Including Full Reflection And Transmission Of A Beam At Different Portions Of A Beam Divider Patents (Class 359/636)
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Publication number: 20130194675Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and apparatuses for causing a single imaging lens system to simultaneously form multiple high resolution images on multiple imaging sensor planes. The images are preferably substantially identical, with no parallax error, except for different light levels so that the multiple images are of sufficient quality and similarity that they may be compared and/or combined (typically pixel-by-pixel) to create a single instantaneous high dynamic range (HDR) image. The invention may be used to create high-resolution HDR snapshots of moving subjects, as well as high-resolution HDR moving pictures (e.g. cinematographic films, movies, or other video) in which the subject and/or camera is moving. Alternatively, the images are substantially identical except for different focuses.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: CONTRAST OPTICAL DESIGN & ENGINEERING, INC.Inventor: Contrast Optical Design & Engineering, Inc.
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Patent number: 8472116Abstract: An apparatus for combining coherent light from a plurality of coherent light sources is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of light guides, each including: a first mirror at an entrance face, including an aperture for admitting light therein from a respective one of the plurality of coherent light sources; and a second partially-reflective mirror at an exit face. The apparatus further includes a second stage light guide, for combining emitted light exiting the plurality of light guides, including: a second stage entrance face and a second stage exit face, the second stage entrance face for receiving the emitted light from each the exit face of the plurality of light guides; and a third mirror, at the second stage exit face, for reflecting the light back towards the second mirror, the third mirror including an exit aperture for the light to exit the second stage light guide.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc.Inventor: John Domm
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Patent number: 8441732Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and apparatuses for causing a single imaging lens system to simultaneously form multiple high resolution images on multiple imaging sensor planes. The images are preferably substantially identical, with no parallax error, except for different light levels so that the multiple images are of sufficient quality and similarity that they may be compared and/or combined (typically pixel-by-pixel) to create a single instantaneous high dynamic range (HDR) image. The invention may be used to create high-resolution HDR snapshots of moving subjects, as well as high-resolution HDR moving pictures (e.g. cinematographic films, movies, or other video) in which the subject and/or camera is moving. Alternatively, the images are substantially identical, or substantially identical except for different focuses.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventor: Michael D. Tocci
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Patent number: 8434872Abstract: A multi-viewpoint floating image display device enabling observation from multiple viewpoints by combining mirror images of objects to be projected and spatially separated from one another as real images in a small region in space. The display device comprises a multi-viewpoint floating image display optical system having real mirror imaging optical systems each of which forms a real image of each of the objects in a plane-symmetric position symmetric to the object with respect to one geometrical plane which is the symmetry plane. All the real mirror imaging optical systems are so arranged that the angle formed by given symmetry planes is less than 180 degrees on the real image side with respect to the symmetry planes. The objects are so arranged as to correspond to the respective real mirror imaging optical systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2008Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: National Institute of Information and Communications TechnologyInventor: Satoshi Maekawa
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Patent number: 8434877Abstract: An illumination optical system and a projection display apparatus include a beam combining portion and a condensing lens condensing a beam from the beam combining portion. The beam combining portion combines beams from first and second lamp units each including a lamp and a concave mirror, the lamp having a cathode and an anode arranged along an optical axis of the concave mirror. The beam combining portion includes a first reflective section disposed on an optical axis of the first lamp unit and off the optical axis of the second lamp unit and a second reflective section disposed off the optical axis of the first lamp unit. The first and second reflective sections reflect a beam that is emitted from the second lamp unit and that is off an optical axis thereof to combine the beams from the first and second lamp units.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyuki Kodama, Takashi Sudo, Yuuki Maeda
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Patent number: 8395843Abstract: An array of light valves switch light by enabling and disabling total internal reflection (TIR) on a surface of the light valve. The disabling of the TIR is accomplished by putting another optical element in contact with the surface and then diffusing or changing the direction of the light. The mechanical mechanism to move the optical element is a simple one in that it only moves the optical element a small distance to change the valve from a first position to a second position.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Rambus International Ltd.Inventor: Brian Edward Richardson
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Patent number: 8320047Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and apparatuses for causing a single imaging lens system to simultaneously form multiple high resolution images on multiple imaging sensor planes. The images are preferably substantially identical, with no parallax error, except for different light levels so that the multiple images are of sufficient quality and similarity that they may be compared and/or combined (typically pixel-by-pixel) to create a single instantaneous high dynamic range (HDR) image. The invention may be used to create high-resolution HDR snapshots of moving subjects, as well as high-resolution HDR moving pictures (e.g. cinematographic films, movies, or other video) in which the subject and/or camera is moving. Alternatively, the images are substantially identical except for different focuses.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Contrast Optical Design & Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Michael D. Tocci
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Patent number: 8310764Abstract: Provided are an image display device and HMD, which can make an observer observe an image with reduced luminance nonuniformity and reduced color nonuniformity, while making the image bright by reducing the degree of diffusion with a constitution employing a means which diffuses incident light in one direction. In the image display device, light from a light source is diffused in one direction with the diffusing means and is guided to a display element, and image light emitted from the display element is guided to an optical pupil through a lens. The image display device with the constitution satisfies the expression Hw/f?tan 1?Kw/(f+?), wherein Hw is the aperture width of pixels of the display element in the diffusing direction of the diffusing means, Kw is the maximum pitch of recesses and protrusions in the diffusing direction of the diffusing means, f is the focal length of the lens, and ? is the distance between the display surface of the display element and the diffusing surface of the diffusing means.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Yasushi Tanijiri
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Publication number: 20120249718Abstract: A color printing paper includes a substrate having a printing region and a plurality of photonic crystal patterns formed on the printing region. The plurality of photonic crystal layer patterns have different respective optical reflection characteristics. The printing method includes selecting pixels including a plurality of photonic crystal layer patterns that express at least one of a red color, a green color, and a blue color, and changing optical reflection characteristics of at least a portion of the plurality of photonic crystal layer patterns of the selected pixels.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jin-seung Sohn, Sang-hun Lee, In-kyeong Yoo, Eun-hyoung Cho
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Patent number: 8237626Abstract: A head-mounted device mounted on a wearer's head has a first pressing unit to press against the wearer's head from a position of his/her medulla, a second pressing unit to press against the wearer's head in an opposite direction to a pressing direction of the first pressing unit, and a mounting unit to mount the head-mounted device on the wearer's head by adjusting at least one of the first pressing unit and the second pressing unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshiki Ishino, Takaaki Nakabayashi, Yoshihiro Saito, Toshiyuki Okuma
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Patent number: 8147069Abstract: A lighting device, including a first light source emitting light of a first wavelength; a second light source close to the first source, emitting light of a second wavelength in almost a same direction as that of the first source; a third light source located emitting light of a third wavelength in a direction different from that of the first and second sources; a coupling optical system coupling light from the first and second sources; another coupling optical system coupling light from the third source; and a light path synthesizer synthesizing a light path of light from the first, second and third sources, wherein the light path synthesizer includes a first surface reflecting light from the first source and transmitting light from the second and third sources and a second surface unparallel with the first surface, reflecting light from the second source and transmitting light from the third source.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Ricoh Company, LimitedInventors: Manabu Seo, Hiroshi Akiyama, Shigeru Oouchida, Yukiko Hamano, Goichi Akanuma
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Publication number: 20120069447Abstract: An apparatus for combining coherent light from a plurality of coherent light sources is provided. The apparatus comprises a plurality of light guides, each comprising: a first mirror at an entrance face, including an aperture for admitting light therein from a respective one of the plurality of coherent light sources; and a second partially-reflective mirror at an exit face. The apparatus further comprises a second stage light guide, for combining emitted light exiting the plurality of light guides, comprising: a second stage entrance face and a second stage exit face, the second stage entrance face for receiving the emitted light from each the exit face of the plurality of light guides; and a third mirror, at the second stage exit face, for reflecting the light back towards the second mirror, the third mirror comprising an exit aperture for the light to exit the second stage light guide.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: CHRISTIE DIGITAL SYSTEMS USA, INC.Inventor: John DOMM
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Patent number: 8130448Abstract: A mirror unit consists of a half mirror and a mirror unit. The half mirror generates a transmitted light and a reflected light. A pair of the mirror units is arranged on one side and the other side of the half mirror so that the transmitted light and the reflected light split by the half mirror are deflected and are combined again at a common place on the half mirror. The mirror unit also has plural mirrors and is arranged to make the optical length variable by shifting the mirror unit toward one direction with a moving mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Mitsuru Namiki, Yuji Sakai
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Patent number: 8123365Abstract: A one-way display system includes a transparent screen and a transparent color filter. An image is emitted by the screen or projected onto the screen. The image is formed from a combination of colored lights. Instead of spanning all the wavelengths of each color, each light only spans a narrow band of the color. The color filter removes the narrow band so the image is only visible from one side of the screen. As the color filter removes only the narrow band, one can still look out and see objects on the other side of the screen minus the colors of the narrow band.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Emiscape, Inc.Inventors: Cang V. Quach, Donald L. Alvarez
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Patent number: 8120857Abstract: A helmet mounted display (HMD) system comprising a display pod having a light wave optical element. The display pod is designed to be attached to a base plate located above the brow of a helmet using opposing hook and loop-style fastener pads or alternatively, a pair of locking disks. The mounting position of the display pod is adjustable within three degrees of freedom, including lateral positioning along a plane that is co-planar to a mounting surface for the display pod, as well as rotation about an axis that is perpendicular to the mounting surface. The HMD system is adapted to compensate for variations in mounting position using a bore sighting adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: George Darrell Hedges, Anthony William Bugno, Mark William Edel, Michael Koichi Uchima, Robert B. Atac
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Publication number: 20120026570Abstract: A multi-zone reflector having an opaque zone and a transflective zone. The reflector includes a supporting base, a lower reflecting layer disposed adjacent the supporting base, and an upper reflecting layer extending over the opacifying layer and the transflective zone of the reflector. The lower reflecting layer substantially completely covers the transflective zone, and the opacifying layer is disposed substantially outside the transflective zone adjacent to the lower reflecting layer. Over at least a portion of the transflective zone, the upper and lower reflecting layers have a common surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Henry A. Luten, John S. Anderson, George A. Neuman, Jeffrey A. Forgette, Jeffrey N. Williams, Lansen M. Perron
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Patent number: 8081381Abstract: The present invention is a time division multiplexed beam combination for laser signal generation. In one aspect, the time division multiplexed beam combination employs a mechanical implementation. In a second aspect, the time division multiplexed beam combination employ a polarization interlacing.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Lockhead Martin CorporationInventor: Nicholas J. Krasutsky
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Publication number: 20110299075Abstract: An optical slicer for generating an output spot comprising an image compressor which receives a substantially collimated input beam and compresses the beam, wherein the input beam, if passed through a focusing lens, produces an input spot; an image reformatter which receives the compressed beam to reformat the beam into a plurality of sliced portions of the compressed beam and vertically stacks the portions substantially parallel to each other; and an image expander which expands the reformatted beam to produce a collimated output beam which, if passed through the focusing lens, produces the output spot that is expanded in a first dimension and compressed in a second dimension relative to the input spot.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Jeffrey T. MEADE, Arsen R. HAJIAN, Bradford B. BEHR, Andrew T. CENKO
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Patent number: 8059342Abstract: A display platform orients a virtual image in alignment with a viewer's eye. A transmissive plate receives a light beam conveying the virtual image into the transmissive plate for propagation by internal reflection between inner and outer surfaces of the transmissive plate along the length of the transmissive plate. A plurality of reflective facets progressively interrupt the propagation of the light beam along the length of the transmissive plate for reflecting successive portions of the light beam in a direction for rendering the virtual image visible to the viewer.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Vuzix CorporationInventor: Elliot Burke
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Patent number: 8009363Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to single prism beamsplitters and compound beamsplitters formed from combining one or more of the single prism beamsplitters. In one embodiment, the beamsplitters can be configured to produce one or more split beams of light that can emerge at angles other than 90° to one another. The prisms of the beamsplitter embodiments are configured so that light propagating through prisms encounter one or more intermediate planar surfaces at various angles with respect to the path of the light. A certain number of the intermediate planar surfaces can be angled so that the light transmitted along a particular path undergoes total internal reflection within the prism. A number of other intermediate planar surfaces are angled so that the light transmitted along a particular path does not undergo total internal reflection.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Huei Pei Kuo, Michael Renne Ty Tan
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Patent number: 8004761Abstract: A stereo projection optical system includes a polarization converter, a 2-way wheel, a retarder, and an image engine. The polarization converter is configured for converting an incident light into a polarized light which have single polarization. The 2-way wheel includes a reflective region and a transmissive region. The reflective region is configured for reflecting the polarized light and the transmissive region is configured for transmitting the polarized light. The retarder is positioned to receive an emergent light from one of the reflective region and the transmissive region. The image engine is positioned to receive light output of the 2-way wheel and the retarder and configured for emitting the light output comprising spatial information. The stereo projection optical systems provide viewers three-dimensional images formed by two alternative polarized light beams whose polarizations are perpendicular to each other utilizing the 2-way wheel.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: I-Pen Chien, Yuan-Yu Lin
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Patent number: 7993014Abstract: Prism elements having TIR surfaces placed in close proximity to the active area of a SLM device to separate unwanted off-state and/or flat-state light from the projection ON-light bundle. The TIR critical angle of these prisms is selected to affect either the off-state light or additionally, any portion of flat-state light reflected from the SLM. These TIR surfaces limit the contamination of light along the projection path, which tends to degrade the system contrast. To further improve the optical performance of the system, these TIR prisms can be attached directly to the SLM package, completely eliminating the package window.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Steven M. Penn
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Patent number: 7984994Abstract: A projection optical system including a projection lens, a first mirror that reflects a light from the projection lens, and a second mirror that widens an angle of a light from the first mirror by reflecting the light projects a light modulated according to an image signal from an optical engine unit. A third mirror reflects a light from the projection optical system. A screen transmits a light from the third mirror. An optical axis of the projection lens substantially matches an optical axis of the second mirror, and the light from the optical engine unit is shifted to a specific side from the optical axis of the projection lens.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2010Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Eiji Morikuni, Masatoshi Yonekubo, Toshihiko Sakai, Shunji Kamijima
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Patent number: 7982972Abstract: The image observation apparatus includes a first image-forming element and a second image-forming element each of which forms an original image, and an optical system configured to introduce light fluxes from the first and second image-forming elements to an exit pupil position of the optical system where an eye of an observer is placed. The optical system includes an optical surface as a single surface that reflects the light flux from the first image-forming element and transmits the light flux from the second image-forming element. The first image-forming element and the second image-forming element respectively form a first original image and a second original image that correspond to different viewing fields from the exit pupil position. The apparatus combines plural original images to enable observation of one combined image and that can suppress generation of light scattering.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazutaka Inoguchi, Shoichi Yamazaki, Kenichi Saito, Motomi Tsuyuki, Masakazu Tohara
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Patent number: 7965448Abstract: A real mirror image forming optical system is constructed from a half-mirror, and from a retroreflector placed in a position where it recursively reflects either the light passing through or reflected by that half-mirror, so that light emitted from an object to be projected placed behind the half-mirror can pass through either a first light path consisting of passing through the half-mirror, recursive reflection by the retroreflector, and reflection by the half-mirror; or a second light path consisting of reflection by the half-mirror, recursive reflection by the retroreflector, and passing through the half-mirror; thus by one or both of these light paths a real mirror image of the object to be projected is formed at a planar symmetric position with respect to the half-mirror surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: National Institute of Information and Communication TechnologyInventor: Satoshi Maekawa
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Patent number: 7959308Abstract: A guiding-substrate display may include an angle-mapped display engine to generate a modulated photonic output having angle-mapped rays responsive to an electrical signal without the use of an ocular lens. An input optical element receives the modulated photonic output of the angle-mapped display engine and cooperates with the angle-mapped display engine to launch modulated photonic output having selected polarization. An image relay slab receives the modulated photonic output from the input optical element and guides the modulated photonic output from a proximal to a distal location. An output optical element to receives the modulated photonic output from the image relay slab and launches the modulated photonic output having angle-mapped rays toward a viewing region.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2010Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Mark O. Freeman, Karlton D. Powell
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Patent number: 7959297Abstract: A digital image projector includes a light assembly configured to project light along a light path from at least one laser array light source, the projected light having an overlapping far field illumination in a far field illumination portion of the light path; a temporally varying optical phase shifting device configured to be in the light path; an optical integrator configured to be in the light path; a spatial light modulator located downstream of the temporally varying optical phase shifting device and the optical integrator in the light path, the spatial light modulator configured to be located in the far field illumination portion of the light path; and projection optics located downstream of the spatial light modulator in the light path, the projection optics configured to direct substantially speckle free light from the spatial light modulator toward a display surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Barry D. Silverstein, Gary E. Nothhard
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Patent number: 7911702Abstract: A beam shaper including a reflection device and a plurality of reflectors. The reflection device is disposed on a transmission path of an incident light beam and has a plurality of reflection surfaces capable of reflecting the incident light beam. The reflection surfaces are capable of splitting the incident light beam into a plurality of reflected light beams. The reflectors are separately disposed on transmission paths of the reflected light beams. The reflectors are capable of reflecting the reflected light beams, so that a shaped light spot is formed by superimposing light spots of the reflected light beams. The reflection device is disposed between the shaped light spot and the reflectors.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2009Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Kuang-Po Chang, Ya-Fu Chuang
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Publication number: 20110058040Abstract: An interior rearview information mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror housing and a reflective element, and includes an information display operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle. The information display is disposed in the mirror housing rearward of the reflective element, and information displayed by the information display is viewable by the driver of the equipped vehicle viewing through the reflective element when the information display is displaying information. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a forward facing camera having a forward field of view in the direction of forward travel of the equipped vehicle, and the forward facing camera views through the windshield of the equipped vehicle when the interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew D. Weller, Rodney K. Blank, Kenneth L. Schierbeek, Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam, Troy O. Cooprider
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Patent number: 7891824Abstract: A reflector for the lighting device and an illumination system of the projection apparatus are provided. The reflector comprises a first reflecting structure and a second reflecting structure disposed on the portion of the first reflecting structure. The reflecting surfaces of the first and second reflecting structures are formed with a distance therebetween. After the first portion of the light is reflected from the first reflecting surface and the second portion of the light is reflected from the second reflecting surface, the second portion of the light is adapted to remove the centrally dimmed area at the opening of the lighting device. Thus, the luminance performance can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Junejei Huang
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Publication number: 20110037986Abstract: The present invention discloses an interference measuring apparatus, which comprises a light source module, a beam splitter, a first lens module, a reflecting module, a second lens module, and a detection device. A light beam generated from the light source module can be projected on the beam splitter. The beam splitter splits the light beam to generate a first light beam and a second light beam, wherein the first light beam passes through the first lens module and then projects onto the reflecting module, and the second light beam passes through the second lens module and projects onto an object. Furthermore, the first light beam and the second light beam are reflected by the reflecting module and the object, respectively, then both the first light beam and the second light beam are leaded to the detection device to form an interference pattern for obtaining the contours and internal cross-sectional image of the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventors: Chien-Chung TSAI, Dong-Yo Jheng, Yu-Ta Wang, Yen-Sheng Lin, Kuang-Yu Hsu, Sheng-Lung Huang
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Publication number: 20100328780Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and apparatuses for causing a single imaging lens system to simultaneously form multiple high resolution images on multiple imaging sensor planes. The images are preferably substantially identical, with no parallax error, except for different light levels so that the multiple images are of sufficient quality and similarity that they may be compared and/or combined (typically pixel-by-pixel) to create a single instantaneous high dynamic range (HDR) image. The invention may be used to create high-resolution HDR snapshots of moving subjects, as well as high-resolution HDR moving pictures (e.g. cinematographic films, movies, or other video) in which the subject and/or camera is moving. Alternatively, the images are substantially identical, or substantially identical except for different focuses.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: CONTRAST OPTICAL DESIGN AND ENGINEERING, INC.Inventor: Michael D. Tocci
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Patent number: 7843643Abstract: A system and method of aligning a micromirror array to the micromirror package and the micromirror package to a display system. One embodiment provides a method of forming and utilizing a package that exposes regions of an alignment reference plane. The device within the package is mounted on the reference plane such that the exposed regions allow precise alignment with the device in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane. Alignment surfaces formed in a display system or other system contact the reference plane at the exposed regions to position the packaged device relative to other components of the system. One embodiment of the package 400 taught has laminated layers forming the package substrate 402 and providing a precision reference plane 416 relative to the position of the micromirror device 404. The package may be formed by laminating several layers of material in sheets to form several package substrates simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Joshua J. Malone
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Patent number: 7832870Abstract: According to one embodiment, a projection system includes a color wheel operable to filter light into a passed component and a reflected component. The projection system also includes a digital micromirror device comprising a plurality of micromirrors each operable to receive the passed component and the reflected component. Each micromirror is selectively positionable to direct, at approximately the same time, the passed component and the reflected component to desired locations. The projection system also includes an optical system operable to direct the passed component and the reflected component from the color wheel to the digital micromirror device at approximately the same time.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Gregory S. Pettitt, Andrew I. Russell, Bradley W. Walker
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Patent number: 7808713Abstract: A one-way display system includes a partially reflective screen with a first image, and a partially absorptive screen with a second image that is an inverse of the first image. The two screens can be stacked on top of each other or separated by a small distance. A portion of ambient light on a first side of the display system passes through the partially reflective screen and exits as intermediate light. A portion of the intermediate light passes through the partially absorptive screen and exits as transmitted light to a second side of the display system. The transmitted light is spatially and chromatically uniform like the ambient light. This allows observers on the second side to see objects on the first side without the first image, and observers on the first side to see the first image.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Emiscape, Inc.Inventors: Cang V. Quach, Donald L. Alvarez
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Patent number: 7777960Abstract: A projection system, such as a system suitable for head-up displays in automobiles, includes a laser projection source (101) and a scanner (102). Light from the laser projection source (101) is scanned across a projection surface (104), which can be a car's windshield. The projection surface (104) includes a buried numerical aperture expander (105) capable of reflecting some light and transmitting other light. The system may also include an image projection source (551) capable of presenting high-resolution images on a sub-region (552) of the projection surface (604) that has a optical relay (650) disposed therein.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventor: Mark O. Freeman
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Patent number: 7768708Abstract: A light source includes a first set of first beam sources having parallel output beams lying in a first-beam-source plane and a second set of second beam sources having parallel output beams lying in a second-beam-source plane. The first-beam-source output beams are parallel to the second-beam-source output beams, but are spatially offset in a direction perpendicular to the first-beam-source output beams. A spatial optical interleaver disposed receives the first-beam-source output beams and the second-beam-source output beams. The first-beam-source output beams pass unimpeded through a set of first-beam openings in the spatial optical interleaver, and the second-beam-source output beams are reflected parallel to the first-beam-source output beams and in the first-beam-source plane.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Geoffrey G. Harris, Daniel Mitchell, Bob Scott
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Patent number: 7764432Abstract: A laser apparatus (10) has a plurality of light sources (11a to 11c) that include laser array stacks (12a to 12c). Laser beams (32b, 32c) are respectively deflected by a slit mirror (14) and a polarizing beam splitter (16) and synthesized with other laser beams (32a). These laser beams have optical axes that are inclined with respect to each other and slow axis directions that are mutually parallel. A converging optical system (20) converges the laser beams from the respective light sources at positions that are separated along a direction perpendicular to the slow axis directions.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Hirofumi Miyajima, Hirofumi Kan, Takayuki Uchiyama, Masaaki Matsuura, Toshimasa Matsuno
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Patent number: 7755838Abstract: An optical manifold for efficiently combining a plurality of blue LED outputs to illuminate a phosphor for a single, substantially homogeneous output, in a small, cost-effective package. Embodiments are disclosed that use a single or multiple LEDs and a remote phosphor, and an intermediate wavelength-selective filter arranged so that backscattered photoluminescence is recycled to boost the luminance and flux of the output aperture. A further aperture mask is used to boost phosphor luminance with only modest loss of luminosity. Alternative non-recycling embodiments provide blue and yellow light in collimated beams, either separately or combined into white.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Light Prescriptions Innovators, LLCInventors: Julio C. Chaves, Waqidi Falicoff, Juan C. Minaño, Pablo Benitez, Oliver Dross, William A. Parkyn, Jr.
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Patent number: 7742234Abstract: A composite optical-dividing component receives a light beam. There are mixed-bands in the light beam. The composite optical-dividing component includes a first optical-patch and a second optical-patch. The first optical-patch has multiple micro-structural lenses in an identical shape. Each micro-structural lens receives the light beam and generates a deflecting light in some degrees of condense. The second optical patch has multiple polygonal structures. Some polygonal structures are periodic and provide the function of deflection in order to receive the deflecting light and then separate multiple bands from the beam. In accordance with wavelengths in multiple bands, the bands are emitted to a target area (RGB) in a plane, respectively. Another part of the polygonal structures has the capability of light refraction, which receives the deflecting light and deflects and the rest of the bands in the beam. And it is emitted to a target area (W) in a plane.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chi-Hung Lee, Hsiu-Chen Hsu, Hui-Hsiung Lin
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Patent number: 7738174Abstract: A system for optical color division receives an incident light from a side and divides the incident light into a plurality of color lights. The system includes a light guide plate for allowing the incident light to have total internal reflection back and forth therein. A surface of the light guide plate has a plurality of microstructures, which can destroy the total internal reflection and enable the light to exit.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chi-Hung Lee, Hui-Hsiung Lin
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Patent number: 7719768Abstract: An optical beam splitter arrangement comprising two beam splitter mounts one of which is turnable relative to the other by flexing a deformable connection. By controlling the turn angle of rotation it is possible to use the light reflected by one of the beam splitters to monitor the output power of a laser and to use the light reflected by the other beam splitter to monitor the wavelength transmitted by the laser.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Declan Reilly, Simon Meadowcroft
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Patent number: 7710655Abstract: A display system includes an angle-mapped display engine operable to launch angle-mapped image-bearing rays through an image-guiding substrate for display.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Mark O. Freeman, Karlton D. Powell
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Patent number: 7710630Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method, apparatus and/or system of producing a color image using four or more primary colors. The apparatus, according to some demonstrative embodiments of the invention, may include an optical arrangement to selectively split polychromatic light into at least four primary-color light beams, and to direct the at least four primary-color light beams towards at least four reflective spatial light modulators, respectively. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Genoa Color Technologies Ltd.Inventor: Shmuel Roth
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Patent number: 7688399Abstract: An image display apparatus including a light source unit, a liquid crystal display panel, an illumination optical system leading light from the light source unit to the liquid crystal display panel, and a display optical system leading light from the liquid crystal display panel to an observer. The illumination optical system and the display optical system share an optical surface having dielectric multilayer films and being concave toward the liquid crystal display panel on a plane including a center ray corresponding to an angle of view. The optical surface reflects light from the light source unit for leading the light to the liquid crystal display panel while transmitting light reflected from the liquid crystal display panel. On the plane including the center ray, the brightness of the light-emitting surface of the light source unit is reduced toward the optical surface smaller than that in the remote from the optical surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Makoto Fujimoto
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Patent number: 7679829Abstract: At least three incoming light beams (10a-c) are combined partly combined into a null beam and partly into fringe tracking beams. The relative phase difference between the incoming beams (10a-c) is controlled so that a phase relationship between in the null beam corresponds to destructive interference of the main beam components in the null beam. In the fringe tracker beams this leads at least partly to constructive interference between the main beam components, with an intensity that depends on the phase differences. Measurements of the intensities of the fringe tracker beams are used to control the relative phase differences of the incoming beams (10a-c) to realize destructive interference of the main components in the null beam. To form the null beam successively more of the light beams are combined into the null beam in a series of beam combiners (14a, 14 b).Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNOInventors: Lieven Lambert Amir Vosteen, Hendrik Bokhove
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Patent number: 7653268Abstract: A substrate guided relay (600) includes an input coupler (601), an output coupler (603), and an optical substrate (602). Light is delivered from the input coupler (601) to the optical substrate (602), and then to the output coupler (603). Partially reflective coatings can be used at interfaces (606,607) between components. Partially reflective coatings or other devices (501) can be also used to create one or more copies of light. Light polarization alteration devices (661,662,663,664,665) can be used within the substrate guided relay (600), alone or in combination, to tailor the polarization of light to the designer's needs. Such devices, such as half-wave plates, provide the designer with increased flexibility regarding the design and manufacture of the substrate guided relay (600).Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventor: Christian Dean DeJong
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Patent number: 7652823Abstract: A non-polarizing beam splitter has a first prism; one or more ground layer(s) made of a dielectric material which is (are) formed on a slant face of the first right angle prism; an Au layer having thickness of 13 to 35 nm which is formed on the ground layer; one or more protective layer(s) made of a dielectric material which is (are) formed on the Au layer; and a second prism which is jointed to an outermost layer of the protective layer via adhesive. The non-polarizing beam splitter divides light at wavelength of 640 nm to 820 nm into transmission light and reflection light by a predetermined ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Konica Minolta Opto, Inc.Inventors: Hidetaka Jidai, Iwao Usui, Toshiya Kawanishi
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Publication number: 20090323193Abstract: A laser apparatus (10) has a plurality of light sources (11a to 11c) that include laser array stacks (12a to 12c). Laser beams (32b, 32c) are respectively deflected by a slit mirror (14) and a polarizing beam splitter (16) and synthesized with other laser beams (32a). These laser beams have optical axes that are inclined with respect to each other and slow axis directions that are mutually parallel. A converging optical system (20) converges the laser beams from the respective light sources at positions that are separated along a direction perpendicular to the slow axis directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2006Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.Inventors: Hirofumi Miyajima, Hirofumi Kan, Takayuki Uchiyama, Masaaki Matsuura, Toshimasa Matsuno
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Patent number: 7639427Abstract: A light collecting device adapted for a projection apparatus is provided. The light collecting device at least comprises a light collecting rod that has a body, a longitudinal direction, an incident end, and an emergent end. The incident end comprises an incident surface and a reflecting surface, in which the incident surface is adjacent to the reflecting surface to form an included angle therebetween. The emergent end is opposite to the incident end. Thus, a first light beam passes through the incident surface of the incident end and travels along the body of the light collecting rod towards the emergent end along the longitudinal direction when a second light beam enters into the body of the light collecting rod. The second light beam is reflected by the reflecting surface of the incident end towards the emergent end along the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Junejei Huang