Patents by Inventor Andrew John Ouderkirk

Andrew John Ouderkirk has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11740392
    Abstract: The disclosed optical lens assemblies may include a structural support element, a deformable element coupled to the structural support element, and a deformable medium positioned between the deformable element and the structural support element. The deformable element may include a base element that, when deformed, alters an optical property of the optical lens assembly. The deformable element may have a non-uniform stiffness. Related methods of fabricating an optical lens assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew John Ouderkirk, Katherine Marie Smyth
  • Patent number: 11740408
    Abstract: Disclosed is a polymeric waveguide for propagating light therein along width and length dimensions of the polymeric waveguide. The polymeric waveguide has a first curved surface on one side thereof and a second curved surface on an opposite second side thereof, and a refractive index spatially varying through a thickness thereof between the first curved surface and the second curved surface. The polymeric waveguide is curved in a cross-section comprising at least one of the width and length dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew John Ouderkirk, Sheng Ye, Tingling Rao
  • Patent number: 11719960
    Abstract: Examples include a device including a fluid lens having a membrane, a substrate, and a fluid at least partially enclosed between the membrane and the substrate. The membrane may have a spatial variation in at least one membrane parameter along a particular direction, that may compensate for gravity sag in the membrane of the fluid lens when the device is worn by a user. Examples also include related methods and systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Alexander Herbert, Thomas Norman Llyn Jacoby, Hayden Erik Hernández, Andrew John Ouderkirk
  • Publication number: 20230240611
    Abstract: A computer method for managing, processing and handling sensor signals from an in-ear monitor for immersive reality applications is provided. The method includes receiving, from a first electrode, a first electronic signal from a skin in a first ear canal of a user of an in-ear device, receiving, from a first microphone, a first acoustic signal from the first ear canal of the user of the in-ear monitor, and a second acoustic signal from a second ear canal of the user (binaural data capture), forming an acoustic waveform with the first acoustic signal, forming an electronic waveform with the first electronic signal, and identifying a health condition of the user based on the acoustic waveform and the electronic waveform. A device including a memory storing instructions and processors to execute the instructions to perform the above method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2022
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Barry David Silverstein, Nils Thomas Fritiof Lunner, John Rumsfeld, Andrew John Ouderkirk, Joshua Weiner
  • Publication number: 20230240608
    Abstract: A device for performing electrical measurements for in-ear monitoring is provided. The device includes an in-ear fixture configured to fit in an ear canal of a user, a first electrode mounted on the in-ear fixture and configured to receive an electronic signal from the skin, and an internal microphone to receive an acoustic signal, propagating through the ear of the user. The device also includes an external microphone coupled to receive an external acoustic signal, propagating through an environment, and a processor that is coupled to an augmented reality headset, the processor identifies a cardiovascular condition, or a neurologic condition of the user based on at least one of the electronic signals, the internal acoustic signal, and the external acoustic signal. A memory storing instructions which, when executed by a processor cause a method of use of the above device. The memory, the processor and the method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2022
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Barry David Silverstein, Nils Thomas Fritiof Lunner, John Rumsfeld, Andrew John Ouderkirk, Joshua Weiner
  • Publication number: 20230240610
    Abstract: An in-ear device for immersive reality applications is provided. The device includes an in-ear fixture configured to fit in an ear canal of a user, a motion sensor mounted on the in-ear fixture and configured to provide a motion signal indicative of an inner body motion or a bulk body motion of the user, a speaker coupled to provide an audio signal to the user, and a processor that is coupled to an augmented reality headset, the processor configured to identify a health condition of the user based on the motion signal. A method for using the above device, a memory and a processor for storing and executing instructions to perform the method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2022
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Barry David Silverstein, Nils Thomas Fritiof Lunner, John Rumsfeld, Andrew John Ouderkirk, Joshua Weiner
  • Publication number: 20230240605
    Abstract: An in-ear device for immersive reality applications is provided. The device includes an in-ear fixture configured to seal an ear canal of a user, a temperature sensor mounted on the in-ear fixture and configured to receive a temperature signal from the ear canal of the user, and a processor that is coupled to an augmented reality headset, the processor configured to identify a health condition of the user based on the temperature signal. A method for using the above device, a memory storing instructions and a processor that executes the instructions to perform the method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2022
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Barry David Silverstein, Nils Thomas Fritiof Lunner, John Rumsfeld, Andrew John Ouderkirk, Joshua Weiner
  • Publication number: 20230240609
    Abstract: An in-ear device for immersive reality applications is provided. The device includes a fixture configured to fit in an ear canal of a user, an emitter mounted on the in-ear fixture and configured to emit a first electromagnetic radiation onto the ear canal of the user, a detector configured to provide a signal indicative of a second electromagnetic radiation from the ear canal of the user, and a processor that is coupled to an augmented reality headset, the processor configured to identify a health condition of the user based on the signal, wherein the second electromagnetic radiation includes at least a portion of the first electromagnetic radiation reflected from a tissue in the ear canal of the user. A memory storing instructions to cause processors in a system to perform a method for use of the above in-ear device, the memory, the processor, the system and the method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2022
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Morteza Khaleghimeybodi, Barry David Silverstein, Nils Thomas Fritiof Lunner, John Rumsfeld, Andrew John Ouderkirk, Joshua Weiner
  • Publication number: 20230234345
    Abstract: An optically anisotropic polymer thin film includes a crystallizable polymer and an additive configured to interact with the polymer (e.g., via ?-? interactions) to facilitate chain alignment and, in some examples, create a higher crystalline content within the polymer thin film. The polymer thin film may be characterized by a bimodal molecular weight distribution where the molecular weight of the additive may be less than approximately 50% of the molecular weight of the crystallizable polymer. Example crystallizable polymers include polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene naphthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, as well as derivatives thereof. Example additives, which may occupy up to approximately 10 wt. % of the polymer thin film, include aromatic ester oligomers, aromatic amide oligomers, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, for example. The optically anisotropic polymer thin film may be characterized by a refractive index greater than approximately 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Sheng Ye, Andrew John Ouderkirk, II, Li Yao, Lafe Joseph Purvis, II, Arman Boromand
  • Patent number: 11707192
    Abstract: An eye-tracking device includes an optical device that includes a light source with an optical cavity and a light sensor. The light source is positioned to output coherent light toward an eye of a user and receive at least a portion of the coherent light back from the eye of the user as feedback light. The feedback light enters the optical cavity and causes modulation of an intensity of the coherent light. The light sensor is optically coupled with the light source for detecting the modulated intensity of the coherent light and generating one or more signals based on the detected intensity of the coherent light. The eye-tracking device also includes one or more processors that are coupled to the optical device for determining, from the one or more signals, movement information of the eye. A method of detecting movement of an eye using the eye-tracking device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Maik Andre Scheller, Jonathan Robert Peterson, Joseph S. Corry, Liliana Ruiz Diaz, Andrew John Ouderkirk
  • Patent number: 11693262
    Abstract: An apparatus having an asymmetric adjustable lens with a deformable optical element. The apparatus may also include one or more actuators coupled to a deformable element of the asymmetric adjustable lens in a direct-drive configuration such that (1) mechanical action of the one or more actuators applies force to the deformable optical element and (2) the force applied by the mechanical action of the one or more actuators changes an optical property of the asymmetric adjustable lens by deforming the deformable optical element. Various other devices, systems, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Katherine Marie Smyth, Andrew John Ouderkirk, John Cooke
  • Patent number: 11693443
    Abstract: A configuration circuit may be used with a power converter. The configuration circuit dynamically reconfigures one or more connections of output stages of a power converter to vary the output. A capacitive load may receive the output of the power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Robert Peterson, Andrew John Ouderkirk, Maik Andre Scheller, Christopher Yuan-Ting Liao
  • Publication number: 20230210003
    Abstract: An organic field effect transistor includes a channel structure having a photoalignment layer and an organic semiconductor layer disposed directly over the photoalignment layer, where a charge carrier mobility varies along a thickness direction of the channel structure. The channel structure may define an active area between a source and a drain of the transistor and may include alternating layers of at least two photoalignment layers and at least two organic semiconductor layers. Each photoalignment layer is configured to influence an orientation of molecules within an overlying organic semiconductor layer and hence impact the mobility of charge carriers within the device active area while also advantageously decreasing the OFF current of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Tingling Rao, Lafe Joseph Purvis, II, Tanya Malhotra, Andrew John Ouderkirk
  • Patent number: 11686887
    Abstract: The disclosed optical lens assemblies may include a pre-strained deformable element that exhibits a non-uniform mechanical strain or stress profile, a structural support element coupled to the pre-strained deformable element, and a deformable medium positioned between the pre-strained deformable element and the structural support element. Related head-mounted displays and methods of fabricating such optical lens assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Katherine Marie Smyth, Andrew John Ouderkirk
  • Patent number: 11686888
    Abstract: The disclosed optical lens assemblies may include a deformable element, a structural support element, a substantially transparent deformable medium positioned between the deformable element and the structural support element, a compliant peripheral component positioned between peripheral portions of the deformable element and the structural support element, and an actuator configured to displace at least a portion of the compliant peripheral component to deform the deformable element and change at least one optical property of the optical lens assembly. Related head-mounted displays and methods of fabricating such optical lens assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Cooke, Katherine Marie Smyth, Andrew John Ouderkirk
  • Publication number: 20230194912
    Abstract: An optical modulator includes an active layer of an organic solid crystalline phase, a primary electrode disposed over a first portion of the active layer, and a secondary electrode disposed over a second portion of the active layer, where an optical property of the active layer is configured to have a first value along a chosen direction in a first biased state and a second value along the chosen direction in a second biased state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2022
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Tingling Rao, Lafe Joseph Purvis, II, Andrew John Ouderkirk, Arman Boromand, Kimberly Kay Childress, Ehsan Vadiee, Namseok Park, Poer Sung, Tanya Malhotra
  • Publication number: 20230194785
    Abstract: A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) includes an organic solid crystal (OSC) material layer, the OSC material layer having a substrate portion and a raised optical element integral with and extending from the substrate portion. The raised optical element may include a passive or active component of the photonic integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Lafe Joseph Purvis, II, Tingling Rao, Andrew John Ouderkirk, Arman Boromand, Kimberly Kay Childress, Ehsan Vadiee, Namseok Park, Poer Sung
  • Publication number: 20230193505
    Abstract: A method of forming an organic solid crystal (OSC) thin film includes forming a layer of molecular feedstock over a surface of a substrate, the molecular feedstock including an organic solid crystal precursor, forming crystal nuclei from the organic solid crystal precursor within a nucleation region of the layer of molecular feedstock, and growing the crystal nuclei to form the organic solid crystal thin film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Tingling Rao, Kimberly Kay Childress, Arman Boromand, Lafe Joseph Purvis, II, Ryan Crisp, Keith Eugene Hoffman, Namseok Park, Andrew John Ouderkirk
  • Publication number: 20230194764
    Abstract: A birefringent organic thin film includes mutually orthogonal in-plane refractive indices (nx and ny) and a through thickness refractive index (nz), where nx>1.4, ny?1.4, nz>1.4, Dnxy?0.1, Dnxz<0.01, and Dnyz<0.01. Optical properties including refractive index and birefringence may be continuously tuned by applying a voltage across the birefringent organic thin film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Lafe Joseph Purvis, II, Tingling Rao, Andrew John Ouderkirk, Arman Boromand, Kimberly Kay Childress, Ehsan Vadiee, Namseok Park, Poer Sung
  • Publication number: 20230194951
    Abstract: An optical diffraction grating includes a layer of organic solid crystal (OSC) material, an input photonic element configured to couple an input beam to the organic solid crystal material, and an output photonic element configured to receive an output beam from the organic solid crystal material. An applied voltage may be used to control the refractive index of the OSC material and accordingly tune the operation of the optical diffraction grating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Lafe Joseph Purvis, II, Tingling Rao, Andrew John Ouderkirk, Arman Boromand, Kimberly Kay Childress, Ehsan Vadiee, Namseok Park