Patents by Inventor Mark O. Freeman
Mark O. Freeman 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: 8231224Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, beam position diversity or beam offset diversity in pupil space performs the complement to angular diversity by maintaining angular content of a beam while changing its position and/or polarization properties in pupil space over time.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Karlton D. Powell, Mark O. Freeman, Alban N. Lescure
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Patent number: 8223161Abstract: An image generation apparatus provides correction for color offsets. Color offsets may be caused by misalignments in laser diodes or optics assemblies in a laser projector. The offsets may be measured during or after manufacture of the laser projector. An image buffer is responsive to the offset data to translate each color plane separately. The image buffer may include separately addressable portions for each color. Further, variable delay elements on the output of the image buffer may provide color offset correction. Interpolation provides further offset correction.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Margaret K. Brown, Mark O. Freeman, Mark Champion, Shawn M. Swilley, Maciej A. Jakuc
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Patent number: 8152307Abstract: A optical apparatus (201) for use in an laser imaging system (200) is provided. The optical apparatus (201) includes one or more optical elements (215) that are configured to create an intermediate image plane (217) in the laser imaging system (200). A diffractive optical element (216) is then disposed at the intermediate image plane (217) to reduce speckle. The diffractive optical element (216) includes a periodically repeating phase mask (218) that can be configured in accordance with steps, vortex functions, Hermite-Gaussian functions, and so forth. Smooth grey-level phase transitional surface (337) can be placed between elements (333,334) to improve brightness and image quality. The periodically repeating phase mask (218) makes manufacture simple by reducing alignment sensitivity, and can be used to make applicable safety standards easier to meet as well.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Markus Duelli, Alban N. Lescure, Mark O. Freeman, Christian Dean DeJong, Joshua M. Hudman
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Publication number: 20120069415Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.Inventors: Mark O. Freeman, Joshua O. Miller
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Patent number: 8111336Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, scanned beam projector may comprise a light source, a scan drive and a scanning platform to project an image onto a projection surface. The scan drive circuit is capable of at least partially correcting distortion in the projected image by varying an amplitude of the scan drive signal to at least partially compensate for the distortion in the projected image.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Mark O. Freeman, Karlton D. Powell
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Publication number: 20120013855Abstract: An imaging system (200) is configured to reduce perceived speckle (106) in images (201) by introducing angular diversity into consecutively projected images. The imaging system (200) includes one or more laser sources (203) that are configured to produce one or more light beams (215). A light modulator (204) scans these light beams (215) to produce images. A light translation element (206) introduces the angular diversity by physically altering a light reception location (208) on the light modulator (204) between refresh sweeps. To preserve image stability, image data (220) in a memory (218) can be correspondingly shifted.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.Inventors: Alban N. Lescure, Markus Duelli, Mark O. Freeman
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Publication number: 20120013852Abstract: An imaging system (200) is configured to reduce perceived speckle in images (201) produced by the imaging system. The imaging system (200) includes one or more laser source pairs (205,206), with each laser source pair being configured to produce two beams (209,210) of a color. A spatial light modulator (211) is configured to produce the images (201) with light (212) from the source pairs by scanning the light (212) in a raster pattern (213) along a projection surface (202). A beam translator (225) is configured to cause lines of successive sweeps of the raster pattern (213) to be scanned with the two beams (221,222) on an alternating basis such that a line scanned by a first of the two beams in one sweep is scanned by a second of the two beams in a sequentially subsequent sweep. Other optical elements can introduce angular diversity to further reduce speckle, such as a beam shifter (2200) and a light translation element (990).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.Inventors: Mark Champion, Mark O. Freeman, Alban N. Lescure, Markus Duelli
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Publication number: 20120001834Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanned beam display, comprises a light source to generate a beam to be scanned and a scanning platform to scan the beam into an exit cone. The scanning platform receives the beam at a selected feed angle, and the scanning platform has a surface structure to redirect the exit cone at an exit angle that is less than the feed angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.Inventors: Joshua M. Hudman, Wyatt O. Davis, Mark O. Freeman, Mark P. Helsel, David Roy Bowman, Kelly D. Linden
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Patent number: 8068115Abstract: An image generation apparatus provides interpolation and distortion correction. The interpolation and distortion correction may be provided in one or two dimensions. Nonlinear image scan trajectories, such as sinusoidal and bi-sinusoidal trajectories are accommodated. Horizontal and vertical scan positions are determined using a linear pixel clock, and displayed pixel intensities are determined using interpolation techniques.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Margaret K. Brown, Mark O. Freeman, Mark Champion, Aarti Raghavan, Shawn M. Swilley, Kelly D. Linden
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Patent number: 8049825Abstract: An imaging system (200), such as a scanned laser projection system, includes one or more laser sources (201) configured to produce one or more light beams (204), and a light modulator (203) configured to produce images (206) from the light beams (204). Optional optical alignment devices (220) can be used to orient the light beams (204) into a combined light beam (205). A birefringent wedge (221) is disposed between at least one of the laser sources (201) and the light modulator (203). The birefringent wedge (221) is configured to receive light from the laser sources (201) and deliver two angularly separated and orthogonally polarized light beams (223) to the light modulator (203) so as to reduce speckle appearing when the images (206) are displayed on a display surface (207). An optional glass wedge (1004) can be used to correct optical path deviation (1001) introduced by the birefringent wedge (221).Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Alban N. Lescure, Markus Duelli, Mark O. Freeman
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Publication number: 20110234919Abstract: An integrated photonics module may include a selective fold mirror configured to pass at least a portion of emitted light toward the MEMS scanner and reflect scanned light through to a field of view. The selective fold mirror may use beam polarization to select beam passing and reflection. The integrated photonics module may include a beam rotator such as a quarter-wave plate to convert the polarization of the emitted light to a different polarization adapted for passage through the fold mirror. The integrated photonics module may include one or more light detectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Joshua O. Miller, Margaret K. Brown, Mark O. Freeman, Maarten Niesten, Bin Xue, Christopher A. Wiklof
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Patent number: 7986315Abstract: An integrated photonics module includes at least one light source and a MEMS scanner coupled to and held in alignment by an optical frame configured for mounting to a host system. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module may include a plurality of light sources and a beam combiner coupled to the optical frame. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module includes a selective fold mirror configured to direct at least a portion of emitted light toward the MEMS scanner in a normal direction and pass scanned light through to a field of view. The selective fold mirror may use beam polarization to select beam passing and reflection. The integrated photonics module may include a beam rotator such as a quarter-wave plate to convert the polarization of the emitted light to a different polarization adapted for passage through the fold mirror. The integrated photonics module may include one or more light detectors.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Joshua O. Miller, Margaret K. Brown, Mark O. Freeman, Maarten Niesten, Bin Xue, Christopher A. Wiklof
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Patent number: 7978189Abstract: An integrated photonics module includes at least one light source and a MEMS scanner coupled to and held in alignment by an optical frame configured for mounting to a host system. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module may include a plurality of light sources and a beam combiner coupled to the optical frame. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module includes a selective fold mirror configured to direct at least a portion of emitted light toward the MEMS scanner in a normal direction and pass scanned light through to a field of view. The selective fold mirror may use beam polarization to select beam passing and reflection. The integrated photonics module may include a beam rotator such as a quarter-wave plate to convert the polarization of the emitted light to a different polarization adapted for passage through the fold mirror. The integrated photonics module may include one or more light detectors.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Joshua O. Miller, Margaret K. Brown, Mark O. Freeman, Maarten Niesten, Bin Xue, Christopher A. Wiklof
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Patent number: 7972008Abstract: An image producing system (1400) delivers images (1414) having reduced speckle by employing one or more drive circuits (1404, 1405, 1406) that deliver both a direct current drive signal (205) and an alternating current drive signal (405) to one or more lasers (1401, 1402, 1403). Specifically, an alternating current drive circuit (403) is used in conjunction with a direct current drive circuit (203) to modulate a drive signal. The modulation can be at a frequency of between 400 MHz and 600 MHz. When lasers, such as the red laser (1401) or the blue laser (1403) of a multi-laser system are modulated in such a fashion, their emitted spectral widths (407) greatly expand, thereby reducing speckle in projected images (1414).Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Witold R Teller, Alban N Lescure, Mark O. Freeman
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Publication number: 20110149251Abstract: A optical apparatus (201) for use in an laser imaging system (200) is provided. The optical apparatus (201) includes one or more optical elements (215) that are configured to create an intermediate image plane (217) in the laser imaging system (200). A diffractive optical element (216) is then disposed at the intermediate image plane (217) to reduce speckle. The diffractive optical element (216) includes a periodically repeating phase mask (218) that can be configured in accordance with steps, vortex functions, Hermite-Gaussian functions, and so forth. Smooth grey-level phase transitional surface (337) can be placed between elements (333,334) to improve brightness and image quality. The periodically repeating phase mask (218) makes manufacture simple by reducing alignment sensitivity, and can be used to make applicable safety standards easier to meet as well.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.Inventors: Markus Duelli, Alban N. Lescure, Mark O. Freeman, Christian Dean DeJong, Joshua M. Hudman
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Patent number: 7959308Abstract: A guiding-substrate display may include an angle-mapped display engine to generate a modulated photonic output having angle-mapped rays responsive to an electrical signal without the use of an ocular lens. An input optical element receives the modulated photonic output of the angle-mapped display engine and cooperates with the angle-mapped display engine to launch modulated photonic output having selected polarization. An image relay slab receives the modulated photonic output from the input optical element and guides the modulated photonic output from a proximal to a distal location. An output optical element to receives the modulated photonic output from the image relay slab and launches the modulated photonic output having angle-mapped rays toward a viewing region.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2010Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Mark O. Freeman, Karlton D. Powell
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Patent number: 7956858Abstract: An integrated photonics module includes at least one light source and a MEMS scanner coupled to and held in alignment by an optical frame configured for mounting to a host system. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module may include a plurality of light sources and a beam combiner coupled to the optical frame. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module includes a selective fold mirror configured to direct at least a portion of emitted light toward the MEMS scanner in a normal direction and pass scanned light through to a field of view. The selective fold mirror may use beam polarization to select beam passing and reflection. The integrated photonics module may include a beam rotator such as a quarter-wave plate to convert the polarization of the emitted light to a different polarization adapted for passage through the fold mirror. The integrated photonics module may include one or more light detectors.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Joshua O. Miller, Margaret K. Brown, Mark O. Freeman, Maarten Niesten, Bin Xue, Christopher A. Wiklof
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Publication number: 20110069084Abstract: An image generation apparatus provides interpolation and distortion correction. The interpolation and distortion correction may be provided in one or two dimensions. Nonlinear image scan trajectories, such as sinusoidal and bi-sinusoidal trajectories are accommodated. Horizontal and vertical scan positions are determined using a linear pixel clock, and displayed pixel intensities are determined using interpolation techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.Inventors: Margaret K. Brown, Mark O. Freeman, Mark Champion, Aarti Raghavan, Shawn M. Swilley, Kelly D. Linden
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Publication number: 20110063574Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a full color image and an invisible wavelength monochrome image are projected onto a display screen via a scanning platform of a scanned beam display. The monochrome image is re-radiated from a Photoluminescent material of the display screen as a visible wavelength monochrome image. The overall image may be viewed by a viewer as a three-dimensional image by providing the monochrome image to a first eye of the user without the full color image, and providing the full color image to a second eye of the user without the monochrome image.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: MICROVISION, INC.Inventor: Mark O. Freeman
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Patent number: 7905603Abstract: A display system includes and image-guiding substrate with input and/or output structures configured to improve image quality.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2010Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Mark O. Freeman, Karlton D. Powell