Patents by Inventor Neil Emerton

Neil Emerton 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: 11947210
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates identifying an intended viewer and an unintended viewer of a liquid crystal display (LCD) using face recognition technology. Once identified the system may determine a face position for the unintended viewer. The system may modulate the voltage applied at a third electrode on the color filter layer of the LCD to achieve a certain off-axis contrast that may reduce the unintended viewer's visibility of the LCD without restricting the visibility of the intended viewer. Ultimately, the present disclosure provides enhanced privacy options for the intended viewer with a lightweight, inexpensive, and highly transportable system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Large, Neil Emerton, Sunando Sengupta
  • Patent number: 11893482
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to the restoration of degraded images acquired via a behind-display camera. One example provides a method of training a machine learning model, the method comprising inputting training image pairs into the machine learning model, each training image pair comprising an undegraded image and a degraded image that represents an appearance of the undegraded image to a behind-display camera, and training the machine learning model using the training image pairs to generate frequency information that is missing from the degraded images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Yuqian Zhou, Timothy Andrew Large, Se Hoon Lim, Neil Emerton, Yonghuan David Ren
  • Patent number: 11858262
    Abstract: A fluid ejector for ejecting discrete volumes of ejectant includes a body with opposing first and second surfaces. One or more nozzles are defined as conduits extending through the body between the surfaces to connect first and second orifices at the first and second surfaces respectively. The fluid ejector further includes a gas supply means having a gas outlet and an ejectant supply means. The ejectant supply means supplies the ejectant to the nozzles at a pressure above ambient via their supply orifices. The supply orifice is defined in a conduit's side or is the second orifice. Relative movement of the gas supply means and body exposes first orifices to the gas outlet allowing the gas supply means to supply gas at a pressure above ambient, wherein a pressure difference thereby created between the first and second orifices causes ejection of the ejectant from the nozzles through the second orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: ARCHIPELAGO TECHNOLOGY GROUP LTD
    Inventors: Daniel Richard Mace, Neil Emerton, David Alan Crooks, Guy Charles Fernley Newcombe, Charlotte Giverny Pamela Joy Stokes, Theodore John Snudden
  • Publication number: 20230386260
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed herein that relate to determining whether an imaged subject is real or spoofed. One example provides a computing system, comprising, a camera, a light pattern source configured to output a light pattern, a logic subsystem, a storage subsystem storing instructions executable by the logic subsystem to capture, via the camera, an image of a subject illuminated by the light pattern emitted by the light pattern source, determine, based at least upon a contrast of the light pattern in the image, whether the subject is real or a spoof, based at least upon determining that the subject is real, perform an action on the computing system, and based at least up on determining that the subject is a spoof, not perform the action on the computing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Neil EMERTON, Timothy Andrew LARGE
  • Publication number: 20220405891
    Abstract: An electronic device comprises a display, an illumination source, a camera, and a logic system. The illumination source is configured to project structured illumination onto a subject. The camera is configured to image the subject through the display, which includes collecting the structured illumination as reflected by the subject. The logic system is configured to receive, from the camera, a digital image of the subject imaged through the display. The logic system is further configured to sharpen the digital image based on the spatially resolved intensity of the structured illumination as reflected by the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Yonghuan David REN, Timothy Andrew LARGE, Neil EMERTON, Yuqian ZHOU
  • Patent number: 11368617
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to the restoration of degraded images acquired via a behind-display camera. One example provides a method of training a machine learning model, the method comprising inputting training image pairs into the machine learning model, each training image pair comprising an undegraded image and a degraded image that represents an appearance of the undegraded image to a behind-display camera, and training the machine learning model using the training image pairs to generate frequency information that is missing from the degraded images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Yuqian Zhou, Timothy Andrew Large, Se Hoon Lim, Neil Emerton, Yonghuan David Ren
  • Patent number: 11068052
    Abstract: A holographic display system includes an eye tracker configured to determine a position of a feature of an eye, a light source configured to output image light, and a digital dynamic hologram. The digital dynamic hologram is configured to receive the image light from the light source. The digital dynamic hologram is further configured to spatially modulate the image light based on a target image to form a reconstructed image in the eye. The reconstructed image includes noise that is non-uniformly distributed across the reconstructed image based on the position of the feature of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Georgiou, Joel Steven Kollin, Charles Thomas Hewitt, Neil Emerton
  • Publication number: 20210152734
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to the restoration of degraded images acquired via a behind-display camera. One example provides a method of training a machine learning model, the method comprising inputting training image pairs into the machine learning model, each training image pair comprising an undegraded image and a degraded image that represents an appearance of the undegraded image to a behind-display camera, and training the machine learning model using the training image pairs to generate frequency information that is missing from the degraded images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Yuqian ZHOU, Timothy Andrew LARGE, Se Hoon LIM, Neil EMERTON, Yonghuan David REN
  • Publication number: 20210152735
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to the restoration of degraded images acquired via a behind-display camera. One example provides a method of training a machine learning model, the method comprising inputting training image pairs into the machine learning model, each training image pair comprising an undegraded image and a degraded image that represents an appearance of the undegraded image to a behind-display camera, and training the machine learning model using the training image pairs to generate frequency information that is missing from the degraded images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Yuqian ZHOU, Timothy Andrew LARGE, Se Hoon LIM, Neil EMERTON, Yonghuan David REN
  • Publication number: 20210144313
    Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for a logo camera. Camera thickness may be reduced using multiple lenses and sensors. A fixed or variable color icon may provide a function, notice or privacy warning, convey information, and/or serve decorative and/or other purposes. Color filters may be fixed or variable. A color icon may be created, for example, by controlling the colors of display pixels aligned with optical paths of camera lens and sensor arrays. Colors in an icon may provide color filters corresponding to an array of lenses that focus color-separated light on one or more camera sensors. Sensors may be optimized for particular colors. Color-separated images may be combined into a single image. Lens and camera sensor arrays may be compatible with multiple logos or other icon images. Cameras behind fixed or variable color icons may be concealed, for example, using shutters or semi-reflective layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2019
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Timothy A. Large, Neil Emerton, Yonghuan David Ren
  • Patent number: 10955943
    Abstract: Embodiments enable forming a friction modified touch sensitive surface on a touch screen panel. In particular, the touch sensitive surface is augmented with two friction modifying materials that are interspersed with one another according to a predetermined pattern on the surface of the touch screen panel as a monomolecular layer. In an embodiment, The materials have indices of refraction that differ from each other by more than 0.10. In another embodiment, the materials have a kinetic coefficient of friction in one or the other range, respectively, of between 0.01 and 0.05, or between 0.06 and 0.1, said kinetic coefficients of friction being measured against printing paper that has a kinetic coefficient of friction of 0.17 with itself. In another embodiment, the materials have a water contact angle of greater than 90 degrees, and an oil contact angle of greater than 30 degrees as measured with n-hexadecane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Andrew Large, Siyuan Ma, Neil Emerton
  • Publication number: 20200293108
    Abstract: A holographic display system includes an eye tracker configured to determine a position of a feature of an eye, a light source configured to output image light, and a digital dynamic hologram. The digital dynamic hologram is configured to receive the image light from the light source. The digital dynamic hologram is further configured to spatially modulate the image light based on a target image to form a reconstructed image in the eye. The reconstructed image includes noise that is non-uniformly distributed across the reconstructed image based on the position of the feature of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas GEORGIOU, Joel Steven KOLLIN, Charles Thomas HEWITT, Neil EMERTON
  • Patent number: 10571624
    Abstract: The description relates to laminated input devices, such as keyboards. One example can include a laminated light-distribution assembly and a key assembly adhered in light receiving relation to the laminated light-distribution assembly as a laminated input device having a neutral axis in the light-distribution assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt A. Jenkins, Tim Large, Lincoln Ghioni, Neil Emerton
  • Patent number: 9903995
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to the coupling of light into a light guide for a backlight system. One disclosed example provides a flat-panel illuminator comprising a concentrating reflector, a light guide, and one or more light emitters. The example includes a curved reflective portion, a light guide including a planar face and an input edge positioned adjacent the concentrating reflector, and the one or more light emitters are arranged within the concentrating reflector and spaced from the input edge of the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Neil Emerton, Lincoln Ghioni
  • Patent number: 9793073
    Abstract: Fabric enclosure backlighting techniques are described. In one or more implementations, one or more translucent portions are formed within a plurality of layers of a fabric enclosure assembly. In one approach, regions within one or multiple layers are laser etched to form the translucent portions within the fabric enclosure assembly. A light source is then arranged to selectively transmit light through the layers via the translucent portions to provide backlight for one or more elements integrated with fabric enclosure assembly. The one or more elements may include representations of input keys and/or graphics associated with the fabric enclosure assembly. The backlight may be used to view the one or more elements in low light and/or provide backlight effects such as borders, side lighting, labels, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Rahul Marwah, Timothy C. Shaw, David M. Lane, David Otto Whitt, III, Young Soo Kim, James Alec Ishihara, Neil Emerton, Sheila A. Longo
  • Publication number: 20170254944
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to the coupling of light into a light guide for a backlight system. One disclosed example provides a flat-panel illuminator comprising a concentrating reflector, a light guide, and one or more light emitters. The concentrating reflector includes a curved reflective portion, a light guide including a planar face and an input edge positioned adjacent the concentrating reflector, and the one or more light emitters are arranged within the concentrating reflector and spaced from the input edge of the light guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Neil Emerton, Lincoln Ghioni
  • Patent number: 9606506
    Abstract: A holographic interaction device is described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes an input portion comprising a plurality of controls that are configured to generate signals to be processed as inputs by a computing device that is communicatively coupled to the controls. The input device also includes a holographic recording mechanism disposed over a surface of the input portion, the holographic recording mechanism is configured to output a hologram in response to receipt of light, from a light source, that is viewable by a user over the input portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Andrew Large, Neil Emerton, Moshe R. Lutz, Vivek Pradeep, John G. A. Weiss, Quintus Travis
  • Publication number: 20170059770
    Abstract: The description relates to laminated input devices, such as keyboards. One example can include a laminated light-distribution assembly and a key assembly adhered in light receiving relation to the laminated light-distribution assembly as a laminated input device having a neutral axis in the light-distribution assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt A. JENKINS, Tim LARGE, Lincoln GHIONI, Neil EMERTON
  • Patent number: 9465191
    Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards lenses for curved surfaces, including multi-element lens assemblies. In one or more implementations, an object-side meniscus lens is coupled to an image/curved surface side subassembly including a biconvex lens. The subassembly may comprise a single biconvex lens or a biconvex lens coupled to a negative meniscus lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Brian K. Guenter, Neil Emerton
  • Patent number: 9256089
    Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses for implementing an object-detecting backlight unit for a display device. An object-detecting backlight unit includes two or more light sources configured to provide light to a display to form an image, and a light sensor configured to receive reflected light when an object is near the display and determine that the reflected light originated from a region of the display. The reflected light is caused by light from the image reflecting off of the object back towards the display. The backlight unit is configured to detect a position of the object based on the region of the display from which the reflected light originated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Neil Emerton, Timothy Andrew Large, Catherine N. Boulanger