Patents Examined by Ryan D Howard
  • Patent number: 12724285
    Abstract: Speckle-modulated line illumination devices and associated methods are described that enable acquisition of images with high resolution and high speed simultaneously. One example speckle-modulated line illumination device includes a spatially coherent light source having a speckled output, a collimation lens positioned to receive the output of the spatially coherent light source, a cylindrical lens positioned to receive a collimated light produced by the collimation lens, and a diffuser positioned to receive a focused line illumination from the cylindrical lens, and to impart random phase variations in light that is output therefrom. The diffuser is coupled to a movement stage to impart rotational or translational movements to the diffusor as a function of time. Implementations of the disclosed technology can be used to develop reflectance confocal microscopy devices and scattering-based light sheet microscopy devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2026
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of Arizona
    Inventors: Dongkyun Kang, Cheng Gong, Christopher David Nguyen
  • Patent number: 12724335
    Abstract: A projection device includes a light source, spatial light modulator, a control unit, and a shield. The spatial light modulator has a modulation part that modulates the phase of light emitted from the light source. The control unit divides the modulation part of the spatial light modulator into at least two regions and sets phase images of the target image in these regions. The light source is controlled to emit light onto the modulation parts with the phase images. The shield allows light from the image region for the desired image to pass through as projection light while blocking light from an unnecessary region, including ghost images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2026
    Assignee: NEC Platforms, Ltd.
    Inventor: Fujio Okumura
  • Patent number: 12717160
    Abstract: A lensed display system includes a projector configured to project an image. The lensed display system includes a lens formed of a glass or crystalline material. The lens includes a first surface, wherein at least a portion of the first surface includes a coating that is configured to display the projected image. The lens includes a second surface, wherein the second surface comprises a transparent curved surface that is configured to face toward a user and to enable the user to view the image projected onto the coating through the transparent curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2026
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: John David Smith, Bradford Ross Benn, Peter Carsillo, Tony Plett
  • Patent number: 12720025
    Abstract: An electronic device includes: a transmission unit configured to transmit to a device management server, position information indicating a position where the electronic device is installed, unique information uniquely assigned to the electronic device, and setting information set to the electronic device; a first reception unit configured to receive from the device management server, setting information set to the electronic device, based on the position information and the unique information; and a control unit configured to perform a setting of the electronic device based on the received setting information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2026
    Assignee: Sharp Display Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Sunagare
  • Patent number: 12717153
    Abstract: A multi-aperture projector for projecting an optical image of a transmitted light image onto a spaced-apart projection surface has: at least one light source which, in an on state, causes at least one transmitted light image to project an optical image onto the projection surface; wherein the at least one transmitted light image is divided into a number of rectangular regions; a multi-aperture objective and a beam deflection element arrangement having a number of beam deflection elements for deflecting the light beams incident through the at least one transmitted light image, wherein the multi-aperture objective and the beam deflection arrangement form an arrangement of optical channels, wherein the beam deflection elements are arranged such that they are each tilted about a tilt axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2026
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Alexander Oberdörster, Robert Brüning, Christin Gassner, Britta Satzer
  • Patent number: 12717223
    Abstract: An illumination device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a light source section; and a control unit. The light source section includes one or more solid-state light sources. The control unit controls driving of the one or more solid-state light sources to control luminance for a predetermined time after activation of the light source section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2026
    Assignee: Sony Group Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuneharu Nomura, Shiun Sakai, Chiharu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 12710592
    Abstract: A waveguide device includes a first diffractive element, a second diffractive element, a third diffractive element, and a waveguide element. The first diffractive element is configured to diffract light of a wavelength to propagate with a diffraction angle. The second diffractive element is configured to diffract the light of the wavelength to propagate with the diffraction angle. The third diffractive element is configured to diffract the light of the wavelength to propagate with the diffraction angle. The waveguide element is configured to guide the light of the wavelength to propagate from the first diffractive element to the second diffractive element and the third diffractive element. Diffraction efficiencies of the second diffractive element and the third diffractive element are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2026
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Qing-Long Deng, Chih-Ying Chen
  • Patent number: 12710690
    Abstract: A projector, such as a toy projector, in which stored content or information is delivered both as digital images and digital audio content from an interchangeable character which is interchangeably attached to the projector. The stored content or information can be specific to the content and/or theme being displayed and is delivered through an electrical connection to the projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2025
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2026
    Assignee: COTTAGE DOOR PRESS, LLC
    Inventor: Richard G. Maddrell
  • Patent number: 12704772
    Abstract: A projection method includes generating projection size information including at least one of first size information representing a distance between two dots included in a first projection image displayed on a projection surface, and second size information representing an area of a first image included in the first projection image based on information output from a sensor, and displaying a second projection image including an image showing a numerical value represented by the projection size information on the projection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2026
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kota Takeuchi, Hiroyuki Ichieda
  • Patent number: 12699310
    Abstract: A vibration generation device includes: a base configured to transmit vibration to an object; a pendulum supported by the base swingably around a rotation axis; a first induction unit including a magnet, provided at an opposite-side end portion of the pendulum from the rotation axis, and configured to induce swing of the pendulum; and a first driving unit including a coil and configured to apply a driving force to the pendulum. The coil of the first driving unit faces the magnet of the first induction unit in a non-contact manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2026
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Wakabayashi, Tatsuya Takahashi
  • Patent number: 12689714
    Abstract: A projection system is configured to project first and second projection images, with end portions of the first and second projection images overlapping. The projection system includes a first projector projecting the first projection image and a second projector projecting the second projection image. The first projector acquires first projection image data and a first control signal, the first projection image data representing the first projection image that is a clipping of an original projection image, the first control signal being linked to the first projection image data and being for controlling driving of the first projector. The second projector acquires second projection image data and a second control signal, the second projection image data representing the second projection image that is a clipping of the original projection image, the second control signal being linked to the second projection image data and being for controlling driving of the second projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2026
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masami Osada, Norimitsu Sugiyama, Takashi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 12681374
    Abstract: A fluorescence emitting element includes: a wavelength conversion member that is plate-shaped and includes a fluorescent material, the wavelength conversion member including a first principal surface and a second principal surface that is on an opposite side from the first principal surface; and a metal film bonded to at least one surface out of the first principal surface and the second principal surface. In a plan view of the wavelength conversion member, the wavelength conversion member includes a region that does not overlap the metal film, and the metal film includes a bonding surface that is bonded to the at least one surface, and an exposed surface on an opposite side from the bonding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2026
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noriyasu Nakashima, Yosuke Honda, Shinichi Kitaoka, Yoshiyuki Takahira
  • Patent number: 12681319
    Abstract: Provided are an electronic device and/or a controlling method thereof. The electronic device may include a projection part; a memory storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor. The projection part may include a split prism for transmitting a part of light emitted from a light source in a front direction and reflecting a remaining part of light on at least one inclined surface in a lateral direction. The processor may be configured to convert an image corresponding to a received signal into a multi-sided image to be projected to a plurality of projection surfaces, and control the projection part to project the converted multi-sided image to the plurality of projection surfaces through the split prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2026
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyunghwan Kim, Jaesung Park, Daesun Oh, Jonghee Han, Woosung Chung, Hyunah Kim
  • Patent number: 12675933
    Abstract: A convex-lensed zoetrope for providing bright, clear, and straight-on animation. An image hub retains images in series for animation, and an outer drum concentrically rotates with the image hub. The outer drum is at least partially transparent, and a plurality of convex Fresnel lenses retained along a ring shape form a lens structure retained by the outer drum. During rotation of the outer drum, the lens structure, and the inner image hub, the animation of images retained on the image hub can be viewed in a straight-on manner through the transparent outer drum and the convex lenses retained thereby. The Fresnel lenses can comprise lens sheets with an outwardly-facing lensed surface and an inwardly-facing flat surface. Animation members, such as animation strips, can be selectively applied to encircle the image hub, and alignment formations of the animation members and the image hub promote alignment of the images with the lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2026
    Inventor: Rufus Butler Seder
  • Patent number: 12675073
    Abstract: A holographic lighting apparatus includes at least two channels for the respective associated lighting functions. Each channel includes an edge-lit arrangement with an incoupling surface for coupling light from a light source into the arrangement, and an outcoupling surface; and a light source. The edge-lit arrangements of the channels are all included in a monolithic component having a common outcoupling surface, and each channel is arranged so as to be rotated about a surface normal of the outcoupling surface along an azimuthal arrangement angle. The component has at least one holographic structure for generating the lighting function of the relevant channel when said structure is illuminated by the light source of the channel. Also provided are a vehicle including a corresponding lighting apparatus, the use of the lighting apparatus as a display in a vehicle, and the lighting apparatus as an LED collimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2026
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Jena GmbH
    Inventors: Siemen Kuehl, Christoph Erler, Petr Vojtisek
  • Patent number: 12663700
    Abstract: A lens module includes a lens assembly, an actuator, an encoder, and a controller. The actuator is connected to the lens assembly. The encoder is connected to the actuator and linked with the actuator. The encoder includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes multiple areas, and each of the areas includes at least one conductor. The second portion includes multiple conductive contacts. When the actuator drives the encoder to move, the second portion moves relative to the first portion, and the encoder outputs a voltage signal according to whether the conductive contacts are in contact with the at least one conductor in the areas. The controller is electrically connected to the encoder and the actuator. The controller determines a state of the encoder according to the voltage signal. A projection device and a method for adjusting the lens module are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2026
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Chia-Ching Liao, Hui-Ju Lin, Chih-Chen Chen, Tung-Yi Ko
  • Patent number: 12659437
    Abstract: A system and a process for accurately aligning projection mapping systems using the assistance of camera sensors. The calibration process involves first projecting a modulated gray code image sequence that allows the calibration cameras to identify a dense set of image correspondences between the calibration cameras and the projectors. The calibration cameras are then aligned to the screen surface through the selection of key points or fiducials on the screen surface that are then identified in the camera images. Once the camera(s) are aligned to the screen surface, the image correspondences between the projectors and cameras are used to determine the alignment of the projectors to the screen surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2026
    Assignee: Scalable Display Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler M. Johnson, Kevin Amaratunga
  • Patent number: 12656620
    Abstract: An optical system includes a first optical system, a second optical system, and a third optical system. The first optical system divides an input beam into a first light and a second light. The second optical system includes a concave reflective surface which reflects the first light. The third optical system directs at least one of the first light reflected from the second optical system and the second light from the first optical system to an output optical path of the third optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2026
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel Gene Smith, Brian Lee Stamper
  • Patent number: 12656667
    Abstract: The present invention provides a film disc for a story projector, configured to be inserted into a story projector main body to achieve synchronous playback of images and audio. The film disc includes a housing, a rotating disc, and an audio module. The housing is provided with a projection hole and a driving hole. The rotating disc is rotatably installed in the housing and is provided with a film sheet corresponding to the projection hole, and one side of the rotating disc is provided with a transmission member configured to mesh with a driving assembly of the story projector main body. The audio module includes an audio board and a storage unit, the storage unit stores audio data corresponding to an image on the film sheet, and the audio board is installed on the housing for data interaction with the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2025
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2026
    Assignee: Shenzhen Bolong Technology Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Huazhu Zheng, Caijian Zheng, Wenzhen Ouyang, Yunyun Lu
  • Patent number: 12647545
    Abstract: A calibration tool for a dynamic projection mapping system includes a rigid body, a row of at least three light emitters disposed on the rigid body, and an additional light emitter disposed on the rigid body and offset from the row of the at least three light emitters. The calibration tool also includes a sensor disposed on the rigid body and configured to detect projected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Chandler Jeromin, Christopher David Layfield