Liquid Crystal Lenses Other Than For Eyewear Patents (Class 349/200)
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Patent number: 12242052Abstract: An object is to provide a light deflection device and an optical device having a simple structure suitable for reducing the size and weight where a deflection angle can be increased. The light deflection device includes: a light deflection element that deflects incident light in one in-plane direction to be emitted; a driving unit that drives the light deflection element; a light collecting element that is disposed on a light emission side of the light deflection element; and an angle increasing optical element consisting of a diffraction element in which a periodic structure pitch gradually changes from a center of deflection of the light deflection element toward an outer side.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2022Date of Patent: March 4, 2025Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Sato, Yukito Saitoh
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Patent number: 12228839Abstract: The disclosed device may include a lens stack. The lens stack may include a first gradient-index liquid crystal lens and a second gradient-index liquid crystal lens in tandem with the first gradient-index liquid crystal lens. The lens stack may be configured to reach a target optical power based on a first optical power of the first gradient-index liquid crystal lens and a second optical power of the second gradient-index liquid crystal lens. Various other devices, systems, and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2023Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLCInventor: Eric Stratton
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Patent number: 12228748Abstract: A display device includes a display panel including pixels, a polarization layer disposed on the display panel and configured to polarize light in a first polarization direction, a liquid crystal layer disposed on the polarization layer and including liquid crystal molecules, a lens array disposed on the liquid crystal layer and including lenses, and a polarization pattern disposed between the lenses and polarizing light in a second polarization direction that intersects the first polarization direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2024Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.Inventors: Su Jung Huh, Jeong Woo Park
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Patent number: 12220900Abstract: A hole-punch screen includes a light-transmitting cover, a polarizer, and a glass component, where the polarizer is attached to the light-transmitting cover, the polarizer is provided with a first through hole, and the first through hole is filled with optical clear glue; and the glass component is attached to the polarizer so that the polarizer is located between the light-transmitting cover and the glass component, and the glass component is provided with a second through hole at a position corresponding to the first through hole.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2022Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignee: VIVO COMMUNICATION CO., LTD.Inventors: Hongyang Wei, Guanheng Li
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Patent number: 12191432Abstract: Disclosed is a light emitting diode display device comprising a light emitting diode over a substrate, and an optical element provided with liquid crystal molecule randomly distributed therein and configured to change a path of light emitted from the light emitting diode.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2023Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seongyong Cho, Hoon Kang
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Patent number: 12085834Abstract: An electrically tunable liquid crystal lens includes a carrier substrate, a common electrode layer disposed on the carrier substrate, a liquid crystal unit, a patterned electrode layer, a terminal electrode layer, a dielectric insulating layer, and a cover. The liquid crystal unit is disposed on the common electrode layer opposite to the carrier substrate, and includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. The patterned electrode layer is disposed on the liquid crystal unit opposite to the common electrode layer, and has a plurality of aperture patterns located within a projection of the liquid crystal unit on the patterned electrode layer. The terminal electrode layer is disposed on the patterned electrode layer opposite to the liquid crystal unit. The dielectric insulating layer is disposed between the patterned electrode layer and the terminal electrode layer. The cover is disposed on the terminal electrode layer opposite to the dielectric insulating layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2023Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: National Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityInventors: Yi-Hsin Lin, Ting-Wei Huang, Wei-Cheng Cheng, Chang-Nien Mao
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Patent number: 12078820Abstract: A display device, including a display panel, a stereoscopic structure, and a light control structure, is provided. The stereoscopic structure is disposed on the display panel, wherein the stereoscopic structure includes multiple stereoscopic units, and the stereoscopic units extend in a first direction. The light control structure is disposed between the display panel and the stereoscopic structure, wherein the light control structure includes multiple light control units, and the light control units extend in a second direction. An included angle between the first direction and the second direction is greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2023Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: Innolux CorporationInventors: Jui-Jen Yueh, Tsung-Han Tsai, Kuan-Feng Lee
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Patent number: 12038652Abstract: An electrically controllable viewing angle switch device is provided with a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, multiple spacers, and multiple light-shielding patterns. The first substrate and the second substrate are overlapped with each other. The liquid crystal layer and the multiple spacers are disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The multiple light-shielding patterns are disposed on the second substrate. The orthographic projection area of each spacer on the second substrate is less than or equal to the orthographic projection area of each light-shielding pattern on the second substrate. The orthographic projection of each spacer on the second substrate is located within the orthographic projection of each light-shielding pattern on the second substrate. A display apparatus using an electrically controllable viewing angle switch device is also provided, in which light leakage near the spacer is extremely slight.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2023Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: Coretronic CorporationInventors: Ping-Yen Chen, Ying-Hsiang Chen, Chung-Yang Fang
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Patent number: 12001119Abstract: An electrically-switchable flexible contact lens for conforming to an eye of a user is provided. The lens comprises a liquid crystal cell for changing a focal power of the contact lens, and the liquid crystal cell has a cell gap thickness between a first inner surface and a second inner surface, the liquid crystal cell comprising a diffractive optical element for correcting the vision of a user, wherein the diffractive optical element is arranged to maintain the cell gap thickness by providing support at one or more locations within the cell.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2022Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: COOPERVISION INTERNATIONAL LIMITEDInventors: Robert Oag, Roger Brian Minchin Clarke, Mikhail Bashtanov
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Patent number: 11974471Abstract: The present disclosure provides a display panel and a display device. The display panel includes a first substrate, a first driving circuit layer located on the first substrate, a second substrate located on the first driving circuit layer, and a second driving circuit layer located on the second substrate, and a pixel electrode layer located on the second driving circuit layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2020Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Wuhan China Star Optoelectronics Semiconductor Display Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Huihui Zhao, Wenxu Xianyu
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Patent number: 11968436Abstract: Light weight lens barrel systems and methods are provided. In one example, an imaging device includes a lens barrel including a body and a plurality of focusing fins extending from the body. The imaging device further includes a lens system disposed within the lens barrel and configured to receive electromagnetic radiation and direct the electromagnetic radiation. The imaging device further includes a detector array including a plurality of detectors. Each of the plurality of detectors is configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the lens system and generate an image based on the electromagnetic radiation. Related methods and systems are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Teledyne FLIR Commercial Systems, Inc.Inventor: Todd E. Rixman
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Patent number: 11921384Abstract: According to one embodiment, a light control device includes a first liquid crystal cell, a second liquid crystal cell, and a polarization conversion element disposed between the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell. One substrate of each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell includes an insulating substrate, and first to fourth electrodes arranged on the insulating substrate and formed in a strip shape. The electric potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode, the electric potential difference between the second electrode and the third electrode, and the electric potential difference between the third electrode and the fourth electrode are different from each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: JAPAN DISPLAY INC.Inventors: Takeo Koito, Tae Kurokawa, Masashi Mitsui
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Patent number: 11880109Abstract: According to one embodiment, a light control device includes a first liquid crystal cell, a second liquid crystal cell, and a polarization conversion element disposed between the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell. One substrate of each of the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell includes an insulating substrate, and first to fourth electrodes arranged on the insulating substrate and formed in a strip shape. The electric potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode, the electric potential difference between the second electrode and the third electrode, and the electric potential difference between the third electrode and the fourth electrode are different from each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2022Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: JAPAN DISPLAY INC.Inventors: Takeo Koito, Tae Kurokawa, Masashi Mitsui
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Patent number: 11852952Abstract: Provided is a liquid crystal lens including: a first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; and a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate and containing liquid crystal molecules. The first substrate includes a Fresnel lens and a first electrode sequentially toward the liquid crystal layer. The second substrate includes a second electrode. The Fresnel lens includes a Fresnel-shaped part including annular lens surfaces in a concentric circle pattern and a flat part including a flat surface that extends in a radial direction of the concentric circle and intersects at least one of the annular lens surfaces. The annular lens surfaces are on a liquid crystal layer-facing surface of the Fresnel-shaped part and defines an uneven surface. The flat surface is on the liquid crystal layer-facing surface of the flat part.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2022Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: SHARP DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Naru Usukura, Hiroaki Asagi, Yasuhiro Haseba, Kiyoshi Minoura
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Patent number: 11852846Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) display device includes a display panel which operates in a first mode for displaying a first image or a second mode for displaying a second image and a liquid crystal lens panel disposed on the display panel, where the liquid crystal lens panel refracts the first image in a way such that the first image has a first viewing angle and refracts the second image in a way such that the second image has a second viewing angle greater than the first viewing angle. The liquid crystal lens panel includes an upper substrate, a first lens layer including a plurality of first lenses, a lower substrate, a second lens layer including a plurality of second lenses, and a liquid crystal layer. A first pitch of each of the plurality of first lenses is less than a second pitch of each of the plurality of second lenses.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2023Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.Inventors: Sujung Huh, Hyun Jin Cho, Rangkyun Mok
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Patent number: 11815746Abstract: An optical system includes a circular lens having a first set of electrodes arranged in a concentric pattern and a liquid crystal material in electrical communication with the first set of electrodes. The optical system also includes a first cylindrical lens having a vertical meridian and a second set of electrodes oriented along an axis parallel to the vertical meridian. The optical system additionally includes a second cylindrical lens having a third set of electrodes oriented at an angle with respect to the axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2021Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jim Weijian Li, Isabella T. Lewis, Robert Arthur Sprague
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Patent number: 11762129Abstract: A liquid crystal element (100) refracts and outputs light. The liquid crystal element (100) includes a first electrode (1), a second electrode (2), an insulating layer (21) that is an electric insulator, a resistance layer (22), a liquid crystal layer (23) including liquid crystal, and a third electrode (3). The insulating layer (21) is disposed between each location of the first and second electrodes (1) and (2) and the resistance layer (22) to insulate the first and second electrodes (1) and (2) from the resistance layer (22). The resistance layer (22) has an electrical resistivity higher than that of the first electrode (1) and lower than that of the insulating layer (21). The resistance layer (22) and the liquid crystal layer (23) are disposed between the insulating layer (21) and the third electrode (3). The resistance layer (22) is disposed between the insulating layer (21) and the liquid crystal layer (23).Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: OSAKA UNIVERSITYInventors: Giichi Shibuya, Hiroyuki Yoshida, Masanori Ozaki
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Patent number: 11757076Abstract: A light source module includes a circuit board, light emitting diode chips on an upper surface of the circuit board, the light emitting diode chips being spaced apart and each emitting blue light and having a first surface facing the upper surface of the circuit board, a second surface opposite the first surface, and first and second electrodes on the first surface, a first multilayer reflective structure on the second surface and including a plurality of alternately stacked insulating layers having different refractive indices, and a lens respectively covering each of the light emitting diode chips and contacting the upper surface of the circuit board at an acute contact angle, the lens having a thickness of 2.5 mm or less from the upper surface of the circuit board, and a contact region with the upper surface of the circuit board with a diameter of 1 mm to 3 mm.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Chigoo Kang, Seogho Lim, Ilseop Won, Jungwoo Lee
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Patent number: 11754904Abstract: According to one embodiment, a light control device comprises a first liquid crystal cell includes a first liquid crystal layer, a second liquid crystal cell includes a second liquid crystal layer, and a third liquid crystal cell includes a third liquid crystal layer. The first liquid crystal layer and the third liquid crystal layer each have a first region that scatters a first polarization component and that transmits a second polarization component. The second liquid crystal layer has a third region that overlaps the first region and converts the second polarization component into the first polarization component.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: JAPAN DISPLAY INC.Inventors: Tae Kurokawa, Takeo Koito, Masashi Mitsui
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Patent number: 11747619Abstract: An augmented reality system (70, 100, 140, 180, 190) includes an augmented reality projector (72, 102, 142, 192) that is configured to project an image to an eye (82, 118, 154, 206) of an observer and to allow the observer to view a real scene (80, 116, 164, 204) through the projector. The system further includes first and second electrically-tunable dynamic lenses (74, 76, 104, 106, 144, 146, 194, 196), which are positioned respectively on opposing first and second sides of the projector, and a controller (78, 110, 150, 198) that is coupled to the projector and the first and second electrically-tunable dynamic lenses. The controller is configured to receive an adjustable accommodation parameter and a specified distance of interest and to set respective first and second refractive powers of the first and second dynamic lenses responsively to the adjustable accommodation parameter and the distance.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2018Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: OPTICA AMUKA (A.A.) LTD.Inventors: Yoav Yadin, Yariv Haddad, Yuval Vardy
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Patent number: 11686982Abstract: A display panel includes: a first substrate and a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate; pixel electrodes located on a side of the first substrate proximate to the liquid crystal layer; and a light-shielding pattern located on a side of the second substrate proximate to the liquid crystal layer. The second substrate has a light-shielding region shielded by the light-shielding pattern and light-exiting regions not shielded by the light-shielding pattern. A pixel electrode in the pixel electrodes is configured to converge light entering the pixel electrode from the first substrate; and the pixel electrode is used to control a deflection state of a liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer, so that light passing through the pixel electrode is incident to the light-shielding pattern and/or a corresponding light-exiting region.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2020Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.Inventors: Xiandong Meng, Jifeng Tan, Wei Wang, Qiuyu Ling, Xiaochuan Chen
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Patent number: 11668941Abstract: A conventional head-mounted display (HMDs) can display a virtual image at a fixed focus (e.g., infinite focus). If the user looks at an object that appears closer than the virtual image, then accommodation by the user's eyes will cause the virtual image to appear blurry. The HMDs disclosed herein include a dynamic electro-active focusing element that changes the focus of the virtual image to account for accommodation by the user. This dynamic electro-active focusing element may include a curved layer of electro-active material, such as nematic or bi-stable (e.g., cholesteric) liquid crystal, disposed between a static concave mirror and a convex surface on a beam splitter or other optical element. Changing the refractive index of the electro-active material causes the focus of the dynamic electro-active focusing element, making it possible to shift the virtual image's focus in as the user's eyes change focus.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2022Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: e-Vision Smart Optics, Inc.Inventor: Anthony Van Heugten
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Patent number: 11570338Abstract: A light-concentrating device, a light-concentrating display screen, and an electric product are provided. The light-concentrating device includes a light-concentrating plate. The light-concentrating plate includes dimming units, each dimming unit including a house, the house being filled with first light-transmissive liquid and second light-transmissive liquid insoluble with each other. Light may be refracted when passing through the interface between the first light-transmissive liquid and the second light-transmissive liquid. Adjustment electrodes are provided on sides of the house, and a common electrode layer is provided at an end of the house. The voltages may be applied between the common electrode layer and the adjustment electrodes on the sides of the house.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2020Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.Inventor: Yuhu Jia
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Patent number: 11558560Abstract: An imaging apparatus including: an image sensor having a photo-sensitive surface; an optical device arranged on an optical path of light incidenting on the photo-sensitive surface, the optical device being electrically controllable to have a spatially variable focal length; and a processor configured to: generate and send a drive signal to the optical device to compensate for field curvature of optical device by adjusting focal lengths of different portions of the optical device to different extents, wherein a focal length of a first portion of the optical device is higher than a focal length of a second portion of the optical device surrounding the first portion; and control the image sensor to capture a distorted image of a real-world environment.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Varjo Technologies OyInventor: Mikko Ollila
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Patent number: 11513416Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, apparatus, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a process, method, and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, generating a gradient in an index of refraction of a material.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2021Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignees: e-Vision Smart Optics, Inc., Kent State UniversityInventors: Liwei Li, Anthony Van Heugten, Dwight P. Duston, Phil Bos, Douglas Bryant
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Patent number: 11502229Abstract: A light source module includes a circuit board, light emitting diode chips on an upper surface of the circuit board, the light emitting diode chips being spaced apart and each emitting blue light and having a first surface facing the upper surface of the circuit board, a second surface opposite the first surface, and first and second electrodes on the first surface, a first multilayer reflective structure on the second surface and including a plurality of alternately stacked insulating layers having different refractive indices, and a lens respectively covering each of the light emitting diode chips and contacting the upper surface of the circuit board at an acute contact angle, the lens having a thickness of 2.5 mm or less from the upper surface of the circuit board, and a contact region with the upper surface of the circuit board with a diameter of 1 mm to 3 mm.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Chigoo Kang, Seogho Lim, Ilseop Won, Jungwoo Lee
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Patent number: 11442331Abstract: A mobile communication apparatus, an optical assembly, and an aperture module thereof are provided. The aperture module includes a first liquid crystal (LC) aperture unit and a second LC aperture unit. The first LC aperture unit includes a first LC layer and two first transparent electrode layers disposed on two sides of the first LC layer. At least one of the first transparent electrode layers has a first opening. The second LC aperture unit includes a second LC layer and two second transparent electrode layers disposed on two sides of the second LC layer. At least one of the second transparent electrode layers has a second opening having a central axis overlapped with that of the first opening. The aperture module is configured to control each of the first switch region and the second switch region to be at a light permeable state or a light shield state.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: SILICON TOUCH TECHNOLOGY INC.Inventor: Chi-Yuan Chin
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Patent number: 11428385Abstract: Provided is a light source module including a package body having a groove portion, a semiconductor light emitting diode (LED) chip provided on a bottom surface of the groove portion, the semiconductor LED chip being configured to emit light based on a first driving voltage applied thereto, a variable light transmission unit provided on the groove portion and having light transmissivity varying based on a second driving voltage applied thereto, a first electrode side surface and a second electrode side surface provided on side surfaces of the groove portion and connecting the bottom surface of the groove portion to the variable light transmission unit, and a processor configured to control application of the first driving voltage to the semiconductor LED chip and the second driving voltage to the variable light transmission unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2021Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Dongsoo Lim, Chinwoo Kim, Yongchul Kang, Heejin Kim, Jeongje Moon, Jaeyoo Jeong, Jun Cho, Jongwook Ju
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Patent number: 11418728Abstract: An imaging system may comprise: a lens including one or more lens elements; a programmable liquid crystal light modulator disposed adjacent to the lens; an imaging sensor; and a processing system comprising at least one processor and memory. The processing system may be configured to control the imaging system to: capture an image through the lens using the imaging sensor; analyze the image to determine at least one characteristic of the lens; and based on the analysis of the image, control the programmable liquid crystal light modulator to set an effective aperture for the lens.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2021Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Aptiv Technologies LimitedInventor: Yew-Kwang Low
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Patent number: 11418696Abstract: In order to effectively perform auto focusing and an OIS function, provided is an optical device in a first diopter state, the optical device comprising: a liquid lens having a variable diopter; a memory in which regions of interest (ROIs) according to the variable diopter are recorded; a lens control unit for retrieving a first ROI corresponding to the first diopter from the memory and configuring the first ROI; and a diopter operating unit for auto-focusing the first ROI to change the liquid lens to have a second diopter.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2018Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jeeho Hyun, Sungmin Woo, Gunshik Shin
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Patent number: 11385385Abstract: This invention provides a vision system that is arranged to compensate for optical drift that can occur in certain variable lens assemblies, including, but not limited to, liquid lens arrangements. The system includes an image sensor operatively connected to a vision system processor, and a variable lens assembly that is controlled (e.g. by the vision processor or another range-determining device) to vary a focal distance thereof. A positive lens assembly is configured to weaken an effect of the variable lens assembly over a predetermined operational range of the object from the positive lens assembly. The variable lens assembly is located adjacent to a front or rear focal point of the positive lens. The variable lens assembly illustratively comprises a liquid lens assembly that can be inherently variable over approximately 20 diopter. In an embodiment, the lens barrel has a C-mount lens base.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Laurens Nunnink, Esther Oteo Lozano, Jose Fernandez Dorado
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Patent number: 11314142Abstract: Configurable optical device comprising an optical element (1) or various optical elements (1) arranged in series, wherein each element (1) comprises an active region (2) with an entry surface (21) and an exit surface (22) for light beams, and a perimeter (3); each element (1) comprising at least one first transparent electrode (4) and at least one transparent counter electrode (5) the corresponding electrical connections being located in the perimeter (3); the device being configured such that, upon application of a potential difference between electrodes (4, 5) of each element (1), an electric field that alters the degree of commutation in different regions of the active zone (2) of each element (1) is generated, thus creating a varying optical path profile in each element (1), which allows an incident light beam to be focused in different ways, depending on the electric field applied to each electrode.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE MADRIDInventors: Morten Andreas Geday, Manuel Caño Garcia, Jose Manuel Oton Sanchez, Patxi Xabier Quintana Arregui, Jacob Andreas Geday
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Patent number: 11226533Abstract: A typical liquid crystal lens includes liquid crystal sandwiched between transparent substrates, which are patterned with ring electrodes. Applying a voltage across the electrodes causes the liquid crystal molecules to rotate, changing their apparent refractive index and the lens's focal length. The ring electrodes are separated by gaps and get narrower toward the lens's periphery. If the ring electrodes are too narrower, their cannot switch the liquid crystal well. To address this problem, an inventive liquid crystal lens includes a substrate with a stepped surface that defines concentric liquid crystal regions with thicknesses that increase with lens radius. Each region is switched by a different set of ring electrodes, which may be on, under, or opposite the stepped surface. Within each region, the ring electrodes get narrower farther from the lens's center. But the ring electrodes' widths also increase with liquid crystal thickness, offsetting the decrease in width that degrades lens performance.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2020Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: e-Vision Smart Optics, Inc.Inventor: Anthony Van Heugten
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Patent number: 11194179Abstract: A process for creating wiring on a curved surface, such as the surface of a contact lens, includes the following. Creating a groove or trench in the curved surface. Forming a seed layer on the surface and on the groove. Removing the seed layer from the surface while leaving some or all of it in the groove. Depositing conductive material in the groove. Preferably, the deposited conductive material is thicker than the seed layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2017Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Tectus CorporationInventors: Eric Anthony Perozziello, Edward John Palen, Michael West Wiemer
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Patent number: 11061179Abstract: Designs of display devices using an integrated lens are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, an integrated lens includes at least one planar lens and at least one liquid lens. The planar lens includes at least a substrate and a plurality of nanosized studs while the liquid lens includes a liquid layer (e.g., liquid crystals) and two (electrodes sandwiching the liquid layer. Depending on the implementation, the studs may be in different heights, spaced evenly or unevenly and oriented towards or outwards a focal point. One of the two electrodes is patterned per a predefined pattern to have an array of small electrodes. Together with another one of the two electrodes and the planar lens, the affected electric field applied across the liquid layer achieves desired optical characteristics to allow a viewer a media advantageously through the integrated lens.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2020Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Inventor: Darwin Hu
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Patent number: 10802374Abstract: A liquid crystal lens includes at least two liquid crystal cells, and at least two electrode layer units. Each of the liquid crystal cells has a central portion, a first surrounding portion, and a second surrounding portion. Each of the electrode layer units is disposed to supply voltage to the respective liquid crystal cell to permit one of the liquid crystal cells to have a first radial gradient of refractive index in the central portion thereof, and to permit the other one of the liquid crystal cells to have a second radial gradient of refractive index in the first surrounding portion thereof, to thereby allow the two liquid crystal cells to cooperatively define an aperture of the liquid crystal lens.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: National Chiao Tung UniversityInventors: Yu-Jen Wang, Yi-Hsin Lin
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Patent number: 10795060Abstract: This invention provides a vision system that is arranged to compensate for optical drift that can occur in certain variable lens assemblies, including, but not limited to, liquid lens arrangements. The system includes an image sensor operatively connected to a vision system processor, and a variable lens assembly that is controlled (e.g. by the vision processor or another range-determining device) to vary a focal distance thereof. A positive lens assembly is configured to weaken an effect of the variable lens assembly over a predetermined operational range of the object from the positive lens assembly. The variable lens assembly is located adjacent to a front or rear focal point of the positive lens. The variable lens assembly illustratively comprises a liquid lens assembly that can be inherently variable over approximately 20 diopter. In an embodiment, the lens barrel has a C-mount lens base.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Laurens Nunnink, Esther Oteo Lozano, Jose Fernandez Dorado
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Patent number: 10712485Abstract: A manufacturing system for controlling an optical axis of a birefringent material includes an illumination system. The illumination system illuminates the birefringent material that is formed on a curved optical surface with polarized light. The polarized light forms a pattern on the photoalignment material deposited on the curved optical surface. In some configurations, the manufacturing system applies a liquid crystal layer on the formed pattern. The liquid crystal layer includes a liquid crystal director whose orientation is determined by the pattern formed.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLCInventors: Wai Sze Tiffany Lam, Lu Lu
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Patent number: 10692903Abstract: Provided are: a color filter for an image sensor in which an infrared filter having no particulate defects or the like can be laminated adjacent to an image pickup element and in which the total thickness of an image sensor can be significantly reduced; an image sensor including the color filter for an image sensor; and a method of manufacturing the color filter for an image sensor. The color filter for an image sensor includes: two or more absorbing color filters that absorb light components having different wavelength ranges; and a cholesteric reflecting layer in which a right circularly polarized light cholesteric layer having right circularly polarized light reflecting properties and a left circularly polarized light cholesteric layer having left circularly polarized light reflecting properties are laminated.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Ryoji Goto, Kazuto Shimada, Shigeaki Nimura
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Patent number: 10670929Abstract: A light intensity modulator array includes a first substrate with a two-dimensional array of electrodes; a second substrate with one or more electrodes; and liquid crystal located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The two-dimensional array of electrodes is arranged in a first direction and a second direction that is not parallel to the first direction. A respective electrode of the two-dimensional array of electrodes is distinct and separate from a first adjacent electrode and a second adjacent electrode of the two-dimensional array of electrodes. The first adjacent electrode is adjacent to the respective electrode in the first direction and the second adjacent electrode is adjacent to the respective electrode in the second direction. A method for tracking an eye using a device including the light intensity modulator array is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: FACEBOOK TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jianru Shi, Lu Lu, Mary Lou Jepsen
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Patent number: 10627663Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a liquid crystal grating, a display device, and methods for controlling thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.Inventors: Qian Wang, Xiaochuan Chen, Wenqing Zhao, Wei Wang, Jian Gao, Xianqin Meng, Zhongxiao Li, Chenyu Chen
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Patent number: 10613349Abstract: A contact lens has a first circumferential groove containing a wire coil and an electronics cavity containing one or more electronic devices. The circumferential groove and electronics cavity are formed in a peripheral region of the contact lens. The coil is configured to wirelessly receive electrical power and/or data, and to provide the received power and/or data to the electronic devices in the electronics cavity and to a femtoprojector or other electronic devices in the contact lens.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Tectus CorporationInventor: Ronald S. Maynard
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Patent number: 10558076Abstract: A liquid crystal lens panel and a display device, and the liquid crystal lens panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, the liquid crystal lens panel further includes a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode is provided on the first substrate, the second electrode is provided on the first substrate or the second substrate, the second electrode includes a plurality of electrode units arranged in an array, and each of the plurality of electrode units and the first electrode are configured to form an electric field therebetween, so as to drive the liquid crystal layer to form an equivalent lens unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2016Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Wenqing Zhao, Xue Dong, Xiaochuan Chen, Jian Gao, Qian Wang, Ming Yang, Pengcheng Lu, Rui Xu, Lei Wang, Xiaochen Niu
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Patent number: 10520787Abstract: A camera system includes an image sensor assembly and a tunable optical element. The tunable optical element is a gradient index (GRIN) lens created from a polymer dispersed liquid crystal and a coupled control element. The GRIN lens is tunable by applying an electric field to the optical element via a control element. The control element applies a voltage differential to the optical element inducing an electric field which changes the polarization of the PDLC within the optical element. The electrodes of the control element can include sheet resistors with a radially dependent voltage drop. The refractive index of the GRIN lens is dependent on the polarization of the liquid crystals within the optical element. Applying the electric field to the tunable element changes the optical properties of the grating.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: GoPro, Inc.Inventor: Scott Patrick Campbell
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Patent number: 10437129Abstract: A multi-layer lens stack includes first liquid crystal material enclosed between a first diffractive lens structure and a first substrate surface having a first alignment layer disposed thereon, and second liquid crystal material enclosed between a second diffractive lens structure and a second substrate surface having a second alignment layer disposed thereon. The first and second liquid crystal materials assume a homeotropic alignment relative to the first and second substrate surfaces, respectively, in a first mode. The first alignment layer is configured to align the first liquid crystal material along a first direction and the second alignment layer is configured to align the second liquid crystal material along a second direction, substantially orthogonal to the first direction, in a second mode. The multi-layer lens stack has a first optical power in the first mode and a second optical power, different from the first optical power, in the second mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLCInventor: Joshua N. Haddock
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Patent number: 10423123Abstract: The inventors have discovered a method to improve image quality in holography and, for the first time, utilize lenses made from birefringent materials to advantageously split an incoming beam of either coherent or incoherent light into two coincident beams with different focal lengths that interfere with one another and thus create holograms free of electro-optical or pixelated devices. This discovery has many advantages over current methods to create holograms in which many components, including multiple lenses, other electro-optical devices, and/or beam paths are necessary to create holograms. The current invention provides a purely optical holographic process which has better performance and holographic simplicity, in addition to being able to miniaturize holographic processes more than is currently possible in state of the art holography systems.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: CellOptic, Inc.Inventors: Gary Brooker, Nisan Siegel
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Patent number: 10295850Abstract: A polarization-independent liquid crystal micro-lens array, comprising, an optically transparent, dielectric planar panel, an optically transparent upper planar electrode deposited upon the planar panel top surface and bottom surface, a top substrate positioned adjacent to the planar panel top surface, a top pattern electrode deposited on the top substrate internal surface, a top liquid crystal layer disposed between the planar panel top surface and the top substrate internal surface, the top liquid crystal layer having a first polarization, a bottom substrate positioned adjacent to the planar panel bottom surface, a bottom pattern electrode deposited on the bottom substrate internal surface, a bottom liquid crystal layer disposed between the planar panel bottom surface and the bottom substrate internal surface, the bottom liquid crystal layer having a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2018Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Black Sesame International Holdings LimitedInventors: Zhaowei Xin, Dong Wei
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Patent number: 10289070Abstract: Techniques to improve image quality in holography utilizing lenses made from materials with non-quantized anisotropic electromagnetic properties, such as birefringent materials, to advantageously split an incoming beam of light into two coincident beams with different focal lengths that interfere with one another and thus create holograms free of electro-optical or pixelated devices are disclosed. Corresponding systems, methods and apparatuses are described.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Cell-Optic, Inc.Inventors: Gary Brooker, Nisan Siegel
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Patent number: 10261345Abstract: An imaging analysis apparatus includes: an information processing module, used to receive position and depth information of an imaging lens group and/or imaging receiver relative to an object, obtain an imaging parameter corresponding to the imaging lens group according to the position and depth information, and send the obtained imaging parameter. An imaging lens group, used to image an object, can include subregions having adjustable imaging characteristics; and a lens adjustment module, used to receive the imaging parameter of the imaging lens group, determine a subregion corresponding to the imaging parameter, and adjust the imaging characteristic of the subregion. An object can be imaged by using an imaging lens in which each subregion has adjustable imaging parameters, thereby adjusting and correcting a perspective deformation that occurs on the object, and preventing a perspective deformation from occurring on an image of the object acquired by a user.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2013Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: BEIJING ZHIGU RUI TUO TECH CO., LTDInventors: Lin Du, Hongjiang Zhang
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Patent number: 10203566Abstract: A light intensity modulator array includes a first substrate with a two-dimensional array of electrodes; a second substrate with one or more electrodes; and liquid crystal located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The two-dimensional array of electrodes is arranged in a first direction and a second direction that is not parallel to the first direction. A respective electrode of the two-dimensional array of electrodes is distinct and separate from a first adjacent electrode and a second adjacent electrode of the two-dimensional array of electrodes. The first adjacent electrode is adjacent to the respective electrode in the first direction and the second adjacent electrode is adjacent to the respective electrode in the second direction. A method for tracking an eye using a device including the light intensity modulator array is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLCInventors: Jianru Shi, Lu Lu, Mary Lou Jepsen