Patents by Inventor William Hudson Welch
William Hudson Welch 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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Publication number: 20200209459Abstract: An artifact mitigation system includes a projector assembly and a set of imaging optics optically coupled to the projector assembly. The artifact mitigation system also includes an eyepiece optically coupled to the set of imaging optics. The eyepiece includes a diffractive incoupling interface. The artifact mitigation system further includes an artifact prevention element disposed between the set of imaging optics and the eyepiece. The artifact prevention element includes a linear polarizer, a first quarter waveplate disposed adjacent the linear polarizer, and a color select component disposed adjacent the first quarter waveplate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2020Publication date: July 2, 2020Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Curtis, Hui-Chuan Cheng, Paul M. Greco, William Hudson Welch, Eric C. Browy, Miller Schuck, Bradley Jay Sissom
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Patent number: 10698215Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for presenting virtual objects on a limited number of depth planes using, e.g., an augmented reality display system. A farthest one of the depth planes is within a mismatch tolerance of optical infinity. The display system may switch the depth plane on which content is actively displayed, so that the content is displayed on the depth plane on which a user is fixating. The impact of errors in fixation tracking is addressed using partially overlapping depth planes. A fixation depth at which a user is fixating is determined and the display system determines whether to adjust selection of a selected depth plane at which a virtual object is presented. The determination may be based on whether the fixation depth falls within a depth overlap region of adjacent depth planes. The display system may switch the active depth plane depending upon whether the fixation depth falls outside the overlap region.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: William Hudson Welch, Paul M. Greco, Rony Abovitz, Yonatan Munk, Samuel A. Miller
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Publication number: 20200201052Abstract: A fixed-distance display system includes a light source configured to generate a light beam. The system also includes a light guiding optical element configured to propagate at least a portion of the light beam by total internal reflection. The system further includes a first inertial measurement unit configured to measure a first value for calculating a head pose of a user. Moreover, the system includes a camera configured to capture an image for machine vision optical flow analysis. The display system is configured to display virtual images only within a tolerance range of a single predetermined optical plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2020Publication date: June 25, 2020Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Samuel A. Miller, William Hudson Welch
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Publication number: 20200183172Abstract: Configurations are disclosed for presenting virtual reality and augmented reality experiences to users. The system may comprise a spatial light modulator operatively coupled to an image source for projecting light associated with one or more frames of image data, and a variable focus element (VFE) for varying a focus of the projected light such that a first frame of image data is focused at a first depth plane, and a second frame of image data is focused at a second depth plane, and wherein a distance between the first depth plane and the second depth plane is fixed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2020Publication date: June 11, 2020Applicant: MAGIC LEAP, INC.Inventors: William Hudson WELCH, Robert D. TEKOLSTE, Hyunsun Chung, Hui-Chuan Cheng
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Patent number: 10678055Abstract: A method and system for increasing dynamic digitized wavefront resolution, i.e., the density of output beamlets, can include receiving a single collimated source light beam and producing multiple output beamlets spatially offset when out-coupled from a waveguide. The multiple output beamlets can be obtained by offsetting and replicating a collimated source light beam. Alternatively, the multiple output beamlets can be obtained by using a collimated incoming source light beam having multiple input beams with different wavelengths in the vicinity of the nominal wavelength of a particular color. The collimated incoming source light beam can be in-coupled into the eyepiece designed for the nominal wavelength. The input beams with multiple wavelengths take different paths when they undergo total internal reflection in the waveguide, which produces multiple output beamlets.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Lionel Ernest Edwin, Ivan Li Chuen Yeoh, Brian T. Schowengerdt, Kevin Richard Curtis, William Hudson Welch, Pierre St. Hilaire, Hui-Chuan Cheng
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Patent number: 10649211Abstract: A fixed-distance display system includes a light source configured to generate a light beam. The system also includes a light guiding optical element configured to propagate at least a portion of the light beam by total internal reflection. The system further includes a first inertial measurement unit configured to measure a first value for calculating a head pose of a user. Moreover, the system includes a camera configured to capture an image for machine vision optical flow analysis. The display system is configured to display virtual images only within a tolerance range of a single predetermined optical plane.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Magic Leap, INC.Inventors: Samuel A Miller, William Hudson Welch
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Patent number: 10641682Abstract: Techniques are described for inspecting optical devices, such as eyepieces, to determine whether they exhibit light leakage through an edge sealant that has been applied to the device. Embodiments provide an inspection apparatus that can be employed to detect the leakage of light through an edge sealant of an optical device, where the edge sealant is applied to prevent, or at least reduce, the leakage of light from the optical device. Light from a light source is projected into the optical device. The light can travel along one or more wave guides within the device, until reaching an edge of the device. Light that is able to leak through an edge sealant can be reflected, using mirror(s) in the apparatus, and detected by a camera. Image(s) captured by the camera can be analyzed to determine the performance of the optical device with respect to edge leakage.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2019Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Ming Yang, Wendong Xing, Eric C. Browy, William Hudson Welch, Thomas Mercier
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Patent number: 10627559Abstract: An artifact mitigation system includes a projector assembly, a set of imaging optics optically coupled to the projector assembly, and an eyepiece optically coupled to the set of imaging optics. The eyepiece includes an incoupling interface. The artifact mitigation system also includes an artifact prevention element disposed between the set of imaging optics and the eyepiece. The artifact prevention element includes a linear polarizer, a first quarter waveplate disposed adjacent the linear polarizer, and a color select component disposed adjacent the first quarter waveplate.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Curtis, Hui-Chuan Cheng, Paul M. Greco, William Hudson Welch, Eric C. Browy, Miller Schuck, Bradley Jay Sissom
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Patent number: 10627632Abstract: Configurations are disclosed for presenting virtual reality and augmented reality experiences to users. The system may comprise a spatial light modulator operatively coupled to an image source for projecting light associated with one or more frames of image data, and a variable focus element (VFE) for varying a focus of the projected light such that a first frame of image data is focused at a first depth plane, and a second frame of image data is focused at a second depth plane, and wherein a distance between the first depth plane and the second depth plane is fixed.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2019Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: MAGIC LEAP, INC.Inventors: William Hudson Welch, Robert D. Tekolste, Hyunsun Chung, Hui-Chuan Cheng
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Publication number: 20200026348Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for performing localization of a handheld device with respect to a wearable device. At least one sensor mounted to the handheld device, such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU), may obtain handheld data indicative of movement of the handheld device with respect to the world. An imaging device mounted to either the handheld device or the wearable device may capture a fiducial image containing a number of fiducials affixed to the other device. The number of fiducials contained in the image are determined. Based on the number of fiducials, at least one of a position and an orientation of the handheld device with respect to the wearable device are updated based on the image and the handheld data in accordance with a first operating state, a second operating state, or a third operating state.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Zachary C. Nienstedt, Samuel A. Miller, Barak Freedman, Lionel Ernest Edwin, Eric C. Browy, William Hudson Welch, Ron Liraz Lidji
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Publication number: 20200012044Abstract: An eyepiece waveguide for an augmented reality. The eyepiece waveguide can include a transparent substrate with an input coupler region, a first orthogonal pupil expander (OPE) region, and an exit pupil expander (EPE) region. The input coupler region can couple an input light beam that is externally incident on the input coupler region into at least a first guided light beam that propagates inside the substrate. The first OPE region can divide the first guided beam into a plurality of replicated, spaced-apart beams. The EPE region can re-direct the replicated beams from the first OPE region such that they exit the substrate. The EPE region can have an amount of optical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2019Publication date: January 9, 2020Inventors: Michael Anthony Klug, Robert Dale Tekolste, William Hudson Welch, Eric Browy, Victor Kai Liu, Samarth Bhargava
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Publication number: 20190383697Abstract: Techniques are described for inspecting optical devices, such as eyepieces, to determine whether they exhibit light leakage through an edge sealant that has been applied to the device. Embodiments provide an inspection apparatus that can be employed to detect the leakage of light through an edge sealant of an optical device, where the edge sealant is applied to prevent, or at least reduce, the leakage of light from the optical device. Light from a light source is projected into the optical device. The light can travel along one or more wave guides within the device, until reaching an edge of the device. Light that is able to leak through an edge sealant can be reflected, using mirror(s) in the apparatus, and detected by a camera. Image(s) captured by the camera can be analyzed to determine the performance of the optical device with respect to edge leakage.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2019Publication date: December 19, 2019Inventors: Ming Yang, Wendong Xing, Eric C. Browy, William Hudson Welch, Thomas Mercier
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Publication number: 20190377200Abstract: Techniques are described for applying an edge sealant to the edge of a multi-layer optical device. In particular, embodiments provide an apparatus that performs a precision measurement of the perimeter of an eyepiece, applying the edge sealant (e.g., polymer) based on the precision-measured perimeter, and subsequently cures the edge sealant, using ultraviolet (UV) light that is directed at the edge sealant. The curing process may be performed within a short time following the application of the edge sealant, to ensure that any wicking of the edge sealant between the layers of the eyepiece is controlled to be no greater than a particular depth tolerance. In some examples, the edge sealant is applied to the optical device prevent, or at least reduce, the leakage of light from the optical device, and also to ensure and maintain the structure of the multi-layer optical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2019Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventors: Wendong Xing, Neal Paul Ricks, Thomas Mercier, William Hudson Welch
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Publication number: 20190353907Abstract: A display subsystem for a virtual image generation system comprises a planar waveguide apparatus, an optical fiber, at least one light source configured for emitting light from a distal end of the optical fiber, and a mechanical drive assembly to which the optical fiber is mounted as a fixed-free flexible cantilever. The drive assembly is configured for displacing a distal end of the optical fiber about a fulcrum in accordance with a scan pattern, such that the emitted light diverges from a longitudinal axis coincident with the fulcrum. The display subsystem further comprises an optical modulation apparatus configured for converging the light from the optical fiber towards the longitudinal axis, and an optical waveguide input apparatus configured for directing the light from the optical modulation apparatus down the planar waveguide apparatus, such that the planar waveguide apparatus displays one or more image frames to an end user.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Ivan YEOH, Hui-Chuan CHENG, Lionel Ernest EDWIN, David TINCH, William Hudson WELCH
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Publication number: 20190339526Abstract: Configurations are disclosed for presenting virtual reality and augmented reality experiences to users. The system may comprise an accommodation tracking module to track an accommodation of a user's eyes, a first variable focus element (VFE) to switch between at least two focal planes, wherein a distance between the two focal planes is relatively consistent, and a second VFE to shift the at least two focal planes based at least in part on the tracked accommodation of the user's eyes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Applicant: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventor: William Hudson Welch
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Patent number: 10451799Abstract: An eyepiece waveguide for an augmented reality. The eyepiece waveguide can include a transparent substrate with an input coupler region, first and second orthogonal pupil expander (OPE) regions, and an exit pupil expander (EPE) region. The input coupler region can be positioned between the first and second OPE regions and can divide and re-direct an input light beam that is externally incident on the input coupler region into first and second guided light beams that propagate inside the substrate, with the first guided beam being directed toward the first OPE region and the second guided beam being directed toward the second OPE region. The first and second OPE regions can respectively divide the first and second guided beams into a plurality of replicated, spaced-apart beams. The EPE region can re-direct the replicated beams from both the first and second OPE regions such that they exit the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2018Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Michael Anthony Klug, Robert Dale Tekolste, William Hudson Welch, Eric Browy, Victor Kai Liu, Samarth Bhargava
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Patent number: 10386636Abstract: Configurations are disclosed for presenting virtual reality and augmented reality experiences to users. The system may comprise an accommodation tracking module to track an accommodation of a user's eyes, a first variable focus element (VFE) to switch between at least two focal planes, wherein a distance between the two focal planes is relatively consistent, and a second VFE to shift the at least two focal planes based at least in part on the tracked accommodation of the user's eyes.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventor: William Hudson Welch
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Patent number: 10338391Abstract: A display subsystem for a virtual image generation system comprises a planar waveguide apparatus, an optical fiber, at least one light source configured for emitting light from a distal end of the optical fiber, and a mechanical drive assembly to which the optical fiber is mounted as a fixed-free flexible cantilever. The drive assembly is configured for displacing a distal end of the optical fiber about a fulcrum in accordance with a scan pattern, such that the emitted light diverges from a longitudinal axis coincident with the fulcrum. The display subsystem further comprises an optical modulation apparatus configured for converging the light from the optical fiber towards the longitudinal axis, and an optical waveguide input apparatus configured for directing the light from the optical modulation apparatus down the planar waveguide apparatus, such that the planar waveguide apparatus displays one or more image frames to an end user.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2016Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: Ivan Yeoh, Hui-Chuan Cheng, Lionel Ernest Edwin, David Tinch, William Hudson Welch
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Publication number: 20190162970Abstract: Configurations are disclosed for presenting virtual reality and augmented reality experiences to users. The system may comprise a spatial light modulator operatively coupled to an image source for projecting light associated with one or more frames of image data, and a variable focus element (VFE) for varying a focus of the projected light such that a first frame of image data is focused at a first depth plane, and a second frame of image data is focused at a second depth plane, and wherein a distance between the first depth plane and the second depth plane is fixed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2019Publication date: May 30, 2019Applicant: MAGIC LEAP, INC.Inventors: William Hudson WELCH, Robert D. TEKOLSTE, Hyunsun Chung, Hui-Chuan Cheng
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Patent number: 10234687Abstract: Configurations are disclosed for presenting virtual reality and augmented reality experiences to users. The system may comprise a spatial light modulator operatively coupled to an image source for projecting light associated with one or more frames of image data, and a variable focus element (VFE) for varying a focus of the projected light such that a first frame of image data is focused at a first depth plane, and a second frame of image data is focused at a second depth plane, and wherein a distance between the first depth plane and the second depth plane is fixed.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2017Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.Inventors: William Hudson Welch, Robert D. Tekolste, Hyunsun Chung, Hui-Chuan Cheng