Patents by Inventor Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr.

Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr. 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).

  • Publication number: 20150091799
    Abstract: A projector (100) including a plurality of systems (110, 130) and a port (140) adapted to receive and communicate with a removable module (102). More particularly, the projector (100) is capable of indicating its capabilities to the removable module (102), receiving return information from the removable module (102), and selectively configuring the systems (110, 130) according to the return information when such removable module (102) is inserted into the port (140).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Shuguang Wu, Ernesto M. Rodriguez, JR., James K. Kennedy, Phillip J. Bergeron, Ronald D. Jesme
  • Publication number: 20140141725
    Abstract: A wireless presentation system includes communication means for line-of-sight communication links such that an association between a content holder and a desired presentation device can be automatically established using line-of-sight communication links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald D. Jesme, Craig R. Schardt, Patrick M. Campbell, Patrick A. Thomas, Ernesto M. Rodriguez, JR., George D. Kokkosoulis, Daniel A. Syrstad, Douglas S. Parker
  • Publication number: 20130314677
    Abstract: A projector includes a cavity configured to accommodate handheld electronic devices having at least one of different sizes and shapes, a communicating unit configured to electrically communicate with a handheld electronic device that is disposed in the cavity, and a projection subsystem configured to project an image that is at least partially formed by a handheld electronic device that is disposed in the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, JR., James K. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8587873
    Abstract: Wide-angle projection lens, as well as optical engines and projection display devices comprising such projections lens are described. In one embodiment, a wide-angle projection lens is described comprising in sequential order from a screen side a first lens group of negative refractive power, a second lens group of positive refractive power, a third lens group of positive refractive power; and a fourth lens group of positive refractive power. At least one lens group has an aspheric surface. The ratio of the focal length of the wide-angle projection lens (F) to the focal length of each of the lens groups (F1, F2, F3, and F4) is such that |F1/F|>1.3, F2/F>2, 1<F3/F<2 and 1.5<F4/F<8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Zhisheng Yun, Stephen J. Willett, Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130235464
    Abstract: Wide-angle projection lens, as well as optical engines and projection display devices comprising such projections lens are described. In one embodiment, a wide-angle projection lens is described comprising in sequential order from a screen side a first lens group of negative refractive power, a second lens group of positive refractive power, a third lens group of positive refractive power; and a fourth lens group of positive refractive power. At least one lens group has an aspheric surface. The ratio of the focal length of the wide-angle projection lens (F) to the focal length of each of the lens groups (F1, F2, F3, and F4) is such that |F1/F|>1.3, F2/F>2, 1<F3/F<2 and 1.5<F4/F<8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Zhisheng Yun, Stephen J. Willett, Ernesto M. Rodriguez, JR.
  • Patent number: 8072687
    Abstract: A front projection display device includes an optical engine including an illumination system, an imaging system, and projection optics. The projection optics include a first lens group of negative refractive power that has at least one aspheric surface. The projection optics output an image at a half field angle of at least 45°, where the image has substantially no distortion. For example, when the first lens group is placed at a distance of less than 1 meter from a viewing screen, the output image has a size of about 40 inches diagonal or greater, and requires substantially no keystone correction. In other aspects, the optical engine can be implemented in a wall-mounted projection system, a multimedia system, a compact integrated monitor system, and a portable projection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Patricia M. Hughes, William E. Haushalter, Kai Chang Lu
  • Publication number: 20110075269
    Abstract: A front projection display device includes an optical engine including an illumination system, an imaging system, and projection optics. The projection optics include a first lens group of negative refractive power that has at least one aspheric surface. The projection optics output an image at a half field angle of at least 45°, where the image has substantially no distortion. For example, when the first lens group is placed at a distance of less than 1 meter from a viewing screen, the output image has a size of about 40 inches diagonal or greater, and requires substantially no keystone correction. In other aspects, the optical engine can be implemented in a wall-mounted projection system, a multimedia system, a compact integrated monitor system, and a portable projection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, JR., Patricia M. Hughes, William E. Haushalter, Kia Chang Lu
  • Patent number: 7864435
    Abstract: A front projection display device includes an optical engine including an illumination system, an imaging system, and projection optics. The projection optics include a first lens group of negative refractive power that has at least one aspheric surface. The projection optics output an image at a half field angle of at least 45°, where the image has substantially no distortion. For example, when the first lens group is placed at a distance of less than 1 meter from a viewing screen, the output image has a size of about 40 inches diagonal or greater, and requires substantially no keystone correction. In other aspects, the optical engine can be implemented in a wall-mounted projection system, a multimedia system, a compact integrated monitor system, and a portable projection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Patricia M. Hughes, William E. Haushalter, Kai Chang Lu
  • Patent number: 7850311
    Abstract: A front projection display device having a projection module and a docking station. The docking station has a base. Further, the docking station can include an extendable arm attached to the base. The projection module contains an optical engine. The optical engine includes an illumination system, an imaging system, and a wide-angle projection lens. The optical engine outputs an image at a half field angle of at least 45°. The projected image has substantially no distortion and requires substantially no keystone correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Patricia M. Hughes, William E. Haushalter, Kai Chang Lu, Steven G. Saxe
  • Publication number: 20080297726
    Abstract: A projection system includes a projection device and a viewing surface. The projection device is configured to project an image onto the viewing surface. The viewing surface has a first side and a second side. The viewing surface is substantially diffuse reflective when viewed from the first side and substantially transparent when viewed from the second side. The viewing surface can also include a plurality of louvers adapted to attenuate light passing through the viewing surface. The viewing surface and the plurality of louvers can be part of a projection screen. The projection system can be included in a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Ernesto M. RODRIGUEZ, JR., Joseph C. Carls
  • Patent number: 7342723
    Abstract: A portable projection device comprises a housing, a handle, and an optical engine. The optical engine comprises an illumination source, an imaging system, and a wide angle projection lens that includes a first lens group of negative refractive power, the first lens group having at least one aspheric surface, a second lens group, and a third lens group of positive refractive power. For the wide angle projection lens, the following Conditions (1) to (4) are satisfied: |F1/F|?4.5 (Condition (1)); 2.5?|F2/F|?6.0 (Condition (2)); 3.8?|F3/F|?5.0 (Condition (3)); and 0.8?BFL/F?1.4 (Condition (4)). The portable projection device can be implemented as a personal gaming system and can also be configured as a portable, fully integrated video gaming system that allows gamers to plug in and play at nearly any location, with only a wall or other viewing surface being used to view the projected image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Patricia M. Hughes, Kai Chang Lu
  • Patent number: 7271964
    Abstract: A front projection display device includes an optical engine including an illumination system, an imaging system, and projection optics. The projection optics include a first lens group of negative refractive power that has at least one aspheric surface. The projection optics output an image at a half field angle of at least 45°, where the image has substantially no distortion. For example, when the first lens group is placed at a distance of less than 1 meter from a viewing screen, the output image has a size of about 40 inches diagonal or greater, and requires substantially no keystone correction. In other aspects, the optical engine can be implemented in a wall-mounted projection system, a multimedia system, a compact integrated monitor system, and a portable projection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Patricia M. Hughes, William E. Haushalter, Kai Chang Lu
  • Patent number: 7123426
    Abstract: A wide angle projection lens include a first lens group of negative refractive power that has at least one aspheric surface. The wide angle projection lens can output an image at a half field angle of at least 45°, where the image has substantially no distortion and requires little or no keystone correction. The wide angle projection lens can be part of an optical engine that can be implemented in rear projection or front projection display devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kai Chang Lu, Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6604829
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a compact integrated front projection display system. The system comprises a frame having first and second portions and a foldable arm having first and second ends. The second end of the arm is connected to the first portion of the frame. The arm is moveable between a storage position and a projection position. The system also includes a retractable projection screen disposed on the second portion of the frame and a projection head mounted on the first end of the moveable arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6568814
    Abstract: A front image projection device and corresponding method are disclosed that utilize a shaped imager component to pre-distort an input image and thereby compensate for the distortion expected in a screen image. The front projection device includes projection components, image generating components, and illumination components. The shaped image component may compensate at least in part for distortion introduced due to the components of the projection system. The physical configuration for the shaped imager may be determined through a modeled or actual ray trace through the projection system, and the resulting physical configuration may be a geometric shape having a curved top, a curved bottom and curved sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Joseph C. Carls, Patricia H. DeLuca
  • Patent number: 6530664
    Abstract: A front projection screen and associated system and method are disclosed that utilize a back structured layer and a front diffusing layer to provide improved viewable image quality. The structured layer is formed with a plurality of grooves and can operate to direct light into a defined audience view region. The diffusing layer is coupled to the structured layer and is formed from a matte polyester film to provide dry erase capability on a front surface of the diffusing layer. For example, the matte polyester film can be TEKRA Marnot XL matte Melinex polyester film. Further, the structured layer can be formed as an acrylate linear prismatic structure having a gloss white coating. The acrylate linear prismatic structure and the matte polyester film can be coupled, for example, by lamination or can be coupled by being extruded as a unitary construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dennis F. Vanderwerf, Patricia M. Hughes, Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6520646
    Abstract: A front projection system and associated method are disclosed that correct distortion for a front projector device. The front projector device is characterized by off-axis optics and a throw-to-screen diagonal ratio of at most 1 which generate distortion including pincushion, keystone and anamorphic distortion components. Further, the projection device has an electronic distortion correction component operable to pre-distort an image prior to projection in order to correct for the pincushion, keystone and anamorphic distortion components of the projector device. Further, an associated method is also disclosed for correcting distortion generated in a projection system by a combination of optical and electronic correction. The method comprises setting a limit on the amount of image information that is acceptable to lose through the optical components, and selecting an optical solution is comprising optics having inherent distortion within the set limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Steven G. Saxe, Patricia H. DeLuca
  • Patent number: 6485146
    Abstract: An integrated front projection system has a housing assembly, a projection assembly, and an expansion assembly. The housing assembly includes a frame having a front surface that provides a front projection screen and contains other modular components. In addition, a projection assembly with a movable arm may be included, having a storage position and a projection position, and to which the front projection head may be coupled. According to one aspect, the projection assembly is modularized and has a plurality of easily replaceable component modules coupled to the housing and which operate together to project an image onto the front projection screen. According to another aspect, the integrated front projection system further has an expansion assembly coupled to the housing. The expansion assembly includes an expansion slot formed in the housing and electrically coupled to a display controller in the projection assembly and expansion modules coupled to the expansion slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6394609
    Abstract: A front projection display system that integrates an optical engine, having control and power supply electronics, and a dedicated projection screen to provide a compact video display device. The projection engine is coupled to a high gain projection screen, having an optimized reflection pattern to give optimum optical performance in ambient H& and viewing angle sensitive environments. Components of the projection engine are modularly placed in a retractable arm pivotally connected to the screen. The arm offers precise registration to the screen apparatus and thus repeatably precisely aligns optically and mechanically to the screen. The projection wall system has an open projection position and a closed storage position. Use of a radically offset projection head having matching keystone correction features allows the arm to protrude above the head of the presenter and offer a sharp and unobtrusive projection zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Dennis F. Vanderwerf
  • Patent number: D555184
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernesto M. Rodriguez, Jr., Peter J. Newbould, Andrea Daelli