Patents by Inventor Hui-Chuan Cheng
Hui-Chuan Cheng 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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Publication number: 20200326546Abstract: A method and system for increasing dynamic digitized wavefront resolution, i.e., the density of output beamlets, can include receiving a single collimated source light beam and producing multiple output beamlets spatially offset when out-coupled from a waveguide. The multiple output beamlets can be obtained by offsetting and replicating a collimated source light beam. Alternatively, the multiple output beamlets can be obtained by using a collimated incoming source light beam having multiple input beams with different wavelengths in the vicinity of the nominal wavelength of a particular color. The collimated incoming source light beam can be in-coupled into the eyepiece designed for the nominal wavelength. The input beams with multiple wavelengths take different paths when they undergo total internal reflection in the waveguide, which produces multiple output beamlets.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2020Publication date: October 15, 2020Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Lionel Ernest EDWIN, Ivan Li Chuen YEOH, Brian T. SCHOWENGERDT, Kevin Richard CURTIS, William Hudson WELCH, Pierre ST. HILAIRE, Hui-Chuan CHENG
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Publication number: 20200326548Abstract: An imaging system includes a light source configured to generate a light beam. The system also includes first and second light guiding optical elements having respective first and second entry portions, and configured to propagate at least respective first and second portions of the light beam by total internal reflection. The system further includes a light distributor having a light distributor entry portion, a first exit portion, and a second exit portion. The light distributor is configured to direct the first and second portions of the light beam toward the first and second entry portions, respectively. The light distributor entry portion and the first exit portion are aligned along a first axis. The light distributor entry portion and the second exit portion are aligned along a second axis different from the first axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2020Publication date: October 15, 2020Inventor: Hui-Chuan Cheng
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Patent number: 10739593Abstract: An imaging system includes a light source configured to generate a light beam. The system also includes first and second light guiding optical elements having respective first and second entry portions, and configured to propagate at least respective first and second portions of the light beam by total internal reflection. The system further includes a light distributor having a light distributor entry portion, a first exit portion, and a second exit portion. The light distributor is configured to direct the first and second portions of the light beam toward the first and second entry portions, respectively. The light distributor entry portion and the first exit portion are aligned along a first axis. The light distributor entry portion and the second exit portion are aligned along a second axis different from the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventor: Hui-Chuan Cheng
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Publication number: 20200236345Abstract: An eyepiece unit for projecting an image to an eye of a viewer includes an eyepiece having a world side and a viewer side opposite the world side. The eyepiece includes an input coupling diffractive optical element, an orthogonal pupil expander diffractive optical element, and an exit pupil expander diffractive optical element. The eyepiece unit also includes a curved cosmetic lens disposed adjacent the world side of the eyepiece and a polarizer disposed adjacent the world side of the eyepiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Hui-Chuan CHENG, Ivan Li Chuen YEOH, Lionel Ernest EDWIN
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Publication number: 20200209459Abstract: An artifact mitigation system includes a projector assembly and a set of imaging optics optically coupled to the projector assembly. The artifact mitigation system also includes an eyepiece optically coupled to the set of imaging optics. The eyepiece includes a diffractive incoupling interface. The artifact mitigation system further includes an artifact prevention element disposed between the set of imaging optics and the eyepiece. The artifact prevention element includes a linear polarizer, a first quarter waveplate disposed adjacent the linear polarizer, and a color select component disposed adjacent the first quarter waveplate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2020Publication date: July 2, 2020Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Curtis, Hui-Chuan Cheng, Paul M. Greco, William Hudson Welch, Eric C. Browy, Miller Schuck, Bradley Jay Sissom
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Publication number: 20200209727Abstract: Examples of light projector systems for directing input light from a light source to a spatial light modulator are provided. For example, an optical device is disclosed which includes a first surface having a diffractive optical element, a second surface normal to the first surface, and a third surface arranged at an angle to the second surface. The third surface may be a beam splitting surface that is reflective to light of a first state and transmissive to light of a second state. The diffractive optical element may receive an input beam made up of light having the first state, and may convert the input beam into at least a first diffracted beam at a first diffraction angle such that the first diffracted beam is directed toward the second surface, is reflected by the second surface toward the third surface via total internal reflection, and is reflected by the third surface in a direction substantially parallel to the first surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2020Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Jahja Trisnadi, Pierre St. Hilaire, Hui-Chuan Cheng, Clinton Carlisle, Michael Anthony Klug, Kevin Richard Curtis
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Publication number: 20200183172Abstract: Configurations are disclosed for presenting virtual reality and augmented reality experiences to users. The system may comprise a spatial light modulator operatively coupled to an image source for projecting light associated with one or more frames of image data, and a variable focus element (VFE) for varying a focus of the projected light such that a first frame of image data is focused at a first depth plane, and a second frame of image data is focused at a second depth plane, and wherein a distance between the first depth plane and the second depth plane is fixed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2020Publication date: June 11, 2020Applicant: MAGIC LEAP, INC.Inventors: William Hudson WELCH, Robert D. TEKOLSTE, Hyunsun Chung, Hui-Chuan Cheng
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Patent number: 10678055Abstract: A method and system for increasing dynamic digitized wavefront resolution, i.e., the density of output beamlets, can include receiving a single collimated source light beam and producing multiple output beamlets spatially offset when out-coupled from a waveguide. The multiple output beamlets can be obtained by offsetting and replicating a collimated source light beam. Alternatively, the multiple output beamlets can be obtained by using a collimated incoming source light beam having multiple input beams with different wavelengths in the vicinity of the nominal wavelength of a particular color. The collimated incoming source light beam can be in-coupled into the eyepiece designed for the nominal wavelength. The input beams with multiple wavelengths take different paths when they undergo total internal reflection in the waveguide, which produces multiple output beamlets.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Lionel Ernest Edwin, Ivan Li Chuen Yeoh, Brian T. Schowengerdt, Kevin Richard Curtis, William Hudson Welch, Pierre St. Hilaire, Hui-Chuan Cheng
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Patent number: 10627632Abstract: Configurations are disclosed for presenting virtual reality and augmented reality experiences to users. The system may comprise a spatial light modulator operatively coupled to an image source for projecting light associated with one or more frames of image data, and a variable focus element (VFE) for varying a focus of the projected light such that a first frame of image data is focused at a first depth plane, and a second frame of image data is focused at a second depth plane, and wherein a distance between the first depth plane and the second depth plane is fixed.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2019Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: MAGIC LEAP, INC.Inventors: William Hudson Welch, Robert D. Tekolste, Hyunsun Chung, Hui-Chuan Cheng
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Patent number: 10627559Abstract: An artifact mitigation system includes a projector assembly, a set of imaging optics optically coupled to the projector assembly, and an eyepiece optically coupled to the set of imaging optics. The eyepiece includes an incoupling interface. The artifact mitigation system also includes an artifact prevention element disposed between the set of imaging optics and the eyepiece. The artifact prevention element includes a linear polarizer, a first quarter waveplate disposed adjacent the linear polarizer, and a color select component disposed adjacent the first quarter waveplate.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Curtis, Hui-Chuan Cheng, Paul M. Greco, William Hudson Welch, Eric C. Browy, Miller Schuck, Bradley Jay Sissom
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Patent number: 10609363Abstract: An eyepiece unit for projecting an image to an eye of a viewer includes an eyepiece having a world side and a viewer side opposite the world side. The eyepiece unit also includes a polarizer disposed adjacent the world side of the eyepiece. In an example, the polarizer comprises a wire grid polarizer. In some embodiments, the wire grid polarizer is operable to transmit p-polarized light and reflect s-polarized light. In some embodiments, the polarizer can include an absorptive polarizer.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Hui-Chuan Cheng, Ivan Li Chuen Yeoh, Lionel Ernest Edwin
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Publication number: 20200088945Abstract: An eyepiece for projecting an image to an eye of a viewer includes a first planar waveguide positioned in a first lateral plane, a second planar waveguide positioned in a second lateral plane adjacent the first lateral plane, and a third planar waveguide positioned in a third lateral plane adjacent the second lateral plane. The first waveguide includes a first diffractive optical element (DOE) coupled thereto and disposed at a lateral position. The second waveguide includes a second DOE coupled thereto and disposed at the lateral position. The third waveguide includes a third DOE coupled thereto and disposed at the lateral position. The eyepiece further includes a first optical filter disposed between the first waveguide and the second waveguide at the lateral position, and a second optical filter positioned between the second waveguide and the third waveguide at the lateral position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Ivan Li Chuen YEOH, Lionel Ernest EDWIN, Hui-Chuan CHENG
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Patent number: 10564533Abstract: Examples of light projector systems for directing input light from a light source to a spatial light modulator are provided. For example, an optical device is disclosed which includes a first surface having a diffractive optical element, a second surface normal to the first surface, and a third surface arranged at an angle to the second surface. The third surface may be a beam splitting surface that is reflective to light of a first state and transmissive to light of a second state. The diffractive optical element may receive an input beam made up of light having the first state, and convert the input beam into at least a first diffracted beam at a first diffraction angle such that the first diffracted beam is directed toward the third surface and is reflected by the third surface in a direction substantially parallel to the first surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2018Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Jahja Trisnadi, Pierre St. Hilaire, Hui-Chuan Cheng, Clinton Carlisle, Michael Anthony Klug, Kevin Richard Curtis
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Patent number: 10551568Abstract: An eyepiece for projecting an image to an eye of a viewer includes a first planar waveguide positioned in a first lateral plane, a second planar waveguide positioned in a second lateral plane adjacent the first lateral plane, and a third planar waveguide positioned in a third lateral plane adjacent the second lateral plane. The first waveguide includes a first diffractive optical element (DOE) coupled thereto and disposed at a lateral position. The second waveguide includes a second DOE coupled thereto and disposed at the lateral position. The third waveguide includes a third DOE coupled thereto and disposed at the lateral position. The eyepiece further includes a first optical filter disposed between the first waveguide and the second waveguide at the lateral position, and a second optical filter positioned between the second waveguide and the third waveguide at the lateral position.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2019Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Ivan Li Chuen Yeoh, Lionel Ernest Edwin, Hui-Chuan Cheng
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Publication number: 20200018972Abstract: Images perceived to be substantially full color or multi-colored may be formed using component color images that are distributed in unequal numbers across a plurality of depth planes. The distribution of component color images across the depth planes may vary based on color. In some embodiments, a display system includes a stack of waveguides that each output light of a particular color, with some colors having fewer numbers of associated waveguides than other colors. The stack of waveguides may include by multiple pluralities (e.g., first and second pluralities) of waveguides, each configured to produce an image by outputting light corresponding to a particular color. The total number of waveguides in the second plurality of waveguides is less than the total number of waveguides in the first plurality of waveguides, and may be more than the total number of waveguides in a third plurality of waveguides, in embodiments where three component colors are utilized.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventors: Brian T. Schowengerdt, Hong Hua, Hui-Chuan Cheng, Christophe Peroz
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Publication number: 20190353907Abstract: A display subsystem for a virtual image generation system comprises a planar waveguide apparatus, an optical fiber, at least one light source configured for emitting light from a distal end of the optical fiber, and a mechanical drive assembly to which the optical fiber is mounted as a fixed-free flexible cantilever. The drive assembly is configured for displacing a distal end of the optical fiber about a fulcrum in accordance with a scan pattern, such that the emitted light diverges from a longitudinal axis coincident with the fulcrum. The display subsystem further comprises an optical modulation apparatus configured for converging the light from the optical fiber towards the longitudinal axis, and an optical waveguide input apparatus configured for directing the light from the optical modulation apparatus down the planar waveguide apparatus, such that the planar waveguide apparatus displays one or more image frames to an end user.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Ivan YEOH, Hui-Chuan CHENG, Lionel Ernest EDWIN, David TINCH, William Hudson WELCH
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Patent number: 10466480Abstract: Images perceived to be substantially full color or multi-colored may be formed using component color images that are distributed in unequal numbers across a plurality of depth planes. The distribution of component color images across the depth planes may vary based on color. In some embodiments, a display system includes a stack of waveguides that each output light of a particular color, with some colors having fewer numbers of associated waveguides than other colors. The stack of waveguides may include by multiple pluralities (e.g., first and second pluralities) of waveguides, each configured to produce an image by outputting light corresponding to a particular color. The total number of waveguides in the second plurality of waveguides is less than the total number of waveguides in the first plurality of waveguides, and may be more than the total number of waveguides in a third plurality of waveguides, in embodiments where three component colors are utilized.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Schowengerdt, Hong Hua, Hui-Chuan Cheng, Christophe Peroz
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Publication number: 20190310421Abstract: An eyepiece for projecting an image to an eye of a viewer includes a first planar waveguide positioned in a first lateral plane, a second planar waveguide positioned in a second lateral plane adjacent the first lateral plane, and a third planar waveguide positioned in a third lateral plane adjacent the second lateral plane. The first waveguide includes a first diffractive optical element (DOE) coupled thereto and disposed at a lateral position. The second waveguide includes a second DOE coupled thereto and disposed at the lateral position. The third waveguide includes a third DOE coupled thereto and disposed at the lateral position. The eyepiece further includes a first optical filter disposed between the first waveguide and the second waveguide at the lateral position, and a second optical filter positioned between the second waveguide and the third waveguide at the lateral position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2019Publication date: October 10, 2019Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Ivan Li Chuen YEOH, Lionel Ernest EDWIN, Hui-Chuan CHENG
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Patent number: 10371896Abstract: An eyepiece for projecting an image to an eye of a viewer includes a first planar waveguide positioned in a first lateral plane, a second planar waveguide positioned in a second lateral plane adjacent the first lateral plane, and a third planar waveguide positioned in a third lateral plane adjacent the second lateral plane. The first waveguide includes a first diffractive optical element (DOE) coupled thereto and disposed at a lateral position. The second waveguide includes a second DOE coupled thereto and disposed at the lateral position. The third waveguide includes a third DOE coupled thereto and disposed at the lateral position. The eyepiece further includes a first optical filter disposed between the first waveguide and the second waveguide at the lateral position, and a second optical filter positioned between the second waveguide and the third waveguide at the lateral position.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: MAGIC LEAP, INC.Inventors: Ivan Li Chuen Yeoh, Lionel Ernest Edwin, Hui-Chuan Cheng
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Publication number: 20190227333Abstract: Configurations are disclosed for presenting virtual reality and augmented reality experiences to users. The system may comprise a scanning device for scanning one or more frames of image data. The scanning device may be communicatively coupled to an image source to receive the image data. The system may further comprise a variable focus element (VFE) operatively coupled to the scanning device for focusing the one or more frames of image data on an intermediate image plane, wherein the intermediate image plane is aligned to one of a plurality of switchable screens. The plurality of switchable screens may spread light associated with the intermediate image plane to specific viewing distances. The system may also comprise viewing optics operatively coupled to the plurality of switchable screens to relay the one or more frames of image data.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2019Publication date: July 25, 2019Applicant: MAGIC LEAP, INC.Inventor: Hui-Chuan CHENG