Optical Or Pre-photocell System Patents (Class 250/216)
  • Publication number: 20140117201
    Abstract: A sensor assembly is disclosed that includes a hollow casing having a radiation entrance opening. A radiation-transmissive optic is at the radiation entrance opening. A substrate is inside and sealed against the hollow casing. An optical sensing element is coupled to the substrate and configured to sense radiation that has passed through the radiation-transmissive optic. A method of manufacturing the sensor assembly also is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: EXCELITAS TECHNOLOGIES SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Arthur John Barlow
  • Publication number: 20140117255
    Abstract: To provide a surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence spectroscopic measurement method and a surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence spectroscopic measurement device which are capable of accurately measuring a fluorescent signal regardless of the type of a light detection means even when the concentration of an analyte is high by adjusting the dynamic range of the SPFS device. A surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence stereoscopic measurement method wherein an analyte labeled with a fluorescent substance is excited by surface plasmon light generated by applying excitation light to a metallic thin film, and generated fluorescence is received by a light detection means to thereby detect the analyte. The dynamic range is expanded by adjusting the amount of the fluorescence received by the light detection means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Naoki Hikage, Masataka Matsuo, Takatoshi Kaya
  • Patent number: 8708950
    Abstract: A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include patient line state detector for detecting whether a patient line is primed before it is to be connected to the patient. The patient line state detector can also the ability to detect whether a patient line has been properly mounted for priming. Both patient line presence/absence and fill state can be determined using an optical system, e.g., one that employs a single optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Jacob W. Scarpaci, Simon C. Helmore, Eric J. VanWyk, Matthew J. Finch
  • Patent number: 8710412
    Abstract: It is possible to generate image data of a biological tissue in a short time. A focus information generating device (2) receives a first reflected light beam (Lr1) split from a reflected light beam (Lr) and a second reflected light beam (Lr2) passing through a pin-hole plate (36). A signal processing unit (13) calculates a uniform reflectance (RE) representing a light amount ratio of the second reflected light beam (Lr2) to the first reflected light beam (Lr1) along with a sum signal (SS) and a difference signal (SD). An integrated control unit (11) detects a position (Z1) corresponding to a top surface (104A) of a cover glass (104) on the basis of the sum signal (SS) and the difference signal (SD) and detects a position (Z3) representing a biological tissue (102) on the basis of the sum signal (SS) and the uniform reflectance (RE).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Koichiro Kishima, Yu Hirono, Takamichi Yamakoshi
  • Patent number: 8710413
    Abstract: There is provided an optical analysis technique enabling the detection of the condition or characteristic of a particle to be observed contained at a low concentration or number density in a sample solution. The inventive optical analysis technique uses an optical system capable of detecting light from a micro region in a solution, such as an optical system of a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope, to detect the light from the light-emitting particle to be observed while moving the position of the micro region in the sample solution (while scanning the inside of the sample solution with the micro region), thereby detecting individually the light-emitting particle crossing the inside of the micro region to enable the counting of the light-emitting particle(s) or the acquisition of the information on the concentration or number density of the light-emitting particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsushiro Yamaguchi, Seiji Kondo, Tetsuya Tanabe, Kunio Hori
  • Patent number: 8709878
    Abstract: A method of packaging imager devices and optics modules is disclosed which includes positioning an imager device and an optics module in each of a plurality of openings in a carrier body, introducing an encapsulant material into each of the openings in the carrier body and cutting the carrier body to singulate the plurality of imager devices and optics modules into individual units, each of which comprise an imager device and an optics module. A device is also disclosed which includes an imager device comprising a plurality of photosensitive elements and an optics module coupled to the imager device, the optics module comprising at least one lens that, when the optics module is coupled to the imager device, is positioned a fixed, non-adjustable distance from the plurality of photosensitive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Bolken, Scott Willmorth, Bradley Bitz
  • Publication number: 20140110569
    Abstract: An optical head for receiving incident light is provided. The optical head comprises a transmissive cosine corrector and a reflector disposed to face the transmissive cosine corrector. The transmissive cosine corrector is disposed in an optical path of the incident light and shields the reflector from the incident light. The transmissive cosine corrector converts the incident light to scattered light having a Lambertian pattern. The reflector has an optical output section that transmits the scattered light and a reflective section that reflects the scattered light to the transmissive cosine corrector and/or the other portions of the reflective sections. An optical system using the optical head is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: OtO Photonics Inc.
    Inventor: Chien-Hsiang Hung
  • Publication number: 20140112668
    Abstract: A stamped metal optic is provided that is a unitary, or integrally formed, part that includes at least a bench for holding at least one optoelectronic component and a reflector for folding an optical pathway. The stamped metal optic is formed of a piece of metal that is shaped using known metal stamping techniques. The stamped metal optic preferably has at least one fiducial mark formed therein that is used for placement of the optoelectronic device on the bench to ensure that the optoelectronic device is precisely aligned with the reflector. Because metal objects can be formed relatively inexpensively with high precision using known stamping techniques, the stamped metal optics can be manufactured with high precision at relatively low cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd .
    Inventor: Laurence R. McColloch
  • Publication number: 20140110570
    Abstract: A lens array has structures in which light of each light-emitting element in plural rows that has been incident on first lens faces in plural rows on a first plate-shaped portion is totally reflected by a second prism surface. The light of each light-emitting element is then divided by a reflection/transmission layer on a third prism surface to a side of second lens faces in plural rows on a second plate-shaped portion and a side of third lens faces in plural rows on the first plate-shaped portion. The light of each light-emitting element transmitted to the second lens face side is emitted by the second lens faces towards a side of end faces of an optical transmission body, and monitor light of each light-emitting element reflected towards the third lens face side is emitted by the third lens faces towards a side of light-receiving elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: ENPLAS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shimpei Morioka
  • Publication number: 20140110568
    Abstract: An optical-electric converting module includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a bracket and an optical-electric coupling element. The PCB includes a supporting surface, at least one laser diode and at least one photo diode. The at least one laser diode and the at least one photo diode are positioned on the supporting surface and electrically connected to the PCB. The bracket includes a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The first surface rests on the supporting surface. The bracket defines a through window running through the first surface and the second surface. The bracket is detachably connected to the supporting surface of the PCB, with the at least one laser diode and the at least one photo diode being received in the through window. The optical-electric coupling element is detachably connected to the second surface of the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: I-THUN LIN
  • Patent number: 8704150
    Abstract: A primary beam splitter (310) of an optical apparatus (300) can be used to split an incident light beam (305) into a primary plurality of light beams and to direct a first beam therefrom in a first direction and a second beam therefrom in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Secondary beam splitters (315a,b) positioned in beam paths of the first and second beams can be used to split the first and second beams of the primary plurality of light beams into a secondary plurality of light beams (320a,b) and to split the same into a tertiary plurality of light beams (325a,b). A primary plurality of beam reflectors (335a,b/340a,b/345a,b) can be positioned and used to redirect the secondary and tertiary plurality of light beams toward a common detector (355).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignees: University of Utah Research Foundation, Yale University
    Inventors: Joerg Bewersdorf, Brian Thomas Bennett
  • Patent number: 8704149
    Abstract: An embodiment of present invention discloses an optoelectronic device package including a first auxiliary energy receiver having a first energy inlet and a side wall for substantially directing energy far away from the first energy inlet; an optical element optically coupled to the first auxiliary energy receiver and having a recess facing the first energy inlet; and an optoelectronic device optically coupled to the optical element and receiving the energy from the first energy inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Epistar Corporation
    Inventors: Min-Hsun Hsieh, Tsung-Xian Lee
  • Patent number: 8704154
    Abstract: A measuring machine includes a non-contact probe that detects a step gauge without contact. The non-contact probe includes an emitting element that radiates light, a light receiving element that receives the light radiated from the emitting element, and an optical filter that covers an optical path to the light receiving element. The optical filter includes a transmission band in which the light radiated from the emitting element is transmitted and a blocking band in which light to which the light receiving element is sensitive is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventor: Hirotaka Matsubara
  • Publication number: 20140103231
    Abstract: The system for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of this present invention comprises a detecting material made by blending a nano-material and a conductive polymer. The system for detecting VOCs presents the property of high sensitivity, high sensing accuracy, quick response, and real-time VOC detecting, and is demonstrated in the present work for commercialization usage. The system for detecting VOCs can be easily operated to detect VOC without electronic detecting method, and hence this invention can reduce a lot of operation energy and procedure. Furthermore, when adding inorganic nanoparticles, the area of VOC exposure of this invention is increased and the molecular morphology variation of the detecting material is enhanced, and hence the detecting activity of the system for detecting VOCs is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Wei-Fang Su, Che-Pu Hsu, Chun-Fu Lu, Hsueh-Chung Liao, Ming-Chung Wu
  • Publication number: 20140103226
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nanosystems as non deactivable security markers comprising metal atomic quantum clusters (AQCs) of at least two different size distributions encapsulated in a cavity with an inner diameter less than or equal to approximately 10 nm. These nanosystems are luminescence, particularly fluorescence after external excitation. The invention also relates to security documents, articles or elements incorporating these markers as well as to a method and a system for detecting the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicants: NANOGAP SUB-NM POWDER, SOCIEDAD ANONIMA, Fabrica Nacional De Moneda Y Timbre-Reeal Casa De La Moneda
    Inventors: Manuel Arturo Lopez Quintela, Vicente Garcia Juez
  • Publication number: 20140103816
    Abstract: A method and a structure are provided to increase a receiving angle of an optical sensor. The structure includes touchscreen glass, an optical sensor, and a main board. An ambient light hole is provided on the touchscreen glass. The optical sensor is disposed between the touchscreen glass and the main board. A light uniformizing film is disposed between the touchscreen glass and the optical sensor, is in contact with the touchscreen glass, and completely covers the ambient light hole. A handheld terminal includes the foregoing structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Leilei Pang, Hui Shao
  • Publication number: 20140103188
    Abstract: An automatically adjustable method for use in opto-acoustic metrology or other types of metrology operations is described. The method includes modifying the operation of a metrology system that uses a PSD style sensor arrangement. The method may be used to quickly adjust the operation of a metrology system to ensure that the data obtained therefrom are of the desired quality. Further, the method is useful in searching for and optimizing data that is or can be correlated to substrate or sample features or characteristics that of interest. Apparatus and computer readable media are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Manjusha Mehendale, Michael Kotelyanskii, Priya Mukundhan, Michael Colgan, Wei Zhou
  • Publication number: 20140097332
    Abstract: The resolution of conventional imaging devices is restricted by the diffraction limit ‘Perfect’ imaging devices which can achieve a resolution beyond the diffraction limit have been considered impossible to implement. However, the present disclosure provides an imaging device which can achieve improved resolution beyond the diffraction limit and which can be implemented in practice. Said imaging device comprises: a. a lens having a refractive index that varies according to a predetermined refractive index profile; b. a source; c. an outlet for decoupling waves from the device; and d. a reflector provided around the lens, the source and the outlet, wherein the reflector and the refractive index profile of the lens are together arranged to direct waves transmitted in any of a plurality of directions from the source to the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicants: The University Court of the University of St Andrews, Masaryk University, Cornell University
    Inventors: Ulf Leonhardt, Tomas Tyc, Lucas Heitzmann Gabrielli, Michal Lipson
  • Publication number: 20140097333
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing monolithic optical packages. An embodiment optical package includes a base made of aluminum-nitride (AlN) that is configured to support an optical component, a plurality of sidewalls made of AlN that are coupled to the base, the sidewalls are configured to surround the optical component, and a feed-through made of AlN that is coupled to one of the sidewalls, wherein the feed-through is configured to feed a plurality of leads through the one sidewall to provide an electrical connection to the optical component, wherein the base, the sidewalls, and the feed-through have a same coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for AlN. An embodiment method includes punching and printing AlN tapes to build a base, a plurality of sidewalls joined to the base, and a feed-through coupled to the sidewalls, and attaching a plurality of electrical leads into the feed-through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: FutureWei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anwar A. Mohammed, Yu Fei, Qi Deng
  • Publication number: 20140097358
    Abstract: In a method for imaging a structure (33) marked with a fluorescent dye in a sample, the sample is repeatedly scanned in a scanning range (28) with a light intensity distribution localised around a focal point (29) of a focused fluorescence excitation light beam. The light intensity distribution further comprises a focused fluorescence inhibiting light beam (7) whose wave fronts are modulated so that a fluorescence inhibiting light intensity distribution comprises a minimum at the focal point (29) of the fluorescence excitation light beam (4). The scanning conditions are coordinated in such a way that the fluorescence light is emitted out of the scanning range (28) as individually detectable photons. When these photons are detected, the location (32) of the focal point (28) at the respective point in time is allocated to them. An image of the structure (33) is composed of the locations (32) to which the detected photons have been allocated during several repetitions of scanning the scanning range (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicants: Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften e.V.
    Inventors: Stefan W. Hell, Jale Schneider, Johann Engelhardt
  • Publication number: 20140098377
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprising: a light source, for transmitting incident light to an objective without utilizing any medium besides air, such that the light emits from the objective to generate passing-through light; and a sensor, for capturing an image of the objective according to the passing-through light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: PixArt Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Ren-Hau Gu, Ming-Tsan Kao, Sen-Huang Huang
  • Publication number: 20140091210
    Abstract: There is provided an optical sensor device that, even when the frame is slimmed, can cause the sensor unit to leave or enter the frame smoothly, as well as can accommodate position shifts of the image display panel caused by activation and resulting heat generation thereof. An optical sensor device 1 includes a main body frame 2, a sensor unit 3 including an optical sensor 108, guide members 16 configured to guide the sensor unit 3, and drive means configured to move the sensor unit 3 to a measurement position. The sensor unit 3 is provided with, on both sides thereof, slide members 31. The sensor unit 3 moves obliquely forward along slopes 162 formed on front portions of the guide members 16, and a shading member 9 disposed on the sensor unit 3 contacts a display screen 101a of the image display panel. After making a measurement, the sensor unit 3 moves obliquely backward and is stored in the main body frame 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: EIZO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidekazu Hogo, Kentaro Kojima, Kenichi Amemiya
  • Publication number: 20140091209
    Abstract: A radiation detecting apparatus includes a sensor panel that has photoelectric conversion elements; a light source unit that has a light guide plate, a light-emitting source disposed at a side surface of the light guide plate, a diffusing plate disposed at one surface of the light guide plate, and a reflective plate disposed at an opposite surface of the light guide plate; and a support substrate that supports the light source unit. The light source unit is provided between the sensor panel and the support substrate. Multiple protrusions of the diffusing plate are in contact with a surface of the sensor panel. The light source unit is adhered to the sensor panel via an adhesive, and the adhesive extends to the support substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Taiki Takei, Masato Inoue, Shinichi Takeda, Satoru Sawada, Takamasa Ishii, Kota Nishibe
  • Patent number: 8686346
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a frequency selective imager. In particular, the frequency selective imager includes an array of pixels arranged in a focal plane array. Each pixel includes at least one nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction that is formed between nanowires of different compositions. When a nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction senses a photon, the nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction emits an electrical pulse voltage that is proportional to an energy level of the sensed photon. In one or more embodiments, the frequency selective imager is a frequency selective optical imager that is used to sense photons having optical frequencies. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the nanowires in the frequency selective imager is manufactured from a compound material including Bismuth (Bi) and Tellurium (Te).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Hunt
  • Patent number: 8686345
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a standby circuit. The standby circuit is coupled to an electric device for providing a standby voltage to the electric device when the electric device is not turned on. The standby circuit includes a light emitting module and an energy converter. The light emitting module receives an AC current and is driven by the AC current to generate light. The energy converter receives the light generated by the light emitting module and converts the light into the standby voltage. Therefore, the present invention can simplify the design of traditional standby circuit in a television.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Lien Chang Electronic Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Kong Chan, Chin-Nan Lai
  • Patent number: 8686337
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes: multiple micro lenses, which are disposed in each of a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, focus the incident light into the light-receiving surface; with the multiple micro lenses of which the planar shape is a shape including a portion divided by a side extending in the first direction and a side extending in the second direction being disposed arrayed mutually adjacent to each of the first direction and the second direction; and with the multiple micro lenses being formed so that the depth of a groove between micro lenses arrayed in a third direction is deeper than the depth of a groove between micro lenses arrayed in the first direction, and also the curvature of the lens surface in the third direction is higher than the curvature of the lens surface in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akiko Ogino, Yoichi Otsuka
  • Publication number: 20140084189
    Abstract: A device and a system for detecting a tape or a piece of glue on a document and methods for detecting a tape or a piece of glue on a document are described. The device comprises at least one light source, at least one light receiver and at least one light barrier. The at least one light source is arranged on a first side of the at least one light barrier and the at least one light receiver is arranged on a second side of the at least one light barrier opposite to the first side. The light barrier is configured to come into contact with a document to prevent or reduce light emitted from the light source on the first side of the light barrier to be transmitted to the light receiver on the second side of the light barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Christian Voser, Sebastien Menot
  • Publication number: 20140084146
    Abstract: Methods for improving the performance and lifetime of irradiated photovoltaic cells are disclosed, whereby Group-V elements, and preferably nitrogen, are used to dope semiconductor GaAs-based subcell alloys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph C. Boisvert, Christopher M. Fetzer
  • Publication number: 20140084153
    Abstract: Methods and devices for mass spectrometry are described, specifically the use of nanoparticulate implantation as a matrix for secondary ion and more generally secondary particles. A photon beam source or a nanoparticulate beam source can be used a desorption source or a primary ion/primary particle source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: IONWERKS, INC.
    Inventors: J. Albert Schultz, Thomas F. Egan, Ernest K. Lewis, Steven Ulrich, Kelley L. Waters
  • Publication number: 20140084145
    Abstract: An optical package having a removably attachable cover and a body is disclosed. The body comprises a ridge whereas the cover comprises a ridge opposing structure. The cover may be form-fitted onto the body defining therein a compartment for receiving an optical sensor. The optical sensor may receive light from an aperture located on the cover. The cover may be secured onto the body through an interlocking structure. Depending on the application, the optical package may further comprise a radiation source, and/or an additional compartment for the radiation source. The optical package may be suitable for navigation sensors, proximity sensors, ambient optical sensors or any other optical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tee Khoon Guan, Lum Chee Foo
  • Publication number: 20140084181
    Abstract: A material is excited with light whose intensity is modulated according to a modulation signal. The modulation signal includes multiple transitions between at least two intensity levels, with times of at least a first contiguous sequence of the transitions being selected according to an irregular pattern. A response of the material to the excitation is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Samuel Walker Inman, Ian W. Hunter
  • Patent number: 8682116
    Abstract: One embodiment provides an integrated circuit including a first non-planar structure and a waveguide configured to provide electromagnetic waves to the first non-planar structure. The first non-planar structure provides a first signal in response to at least some of the electromagnetic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Thomas Schulz
  • Patent number: 8677605
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sensor unit includes the steps of: Step 1 is providing a substrate having sensor unit areas. Each sensor unit area is partitioned into two individual circuit areas. A signal emitting device and a signal detecting device are respectively disposed on the two circuit areas. Step 2 is forming a packaging structure to cover the two circuit areas, the signal emitting device, the signal detecting device, and a cutting area between the two circuit areas using a mold. Step 3 is cutting the packaging structure along the cutting area to form a separation cut groove. Step 4 is assembling a separation member onto each sensor unit area. The separation member is disposed on the separation cut groove so that the signal emitting device and the signal detecting device on the same sensor unit area are isolated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Lite-On Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Sin-Heng Lim, Teck-Chai Goh
  • Publication number: 20140070081
    Abstract: Electronic devices may include light sensors. The light sensors may include alignment features. The light sensors may be optically aligned with an aperture in an opaque structure. The opaque structure may be formed from an opaque material or a transparent material with an opaque coating. The light sensor may be mounted in a support structure that has been optically aligned with the aperture. The light sensor or the support structure may include extended portions that are transparent to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light may be transmitted through the extended portions to cure adhesive that attaches the light sensor or the support structure to the opaque structure. The light sensor may be optically aligned with the aperture by viewing the aperture through an opening in the support structure, by viewing the alignment features on the light sensor through the aperture or by gathering alignment data using the light sensor during alignment operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Ian A. Spraggs, Michael B. Wittenberg, Jared M. Kole, Ashutosh Y. Shukla
  • Publication number: 20140070080
    Abstract: A proximity and light sensing device including a light emitting compartment having a light emitter positioned on a substrate and an optical element positioned along a side of the light emitter opposite the substrate. The device further including a light receiving compartment including a light detector positioned on the substrate and an optical element positioned along a side of the light detector opposite the substrate. A mid wall extends in a direction substantially normal to the substrate and is positioned between the light emitting compartment and the light receiving compartment. The device further includes a reflective element positioned at a side of the mid wall facing the light receiving compartment, the reflective element capable of reflecting an off-axis light beam onto the light detector so as to form a real image on the light detector of an otherwise virtual image formed behind the reflector. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Ruh
  • Patent number: 8669513
    Abstract: A method is provided of at least partly assembling a light sensor module having at least one light sensing element optically coupled to a further optical element, for receiving light therefrom. The method comprises coupling the at least one light sensing element to an intermediate layer, wherein the intermediate layer is adapted to provide at least a predetermined level of optical coupling between the optical element and the at least one light sensing element when assembled by subsequently coupling, for example as part of a separate method, the intermediate layer to the optical element, with the intermediate layer being arranged between the optical element and the at least one light sensing element. An optical element other than a light sensing element, for example a light source element, can be used in place of the or each light sensing element, with in that case the or each optical element providing light to the further optical element rather than receiving light therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: SensL Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Patrick J. Hughes, John C. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20140061431
    Abstract: The imaging device includes a sensor substrate, a light-blocking substrate, a light-collecting substrate, a sealing material, and a light-transmitting member. The light-transmitting member includes a light-transmitting base disposed to be in contact with either the sensor substrate or the light-blocking substrate, and a light-transmitting resin which is filled between the base and the sensor substrate or the light-blocking substrate. A void is formed in at least a part of a space between the sealing material and the light-transmitting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takefumi FUKAGAWA, Takashi MIYATA, Satoshi HIGUCHI, Tatsuya OKAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20140061446
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method using a light source selectively emitting an incident beam. A thin film is disposed in a path of and responsive to the incident beam to produce a reflected beam. A light-sensing probe is capable of detecting the reflected beam. Ambient environment logic responsive to the light-sensing probe compares a position of the reflected beam to an expected position to make a characteristic determination of a selected ambient environment through which the incident beam propagated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Minna Helena Hovinen, Oliver Ye Tao
  • Publication number: 20140061480
    Abstract: An occupancy sensor device has a sensor and a fastener. The sensor has a body and a connector. The body has a detector and a lens. The lens covers the detector. The connector is formed on the body. The fastener is connected securely to the connector of the sensor. When the occupancy sensor device is installed on a light, the connector is mounted through a sensor hole of a light cover first, and the fastener is connected securely to the connector. Then the installation is completed and the sensor device is mounted securely on the light cover. Because the sensor has the connector directly formed on the body and the connector can be connected securely to the fastener, the sensor device is easily mounted on various kinds of lights regardless of the structure of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: IR-TEC INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventor: Wen-I HUANG
  • Patent number: 8664584
    Abstract: A compact PD unidirectivity solution for an optical tap monitor, which reduces the overall size of optical tap module, is provided. The solution is to use lensing to separate the light from the input and output fibers, and then add a mask or spacer in front of the monitor PD to prevent any of the light from the output fiber from entering the photodetector package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Yatao Yang, Chang Xiao, Yujian Bao, Fenhong Zhou
  • Publication number: 20140054450
    Abstract: A light source apparatus that generates a light to be supplied to an endoscope, which includes: LEDs of respective colors that emit lights; collimator lenses that receive emitted lights and emit the received lights; and illuminance sensors arranged at positions where the illuminance sensors can receive both of leak lights of the lights emitted from the LEDs of respective colors, which are not used as illumination lights, and lights emitted from the LEDs of respective colors and reflected by the collimator lenses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Yutaka SHIROTA, Tomoya TAKAHASHI, Yusuke YABE, Masato TODA, Koji OMORI, Takahiro MASAKI, Daisuke AKIYAMA
  • Patent number: 8658961
    Abstract: A submount is used for disposing an illuminant element or a light-receiving element having an optical axis. The submount is disposed at a plane and has a main body. The main body includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is approximately parallel to the plane and far away from the plane. The second surface is approximately parallel to the plane and adjacent to the plane. A disposing part of the first surface is tilted with respect to the second surface at a predetermined angle. The illuminant element or the light-receiving element is disposed on the disposing part. The optical axis of the illuminant element or the light-receiving element is tiled with respect to a normal of the second surface at the predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: True Light Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Cheng Chen, Jin-Shan Pan
  • Publication number: 20140045281
    Abstract: Provided is a substrate processing apparatus in which flexibility of disposing a device configured to determine a holding state of a substrate and the flexibility of timing of determining the holding state are enhanced. The substrate processing apparatus includes a light projector configured to radiate detection light toward a region where a substrate may exist when the substrate is held by a substrate holding member and a light receiver configured to receive the detection light radiated from the light projector. A light path of the detection light from the light projector toward the light receiver passes a substrate surrounding member installed around the substrate held by the substrate holding member. The detection light penetrates the substrate surrounding member and has a wavelength which does not penetrate the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Kazuhiro AIURA, Norihiro ITOH, Yusuke HASHIMOTO, Takashi NAGAI
  • Publication number: 20140042340
    Abstract: For the purpose of tracking a movement of a particle in a sample, the particle is driven by light to emit photons, and the photons emitted by the particle are detected. The light applied to the sample features a light intensity distribution with a spatially limited minimum. The particle is tracked with the minimum of the light intensity distribution by moving the light intensity distribution with respect to the sample such that a rate of photons emitted by the particle remains minimal, and by taking an actual position of the minimum of the light intensity distribution in the sample as an actual position of the particle in the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften e. V.
    Inventor: Stefan W. Hell
  • Publication number: 20140042305
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical package module, which comprises a substrate, a light emitting element, a first molding compound, a second molding compound, a light sensing element, and a cap. The light emitting element and the light sensing element are disposed on the substrate, and the first molding compound and the second molding compound are respectively molded upon the light sensing element and the light emitting element. The first molding compound comprises a first optical structure corresponding to the light sensing element, and the second molding compound comprises a second optical structure corresponding to the light emitting element. By designing the first and second optical structure of the optical package module, it achieves the purposes of improving light emitting and sensing efficiency of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: SIGURD MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventor: CHIU-WEI LIU
  • Publication number: 20140034816
    Abstract: A photocathode is formed on a monocrystalline silicon substrate having opposing illuminated (top) and output (bottom) surfaces. To prevent oxidation of the silicon, a thin (e.g., 1-5 nm) boron layer is disposed directly on the output surface using a process that minimizes oxidation and defects, and a low work-function material layer is then formed over the boron layer to enhance the emission of photoelectrons. The low work-function material includes an alkali metal (e.g., cesium) or an alkali metal oxide. An optional second boron layer is formed on the illuminated (top) surface, and an optional anti-reflective material layer is formed on the boron layer to enhance entry of photons into the silicon substrate. An optional external potential is generated between the opposing illuminated (top) and output (bottom) surfaces. The photocathode forms part of novel sensors and inspection systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Yung-Ho Alex Chuang, John Fielden
  • Publication number: 20140034820
    Abstract: Light-detection systems that do not destroy the light to be detected or change the propagation direction of the light are described. In one aspect, a light-detection system includes an optical element composed of a substrate with a planar surface and a polarization insensitive, high contrast, sub-wavelength grating composed of posts that extend from the planar surface. The posts and/or lattice arrangement of the posts are non-periodically varied to impart orbital angular momentum and at least one helical wavefront on the light transmitted through the optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: David A Fattal, Peter George Hartwell, Andrei Faraon, Raymond G. Beausoleil
  • Patent number: 8642937
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for the radiometric calibration of an optical payload consisting of a housing with an optical aperture, at one portion. The optical aperture is utilized for passing light to an imaging device. The housing also includes at least one door located at another portion of the housing. The door receives and directs light into the housing and toward the optical aperture. The door includes a plurality of holes which are disposed directly in the door. When the housing is moved through predetermined angles relative to the sun, the plurality of holes are capable of passing light into the housing at calibrated levels of radiance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Exelis, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Sain Bowen, David Ferd House
  • Publication number: 20140027608
    Abstract: A position detecting system, which comprises: a position information providing apparatus, comprising a light emitting-out side, having at least one position information region distributed on an outer surface of the light emitting-out side, wherein light has position information from the position information region when the light emits out from at least part of the light emitting-out side; a transceiver, for receiving the light with the position information; and a processor, for determining a relative position between the transceiver and the position information providing apparatus according to the position information received by the transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: PIXART IMAGING INC.
    Inventors: Shu-Sian Yang, Han-Ping Cheng
  • Patent number: 8637803
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring optical forces acting on a trapped particle. In one implementation the apparatus and method are adaptable for use in the optical train of an optical microscope that is configured to trap, with a single light beam, a particle suspended in a suspension medium between an entry cover and an exit cover of a chamber positioned on or within the microscope. The apparatus and method involves the use of a single collection lens system having a numerical aperture designed to be greater than or equal to an index of refraction index of the suspension medium intended to suspend the particle in the chamber which is placeable at or near the exit cover of the chamber of the microscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: Mario Montes Usategui, Arnau Farré Flaquer