Patents by Inventor Patrick Yasuo Maeda

Patrick Yasuo Maeda 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).

  • Publication number: 20250180488
    Abstract: A machine vision system and method uses photoluminescence light response of micro-LEDs to identify types of micro-LEDs (e.g., red, green, or blue) that are used to assemble a micro-LED display. Excitation light (e.g., ultraviolet excitation light) in a certain wavelength range is illuminated on a random pool of heterogeneous micro-LEDs consisting of materials, for example, that photoluminesce in three different colors-red, green, or blue. The micro-LED is optically excited and will emit either red, green, or blue, photoluminescence light based on the type of the micro-LED. The machine vision system uses a camera device that includes color response sensors to differentiate the type of micro-LED. The orientation of the micro-LED can also be detected. The machine vision system, based on the type, location, and orientation of the heterogeneous micro-LEDs, provides image-data based optical feedback to a microassembler system to move the micro-LEDs on a planar working surface according to an electrostatic template.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2023
    Publication date: June 5, 2025
    Inventors: Jeng PING LU, Sourobh RAYCHAUDHURI, Eugene Michael CHOW, Thomas WUNDERER, Patrick Yasuo MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20250184623
    Abstract: A machine vision system and method use lensless near-contact imaging with coherent illumination, or incoherent illumination, and high pixel count large format sensors (e.g., equivalent to at least 20 to 65 mega-pixels) to produce diffraction patterns of the micro-objects or the gray scale images of the micro-objects over a large overall field-of-view of the machine vision system. The machine vision system provides feedback to a microassembler system to position, orient, and assemble microscale devices like micro-LEDs over large working areas. The effective resolution of the machine vision system can be further improved through the use of gray scale and super-resolution image processing techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2023
    Publication date: June 5, 2025
    Inventors: Patrick Yasuo MAEDA, Jeng PING LU, Eugene CHOW
  • Publication number: 20250182243
    Abstract: A machine vision system and method uses high resolution telecentric, or non-telecentric, machine vision macro lenses with high pixel count large format sensors (e.g., equivalent to at least 20 to 65 mega-pixels) at magnifications that increase the native resolution of the machine vision system, while allowing the overall field-of-view (FOV) of the vision system to be large enough relative to the optics and cameras to enable side-by-side, feathered or staggered stitching of images from individual optical camera modules, which can produce an overall system working FOV image greater than or equal to 12 inches in width. The effective resolution of the machine vision system can be further improved through the use of microlens arrays, gray scale imaging, super-resolution imaging, and pixel shifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2023
    Publication date: June 5, 2025
    Inventors: Patrick Yasuo MAEDA, Jeng PING LU
  • Publication number: 20230080307
    Abstract: A digitally controlled LED illuminator sheet that produces far-field illumination patterns or light field distributions that increase light utilization and application efficiency. A dynamic directional LEDs (or other kinds of solid-state light sources) sheet is positioned under each lenslet of a microlens array. Individual LED beam pointing direction depends on off-axis position relative to optical axis of lenslet. Individual beams from independent LEDs form illumination pixels at the illumination plane or within a volume space and can be modulated in intensity. Illumination pixels partially overlap in far-field illumination plane and illumination volume. Data from sensors can be collected and the LEDs can be digitally turned on or off and/or pulse width or amplitude modulated based on sensor data to produce far-field illumination patterns or light field distributions with spectral efficiency and efficacious intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventor: Patrick Yasuo Maeda
  • Patent number: 11576244
    Abstract: A digitally controlled LED illuminator sheet that produces far-field illumination patterns or light field distributions that increase light utilization and application efficiency. A dynamic directional LEDs (or other kinds of solid-state light sources) sheet is positioned under each lenslet of a microlens array. Individual LED beam pointing direction depends on off-axis position relative to optical axis of lenslet. Individual beams from independent LEDs form illumination pixels at the illumination plane or within a volume space and can be modulated in intensity. Illumination pixels partially overlap in far-field illumination plane and illumination volume. Over a large illumination space many illumination pixels will partially superimposed on neighboring illumination pixels, with the overlap being in increments smaller than the size of a pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: Patrick Yasuo Maeda
  • Publication number: 20230008961
    Abstract: A digitally controlled LED illuminator sheet that produces far-field illumination patterns or light field distributions that increase light utilization and application efficiency. A dynamic directional LEDs (or other kinds of solid-state light sources) sheet is positioned under each lenslet of a microlens array. Individual LED beam pointing direction depends on off-axis position relative to optical axis of lenslet. Individual beams from independent LEDs form illumination pixels at the illumination plane or within a volume space and can be modulated in intensity. Illumination pixels partially overlap in far-field illumination plane and illumination volume. Over a large illumination space many illumination pixels will partially superimposed on neighboring illumination pixels, with the overlap being in increments smaller than the size of a pixel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventor: Patrick Yasuo Maeda
  • Patent number: 10481404
    Abstract: A light beam shaper has a rectangular cavity bounded by wafer sidewalls and top and bottom caps. The top and bottom caps are wafer-bonded onto opposing surfaces of the wafer. A reflective coating covers inner surfaces of the cavity. A geometry of the cavity changes a light beam entering the cavity into a rectangular beam profile with uniform spatial intensity at the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher L. Chua, Yu Wang, David K. Biegelsen, Patrick Yasuo Maeda
  • Publication number: 20190346683
    Abstract: A light beam shaper has a rectangular cavity bounded by wafer sidewalls and top and bottom caps. The top and bottom caps are wafer-bonded onto opposing surfaces of the wafer. A reflective coating covers inner surfaces of the cavity. A geometry of the cavity changes a light beam entering the cavity into a rectangular beam profile with uniform spatial intensity at the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher L. Chua, Yu Wang, David K. Biegelsen, Patrick Yasuo Maeda
  • Patent number: 10192892
    Abstract: A device includes a backplane having multiple output terminals arranged in an array on an output surface of the backplane. The device further includes an active matrix array comprising thin film solid state optical switches coupled respectively between an input terminal of the backplane and the output terminals. Storage capacitors may be coupled respectively to the output terminals. A pixelated light source provides pixelated light that controls the optical switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: JengPing Lu, David K. Biegelsen, Patrick Yasuo Maeda
  • Patent number: 10051854
    Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and methods can removing unwanted plants or weeds from an area such as an agricultural plot or lawn. The apparatus includes a three-dimensional imager configured to capture plant images and locate plants; an image processor configured to distinguish between wanted and unwanted plants based upon the captured plant images; at least one laser device configured to emit a laser beam having power sufficient to damage the unwanted plants; a guidance system configured to direct at least one laser beam toward the unwanted plant; and a chassis configured to support the three-dimensional imager, the laser device, and the guidance system. The chassis is configured to be moved across the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy David Stowe, Patrick Yasuo Maeda, Tim Curley
  • Patent number: 10006617
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) light bulb includes a thermally conductive base and at least one LED assembly disposed on and thermally coupled to a surface of the base. The LED assembly includes at least one LED configured to generate light. A thermal optical diffuser defines an interior volume and the LED is arranged to emit light into the interior volume and through the thermal optical diffuser. The thermal optical diffuser is disposed on the surface of the base and extends from the base to a terminus on the light emitting side. The thermal optical diffuser is configured to include one or more openings that allow convective air flow between the interior volume of the thermal optical diffuser and ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Ashish Pattekar, Christopher Paulson, Ramkumar Abhishek, Patrick Yasuo Maeda
  • Patent number: 9964643
    Abstract: Vehicle occupancy detection involves projecting modulated light onto an occupant from a light source outside of a vehicle. Reflections of the light source are received at a detector located outside of the vehicle. Three-dimensional data is determined based on a time-of-flight of the reflections, and the occupant is detected based on the three-dimensional data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: CONDUENT BUSINESS SERVICES, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Yasuo Maeda
  • Publication number: 20180073713
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) light bulb includes a thermally conductive base and at least one LED assembly disposed on and thermally coupled to a surface of the base. The LED assembly includes at least one LED configured to generate light. A thermal optical diffuser defines an interior volume and the LED is arranged to emit light into the interior volume and through the thermal optical diffuser. The thermal optical diffuser is disposed on the surface of the base and extends from the base to a terminus on the light emitting side. The thermal optical diffuser is configured to include one or more openings that allow convective air flow between the interior volume of the thermal optical diffuser and ambient environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Ashish Pattekar, Christopher Paulson, Ramkumar Abhishek, Patrick Yasuo Maeda
  • Publication number: 20170188564
    Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and methods can removing unwanted plants or weeds from an area such as an agricultural plot or lawn. The apparatus includes a three-dimensional imager configured to capture plant images and locate plants; an image processor configured to distinguish between wanted and unwanted plants based upon the captured plant images; at least one laser device configured to emit a laser beam having power sufficient to damage the unwanted plants; a guidance system configured to direct at least one laser beam toward the unwanted plant; and a chassis configured to support the three-dimensional imager, the laser device, and the guidance system. The chassis is configured to be moved across the area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Timothy David Stowe, Patrick Yasuo Maeda, Tim Curley
  • Patent number: 9609858
    Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and methods can removing unwanted plants or weeds from an area such as an agricultural plot or lawn. The apparatus includes a three-dimensional imager configured to capture plant images and locate plants; an image processor configured to distinguish between wanted and unwanted plants based upon the captured plant images; at least one laser device configured to emit a laser beam having power sufficient to damage the unwanted plants; a guidance system configured to direct at least one laser beam toward the unwanted plant; and a chassis configured to support the three-dimensional imager, the laser device, and the guidance system. The chassis is configured to be moved across the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Timothy David Stowe, Patrick Yasuo Maeda, Tim Curley
  • Patent number: 9609859
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for removing unwanted plants or weeds from an area such as an agricultural plot or lawn. The apparatus includes a three-dimensional imager configured to capture plant images and locate plants; an image processor configured to distinguish between wanted and unwanted plants based upon the captured plant images; at least one removal device configured to damage a target on the unwanted plants; a guidance system configured to direct at least one laser beam toward the unwanted plant; a stabilization system configured to provide feedback compensation to one or both of the three-dimensional imager and the guidance system; and a chassis configured to support the three-dimensional imager, the laser device, the guidance system, and the stabilization system. The chassis is configured to be moved across the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Timothy David Stowe, Patrick Yasuo Maeda, Tim Curley
  • Patent number: 9565848
    Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus and methods for removing unwanted plants or weeds from an area such as an agricultural plot or lawn. The apparatus includes a three-dimensional imager configured to capture plant images and locate plants; an image processor configured to distinguish between wanted and unwanted plants based upon the captured plant images; at least one laser device configured to emit a laser beam having power sufficient to damage the unwanted plants; a laser beam controller configured to direct at least one laser beam toward the unwanted plant; and a chassis configured to support the three-dimensional imager, the laser device, and the laser beam controller. The chassis is configured to be moved across the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Timothy David Stowe, Patrick Yasuo Maeda, Tim Curley
  • Patent number: 9528689
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) lighting device includes at least one LED assembly comprising a substrate and two or more LEDs configured to generate light spaced apart along the substrate. A cured structural coating is disposed on at least a portion of the LED assembly, wherein the cured structural coating is configured to maintain the LED assembly in a predetermined shape. The substrate of the LED assembly may comprise an elongated and/or flexible substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Janos Veres, Philipp Schmaelzle, Christopher Paulson, Ashish Pattekar, Patrick Yasuo Maeda
  • Publication number: 20160351584
    Abstract: A device includes a backplane having multiple output terminals arranged in an array on an output surface of the backplane. The device further includes an active matrix array comprising thin film solid state optical switches coupled respectively between an input terminal of the backplane and the output terminals. Storage capacitors may be coupled respectively to the output terminals. A pixelated light source provides pixelated light that controls the optical switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: JengPing Lu, David K. Biegelsen, Patrick Yasuo Maeda
  • Patent number: D806308
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ashish Pattekar, Christopher Paulson, Ramkumar Abhishek, Patrick Yasuo Maeda