Mezmeriz, Inc.

Cornell Research Foundation Inc.

Other

Shahyaan Desai

Clifford A Lardin

Scott G Adams

Michael O Thompson

S Leigh Phoenix

Anil N Netrvali

Anil N Netravali

Techniques are described herein that are capable of forming a depth map and/or projecting an image onto object(s) based on the depth map. A depth map is a three-dimensional representation of an environment. Forming the depth map may utilize a progressive resolution refinement technique. For example, locating information may be determined in accordance with the progressive resolution refinement technique in response to performing a scan of a current point over a field of view. The current point is a point, selected from a plurality of points (e.g., a grid of points) in the field of view, to which a detection beam of light is directed at a respective time as the scan is performed over the field of view. In accordance with this example, the locating information may be coordinated with the scan to form the depth map.

Portable panoramic laser mapping and/or projection system

Apparatus and associated method for unambiguously evaluating high-bandwidth, rapidly changing analog range data in real time using low-cost components that allow detection of the signal of interest using a sampling rate that is lower than the Nyquist rate required to directly evaluate the full range data bandwidth.

Signal detection apparatus, method, and applications

This disclosure presents a non-contact, frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) coherent optical distance measuring system and method for determining a measured distance over a wide distance range and simultaneously with fine range resolution. The approach and apparatus presented within eliminates the need for expensive, high frequency post-detection electronics to perform the necessary signal processing to accurately determine distance.

Coherent optical distance measurement apparatus and method

A distance-measuring pixel apparatus includes a photonic integrated circuit disposed on a common substrate that further includes a photonic integrated circuit substrate having disposed thereon two 3 dB directional couplers, a GRIN lens, and a partially reflecting Faraday mirror having a first side that is optomechanically coupled to a second side of the GRIN lens; and a source laser, a first photodetector, and a second photodetector. A related distance measuring method includes, using the distance-measuring pixel apparatus, generating a local oscillator (LO) beam, generating an echo, combining the LO beam and the echo beam, splitting the combined LO beam and the echo beam, and producing a modulation of the photodetector assembly photocurrent at a frequency that encodes the distance of a remote object.

Photonic integrated distance measuring pixel and method of distance measurement

In some aspects, the present disclosure is directed to, among other things, a device. The device may include a mirror with a first material and a pivoting system with a second material. The fracture toughness of the second material may be at least 20 M-Pa(m). The pivoting system may be configured to pivot the mirror around an axis.

Composite scanning mirror systems

The present disclosure describes, among other things, a reduced speckle contrast microelectromechanical system. One exemplary embodiment includes micromechanical structures configured to form a uniform reflective surface on a substrate, an elastic substance coupled to the substrate, and an energy source that applies a voltage to the elastic substance to alter the shape of the surface of the substrate, for example, by about 10% to about 25% of a wavelength of light projected onto the substrate at a frequency of at least 60 Hz. Another exemplary embodiment includes micromechanical structures formed on a surface of a substrate, a reflective diaphragm connected to the substrate, an elastic substance coupled to the diaphragm, and an energy source that applies a voltage to the elastic substance to vibrate the diaphragm at a frequency of at least 60 Hz.

Microelectromechanical system with reduced speckle contrast

A microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) device includes a secondary MEMS element displaceably coupled to a substrate. A primary MEMS element is displaceably coupled to the secondary MEMS element and has a resonant frequency substantially equal to the secondary MEMS element and has a much larger displacement than the secondary MEMS element.

Coupled MEMS structure for motion amplification

In one aspect, a system for facilitating short depth projection is shown and described. In brief overview, the system comprises a MEMS scanner that produces a ray of light in communication with an illumination source. An oscillating micromirror receives the ray of light from the illumination source and reflects the ray to one or more points on a curved reflective surface. The micromirror comprises a silicon mirror reinforced by a high-stiffness material. The system further comprises a screen on which the curved reflective surface projects the ray of light received from the micromirror.

Micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) based high definition micro-projectors

Fibrous micro-composite materials are formed from micro fibers. The fibrous micro-composite materials are utilized as the basis for a new class of MEMS. In addition to simple fiber composites and microlaminates, fibrous hollow and/or solid braids, can be used in structures where motion and restoring forces result from deflections involving torsion, plate bending and tensioned string or membrane motion. In one embodiment, fibrous elements are formed using high strength, micron and smaller scale fibers, such as carbon/graphite fibers, carbon nanotubes, fibrous single or multi-ply graphene sheets, or other materials having similar structural configurations. Cantilever beams and torsional elements are formed from the micro-composite materials in some embodiments.

Fibrous micro-composite material

MEMS can be fabricated from fibers without the use of a matrix material. Devices can be built where fibers are attached only at a substrate edge (e.g. cantilevers, bridges). Motions can be controlled by adjusting the linkage between multiple fibers with weak coupling (e.g. base, tip, in-between). Driving mechanisms include base-forcing (magnetics, piezo, electrostatics) or tip forcing (magnetics). Mirrors may be formed on free ends of cantilevers to form optical scanners.

Growing community of inventors

Ithaca, NY, United States of America

Shahyaan Desai