquid crystal cells to cooperatively define an aperture of the liquid crystal lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Yu-Jen Wang, Yi-Hsin Lin
  • Patent number: 10795060
    Abstract: This invention provides a vision system that is arranged to compensate for optical drift that can occur in certain variable lens assemblies, including, but not limited to, liquid lens arrangements. The system includes an image sensor operatively connected to a vision system processor, and a variable lens assembly that is controlled (e.g. by the vision processor or another range-determining device) to vary a focal distance thereof. A positive lens assembly is configured to weaken an effect of the variable lens assembly over a predetermined operational range of the object from the positive lens assembly. The variable lens assembly is located adjacent to a front or rear focal point of the positive lens. The variable lens assembly illustratively comprises a liquid lens assembly that can be inherently variable over approximately 20 diopter. In an embodiment, the lens barrel has a C-mount lens base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Laurens Nunnink, Esther Oteo Lozano, Jose Fernandez Dorado
  • Patent number: 10712485
    Abstract: A manufacturing system for controlling an optical axis of a birefringent material includes an illumination system. The illumination system illuminates the birefringent material that is formed on a curved optical surface with polarized light. The polarized light forms a pattern on the photoalignment material deposited on the curved optical surface. In some configurations, the manufacturing system applies a liquid crystal layer on the formed pattern. The liquid crystal layer includes a liquid crystal director whose orientation is determined by the pattern formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wai Sze Tiffany Lam, Lu Lu
  • Patent number: 10692903
    Abstract: Provided are: a color filter for an image sensor in which an infrared filter having no particulate defects or the like can be laminated adjacent to an image pickup element and in which the total thickness of an image sensor can be significantly reduced; an image sensor including the color filter for an image sensor; and a method of manufacturing the color filter for an image sensor. The color filter for an image sensor includes: two or more absorbing color filters that absorb light components having different wavelength ranges; and a cholesteric reflecting layer in which a right circularly polarized light cholesteric layer having right circularly polarized light reflecting properties and a left circularly polarized light cholesteric layer having left circularly polarized light reflecting properties are laminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoji Goto, Kazuto Shimada, Shigeaki Nimura
  • Patent number: 10670929
    Abstract: A light intensity modulator array includes a first substrate with a two-dimensional array of electrodes; a second substrate with one or more electrodes; and liquid crystal located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The two-dimensional array of electrodes is arranged in a first direction and a second direction that is not parallel to the first direction. A respective electrode of the two-dimensional array of electrodes is distinct and separate from a first adjacent electrode and a second adjacent electrode of the two-dimensional array of electrodes. The first adjacent electrode is adjacent to the respective electrode in the first direction and the second adjacent electrode is adjacent to the respective electrode in the second direction. A method for tracking an eye using a device including the light intensity modulator array is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: FACEBOOK TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jianru Shi, Lu Lu, Mary Lou Jepsen
  • Patent number: 10627663
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a liquid crystal grating, a display device, and methods for controlling thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Qian Wang, Xiaochuan Chen, Wenqing Zhao, Wei Wang, Jian Gao, Xianqin Meng, Zhongxiao Li, Chenyu Chen
  • Patent number: 10613349
    Abstract: A contact lens has a first circumferential groove containing a wire coil and an electronics cavity containing one or more electronic devices. The circumferential groove and electronics cavity are formed in a peripheral region of the contact lens. The coil is configured to wirelessly receive electrical power and/or data, and to provide the received power and/or data to the electronic devices in the electronics cavity and to a femtoprojector or other electronic devices in the contact lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Tectus Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald S. Maynard
  • Patent number: 10558076
    Abstract: A liquid crystal lens panel and a display device, and the liquid crystal lens panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, the liquid crystal lens panel further includes a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode is provided on the first substrate, the second electrode is provided on the first substrate or the second substrate, the second electrode includes a plurality of electrode units arranged in an array, and each of the plurality of electrode units and the first electrode are configured to form an electric field therebetween, so as to drive the liquid crystal layer to form an equivalent lens unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wenqing Zhao, Xue Dong, Xiaochuan Chen, Jian Gao, Qian Wang, Ming Yang, Pengcheng Lu, Rui Xu, Lei Wang, Xiaochen Niu
  • Patent number: 10520787
    Abstract: A camera system includes an image sensor assembly and a tunable optical element. The tunable optical element is a gradient index (GRIN) lens created from a polymer dispersed liquid crystal and a coupled control element. The GRIN lens is tunable by applying an electric field to the optical element via a control element. The control element applies a voltage differential to the optical element inducing an electric field which changes the polarization of the PDLC within the optical element. The electrodes of the control element can include sheet resistors with a radially dependent voltage drop. The refractive index of the GRIN lens is dependent on the polarization of the liquid crystals within the optical element. Applying the electric field to the tunable element changes the optical properties of the grating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Patrick Campbell
  • Patent number: 10437129
    Abstract: A multi-layer lens stack includes first liquid crystal material enclosed between a first diffractive lens structure and a first substrate surface having a first alignment layer disposed thereon, and second liquid crystal material enclosed between a second diffractive lens structure and a second substrate surface having a second alignment layer disposed thereon. The first and second liquid crystal materials assume a homeotropic alignment relative to the first and second substrate surfaces, respectively, in a first mode. The first alignment layer is configured to align the first liquid crystal material along a first direction and the second alignment layer is configured to align the second liquid crystal material along a second direction, substantially orthogonal to the first direction, in a second mode. The multi-layer lens stack has a first optical power in the first mode and a second optical power, different from the first optical power, in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventor: Joshua N. Haddock
  • Patent number: 10423123
    Abstract: The inventors have discovered a method to improve image quality in holography and, for the first time, utilize lenses made from birefringent materials to advantageously split an incoming beam of either coherent or incoherent light into two coincident beams with different focal lengths that interfere with one another and thus create holograms free of electro-optical or pixelated devices. This discovery has many advantages over current methods to create holograms in which many components, including multiple lenses, other electro-optical devices, and/or beam paths are necessary to create holograms. The current invention provides a purely optical holographic process which has better performance and holographic simplicity, in addition to being able to miniaturize holographic processes more than is currently possible in state of the art holography systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: CellOptic, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Brooker, Nisan Siegel
  • Patent number: 10295850
    Abstract: A polarization-independent liquid crystal micro-lens array, comprising, an optically transparent, dielectric planar panel, an optically transparent upper planar electrode deposited upon the planar panel top surface and bottom surface, a top substrate positioned adjacent to the planar panel top surface, a top pattern electrode deposited on the top substrate internal surface, a top liquid crystal layer disposed between the planar panel top surface and the top substrate internal surface, the top liquid crystal layer having a first polarization, a bottom substrate positioned adjacent to the planar panel bottom surface, a bottom pattern electrode deposited on the bottom substrate internal surface, a bottom liquid crystal layer disposed between the planar panel bottom surface and the bottom substrate internal surface, the bottom liquid crystal layer having a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Black Sesame International Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Zhaowei Xin, Dong Wei
  • Patent number: 10289070
    Abstract: Techniques to improve image quality in holography utilizing lenses made from materials with non-quantized anisotropic electromagnetic properties, such as birefringent materials, to advantageously split an incoming beam of light into two coincident beams with different focal lengths that interfere with one another and thus create holograms free of electro-optical or pixelated devices are disclosed. Corresponding systems, methods and apparatuses are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Cell-Optic, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Brooker, Nisan Siegel
  • Patent number: 10261345
    Abstract: An imaging analysis apparatus includes: an information processing module, used to receive position and depth information of an imaging lens group and/or imaging receiver relative to an object, obtain an imaging parameter corresponding to the imaging lens group according to the position and depth information, and send the obtained imaging parameter. An imaging lens group, used to image an object, can include subregions having adjustable imaging characteristics; and a lens adjustment module, used to receive the imaging parameter of the imaging lens group, determine a subregion corresponding to the imaging parameter, and adjust the imaging characteristic of the subregion. An object can be imaged by using an imaging lens in which each subregion has adjustable imaging parameters, thereby adjusting and correcting a perspective deformation that occurs on the object, and preventing a perspective deformation from occurring on an image of the object acquired by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: BEIJING ZHIGU RUI TUO TECH CO., LTD
    Inventors: Lin Du, Hongjiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 10203566
    Abstract: A light intensity modulator array includes a first substrate with a two-dimensional array of electrodes; a second substrate with one or more electrodes; and liquid crystal located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The two-dimensional array of electrodes is arranged in a first direction and a second direction that is not parallel to the first direction. A respective electrode of the two-dimensional array of electrodes is distinct and separate from a first adjacent electrode and a second adjacent electrode of the two-dimensional array of electrodes. The first adjacent electrode is adjacent to the respective electrode in the first direction and the second adjacent electrode is adjacent to the respective electrode in the second direction. A method for tracking an eye using a device including the light intensity modulator array is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jianru Shi, Lu Lu, Mary Lou Jepsen
  • Patent number: 10110811
    Abstract: An imaging module has a spatial light modulation element which applies spatial modulation to an incident luminous flux and emits it; an image sensor which obtains the luminous flux to which the spatial modulation has been applied by the spatial light modulation element as image information; and a fixing part which integrally fixes the spatial light modulation element and the image sensor, and the fixing part has a gap-defining member which is arranged between the spatial light modulation element and the image sensor and forms a gap structure having a certain distance, and an imaging device includes the imaging module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Suguru Sangu
  • Patent number: 10098727
    Abstract: An intraocular adaptive lens prosthesis apparatus is provided. In some implementations the apparatus includes a tunable liquid crystal lens encapsulated in the intraocular prosthesis with control electronics and a power source. In other implementations the apparatus includes a tunable liquid crystal lens encapsulated in the intraocular prosthesis with a control signal receiver while an external control electronics package transmits the control signal. The tunable liquid crystal lens is driven in response to a stimulus signal to provide accommodation. In some embodiments the tunable liquid crystal device corrects other visual shortcomings of the natural eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: LensVector Inc.
    Inventor: Tigran Galstian
  • Patent number: 10104285
    Abstract: A camera system has a lens focusing incoming light through a deflector system having at least one deflector plate onto a photosensor array. An image processor captures at least a first image with the deflector system in a first position and a second image with the deflector system in a second position to provide a focal point offset in a first axis on the photosensor array, and the firmware is configured to prepare an enhanced image from at least the first and second images. A method of imaging includes focusing incoming light through a deflector system having at least one deflector plate onto a photosensor array; receiving at least a first image with the deflector system in a first position; receiving a second image with the deflector system configured providing a focal point offset on the photosensor array; and preparing an enhanced image from the first and second images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Qin Wang, Gang Chen, Dajiang Yang
  • Patent number: 10095081
    Abstract: A liquid crystal element includes: a first electrode to which a first voltage is applied; a second electrode to which a second voltage is applied; an insulating layer that is an electrical insulator; a highly resistive layer; a liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal; a third electrode to which a third voltage is applied; a first boundary layer that is an electrical insulator; and a second boundary layer that faces the first boundary layer with the insulating layer therebetween. The insulating layer is located among the first electrode, the second electrode, and the highly resistive layer, and insulates the first electrode, the second electrode, and the highly resistive layer from one another. The highly resistive layer has an electric resistivity higher than each of electric resistivities of the first electrode and the second electrode, and lower than an electric resistivity of the insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: OSAKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Giichi Shibuya, Hiroyuki Yoshida, Masanori Ozaki
  • Patent number: 10036843
    Abstract: Various implementation of a light bar warning system for a steering wheel of a vehicle include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light guide, and at least one light source disposed adjacent the light guide. The LCD and light guide having arcuate shaped surfaces that follow along a portion of the steering wheel rim. Light emitted from the light source is transmitted through the light guide and out of its outer surface into an inner surface of the LCD that is disposed adjacent the light guide. The light is emitted through portions of the LCD that are activated for illumination by an LCD driver. The LCD may provide various types of warnings to the operator, including blind spot warnings, forward collision/proximity warnings, and lane departure warnings, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLC
    Inventor: Jason Carl Lisseman
  • Patent number: 9958705
    Abstract: A spectacle lens is disclosed. The disclosed lens provides a vision correcting area for the correction of a wearer's refractive error. The viewing correction area provides correction for non-conventional refractive error to provide at least a part of the wearer's vision correction. The lens has a prescription based on a wave front analysis of the wearer's eye and the lens can further be modified to fit within an eyeglass frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: e-Vision Smart Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, William Kokonaski
  • Patent number: 9851613
    Abstract: A variable aperture lens and methods of forming such lenses are disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the variable aperture lens include an electro-optic aperture sandwiched between a front lens and a rear lens along an optical axis. The front lens or the rear lens may include multiple lens layers having different optical properties to provide for a low z-height, optically aligned, variable aperture lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Hannah Dustan Noble, Iain Alexander McAllister
  • Patent number: 9841613
    Abstract: An eyeglass of a 3D glasses, a fabrication method thereof and a 3D glasses are provided. The eyeglass of the 3D glasses comprises: a substrate (2), configured to have a 3D function; and a lens (1) having a converging or diverging function, laminated on the substrate. The eyeglass of the 3D glasses and the 3D glasses have a myopic or hyperopic function simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignees: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd., Beijing BOE Display Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junwei Wang
  • Patent number: 9826161
    Abstract: A system and camera wherein the camera comprises in the light path a diffuser (4). The system or camera comprises a means (6) to modulate the diffusing properties of the diffuser (4) on an image projected by the lens on the sensor during exposure of the image. To the captured blurred image (10) an inverse point spread function is applied to deconvolute (24) the blurred image to a sharper image. Motion invariant image can so be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Dmitry Nikolayevich Znamenskiy, Ruben Rajagopalan, Rifat Ata Mustafa Hikmet