Patents by Inventor Michael J. Sinclair
Michael J. Sinclair 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: 6967761Abstract: A microelectrical mechanical out-of-plane thermal buckle-beam actuator is capable of providing transverse-plane movement of shutters. The actuator includes a pair of structural anchors secured to a substrate and one or more thermal buckle-beams secured at respective base ends to the anchors. Each buckle-beam extends substantially parallel to and spaced-apart from the substrate and is releasable from the substrate at points other than at the anchors. The thermal buckle-beam actuators are suitable for use in a microelectrical mechanical optical display system.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2004Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Gary K. Starkweather, Michael J. Sinclair
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Patent number: 6904182Abstract: An image capturing system is installable in a room opposite a writing surface. The image capturing system is adapted to take visual images of the writing surface and identify information written thereon.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2000Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Patrice Y. Simard, Michael J. Sinclair
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Patent number: 6879930Abstract: A device for detecting the position of a human finger or other object on a touch-sensitive scrolling pad. Dual independent oscillators may be used to generate two pulse trains at frequencies dependent upon the capacitance of two conductors resulting from the position of the finger on the conductors. The pulses from each oscillator may be counted over a time interval. A ratio-metric measurement may be taken by calculating the ratio of the two counts, and a sum may also be calculated. The ratio of the two counts relates to finger position on the device, and their sum relates to finger pressure upon the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Michael J. Sinclair, Kenneth P. Hinckley, James T. Kajiya, Nathan C. Sherman
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Patent number: 6844871Abstract: A mouse is provided that uses a camera as its input sensor. A real-time vision algorithm determines the six degree-of-freedom mouse posture, consisting of 2D motion, tilt in the forward/back and left/right axes, rotation of the mouse about its vertical axis, and some limited height sensing. Thus, a familiar 2D device can be extended for three-dimensional manipulation, while remaining suitable for standard 2D Graphical User Interface tasks. The invention includes techniques for mouse functionality, 3D manipulation, navigating large 2D spaces, and using the camera for lightweight scanning tasks.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Kenneth P. Hinckley, Michael J. Sinclair, Richard S. Szeliski, Matthew J. Conway, Erik J. Hanson
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Publication number: 20040233498Abstract: A MEMS optical display system includes an illumination source for providing illumination light, a collimating lens for receiving the illumination light and forming from it collimated illumination light, and a converging microlens array having an array of lenslets that converge the collimated illumination light. The converging microlens array directs the illumination light to a microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) optical modulator. The MEMS optical modulator includes, for example, a planar substrate through which multiple pixel apertures extend and multiple MEMS actuators that support and selectively position MEMS shutters over the apertures. A MEMS actuator and MEMS shutter, together with a corresponding aperture, correspond to pixel. The light from the converging microlens array is focused through the apertures and is selectively modulated according to the positioning of the MEMS shutters by the MEMS actuators, thereby to impart image information on the illumination light.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Gary K. Starkweather, Michael J. Sinclair
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Publication number: 20040227428Abstract: An electrostatic bimorph actuator includes a cantilevered flexible bimorph arm that is secured and insulated at one end to a planar substrate. In an electrostatically activated state the bimorph arm is generally parallel to the planar substrate. In a relaxed state, residual stress in the bimorph arm causes its free end to extend out-of-plane from the planar substrate. The actuator includes a substrate electrode that is secured to and insulated from the substrate and positioned under and in alignment with the bimorph arm. An electrical potential difference applied between the bimorph arm and the substrate electrode imparts electrostatic attraction between the bimorph arm and the substrate electrode to activate the actuator. As an exemplary application in which such actuators could be used, a microelectrical mechanical optical display system is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2004Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Michael J. Sinclair
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Publication number: 20040207786Abstract: Energy efficient transmissive and transreflective display devices are described. Ambient light from a natural or artificial source is used to replace and/or supplement light normally supplied by a backlight. This is done by directing ambient light to the rear of a transmissive display panel. A window, light tunnel, or a reflective surface located in the rear or top of a display device may be used to direct the ambient light to the back of the display panel. A translucent diffuser and/or diffuse reflector are used to diffuse the ambient light to reduce the chance of bright spots appearing on the display. Additional energy efficiency is achieved by using one or more photo-sensors to detect the amount of light, incident on the front and/or rear of a display panel and by automatically adjusting the backlight intensity as a function of photo-sensor output. In this manner, backlight intensity can be minimized while maintaining the viewability of images shown on the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: J. Turner Whitted, Eric Horvitz, Michael J. Sinclair
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Patent number: 6804959Abstract: A unilateral in-plane thermal buckle-beam microelectrical mechanical actuator is formed on a planar substrate of semiconductor material, for example. The actuator includes first and second anchors secured to the substrate and a floating shuttle positioned movable parallel to the substrate. Symmetric first and second sets of elongated thermal half-beams are secured between the floating shuttle and the respective first and second anchors. The first and second anchors and the first and second sets of thermal half-beams are positioned along one side of the floating shuttle. The half-beams are formed of semiconductor material, such as polysilicon. A current source directs electrical current through the thermal half beams via the anchors to impart thermal expansion of the thermal half-beams and hence linear motion of the floating center beam generally parallel to the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2001Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Michael J. Sinclair
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Patent number: 6795137Abstract: Energy efficient transmissive and transreflective display devices are described. Ambient light from a natural or artificial source is used to replace and/or supplement light normally supplied by a backlight. This is done by directing ambient light to the rear of a transmissive display panel. A window, light tunnel, or a reflective surface located in the rear or top of a display device may be used to direct the ambient light to the back of the display panel. A translucent diffuser and/or diffuse reflector are used to diffuse the ambient light to reduce the chance of bright spots appearing on the display. Additional energy efficiency is achieved by using one or more photo-sensors to detect the amount of light, incident on the front and/or rear of a display panel and by automatically adjusting the backlight intensity as a function of photo-sensor output. In this manner, backlight intensity can be minimized while maintaining the viewability of images shown on the display.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1999Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: J. Turner Whitted, Eric Horvitz, Michael J. Sinclair
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Patent number: 6775048Abstract: A MEMS optical display system includes an illumination source for providing illumination light, a collimating lens for receiving the illumination light and forming from it collimated illumination light, and a converging microlens array having an array of lenslets that converge the collimated illumination light. The converging microlens array directs the illumination light to a microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) optical modulator. The MEMS optical modulator includes, for example, a planar substrate through which multiple pixel apertures extend and multiple MEMS actuators that support and selectively position MEMS shutters over the apertures. A MEMS actuator and MEMS shutter, together with a corresponding aperture, correspond to pixel. The light from the converging microlens array is focused through the apertures and is selectively modulated according to the positioning of the MEMS shutters by the MEMS actuators, thereby to impart image information on the illumination light.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2000Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Gary K. Starkweather, Michael J. Sinclair
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Publication number: 20040150630Abstract: A scrolling device for a computer may include a touch-sensitive surface, which may be elongated and/or have one or more active regions. Scrolling may be performed in manual as well as automated ways that may result in more accurate and efficient scrolling. Scrolling, as displayed on the screen, may further be rounded to the nearest document text line and/or distance unit, even though a more precise scrolling location value may be stored and/or tracked.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2004Publication date: August 5, 2004Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Kenneth P. Hinckley, Steven N. Bathiche, James H. Cauthorn, Michael J. Sinclair
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Publication number: 20040141009Abstract: A scrolling device for a computer may include a touch-sensitive surface, which may be elongated and/or have one or more active regions. Scrolling may be performed in manual as well as automated ways that may result in more accurate and efficient scrolling. Scrolling, as displayed on the screen, may further be rounded to the nearest document text line and/or distance unit, even though a more precise scrolling location value may be stored and/or tracked.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2004Publication date: July 22, 2004Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Kenneth P. Hinckley, Steven N. Bathiche, James H. Cauthorn, Michael J. Sinclair
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Publication number: 20040140984Abstract: A scrolling device for a computer may include a touch-sensitive surface, which may be elongated and/or have one or more active regions. Scrolling may be performed in manual as well as automated ways that may result in more accurate and efficient scrolling. Scrolling, as displayed on the screen, may further be rounded to the nearest document text line and/or distance unit, even though a more precise scrolling location value may be stored and/or tracked.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2004Publication date: July 22, 2004Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Kenneth P. Hinckley, Steven N. Bathiche, James H. Cauthorn, Michael J. Sinclair
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Patent number: 6708492Abstract: An out-of-plane thermal buckle-beam microelectrical mechanical actuator is formed on a planar substrate of semiconductor material (e.g., silicon). The actuator includes first and second anchors secured to the substrate and multiple elongated thermal buckle beams that are secured between the anchors. The buckle beams are formed of semiconductor material, such as polysilicon. In one implementation, the buckling beams are coupled together by a pivot frame that includes a frame base secured to each buckle beam and at least one pivot arm that is coupled to the frame base at one end and includes a free end that pivots out-of-plane when the actuator is activated. A cyclic current source directs cyclic electrical current through the thermal buckle beams via the anchors to impart thermal expansion of the buckle beams and hence a cyclic buckling motion of them out of the plane (i.e., away from) the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Michael J. Sinclair
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Patent number: 6707449Abstract: A scrolling device for a computer may include a touch-sensitive surface, which may be elongated and/or have one or more active regions. Scrolling may be performed in manual as well as automated ways that may result in more accurate and efficient scrolling. Scrolling, as displayed on the screen, may further be rounded to the nearest document text line and/or distance unit, even though a more precise scrolling location value may be stored and/or tracked.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Kenneth P. Hinckley, Steven N. Bathiche, James H. Cauthorn, Michael J. Sinclair
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Patent number: 6690365Abstract: A scrolling device for a computer may include a touch-sensitive surface, which may be elongated and/or have one or more active regions. Scrolling may be performed in manual as well as automated ways that may result in more accurate and efficient scrolling. Scrolling, as displayed on the screen, may further be rounded to the nearest document text line and/or distance unit, even though a more precise scrolling location value may be stored and/or tracked.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Kenneth P. Hinckley, Steven N. Bathiche, James H. Cauthorn, Michael J. Sinclair
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Patent number: 6675578Abstract: An in-plane thermal buckle-beam microelectrical mechanical actuator is formed on a planar substrate of semiconductor material, for example. The actuator includes first and second anchors secured to the substrate and a floating center beam positioned between the first and second anchors and movable relative to the substrate. Symmetric first and second sets of elongated thermal half-beams are secured between opposite sides of the floating center beam and the respective first and second anchors. The half-beams are formed of semiconductor material, such as polysilicon. A current source directs electrical current through the thermal half beams via the anchors to impart thermal expansion of the thermal half-beams and hence linear motion of the floating center beam generally parallel to the substrate. In one implementation, the half-beams are configured at a bias angle to give the floating beam an affinity for in-plane motion.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2000Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Michael J. Sinclair
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Publication number: 20030197597Abstract: A method and system for mobile device power consumption management decreases the instantaneous power consumption of a mobile device, increasing operational lifetime of the device. In an embodiment of the invention, the mobile device is associated with a plurality of device behavior modification techniques that can be set in response to data collected from a plurality of sensors associated with the device. In an embodiment, the sensors detect the device's motion, tilt, proximity to a user, contact with a user, and orientation with respect to a user. In a further embodiment, the sensors detect a temperature related to the device or its environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2002Publication date: October 23, 2003Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Paramvir Bahl, Eugene Shih, Michael J. Sinclair
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Publication number: 20030198196Abstract: An improved method and system for reducing the power consumption of computing devices capable of communicating over a wireless network allows longer device operation and/or the use of smaller batteries. The wireless computing device supports a low power channel for receiving control signals during idle periods of operation. When the computing device is idle, the device is configured to power down all of its components with the exception of the circuitry required to power the low power channel. As such, the channel is maintained in an active state for receiving signals during both idle and non-idle periods, or in an embodiment, only during idle periods. When another device wishes to communicate with the wireless computing device, the low power channel passes a “wake-up” signal to the device indicating that the device be powered up from the idle mode of operation. A host RF component that is coupled to the network via a host computer generates this wake-up signal in an embodiment of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2002Publication date: October 23, 2003Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Paramvir Bahl, Eugene Shih, Michael J. Sinclair
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Publication number: 20030184189Abstract: An electrostatic bimorph actuator includes a cantilevered flexible bimorph arm that is secured and insulated at one end to a planar substrate. In an electrostatically activated state the bimorph arm is generally parallel to the planar substrate. In a relaxed state, residual stress in the bimorph arm causes its free end to extend out-of-plane from the planar substrate. The actuator includes a substrate electrode that is secured to and insulated from the substrate and positioned under and in alignment with the bimorph arm. An electrical potential difference applied between the bimorph arm and the substrate electrode imparts electrostatic attraction between the bimorph arm and the substrate electrode to activate the actuator. As an exemplary application in which such actuators could be used, a microelectrical mechanical optical display system is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Michael J. Sinclair