Patents by Inventor Cheong Soo
Cheong Soo 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: 7411718Abstract: A discretely controlled micromirror array lens (DCMAL) consists of many discretely controlled micromirrors (DCMs) and actuating components. The actuating components control the positions of DCMs electrostatically. The optical efficiency of the DCMAL is increased by locating a mechanical structure upholding DCMs and the actuating components under DCMs to increase an effective reflective area. The known microelectronics technologies can remove the loss in effective reflective area due to electrode pads and wires. The lens can correct aberrations by controlling DCMs independently. Independent control of each DCM is possible by known microelectronics technologies. The DCM array can also form a lens with arbitrary shape and/or size, or a lens array comprising the lenses with arbitrary shape and/or size.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignees: Angstrom, Inc., Stereo Display, Inc.Inventors: Gyoung Il Cho, Dong Woo Gim, Tae Hyeon Kim, Cheong Soo Seo
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Patent number: 7410266Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional imaging system for robot vision, which is capable of three-dimensional positioning of objects, object identification, searching and tracking of an object of interest, and compensating the aberration of the system. The three-dimensional imaging system for robot vision comprises one or more camera systems, each of which has at least one variable focal length micromirror array lens, an imaging unit, and an image processing unit. The variable focal length micromirror array lens used in the three-dimensional imaging system for robot vision has unique features including a variable focal length, a variable focal axis, and a variable field of view with a fast response time.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2005Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignees: Angstrom, Inc., Stereo Display, Inc.Inventors: Cheong Soo Seo, Sang Hyune Baek, Gyoung Il Cho
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Patent number: 7400437Abstract: This invention provides the two types of Discretely Controlled Micromirror (DCM), which can overcome disadvantages of the conventional electrostatic micromirrors. The first type micromirror is a Variable Supporter Discretely Controlled Micromirror (VSDCM), which has a larger displacement range than the conventional electrostatic micromirror. The displacement accuracy of the VSDCM is better than that of the conventional electrostatic micromirror and the low driving voltage is compatible with IC components. The second type of DCM, the Segmented Electrode Discretely Controlled Micromirror (SEDCM) has same disadvantages with the conventional electrostatic micromirror. But the SEDCM is compatible with known microelectronics technologies.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignees: Angstrom, Inc., Stereo Display, Inc.Inventors: Gyoung Il Cho, Dong Woo Gim, Cheong Soo Seo
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Publication number: 20080137173Abstract: This invention provides a discretely controlled micromirror array device comprising a plurality of micromirrors. The discretely controlled micromirror array device forms multiple surface profiles, wherein the rotational and translational motion of each micromirror is discretely controlled by selectively activating different groups of segmented electrodes using a control circuitry. The discretely controlled micromirror array device is compatible with known semiconductor electronics technologies and provides structural stability and efficiency in motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicants: STEREO DISPLAY, INC., ANGSTROM, INC.Inventors: Hye Young Kim, Dong Woo Gim, Jin Young Sohn, Gyoung Il Cho, Cheong Soo Seo
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Patent number: 7382516Abstract: This invention provides the two types of Discretely Controlled Micromirror (DCM), which can overcome disadvantages of the conventional electrostatic micromirrors. The first type micromirror is a Variable Supports Discretely Controlled Micromirror (VSDCM), which has a larger displacement range than the conventional electrostatic micromirror. The displacement accuracy of the VSDCM is better than that of the conventional electrostatic micromirror and the low driving voltage is compatible with IC components. The second type of DCM, the Segmented Electrode Discretely Controlled Micromirror (SEDCM) has same disadvantages with the conventional electrostatic micromirror. But the SEDCM is compatible with known microelectronics technologies.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignees: Angstrom, Inc., Stereo Display, Inc.Inventors: Cheong Soo Seo, Dong Woo Gim, Gyoung Il Cho, Tae Hyeon Kim
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Patent number: 7365899Abstract: The present invention discloses a micromirror device with multi-axis rotational and translational motion. Newly introduced structure of the top electrode plate improves structural stability, flexibility, and more motion efficiency of the micromirror device. The invention also improves controllability of micromirror motion by designing the appropriate flexible structure to generate desired motion. With side-by-side arrangement of the micromirror devices, the micromirror devices are built as an array to form a micromirror array lens.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignees: Angstrom, Inc., Stereo Display, Inc.Inventors: Dong Woo Gim, Gyoung Il Cho, Jin Young Sohn, Cheong Soo Seo
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Patent number: 7354167Abstract: A beam focusing and scanning system using a micromirror array lens (optical system) includes a light source configured to emit light and a micromirror array lens, including at least one micromirror, optically coupled to the light source, configured to reflect the light onto a projection medium (projection plane). The optical system also includes at least one actuating component coupled to the at least one micromirror, configured to move the at least one micromirror to enable the at least one micromirror to focus the light on the projection medium. The advantages of the present invention include high speed variable focusing and scanning, large focal length variation, phase compensation, high reliability and optical efficiency, low power consumption and low cost.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2004Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignees: Angstrom, Inc., Stereo Display, Inc.Inventors: Gyoung Il Cho, Tae Hyeon Kim, Cheong Soo Seo
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Patent number: 7350922Abstract: A three-dimensional display device includes a two-dimensional display displaying a depthwise image, and a variable focal length micromirror array lens receiving light from the two-dimensional display and forming a corresponding image in the required location in space. Each depthwise image represents a portion of an object or scene having the same image depth, and the two-dimensional display displays one depthwise image at a time. The focal length of the variable focal length micromirror array lens changes according to the depth of the depthwise image being displayed. The variable focal length micromirror array lens has enough speed and focusing depth range for the realistic three-dimensional display.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignees: Angstrom, Inc., Stereo Display, Inc.Inventors: Cheong Soo Seo, Gyoung Il Cho, Sang Hyune Baek
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Publication number: 20080074726Abstract: The present invention provides a micromirror array device specially Micromirror Array Lens device structure and method for making the same. By introducing a sub coating layer and an over coating layer with a high reflective metal layer, the reflective layer of the micromirrors is protected from environmental circumstances, oxidation, degradation, acid, base, and galvanic corrosion of the micro-mechanical structures. Also the new coating structure enhances the performance of the Micromirror Array Lens by reducing degradation of the reflectivity of the metal layer, by providing anti-reflection in the optically non-effective area, and by protecting the micro-mechanical structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicants: Stereo Display, Inc., Angstrom, Inc.Inventors: Jin Young Sohn, Gyoung Il Cho, Cheong Soo Seo
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Publication number: 20080074727Abstract: The present invention provides an optical micromirror device and their array device and method for making the same. By introducing a sub coating layer and an over coating layer with a high reflective metal layer, the reflective layer of the micromirrors is protected from environmental circumstances, oxidation, degradation, acid, base, and galvanic corrosion of the micro-mechanical structures. Also the new coating structure enhances the performance of the micromirror array device by reducing degradation of the reflectivity of the metal layer, by providing anti-reflection in the optically non-effective area, and by protecting the micro-mechanical structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicants: Stereo Display, Inc., Angstrom, Inc.Inventors: Jin Young Sohn, Gyoung Il Cho, Cheong Soo Seo
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Patent number: 7333260Abstract: A two-dimensional image projection device using array of micromirror array lenses and a random scanning technique is invented. Using the random scanning technique, the light efficiency is nearly doubled than that of the prior art. The invention makes a brighter and less power consuming display device possible. Because each micromirror array lens of array of micromirror array lenses can scan whole image plane, a fast self diagnosis and correction technique can be introduced in displaying device. The Self diagnosis and correction technique makes display device to maintain image quality even a few tens percent of micromirrors do not work properly. Owing to the scanning characteristics of micromirror array lens, the image projection device can express the same number of pixels image with less number of micromirrors than the prior art. This also enables small sized two-dimensional image projector, which can be incorporated in portable electronic equipments.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Stereo Display, Inc.Inventors: Gyoung Il Cho, Tae Hyeon Kim, Cheong Soo Seo
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Publication number: 20080037102Abstract: The present invention discloses a micromirror device with multi-axis rotational and translational motion. Newly introduced structure of the top electrode plate improves structural stability, flexibility, and more motion efficiency of the micromirror device. The invention also improves controllability of micromirror motion by designing the appropriate flexible structure to generate desired motion. With side-by-side arrangement of the micromirror devices, the micromirror devices are built as an array to form a micromirror array lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2006Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicants: STEREO DISPLAY, INC., ANGSTROM, INC.Inventors: DONG WOO GIM, GYOUNG IL CHO, JIN YOUNG SOHN, CHEONG SOO SEO
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Patent number: 7330297Abstract: A micromirror control system includes a bottom layer configured to support the micromirror control system including a stopper plate coupled to the bottom layer at a first end, configured to rotate about an axis. The micromirror control system also includes a micromirror, communicatively coupled to the stopper plate on a bottom side, and including a reflective top side configured to reflect light. Rotation of the stopper plate about the axis into contact with the micromirror is configured to adjust an orientation of the micromirror. In one aspect, the micromirror control system also includes an actuating device, communicatively coupled to the stopper plate, configured to control the rotation of the stopper plate about the axis. The advantages of the present invention include the ability to finely control translation and rotation of a discretely controlled micromirror.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2005Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignees: Angstrom, Inc, Stereo Display, IncInventors: Jae Huek Noh, Gyoung Il Cho, Cheong Soo Seo
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Patent number: 7315503Abstract: An optical pick-up device comprising at least one micromirror array lens. The micromirror array lens enables focusing, tracking, and/or tilt compensation in the optical pick-up device without macroscopic motions. The micromirror array lens provides the device with a simple structure, which can reduce the size, weight, and cost of the recording/reproducing system. The device is also durable for vibration. Optical pick-up devices using an array of micromirror array lenses can increase the recording/reading speed without macroscopic motions. The recording/reading speed can be increased by adding more micromirror array lenses to the lens array. The present invention can also be used to record/read information on/from a multi-layered optical disc.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignees: Angstrom, Inc., Stereo Display, Inc.Inventors: Gyoung Il Cho, Tae Hyeon Kim, Cheong Soo Seo
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Publication number: 20070263113Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging system generating a high resolution image using low resolution images taken by a low resolution image sensor. Also, the imaging system generates a wide angle of view image. Enhancement of resolution and enlargement of angle of view are accomplished by optical axis change, utilizing one or more micromirror array lenses without macroscopic mechanical movements of lenses. The imaging system also provides zoom and auto focusing functions using micromirror array lenses.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2006Publication date: November 15, 2007Applicants: STEREO DISPLAY, INC., ANGSTROM, INC.Inventors: SANG HYUNE BAEK, GYOUNG IL CHO, CHEONG SOO SEO
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Patent number: 7274517Abstract: An optical system includes a refractive lens system and a micromirror array lens with angled positioning to improve light efficiency. The micromirror array lens is optically coupled to the refractive lens system, and has a focal length gradient. The micromirror array lens is configured to focus the light input refracted by the micromirror array lens onto a focal plane, the micromiror array lens is positioned at an acute angle with respect to the light input and the focal plane. The optical system may further include an infrared filter and/or an optical stop to block unwanted light. The advantages of the present invention include improved light efficiency, image quality, and/or focusing.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignees: Angstrom, Inc., Stereo Display, Inc.Inventors: Gyoung Il Cho, Cheong Soo Seo, Sang Hyune Baek
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Patent number: 7261417Abstract: A three-dimensional (3-D) display system using a variable focal length lens includes at least one two-dimensional (2-D) display device, configured to display at least one two-dimensional image. The display system also includes an array of micromirror array lenses optically coupled to the display device, each micromirror array lens of the array of micromirror array lenses placed at a different location with respect to the display device, configured to focus the at least one two-dimensional image from each different location to provide a three-dimensional (3-D) image. The advantages of the present invention include increased viewing angles and wide depth range of three-dimensional images.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignees: Angstrom, Inc., Stereo Display, Inc.Inventors: Gyoung Il Cho, Cheong Soo Seo, Tae Hyeon Kim
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Patent number: 7239438Abstract: A discretely controlled micromirror array lens (DCMAL) consists of many discretely controlled micromirrors (DCMs) and actuating components. The actuating components control the positions of DCMs electrostatically. The optical efficiency of the DCMAL is increased by locating a mechanical structure upholding DCMs and the actuating components under DCMs to increase an effective reflective area. The known microelectronics technologies can remove the loss in effective reflective area due to electrode pads and wires. The lens can correct aberrations by controlling DCMs independently. Independent control of each DCM is possible by known microelectronics technologies. The DCM array can also form a lens with arbitrary shape and/or size, or a lens array comprising the lenses with arbitrary shape and/or size.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignees: Angstrom, Inc., Stereo Display, Inc.Inventors: Gyoung Il Cho, Cheong Soo Seo, Tae Hyeon Kim, Dong Woo Gim
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Patent number: 7236289Abstract: The present invention provides a fast optical shutter function by use of the fast movement of the micromirrors. In a micromirror array lens (MMAL), all the micromirrors reflect the incident light to form an image on the image plane. If the micromirrors reflect the incident light out of the optical sensor area, then the optical sensor can not have any optical signal just like the incident light blocked. By just changing the beam path by MMAL motion, the micromirror array lens has a function for optical shutter.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignees: Angstrom, Inc., Stereo Display, Inc.Inventors: Sang Hyune Baek, Gyoung Il Cho, Cheong Soo Seo
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Patent number: 7215882Abstract: An automatic focusing system comprises at least one micromirror array lens, an image sensor, and a signal processor. The micromirror array lens images an object and focuses the image on the image sensor. The image sensor receives the light and converts the photo energy of the light to electrical energy in the form of an electrical signal. The image sensor sends the electrical signal, which carries image data concerning the object, to the signal processor. The signal processor receives the electrical signal, compares the image quality of the image data to its focus criteria, and generates a control signal, which it sends to the micromirror array lens to adjust the focal length of the micromirror array lens. This iterative process is continued until the quality of the image data meets the focus criteria, and the process is completed within the afterimage speed of the human eye.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignees: Angatrom, Inc., Stereo Display, Inc.Inventors: Gyoung Il Cho, Tae Hyeon Kim, Dong Woo Gim, Cheong Soo Seo