Patents by Inventor Charles D. Melville
Charles D. Melville has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11252385Abstract: Image projection devices, high-speed fiber scanned displays and related methods for projecting an image onto a surface and interfacing with the projected image are provided. A method for projecting one or more images and obtaining feedback with an optical input-output assembly is provided. The input-output assembly comprising a light-scanning optical fiber and a sensor. The method includes generating a sequence of light in response to one or more image representations and a scan pattern of the optical fiber, articulating the optical fiber in the scan pattern, projecting the sequence of light from the articulated optical fiber, and generating a feedback signal with the sensor in response to reflections of the sequence of light.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Charles D. Melville, Richard S. Johnston, Cameron M. Lee, Eric J. Seibel, Brian T. Schowengerdt
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Publication number: 20180199015Abstract: Image projection devices, high-speed fiber scanned displays and related methods for projecting an image onto a surface and interfacing with the projected image are provided. A method for projecting one or more images and obtaining feedback with an optical input-output assembly is provided. The input-output assembly comprising a light-scanning optical fiber and a sensor. The method includes generating a sequence of light in response to one or more image representations and a scan pattern of the optical fiber, articulating the optical fiber in the scan pattern, projecting the sequence of light from the articulated optical fiber, and generating a feedback signal with the sensor in response to reflections of the sequence of light.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2018Publication date: July 12, 2018Inventors: Charles D. MELVILLE, Richard S. Johnston, Cameron M. Lee, Eric J. Seibel, Brian T. Schowengerdt
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Patent number: 9901256Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting early stage dental caries and decays are provided. In particular, in an embodiment, laser-induced autofluorescence (AF) from multiple excitation wavelengths is obtained and analyzed. Endogenous fluorophores residing in the enamel naturally fluoresce when illuminated by wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet into the visible spectrum. The relative intensities of the AF emission changes between different excitation wavelengths when the enamel changes from healthy to demineralized. By taking a ratio of AF emission spectra integrals between different excitation wavelengths, a standard is created wherein changes in AF ratios within a tooth are quantified and serve as indicators of early stage enamel demineralization. The techniques described herein may be used in conjunction with a scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) to provide a reliable, safe and low-cost means for identifying dental caries or decays.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON THROUGH ITS CENTER FOR COMMERCIALIZATIONInventors: Eric J. Seibel, Liang Zhang, Richard S. Johnston, Charles D. Melville, Leonard Nelson, Cameron M. Lee, Joel Berg
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Patent number: 9894329Abstract: Image projection devices, high-speed fiber scanned displays and related methods for projecting an image onto a surface and interfacing with the projected image are provided. A method for projecting one or more images and obtaining feedback with an optical input-output assembly is provided. The input-output assembly comprising a light-scanning optical fiber and a sensor. The method includes generating a sequence of light in response to one or more image representations and a scan pattern of the optical fiber, articulating the optical fiber in the scan pattern, projecting the sequence of light from the articulated optical fiber, and generating a feedback signal with the sensor in response to reflections of the sequence of light.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Charles D. Melville, Richard S. Johnston, Cameron M. Lee, Eric J. Seibel, Brian T. Schowengerdt
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Publication number: 20160014383Abstract: Image projection devices, high-speed fiber scanned displays and related methods for projecting an image onto a surface and interfacing with the projected image are provided. A method for projecting one or more images and obtaining feedback with an optical input-output assembly is provided. The input-output assembly comprising a light-scanning optical fiber and a sensor. The method includes generating a sequence of light in response to one or more image representations and a scan pattern of the optical fiber, articulating the optical fiber in the scan pattern, projecting the sequence of light from the articulated optical fiber, and generating a feedback signal with the sensor in response to reflections of the sequence of light.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2015Publication date: January 14, 2016Inventors: Charles D. Melville, Richard S. Johnston, Cameron M. Lee, Eric J. Seibel, Brian T. Schowengerdt
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Patent number: 9182655Abstract: Image projection devices, high-speed fiber scanned displays and related methods for projecting an image onto a surface and interfacing with the projected image are provided. A method for projecting one or more images and obtaining feedback with an optical input-output assembly is provided. The input-output assembly comprising a light-scanning optical fiber and a sensor. The method includes generating a sequence of light in response to one or more image representations and a scan pattern of the optical fiber, articulating the optical fiber in the scan pattern, projecting the sequence of light from the articulated optical fiber, and generating a feedback signal with the sensor in response to reflections of the sequence of light.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Charles D. Melville, Richard S. Johnston, Cameron M. Lee, Eric J. Seibel, Brian T. Schowengerdt
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Publication number: 20150281630Abstract: Image projection devices, high-speed fiber scanned displays and related methods for projecting an image onto a surface and interfacing with the projected image are provided. A method for projecting one or more images and obtaining feedback with an optical input-output assembly is provided. The input-output assembly comprising a light-scanning optical fiber and a sensor. The method includes generating a sequence of light in response to one or more image representations and a scan pattern of the optical fiber, articulating the optical fiber in the scan pattern, projecting the sequence of light from the articulated optical fiber, and generating a feedback signal with the sensor in response to reflections of the sequence of light.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: University of WashingtonInventors: Charles D. Melville, Richard S. Johnston, Cameron M. Lee, Eric J. Seibel, Brian T. Schowengerdt
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Patent number: 8957484Abstract: Improved methods, and related systems and devices, for fabricating selectively patterned piezoelectric substrates suitable for use in a wide variety of systems and devices. A method can include providing a piezoelectric substrate having a protrusion of substrate material, depositing an electrically conductive coating so as to cover a portion of a side of the substrate and protrusion, and removing a portion of the coated protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Charles D. Melville, Richard S. Johnston
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Publication number: 20150010878Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting early stage dental caries and decays are provided. In particular, in an embodiment, laser-induced autofluorescence (AF) from multiple excitation wavelengths is obtained and analyzed. Endogenous fluorophores residing in the enamel naturally fluoresce when illuminated by wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet into the visible spectrum. The relative intensities of the AF emission changes between different excitation wavelengths when the enamel changes from healthy to demineralized. By taking a ratio of AF emission spectra integrals between different excitation wavelengths, a standard is created wherein changes in AF ratios within a tooth are quantified and serve as indicators of early stage enamel demineralization. The techniques described herein may be used in conjunction with a scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) to provide a reliable, safe and low-cost means for identifying dental caries or decays.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2013Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Eric J. Seibel, Liang Zhang, Richard S. Johnston, Charles D. Melville, Leonard Nelson, Cameron M. Lee, Joel Berg
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Patent number: 8757812Abstract: Image projection devices, high-speed fiber scanned displays and related methods for projecting an image onto a surface and interfacing with the projected image are provided. A method for projecting one or more images and obtaining feedback with an optical input-output assembly is provided. The input-output assembly comprising a light-scanning optical fiber and a sensor. The method includes generating a sequence of light in response to one or more image representations and a scan pattern of the optical fiber, articulating the optical fiber in the scan pattern, projecting the sequence of light from the articulated optical fiber, and generating a feedback signal with the sensor in response to reflections of the sequence of light.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2009Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: University of Washington UW TechTransfer—Invention LicensingInventors: Charles D. Melville, Richard S. Johnston, Cameron M. Lee, Eric J. Seibel, Brian T. Schowengerdt
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Publication number: 20090316116Abstract: Image projection devices, high-speed fiber scanned displays and related methods for projecting an image onto a surface and interfacing with the projected image are provided. A method for projecting one or more images and obtaining feedback with an optical input-output assembly is provided. The input-output assembly comprising a light-scanning optical fiber and a sensor. The method includes generating a sequence of light in response to one or more image representations and a scan pattern of the optical fiber, articulating the optical fiber in the scan pattern, projecting the sequence of light from the articulated optical fiber, and generating a feedback signal with the sensor in response to reflections of the sequence of light.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: University of Washington UW TechTransfer - Invention LicensingInventors: Charles D. Melville, Richard S. Johnston, Cameron M. Lee, Eric J. Seibel, Brian T. Schowengerdt
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Publication number: 20090218641Abstract: Improved methods, and related systems and devices, for fabricating selectively patterned piezoelectric substrates suitable for use in a wide variety of systems and devices. A method can include providing a piezoelectric substrate having a protrusion of substrate material, depositing an electrically conductive coating so as to cover a portion of a side of the substrate and protrusion, and removing a portion of the coated protrusion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Charles D. Melville, Richard S. Johnston
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Patent number: 7391013Abstract: The present invention provides scanning beam devices that have one or more detectors positioned within a housing of the device. The detector(s) may be disposed anywhere within the housing to receive light reflected from the target area. In one embodiment, an optical assembly of the device transmits a first portion of the reflected light to a scanning element, and a second portion of the reflected light to the detectors. In another embodiment, the optical assembly is configured to transmit substantially all of the reflected light to the scanning element. In such embodiments, the scanning element will be adapted to allow the light to exit the scanning element and impinge on the detector(s) within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Richard S. Johnston, Charles D. Melville
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Publication number: 20080058629Abstract: A scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) system selectively operable in a plurality of different modes. One or more illumination optical fibers convey different types of light to an internal site. A scanner that is resonantly driven in a desired pattern collects light from the internal site. The scanner can be a cantilevered distal end of a scanning optical fiber or a scanning mirror. The illumination optical fiber(s) can be moved in a non-resonant manner to alter the direction at which the light is emitted. In a therapy mode, a relatively high-power light can be applied to the site, while in a monitoring mode, the scanner can be used to image the tissue at the internal site after or during therapy. Exemplary SFE probes are disclosed for measuring scattering angle (which can detect larger cancer cell nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio), absorption depth, axial distance to tissue, and other conditions at the internal site.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2006Publication date: March 6, 2008Applicant: University of washingtonInventors: Eric Seibel, Richard S. Johnston, Timothy Soper, Charles D. Melville
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Patent number: 7252236Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for scanning an illumination spot over a target area. The present invention removes stored energy from a scanning element to stop the scanning element from vibrating and to substantially return the scanning element to its starting position so as to enable high frame rates.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Richard S. Johnston, Charles D. Melville, Cameron M. Lee
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Patent number: 7230583Abstract: In a scanning display apparatus an image signal source produces an image signal. A light emitter is coupled to the image signal source and responsive to the image signal to emit light. A lensing system receives light from the light emitter and passes exiting light. A scanner scans the image light. A light sensor detects intensity of background light. A controller adjusts intensity of the image light in response to the detected background light intensity.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Michael Tidwell, Charles D. Melville, Richard S. Johnston, Joel S. Kollin
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Patent number: 7189961Abstract: The present invention provides scanning beam devices that have one or more detectors positioned within a housing of the device. The detector(s) may be disposed anywhere within the housing to receive light reflected from the target area. In one embodiment, an optical assembly of the device transmits a first portion of the reflected light to a scanning element, and a second portion of the reflected light to the detectors. In another embodiment, the optical assembly is configured to transmit substantially all of the reflected light to the scanning element. In such embodiments, the scanning element will be adapted to allow the light to exit the scanning element and impinge on the detector(s) within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Richard S. Johnston, Charles D. Melville
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Patent number: 7159782Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for scanning an illumination spot over a target area. The present invention removes stored energy from a scanning element to stop the scanning element from vibrating and to substantially return the scanning element to its starting position so as to enable high frame rates.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Richard S. Johnston, Charles D. Melville, Cameron M. Lee
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Patent number: 6977631Abstract: Apparent distance of a pixel within an optical field of view is determined. Incoming light is scanned along a raster pattern to direct light for a select pixel onto a light distance detector. The distance is sampled for each pixel or for a group of pixels. The light distance detector includes a concentric set of rings sensors. The larger the spot of light corresponding to the pixel, the more rings are impinged. The diameter of the spot is proportional to the distance at which the light originated (e.g., light source or object from which light was reflected). Alternatively, a variable focus lens (VFL) adjusts focal length for a given pixel to achieve a standard spot size. The distance at which the light originated correlates to the focal length of the VFL.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Charles D. Melville, Michael Tidwell, Richard S. Johnston, Joel S. Kollin
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Publication number: 20040196213Abstract: In a scanning display apparatus an image signal source produces an image signal. A light emitter is coupled to the image signal source and responsive to the image signal to emit light. A lensing system receives light from the light emitter and passes exiting light. A scanner scans the image light. A light sensor detects intensity of background light. A controller adjusts intensity of the image light in response to the detected background light intensity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTONInventors: Michael Tidwell, Charles D. Melville, Richard S. Johnston, Joel S. Kollin