Patents by Inventor Dax Kukulj
Dax Kukulj 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: 9280237Abstract: Infrared-style touch screens are described having light emission means and light detection means along only two opposing sides of a touch input area, which are nevertheless able to detect and locate a touch object in two dimensions. Certain embodiments use an edge-blurring algorithm to determine the second coordinate, while other embodiments use a form of stereo-scopic vision to determine both coordinates by triangulation. These touch screens have minimal bezel width along two opposing sides of the touch input area, and also offer cost reductions associated with components and product assembly and manufacturing.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2010Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: ZETTA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LLC—RPO SERIESInventor: Dax Kukulj
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Patent number: 9176384Abstract: The invention comprises methods for the photolithographic patterning of features in a photo-curable polymer composition coated onto a plastic substrate. In one embodiment of this invention, the plastic substrate is coated with a reflective film such as a metallic barrier. In another embodiment, the plastic substrate is coated or co-extruded with a polymer barrier layer containing an additive that absorbs the photo-curing radiation. In yet another embodiment the plastic substrate contains an intrinsic additive that absorbs the photo-curing radiation. Combinations of these embodiments are also within the scope of this invention. The methods of the present invention may be advantageously applied to the fabrication of optical waveguides comprising a photo-curable polymer supported on a plastic substrate, but are applicable to the fabrication of any device or object comprising a photo-curable polymer supported on a plastic substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: ZETT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LLC—RPO SERIESInventors: Robert Charters, Dax Kukulj
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Patent number: 9128250Abstract: We present optical systems suitable for focusing two substantially collimated beams or sheets of light propagating in different directions onto a common focal point. In some embodiments the optical systems comprise separate focusing elements for each beam or sheet of light, while in other embodiments the optical systems comprise a focusing element and a redirection element. The optical systems have particular application in the receive optics of infrared touch screens, where they enable the detection of additional light paths that assist in the determination of two or more simultaneous touch events.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: ZETTA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LLC—RPO SERIESInventors: Robert Bruce Charters, Dax Kukulj, Warwick Todd Holloway, Duncan Ian Ross, Graham Roy Atkins
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Patent number: 9086956Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling a user to interact via touch input with a document displayed on an electronic device such as an electronic reader. The system determines a measure of the size or shape of a touch object, and accordingly associates input gestures with different actions. A user can therefore use finger touch input for page turns and stylus touch input for electronic inking operations, without having to toggle between modes. The associated actions can be modified with a second touch event, such as a thumb touch in a corner of the display area. Infrared touch systems are well suited to implementing the inventive methods in electronic readers because they do not require the presence of any high refractive index layers in front of the display.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Zetta Research and Development—RPO SeriesInventor: Dax Kukulj
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Patent number: 8994037Abstract: Integrated optical waveguides and methods for the production thereof which have a patterned upper cladding with a defined opening to allow at least one side or at least one end of a light transmissive element to be air clad. The at least one side or at least one end is, for preference, a lens structure unitary with the waveguide or a bend. Also provided is a method of fabricating an optical waveguide with a patterned cladding.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Zetta Research and Development LLC-RPO SeriesInventors: Ian Andrew Maxwell, Dax Kukulj, Robert Bruce Charters
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Patent number: 8674963Abstract: Waveguide structures and optical elements for use in an optical touch input device are disclosed. The disclosed waveguide structures and optical elements allow for reduced bezel width and simplified assembly of optical touch input devices, and relaxed component tolerances.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Zetta Research and Development LLC—RPO SeriesInventors: Benjamin Cornish, Robert Bruce Charters, Ian Andrew Maxwell, Graham Roy Atkins, Dax Kukulj, Graeme Gordon
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Patent number: 8529993Abstract: This invention relates to materials and processes for the preparation of high quality layers, for example for the fabrication of optical devices such as waveguides. In particular, the invention relates to the use of low volatility polymer materials for the deposition of high quality layers on large area substrates via a two-stage process, for example extrude-and-spin.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Zetta Research andDevelopment LLC—RPO SeriesInventors: Robert Bruce Charters, Dax Kukulj
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Publication number: 20130156376Abstract: We present optical systems suitable for focusing two substantially collimated beams or sheets of light propagating in different directions onto a common focal point. In some embodiments the optical systems comprise separate focusing elements for each beam or sheet of light, while in other embodiments the optical systems comprise a focusing element and a redirection element. The optical systems have particular application in the receive optics of infrared touch screens, where they enable the detection of additional light paths that assist in the determination of two or more simultaneous touch events.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: Robert Bruce Charters, Dax Kukulj, Warwick Todd Holloway, Duncan Ian Ross, Graham Roy Atkins
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Publication number: 20130069915Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling a user to interact via touch input with a document displayed on an electronic device such as an electronic reader. The system determines a measure of the size or shape of a touch object, and accordingly associates input gestures with different actions. A user can therefore use finger touch input for page turns and stylus touch input for electronic inking operations, without having to toggle between modes. The associated actions can be modified with a second touch event, such as a thumb touch in a corner of the display area. Infrared touch systems are well suited to implementing the inventive methods in electronic readers because they do not require the presence of any high refractive index layers in front of the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventor: Dax Kukulj
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Publication number: 20120327039Abstract: We present signal production devices and infrared-style touch screens incorporating them. Compared to prior art devices, the signal production devices of the present invention have simpler, more easily manufactured components. Touch screens incorporating these devices can have reduced bezel width, and are particularly well-suited to finger-only touch on small area screens.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: RPO PTY LTDInventor: Dax KUKULJ
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Publication number: 20120223916Abstract: Infrared-style touch screens are described having light emission means and light detection means along only two opposing sides of a touch input area, which are nevertheless able to detect and locate a touch object in two dimensions. Certain embodiments use an edge-blurring algorithm to determine the second coordinate, while other embodiments use a form of stereo-scopic vision to determine both coordinates by triangulation. These touch screens have minimal bezel width along two opposing sides of the touch input area, and also offer cost reductions associated with components and product assembly and manufacturing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2010Publication date: September 6, 2012Inventor: Dax Kukulj
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Publication number: 20120219771Abstract: The invention comprises methods for the photolithographic patterning of features in a photo-curable polymer composition coated onto a plastic substrate. In one embodiment of this invention, the plastic substrate is coated with a reflective film such as a metallic barrier. In another embodiment, the plastic substrate is coated or co-extruded with a polymer barrier layer containing an additive that absorbs the photo-curing radiation. In yet another embodiment the plastic substrate contains an intrinsic additive that absorbs the photo-curing radiation. Combinations of these embodiments are also within the scope of this invention. The methods of the present invention may be advantageously applied to the fabrication of optical waveguides comprising a photo-curable polymer supported on a plastic substrate, but are applicable to the fabrication of any device or object comprising a photo-curable polymer supported on a plastic substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2011Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Robert Charters, Dax Kukulj
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Publication number: 20120218215Abstract: In a touch sensitive user interface environment having a series of possible touch points on an activation surface, with the monitoring of the touch points being achieved by sensing activation values at a plurality of positions around the periphery of the activation surface, a method of determining where at least one touch point has been activated on the surface, the method including the steps of: (a) determining at least one intensity variation in the activation values; and (b) utilizing a gradient measure of the sides of the at least one intensity variation to determine the location of at least one touch point on the activation surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2010Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Andrew Kleinert, Richard Pradenas, Michael Bantel, Dax Kukulj
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Publication number: 20120200536Abstract: The invention describes various optical waveguide layouts with reduced substrate area, with particular application to reducing bezel width in optical touch systems. In certain preferred embodiments the optical waveguide layouts include a plurality of waveguide crossings.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Benjamin Cornish, Robert Bruce Charters, Warwick Todd Holloway, Ian Andrew Maxwell, Dax Kukulj
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Publication number: 20120098794Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting, collimating and redirecting light from a point-like source to produce a collimated optical signal in a substantially planar form are provided. In one embodiment the apparatus is manufactured as a unitary transmissive body comprising a collimation element and a redirection element, and optionally a transmissive element. In another embodiment the apparatus is assembled from one or more components. The apparatus and method are useful for providing sensing light for an optical touch input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2009Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Andrew Kleinert, Duncan Ian Ross, Jonathan Payne, Warwick Todd Holloway, Graham Roy Atkins, Robert Bruce Charters, Kenli Chong, Dax Kukulj, Brigg Maund, Ian Andrew Maxwell
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Patent number: 8120595Abstract: This invention relates to polymeric optical materials suitable for use in waveguide-based optical touch screen sensors. In particular, the materials should have a glass transition temperature (Tg) below a minimum operating temperature of the touch screen device. Preferably, waveguides composed of the materials are fabricated on polymer substrates, so that the waveguide assembly is flexible. In this case, the materials should have Tg below a Tg of the polymer substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Dax Kukulj, Graham Roy Atkins
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Publication number: 20120033912Abstract: Integrated optical waveguides and methods for the production thereof which have a patterned upper cladding with a defined opening to allow at least one side or at least one end of a light transmissive element to be air clad. The at least one side or at least one end is, for preference, a lens structure unitary with the waveguide or a bend. Also provided is a method of fabricating an optical waveguide with a patterned cladding.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Ian Andrew Maxwell, Dax Kukulj, Robert Bruce Charters
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Patent number: 8064744Abstract: This invention relates to an improved design for the transmit and receive optical elements of a waveguide-based optical touch screen sensor, where at least one converging lens is incorporated within the body of each transmit and receive element. The optical elements of the improved design are more mechanically robust, easier to incorporate into the touch screen assembly, and are less susceptible to stray light and the ingress of foreign matter. In one embodiment the converging lens collimates the light into a plane wave. In another embodiment the converging lens focuses the light to an external point. In yet another embodiment, each transmit and receive element also includes at least one diverging lens. The transmit and receive elements and associated waveguides preferably comprise photo-patternable polymers.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Graham Roy Atkins, Dax Kukulj, Robert Bruce Charters
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Patent number: 8021900Abstract: Methods for the production of integrated optical waveguides which have a patterned upper cladding with a defined opening to allow at least one side or at least one end of a light transmissive element to be air clad The at least one side or at least one end is, for preference, a lens structure unitary with the waveguide or a bend.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Ian Andrew Maxwell, Dax Kukulj, Robert Bruce Charters
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Publication number: 20110151197Abstract: The invention comprises methods for the photolithographic patterning of features in a photo-curable polymer composition coated onto a plastic substrate. In one embodiment of this invention, the plastic substrate is coated with a reflective film such as a metallic barrier. In another embodiment, the plastic substrate is coated or co-extruded with a polymer barrier layer containing an additive that absorbs the photo-curing radiation. In yet another embodiment the plastic substrate contains an intrinsic additive that absorbs the photo-curing radiation. Combinations of these embodiments are also within the scope of this invention. The methods of the present invention may be advantageously applied to the fabrication of optical waveguides comprising a photo-curable polymer supported on a plastic substrate, but are applicable to the fabrication of any device or object comprising a photo-curable polymer supported on a plastic substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: RPO Pty LimitedInventors: Robert Charters, Dax Kukulj