Patents by Inventor Francis Lau

Francis Lau 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).

  • Patent number: 10366268
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optical imaging are disclosed. The systems and methods include a display for imaging an input object. The display includes a sensing surface; a plurality of display pixels; a plurality of detector pixels; and a processing system. The processing system is configured to determine a location of the input object relative to the sensing surface; illuminate one or more display pixels of the plurality of display pixels according to a pattern depending on the location of the input object; and acquire image data of the input object from one or more detector pixels of the plurality of detector pixels, wherein the image data corresponds to light from the one or more display pixels that is reflected at the sensing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventors: Bob Lee Mackey, Arash Akhavan Fomani, Francis Lau
  • Publication number: 20190070609
    Abstract: Devices for detecting biomarkers in a sample and methods for detecting such biomarkers are discussed. The biomarkers may be associated with a particular disease such as cancer or another health condition. The devices may contain a disc including a plurality of microfluidic channels extending in a radial direction of the disc, the microfluidic channels pre-loaded with a plurality of capture molecules specific to at least one biomarker. The methods may include introducing a fluid sample into at least one microfluidic channel of a disc, rotating the disc, such that the fluid sample flows radially outward through the at least one microfluidic channel to combine with capture molecules specific to at least one biomarker, and detecting a signal from the disc indicative of a presence of the at least one biomarker contained in the fluid sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Applicant: POC MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC
    Inventors: SANJEEV SAXENA, LOUIS EUGENE BURTON, ANDREA CUPPOLETTI, Francis Lau
  • Publication number: 20190034689
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optical imaging are disclosed. The systems and methods include a display for imaging an input object. The display includes a sensing surface; a plurality of display pixels; a plurality of detector pixels; and a processing system. The processing system is configured to determine a location of the input object relative to the sensing surface; illuminate one or more display pixels of the plurality of display pixels according to a pattern depending on the location of the input object; and acquire image data of the input object from one or more detector pixels of the plurality of detector pixels, wherein the image data corresponds to light from the one or more display pixels that is reflected at the sensing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Bob Lee Mackey, Arash Akhavan Fomani, Francis Lau
  • Patent number: 10115000
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optical imaging are disclosed. An electronic device for imaging an input object includes a display comprising a sensing surface and an array of display pixels. The electronic device also includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the display, the processing system configured to: selectively illuminate one or more of the display pixels according to a pattern; acquire image data, from one or more detector pixels of the display, of the input object in contact with the sensing surface, wherein the image data corresponds to light from the illuminated display pixels that is reflected at the sensing surface of the display; and process an image of the input object from the image data based upon the pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventors: Bob Lee Mackey, Arash Akhavan Fomani, Francis Lau
  • Publication number: 20170169275
    Abstract: Systems and methods for optical imaging are disclosed. An electronic device for imaging an input object includes a display comprising a sensing surface and an array of display pixels. The electronic device also includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the display, the processing system configured to: selectively illuminate one or more of the display pixels according to a pattern; acquire image data, from one or more detector pixels of the display, of the input object in contact with the sensing surface, wherein the image data corresponds to light from the illuminated display pixels that is reflected at the sensing surface of the display; and process an image of the input object from the image data based upon the pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Bob Lee Mackey, Arash Akhavan Fomani, Francis Lau
  • Patent number: 9256327
    Abstract: A projected capacitive touch sensor system includes a substrate that defines a plurality of non-overlapping areas. Each non-overlapping area includes a plurality of detection electrodes arranged in non-overlapping columns. The columns include a horizontal detection electrode that extends along substantially an entire height of a first column, and at least a second column of at least two vertical detection electrodes that are electrically isolated from one another. The system further includes a measuring circuit configured to measure a mutual capacitance between the horizontal detection electrode and each of the at least two vertical detection electrodes in a given area. A processing logic circuit of the system is configured to determine horizontal detection electrode and vertical detection electrode combinations that have a changed mutual capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Elo Touch Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricardo R. Salaverry, James G. Quaderer, Francis Lau, Joel C. Kent
  • Patent number: 9039810
    Abstract: A cyclone system for a gasifier having two or more cyclones arranged in series sharing a combined loop seal and dipleg is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for capturing and recycling fines with the cyclone system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Synthesis Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Lau, Tsung-Yao Robert Sheng
  • Patent number: 8890852
    Abstract: A touch input system includes a substrate configured to support propagation of acoustic signals, a transducer in communication with the substrate and configured to transmit or receive the acoustic signals before or after the propagation, and an array of reflectors disposed on the substrate. Each reflector is oriented on an angle to redirect the acoustic signals along a path toward or away from the transducer. The transducer includes a stepped interface for the redirected acoustic signals. The stepped interface includes a set of interface elements distributed across a width of the acoustic signals and offset from one another along the path to compensate for the angle of the reflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Elo Touch Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Aroyan, Francis Lau, Joel C. Kent
  • Publication number: 20130181170
    Abstract: A cyclone system for a gasifier having two or more cyclones arranged in series sharing a combined loop seal and dipleg is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for capturing and recycling fines with the cyclone system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: SYNTHESIS ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Francis Lau, Tsung-Yao Robert Sheng
  • Publication number: 20130147768
    Abstract: A touch input system includes a substrate configured to support propagation of acoustic signals, a transducer in communication with the substrate and configured to transmit or receive the acoustic signals before or after the propagation, and an array of reflectors disposed on the substrate. Each reflector is oriented on an angle to redirect the acoustic signals along a path toward or away from the transducer. The transducer includes a stepped interface for the redirected acoustic signals. The stepped interface includes a set of interface elements distributed across a width of the acoustic signals and offset from one another along the path to compensate for the angle of the reflectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: James L. Aroyan, Francis Lau, Joel C. Kent
  • Publication number: 20130147767
    Abstract: A method of detecting a touch event includes transmitting acoustic signals across a substrate, and receiving the acoustic signals. The received acoustic signals have a waveform profile with a dip indicative of a touch on the substrate. The method further includes determining a dispersion level of the dip from the waveform profile, and determining a location coordinate of the touch on the substrate based on the dispersion level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Francis Lau
  • Patent number: 8215999
    Abstract: An auxiliary electrical socket for automobile vehicles that includes a unitary body having a connecting tongue and a barrel adapted to receive a plug. This socket also includes a one-piece assembly that has a connecting member and a ring. The ring receives the barrel and constitutes a member for joining the socket and a structural element of the vehicle. The unitary body and the one-piece assembly include integral nesting-type assembly and positioning means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Francis Lau, Jean-Louis Bonnet, Jean-Michel Can, Michel Garric
  • Publication number: 20120094543
    Abstract: An auxiliary electrical socket for automobile vehicles that includes a unitary body having a connecting tongue and a barrel adapted to receive a plug. This socket also includes a one-piece assembly that has a connecting member and a ring. The ring receives the barrel and constitutes a member for joining the socket and a structural element of the vehicle. The unitary body and the one-piece assembly include integral nesting-type assembly and positioning means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: VALEO VISION
    Inventors: Francis Lau, Jean-Louis Bonnet, Jean-Michel Can, Michel Garric
  • Publication number: 20110279409
    Abstract: A projected capacitive touch sensor system includes a substrate that defines a plurality of non-overlapping areas. Each non-overlapping area includes a plurality of detection electrodes arranged in non-overlapping columns. The columns include a horizontal detection electrode that extends along substantially an entire height of a first column, and at least a second column of at least two vertical detection electrodes that are electrically isolated from one another. The system further includes a measuring circuit configured to measure a mutual capacitance between the horizontal detection electrode and each of the at least two vertical detection electrodes in a given area. A processing logic circuit of the system is configured to determine horizontal detection electrode and vertical detection electrode combinations that have a changed mutual capacitance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Ricardo R. Salaverry, James G. Quaderer, Francis Lau, Joel C. Kent
  • Patent number: 7938893
    Abstract: A system for the selective removal of CO2, H2S, and H2 from a gaseous fluid mixture comprising CO2, H2S, and H2, which system includes a first membrane section having a nonporous metal oxide membrane, a second membrane section having a CO2-selective membrane, and a third membrane section having an H2-selective membrane. Each membrane section has a feed side and a permeate side and the membrane sections are arranged in series whereby the gaseous fluid mixture contacts the feed side, in sequence, of the first membrane section, the second membrane section and the third membrane section, resulting first in the separation or removal of H2S, second in the separation or removal of CO2, and third in the separation or removal of H2. The process can be used to process synthesis gas generated from the gasification or reforming of carbonaceous materials for hydrogen production and carbon dioxide capture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Shain-Jer Doong, Raja A. Jadhav, Francis Lau
  • Publication number: 20100315021
    Abstract: A microprocessor uses one or more output pins to pulse width modulate a charge pump network to achieve a boosted voltage on an output port. The boosted voltage is then used to drive an LED, which may have a higher voltage drop than that of the starting un-boosted voltage. The adjustment of either the frequency or duty cycle of the PWM signal allows for adjustment of the steady state output voltage. This allows for the adjustment of the brightness of the LED by firmware while supplying enough voltage drop required by the LEDs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: AERIELLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Francis Lau, John R. Haggis
  • Patent number: 7771096
    Abstract: An illumination device for a cigar lighter or for a multifunction socket, comprising a single-piece component made from material at least partially transmitting light, the component comprising an illuminating ring and a housing for a printed circuit provided with at least one light-emitting diode and electrical connection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Michel Andrieu, Jean-Louis Bonnet, Francis Lau, Jérôme Monnot
  • Publication number: 20100182507
    Abstract: A system for matching the currently tuned frequency of a signal transmitting device with that of a signal receiving device, including a transmitter having an illuminated color display which changes colors in relation to the channel or frequency on which the transmitter is currently tuned, and a signal receiving device having an illuminated color display which changes colors in relation to the channel or frequency on which the signal receiving unit is currently tuned. Each device has a channel selector function so that the frequency to which the device is tuned can be changed, thereby changing the color displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: AERIELLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: John R. Haggis, Martin Cohen, Arthur L. Cohen, Francis Lau
  • Publication number: 20100159836
    Abstract: An automatic preset following system for use with portable multimedia playback devices. The system uses RDS protocols including, at a minimum, AF and PI. Apparatus include an RDS enabled FM transmitter for use with a portable multimedia playback device, the transmitter having a user interface with buttons for presetting the transmitter to broadcast a signal at preset PM frequencies, and an RDS enabled FM receiver for automatically tuning to the different preset FM frequencies entered into the RDS enabled FM transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Francis Lau, John Haggis
  • Publication number: 20090157803
    Abstract: A method for capture, aggregation, storage and transfer of Internet content for time-shifted playback on a portable multimedia device utilizing a content time-shifter system which is programmed and maintained via a web-based maintenance server, and schedules capture of content via on-line schedule listing and media listing services.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: AERIELLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: John Haggis, Francis Lau