Patents by Inventor Ulrich Stange

Ulrich Stange 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: 8570635
    Abstract: Lighting systems comprising a spectrum former upstream from a reflective pixelated spatial light modulator (reflective SLM), the SLM reflecting substantially all of the light in the spectrum into at least two different light paths, that do not reflect back to the light source or the spectrum former. At least one of the light paths acts as a projection light path and transmits desired light out of the lighting system. The lighting systems provide virtually any desired color(s) and intensity(s) of light, and avoid overheating problems by deflecting unwanted light and other electromagnetic radiation out of the system or to a heat management system. The systems can be part of another system, a luminaire, or any other suitable light source. The systems can provide virtually any desired light, from the light seen at the break of morning to specialized light for treating cancer or psoriasis, and may change color and intensity at speeds that are perceptually instantaneous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Calum E. MacAulay, Ulrich Stange
  • Patent number: 8100826
    Abstract: The apparatus and methods herein provide quantitatively controllable light sources and expanded dynamic range endoscopy systems that can improve the quality of images and the ability of users to distinguish desired features when viewing tissues by providing methods and apparatus that improve the dynamic range of images from endoscopes, in particular for example with endoscopes that have dynamic range limited because of small image sensors and small pixel electron well capacity, and other optical system constraints. The apparatus and methods herein, for example, combine light sources with quantitatively variable spectral output and quantitatively variable wavelength dependent intensity distribution with image sensors and controllers to create an expanded dynamic range endoscopy system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
  • Patent number: 8018589
    Abstract: The apparatus and methods herein provide light sources and spectral measurement systems that can improve the quality of images and the ability of users to distinguish desired features when making spectroscopy measurements by providing methods and apparatus that can improve the dynamic range of data from spectral measurement systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
  • Publication number: 20110051216
    Abstract: Lighting systems comprising a spectrum former upstream from a reflective pixelated spatial light modulator (reflective SLM), the SLM reflecting substantially all of the light in the spectrum into at least two different light paths, that do not reflect back to the light source or the spectrum former. At least one of the light paths acts as a projection light path and transmits desired light out of the lighting system. The lighting systems provide virtually any desired color(s) and intensity(s) of light, and avoid overheating problems by deflecting unwanted light and other electromagnetic radiation out of the system or to a heat management system. The systems can be part of another system, a luminaire, or any other suitable light source. The systems can provide virtually any desired light, from the light seen at the break of morning to specialized light for treating cancer or psoriasis, and may change color and intensity at speeds that are perceptually instantaneous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: TIDAL PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: NICHOLAS B. MACKINNON, CALUM E. MACAULAY, ULRICH STANGE
  • Publication number: 20100253935
    Abstract: The apparatus and methods herein provide light sources and spectral measurement systems that can improve the quality of images and the ability of users to distinguish desired features when making spectroscopy measurements by providing methods and apparatus that can improve the dynamic range of data from spectral measurement systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: TIDAL PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: NICHOLAS B. MACKINNON, ULRICH STANGE
  • Patent number: 7796319
    Abstract: Lighting systems comprising a spectrum former upstream from a reflective pixelated spatial light modulator (reflective SLM), the SLM reflecting substantially all of the light in the spectrum into at least two different light paths, that do not reflect back to the light source or the spectrum former. At least one of the light paths acts as a projection light path and transmits desired light out of the lighting system. The lighting systems provide virtually any desired color(s) and intensity(s) of light, and avoid overheating problems by deflecting unwanted light and other electromagnetic radiation out of the system or to a heat management system. The systems can be part of another system, a luminaire, or any other suitable light source. The systems can provide virtually any desired light, from the light seen at the break of morning to specialized light for treating cancer or psoriasis, and may change color and intensity at speeds that are perceptually instantaneous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange, Calum E. MacAulay
  • Publication number: 20100149817
    Abstract: An easily replaceable lamp cartridge system that provides a narrow line of light and that can be placed into an optical path of an instrument or optical system. The cartridge comprises an integrated lamp, at least one focusing element, cooling components and at least one slit aperture mounted in a housing typically comprising mechanical indexing features and connectors to facilitate easy placement and replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: TIDAL PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange, Water Caldwell
  • Patent number: 7692784
    Abstract: The apparatus and methods herein provide light sources and spectral measurement systems that can improve the quality of images and the ability of users to distinguish desired features when making spectroscopy measurements by providing methods and apparatus that can improve the dynamic range of data from spectral measurement systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
  • Publication number: 20100004513
    Abstract: The apparatus and methods herein provide light sources and endoscopy systems that can improve the quality of images and the ability of users to distinguish desired features when viewing tissues by providing methods and apparatus that improve the dynamic range of images from endoscopes, in particular endoscopes that have dynamic range limited because of small image sensors and small pixel electron well capacity, and other optical systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: Tidal Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
  • Publication number: 20090225391
    Abstract: Lighting systems comprising a spectrum former upstream from a reflective pixelated spatial light modulator (reflective SLM), the SLM reflecting substantially all of the light in the spectrum into at least two different light paths, that do not reflect back to the light source or the spectrum former. At least one of the light paths acts as a projection light path and transmits desired light out of the lighting system. The lighting systems provide virtually any desired color(s) and intensity(s) of light, and avoid overheating problems by deflecting unwanted light and other electromagnetic radiation out of the system or to a heat management system. The systems can be part of another system, a luminaire, or any other suitable light source. The systems can provide virtually any desired light, from the light seen at the break of morning to specialized light for treating cancer or psoriasis, and may change color and intensity at speeds that are perceptually instantaneous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Tidal Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Calum E. MacAulay, Ulrich Stange
  • Patent number: 7544163
    Abstract: The apparatus and methods herein provide quantitatively controllable light sources and expanded dynamic range endoscopy systems that can improve the quality of images and the ability of users to distinguish desired features when viewing tissues by providing methods and apparatus that improve the dynamic range of images from endoscopes, in particular for example with endoscopes that have dynamic range limited because of small image sensors and small pixel electron well capacity, and other optical system constraints. The apparatus and methods herein, for example, combine light sources with quantitatively variable spectral output and quantitatively variable wavelength dependent intensity distribution with image sensors and controllers to create an expanded dynamic range endoscopy system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
  • Patent number: 7511871
    Abstract: Illumination exposure control systems comprising reflective pixelated spatial light modulators that reflect substantially all of the light impinging on them into at least two different light paths. At least one of the light paths acts as a propagating light path and transmits the light beam out of the lighting system. At least one other light path acts as a non-propagating light path and prevents the light beam from being transmitted out the system. The illumination exposure control systems provide high speed of exposure actuation and precision control of exposure duration and frequency or exposure sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
  • Publication number: 20090012361
    Abstract: Color endoscopes, light sources and endoscopy systems, etc., that have good dynamic range and/or resolution while reducing the size and cost of the endoscopes. The endoscopes achieve this, in part, by using a black and white (grayscale or monochromatic) sensor at the tip of the endoscope instead of a color sensor. The endoscope uses a light system that precisely and specifically illuminates the tissue one color at time, captures the image in grayscale, then uses a computer to associate the image with the color. Certain aspects of the invention apply to imaging systems in addition to endoscopes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Tidal Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
  • Publication number: 20080260242
    Abstract: Scene illumination analysis and control systems and methods that can measure the intensity and wavelength dependent distribution of light illuminating a scene, determine any differences between desired illumination and actual illumination, determine appropriate remedies to adjust illumination and automatically control, and adjust illumination to effect those remedies if desired. Associated software, measurement and control devices, for example appropriate accessories for calibrating the measurement devices, collecting and controlling measurements, analyzing measurements and comparing them to established criteria. The systems and methods can also calculate expected scene illumination based on geographic location, altitude, time of year and day, and weather or other environmental factors, and provides analysis and reports to allow the user to assess scene illumination and plan for in-production or post-production correction of video or film images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
  • Publication number: 20070274077
    Abstract: Illumination exposure control systems comprising reflective pixelated spatial light modulators that reflect substantially all of the light impinging on them into at least two different light paths. At least one of the light paths acts as a propagating light path and transmits the light beam out of the lighting system. At least one other light path acts as a non-propagating light path and prevents the light beam from being transmitted out the system. The illumination exposure control systems provide high speed of exposure actuation and precision control of exposure duration and frequency or exposure sequences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Nicholas MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
  • Patent number: 7151601
    Abstract: Lighting systems comprising a spectrum former upstream from a reflective pixelated spatial light modulator (reflective SLM), the SLM reflecting substantially all of the light in the spectrum into at least two different light paths, that do not reflect back to the light source or the spectrum former. At least one of the light paths acts as a projection light path and transmits desired light out of the lighting system. The lighting systems provide virtually any desired color(s) and intensity(s) of light, and avoid overheating problems by deflecting unwanted light and other electromagnetic radiation out of the system or to a heat management system. The systems can be part of another system, a luminaire, or any other suitable light source. The systems can provide virtually any desired light, from the light seen at the break of morning to specialized light for treating cancer or psoriasis, and may change color and intensity at speeds that are perceptually instantaneous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Calum E. MacAulay, Ulrich Stange
  • Patent number: 7108402
    Abstract: Illumination exposure control systems comprising reflective pixelated spatial light modulators that reflect substantially all of the light impinging on them into at least two different light paths. At least one of the light paths acts as a propagating light path and transmits the light beam out of the lighting system. At least one other light path acts as a non-propagating light path and prevents the light beam from being transmitted out the system. The illumination exposure control systems provide high speed of exposure actuation and precision control of exposure duration and frequency or exposure sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
  • Publication number: 20060170994
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and the like for measuring, encoding and displaying of object color for digital imaging, to control the apparent color of an item under different lighting or display conditions. The present invention helps provide accurate color for such items, both on the internet and in other situations, and can, if desired, determine whether a display screen is accurately displaying the color and also correct the image on the screen if it is not accurate. Also, probes suitable for taking accurate measurements of the intrinsic color characteristics, or intrinsic wavelength-dependent response, of an object, and software or databases that provide information for a variety of lighting situations and light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventors: Nicholas MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
  • Patent number: 7075636
    Abstract: A test and measurement system to assess performance characteristics of an endoscope or other optically based diagnostic or treatment devices. The performance characteristics can include the photometric characteristics, the imaging characteristics and the physical characteristics of the structural elements including mechanical, pneumatic and fluidic systems. The system comprises software and related devices for calibrating the measurement devices, collecting and controlling measurements, analyzing measurements and comparing them to established performance criteria. The system also analyzes previous measurements and provides analysis and reports to assess trends and plan for replacement or servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
  • Publication number: 20050251230
    Abstract: Computer-controlled illumination systems that can be used to select a variety of wavelengths of light and intensities of such wavelengths suitable for the activation of various kinds of photodynamic drugs, for various types of phototherapy. If desired, the systems can work interactively with a measurement system to measure the quantity of some types of photodynamic drugs present in a tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Inventors: Nicholas MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange