Abstract: A method performed by a slide pad system is provided. The method comprises generating a first direction measurement using a first capacitance measurement and computing a first position using the first direction measurement.

Abstract: Imaging systems and methods are provided. One exemplary system incorporates multiple lenses that are individually configured to receive visible light from an object to be imaged, and to direct this light upon a corresponding sensor array. Luminance information is then derived from signals generated in one or more of the sensor arrays. When chrominance information is desired, an optical filter is interposed between a lens and the corresponding sensor array. The mosaic pattern contained in the optical filter is tailored to provide advantageous chrominance information. One or more such filters with different mosaic patterns may be employed. The luminance and chrominance information obtained from the sensor arrays are combined to generate an image of the object.

Abstract: Imaging systems and methods are provided. One exemplary system incorporates multiple lenses that are individually configured to receive multi-wavelength light from an object to be imaged. Each lens provides an optimal modulation transfer function (MTF) for an individual wavelength contained in the multi-wavelength light when this individual wavelength of light strikes the lens at a particular incident angle. Associated with each lens is a color filter and a sensor. The color filter receives the multi-wavelength light from the lens, and transmits the individual wavelength of light on to the sensor. The image signals obtained from each of the multiple sensors are combined to generate an image of the object.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a filter array adapted to filter electromagnetic waves, a lens array adapted to focus electromagnetic waves, and an image sensor configured to receive the focused electromagnetic waves. The filter array and the lens array are configured into elements that filter and focus electromagnetic waves that represent an object image window onto portions of the image sensor and each portion of the image sensor receives filtered electromagnetic waves that represent the object image window from one of the elements.

Abstract: An optical switch is presented. In a first state, a trench is filled with index matching fluid so that light from a first waveguide passes through the trench to a second waveguide. In a second state, a bubble is formed within the index matching fluid so that light from the first waveguide is reflected at the trench to a third waveguide. The bubble is formed by heat so that volume of the bubble is substantially less than total volume of the trench, resulting in pressure within the bubble not being substantially increased by pressure exerted by sidewalls of the trench.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pointing device having a first surface on which a puck field of motion is defined, a moveable puck, and a position detector. The moveable puck is confined to move on the first surface within the puck field of motion. The position detector determines a position of the puck in the puck field of motion and an angle of rotation of the puck about an axis perpendicular to the first surface. In one embodiment, the puck includes a puck electrode on a second surface on the puck that is parallel to the first surface. The first surface includes first, second, and third electrodes that are parallel to the puck electrode, the puck electrode overlying a portion of each of the first, second, and third electrodes.

Abstract: An optical device and methods thereof are described. The device includes a first light source adapted to emit light onto a surface, and a detector adapted to receive light reflected from the surface. The reflected light produces a speckle pattern. The distance between the optical device and the surface can be measured using a quantifiable attribute associated with the speckle pattern.

Abstract: An electronic circuit that can be used, for example, in a spatial light modulator to photolithographically transfer an image onto a substrate, includes a strobe line electrically coupled to a set of circuit elements within an array of circuit elements. The circuit elements are alterable in response to data stored therein, and the set of circuit elements includes row-adjacent and column-adjacent ones of the circuit elements. The strobe line provides a strobe signal to the circuit elements in the set to cause the circuit elements in the set to shift the data to non-adjacent ones of the circuit elements outside the set in an interleaving pattern.

Abstract: An electronic circuit that can be used, for example, in a spatial light modulator to photolithographically transfer an image onto a substrate, includes angled strobe lines electrically coupled to respective sets of circuit elements within an array of circuit elements. Each set of circuit elements includes at least two circuit elements positioned diagonally adjacent one another in the array. The circuit elements are alterable in response to data stored therein. The strobe lines provide strobe signals to the circuit elements to shift the data between the circuit elements.

Abstract: A circuit element that can be used, for example, in a spatial light modulator to photolithographically transfer an image onto a substrate, includes a strobe buffer connected between a strobe line and at least two associated circuit elements to buffer the strobe signal on the strobe line and provide a buffered strobe signal to the associated circuit elements. The strobe line is electrically coupled to a set of the circuit elements to provide a strobe signal thereto. The strobe signal causes the circuit elements in the set to shift data to additional circuit elements outside of the set. The circuit elements are alterable in response to data stored therein.

Abstract: An optical switch is presented. In a first state, a trench is filled with index matching fluid so that light from a first waveguide passes through the trench to a second waveguide. In a second state, a bubble is formed within the index matching fluid so that light from the first waveguide is reflected at the trench to a third waveguide. The bubble is formed by heat so that volume of the bubble is substantially less than total volume of the trench, resulting in pressure within the bubble not being substantially increased by pressure exerted by sidewalls of the trench.

Abstract: The color image sensor generates a color image signal representing a subject and includes an optical substrate and a light sensor. The optical substrate includes spatially-separated imaging elements. Each of the imaging elements is configured to image light of a respective color. The light sensor includes regions of sensor elements disposed opposite respective ones of the imaging elements. The sensor elements in each of the regions are operable to generate a component of the color image signal in response to the light of the respective color incident on them.

Abstract: The color image sensor generates an image signal representing a subject. The color image sensor has a light sensor and imaging elements arranged to form images of the subject in light of different colors on respective regions of the light sensor. The light sensor includes sensor elements and is operable to generate the image signal in response to light incident on it.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator for use in a photolithography system includes light modulation elements configured to photolithographically transfer an image onto a substrate using an optical oversampling technique to reduce defects in the transferred image. A first set of the light modulation elements is operable to photolithographically transfer a portion of the image onto an area of a substrate, and a second set of the light modulation elements is operable to photolithographically transfer the portion of the image onto the area of the substrate. The spatial light modulator further includes memory elements in communication with respective light modulation elements for storing data representing the portion of the image.

Abstract: A dynamic photolithography system resizes a pattern in real time and photolithographically transfers an image of the resized pattern onto a surface to compensate for distortions in the surface and/or optics. The system uses two or more pre-stored spatially offset renderings of the pattern. Each spatially offset rendering includes pixel data identifying light modulation elements within a spatial light modulator representing the pattern. The pattern is spatially offset between the renderings. Portions of the two or more spatially offset renderings are selected as a function of the distortion to resize the pattern and photolithographically transfer the image of the resized pattern onto the surface.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator is configured to photolithographically transfer an image onto a substrate with reduced bandwidth. The spatial light modulator includes memory elements configured to store data therein and move data therebetween. Light modulation elements are in communication with respective ones of the memory elements and are operable to be altered in response to the data stored in the respective memory elements. The memory elements can be configured as a shift register to shift the data bi-directionally between the memory elements. Each memory element can further include a feedback element, where the feedback element is a “weak” feedback element that is utilized to contribute to maintaining a voltage to minimize photocurrent effects.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for tracking motion across a surface by creating an interference pattern by reflecting light from the surface. There is produced, as a result of sensor moving across the surface, at least one signal pattern corresponding to a detection of a dimension of the interference pattern. This detected dimension is associated with an assumed dimensional value to determine a distance traveled by the sensor.

Abstract: A method for determining relative movement between an optical navigation device and a navigation terrain includes generating two overlapping coherent optical beams, and generating a pattern of interference fringes between the two overlapping optical beams. The method further includes illuminating a surface portion of the navigation terrain with the pattern of interference fringes, imaging a fringe-illuminated surface portion, and generating a pattern of signals in response to the imaged fringe-illuminated surface portion.

Abstract: A pair of directing elements directs a beam of light into a corresponding optical output from a corresponding optical input. Examples of a pair of directing elements include a pair of tilting mirrors and a pair of support devices. Sensors may be positioned adjacent to the optical output, one directing element, and to both directing elements. Each sensor detects an amount of light hitting that sensor and generates a signal representative of the amount of light hitting that sensor. A controller receives the signal from each sensor and generates one or more correction signals. A correction signal causes a corresponding directing element to be adjusted in order to minimize losses in optical signal power.

Abstract: An optical switch includes support devices to create bends in the flexible optical fibers. In accordance with the invention, the support devices may be fabricated to include one or more microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices. The support devices may also be fabricated as a support plate connected to one or more MEMS devices. A MEMS device includes a pair of actuators, such as electrostatic actuators, to create a bend in a flexible optical fiber. Selectively actuating or rotating the support devices creates bends in the optical fibers, which direct a beam of light from an input optical fiber to a corresponding output optical fiber. The bends in the fibers provide maximum coupling of the light into an output fiber.