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).
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Patent number: 8570635Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Calum E. MacAulay, Ulrich Stange
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Patent number: 8100826Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
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Patent number: 8018589Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 5, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
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Publication number: 20110051216Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: TIDAL PHOTONICS, INC.Inventors: NICHOLAS B. MACKINNON, CALUM E. MACAULAY, ULRICH STANGE
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Publication number: 20100253935Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: TIDAL PHOTONICS, INC.Inventors: NICHOLAS B. MACKINNON, ULRICH STANGE
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Patent number: 7796319Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange, Calum E. MacAulay
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Publication number: 20100149817Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2007Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: TIDAL PHOTONICS, INC.Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange, Water Caldwell
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Patent number: 7692784Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
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Publication number: 20100004513Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: Tidal Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
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Publication number: 20090225391Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2008Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: Tidal Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Calum E. MacAulay, Ulrich Stange
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Patent number: 7544163Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 27, 2004Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
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Patent number: 7511871Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
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Publication number: 20090012361Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: Tidal Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
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Publication number: 20080260242Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
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Publication number: 20070274077Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2006Publication date: November 29, 2007Inventors: Nicholas MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
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Patent number: 7151601Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 25, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Calum E. MacAulay, Ulrich Stange
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Patent number: 7108402Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 27, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
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Publication number: 20060170994Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2005Publication date: August 3, 2006Inventors: Nicholas MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
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Patent number: 7075636Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
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Publication number: 20050251230Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2004Publication date: November 10, 2005Inventors: Nicholas MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange