With Particular Mount Or Driver For Element Patents (Class 359/198.1)
  • Patent number: 11921234
    Abstract: A rotatable optical reflector device of a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanning system used in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The rotatable optical reflector device comprises a glass-based optical reflector including a plurality of reflective surfaces and a flange. The rotatable optical reflector device further comprises a metal-based motor rotor body at least partially disposed in an inner opening of the glass-based optical reflector. The rotatable optical reflector device further comprises an elastomer piece having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the elastomer piece is in contact with a second mounting surface of the flange. The rotatable optical reflector device further comprises a clamping mechanism compressing the elastomer piece at the second surface of the elastomer piece, wherein movement of the metal-based motor rotor body causes the glass-based optical reflector to optically scan light in a field-of-view of the LiDAR scanning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: INNOVUSION, INC.
    Inventors: Ning-Yi Wang, Haosen Wang
  • Patent number: 11914169
    Abstract: An optical member driving mechanism is provided. The optical member driving mechanism is configured to hold an optical member and drive the optical member to move. The optical member driving mechanism includes a first movable portion, a fixed portion, and a driving assembly. The first movable portion is movable relative to the fixed portion. The driving assembly is configured to drive the first movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Chen-Hsien Fan, Sung-Mao Tsai, Chia-Che Wu, Yueh-Lin Lee
  • Patent number: 11866166
    Abstract: A two degrees of freedom actuator for example for multi-bladed rotor of an aircraft with at least two blades that are driven in rotation about a main rotation axis by primary actuator, and a secondary actuator that is arranged to rotate each of said blades about the respective blades' longitudinal axis, with a synchronization means that is operatively arranged for driving the secondary actuator based on an azimuth of the rotor about the main axis for obtaining a determined cyclic pitch of a given amplitude for each blade depending on the azimuth of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: FLYBOTIX SA
    Inventor: Samir Bouabdallah
  • Patent number: 11789258
    Abstract: A light deflector including a mirror unit configured to reflect light; a pair of supports, one end of each of the pair of supports coupled to the mirror unit to support the mirror unit; a pair of drive beams each coupled to the other end of a corresponding support of the pair of supports, the pair of drive beams being configured to deform the pair of supports to rotate the mirror unit around a first axis; and connecting parts connecting the pair of drive beams to the pair of supports, respectively. Each of the connecting parts having a rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Goichi Akanuma
  • Patent number: 11762192
    Abstract: An optical scanning device includes a mirror and a drive beam. The drive beam includes a piezoelectric portion. The piezoelectric portion is partitioned by a plurality of first grooves into a plurality of piezoelectric bodies. The piezoelectric bodies are reduced in length in an X-axis direction as the piezoelectric bodies approach one end side connected to an anchor. The piezoelectric bodies are reduced in length in the X-axis direction as the piezoelectric bodies approach the other end side connected to a link beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuaki Konno, Yoshiaki Hirata, Takahiko Ito
  • Patent number: 11706392
    Abstract: A light projection system includes a MEMS mirror operating on a mirror drive signal to generate a mirror sense signal resulting from operation of the MEMS mirror based on the mirror drive signal. A mirror driver generates the mirror drive signal from a drive control signal. A controller receives the mirror sense signal from the MEMS mirror, obtains a first sample of the mirror sense signal at a first phase thereof, obtains a second sample of the mirror sense signal at a second phase thereof, wherein the first and second phases are separated by a half period of the mirror drive signal, with the second phase occurring after the first phase, and generates the drive control signal based on a difference between the first and second samples to keep the mirror drive signal separated in phase from the mirror sense signal by a desired amount of phase separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics LTD, STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Massimo Ratti, Eli Yaser, Naomi Petrushevsky, Yotam Nachmias
  • Patent number: 11640052
    Abstract: A light path adjustment mechanism includes a carrier, an optical plate member, a support, a base, a first pair of transmission mechanical pieces, and a second pair of transmission mechanical pieces. One side of the support is provided with a first actuator, and one side of the base is provided with a second actuator. The first pair of transmission mechanical pieces are connected between the base and the support, and the second pair of transmission mechanical pieces are connected between the carrier and the support. The first pair of transmission mechanical pieces are entirely disposed on only one side of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: YOUNG OPTICS INC.
    Inventors: Wei-Szu Lin, Chih-Chien Lin, Yu-Chen Chang, Kuan-Lun Cheng
  • Patent number: 11635613
    Abstract: An optical device includes an elastic support portion which includes a torsion bar extending in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction and a nonlinearity relaxation spring connected between the torsion bar and a movable portion. The nonlinearity relaxation spring is configured so that a deformation amount of the nonlinearity relaxation spring around the second direction is smaller than a deformation amount of the torsion bar around the second direction and a deformation amount of the nonlinearity relaxation spring in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is larger than a deformation amount of the torsion bar in the third direction while the movable portion moves in the first direction. A first comb finger of a first comb electrode and a second comb finger of a second comb electrode which are adjacent to each other face each other in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Sugimoto, Tomofumi Suzuki, Kyosuke Kotani
  • Patent number: 11624903
    Abstract: A light deflector includes a reflector having a reflecting surface, a movable part coupled to the reflector, a drive circuit configured to cause the movable part to deform so as to oscillate the reflector, a supporting unit having an opening in part; and a spring having a bending structure. The spring is disposed between the movable part and the supporting unit, the spring coupled to each of the movable part and the supporting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Fujishima, Nobunari Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 11555892
    Abstract: A drive device (10) includes a support (23), a first movable portion (21), a first magnet (41), a second magnet (42), a first coil (31), and a second coil (32). The first movable portion (21) is swingable in two axial directions with respect to the support (23). The first magnet (41) is positioned inside the first movable portion (21) when viewed from a first direction. The second magnet (42) is positioned outside the first movable portion (21) when viewed from the first direction. Magnetic flux from the first magnet (41) acts on the first coil (31). Magnetic flux from the second magnet (42) acts on the second coil (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Kuroki
  • Patent number: 11543652
    Abstract: A scanner for a lidar system is configured to direct emitted light to scan a field of regard of the lidar system in accordance with a scan pattern. The scanner includes a mirror and an actuator assembly. The mirror includes a reflective surface and a rear surface and is pivotable along a mirror axle. The actuator assembly is disposed along the rear surface of the mirror and is configured to exert a torque on the mirror to cause the mirror to pivot about the mirror axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Luminar, LLC
    Inventor: Sean P. Hughes
  • Patent number: 11543491
    Abstract: A Lidar system, a mirror assembly for a Lidar system and method of operating the mirror assembly. The mirror assembly of the Lidar system includes a first frame and a first conductor. The first frame is rotatable about a first axis. The first conductor extends along the first frame to one side of the first axis. The first conductor extends through a first magnetic field on the one side of the first axis in a direction parallel to the first axis. A first current is passed through the first conductor to interact with the first magnetic field to induce a first rotation of the first frame about the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Del Gaizo, Scott Singer, Cornel Marxer
  • Patent number: 11536956
    Abstract: A multi-beam laser processing system comprising a plurality of laser beams and a plurality of pairs of selectively rotatable mirrors for laser beam steering where each laser beam is independently steered by one pair of selectively rotatable mirrors. The plurality of pairs of mirrors are positioned adjacent to one another within a single main body. The main body is positioned directly opposing the beams, the mirrors directing each laser beam simultaneously to a selected location on a substrate. The main body comprises a plurality of vents; a plurality of passages; a plurality of openings; and a plurality of galvos nested densely within the main body. The galvos direct multiple laser beams to a substrate wherein the fields of view overlap and the laser beam focal point remains small and precise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: PRECO, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel B. Miller, James J. Bucklew, Kyle Enloe, David Plourde, Brian Lindahl
  • Patent number: 11520138
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical structure includes a body of semiconductor material having a fixed frame internally defining a cavity, a mobile mass elastically suspended in the cavity and movable with a first resonant movement about a first rotation axis and with a second resonant movement about a second rotation axis, orthogonal to the first axis. First and second pairs of supporting elements, extending in cantilever fashion in the cavity, are rigidly coupled to the frame, and are piezoelectrically deformable to cause rotation of the mobile mass about the first and second rotation axes. First and second pairs of elastic-coupling elements are elastically coupled between the mobile mass and the first and the second pairs of supporting elements. The first and second movements of rotation of the mobile mass are decoupled from one another and do not interfere with one another due to the elastic-coupling elements of the first and second pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Nicolo' Boni, Roberto Carminati, Massimiliano Merli
  • Patent number: 11487105
    Abstract: A display device, including a display surface, a laser beam emitter, and a processor. The display device may further include a slow-scan MEMS driver configured to drive a slow-scan mirror and a fast-scan MEMS driver configured to drive a fast-scan mirror. The slow-scan mirror and the fast-scan mirror may reflect the laser beam onto an active region of the display surface. The slow-scan period may include a scanning interval in which the slow-scan mirror is configured to move to a final scanning position at one or more scanning ramp rates and a flyback interval in which the slow-scan mirror is configured to return to the initial scanning position. The processor may generate a modified slow-scan drive signal by modifying one or more of the initial scanning position, the final scanning position, and the scanning ramp rate in a blank region of the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Wenjun Liao, Chuan Pu
  • Patent number: 11474345
    Abstract: A mirror device includes a support portion, a movable portion, and a pair of torsion bars disposed on both sides of the movable portion on a first axis. The movable portion includes a frame-shaped frame connected to the pair of torsion bars and a mirror unit disposed inside the frame. The mirror unit is connected to the frame in each of a pair of connection regions located on both sides of the mirror unit in a direction parallel to a second axis. A region other than the pair of connection regions in a region between the mirror unit and the frame is a space. An outer edge of the mirror unit and an inner edge of the frame are connected to each other so that a curvature in each of the pair of connection regions is continuous when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first and the second axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Daiki Suzuki, Takuma Osaki
  • Patent number: 11474342
    Abstract: A wavelength-tunable interference filter includes: a first substrate where a first mirror and a first electrode are provided; a second substrate where a second mirror corresponding to the first mirror and a second electrode facing the first electrode are provided; and a bonding part bonding the first substrate and the second substrate together. The first substrate includes a moving part where the first mirror is arranged, a diaphragm part holding the moving part in such a way that the moving part is movable in the Z-direction, and an outer circumferential part provided outside of the diaphragm part. The diaphragm part includes a planar part having a uniform thickness, and a first slope part having a thickness in the Z-direction incrementing as it goes from the planar part toward the outer circumferential part. The first electrode is provided over a range from the planar part to the first slope part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventors: Yasushi Matsuno, Tomoaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11428811
    Abstract: A MEMS optical switch-based LiDAR beam steering unit may comprise an optical switching array comprising two or more translatable optical switch gratings. The two or more translatable optical switch gratings may be arranged in a foveal pattern. Each of the two or more translatable optical switch gratings may have an associated MEMS structure operative to selectively translate the optical switch grating between a first position and a second position, and a first waveguide associated with the translatable optical switch grating. The grating being in the first position may cause the grating to be sufficiently close to the first waveguide to produce a strong optical coupling between the grating and the first waveguide. The grating being in the second position may cause the grating to be sufficiently far from the first waveguide to produce a weak optical coupling between the grating and the first waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Sabrina M. Mansur, Theodore J. Steiner, III
  • Patent number: 11422334
    Abstract: A driving mechanism is provided, including a fixed part, a movable part for holding an optical element, and a driving assembly. The movable part is movable relative to the fixed part and has a first resonance frequency with respect to the fixed part. The driving assembly is configured to drive the movable part to rotate back and forth within a range relative to the fixed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Kai-Jing Fu, Chao-Chang Hu, Min-Hsiu Tsai, Mao-Kuo Hsu, Juei-Hung Tsai
  • Patent number: 11415894
    Abstract: A projection exposure apparatus for semiconductor technology includes an optical arrangement with an optical element having an optically effective surface. The optical arrangement also includes an actuator embedded in the optical element. The actuator is outside the optically effective surface and outside the region located behind the optically effective surface. The optical arrangement is set up to deform the optically effective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
    Inventors: Judith Fingerhuth, Norbert Wabra, Sonja Schneider, Ferdinand Djuric-Rissner, Peter Graf, Reimar Finken
  • Patent number: 11330180
    Abstract: Systems and methods of capturing imagery are provided. In particular, an imaging platform can be configured to capture imagery using a dual-axis steering mirror and one or more image capture devices. The line of sight angle of the imaging platform can be controlled by controlling the motion of the steering mirror in accordance with a motion profile. In example embodiments, the motion profile can correspond to a sawtooth wave. The imaging platform can further include one or more position sensors used to determine a position and/or orientation of the imaging platform along a path on which the imaging platform travels. The motion of the steering mirror can then be controlled to rotate about a first axis and a second axis to compensate for line of sight errors based at least in part on the determined position and/or orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Planet Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Dirk Robinson, Jonathan Dyer, Joshua Levine, Brendan Hermalyn, Ronny Votel, Matt William Messana
  • Patent number: 11313970
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a time-of-flight camera, comprising a light-emitting module and a light-receiving module. The light-emitting module comprises a light source component, a light-reflecting component, and a light-diffusing component. The light source component emits a first light in a first direction. The light-reflecting component and the light-diffusing component are disposed on the light path of the first light. A second light formed by the first light passes through the light-reflecting component and the light-diffusing component. The second light travels toward a second direction to an object to be measured. The object to be measured reflects the second light. The first direction is intersecting with the second direction. The light-receiving module receives the reflected second light and performs the function of sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: GUANGZHOU LUXVISIONS INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Shih-Chieh Yen
  • Patent number: 11300774
    Abstract: Handheld devices and methods that integrate wide-field dermoscopy with reflectance confocal microscopy for non-invasive simultaneous capture of wide-field color images of the skin surface and images of the sub-surface cellular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignees: MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY, MEMORIAL SLOAN-KETTERING CANCER CENTER
    Inventors: David Dickensheets, Milind Rajadhyaksha
  • Patent number: 11294169
    Abstract: A scanning device includes an MEMS mirror mechanism that swings a mirror with respect to a first axial line as a central line and swings the mirror with respect to a second axial line as a central line, and a control unit that generates a first drive signal for swinging the mirror with respect to the first axial line, and a second drive signal for swinging the mirror with respect to the second axial line. The control unit generates the first drive signal and the second drive signal so that m times of reciprocation of an irradiation region in a first direction and one time of reciprocation of the irradiation region in a second direction correspond to each other by repeating generation of a second signal element constituting the second drive signal to correspond to a first signal element in a period equal to or less than one cycle in the first drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventor: Naoto Sakurai
  • Patent number: 11256106
    Abstract: An optical system for adjusting a proportion of light of a particular spectral band that is emitted from the optical system. A dichroic mirror is configured to reflect light of a first spectral band from a light source towards a distal end of an optical fiber while allowing light of a second spectral band to pass through the dichroic mirror. The second mirror is positioned behind the dichroic mirror and is configured to reflect light of the second spectral band. A mirror actuator is coupled to the second mirror and is configured to adjust a proportion of the light of the second spectral band that is emitted by the optical system by adjusting a position of the second mirror relative to the dichroic mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: MEDICAL INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventor: Erik W. Peterson
  • Patent number: 11208032
    Abstract: A vehicle projects various types of light beams onto a road using a light-emitting module. The light-emitting module includes: a reflection unit, and a light source unit to emit light to the reflection unit. The reflection unit includes: a first pole magnet and a second pole magnet facing each other while being spaced apart from each other; a plate disposed between the first pole magnet and the second pole magnet, and a wire disposed in a multiple number of turns in one direction along an edge of the plate; and a reflection surface disposed on the upper surface of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, KOREA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH & BUSINESS FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Ji Soo Park, Jung Gi Han, Dong Hee Han, Yong Sin Kim
  • Patent number: 11188170
    Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a display section that displays an image on a display surface, an output section that outputs light, a changer that changes the angle of the light outputted from the output section with respect to the display surface, a position detector that detects a reflected position where the light outputted by the output section is reflected, and a change controller that controls the changer based on the result of the detection performed by the position detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shingo Wakimoto
  • Patent number: 11187791
    Abstract: This application relates to the field of radar technologies, and in particular, to a laser radar and an intelligent sensing device. The laser radar includes a radar body, a laser emitter board, a laser receiver board, and a counterweight structure. The laser emitter board and the laser receiver board are separately disposed on the laser body. The laser emitter board is configured to emit an emergent laser toward a detection target. The laser receiver board is configured to receive a reflected laser reflected by the detection target, and convert an optical signal into an electrical signal, so as to analyze a position, a three-dimensional image, a speed, and the like of the detection target. The radar body is connected to a power apparatus, and the power apparatus drives the entire radar body and the laser emitter board and the laser receiver board that are located on the radar body to rotate, so that the laser radar can detect a range of 360° around.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: SUTENG INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Gaoshan Ye
  • Patent number: 11163151
    Abstract: A piezoelectric MEMS scanning mirror system is provided. In particular, the efficiency and life of the system are improved by use of new bonding methods. Mechanical and electrical connections between the actuator frame of a piezoelectric MEMS scanning mirror system and the piezoelectric actuators in the system may be created using an anisotropic conductive adhesive. An anisotropic conductive adhesive only conducts electricity across the bond line between a lower portion of the piezoelectric actuator and a top of the metal frame. One way this is done is to provide a sparse loading of conductive particles. When the piezoelectric element is compressed against the frame, the conductive particles only form a conductive path across the bond line. Grit blasting, sanding, or chemical etching may be used to roughen the metal surface prior to bonding. A surface roughness between 2 RMS and 6 RMS may be created on the metal frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Luizzi, Michael James Nystrom
  • Patent number: 11156698
    Abstract: Methods and systems for using a MEMS mirror for steering a LiDAR beam and for minimizing statically emitted light from a LiDAR system are disclosed. A LiDAR system includes a light source that emits a light beam directed at a MEMS device. The MEMS device includes a manipulable mirror that reflects the emitted light beam in a scanning pattern. The MEMS device also includes a stabilization ring positioned adjacent to and at least partially surrounding the mirror. An attenuation layer is disposed on a top surface of the stabilization ring and is configured to attenuate light reflected by the stabilization ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Beijing Voyager Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sae Won Lee, Youmin Wang, Qin Zhou
  • Patent number: 11150447
    Abstract: Actuators for rotating or tilting an optical element, for example an optical path folding element, comprising a voice coil motor (VCM) and a curved ball-guided mechanism operative to create a rotation or tilt movement of the optical element around a rotation axis upon actuation by the VCM. In some embodiments, an actuator includes two, first and second VCMs, and two curved ball-guided mechanisms operative to create rotation or tilt around respective first and second rotation axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Corephotonics Ltd.
    Inventors: Gil Bachar, Itay Jerby, Itay Yedid
  • Patent number: 11099379
    Abstract: A reflective device comprising, a comprising, a movable element which comprises a reflective surface, wherein the movable element can oscillate about at least one oscillation axis to scan light; one or more holder elements which co-operate with the movable element to hold the movable element in a manner which will allow the movable element to oscillate about the at least one oscillation axis to scan light, wherein the one or more holder elements are configured to define a region which can receive at least a portion of the movable element as the movable element oscillates when the reflective device is mounted on a surface; a magnetic element which is secured to a fixed part of the reflective device; one or more electrically conductive means positioned on the movable element so that one or more electrically conductive means can operatively co-operate with a magnetic field provided by the magnetic element to effect oscillation of the moveable element, wherein the one or more electrically conductive means are com
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Nicolas Abele, Faouzi Khechana, Julien Gamet
  • Patent number: 11054507
    Abstract: Object detection and distance measurement using a scanning device is provided. The beam deflection device for light detection and ranging (LiDAR) includes a base, permanent magnets, a maglev reflector attached to the permanent magnets, and control coils mounted on the base. The maglev reflector may be configured to levitate due to an electromagnetic interaction of the permanent magnets and the control coils, and the control coils may consist of horizontal (H)-control coils defining a position of the maglev reflector in a horizontal direction and vertical (V)-control coils defining a position of the maglev reflector in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Stanislav Vladimirovich Polonsky, Artem Yurievich Nikishov
  • Patent number: 11029393
    Abstract: A Light Imaging, Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system with multiple LIDAR units share a dual axis resonate motor (or tip-tilt) beam steering mirror (BSM). The dual axis resonate motor (or tip-tilt) beam steering mirror has two degrees of rotational freedom, first rotor rotate reference to second rotor through connected first torsion spring axis, the second rotor is also the stator of the first rotor, second rotor rotate reference to stator through connected second torsion spring axis. Alternating electric current energizes electric coils to create electromagnetic force which resonates the rotors coaxially along the torsion spring axis. Each of the polarity of the LIDAR units shares the BSM and covers a fractional field of view of the system. The dual axis resonate motor (or tip-tilt) beam steering system is capable of scanning each individual LIDAR unit point measurement data into a 3D (distance, vertical angle, horizontal angle) data cloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Turro LLC
    Inventors: Ping Li, Charles Liang Li
  • Patent number: 10712580
    Abstract: A driving mechanism is provided, including a fixed portion, a movable portion, and a driving module disposed therebetween. The driving module includes a first electromagnetic driving assembly and a second electromagnetic driving assembly. The first electromagnetic driving assembly has a first surface, and the second electromagnetic driving assembly has a second surface facing the first surface. The second surface is a curved surface. The driving module can drive the movable portion to rotate around a rotation axis relative to the fixed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Chao-Chang Hu, Che-Wei Chang, Cheng-Kai Yu
  • Patent number: 10690901
    Abstract: A method of generating in-focus images of measurement locations of a sample holder in a microscopy imaging system is provided. A camera sensor and an array of focusing optics are positioned at a first focal distance from the sample holder. A first image of a measurement location is acquired using the camera sensor. A candidate output image associated with the camera sensor and the array of focusing optics is developed in accordance with the first image. The camera sensor with the array of focusing optics is positioned at a second distance from the sample holder and a second image of the measurement location is acquired using the camera sensor. A portion of the candidate output image is updated in accordance with a portion of the second image in accordance with a selection criterion. The updated candidate image is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Molecular Devices, LLC
    Inventor: Avrum Isaac Cohen
  • Patent number: 10677893
    Abstract: Provided are a vertical alignment apparatus and method for a vehicle radar. The vertical alignment apparatus includes a case at which a shaft is formed, an antenna coupled with the shaft and disposed to be rotatable about the shaft in a vertical direction, an antenna rotary member rotating the antenna and a stopper limiting an angle of rotation of the antenna, wherein the antenna rotary member displaces one side of the antenna upward or downward so as to rotate the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hanyeol Yu, Seok Jo Lee
  • Patent number: 10558033
    Abstract: A light deflector 1 includes a reflector (2), inner piezoelectric actuators (4), an inner frame (5), outer piezoelectric actuators (6), and an outer frame (7). The reflector (2) is oscillated about a first axis Ua and a second axis Ub by the inner piezoelectric actuators (4) and the outer piezoelectric actuators (6), respectively. Formed on the rear surface of the light deflector 1 is a projecting rib (52), which projects from an encircling rib (51) of the inner frame (5) and reaches a corner portion (36) of a distal end portion of a piezoelectric cantilever (13a). A vertical side (22b) has an outer recess (35). The outer recess (35) extends along the projecting rib (52) in a portion of the distal end side of the piezoelectric cantilever (13a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Sakurai, Takaaki Koyama, Tomotaka Asari
  • Patent number: 10557939
    Abstract: A lidar system with improved signal-to-noise ratio in the presence of solar background noise. The lidar system can comprise a light source to emit light toward a target. The light source can have an operating wavelength which lies within a band that delineates a relative maximum in atmospheric absorption. The lidar system can also include a detector to detect scattered light from the target and a processor to determine a characteristic of the target based on a characteristic of the scattered light received at the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Luminar Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Campbell, Jason M. Eichenholz, Matthew D. Weed
  • Patent number: 10551612
    Abstract: Disclosed is a scanning apparatus including a substrate, an outer gimbal connected to the substrate and including an outer coil, an inner gimbal connected to the outer gimbal and including an inner coil, a mirror connected to the inner gimbal and having a reflective face formed on one side, and a magnetic assembly disposed below the substrate, wherein a spring including a plurality of strings is provided between the inner gimbal and the mirror, the plurality of strings being symmetrical to one another with respect to a longitudinal axis of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignees: SenPlus Inc., Ewha University—Industry Collaboration
    Inventors: Chang-Hyeon Ji, Jong Uk Bu
  • Patent number: 10509559
    Abstract: A computer produces a digital model that efficiently describes a dense array of many micro-pillars. The digital model achieves this efficiency by describing an entire micro-pillar with only a few parameters. For example, an entire micro-pillar may be described by two of more of the following parameters: height, base thickness, profile and tilt. The computer outputs instructions to fabricate the micro-pillar array, in accordance with the digital model. A 3D printer fabricates the micro-pillar array, based on the instructions. Applying vibration to a directional array of micro-pillars may cause the array of micro-pillars to actuate motion of a passive object that is touching the array. Also, a sensor may measure sounds caused by swipes against a micro-pillar array, and output signals indicative of the measurements. A computer performs a machine learning algorithm that takes the measurements as an input, and classifies the swipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jifei Ou, Gershon Dublon, Chin-Yi Cheng, Liang Zhou, Hiroshi Ishii
  • Patent number: 10496003
    Abstract: An exposure device includes an exposure section, a weight, and an elastic portion. The exposure section includes plural light emitting elements arranged along an axial direction of an image holding member that is rotatable, is positioned with respect to the image holding member at both ends in the axial direction, and exposes the image holding member to light by emitting light to the image holding member. The weight is disposed so as to face the exposure section, and has a mass determined in advance. The elastic portion is elastic, and is disposed between the exposure section and the weight to support the weight so as to be vibratable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi No, Shuichi Nishide, Seiichi Takayama
  • Patent number: 10481421
    Abstract: An optical mount includes a mount material in a closed geometry with an outer surface sized for matching internal dimensions of an outer housing, and an inner surface including spaced apart inward extending contacting features providing contact points that collectively define an inner opening sized for securing an optical device including a crystal within. At least one feature gap or a recessed portion is between the inward extending contacting features. Edge holders are adapted for receiving corners of the optical device can be the protrusion pair or inner notches. The outer surface includes at least one outer notch between the inward extending contacting features. The edge holders and outer notch(es) are for each acting as hinge points opening or pinching depending on a direction of force on the optical mount for responding with flexure when there is a dimensional change in the crystal, mount material, or the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Gooch & Housego PLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Dew, Carl D. Brunetta, Thomas E. Stenger, Gabe S. Nau, Thomas C. Walker
  • Patent number: 10432866
    Abstract: Systems and methods of capturing imagery are provided. In particular, an imaging platform can be configured to capture imagery using a dual-axis steering mirror and one or more image capture devices. The line of sight angle of the imaging platform can be controlled by controlling the motion of the steering mirror in accordance with a motion profile. In example embodiments, the motion profile can correspond to a sawtooth wave. The imaging platform can further include one or more position sensors used to determine a position and/or orientation of the imaging platform along a path on which the imaging platform travels. The motion of the steering mirror can then be controlled to rotate about a first axis and a second axis to compensate for line of sight errors based at least in part on the determined position and/or orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Planet Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Dirk Robinson, Jonathan Dyer, Joshua Levine, Brendan Hermalyn, Ronny Votel, Matt William Messana
  • Patent number: 10365477
    Abstract: A reflective device including a movable element which has a reflective surface, wherein the movable element can oscillate about at least one oscillation axis to scan light; one or more holder elements which co-operate with the movable element to hold the movable element in a manner which will allow the movable element to oscillate about the at least one oscillation axis to scan light, wherein the one or more holder elements are configured to define a region which can receive at least a portion of the movable element as the movable element oscillates when the reflective device is mounted on a surface; a magnetic element which is secured to a fixed part of the reflective device; one or more electrically conductive means positioned on the movable element so that one or more electrically conductive means can operatively co-operate with a magnetic field provided by the magnetic element to effect oscillation of the moveable element, wherein the one or more electrically conductive means are completely embedded in th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: North Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolas Abele, Faouzi Khechana, Julien Gamet
  • Patent number: 10317669
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a micro-optical electromechanical device includes a body, a mirror element, and a spring structure configured to flexibly support the mirror element to the body. The spring structure includes at least one piezoelectric transducer adapted to induce in the spring structure a displacement that moves the mirror element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Heikki Kuisma
  • Patent number: 10197792
    Abstract: A reaction compensated steerable platform device is disclosed. The reaction compensated steerable platform device can include a base, a steerable platform movably coupled to the base, and a reaction mass movably coupled to the base. The reaction compensated steerable platform device can also include a primary actuator coupled to the steerable platform and the base to cause movement of the steerable platform. The reaction compensated steerable platform device can further include a secondary actuator coupled to the reaction mass and the base to cause movement of the reaction mass. In addition, the reaction compensated steerable platform device can also include a load sensor configured to provide feedback for actuation of the secondary actuator, such that the reaction mass moves to compensate for a load induced on a support structure by the movement of the steerable platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Andrew L. Bullard
  • Patent number: 10175475
    Abstract: This rotary drive apparatus is an apparatus arranged to rotate a first mirror and a second mirror each of which reflects incident light coming from a light source. The rotary drive apparatus includes rotating bodies including a first rotating body including the first mirror, and a second rotating body including the second mirror; and a motor arranged to support the rotating bodies. The motor includes a stationary portion including a stator; and a rotating portion supported through a bearing portion to be rotatable about a central axis extending in a vertical direction with respect to the stationary portion, the rotating portion including a magnet arranged opposite to the stator. At least a portion of the first mirror is arranged on the central axis above the bearing portion. At least a portion of the second mirror is arranged on the central axis below the bearing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: NIDEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideki Nishimura, Yoichi Sekii
  • Patent number: 10151918
    Abstract: A scanner includes: an optical fiber that guides light from a light source; a drive unit including at least one actuator that, when a voltage is applied thereto, displaces an exit end of the optical fiber in a direction intersecting an optical axis; a support portion that is provided on a basal end side from the drive unit and that is spaced away from the drive unit to support the optical fiber; and a correction portion that performs correction so as to bring the center of gravity of the drive unit and a combined center of gravity of the optical fiber, the drive unit, and the support portion close to each other on a cross-section of the drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuaki Kasai, Hiroshi Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 10114212
    Abstract: The present application discloses a deflector including a substrate portion, a movable portion, a reflective portion, a support portion, and a moving mechanism. The movable portion is supported by a first end of the support portion. A second end of the support portion is supported by the substrate portion. An end of the movable portion is capable of coming into contact with the substrate portion. The reflective portion is formed on the movable portion. The moving mechanism is capable of driving the movable portion so as to bring the movable portion into at least any one of a first state, a second state, a third state, and a fourth state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHO
    Inventors: Isao Aoyagi, Kanae Murata, Takashi Ozaki, Norio Fujitsuka, Yutaka Nonomura, Teruhisa Akashi