Patents by Inventor James M. Hillis

James M. Hillis 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).

  • Temporally multiplexing backlight with asymmetric turning film
    Patent number: 10388230
    Abstract: Backlights are disclosed. More particularly, temporally multiplexed backlights utilizing asymmetric turning films are disclosed. The disclosed backlights are capable of displaying a primary image to on-axis viewers while simultaneously providing a secondary image to off-axis viewers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Johnson, Kenneth A. Epstein, James M. Hillis, Michael E. Lauters
  • Variable viewing angle optical systems
    Patent number: 10008164
    Abstract: Optical systems are described that include a switchable diffuser, a display panel, a lighting component and a diffuser controller. The diffuser controller is configured to switch the state of the switchable diffuser when the diffuser controller determines that the diffuser state is to be changed. The diffuser controller may be configured to vary an output level of the display panel in association with a change in state of the switchable diffuser. The optical system may also include a switching device which may be separable from the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Guanglei Du, John A. Wheatley, Christopher R. Yungers, James M. Hillis
  • VARIABLE VIEWING ANGLE OPTICAL SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20170116937
    Abstract: Optical systems are described that include a switchable diffuser, a display panel, a lighting component and a diffuser controller. The diffuser controller is configured to switch the state of the switchable diffuser when the diffuser controller determines that the diffuser state is to be changed. The diffuser controller may be configured to vary an output level of the display panel in association with a change in state of the switchable diffuser. The optical system may also include a switching device which may be separable from the display panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Guanglei Du, John A. Wheatley, Christopher R. Yungers, James M. Hillis
  • TEMPORALLY MULTIPLEXING BACKLIGHT WITH ASYMMERTIC TURNING FILM
    Publication number: 20170116930
    Abstract: Backlights are disclosed. More particularly, temporally multiplexed backlights utilizing asymmetric turning films are disclosed. The disclosed backlights are capable of displaying a primary image to on-axis viewers while simultaneously providing a secondary image to off-axis viewers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Johnson, Kenneth A. Epstein, James M. Hillis, Michael E. Lauters