Patents by Inventor Andy Lambrechts
Andy Lambrechts has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20190285474Abstract: An integrated circuit for an imaging system is disclosed. In one aspect, an integrated circuit has an array of optical sensors, an array of optical filters integrated with the sensors and configured to pass a band of wavelengths onto one or more of the sensors, and read out circuitry to read out pixel values from the sensors to represent an image. Different ones of the optical filters are configured to have a different thickness, to pass different bands of wavelengths by means of interference, and to allow detection of a spectrum of wavelengths. The read out circuitry can enable multiple pixels under one optical filter to be read out in parallel. The thicknesses may vary non-monotonically across the array. The read out, or later image processing, may involve selection or interpolation between wavelengths, to carry out spectral sampling or shifting, to compensate for thickness errors.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: Nicolaas Tack, Andy Lambrechts, Luc Haspeslagh
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Patent number: 10401220Abstract: A spectrometer module comprising a plurality of separate electronic circuit modules is disclosed. Each separate electronic module comprises an integrated sensor circuit including a light sensitive area occupying part of an area of the integrated sensor circuit, the integrated sensor circuit being arranged to detect incident light. In one aspect, the plurality of separate electronic circuit modules includes a group of adjacent electronic circuit modules. The light sensitive areas of the electronic circuit modules in the group are so arranged on the respective integrated sensor circuits that the group of adjacent electronic circuit modules is mounted so that the light sensitive areas thereof are arranged in vicinity to each other. The spectrometer module includes an optical module, which is common to said plurality of separate electronic circuit modules and arranged to direct incident light towards the light sensitive areas of each of said electronic circuit modules.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2016Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: SpectricityInventors: Jerome Baron, Jonathan Borremans, Andy Lambrechts
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Patent number: 10260945Abstract: An integrated circuit for an imaging system is disclosed. In one aspect, an integrated circuit has an array of optical sensors, an array of optical filters integrated with the sensors and configured to pass a band of wavelengths onto one or more of the sensors, and read out circuitry to read out pixel values from the sensors to represent an image. Different ones of the optical filters are configured to have a different thickness, to pass different bands of wavelengths by means of interference, and to allow detection of a spectrum of wavelengths. The read out circuitry can enable multiple pixels under one optical filter to be read out in parallel. The thicknesses may vary non-monotonically across the array. The read out, or later image processing, may involve selection or interpolation between wavelengths, to carry out spectral sampling or shifting, to compensate for thickness errors.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: IMECInventors: Nicolaas Tack, Andy Lambrechts, Luc Haspeslagh
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Patent number: 10139280Abstract: An integrated circuit for an imaging system is disclosed. In one aspect, an integrated circuit has an array of optical sensors, an array of optical filters integrated with the sensors and configured to pass a band of wavelengths onto one or more of the sensors, and read out circuitry to read out pixel values from the sensors to represent an image. Different ones of the optical filters are configured to have a different thickness, to pass different bands of wavelengths by means of interference, and to allow detection of a spectrum of wavelengths. The read out circuitry can enable multiple pixels under one optical filter to be read out in parallel. The thicknesses may vary non-monotonically across the array. The read out, or later image processing, may involve selection or interpolation between wavelengths, to carry out spectral sampling or shifting, to compensate for thickness errors.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: IMECInventors: Nicolaas Tack, Andy Lambrechts, Luc Haspeslagh
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Patent number: 10126709Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to lens-free imaging. One example embodiment may include a lens-free imaging device for imaging a moving sample. The lens-free imaging device may include a radiation source configured to emit a set of at least two different wavelengths towards the moving sample. The lens-free imaging device is configured to image samples for which a spectral response does not substantially vary for a set of at least two different wavelengths. The lens-free imaging device may also include a line scanner configured to obtain a line scan per wavelength emitted by the radiation source and reflected by, scattered by, or transmitted through the moving sample. The line scanner is configured to regularly obtain a line scan per wavelength. Either the radiation source or the line scanner is configured to isolate data of the at least two different wavelengths.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2017Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: IMEC VZWInventors: Richard Stahl, Murali Jayapala, Andy Lambrechts, Geert Vanmeerbeeck
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Publication number: 20180204863Abstract: The present invention relates to an image sensor for spectral imaging, said image sensor comprising: an array of light-detecting elements; and at least one filter arrangement being arranged on the array for defining a plurality of separate sensor blocks comprising at least: a first mosaic block associated with a first mosaic filter and comprising a first plurality of rows of the array to acquire a first sub-image in two spatial dimensions, wherein image points in the first sub-image has a spectral resolution defined by unique wavelength bands detected in sub-groups of the light-detecting elements; and a second block comprising a second plurality of rows of the array to acquire a second sub-image in two spatial dimensions wherein each image point in the second sub-image corresponds to a single light-detecting element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2018Publication date: July 19, 2018Inventors: Nicolaas TACK, Andy LAMBRECHTS, Murali JAYAPALA, Bert GEELEN
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Publication number: 20180046139Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to lens-free imaging. One example embodiment may include a lens-free imaging device for imaging a moving sample. The lens-free imaging device may include a radiation source configured to emit a set of at least two different wavelengths towards the moving sample. The lens-free imaging device is configured to image samples for which a spectral response does not substantially vary for a set of at least two different wavelengths. The lens-free imaging device may also include a line scanner configured to obtain a line scan per wavelength emitted by the radiation source and reflected by, scattered by, or transmitted through the moving sample. The line scanner is configured to regularly obtain a line scan per wavelength. Either the radiation source or the line scanner is configured to isolate data of the at least two different wavelengths.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2017Publication date: February 15, 2018Applicant: IMEC VZWInventors: Richard Stahl, Murali Jayapala, Andy Lambrechts, Geert Vanmeerbeeck
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Publication number: 20180011443Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a large area lens-free imaging device. One example is a lens-free device for imaging one or more objects. The lens-free device includes a light source positioned for illuminating at least one object. The lens-free device also includes a detector positioned for recording interference patterns of the illuminated at least one object. The light source includes a plurality of light emitters that are positioned and configured to create a controlled light wavefront for performing lens-free imaging.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2016Publication date: January 11, 2018Applicant: IMEC VZWInventors: Richard Stahl, Tom Claes, Xavier Rottenberg, Geert Vanmeerbeeck, Andy Lambrechts
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Patent number: 9857222Abstract: A spectral camera for producing a spectral output is disclosed. The spectral camera has an objective lens for producing an image, a mosaic of filters for passing different bands of the optical spectrum, and a sensor array arranged to detect pixels of the image at the different bands passed by the filters, wherein for each of the pixels, the sensor array has a cluster of sensor elements for detecting the different bands, and the mosaic has a corresponding cluster of filters of different bands, integrated on the sensor element so that the image can be detected simultaneously at the different bands. Further, the filters are first order Fabry-Perot filters, which can give any desired passband to give high spectral definition. Cross talk can be reduced since there is no longer a parasitic cavity.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: IMECInventors: Bert Geelen, Andy Lambrechts, Klaas Tack
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Patent number: 9848135Abstract: A spectral camera for producing a spectral output is disclosed. The spectral camera has an objective lens for producing an image, an array of mirrors, an array of filters for passing a different passband of the optical spectrum for different ones of the optical channels arranged so as to project multiple of the optical channels onto different parts of the same focal plane, and a sensor array at the focal plane to detect the filtered image copies simultaneously. By using mirrors, there may be less optical degradation and the trade off of cost with optical quality can be better. By projecting the optical channels onto different parts of the same focal plane a single sensor or coplanar multiple sensors can to be used to detect the different optical channels simultaneously which promotes simpler alignment and manufacturing.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: IMECInventors: Bert Geelen, Andy Lambrechts, Klaas Tack
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Patent number: 9811051Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for performing in-line lens-free digital holography of objects. At least one embodiment relates to an apparatus for performing in-line lens-free digital holography of an object. The apparatus includes a point light source adapted for emitting coherent light. The apparatus also includes an image sensing device adapted and arranged for recording interference patterns resulting from interference from light waves directly originating from the point light source and object light waves. The object light waves originate from light waves from the point light source that are scattered or reflected by the object. The image sensing device comprises a plurality of pixels. The point light source comprises a broad wavelength spectrum light source and a pinhole structure. The image sensing device comprises a respective narrow band wavelength filter positioned above each pixel that filters within a broad wavelength spectrum of the point light source.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: IMEC VZWInventors: Richard Stahl, Murali Jayapala, Andy Lambrechts, Geert Vanmeerbeeck
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Patent number: 9772229Abstract: A spectral camera for producing a spectral output is disclosed. The spectral camera has an objective lens for producing an image, an optical duplicator, an array of filters, and a sensor array arranged to detect the filtered image copies simultaneously on different parts of the sensor array. Further, a field stop defines an outline of the image copies projected on the sensor array. The filters are integrated on the sensor array, which has a planar structure without perpendicular physical barriers for preventing cross talk between each of the adjacent optical channels. The field stop enables adjacent image copies to fit together without gaps for such barriers. The integrated filters mean there is no parasitic cavity causing crosstalk between the adjacent image copies. This means there is no longer a need for barriers between adjacent projected image copies, and thus sensor area can be better utilized.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: IMECInventors: Bert Geelen, Andy Lambrechts, Klaas Tack
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Publication number: 20170195586Abstract: A user device including a camera, a spectrometer module, and a processing unit is disclosed. In one aspect, the camera is adapted to acquire at least one image of a scenery which falls within a field of view of the camera. The spectrometer module is adapted to acquire spectral information from a region within the scenery which region falls within a field of view of the spectrometer module. The processing unit is adapted to determine, based on information relating the field of view of the spectrometer module to the field of view of the camera, a spectrometer module target area, within the at least one image, corresponding to the region. The processing unit is adapted to output display data to a screen of the user device for providing an indication of the target area on the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2016Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: Jonathan Borremans, Andy Lambrechts, Jerome Baron
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Publication number: 20170184452Abstract: A spectrometer module comprising a plurality of separate electronic circuit modules is disclosed. Each separate electronic module comprises an integrated sensor circuit including a light sensitive area occupying part of an area of the integrated sensor circuit, the integrated sensor circuit being arranged to detect incident light. In one aspect, the plurality of separate electronic circuit modules includes a group of adjacent electronic circuit modules. The light sensitive areas of the electronic circuit modules in the group are so arranged on the respective integrated sensor circuits that the group of adjacent electronic circuit modules is mounted so that the light sensitive areas thereof are arranged in vicinity to each other. The spectrometer module includes an optical module, which is common to said plurality of separate electronic circuit modules and arranged to direct incident light towards the light sensitive areas of each of said electronic circuit modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2016Publication date: June 29, 2017Inventors: Jerome Baron, Jonathan Borremans, Andy Lambrechts
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Publication number: 20170115201Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods configured to perform drug screening on cells. At least one embodiment relates to a lens-free device for performing drug screening on cells. The lens-free device includes a substrate having a surface. The lens-free device also includes a light source positioned to illuminate the cells, when present, on the substrate surface with a light wave. The lens-free device further includes a sensor positioned to detect an optical signal caused by illuminating the cells. The substrate surface includes a microelectrode array for sensing an electrophysiological signal from the cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2015Publication date: April 27, 2017Applicant: IMEC VZWInventors: Veerle Reumers, Dries Braeken, Geert Vanmeerbeeck, Richard Stahl, Andy Lambrechts
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Publication number: 20170031318Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for performing in-line lens-free digital holography of objects. At least one embodiment relates to an apparatus for performing in-line lens-free digital holography of an object. The apparatus includes a point light source adapted for emitting coherent light. The apparatus also includes an image sensing device adapted and arranged for recording interference patterns resulting from interference from light waves directly originating from the point light source and object light waves. The object light waves originate from light waves from the point light source that are scattered or reflected by the object. The image sensing device comprises a plurality of pixels. The point light source comprises a broad wavelength spectrum light source and a pinhole structure. The image sensing device comprises a respective narrow band wavelength filter positioned above each pixel that filters within a broad wavelength spectrum of the point light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2014Publication date: February 2, 2017Applicant: IMEC VZWInventors: Richard Stahl, Murali Jayapala, Andy Lambrechts, Geert Vanmeerbeeck
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Patent number: 9466628Abstract: A solid-state spectral imaging device is described. The device includes an image sensor and a plurality of optical filters directly processed on top of the image sensor. Each optical filter includes a first mirror and a second mirror defining an optical filter cavity having a fixed height. Each optical filter also includes a first electrode and a second electrode having a fixed position located opposite to each other and positioned to measure the height of the optical filter cavity. Further, a method to calibrate spectral data of light and a computer program for calibrating light is described.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: IMECInventors: Pilar Gonzalez, Murali Jayapala, Andy Lambrechts, Klaas Tack
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Publication number: 20160252396Abstract: An integrated circuit for an imaging system is disclosed. In one aspect, an integrated circuit has an array of optical sensors, an array of optical filters integrated with the sensors and configured to pass a band of wavelengths onto one or more of the sensors, and read out circuitry to read out pixel values from the sensors to represent an image. Different ones of the optical filters are configured to have a different thickness, to pass different bands of wavelengths by means of interference, and to allow detection of a spectrum of wavelengths. The read out circuitry can enable multiple pixels under one optical filter to be read out in parallel. The thicknesses may vary non-monotonically across the array. The read out, or later image processing, may involve selection or interpolation between wavelengths, to carry out spectral sampling or shifting, to compensate for thickness errors.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2016Publication date: September 1, 2016Inventors: Klaas Tack, Andy Lambrechts, Luc Haspeslagh
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Publication number: 20160252395Abstract: An integrated circuit for an imaging system is disclosed. In one aspect, an integrated circuit has an array of optical sensors, an array of optical filters integrated with the sensors and configured to pass a band of wavelengths onto one or more of the sensors, and read out circuitry to read out pixel values from the sensors to represent an image. Different ones of the optical filters are configured to have a different thickness, to pass different bands of wavelengths by means of interference, and to allow detection of a spectrum of wavelengths. The read out circuitry can enable multiple pixels under one optical filter to be read out in parallel. The thicknesses may vary non-monotonically across the array. The read out, or later image processing, may involve selection or interpolation between wavelengths, to carry out spectral sampling or shifting, to compensate for thickness errors.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2016Publication date: September 1, 2016Inventors: Klaas Tack, Andy Lambrechts, Luc Haspeslagh
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Patent number: 9366573Abstract: A spectral camera having an objective lens, an array of lenses for producing optical copies of segments of the image, an array of filters for the different optical channels and having an interleaved spatial pattern, and a sensor array to detect the copies of the image segments is disclosed. Further, detected segment copies of spatially adjacent optical channels have different passbands and represent overlapping segments of the image, and detected segment copies of the same passband on spatially non-adjacent optical channels represent adjacent segments of the image which fit together. Having segments of the image copied can help enable better optical quality for a given cost. Having an interleaved pattern of the filter bands with overlapping segments enables each point of the image to be sensed at different bands to obtain the spectral output for many bands simultaneously to provide better temporal resolution.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: IMEC LeuvenInventors: Bert Geelen, Andy Lambrechts, Klaas Tack