Patents by Inventor Steve Robbins

Steve Robbins 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: 11119318
    Abstract: A near-eye display device includes an image source, a waveguide, and a controller. The waveguide is configured to propagate light received the image source to a user of the near-eye display device, and includes a holographic grating comprising a plurality of angularly multiplexed holograms. The controller is configured to control display of an image via the image source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sheng Yuan, Ian Nguyen, Steve Robbins, David D. Bohn
  • Patent number: 10345903
    Abstract: A method of detecting eye location for a head-mounted display system includes directing positioning light to an eye of a user and detecting the positioning light reflected from the eye of the user. The method further includes determining a distance between the eye and a near-eye optic of the head-mounted display system based on attributes of the detected positioning light, and providing feedback for adjusting the distance between the eye and the near-eye optic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Robbins, Scott C. McEldowney, Xinye Lou, David D. Bohn, Quentin Simon Charles Miller, David Nister, Gerhard Schneider, Christopher Maurice Mei, Nathan Ackerman
  • Patent number: 10228561
    Abstract: An example see-through head-mounted display system includes a freeform prism and a display device configured to emit display light through the freeform prism to an eye of a user. The see-through head-mounted display system may also include an imaging device configured to receive gaze-detection light reflected from the eye and directed through the freeform prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Robbins, Scott McEldowney, Xinye Lou, David Nister, Drew Steedly, Quentin Simon Charles Miller, David D Bohn, James Peele Terrell, Jr., Andrew C. Goris, Nathan Ackerman
  • Publication number: 20190049727
    Abstract: Embodiments related near-eye display devices having angularly multiplexed holograms are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment provides a near-eye display device including an image source, a waveguide, and a controller. The waveguide is configured to propagate light received the image source to a user of the near-eye display device, and includes a holographic grating comprising a plurality of angularly multiplexed holograms. The controller is configured to control display of an image via the image source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sheng Yuan, Ian Nguyen, Steve Robbins, David D. Bohn
  • Patent number: 10146053
    Abstract: Near-eye display devices having angularly multiplexed holograms are disclosed. One example includes an image source, a waveguide, and a controller. The waveguide is configured to propagate light received the image source to a user of the near-eye display device, and includes a holographic grating including a plurality of angularly multiplexed holograms. The controller is configured to control display of an image via the image source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Sheng Yuan, Ian Nguyen, Steve Robbins, David D. Bohn
  • Patent number: 10088689
    Abstract: An optical light engine includes a pair of lenticular microlenslet arrays (MLAs) located on each side of a polarization converter. Non-polarized light from a source in the engine is focused by the first MLA onto cells of the polarization converter which converts the light to a common state of polarization to increase efficiency and improve contrast in the system. A half wave retarder is included on the polarization converter to change the polarization of any light that is reflected from downstream optical components to match that of the forward propagating light. The second MLA, which includes a relatively large number of microlenslet elements, collects the light from the polarization converter and homogenizes the light to be highly uniform when received at a downstream imaging panel in the light engine such as a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Yarn Chee Poon, Steve Robbins, Angus Wu, Jeb Wu, James Webster, Richard Andrew Wall, Richard James, Robin Hsiung, RuPing Huang, Freeway Lin
  • Patent number: 9701528
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a bargun dispenser, the method including providing a cleaning assembly containing a reservoir, a pump and fluid connection tubes; connecting the cleaning assembly to the bargun dispenser by connecting the concentrate inlet line to the reservoir in place of the source of concentrate with one of the fluid connection tubes and connecting the water inlet line to the reservoir in place of the water supply with one of the fluid connection tubes; filling the reservoir with a cleaning solution; activating the pump of the reservoir; and activating the bargun handle buttons for opening the pump outlet lines until the reservoir is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Juan Gonzalez, Steve Robbins, Randy Kiger, Rick Baron, Steve Garbee, Alan Hackey, Joshua Cox
  • Patent number: 9625723
    Abstract: An example see-through head-mounted display system includes a freeform prism and a display device configured to emit display light through the freeform prism to an eye of a user. The see-through head-mounted display system may also include an imaging device having an entrance pupil positioned at a back focal plane of the freeform prism, the imaging device configured to receive gaze-detection light reflected from the eye and directed through the freeform prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Xinye Lou, Scott McEldowney, Steve Robbins
  • Patent number: 9546085
    Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly (1) for engaging and activating a bargun (2), the bargun having a handle (21) with at least one button (22, 23) on its upper surface (24) and a nozzle (25) perpendicular to the handle, the assembly comprising:—a draining body (11) presenting:. an opening (111) for receiving the bargun nozzle,. an outlet (112) configured for being connected to the drain,—a bargun holding bracket (12) attached to the draining body, said bracket defining a space (s) for holding the handle and the free end (121) of said bracket being configured for activating the at least one button on the upper surface of the handle when the handle is slid in said space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Rick Baron, Joshua Cox, Steve Garbee, Steve Robbins
  • Patent number: 9488836
    Abstract: A binocular display includes a waveguide. A convex spherical mount has a fixed position relative to the waveguide. A light engine includes a concave spherical mount that adjustably mates with the convex spherical mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: David D. Bohn, Steve Robbins
  • Publication number: 20160266398
    Abstract: An optical light engine includes a pair of lenticular microlenslet arrays (MLAs) located on each side of a polarization converter. Non-polarized light from a source in the engine is focused by the first MLA onto cells of the polarization converter which converts the light to a common state of polarization to increase efficiency and improve contrast in the system. A half wave retarder is included on the polarization converter to change the polarization of any light that is reflected from downstream optical components to match that of the forward propagating light. The second MLA, which includes a relatively large number of microlenslet elements, collects the light from the polarization converter and homogenizes the light to be highly uniform when received at a downstream imaging panel in the light engine such as a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Yarn Chee Poon, Steve Robbins, Angus Wu, Jeb Wu, James Webster, Richard Andrew Wall, Richard James, Robin Hsiung, RuPing Huang, Freeway Lin
  • Patent number: 9274338
    Abstract: A near-eye display system includes an image former and a waveguide. The image former is configured to form a display image and to release the display image through a first exit pupil. The waveguide presents a back surface that faces the wearer's eye, and a front surface opposite the back surface. The waveguide is substantially transparent to external imagery received normal to the front surface, and is configured to receive the display image from the image former and to release the display image through a second exit pupil, which is larger than the first exit pupil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Robbins, David D. Bohn
  • Patent number: 9101948
    Abstract: Dispensing support for use with an associated brick-type package, the brick-type package presenting a parallelepiped shape for its bottom and side panels and a gable top panel with a pour spout attached thereto. The dispensing support comprises a parallelepiped sleeve, the sleeve being divided in two parts attached together by a hinge, so that the sleeve can be opened and the associated brick-type package can be inserted inside. The dispensing support presents an upwardly projecting spout extending from the top wall of the parallelepiped sleeve, the spout being off-center on the top wall of the sleeve so as to engage the pour spout at the gable top panel of the brick-type package when the package is introduced in the dispensing support with its gable top compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Richard Baron, Steve Robbins
  • Publication number: 20150136180
    Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly (1) for engaging and activating a bargun (2), the bargun having a handle (21) with at least one button (22, 23) on its upper surface (24) and a nozzle (25) perpendicular to the handle, the assembly comprising:—a draining body (11) presenting:. an opening (111) for receiving the bargun nozzle,. an outlet (112) configured for being connected to the drain,—a bargun holding bracket (12) attached to the draining body, said bracket defining a space (s) for holding the handle and the free end (121) of said bracket being configured for activating the at least one button on the upper surface of the handle when the handle is slid in said space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Rick Baron, Joshua Cox, Steve Garbee, Steve Robbins
  • Publication number: 20150101638
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a bargun dispenser, the clean in place method comprising the following steps—providing a cleaning assembly comprising: a reservoir (4), a pump (5) and fluid connection tubes (t1, t2, t3, t4),—connecting the clean in place assembly to the bargun dispenser by: • connecting the concentrate inlet line (i1, i2, i3) to the reservoir in place of the source of concentrate with one of the fluid connection tubes (t1, t2),—connecting the water inlet line (iw) to the reservoir in place of the water supply with one of the fluid connection tubes (t3),—filling the reservoir with a cleaning solution (S),—activating the pump of the reservoir, and—activating the bargun handle buttons for opening the pump outlet lines until the reservoir is empty
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Juan Gonzalez, Steve Robbins, Randy Kiger, Rick Baron, Steve Garbee, Alan Hackey, Joshua Cox
  • Publication number: 20150035744
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for adjusting alignment of a near-eye optic of a see-through head-mounted display system. In one embodiment, a method of detecting eye location for a head-mounted display system includes directing positioning light to an eye of a user and detecting the positioning light reflected from the eye of the user. The method further includes determining a distance between the eye and a near-eye optic of the head-mounted display system based on attributes of the detected positioning light, and providing feedback for adjusting the distance between the eye and the near-eye optic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Steve Robbins, Scott C. McEldowney, Xinye Lou, David D. Bohn, Quentin Simon Charles Miller, David Nister, Gerhard Schneider, Christopher Maurice Mei, Nathan Ackerman
  • Publication number: 20140375542
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to aligning a near-eye display of a near-eye display device with an eye of a user. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides, on a near-eye display device, a method comprising receiving an image of an eye from a camera via a reverse display optical path, detecting a location of the eye in the image, and determining a relative position of the eye with regard to a target viewing position of the near-eye display. The method further comprises determining an adjustment to make to the near-eye display device to align the location of the eye with the target viewing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Steve Robbins, Scott C. McEldowney, Xinye Lou, David D. Bohn, Quentin Simon Charles Miller, John Robert Eldridge, William M. Crow
  • Publication number: 20140375790
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for a see-through head-mounted display system. In one embodiment, the see-through head-mounted display system comprises a freeform prism, and a display device configured to emit display light through the freeform prism to an eye of a user. The see-through head-mounted display system may also comprise an imaging device having an entrance pupil positioned at a back focal plane of the freeform prism, the imaging device configured to receive gaze-detection light reflected from the eye and directed through the freeform prism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Steve Robbins, Scott McEldowney, Xinye Lou, David Nister, Drew Steedly, Quentin Simon Charles Miller, David D. Bohn, James Peele Terrell, JR., Andrew C. Goris, Nathan Ackerman
  • Publication number: 20140375789
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for a see-through head-mounted display system. In one embodiment, the see-through head-mounted display system comprises a freeform prism, and a display device configured to emit display light through the freeform prism to an eye of a user. The see-through head-mounted display system may also comprise an imaging device having an entrance pupil positioned at a back focal plane of the freeform prism, the imaging device configured to receive gaze-detection light reflected from the eye and directed through the freeform prism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Xinye Lou, Scott McEldowney, Steve Robbins
  • Publication number: 20140327970
    Abstract: A binocular display includes a waveguide. A convex spherical mount has a fixed position relative to the waveguide. A light engine includes a concave spherical mount that adjustably mates with the convex spherical mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: David D. Bohn, Steve Robbins