Abstract: A game controller includes a plurality of controls, an accessory interface configured to removably affix an external accessory to the game controller, and a control mapping machine. The control mapping machine is configured to map a control of the plurality of controls to a first function while the external accessory is not affixed to the game controller, and map the control to a second function different than the first function while the external accessory is removably affixed to the game controller.

Abstract: A scanning display device includes a MEMS scanner, a controller, light source drivers, light sources and an image processor. The controller controls rotation of MEMS mirror(s) of the MEMS scanner. Each light source driver selectively drives a respective one of the light sources to thereby produce a respective light beam that is directed towards and incident on a MEMS mirror of the MES scanner. The image processor causes two of the light source drivers to drive two of the light sources to thereby produce two light beams, when a first portion of an image is being raster scanned by the MEMS scanner. The image processor causes only one of the light source drivers to drive only one of the light sources to thereby produce only one light beam, when a second portion of the image is being raster scanned by the MEMS scanner. Related methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scanning display device includes a MEMS scanner having a biaxial MEMS mirror or a pair of uniaxial MEMS mirrors. A controller communicatively coupled to the MEMS scanner controls rotation of the biaxial MEMS mirror or uniaxial MEMS mirrors. A first light source is used to produce a first light beam, and second light source is used to produce a second light beam. The first and second light beams are simultaneously directed toward and incident on the biaxial MEMS mirror, or a same one of the pair of uniaxial MEMS mirrors, at different angles of incidence relative to one another. The controller controls rotation of the biaxial MEMS mirror or the uniaxial MEMS mirrors to simultaneously raster scan a first portion of an image using the first light beam and a second portion of the image using the second light beam. Related methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A near-eye-display system generates a dimming mask to enhance contrast between a computer-generated image and a real-world view. The system monitors eye tracking data to determine physical characteristics of the user's eye. Then, based on these physical characteristics, the system may generate and locate a dimming mask with relation to the CG image to decrease user perceived brightness of a real-world view at a location where the CG image is displayed. Specifically, the dimming mask affects an amount of light transmitted from a real-world object that is permitted to enter the user's eyes. The system uses the dimming mask to effectively “turn down” the brightness of the real-world view at specific regions of a composite view corresponding to the CG image. A size and transmittance level of the dimming mask may vary based upon the pupil size. A location of the dimming mask may vary based upon the gaze direction.

Abstract: A scanning display device includes a MEMS scanner, a controller, light source drivers, light sources and an image processor. The controller controls rotation of MEMS mirror(s) of the MEMS scanner. Each light source driver selectively drives a respective one of the light sources to thereby produce a respective light beam that is directed towards and incident on a MEMS mirror of the MES scanner. The image processor causes two of the light source drivers to drive two of the light sources to thereby produce two light beams, when a first portion of an image is being raster scanned by the MEMS scanner. The image processor causes only one of the light source drivers to drive only one of the light sources to thereby produce only one light beam, when a second portion of the image is being raster scanned by the MEMS scanner. Related methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scanning display device includes a MEMS scanner having a biaxial MEMS mirror or a pair of uniaxial MEMS mirrors. A controller communicatively coupled to the MEMS scanner controls rotation of the biaxial MEMS mirror or uniaxial MEMS mirrors. A first light source is used to produce a first light beam, and second light source is used to produce a second light beam. The first and second light beams are simultaneously directed toward and incident on the biaxial MEMS mirror, or a same one of the pair of uniaxial MEMS mirrors, at different angles of incidence relative to one another. The controller controls rotation of the biaxial MEMS mirror or the uniaxial MEMS mirrors to simultaneously raster scan a first portion of an image using the first light beam and a second portion of the image using the second light beam. Related methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes one or more MEMS mirrors, a light source driver and a controller. The light source driver selectively drives one or more light emitting elements of a light source to thereby produce a light beam that is directed towards a same MEMS mirror. The controller controls rotation of the MEMS mirror(s) in a fast-axis direction and a slow-axis direction in order to raster scan an image using the light beam reflected from the MEMS mirror(s). In order to achieve a first line density in a first portion of the image being raster scanned and to achieve a second line density, that is less than the first line density, in a second portion of the image being raster scanned, the controller dynamically adjusts a speed at which one of the MEMS mirror(s) is rotated in the slow-axis direction. Related systems and methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Laser light pulses are reflected off a scanning mirror. A time-of-flight distance measurement device receives reflected light pulses and determines distances. The light pulses have abrupt changes in amplitude. Reflected pulses are differentiated to reduce sensitivity to amplitude variations. Differentiated pulses may be compressed to keep the receiver from saturating. Distance measurements are combined with location information to produce a 3D image of a surface.

Abstract: A game controller includes a plurality of controls, an accessory interface configured to removably affix an external accessory to the game controller, and a control mapping machine. The control mapping machine is configured to map a control of the plurality of controls to a first function while the external accessory is not affixed to the game controller, and map the control to a second function different than the first function while the external accessory is removably affixed to the game controller.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to providing an audio notification to a listener via a dual-mode speaker system are provided. In one embodiment, a computing device and associated dual-mode speaker system are configured to be selectively operable in a non-directional broadcast mode and a directional broadcast mode. Based on an audio notification condition, it is determined that the audio notification is to be delivered using the directional broadcast mode. The dual-mode speaker system is then used to broadcast the audio notification to the listener using the directional broadcast mode.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to providing an audio notification to a listener via a dual-mode speaker system are provided. In one embodiment, a computing device and associated dual-mode speaker system are configured to be selectively operable in a non-directional broadcast mode and a directional broadcast mode. Based on an audio notification condition, it is determined that the audio notification is to be delivered using the directional broadcast mode. The dual-mode speaker system is then used to broadcast the audio notification to the listener using the directional broadcast mode.

Abstract: A bifocal head-up display system includes a projector, at least one projection surface in an intermediate image plane, and relay optics to direct a display image to a reflector in a vehicle operator's field of view. The display image includes two image portions focused at different distances from the vehicle operator. A first image portion focused at a first distance may include information related to vehicle operation, and a second image portion focused at a second distance may include to information related to extra-vehicular objects.

Abstract: A transparent screen includes a microlens array. The microlens array includes microlenses that are individually rotated to reflect a projected image to a common eyebox. The microlenses may have a dichroic coating to reflect narrowband light. An automotive windshield may include an embedded microlens array as part of a head up display. Eyewear includes an eyepiece with a rotated microlens array and a projector to project content on the microlens array.

Abstract: A projection apparatus includes a shutter mechanism to prevent light from reaching an image plane during calibration of light sources. The shutter mechanism may include liquid crystal material that exhibits an effective index of refraction that varies with applied voltage. During calibration, a light beam is shuttered, light sources are driven by calibration data, and optical power is measured.

Abstract: A retractable optic conditionally redirects an image from a scanning laser projector. The retractable optic may be coupled to a mobile device, a mobile device case, or may be part of an attachment. The retractable optic includes a reflective surface that has a free-form shape defined by a polynomial that is a function of two independent, transverse coordinate variables.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a closed loop feedback system for electronic beam alignment in a scanned beam display comprises a light source to emit one or more light beams, a controller to provide a control signal to drive the light source, a scanning platform to receive the one or more light beams and scan the light beams in a scanning pattern to project an image, and an alignment detector to provide a feedback signal indicative of beam position information of the light beams in the far field to the controller. An optic may be disposed in the beam path to magnify and/or to transform beam position information into the far field for the one or more alignment detectors. The controller adjusts the control signal in response to the feedback signal received from the alignment detector to maintain alignment of the light beams in a far field.

Abstract: A bifocal head-up display system includes a projector, at least one projection surface in an intermediate image plane, and relay optics to direct a display image to a reflector in a vehicle operator's field of view. The display image includes two image portions focused at different distances from the vehicle operator. A first image portion focused at a first distance may include information related to vehicle operation, and a second image portion focused at a second distance may include to information related to extra-vehicular objects.

Abstract: A beam combiner has a first coating on a first side capable of imparting a first polarization rotation, and a second coating on a second side capable of imparting a second polarization rotation. A first beam impinging on the first side passes through the first and second coatings as a first beam component. Second and third beams impinging on the second side partially reflect off the second coating as a second beam component, and partially transmit through the second coating to reflect off the first coating and exit through the second coating as a third beam component. The first, second and third beam components are disposed at selected positions and have respective selected polarizations as a combined beam spot. The positions and polarization of the beams components result in a projected image having increased allowable brightness and/or having reduced speckle.

Abstract: A projection apparatus includes a shutter mechanism to prevent light from reaching an image plane during calibration of light sources. The shutter mechanism may include liquid crystal material that exhibits an effective index of refraction that varies with applied voltage. During calibration, a light beam is shuttered, light sources are driven by calibration data, and optical power is measured.

Abstract: A scanning projector includes a MEMS device with a scanning mirror that sweeps a beam in two dimensions. Actuating circuits receive scan angle information and provide signal stimulus to the MEMS device to control the amount of mirror deflection on two axes. The period of movement on one or both axes may be modified to effect changes in line density in a resultant display.