Patents Assigned to Alan Y. Chow
  • Publication number: 20040105364
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for carrying additional information data on multiplexed signals which are modulated on different wavelengths. An information code such as an address or control data for a particular data signal at a selected wavelength is overlaid on the parallel multiplexed signals. The information code may be overlaid by attenuation or changing the amplitude of the different signals. A separate marker channel at a separate wavelength is also multiplexed with the data signals to indicate the presence of an information code. An optical data detector array is used to optically determine the encoded address by comparing the signals with light levels and producing an output when a matching code is detected. The optical data detector array uses a series of detectors each corresponding to the wavelength of light signals carrying the information data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Alan Y. Chow
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Patent number: 6075251
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission method and device for efficient compression of digital data. The invention uses an optoelectronic coupler to receive light signals from a light transmitter at two bandwidths. A modulated signal generator is coupled to the transmitter which coverts voltage phase data signals to light signals. The data signals are modulated with a plurality of master profiles and subprofiles with different cycle time variations. The optoelectronic coupler has a pair of photodiodes. Light filters disposed on both diodes allow either the first or second bandwidth of light to pass. Conductors electrically couple the anode of the each photodiode to the cathode of the other photodiode which produce the voltage phase signal. A signal receiver is connected to the coupler and decodes the voltage-phase signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Alan Y. Chow
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Patent number: 6069365
    Abstract: An image processing system for capturing and compressing images into a digital format is disclosed. The system has an array of imaging pixel elements which consist of two photodiode detectors. One photodiode detector is a capture detector while the other detector is a reference detector. The capture detector has an anode electrically coupled to the cathode of the reference detector. The cathode of the capture detector is electrically coupled to the anode of the reference detector. An image may be compared to a reference image detected by the reference detector. Different levels of light between the captured image and the reference image change the electrical output of the opsistor. Image compression is facilitated since only pixel elements which change from frame to frame need be stored. Additionally, a processing and compression circuit may use column and row scans to eliminate unchanged pixels and store only pixels with different light levels between images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Alan Y. Chow
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Patent number: 6020593
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission method and device for efficient compression of digital data. The invention uses an optoelectronic coupler to receive light signals from a light transmitter at two bandwidths. A modulated signal generator is coupled to the transmitter which coverts voltage phase data signals to light signals. The data signals are modulated with a plurality of master profiles and subprofiles with different cycle time variations. The optoelectronic coupler has a pair of photodiodes. Light filters disposed on both diodes allow either the first or second bandwidth of light to pass. Conductors electrically couple the anode of the each photodiode to the cathode of the other photodiode which produce the voltage phase signal. A signal receiver is connected to the coupler and decodes the voltage-phase signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Alan Y. Chow
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Patent number: 5949064
    Abstract: An image processing system for capturing and compressing images into a digital format is disclosed. The system has an array of imaging pixel elements which consist of two photodiode detectors (Opsistor). One photodiode detector is a capture detector while the other detector is a reference detector. The capture detector has an anode electrically coupled to the cathode of the reference detector. The cathode of the capture detector is electrically coupled to the anode of the reference detector. An image may be compared to a reference image detected by the reference detector. Different levels of light between the captured image and the reference image change the electrical output of the opsistor. Image compression is facilitated since only pixel elements which change from frame to frame need be stored. Additionally, a processing and compression circuit may use column and row scans to eliminate unchanged pixels and store only pixels with different light levels between images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Alan Y. Chow
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Patent number: 5837995
    Abstract: A wavelength-portion controllable optoelectronic switch ("Opsistor") capable of rapid switch frequencies fabricated as a monolithic integrated circuit is disclosed. The Opsistor is comprised of two inverse parallel photodiodes in close proximity, preferably on a monolithic silicon substrate, such that the anode of one photodiode is electrically connected via a first conductor to the cathode of the second photodiode, and the cathode of the first photodiode is electrically connected via a second conductor to the anode of the second photodiode. The voltage-phase of the Opsistor is determined by the relative illumination to the Opsistor's two photodiodes and is rapidly switchable. As a receiving device for data signals, the Opsistor receives programming signals from a transmitter light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Alan Y. Chow
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Patent number: 5556423
    Abstract: Microscopic photodiode devices with semi-transparent surface electrodes are combined with a liquid or other suitable vehicle. Together they are injected into the subretinal space of the eye. The purpose of these microphotodiode photovoltaic devices is to transduce incident light into electric current which stimulate the overlying cellular layers of the retina. In persons suffering from visual dysfunction due to outer retinal layer damage, such devices may allow useful formed artificial vision. These independent surface electrode microphotodiodes (ISEMCPs) may be in the shape of micro-spheres, micro-cylinders or other micro-shapes. An off-center embedded ferromagnetic layer will confer magnetic susceptibility to the ISEMCPs. A magnetic field applied in the vicinity of the eye will align the ISEMCPs within the subretinal space directing their photoactive surface toward incident light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Alan Y. Chow
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Chow