Patents Examined by Francis M. LeGasse, Jr.
  • Radiometer and method for use of same
    Patent number: 9291499
    Abstract: A radiometer includes a substrate; a radiation absorber disposed on the substrate to absorb radiation; a thermal member disposed on the substrate to change electrical resistance in response to a change in temperature of the radiometer; and a thermal link to connect the radiometer to a thermal reference, wherein the radiation absorber, the thermal member, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes, the carbon nanotubes being mutually aligned with respect to the substrate, and the radiometer being configured to detect optical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARD AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: John H. Lehman, Nathan Tomlin
  • Read out integrated circuit input/output routing on permanent carrier
    Patent number: 9276030
    Abstract: A focal plane array (FPA) comprising a photodiode array (PDA) and a read out integrated circuit (ROIC), wherein the FPA can include a plurality of conductive bumps that electrically couple PDA circuitry to ROIC circuitry. In an embodiment, an optically transparent lid can include a plurality traces electrically coupled to circuitry on the ROIC which can be used as a conductive path between the ROIC and external pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: SENSORS UNLIMITED, INC.
    Inventor: Peter E. Dixon
  • Movement detection device capable of detecting three-dimensional motions
    Patent number: 9274051
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a movement detection device for detecting a movement of an object in a space range. The movement detection device includes a light source, a light guiding element, at least two light sensing elements and a processing unit. The light sensing elements have an offset therebetween along a first direction such that the object, when moving in the space range, reflects the light from the light source sequentially to the light sensing elements through the light guiding element. The processing unit identifies the movement of the object along the first direction according to a sequence that the light sensing elements detect the light reflected by the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INC.
    Inventor: En Feng Hsu
  • Semiconductor memory with threshold current setting circuit
    Patent number: 9270237
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first trans-impedance amplifier, a second trans-impedance amplifier, a peak hold circuit, a comparator and a threshold current setting circuit. The first trans-impedance amplifier converts a first current signal generated by a first photodiode, into which an optical signal is input, into a first voltage signal. The second trans-impedance amplifier converts a second current signal generated by a second photodiode, to which an optical signal is blocked, into a second voltage signal. The peak hold circuit holds the peak value of the first voltage signal. The comparator outputs a pulse on the basis of the first and second voltage signals. The threshold current setting circuit draws out a threshold current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Imai, Hirotatsu Tanaka
  • Two-dimensional absolute encoder and scale with marks each having one of a plurality of different characteristic values
    Patent number: 9267820
    Abstract: A two-dimensional absolute encoder includes a scale having marks arranged thereon along first and second directions different from each other, a detector configured to perform first detection that detects rows of a first number of marks arranged in the first direction and second detection that detects rows of a second number of marks arranged in the second direction, and a processor configured to determine absolute positions of the scale in the first and second directions based on outputs from the detector. Each of the marks has one of different characteristic values each corresponding to a combination of a quantized first code for indicating a position in the first direction and a quantized second code for indicating a position in the second direction, the number of the different characteristic values being smaller than the number of the combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ko Ishizuka, Makiko Ogasawara
  • Sunlight collection device and method for tracking sunlight
    Patent number: 9255981
    Abstract: The present invention provide a sunlight collection device, it comprises a concentrator array composed by a plurality of concentrators and a light sensor electrically connected to the controller, the concentrator comprises a collecting cup and a collecting lens fixed to the collecting cup, a optical fiber runs through and is fixed at the bottom of the collecting cup, a plurality of light detection units which are electrically connected to the controller are provided around the optical fiber at the bottom of the collecting cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Chao Ning
  • Spectrum splitting using optical rectennas
    Patent number: 9255840
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an improved solar/infrared conversion efficiency using multiple rectennas, one for each band of the spectrum. Each rectenna is optimally efficient for each spectrum band. An antenna receives at least one of a visible or infrared spectrum. Rectifying circuits coupled to the antenna generate a current based on a portion of the spectrum received by the at least one antenna. Each rectenna operates efficiently using a different operating voltage. The operating voltages are based on the selected load resistor and the current-voltage characteristics for the diode of the rectifying circuit at the associated spectrum portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, A BODY CORPORATE
    Inventors: Garret Moddel, Saumil Joshi
  • Methods of operating depth pixel included in three-dimensional image sensor and methods of operating three-dimensional image sensor
    Patent number: 9258502
    Abstract: In a method of operating a depth pixel included in a three-dimensional (3D) image sensor, a plurality of sampling values are obtained by sampling a reception light reflected by an object based on a transfer control signal having a first initial activation level. The depth pixel includes a photo detection region, a transfer gate and a floating diffusion region. The transfer control signal is applied to the transfer gate. A first final activation level of the transfer control signal is determined based on the plurality of sampling values and at least one reference value. A distance between the depth pixel and the object is calculated based on the reception light and the transfer control signal having the first final activation level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae-Yon Lee
  • Image pickup apparatus with pixels that include an amplifier and method for driving the same
    Patent number: 9257459
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes a clipping circuit that clips the voltage of an input node of an amplifying unit in a pixel. The clipping circuit can operate at least in a time period in which a charge is transferred from a photoelectric conversion unit to the input node of the amplifying unit, and can switch among multiple clipping voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichiro Shimizu, Takashi Matsuda, Yuichiro Yamashita, Toshiaki Ono
  • Apparatus and method for allowing avalanche photodiode based single-photon detectors to be driven by the same electrical circuit in gated and in free-running modes
    Patent number: 9246041
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing avalanche photodiode based single-photon detectors to be driven by the same electrical circuit in gated and in free-running modes is proposed. The high-performance working of all the running modes relies on the capability of tuning the rise-time value of the electrical pulse driver which activates the avalanche photodiode in Geiger mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: ID QUANTIQUE SA
    Inventors: Bernard Clausen, Laurent Monat, Alexis Rochas
  • Light intensity monitor capable of detecting light intensity and fiber breaking
    Patent number: 9234792
    Abstract: A fiber laser system with a fiber laser device including a fiber laser; a laser output end part; and a delivery fiber. The delivery fiber is constituted by a double cladding fiber. An SFBG is provided on the output end side of the delivery fiber, which reflects part of laser light propagating in the core of the delivery fiber to thereby couple the part of the laser light with a backward-propagating cladding mode propagating in a first cladding in a backward direction. A backward-propagating cladding mode detecting section is provided on the input end side of the delivery fiber, which detects the intensity of backward-propagating light in a cladding mode, which light is the part of the laser light coupled by the SFBG with the backward-propagating cladding mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: Hidenori Miyauchi
  • Object tracking device capable of removing background noise and operating method thereof
    Patent number: 9234756
    Abstract: An optical tracking device includes a light source, an image sensor and a processing unit. The light source emits light at a lighting frequency. The image sensor outputs an operating image when the light source is being turned on and outputs a background image when the light source is being turned off. The processing unit is configured to obtain background information from the background image, calculate a differential image of the operating image and the background image, obtain object information from the differential image and compare the background information and the object information thereby removing background noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INC
    Inventors: Ming-Tsan Kao, Shu-Sian Yang, Han-Ping Cheng
  • Apparatus and methods utilizing optical sensors operating in the reflection mode
    Patent number: 9234790
    Abstract: Optical apparatus and methods utilizing sensors operating in the reflection mode are provided. The apparatus includes at least one optical bus. The at least one optical bus is configured to be optically coupled to at least one source of input optical signals, to at least one optical detector, and to a plurality of reflective sensing elements. The at least one optical bus transmits an input optical signal from the at least one source to the plurality of reflective sensing elements. At least one reflective sensing element of the plurality of reflective sensing elements receives a portion of the input optical signal and reflects at least a portion of the received portion. The at least one optical bus transmits the reflected portion to the at least one optical detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Onur Can Akkaya, Onur Kilic, Michel J. F. Digonnet, Gordon Kino, Olav Solgaard
  • Device for detecting an analyte in a bodily fluid
    Patent number: 9228935
    Abstract: A device is proposed for detecting at least one analyte in a bodily fluid. The device comprises at least one test element with at least one two-dimensional evaluation region. The device furthermore comprises at least one spatially resolving optical detector having a plurality of pixels. The detector is designed to image at least part of the test element onto an image region. In the process, at least part of the evaluation region is imaged onto an evaluation image region. The detector is matched to the test element such that a predetermined minimum number of pixels is provided for each dimension within the evaluation image region. The pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix arrangement. The matrix arrangement has pixel rows and pixel columns, wherein the pixel rows are arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the evaluation region and/or of the evaluation image region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Petrich, Frank Weidner
  • Imaging device and method for high-sensitivity optical scanning and integrated circuit therefor
    Patent number: 9232114
    Abstract: An inspection system includes a CMOS integrated circuit having integrally formed thereon an at least two dimensional array of photosensors and providing an inspection output representing an object to be inspected. A defect analyzer is operative to receive the inspection output and to provide a defect report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Orbotech Ltd.
    Inventors: Yigal Katzir, Itay Gur-Arie, Yacov Malinovich
  • Method for detecting gestures using a multi-segment photodiode and one or fewer illumination sources
    Patent number: 9229581
    Abstract: A gesture sensing device includes a multiple segmented photo sensor and a control circuit for processing sensed voltages output from the sensor. The control circuit processes the sensed voltage signals to determine target motion relative to the segmented photo sensor. The control circuit includes an algorithm configured to calculate one of more differential analog signals using the sensed voltage signals output from the segmented photo sensors. A vector is determined according to the calculated differential analog signals, the vector is used to determine a direction and/or velocity of the target motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David Skurnik, Nevzat Akin Kestelli, Ilya K. Veygman, Anand Chamakura, Christopher Francis Edwards, Nicole Kerness, Pirooz Parvarandeh, Sunny Kweisun Hsu
  • Microlens array unit and image processing apparatus
    Patent number: 9229136
    Abstract: A light blocking ink includes a vinyl ether compound, an alicyclic epoxy compound, an oxetane compound, a light blocking material, and a photoacid generating agent. The light blocking ink may be employed in a microlens array unit to block stray light. The microlens array unit may be employed in an image processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryozo Akiyama, Atsushi Kubota
  • Backside-illuminated photosensor array with white, yellow and red-sensitive elements
    Patent number: 9231015
    Abstract: A monolithic backside-sensor-illumination (BSI) image sensor has a sensor array is tiled with a multiple-pixel cells having a first pixel sensor primarily sensitive to red light, a second pixel sensor primarily sensitive to red and green light, and a third pixel sensor having panchromatic sensitivity, the pixel sensors laterally adjacent each other. The image sensor determines a red, a green, and a blue signal comprising by reading the red-sensitive pixel sensor of each multiple-pixel cell to determine the red signal, reading the sensor primarily sensitive to red and green light to determine a yellow signal and subtracting the red signal to determine a green signal. The image sensor reads the panchromatic-sensitive pixel sensor to determine a white signal and subtracts the yellow signal to provide the blue signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gang Chen, Duli Mao, Dyson Hsinchih Tai
  • Optical assembly for a light sensor, light sensor assembly using the optical assembly, and vehicle rearview assembly using the light sensor assembly
    Patent number: 9224889
    Abstract: An optical assembly is provided wherein the optical assembly includes a first optical element and a second optical element. The first optical element is configured to receive light and alter a transmission path of the light through the first optical element in a first direction and a second direction. The second optical element is configured to receive the light from the first optical element, and alter a transmission path of the light through the second optical element in the first and second directions. The light is passed through the second optical element, such that a sensor receives light from a field of view that is approximately 30 degrees to 60 degrees offset from a field of view of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard T. Fish, Jr., Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Darin D. Tuttle
  • Photonic crystal-metallic structures and applications
    Patent number: 9223064
    Abstract: A photonic crystal-metallic (PCM) structure receives an input light signal from a light source. The PCM structure includes a metal structure and a photonic crystal structure disposed adjacent the metal structure. The photonic crystal structure is configured to receive the input light signal such that the input light signal excites surface plasmons of the metallic structure and such that the input light signal is internally reflected within the photonic crystal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents Of The University of Michigan
    Inventors: Yunbo Guo, Theodore B. Norris, James R. Baker, Lingjie Jay Guo, Nils G. Walter