Patents by Inventor David Simmonds

David Simmonds 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: 9664824
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for producing an optical display comprising an optical waveguide (1) and a pair (10, 16) of switchable diffraction gratings that are switchable between a diffractive state and a non-diffractive state. A pair of non-switchable diffraction gratings (2, 14) is arranged to receive diffract light from one switchable grating for guided propagation along the optical waveguide and out to the other switchable grating for viewing. The pair of non-switchable gratings are tuned to a first operating wavelength of light, while the pair of switchable gratings are tuned to a different operating wavelength of light to diffract that light into/from a field of view in common with that of the non-switchable gratings such that light of two wavelengths occupies the same field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: Michael David Simmonds, Mohmed Salim Valera
  • Patent number: 9618751
    Abstract: A head-mounted or helmet-mounted display apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an optical element which in use is disposed in front of the eyes of a user. The optical element has a waveguide portion. The apparatus further includes a light source of image-bearing light and two diffraction elements. Each diffraction element is configured for propagation of image-bearing light of the light source through the optical element. Each diffraction element is arranged to release the image bearing light from the optical element. The apparatus further includes a switching element for switching the image-bearing light repeatedly between the first diffraction element and the second diffraction element to provide a first visible image or a second visible image to the respective eye of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS PLC
    Inventors: Michael David Simmonds, Mohmed Salim Valera
  • Patent number: 9618750
    Abstract: A head-mounted or helmet-mounted display apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an optical element which in use is disposed in front of the eyes of a user. The optical element comprises a waveguide portion. The apparatus further includes a first light source and a second light source of image-bearing light. The apparatus further includes first diffraction element for propagation of image-bearing light of the first light source through the optical element. The apparatus further includes a second diffraction element for propagation of image-bearing light of the second light source through the optical element. The first light source and the second light source is disposed such that relative angular movement of the first light source and the second light source about an axis of symmetry of the optical element adjusts the inter-pupillary spacing of a first visible image and a second visible image presented to a respective eye of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS PLC
    Inventors: Michael David Simmonds, Mohmed Salim Valera
  • Patent number: 9507149
    Abstract: An image combiner for a viewing device, such as a night vision device, is disclosed for combining a first image, such as generated symbology, with a second image, such as a view of an outside scene in reduced lighting conditions. A waveguide is provided for capturing the first image from a first viewing direction, and for directing the first image in a second viewing direction, the second viewing direction being substantially coincident with a viewing direction of the second image, such that the first image can combine with the second image. At least a portion of the waveguide is arranged to substantially transmit the second image, such that the second image can pass substantially through the waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: Michael David Simmonds, Alexander Angus Cameron, Colin Richard Mills
  • Patent number: 9465213
    Abstract: An image-providing light source device 58 is arranged to inject a non-coherent and collimated image into waveguide element 60. Light forming the image is dispersed by an optical element 76 so as to occupy a continuum of angles within the waveguide 60. The optical element 76 and a grating 70 are arranged such that the light exiting the waveguide occupies a single angle. Thereby, pupil banding of light exiting the waveguide 60 is mitigated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventor: Michael David Simmonds
  • Patent number: 9400387
    Abstract: The present invention provides a projection display (10) for projecting a color image to a viewer (12) overlaid on a real world scene viewed through the display. The display comprises an image generator (16) for generating image bearing chromatic light for injection into a waveguide assembly (28) at a first range of field angles (44) and a second range of field angles (46). The waveguide assembly comprises a first waveguide (30) having a first input diffraction region (32) arranged to couple image bearing chromatic light in the first range of field angles into the first waveguide to propagate by total internal reflection; and a second waveguide (40) having a second input diffraction region (42) arranged to couple image bearing chromatic light in the second range of field angles into the second waveguide to propagate by total internal reflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS, plc
    Inventors: Michael David Simmonds, Mohmed Salim Valera
  • Patent number: 9329325
    Abstract: An optical waveguide comprising a body of material configured for the contained propagation of light therethrough, a surface relief grating configured to receive the propagating light and at least partially to diffract or reflect it out of the waveguide, and at least one layer of dielectric material of varying thickness having a first surface and a second surface which conforms to a profiled surface of the grating so that the grating exhibits a spatial variation in efficiency dependent on the varying thickness of the dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: Michael David Simmonds, Mohmed Salim Valera
  • Patent number: 9310566
    Abstract: An optical waveguide (2) arranged to transmit light under total internal reflection has a first diffractive grating region (8) arranged to receive light and diffract the received light along the optical waveguide (2), an intermediate diffraction grating (10) optically coupled to the first diffractive grating region (8) arranged to expand received light in a first dimension and a second diffractive grating region (9) optically coupled to the intermediate diffraction grating (10) arranged to expand light in a second dimension, orthogonal to the first dimension and to output the light expanded in the first and second dimensions from the optical waveguide (2) by diffraction. The first and second diffractive grating regions (8,9) are fabricated as a common grating whereas the second grating is fabricated above the common grating in an area where the common grating is erased by a coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS PLC
    Inventors: Mohmed Salim Valera, Michael David Simmonds
  • Patent number: 9117651
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a node coupled between a terminal of the integrated circuit and a transmitter circuit. The integrated circuit includes a switch circuit coupled between the node and a receiver circuit. The switch circuit includes a bias circuit coupled to the node. The bias circuit is configured to provide a first bias voltage to the node in response to an indication of a transmit mode of the terminal. The bias circuit is configured to provide a second bias voltage to the node in response to an indication of a receive mode of the terminal. The switch circuit may include a plurality of n-type devices coupled in series. Each of the plurality of n-type devices may include a triple-well, doubly-floating n-type device. The plurality of n-type devices may include a resistively-biased bulk terminal and a resistively-biased n-well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: ViXS Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David Simmonds
  • Patent number: 9081178
    Abstract: A projection display is provided including a first plate-like waveguide (7), an image providing light source device (10 and 11) located to inject image bearing light into the first plate-like waveguide 7. An input means (12) is provided on the waveguide (7) to reflect the image bearing light internally along the waveguide (7). A transmission grating (13) within the first plate-like waveguide (7) is provided to output image bearing light from the waveguide (7). A second plate-like waveguide (8) is located co-planar with the first plate-like waveguide (7) and has a coupling grating (17) therein to receive the image bearing light from the first plate-like waveguide (7). The second plate-like waveguide (8) also includes an exit grating (18) therein for diffracting the received image bearing light, diffracted by the coupling grating (17) out of the second plate-like waveguide (8) towards a viewer (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: Michael David Simmonds, Mohamed Salim Valera
  • Publication number: 20150086163
    Abstract: An optical waveguide (2) arranged to transmit light under total internal reflection has a first diffractive grating region (8) arranged to receive light and diffract the received light along the optical waveguide (2), an intermediate diffraction grating (10) optically coupled to the first diffractive grating region (8) arranged to expand received light in a first dimension and a second diffractive grating region (9) optically coupled to the intermediate diffraction grating (10) arranged to expand light in a second dimension, orthogonal to the first dimension and to output the light expanded in the first and second dimensions from the optical waveguide (2) by diffraction. The first and second diffractive grating regions (8,9) are fabricated as a common grating whereas the second grating is fabricated above the common grating in an area where the common grating is erased by a coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: Mohmed Salim Valera, Michael David Simmonds
  • Patent number: 8965152
    Abstract: A projection display 210 arranged to display an image to an observer 212 use waveguide techniques to generate a display defining a large exit pupil at the point of the observer 212 and a large field of view, while using a small image-providing light source device. The projection display 210 uses two parallel waveguides 214, 216 made from a light transmissive material. One waveguide 214 stretches the horizontal pupil of the final display and the other waveguide 216 stretches the vertical pupil of the final display and acts as a combiner through which the observer 212 views an outside world scene 220 and the image overlaid on the scene 220. In a color display, each primary color is transmitted within a separate channel R, G, B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Bae Systems PLC
    Inventor: Michael David Simmonds
  • Patent number: 8913362
    Abstract: A mixed-voltage circuit employs a higher-voltage transistor in series connection with a lower-voltage transistor. To protect the lower-voltage transistor from transient overvoltage events, a series of one or more diodes is connected between the current terminals (i.e., the source and drain terminals) of the lower-voltage transistor so as to limit the voltage across the lower-voltage transistor. This diode protection mechanism also may be provided between the gate terminal and a current terminal of the lower-voltage transistor so as to protect against an overvoltage event at the gate of the lower-voltage transistor. In this manner, the mixed-voltage circuit can provide the performance benefits of mixed use of lower-voltage and higher-voltage transistors while reducing the risk of damaging the lower-voltage transistors due to the use of the higher-voltage power supply needed for operation of the mixed-voltage circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Vixs Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David Simmonds
  • Patent number: 8842368
    Abstract: A helmet or head-mounted apparatus has a visor or other curved optical element in front of at least one eye of a wearer, which element also is used as a waveguide. Image-bearing light is injected into the waveguide via an input diffractive element, and propagates through the visor to an output diffractive element which releases the light. The optical powers of the curved waveguide and the input and output diffractive elements are selected so that the released light is delivered as an image to the users eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems PLC
    Inventors: Michael David Simmonds, Mohmed Salim Valera
  • Publication number: 20140232759
    Abstract: In present invention provides a micro-display device having a source of illumination comprising an array of illuminating portions and an image generator arranged for receiving a signal comprising image data and comprising an array of image forming portions which may be selectively activated to project image-bearing light corresponding with the image data when illuminated by light from the source of illumination. A controller is also provided, arranged for receiving the image data and for selectively activating illuminating portions of the array of illuminating portions according to the image data and according to predetermined criteria relating to heat generation or power consumption by the micro-display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS PLC
    Inventors: Michael David Simmonds, Mohmed Salim Valera
  • Patent number: 8810913
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a projection display (10) for displaying an image to a viewer, comprising a curved waveguide (14) made of light transmissive material and having first and second opposed curvilinear surfaces (26, 28), an image-providing light source device arranged to inject collimated image bearing light into the waveguide, an input grating (20) coupled to or within the waveguide to diffract said image bearing light to propagate internally along the curved waveguide by total internal reflection, an output grating (22) provided along a side of the waveguide by which the image bearing light is diffracted out of the waveguide for viewing by the viewer, wherein the input grating and output grating have variable pitch gratings so that a collimated image injected into the waveguide can be output from the waveguide as a collimated image having an increased exit pupil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventors: Michael David Simmonds, Mohmed Salim Valera
  • Publication number: 20140218801
    Abstract: The present invention provides a projection display (10) for projecting a colour image to a viewer (12) overlaid on a real world scene viewed through the display. The display comprises an image generator (16) for generating image bearing chromatic light for injection into a waveguide assembly (28) at a first range of field angles (44) and a second range of field angles (46). The waveguide assembly comprises a first waveguide (30) having a first input diffraction region (32) arranged to couple image bearing chromatic light in the first range of field angles into the first waveguide to propagate by total internal reflection; and a second waveguide (40) having a second input diffraction region (42) arranged to couple image bearing chromatic light in the second range of field angles into the second waveguide to propagate by total internal reflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: Michael David Simmonds, Mohmed Salim Valera
  • Patent number: 8787503
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a frequency mixer circuit configured to generate a baseband signal based on a local oscillator signal and a radio frequency signal. The apparatus includes a compensation circuit configured to generate a DC offset-compensated signal based on the baseband signal, a DC offset compensation signal, and a second signal. The DC offset compensation signal and the second signal have currents approximately equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. A current of the DC offset-compensated signal is substantially the same as a current of the baseband signal. The compensation circuit may include a DC digital-to-analog converter circuit configured to generate the DC offset compensation signal and the second signal based on a control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: ViXS Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David Simmonds
  • Patent number: 8713063
    Abstract: The invention broadly and generally provides, in a computer-controlled display, a method of simplifying a graphical representation of a set of connected nodes comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a subset of the aforesaid set; and (b) under computer program control, hiding representations of all nodes except (i) nodes within the aforesaid subset and (ii) at least one node having a defined relationship to the aforesaid subset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven R. Abrams, Ian David Simmonds, John Vlissides
  • Publication number: 20140084997
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a node coupled between a terminal of the integrated circuit and a transmitter circuit. The integrated circuit includes a switch circuit coupled between the node and a receiver circuit. The switch circuit includes a bias circuit coupled to the node. The bias circuit is configured to provide a first bias voltage to the node in response to an indication of a transmit mode of the terminal. The bias circuit is configured to provide a second bias voltage to the node in response to an indication of a receive mode of the terminal. The switch circuit may include a plurality of n-type devices coupled in series. Each of the plurality of n-type devices may include a triple-well, doubly-floating n-type device. The plurality of n-type devices may include a resistively-biased bulk terminal and a resistively-biased n-well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: David Simmonds