Patents by Inventor Robert J. Groppo

Robert J. Groppo 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: 11221485
    Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for providing a dynamically variable focal plane in a waveguide-based display. Generally speaking, embodiments described herein provide an optical system that allows variable control of the focal length of the image emerging from the display engine into the waveguide. This can be a dynamic system that is controlled based upon the content being projected on the display. For a stereoscopic system, individual control of each eye can be provided. More specifically, embodiments comprise an electrically tunable lens element interposed between the output of the projection engine and the optical waveguide and a control unit to dynamically the tunable lens element to vary the focal length of the images provided to the waveguide display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Flex, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiayin Ma, Robert J. Groppo
  • Patent number: 11119328
    Abstract: Methods and systems are for aligning a light projection engine (e.g., in a virtual reality headset) are described. An assembly for aligning the light projection engine includes a frame, an optical waveguide assembly; and the light projection engine. Embodiments include assemblies for aligning based on a pivot point, an optical axis, an X, a Y, and a Z axis, and with six degrees of freedom. In addition, an embodiment includes three planar joints that allow for alignment of the light projection engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Flex Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Chester, Robert J. Groppo, Zhang Yunqi, Ori Jacobi
  • Publication number: 20200166758
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for providing a dynamically variable focal plane in a waveguide-based display. Generally speaking, embodiments described herein provide an optical system that allows variable control of the focal length of the image emerging from the display engine into the waveguide. This can be a dynamic system that is controlled based upon the content being projected on the display. For a stereoscopic system, individual control of each eye can be provided. More specifically, embodiments comprise an electrically tunable lens element interposed between the output of the projection engine and the optical waveguide and a control unit to dynamically the tunable lens element to vary the focal length of the images provided to the waveguide display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: Jiayin Ma, Robert J. Groppo
  • Patent number: 10514494
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to assemble an optical waveguide assembly. An optical waveguide assembly may be used in a virtual reality headset or other type of projection system. The optical waveguide assembly includes a front lens, one or more optical waveguides, and a back lens. In one embodiment, an insert is used that is the same width as the optical waveguides to prevent cracking of the optical waveguides. In another embodiment, the optical waveguide assembly includes Optically Clear Adhesive (OCA) tape between the different elements of the optical waveguide assembly to precisely align the optical waveguides. In another embodiment, the optical waveguide assembly has cover portions or a frame that protect the optical waveguides in the optical waveguide assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Flex, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert J. Groppo, Peter Chester, Ori Jacobi
  • Publication number: 20190187471
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for providing a dynamically variable focal plane in a waveguide-based display. Generally speaking, embodiments described herein provide an optical system that allows variable control of the focal length of the image emerging from the display engine into the waveguide. This can be a dynamic system that is controlled based upon the content being projected on the display. For a stereoscopic system, individual control of each eye can be provided. More specifically, embodiments comprise an electrically tunable lens element interposed between the output of the projection engine and the optical waveguide and a control unit to dynamically the tunable lens element to vary the focal length of the images provided to the waveguide display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Jiayin Ma, Robert J. Groppo
  • Publication number: 20190064430
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to assemble an optical waveguide assembly. An optical waveguide assembly may be used in a virtual reality headset or other type of projection system. The optical waveguide assembly includes a front lens, one or more optical waveguides, and a back lens. In one embodiment, an insert is used that is the same width as the optical waveguides to prevent cracking of the optical waveguides. In another embodiment, the optical waveguide assembly includes Optically Clear Adhesive (OCA) tape between the different elements of the optical waveguide assembly to precisely align the optical waveguides. In another embodiment, the optical waveguide assembly has cover portions or a frame that protect the optical waveguides in the optical waveguide assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Robert J. Groppo, Peter Chester, Ori Jacobi
  • Publication number: 20190064529
    Abstract: Methods and systems are for aligning a light projection engine (e.g., in a virtual reality headset) are described. An assembly for aligning the light projection engine includes a frame, an optical waveguide assembly; and the light projection engine. Embodiments include assemblies for aligning based on a pivot point, an optical axis, an X, a Y, and a Z axis, and with six degrees of freedom. In addition, an embodiment includes three planar joints that allow for alignment of the light projection engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Peter Chester, Robert J. Groppo, Zhang Yunqi, Ori Jacobi