With Variable Magnification Patents (Class 359/666)
  • Patent number: 11927772
    Abstract: A liquid lens system can include a liquid lens and a controller. The liquid lens can include a chamber, first and second fluids contained in the chamber and substantially immiscible to form a fluid interface therebetween, a plurality of insulated electrodes that are insulated from the first and second fluids, and one or more electrodes in electrical communication with the first fluid. A position of the fluid interface can be based at least in part on voltages applied between the plurality of insulated electrodes and the one or more electrodes in electrical communication with the first fluid. The controller can provide voltages to the plurality of insulated electrodes to tilt the fluid interface along a tilt direction, wherein a second average radius of curvature along a direction orthogonal to the tilt direction differs from a first average radius of curvature along the tilt direction by no more than about 20%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Raymond Miller Karam
  • Patent number: 11927774
    Abstract: An adaptive lens (200) may feature two flexible films (202), (204) secured within a rim (210) and defining a space therebetween which is filled with an appropriate fluid (206). A piston (220), driven by at least one actuator (214a-c), may be attached to one of the films (204) to displace it with respect to the remainder of the assembly. Such action of the piston (220) distorts both films (202), (204) to change the shape of the lens and may be driven by bimorph actuators (214a-c). Distance of displacement may be calculated by measuring a magnetic field created by at least one magnet (222a-c) attached to the piston (220). Feedback control may be used to stabilize the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: NewEyes, Inc.
    Inventors: Tridib Ghosh, Apratim Majumder
  • Patent number: 11906767
    Abstract: A tunable optic includes a hexagonal-shaped housing, a polar liquid, a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, a fourth electrode, a fifth electrode, a sixth electrode, and a grounding electrode. The hexagonal-shaped housing includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth side walls and first and second light transmissive end walls, and the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth side walls and the first and second light transmissive end walls define a hexagonal-shaped inner cavity. The polar liquid is disposed within the hexagonal-shaped inner cavity. The polar liquid has a surface, and the surface has a curvature and a two-dimensional tilt angle that is variable in response to voltages supplied to each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth electrodes, whereby lens characteristics and light deflection characteristics of the tunable optic are varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Wei Li
  • Patent number: 11889763
    Abstract: An actuator may be integrated into an optical element such as a liquid lens and configured to create spherical curvature as well as a variable cylinder radius and axis in a surface of the optical element. An example actuator may include a stack of electromechanical layers, and electrodes configured to apply an electric field independently across each of the electromechanical layers. Within the stack, an orientation of neighboring electromechanical layers may differ, e.g., stepwise, by at least approximately 10°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew John Ouderkirk, Spencer Allan Wells, Christopher Stipe, Kenneth Alexander Diest, Christopher Yuan Ting Liao, Nagi Hosni Elabbasi, James Howard Thomas Ransley, Taha Masood, Liliana Ruiz Diaz, Laura Cressman
  • Patent number: 11885983
    Abstract: A liquid lens includes a transparent substrate, a multilayer polyurethane-based membrane overlying the transparent substrate, and a liquid layer disposed between and abutting the transparent substrate and the multilayer polyurethane-based membrane. The multilayer polyurethane-based membrane, which may include thermoplastic and/or thermoset polymer layers, may be formed by slot die coating or gravure coating one or more constituent layers and may exhibit a reversible elastic response to imposed strains of up to approximately 5% while limiting the transpiration of fluid therethrough to less than approximately 10?2 g/m2/day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sheng Ye, Andrew John Ouderkirk, Christopher Stipe, Christopher Yuan Ting Liao, Hayden Erik Hernandez
  • Patent number: 11867928
    Abstract: Methods of filling an envelope (16) of a compression-type adjustable optical device (10), such as a liquid lens or mirror, which is formed in part by a distensible membrane (11) having an exterior optical surface, with a substantially incompressible fluid (15) to a predetermined optical power or radius of curvature; the methods comprising pumping fluid into the envelope (16) under vacuum through a fluid supply conduit (23) in fluid communication with an interior of the envelope (16) while allowing air to escape from the envelope through a fluid overflow conduit (26) in fluid communication with the interior of the envelope (16); continuing to pump fluid (15) into the envelope (16) to cause the membrane (11) to distend to an optical power of the optical device (10) that is greater than the predetermined optical power while allowing excess fluid (15) to escape from the envelope through the overflow device (26); slowing or stopping the supply of fluid to the envelope (16), thereby to allow the membrane (11) progr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: ADLENS LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas Norman Llyn Jacoby, Robert Edward Stevens, Tom Worsley
  • Patent number: 11815794
    Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Ryan N. Ruzicka, Yasushi Sakamoto, Mark A. Miller
  • Patent number: 11815742
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device (1), comprising: at least a first lens (100) having an adjustable focal length, wherein the first lens (100) comprises a container (2) comprising at least one reservoir volume (90) and a lens volume (91) which are in flow communication via a channel (92) and filled with a transparent fluid (F), and wherein the container (2) comprises a stretchable transparent membrane (21) and a transparent lens shaper (22) that is immersed in the fluid (F) and connected to the membrane (21), so that the lens shaper (22) defines a curvature-adjustable area (23) of the membrane (21), and wherein the container (2) comprises a transparent back wall (30) facing the membrane (21), wherein the fluid (F) is arranged between the membrane (20) and the back wall (30). According to the present invention, the at least one reservoir volume (90) is covered by a wall (21), wherein a plunger (94) for interacting with an actuator part (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: OPTOTUNE AG
    Inventors: David Leuenberger, Michael Büeler, Roman Patscheider, Pit Gebbers, Christopher Laning, Manuel Aschwanden
  • Patent number: 11813607
    Abstract: Exemplary liquid lenses generally include two liquids disposed within a microfluidic cavity disposed between a first window and a second window. Applying varying electric fields to these liquid lenses can vary the wettability of one of the liquids with respect to this microfluidic cavity, thereby varying the shape and/or the curvature of the meniscuses formed between the two liquids and, thus, changing the optical focal length or the optical power of the liquid lenses. These liquids can expand and/or contract as result of varying temperatures. The exemplary liquid lenses include one or more thermal compensation chambers to allow these liquids to expand and/or contract without impacting the integrity of the microfluidic cavity, for example, without bowing or deflecting the first window and/or the second window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignees: CORNING INCORPORATED, LG INNOTEK CO. LTD
    Inventor: Christian Daniel Gutleben
  • Patent number: 11768387
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a tuneable ophthalmic lens 200. The tuneable ophthalmic lens comprises an activated state and a deactivated state. The ophthalmic lens further comprises a central chamber 206b. The ophthalmic lens also comprises a fluid reservoir, the fluid reservoir being in fluid communication with the central chamber. The fluid reservoir comprises a pump for pumping fluid between the fluid reservoir and the central chamber. In the deactivated state the central chamber is substantially empty of fluid 208a. In the activated state the central chamber is not substantially empty of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: COOPERVISION INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert Oag, Ian Bruce, Robin Frith, Percy Lazon de la Jara, Rachel Marullo
  • Patent number: 11767300
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed relating to a lens system that allows for simultaneous focus of near and far-away images with one pair of glasses, heads-up-displays (HUDs), and the like, without the need to move the user's eyes. This lens system may be used in a HUD application, for example, where the user may focus on a display lens that may be approximately one inch from the eye to view computer-generated information such as altitude, temperature, directions, and the like, and simultaneously view the individual's surroundings. The lens system may include a liquid lens that when modulated may vary from a near-focus state to a far-focus state rapidly by using an electrowetting or piezoelectric hydraulic actuator. This variable rate lens may be multiplexed at a rate that allows both near and far-away images to appear in focus simultaneously through the advantageous use of a user's persistence of vision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Valve Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin David Krasnow
  • Patent number: 11762131
    Abstract: A variable focus optical device (100) can include first optically transparent membrane (102) and a second membrane (104) that at least partially define a chamber (106) retaining an optically transparent liquid. A transparent piston (110) is attached to the second membrane (104). At least one actuator (112a-c) is operatively coupled to the transparent piston (110) and configured to move to change a focal length of the variable focus optical device (100) via actuation of the transparent piston (110). Three curved bimorph actuators (112a-c) can surround and be coupled to the piston (110) for actuation of the piston (110) to generate a plano-convex or plano-concave lens via the membranes (102, 104). A smart eyeglasses system includes a pair of variable focus optical devices (100), an object distance sensor, a battery, optional eye-tracking camera(s), and a microcontroller, collectively used for purposes of sensing distance of objects and adjusting said focal length via the variable focus optical devices (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Carlos Mastrangelo, Nazmul Hasan, Kim Hanseup
  • Patent number: 11747608
    Abstract: A MEMS optical device including: a semiconductor body; a main cavity, which extends within the semiconductor body; a membrane suspended over the main cavity; a piezoelectric actuator, which is mechanically coupled to the membrane and can be electronically controlled so as to deform the membrane; a micro-lens, mechanically coupled to the membrane so as to undergo deformation following the deformation of the membrane; and a rigid optical element, which contacts the micro-lens and is arranged so that the micro-lens is interposed between the rigid optical element and the membrane. The micro-lens and the main cavity are arranged on opposite sides of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventors: Enri Duqi, Dario Paci, Lorenzo Baldo, Domenico Giusti
  • Patent number: 11740392
    Abstract: The disclosed optical lens assemblies may include a structural support element, a deformable element coupled to the structural support element, and a deformable medium positioned between the deformable element and the structural support element. The deformable element may include a base element that, when deformed, alters an optical property of the optical lens assembly. The deformable element may have a non-uniform stiffness. Related methods of fabricating an optical lens assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew John Ouderkirk, Katherine Marie Smyth
  • Patent number: 11719960
    Abstract: Examples include a device including a fluid lens having a membrane, a substrate, and a fluid at least partially enclosed between the membrane and the substrate. The membrane may have a spatial variation in at least one membrane parameter along a particular direction, that may compensate for gravity sag in the membrane of the fluid lens when the device is worn by a user. Examples also include related methods and systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Alexander Herbert, Thomas Norman Llyn Jacoby, Hayden Erik Hernández, Andrew John Ouderkirk
  • Patent number: 11709379
    Abstract: A method of assembling an adjustable fluid-filled lens assembly comprising biaxially tensioning an elastomeric membrane to a surface tension of greater than 180 N/m, typically greater than 1000 N/m; thermally conditioning the tensioned membrane, e.g., for one hour at a temperature of about 80° C., to accelerate relaxation of the membrane; mounting the membrane to a peripheral support structure whilst maintaining the tension in the membrane; assembling the mounted membrane with one or more other components to form an enclosure with the membrane forming one wall of the enclosure; and thereafter filling the enclosure with a fluid. The membrane may be formed from an aromatic polyurethane, and the fluid may be a phenylated siloxane. In some embodiments, the membrane is able to hold a substantially constant surface tension of at least 180 N/m for a period of at least 12 months.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: ADLENS LTD
    Inventors: Robert Edward Stevens, Thomas Jacoby, Derek Paul Forbes Bean, William Guest, Jon Nisper, Tom Worsley, Ashutosh Kumar, Richard Wilhelm Janse Van Rensburg, Peter Lee Crossley, Rita Stella
  • Patent number: 11703617
    Abstract: The invention relates to cylindrical tunable fluidic lenses. The cylindrical optical power of the lenses may be continuously tuned within at least ±10 diopters, without inducing any significant spherical aberration, or any other significant aberrations. The lenses feature a geometry that produces minimal or no spherical defocus. These cylindrical tunable fluidic lenses could be used to induce and/or correct cylindrical optical aberrations in adaptive optical systems, particularly in ophthalmologic applications related to objective and automatic assessment of the refractive error of the eye, without the need of receiving feedback from the subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventors: Erol Ozgur, Daniel Reetz, Farhad Akhoundi, Gholam Peyman
  • Patent number: 11693159
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tunable lens where the optical power can be adjusted. The lens consists of a deformable, non-fluid lens body sandwiched between a thin, flexible membrane and transparent back window, and an actuator system serving to change the overall shape of the membrane and lens body. The membrane is pre-shaped to have a Sag or Sagittal of at least 10 ?m so that the lens has a non-zero optical power when the actuator system is not activated. In order to achieve a large optical power range for the lens, the membrane should preferably be made of a material having a Young's modulus in the range 2-1.000 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: poLight ASA
    Inventors: Pierre Craen, Vladimir Kartashov, Nicolas Tallaron
  • Patent number: 11672649
    Abstract: Ophthalmic devices having elastic electrodes are disclosed herein. An example ophthalmic device may be an intraocular lens that includes a support structure, two optical windows, two immiscible fluids, and an elastic electrode. The support structure may have an inner surface defining an aperture with first and second optical windows disposed on opposite sides of the support structure and spanning the aperture. The two immiscible liquids may be disposed in a cavity formed by the aperture and the first and second optical windows, and the elastic electrode may be disposed on the inner surface. The elastic electrode may be formed from an elastic metal alloy having a minimum yield strain of 0.25%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Daniel B. Otts, Stein Kuiper
  • Patent number: 11669046
    Abstract: A display device includes a light source, a waveguide element, a liquid crystal coupler, a first holographic optical element and a second holographic optical element. The light source is configured to emit light. The waveguide element is located above the light source. The liquid crystal coupler is located between the waveguide element and the light source. The first holographic optical element is located on a top surface of the waveguide element, in which the liquid crystal coupler is configured to change an incident angle that the light emits to the first holographic optical element. The second holographic optical element is located on the top surface of the waveguide element, and there is a first distance in a horizontal direction between the first holographic optical element and the second holographic optical element, in which the second holographic optical element is configured to diffract the light to the waveguide element below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignees: Interface Technology (ChengDu) Co., Ltd., Interface Optoelectronics (SingZhen) Co., Ltd., Interface Optoelectronics (Wuxi) Co., Ltd., General Interface Solution Limited
    Inventors: Shih-Yu Wang, Chun-Ta Chen, Shiuan-Huei Lin, Zih-Fan Chen, Wan-Lin Li, Yi-Hsin Lin, Yu-Jen Wang, Wei-Cheng Cheng, Chang-Nien Mao
  • Patent number: 11668946
    Abstract: An interactive display includes a display capable of generating displayed images, and first and second eyepiece assemblies each including one or more variable-focus lenses. The eyepiece assemblies, variable-focus lenses and display allow the user to perceive a virtual 3D image while providing visual depth cues that cause the eyes to accommodate at a specified fixation distance. The fixation distance can be adjusted by changing the focal power of the variable-focus lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Holochip Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel T. Robinson, Robert G. Batchko, David Antonio Perez
  • Patent number: 11662568
    Abstract: A liquid lens system includes first and second liquids disposed within a cavity. An interface between the first and second liquids defines a variable lens. A common electrode is in electrical communication with the first liquid. A driving electrode is disposed on a sidewall of the cavity and insulated from the first and second liquids. A controller supplies a common voltage to the common electrode and a driving voltage to the driving electrode. A voltage differential between the common voltage and the driving voltage is based at least in part on at least one of: (a) a first reference capacitance of a first reference electrode pair disposed within the first portion of the cavity and insulated from the first liquid or (b) a second reference capacitance of a second reference electrode pair disposed within the second portion of the cavity and insulated from the first liquid and the second liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Jann Paul Kaminski, Raymond Miller Karam, Ian Armour McKay, Dragan Pikula, Thomas M Wynne
  • Patent number: 11640016
    Abstract: A liquid lens can include a cavity disposed between a first window and a second window, first and second liquids disposed in the cavity, and a variable interface disposed between the first and second liquids, thereby forming a variable lens. At least one of the first window or the second window can have a multi-layer structure with interior and exterior plies and a deformable spacer disposed between the interior and exterior plies. A refractive index of the interior ply can be substantially the same as a refractive index of the deformable spacer, whereby an index-matched boundary is formed between the interior ply and the deformable spacer. A structural axis of the liquid lens can pass through each of the index-matched boundary and the variable interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Justin Thomas Iveland
  • Patent number: 11635637
    Abstract: Examples include a device including a fluid lens having a membrane (that may be in elastic tension), a substrate, a fluid at least partially enclosed between the membrane and the substrate, and a support structure configured to provide a guide path for an edge portion of the membrane, such as a membrane attachment at a periphery of the membrane. The guide path may be configured to greatly reduce (or substantially eliminate) changes in the elastic energy of the membrane as the membrane profile is adjusted. The guide path may be configured so that the elastic force exerted by the membrane is generally normal to the guide path for each location on the guide path. Adjustment of the membrane profile may include applying an actuation force that is normal to the elastic force exerted by the membrane. Various other methods and apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Alexander Herbert, Robert Edward Stevens, Thomas Norman Llyn Jacoby, Andrew John Ouderkirk
  • Patent number: 11628576
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting pose and force against an object are provided. A method includes receiving a signal from a deformable sensor comprising data from a deformation region in a deformable membrane resulting from contact with the object utilizing an internal sensor disposed within an enclosure and having a field of view directed through a medium and toward a bottom surface of the deformable membrane. The method also determines a pose of the object based on the deformation region of the deformable membrane. The method also determines an amount of force applied between the deformable membrane and the object is determined based on the deformation region of the deformable membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Alspach, Russell L. Tedrake, Kunimatsu Hashimoto, Erik C. Sobel
  • Patent number: 11619768
    Abstract: A liquid lens module includes a first plate comprising a cavity accommodating a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid; second and third plates disposed above and below the first plate, respectively; and first and second electrodes disposed on one side and another side of the first plate, respectively, wherein a ratio of a thickness of the first plate to a width of an incidence opening formed below the second plate in the cavity is greater than 0.3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignees: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD., CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Ji Young Jung
  • Patent number: 11586006
    Abstract: A reflective element driving module includes a first reflective element, a second reflective element, and a driving assembly. The first reflective element has a first reflective surface, disposed to correspond to the incident light, wherein the light has an optical axis. The second reflective element has a second reflective surface, disposed to correspond to the light reflected by the first reflective element, and is movable relative to the first reflective element. The driving assembly is configured to drive the second reflective element to move relative to the first reflective element, wherein the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface face different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Chao-Chang Hu, Che-Wei Chang, Chih-Wen Chiang, Sin-Jhong Song
  • Patent number: 11579342
    Abstract: A liquid lens according to one embodiment includes a first plate including a cavity in which liquids are disposed, the cavity having an inclined surface, a first electrode disposed on the inclined surface, a second electrode disposed on the first plate, and an insulation layer disposed on the first electrode, wherein the liquids include a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid, wherein an interface is formed between the conductive liquid and the non-conductive liquid, wherein the insulation layer includes a base disposed on the first electrode and a plurality of protrusions disposed on the base, and wherein the plurality of protrusions contacts the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ba Ro Lee, Jae Wook Jung
  • Patent number: 11567313
    Abstract: An annular optical component includes a plastic element and a metal element disposed on the plastic element. The plastic element includes a plastic part, and the metal element includes a metal part. The plastic part surrounds a central axis of the annular optical component so as to form a central opening. An outer annular surface and an inner annular surface of the annular optical component are opposite to each other. An object-side surface of the annular optical component faces an image-side direction of the annular optical component and is connected to the outer annular surface and the inner annular surface. An image-side surface of the annular optical component faces an image-side direction of the annular optical component and is connected to the outer annular surface and the inner annular surface. The image-side surface and the object-side surface are opposite to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: LARGAN PRECISION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Shun Chang, Yu-Jen Chiu, Ming-Ta Chou
  • Patent number: 11561415
    Abstract: An example device may include a fluid lens having a membrane assembly including a membrane and one or more membrane attachments, a substrate, a fluid located within an enclosure formed at least in part by the membrane and the substrate, and a support structure, attached to the substrate, including an actuation guide. The device may include an actuator mechanically coupled to the actuation guide and configured to change an orientation of the actuation guide relative to another device component, such as a substrate or frame. An example actuation guide may engage with the membrane attachment, and the movement of the membrane attachment along the actuation guide in response to the change in the orientation of the actuation guide may adjust an optical property, such as a focal length, of the fluid lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Norman Llyn Jacoby, Andrew Alexander Herbert, Robert Edward Stevens
  • Patent number: 11543566
    Abstract: An image display apparatus including a first waveguide, a second waveguide, a focus tunable lens positioned between the first waveguide and the second waveguide, and a display engine configured to control a focal length of the focus tunable lens and control the display engine to output first light forming the first virtual image and second light forming the second virtual image, wherein at least a portion of the first light is diffracted from the first waveguide and at least a portion of the second light diffracted from the second waveguide is incident on the first waveguide through the focus tunable lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyusub Kwak, Kyookeun Lee, Wonjun Lee, Myongjo Choi
  • Patent number: 11528405
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile terminal comprising a liquid lens including: a side wall part; a first and a second glass layer which cover one surface and the other surface of the side wall part, respectively, to form a receiving part; a plurality of electrode modules, each of which is positioned on the side wall part and includes a first and a second electrode; an insulation layer covering the first electrode; a nonpolar liquid filled in the receiving part; and a polar liquid which is separated from the polar liquid in layers, is filled in the receiving part, and is in contact with the second electrode, wherein a boundary surface between the nonpolar liquid and the polar liquid changes into a shape protruding toward the polar liquid as a voltage applied to the electrode modules increases, and a control part differently controls at least a part of the voltage applied to the plurality of electrode modules to adjust a position of a protrusion of the boundary surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jongpil Kim, Sungmin Woo, Dongjin Lee
  • Patent number: 11506680
    Abstract: A speed sensor, a device for measuring a speed, and a method for measuring a speed are provided. The speed sensor includes: an imaging device; a liquid crystal lens on a side of the imaging device; and a controller configured to: apply different voltages to the liquid crystal lens, obtain, via the imaging device, images of a reference object formed through the liquid crystal lens under the different voltages, control, based on information of the images, the liquid crystal lens to realize focus for multiple times for the reference object, obtain a voltage that is correspondingly applied to the liquid crystal lens when each of the multiple times of focus is realized, and calculate a speed based on the voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignees: CHENGDU BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhonglin Cao, Yuanjie Xu, Jing He, Huanchun Wang
  • Patent number: 11500132
    Abstract: An actuator including an electrically conducting coil arranged on or integrated into a wall member, wherein the electrically conducting coil is arranged adjacent to a magnetic flux return structure. A magnet connected to a carrier, wherein the magnet interacts with the electrically conducting coil such that when a current is applied to the coil the coil is either moved towards the carrier along an axial direction or away from the carrier along the axial direction depending on a direction of the current within the coil. A magnetic flux guiding structure connected to the carrier, wherein magnetic flux is guided through the flux return structure and the flux guiding structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: OPTOTUNE CONSUMER AG
    Inventors: Manuel Aschwanden, Pit Gebbers
  • Patent number: 11500192
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lens curvature variation apparatus. The lens curvature variation apparatus according to an embodiment is a lens curvature variation apparatus for varying a curvature of a liquid lens which is variable based on an applied electrical signal. The lens curvature variation apparatus includes a lens driver to apply the electrical signal to the liquid lens, a sensor unit to sense the curvature of the liquid lens formed based on the electrical signal, and a controller to control the lens driver to form a target curvature of the liquid lens based on the sensed curvature, wherein the lens driver supplies the electrical signal to the liquid lens according to a switching operation of a switching element, and includes a detection element connected to one end of the switching element, wherein the sensor unit senses an electrical signal detected by the detection element. Thereby, the curvature of the lens can be sensed quickly and accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seungheun Song, Sungoh Yang
  • Patent number: 11479328
    Abstract: An inflation-based antifouling system and method that include an inflatable film configured to be disposed on a target clean surface; and an inflation device that inflates the inflatable film such that bio-fouling is removed from the target clean surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Michael Hunter Brown, Nicholas Ray Caruso
  • Patent number: 11465296
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting pose and force against an object are provided. A method includes receiving a signal from a deformable sensor comprising data from a deformation region in a deformable membrane resulting from contact with the object utilizing an internal sensor disposed within an enclosure and having a field of view directed through a medium and toward a bottom surface of the deformable membrane. The method also determines a pose of the object based on the deformation region of the deformable membrane. The method also determines an amount of force applied between the deformable membrane and the object is determined based on the deformation region of the deformable membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Alspach, Russell L. Tedrake, Kunimatsu Hashimoto, Erik C. Sobel
  • Patent number: 11470228
    Abstract: A camera module includes a circuit board; and a lens module electrically connected with the circuit board. The lens module is configured to be capable of deformed when being applied a voltage thereon so as to change a focus length of the lens module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: TRIPLE WIN TECHNOLOGY(SHENZHEN) CO.LTD.
    Inventors: Xiao-Mei Ma, Shin-Wen Chen, Long-Fei Zhang, Kun Li
  • Patent number: 11448900
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device (1), comprising: at least a first lens 100) having an adjustable focal length, wherein the first lens (100) comprises a container (2) that defines a volume (V) which is filled with a transparent fluid (F), and wherein the container (2) comprises a front wall (20), which front wall (20) comprises a transparent membrane (21) that is flexible and stretchable and a transparent lens shaper (22) that is immersed in the fluid (F) and connected to the membrane (21), so that the lens shaper (22) defines a curvature-adjustable area (23) of the membrane (21), and wherein the container (2) comprises a back wall (30) facing the front wall (20), wherein the fluid (F) is arranged between the front wall (20) and the back wall (30), and wherein the back wall (30) forms a lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: OPTOTUNE AG
    Inventors: Manuel Aschwanden, Roman Patscheider, David Leuenberger, Michael Bueler
  • Patent number: 11448849
    Abstract: There is presented an optical element 100, such as a tuneable lens, wherein there is provided means 128 to mitigate problems with stress concentration in a bendable cover member 102 at a border of a supporting structure 101, which in the absence of said means would entail a stress singularity issue due to an abrupt change in mechanical properties around the bendable cover member 102.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: poLight ASA
    Inventors: Lars Henriksen, Vladimir Kartashov, Janne Tapani Kilpinen
  • Patent number: 11409134
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for producing a lens surface through electrowetting. The lens surface may be used in an ophthalmic lens such as an intraocular lens, contact lens, or eyeglass lens. A fluid chamber may include a conductive fluid and a curable fluid positioned therein. An electrode may be used to vary a shape of a surface of the curable fluid through electrowetting. The surface of the curable fluid may be cured to produce a lens surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: AMO Groningen B.V.
    Inventors: Mihai State, Theophilus Bogaert
  • Patent number: 11409182
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid lens comprising a first plate having a cavity for receiving conductive liquid and nonconductive liquid formed thereon, a first electrode disposed on an upper portion of the first plate, a second electrode disposed on a lower portion of the first plate, a second plate disposed on an upper portion of the first electrode, and a third plate disposed on a lower portion of the second electrode, wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate comprises a structure through which at least one of the conductive liquid and the nonconductive liquid can flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seong Su Eom, Jun Phill Eom, Kyu Tae Lee, Seung Han Hyun
  • Patent number: 11405547
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for operating an apparatus for generating an all-in-focus image. The method may include generating a focus-map-calculating model through deep learning for images having different focuses and a reference all-in-focus image corresponding thereto, calculating a focus map for each of multi-focus images, which are captured by a camera, using the focus-map-calculating model, and generating an all-in-focus image for the multi-focus images using the focus map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Seong-Jin Park, Do-Hyung Kim, Jae-Woo Kim, Seong-Jun Bae, Ho-Wook Jang
  • Patent number: 11385453
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an adaptive retro-reflector device. The adaptive retro-reflector device includes a standard retro-reflector. In operation, the retro-reflector receives an incident optical signal and outputs a returned optical signal. The returned optical signal exhibits a divergence. The adaptive retro-reflector device includes an elastomeric interface. The elastomeric interface is in optical communication with the retro-reflector such that the incident optical signal passes through the elastomeric interface to the retro-reflector and such that the returned optical signal from the retro-reflector passes through the elastomeric interface. The elastomeric interface includes an interface surface. The apparatus includes a standard actuator. The actuator in operation communicates with the elastomeric interface so as to deform the interface surface, thereby controlling the divergence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Freddie Santiago, Carlos Font
  • Patent number: 11378795
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lens curvature variation apparatus. The lens curvature variation apparatus according to an embodiment is a lens curvature varying apparatus for varying a curvature of a liquid lens having a variable curvature based on an applied electric signal, the lens curvature varying apparatus comprising: And a control unit for controlling the lens driving unit to form a target curvature of the liquid lens on the basis of the sensed curvature, The sensor unit senses a change in the size or the area of the boundary area between the insulator on the electrode in the liquid lens and the electroconductive aqueous solution. Thereby, the curvature of the lens can be sensed quickly and accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignees: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD., CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Seungheun Song, Sungoh Yang
  • Patent number: 11320105
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to lighting devices with adjustable light distribution. One embodiment includes a lighting device. The lighting device includes a support with a first light source arranged on the support. The lighting device also includes a lens assembly that includes a flexible solid first lens element extending over the first light source. The first lens element includes a lens portion and an edge portion surrounding the lens portion. Further, the lighting device includes a retaining and adjustment means configured to change a shape of the lens portion while the edge portion is retained in a fixed position with respect to the support. The first light source and the first lens element are configured to generate a first light beam. The retaining and adjustment means is configured to adjust the shape of the first light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Schreder S.A.
    Inventors: Vincent Lang, Roxane Caprara
  • Patent number: 11221508
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, are adaptive harmonic diffractive liquid crystal lenses and methods of making and use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Versatile Research LLC
    Inventor: Guoqiang Li
  • Patent number: 11210485
    Abstract: A barcode reader includes an illumination assembly configured to illuminate a target; an imaging assembly configured to capture an image of the target, and a visual indicator assembly that includes: a projection lens; a first light source configured to emit first color light through the projection lens to project an aim pattern onto the target; a second light source configured to emit second color light through the projection lens to project a visual indicator onto the target; and an optical element configured to direct the light from both the first light source and the second light source to the projection lens. A memory and a processor of the barcode reader are configured to cause the first light source to emit light prior to the imaging assembly capturing the image; and cause the second light source to emit light subsequent to the processor successfully decoding a symbology in the captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher W. Brock
  • Patent number: 11204451
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a camera module including a liquid lens including an electrode; and a holder in which the liquid lens is disposed, wherein the holder includes a first body portion including a first hole formed therein; a second body portion spaced apart from the first body portion, the second body portion including a second hole formed therein so as to correspond to the first hole; and a side portion connecting the first body portion and the second body portion to each other, wherein the second body portion includes a support portion supporting the liquid lens and an extension portion extending from the support portion, and wherein the support portion includes a side surface, an upper surface, and a step formed between the side surface and the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yong Bok Choi
  • Patent number: 11162784
    Abstract: System and method for profile measurement are provided. The profile measurement system includes a light projector, an imaging device, a control system, and a processing unit. The light projector includes a light source, a mask, and an optical system. An aperture of the mask allows a portion of light to pass through and generates a pattern. The optical system includes a variable focal length lens element configured to project the pattern at different projection distances. The imaging device is configured to capture images of the pattern projected at the different projection distances. The control system is configured to control a projection distance of the light projector and a focus distance of the imaging device. The processing unit is configured to obtain in-focus pixels in the captured images, generate mask images, reconstruct a large depth of field pattern image based on the captured images and reconstruct the object profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ludovic Angot, Yueh-Yi Lai