Michael E Tidwell

US Patent:

6352344, Mar 5, 2002

Filed:

Feb 14, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/782931

Inventors:

Michael Tidwell - Seattle WA

Assignee:

University of Washington - Seattle WA

International Classification:

A61B 314

US Classification:

351209

Abstract:

A scanned retinal display includes an optical scanning array to generate multiple exit pupils in conjunction with an eyepiece. The multiple exit pupils expand the effective exit pupil. As a user moves their eye the eye moves from one exit pupil to another. A scanning array creates the multiple exit pupils to maintain a clear line of sight for an augmented display. Also, a viewers eye position is tracked. To achieve a larger effective exit pupil and the pin hole effect advantage of a small exit pupil, only one exit pupil of the multiple pupils is active to enter the users eye.

US Patent:

6388641, May 14, 2002

Filed:

Jul 3, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/898413

Inventors:

Michael Tidwell - Seattle WA
Charles D. Melville - Issaquah WA
Richard S. Johnston - Issaquah WA
Joel S. Kollin - Long Island City NY

Assignee:

University of Washington - Seattle WA

International Classification:

G09G 500

US Classification:

345 8, 359354

Abstract:

A scanning beam display controls the curvature of scanning light wave impinging on the eye to simulate image points of differing depth. To simulate an object at a far distance the generated light waves are flatter. To simulate closer objects, the light wave curvature increases. When changing the curvature of the light waves, the eye responds by altering its focus. The curvature of the light waves thus determines the apparent focal distance from the eye to the virtual object. To vary the curvature, either a variable focus lens or a variable index of refraction device is used. Alternatively, a moving point source is used. The generated apparent distance of a virtual object is correlated to a detected distance in a background field of view. Intensity of the virtual object is correlated to detected intensity of background light.

US Patent:

6492962, Dec 10, 2002

Filed:

Dec 18, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/740272

Inventors:

Charles D. Melville - Issaquah WA
Michael Tidwell - Seattle WA
Richard S. Johnston - Issaquah WA
Joel S. Kollin - Long Island City NY

Assignee:

University of Washington - Seattle WA

International Classification:

G09G 300

US Classification:

345 32, 348135

Abstract:

Apparent distance of a pixel within an optical field of view is determined. Incoming light is scanned along a raster pattern to direct light for a select pixel onto a light distance detector. The distance is sampled for each pixel or for a group of pixels. The light distance detector includes a concentric set of rings sensors. The larger the spot of light corresponding to the pixel, the more rings are impinged. The diameter of the spot is proportional to the distance at which the light originated (e. g. , light source or object from which light was reflected). Alternatively, a variable focus lens (VFL) adjusts focal length for a given pixel to achieve a standard spot size. The distance at which the light originated correlates to the focal length of the VFL.

US Patent:

6538625, Mar 25, 2003

Filed:

Mar 5, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/091703

Inventors:

Michael Tidwell - Seattle WA
Charles D. Melville - Issaquah WA
Richard S. Johnston - Issaquah WA
Joel S. Kollin - Long Island City NY

Assignee:

University of Washington - Seattle WA

International Classification:

G09G 500

US Classification:

345 8, 359354

Abstract:

In a scanning display apparatus an image signal source produces an image signal. A light emitter is coupled to the image signal source and responsive to the image signal to emit light. A lens receives light from the light emitter and passes exiting light, the exiting light having a focal distance. A controller alters the index of refraction of lens to alter the focal distance of the exiting light.

US Patent:

6734835, May 11, 2004

Filed:

Feb 3, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/357088

Inventors:

Michael Tidwell - Seattle WA
Charles D. Melville - Issaquah WA
Richard S. Johnston - Issaquah WA
Joel S. Kollin - Long Island City NY

Assignee:

University of Washington - Seattle WA

International Classification:

G09G 500

US Classification:

345 8, 359223, 359643

Abstract:

In a scanning display apparatus an image signal source produces an image signal. A light emitter is coupled to the image signal source and responsive to the image signal to emit light. A lensing system receives light from the light emitter and passes exiting light. A scanner scans the image light. A light sensor detects intensity of background light. A controller adjusts intensity of the image light in response to the detected background light intensity.

US Patent:

6977631, Dec 20, 2005

Filed:

Sep 17, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/246020

Inventors:

Charles D. Melville - Issaquah WA, US
Michael Tidwell - Seattle WA, US
Richard S. Johnston - Issaquah WA, US
Joel S. Kollin - Long Island City NY, US

Assignee:

University of Washington - Seattle WA

International Classification:

G09G003/00

US Classification:

345 32, 345 7, 359630

Abstract:

Apparent distance of a pixel within an optical field of view is determined. Incoming light is scanned along a raster pattern to direct light for a select pixel onto a light distance detector. The distance is sampled for each pixel or for a group of pixels. The light distance detector includes a concentric set of rings sensors. The larger the spot of light corresponding to the pixel, the more rings are impinged. The diameter of the spot is proportional to the distance at which the light originated (e. g. , light source or object from which light was reflected). Alternatively, a variable focus lens (VFL) adjusts focal length for a given pixel to achieve a standard spot size. The distance at which the light originated correlates to the focal length of the VFL.

US Patent:

7230583, Jun 12, 2007

Filed:

Apr 15, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/824845

Inventors:

Michael Tidwell - Seattle WA, US
Charles D. Melville - Issaquah WA, US
Richard S. Johnston - Issaquah WA, US
Joel S. Kollin - Long Island City NY, US

Assignee:

University of Washington - Seattle WA

International Classification:

G09G 5/00

US Classification:

345 8, 345 32, 359630, 359643, 359223

Abstract:

In a scanning display apparatus an image signal source produces an image signal. A light emitter is coupled to the image signal source and responsive to the image signal to emit light. A lensing system receives light from the light emitter and passes exiting light. A scanner scans the image light. A light sensor detects intensity of background light. A controller adjusts intensity of the image light in response to the detected background light intensity.

US Patent:

20060077121, Apr 13, 2006

Filed:

Nov 28, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/287681

Inventors:

Charles Melville - Issaquah WA, US
Michael Tidwell - Seattle WA, US
Richard Johnston - Issaquah WA, US
Joel Kollin - Long Island City NY, US

Assignee:

University of Washington - Seattle WA

International Classification:

G09G 5/00

US Classification:

345007000

Abstract:

Apparent distance of a pixel within an optical field of view is determined. Incoming light is scanned along a raster pattern to direct light for a select pixel onto a light distance detector. The distance is sampled for each pixel or for a group of pixels. The light distance detector includes a concentric set of rings sensors. The larger the spot of light corresponding to the pixel, the more rings are impinged. The diameter of the spot is proportional to the distance at which the light originated (e.g., light source or object from which light was reflected). Alternatively, a variable focus lens (VFL) adjusts focal length for a given pixel to achieve a standard spot size. The distance at which the light originated correlates to the focal length of the VFL.