Patents by Inventor Nicolas DUPRE
Nicolas DUPRE 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: 20240168109Abstract: A method of determining an orientation ?,? of a magnet which is pivotable about a reference position having a predefined position relative to a semiconductor substrate, comprising: a) determining at least two of the following magnetic field gradients: i) a first magnetic field gradient dBx/dx; ii) a second magnetic field gradient dBy/dy; iii) a third magnetic field gradient dBz/dx; iv) a fourth magnetic field gradient dBz/dy; b) determining a first angle ? based on at least one of the magnetic field gradients; c) determining a second angle ? based on at least one of the magnetic field gradients. A sensor device is configured for performing this method. A sensor system includes such sensor device and a magnet, optionally connected to a joystick.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2024Publication date: May 23, 2024Inventors: Gael CLOSE, Nicolas DUPRE, Jean-Claude DEPOORTER, Yves BIDAUX
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Publication number: 20240133978Abstract: A method of determining an orientation of a magnet which is pivotable about a reference position having a predefined position relative to a silicon substrate, includes: providing a silicon substrate; determining a first/second magnetic field gradient along a first/second direction; determining a first/second angle based on said first/second magnetic field gradient and a first/second correction value. A sensor device configured for performing this method. A sensor system includes such sensor device and a magnet, optionally connected to a joystick.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventors: Lionel TOMBEZ, Nicolas DUPRE, Eric LAHAYE
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Publication number: 20240125624Abstract: A method of determining a linear or angular position of a magnetic sensor device relative to a magnetic source, or vice versa, the sensor device includes at least four magnetic sensor elements. The method involves the steps of: a) determining a first magnetic field gradient; b) determining a second magnetic field gradient; c) determining a ratio of the first and second magnetic field gradient; d) converting the ratio into a position; while matching signal paths of the magnetic sensor elements so as to improve signal-to-noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Nicolas DUPRE, Yves BIDAUX
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Publication number: 20240094071Abstract: A method of manufacture of a force sensor and a force sensor is provided. The force sensor can be used to measure contact forces. The force sensor includes a substrate with an electromagnetic sensing element for contactless sensing of a field formed by a target. The target is included in a flexible piece which receives the force, and can deform by it. The flexible piece is treated so that the force sensor is reliable and has long durability.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Jeroen DIDDEN, Theo LE SIGNOR, Gael CLOSE, Nicolas DUPRE
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Patent number: 11921173Abstract: A method of determining an orientation ?,? of a magnet which is pivotable about a reference position having a predefined position relative to a semiconductor substrate, comprising: a) determining at least two of the following magnetic field gradients: i) a first magnetic field gradient dBx/dx; ii) a second magnetic field gradient dBy/dy; iii) a third magnetic field gradient dBz/dx; iv) a fourth magnetic field gradient dBz/dy; b) determining a first angle ? based on at least one of the magnetic field gradients; c) determining a second angle ? based on at least one of the magnetic field gradients. A sensor device is configured for performing this method. A sensor system includes such sensor device and a magnet, optionally connected to a joystick.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Inventors: Gael Close, Nicolas Dupre, Jean-Claude Depoorter, Yves Bidaux
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Patent number: 11892325Abstract: A method of determining a linear or angular position of a magnetic sensor device relative to a magnetic source, or vice versa, the sensor device includes at least four magnetic sensor elements. The method involves the steps of: a) determining a first magnetic field gradient; b) determining a second magnetic field gradient; c) determining a ratio of the first and second magnetic field gradient; d) converting the ratio into a position; while matching signal paths of the magnetic sensor elements so as to improve signal-to-noise.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: MELEXIS TECHNOLOGIESInventors: Nicolas Dupre, Yves Bidaux
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Patent number: 11846687Abstract: A method of determining a gradient of a magnetic field, includes the steps of: biasing a first/second magnetic sensor with a first/second biasing signal; measuring and amplifying a first/second magnetic sensor signal; measuring a temperature and/or a stress difference; adjusting at least one of: the second biasing signal, the second amplifier gain, the amplified and digitized second sensor value using a predefined function f(T) or f(T, ??) or f(??) of the measured temperature and/or the measured differential stress before determining a difference between the first/second signal/value derived from the first/second sensor signal. A magnetic sensor device is configured for performing this method, as well as a current sensor device, and a position sensor device.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: MELEXIS TECHNOLOGIES SAInventors: Nicolas Dupre, Yves Bidaux
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Publication number: 20230393002Abstract: A soft sensor arrangement for measuring a force includes a sensor, a deformable element deformable by the force, and an element for reacting with the sensor for measuring the force by a deformation of the deformable element. The deformable element extends at least partially between the sensor and the element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Inventors: Theo LE SIGNOR, Gael CLOSE, Nicolas DUPRE
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Patent number: 11797043Abstract: A magnetic sensor system includes an integrated circuit comprising a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate has a plurality of magnetic sensors configured for measuring at least two first magnetic field components oriented in a first direction, and for measuring at least two second magnetic field components oriented in a second direction; a permanent magnet movable relative to the integrated circuit and configured for generating a magnetic field. A processing circuit is configured for determining at least two physical quantities related to a position of the magnet, using a predefined algorithm based on the measured first and second magnetic field components or values derived therefrom, as inputs, and that uses a plurality of at least eight constants which are determined using machine learning. A force sensor system, a joystick or thumbstick system, and a method may use the magnetic sensor system.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: MELEXIS TECHNOLOGIES SAInventors: Gael Close, Nicolas Dupre, Théo Le Signor
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Publication number: 20230160979Abstract: A method of determining a gradient of a magnetic field, includes the steps of: biasing a first/second magnetic sensor with a first/second biasing signal; measuring and amplifying a first/second magnetic sensor signal; measuring a temperature and/or a stress difference; adjusting at least one of: the second biasing signal, the second amplifier gain, the amplified and digitized second sensor value using a predefined function f(T) or f(T, ??) or f(??) of the measured temperature and/or the measured differential stress before determining a difference between the first/second signal/value derived from the first/second sensor signal. A magnetic sensor device is configured for performing this method, as well as a current sensor device, and a position sensor device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2022Publication date: May 25, 2023Inventors: Nicolas Dupre, Yves Bidaux
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Publication number: 20230070938Abstract: A magnetic sensor system includes an integrated circuit comprising a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate has a plurality of magnetic sensors configured for measuring at least two first magnetic field components oriented in a first direction, and for measuring at least two second magnetic field components oriented in a second direction; a permanent magnet movable relative to the integrated circuit and configured for generating a magnetic field. A processing circuit is configured for determining at least two physical quantities related to a position of the magnet, using a predefined algorithm based on the measured first and second magnetic field components or values derived therefrom, as inputs, and that uses a plurality of at least eight constants which are determined using machine learning. A force sensor system, a joystick or thumbstick system, and a method may use the magnetic sensor system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2022Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Gael CLOSE, Nicolas DUPRE, Théo LE SIGNOR
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Patent number: 11561268Abstract: A method of determining a gradient of a magnetic field, includes the steps of: biasing a first/second magnetic sensor with a first/second biasing signal; measuring and amplifying a first/second magnetic sensor signal; measuring a temperature and/or a stress difference; adjusting at least one of: the second biasing signal, the second amplifier gain, the amplified and digitized second sensor value using a predefined function f(T) or f(T, ??) or f(??) of the measured temperature and/or the measured differential stress before determining a difference between the first/second signal/value derived from the first/second sensor signal. A magnetic sensor device is configured for performing this method, as well as a current sensor device, and a position sensor device.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: MELEXIS TECHNOLOGIES SAInventors: Nicolas Dupre, Yves Bidaux
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Publication number: 20220412816Abstract: A force sensor has a sensing system including a target piece and a sensing element, configured to provide changes of a magnetic field, being generated by motion of the target piece. The sensing element senses these changes and provides a signal representative of the position of the target piece. An integrated circuit with processing means can process signals from the sensing element. A semiconductor package includes at least the integrated circuit. A flexible piece includes the target, and it is attached to the semiconductor package. The attachment area between the flexible piece and the semiconductor package does not extend beyond the top projection, or outline, of the semiconductor package. The flexible piece receives a force stimulus, so that upon exerting a force on the flexible piece, the displacement of the target piece with respect to the surface of the semiconductor package can be sensed by the sensing element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Inventors: Nicolas DUPRE, Gael CLOSE, Theo LE SIGNOR, Tim VANGERVEN
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Publication number: 20220412791Abstract: A weight sensor comprises a sensing system including a target piece and a sensing element, configured to provide changes of a magnetic field, being generated by motion of the target piece. The sensing element senses these changes and provides a signal representative of the position of the target piece. An integrated circuit with processing means can process signals from the sensing element. The flexible piece receives a force stimulus, so that upon exerting a force on the flexible piece by a product due to the weight of said product, the displacement of the target piece with respect to sensing elements can be sensed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Inventors: Gael CLOSE, Jerome DEGOIS, Nicolas DUPRE, Theo LE SIGNOR, Tim VANGERVEN
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Publication number: 20220404443Abstract: A method of determining an orientation ?,? of a magnet which is pivotable about a reference position having a predefined position relative to a semiconductor substrate, comprising: a) determining at least two of the following magnetic field gradients: i) a first magnetic field gradient dBx/dx; ii) a second magnetic field gradient dBy/dy; iii) a third magnetic field gradient dBz/dx; iv) a fourth magnetic field gradient dBz/dy; b) determining a first angle ? based on at least one of the magnetic field gradients; c) determining a second angle ? based on at least one of the magnetic field gradients. A sensor device is configured for performing this method. A sensor system includes such sensor device and a magnet, optionally connected to a joystick.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2022Publication date: December 22, 2022Inventors: Gael CLOSE, Nicolas DUPRE, Jean-Claude DEPOORTER, Yves BIDAUX
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Publication number: 20220276072Abstract: Angular position sensor system comprising: a cylindrical magnet rotatable about a rotation axis; and an angular position sensor device comprising: a substrate comprising a plurality of magnetic sensitive elements configured for measuring a first magnetic field component in a first direction and a second magnetic field component in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a processing circuit configured for calculating the angular position; the sensor device being oriented such that the first direction is oriented in a circumferential direction, and the second direction is either parallel or orthogonal to the rotation axis; the sensor device being located at a predefined position where a magnitude of a third magnetic field component orthogonal to the first and second magnetic field component is negligible over the 360° angular range.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2022Publication date: September 1, 2022Inventors: Nicolas DUPRE, Lionel TOMBEZ, Gael CLOSE, Yves BIDAUX, David GOYVAERTS
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Patent number: 11371862Abstract: Angular position sensor system comprising: a cylindrical magnet rotatable about a rotation axis; and an angular position sensor device comprising: a substrate comprising a plurality of magnetic sensitive elements configured for measuring a first magnetic field component in a first direction and a second magnetic field component in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a processing circuit configured for calculating the angular position; the sensor device being oriented such that the first direction is oriented in a circumferential direction, and the second direction is either parallel or orthogonal to the rotation axis; the sensor device being located at a predefined position where a magnitude of a third magnetic field component orthogonal to the first and second magnetic field component is negligible over the 360° angular range.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2020Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: MELEXIS TECHNOLOGIES SAInventors: Nicolas Dupre, Lionel Tombez, Gael Close, Yves Bidaux, David Goyvaerts
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Publication number: 20210293901Abstract: A method of determining a gradient of a magnetic field, includes the steps of: biasing a first/second magnetic sensor with a first/second biasing signal; measuring and amplifying a first/second magnetic sensor signal; measuring a temperature and/or a stress difference; adjusting at least one of: the second biasing signal, the second amplifier gain, the amplified and digitized second sensor value using a predefined function f(T) or f(T, ??) or f(??) of the measured temperature and/or the measured differential stress before determining a difference between the first/second signal/value derived from the first/second sensor signal. A magnetic sensor device is configured for performing this method, as well as a current sensor device, and a position sensor device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: Nicolas DUPRE, Yves BIDAUX
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Publication number: 20210293580Abstract: A method of determining a linear or angular position of a magnetic sensor device relative to a magnetic source, or vice versa, the sensor device includes at least four magnetic sensor elements. The method involves the steps of: a) determining a first magnetic field gradient; b) determining a second magnetic field gradient; c) determining a ratio of the first and second magnetic field gradient; d) converting the ratio into a position; while matching signal paths of the magnetic sensor elements so as to improve signal-to-noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: Nicolas DUPRE, Yves BIDAUX
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Publication number: 20210055131Abstract: Angular position sensor system comprising: a cylindrical magnet rotatable about a rotation axis; and an angular position sensor device comprising: a substrate comprising a plurality of magnetic sensitive elements configured for measuring a first magnetic field component in a first direction and a second magnetic field component in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a processing circuit configured for calculating the angular position; the sensor device being oriented such that the first direction is oriented in a circumferential direction, and the second direction is either parallel or orthogonal to the rotation axis; the sensor device being located at a predefined position where a magnitude of a third magnetic field component orthogonal to the first and second magnetic field component is negligible over the 360° angular range.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2020Publication date: February 25, 2021Inventors: Nicolas DUPRE, Lionel TOMBEZ, Gael CLOSE, Yves BIDAUX, David GOYVAERTS