Patents by Inventor Milan M. Popovich

Milan M. Popovich 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).

  • Patent number: 10509241
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing an optical display includes an optical substrate for propagating light received from a light source, a first set of one or more switchable diffractive elements in the substrate, and a second set of one or more switchable diffractive elements in the substrate. Each diffractive element in the second set corresponds to a diffractive element in the first set. Each of the diffractive elements in the first and second sets is configured to switch between on and off states. One of the states is for diffracting light and the other state for allowing light to pass through. Each of the first set of diffractive elements is configured to diffract the light at an angle for propagation in the substrate. Each of the second set of diffractive elements is configured to diffract the light for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignees: ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC., DIGILENS INC.
    Inventors: Steven J. Robbins, James H. Stanley, Francois Raynal, Robert D. Brown, James M. Tedesco, Wyatt L. Hendrick, Milan M. Popovich, Jonathan D. Waldern, Alastair J. Grant
  • Patent number: 8817350
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing an optical display includes an optical substrate for propagating light received from a light source, a first set of one or more switchable diffractive elements in the substrate, and a second set of one or more switchable diffractive elements in the substrate. Each diffractive element in the second set corresponds to a diffractive element in the first set. Each of the diffractive elements in the first and second sets is configured to switch between on and off states. One of the states is for diffracting light and the other state for allowing light to pass through. Each of the first set of diffractive elements is configured to diffract the light at an angle for propagation in the substrate. Each of the second set of diffractive elements is configured to diffract the light for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Robbins, James H. Stanley, Francois Raynal, Robert D. Brown, James M. Tedesco, Wyatt L. Hendrick, Milan M. Popovich, Jonathan D. Waldern, Alastair J. Grant
  • Patent number: 6894814
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid state filter used in sequentially illuminating an image display, directly or indirectly, with first, second, and third bandwidth light. The solid state filter includes at least one hologram that is switchable between active and inactive states. While in the active state, the at least one switchable hologram diffracts a first bandwidth light. In contrast, the switchable hologram transmits the first bandwidth light without substantial alteration when operating in the inactive state. In one embodiment, the diffracted first bandwidth light is used to illuminate a monochrome image presented on a display device. In another embodiment, the transmitted first bandwidth light is used to illuminate the monochrome image presented on the image display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: SBG Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Milan M. Popovich, C. David Nabors
  • Publication number: 20040108971
    Abstract: A head mountable apparatus is described for transmitting an image to the user's eye using switchable holographic optical elements. In one embodiment, an optical system is provided that is configured to receive an image provided by an image generator and which forms a light path along which light is transmitted from the image generator to an eye of the user. The optical system includes a first switchable holographic optical element configured to operate in an active state or an inactive state, wherein the first switchable holographic optical element is configured to diffract the image light incident thereon when the first switchable holographic optical element operates in the active state, and wherein the first switchable holographic optical element transmits the image light incident thereon without substantial alteration when the first switchable holographic optical element operates in the inactive state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: DigiLens, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Waldern, Milan M. Popovich, John J. Storey, Stephen F. Sagan
  • Publication number: 20040057091
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid state filter used in sequentially illuminating an image display, directly or indirectly, with first, second, and third bandwidth light. The solid state filter includes at least one hologram that is switchable between active and inactive states. While in the active state, the at least one switchable hologram diffracts a first bandwidth light. In contrast, the switchable hologram transmits the first bandwidth light without substantial alteration when operating in the inactive state. In one embodiment, the diffracted first bandwidth light is used to illuminate a monochrome image presented on a display device. In another embodiment, the transmitted first bandwidth light is used to illuminate the monochrome image presented on the image display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Milan M. Popovich, C. David Nabors
  • Patent number: 6687030
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for producing colored light and an image generating apparatus including such a device. The device includes a switchable light-directing apparatus configured to receive light and a first control circuit coupled to the switchable light-directing apparatus. The first control circuit provides control signals to the switchable light-directing apparatus. In response to the switchable light-directing apparatus receiving a control signal, the switchable light-directing apparatus directs a first portion of the received light to a first region of a plane. Additionally, the switchable light-directing apparatus directs a second portion of the received light to a second region of the plane, and directs a third portion of the received light to a third region of the plane. The second region is positioned between the first and third regions of the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: DigiLens, Inc.
    Inventors: Milan M. Popovich, Jonathan D. Waldern
  • Patent number: 6678078
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid state filter used in sequentially illuminating an image display, directly or indirectly, with first, second, and third bandwidth light. The solid state filter includes at least one hologram that is switchable between active and inactive states. While in the active state, the at least one switchable hologram diffracts a first bandwidth light. In contrast, the switchable hologram transmits the first bandwidth light without substantial alteration when operating in the inactive state. In one embodiment, the diffracted first bandwidth light is used to illuminate a monochrome image presented on a display device. In another embodiment, the transmitted first bandwidth light is used to illuminate the monochrome image presented on the image display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: DigiLens, Inc.
    Inventors: Milan M. Popovich, C. David Nabors
  • Patent number: 6661495
    Abstract: An optical system including one or more switchable holographic optical elements is described for use with a pancake window display system. Each of the switchable holographic optical elements of the optical system operates between active and inactive states in accordance with control signals provided by a control logic circuit. In the active state, each switchable holographic optical element operates to reflect and collimate a narrow band of incident light thereon. In the inactive state, the switchable holographic optical element operates to transmit a substantial portion of light thereon without substantial alteration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: DigiLens, Inc.
    Inventor: Milan M. Popovich
  • Patent number: 6646636
    Abstract: A display system generally comprising a display device operable to display an image and configured for illumination by ambient light or light emitted by a dedicated light source and a light directing system. The light directing system is operable to direct one of the ambient light and the light emitted by the light source towards the display device. The light directing system comprises at least one holographic optical element which is switchable between an active state wherein light incident on the element is diffracted and a passive state wherein light incident on the element is transmitted without substantial alteration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: DigiLens Inc.
    Inventors: Milan M. Popovich, Ronald T. Smith
  • Patent number: 6646772
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method of illuminating an image display via an electrically switchable holographic optical element. The method includes a first electrically switchable holographic optical element (ESHOE) receiving illumination light. The first ESHOE comprises oppositely facing front and back surfaces. The first ESHOE focuses a first component (e.g., p-polarized blue light) of the illumination light while transmitting the remaining components of the illumination light without substantial alteration. An image display is provided and receives the focused first component. In response to receiving the focused first component, the image display emits image light. The first ESHOE receives and transmits this image light without substantial alteration. In one embodiment, the focused first component emerges from the first ESHOE at the back surface thereof, and the first ESHOE receives the image light at the back surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: DigiLens, Inc.
    Inventors: Milan M. Popovich, Jonathan D. Waldern, John J. Storey
  • Publication number: 20030164996
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for producing colored light and an image generating apparatus including such a device. The device includes a switchable light-directing apparatus configured to receive light and a first control circuit coupled to the switchable light-directing apparatus. The first control circuit provides control signals to the switchable light-directing apparatus. In response to the switchable light-directing apparatus receiving a control signal, the switchable light-directing apparatus directs a first portion of the received light to a first region of a plane. Additionally, the switchable light-directing apparatus directs a second portion of the received light to a second region of the plane, and directs a third portion of the received light to a third region of the plane. The second region is positioned between the first and third regions of the plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Milan M. Popovich, Jonathan D. Waldern
  • Patent number: 6525847
    Abstract: Switchable holographic optical elements (HOEs) can used in systems and methods for projecting three-dimensional images, or for projecting two-dimensional tiled images with increased size and/or resolution. One of the methods may include sequentially displaying first, second, and third color components of a first two-dimensional image at an object plane. The first two dimensional image represents a first slice of a three-dimensional image. As the first, second, and third color components are displayed, first, second and third HOEs may be activated so that the activated first switchable HOE focuses the first color component of the first two-dimensional image onto a first image plane, the activated second switchable HOE focuses the second color component of the first two-dimensional image onto the first image plane, and the wherein the activated third switchable HOE focuses the third color component of the first two-dimensional image onto the first image plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: DigiLens, Inc.
    Inventors: Milan M. Popovich, Jonathan D. Waldern
  • Patent number: 6507419
    Abstract: Disclosed is an illumination system using optical feedback to maintain a predetermined illumination output. The illumination system employs an electrically controllable optical filter for filtering light incident thereon. The illumination system also includes a light detector for detecting at least a portion of the light filtered by the electrically controllable optical filter. The light detector is in data communication with the electrically controllable optical filter. Some or all light filtered by the electrically controllable optical filter is detected by the light detector, which, in turn generates a corresponding signal that is compared to at least one predetermined value. If the signal generated by the light detector differs when compared to the at least one predetermined value, one or more filtering characteristics of electrically controllable optical filter are varied which, in turn, varies the amount of light filtered by the electrically controllable optical filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: DigiLens, Inc.
    Inventors: Milan M. Popovich, John J. Storey, Michael R. Adams, C. David Nabors, Jonathan D. Waldern
  • Patent number: 6504629
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for producing colored light and an image generating apparatus including such a device. The device includes a switchable light-directing apparatus configured to receive light and a first control circuit coupled to the switchable light-directing apparatus. The first control circuit provides control signals to the switchable light-directing apparatus. In response to the switchable light-directing apparatus receiving a control signal, the switchable light-directing apparatus directs a first portion of the received light to a first region of a plane. Additionally, the switchable light-directing apparatus directs a second portion of the received light to a second region of the plane, and directs a third portion of the received light to a third region of the plane. The second region is positioned between the first and third regions of the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: DigiLens, Inc.
    Inventors: Milan M. Popovich, Jonathan D. Waldern
  • Patent number: 6473209
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for producing three-dimensional staic or moving images. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an image generator and an optical device. The image generator generates a plurality of image elements including first and second image elements. In one embodiment the image elements constitute coherent beams of light encoded with image information, wherein the coherent beams of light are sequentially generated by one or more laser scanners of the image generator. The optical device receives the plurality of image elements on a first planar surface thereof and, in response, produces first output light rays and second output rays corresponding to the first and second image elements, respectively. The first and second output light rays, when seen by an observer, appear to originate from first and second common points, respectively. The first and second common points are spaced from each other and from the first planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: DigiLens, Inc.
    Inventor: Milan M. Popovich
  • Publication number: 20020126332
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light intensity modulator that employs a hologram. In one embodiment, the light intensity modulator includes an electrical circuit and a holographic optical element containing the hologram. The holographic optical element is electrically coupled to and receives a variable voltage generated by the electric circuit. Additionally, the holographic optical element receives an input light from a light source. The holographic optical element receives and diffracts the input light to produce first and second output lights. An intensity of the first output light varies directly with the magnitude of the voltage. An intensity of the second output light varies indirectly with the magnitude of the voltage. The first and second output lights define a non-zero angle therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Milan M. Popovich
  • Patent number: 6426811
    Abstract: An optical system and an imaging and display system using the optical system. The optical system has at least first and second optical elements aligned on a common axis. In one embodiment, each of the first and second optical elements can operate in an active state or in inactive state and comprise a photopolymer and liquid crystal combination. Each of the first and second optical elements is configured to transmit incident light substantially unaltered when each of the first and second optical elements operates in the inactive state. In the active state, however, each of the first and second optical elements does not transmit incident light substantially unaltered. Rather each of the first and second optical elements substantially alters light incident thereon when each of the first and second optical elements operates in the active state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: DigiLens, Inc.
    Inventors: Milan M. Popovich, Michael R. Adams, Jonathan D. Waldern
  • Patent number: 6424437
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical system for use in a projection display system. The optical system, in one embodiment, includes a first electrically switchable holographic optical element (ESHOE) and a light deflector. The first ESHOE operates between active and inactive states and includes oppositely facing front and back surfaces. In the inactive state, the first ESHOE transmits first bandwidth light received on the front surface without substantial alteration. In the active state, the first ESHOE diffracts first bandwidth light received on the front surface, the diffracted first bandwidth light emerging also from the front surface. The light deflector receives first bandwidth light diffracted by the first ESHOE. In response, the light deflector deflects this diffracted first bandwidth light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: DigiLens, Inc.
    Inventor: Milan M. Popovich
  • Patent number: 6421109
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical display system and a method for increasing the resolution of an display device. The optical display system includes a display device which includes a pixel and a holographic optical element positioned in front of the pixel. The holographic optical element is configured to diffract a portion of the incident light from the pixel toward a user of the display system such that two or more pixels may be perceived by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: DigiLens, Inc.
    Inventor: Milan M. Popovich
  • Patent number: 6373603
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a system are disclosed. The system includes a display device comprising a plurality of display regions, each region configured for displaying a color component of the image. A display controller is coupled to the display device and is operable to activate the regions of the display device to display portions of the image. A plurality of light directing devices are positioned to receive light from regions of the display device and direct light towards an image plane. The system further includes a light directing controller coupled to the light directing devices to direct light received thereby to different areas of the image plane. The areas of the image plane generally correspond to the different portions of the image displayed by the regions of the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: DigiLens. Inc.
    Inventors: Milan M. Popovich, Jonathan D. Waldern