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: 10366268Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 1, 2018Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Bob Lee Mackey, Arash Akhavan Fomani, Francis Lau
-
Publication number: 20190070609Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2018Publication date: March 7, 2019Applicant: POC MEDICAL SYSTEMS INCInventors: SANJEEV SAXENA, LOUIS EUGENE BURTON, ANDREA CUPPOLETTI, Francis Lau
-
Publication number: 20190034689Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Bob Lee Mackey, Arash Akhavan Fomani, Francis Lau
-
Patent number: 10115000Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Bob Lee Mackey, Arash Akhavan Fomani, Francis Lau
-
Publication number: 20170169275Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2015Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: Bob Lee Mackey, Arash Akhavan Fomani, Francis Lau
-
Patent number: 9256327Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 13, 2011Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: Elo Touch Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Ricardo R. Salaverry, James G. Quaderer, Francis Lau, Joel C. Kent
-
Patent number: 9039810Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Synthesis Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Francis Lau, Tsung-Yao Robert Sheng
-
Patent number: 8890852Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Elo Touch Solutions, Inc.Inventors: James L. Aroyan, Francis Lau, Joel C. Kent
-
Publication number: 20130181170Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: SYNTHESIS ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Francis Lau, Tsung-Yao Robert Sheng
-
Publication number: 20130147768Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Inventors: James L. Aroyan, Francis Lau, Joel C. Kent
-
Publication number: 20130147767Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2011Publication date: June 13, 2013Inventor: Francis Lau
-
Patent number: 8215999Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 27, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Francis Lau, Jean-Louis Bonnet, Jean-Michel Can, Michel Garric
-
Publication number: 20120094543Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2008Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: VALEO VISIONInventors: Francis Lau, Jean-Louis Bonnet, Jean-Michel Can, Michel Garric
-
Publication number: 20110279409Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Ricardo R. Salaverry, James G. Quaderer, Francis Lau, Joel C. Kent
-
Patent number: 7938893Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventors: Shain-Jer Doong, Raja A. Jadhav, Francis Lau
-
Publication number: 20100315021Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: AERIELLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Francis Lau, John R. Haggis
-
Patent number: 7771096Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Michel Andrieu, Jean-Louis Bonnet, Francis Lau, Jérôme Monnot
-
Publication number: 20100182507Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2008Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: AERIELLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: John R. Haggis, Martin Cohen, Arthur L. Cohen, Francis Lau
-
Publication number: 20100159836Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2007Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: Francis Lau, John Haggis
-
Publication number: 20090157803Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: AERIELLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: John Haggis, Francis Lau