Including Detector Array Patents (Class 250/332)
  • Patent number: 11863896
    Abstract: An object of the present technology is to provide an image sensor and a photodetector that are capable of reducing power consumption of an AD conversion unit. The image sensor includes a comparator, in which the comparator includes a differential input unit that includes a first input unit connected to a first capacitance unit and a second input unit connected to a second capacitance unit, a current mirror unit that includes a first resistance element connected to the differential input unit and an NMOS transistor diode-connected via the first resistance element, a second resistance element connected to the differential input unit, and a switch unit provided between the first input unit and a junction between the first resistance element and the NMOS transistor, and between the second input unit and a junction between the second resistance element and the current mirror unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Moue
  • Patent number: 11860262
    Abstract: A system for generating a three dimension (3D) imaging of an object, the system comprising: an electromagnetic transducer array such as an RF (radio-frequency) antenna array surrounding the object said array comprising: a plurality of electromagnetic transducers; a transmitter unit for applying RF signals to said electromagnetic transducer array; and a receiver unit for receiving a plurality of RF signals affected by said object from said electromagnetic transducers array; a Radio Frequency Signals Measurement Unit (RFSMU) configured to receive and measure said plurality of plurality of affected RF signals and provide RF data of the object; and at least one processing unit, configured to process said RF data to identify the dielectric properties of said object and construct a 3D image of said object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: VAYYAR IMAGING LTD
    Inventors: Raviv Melamed, Damian Hoffman, Jonathan Rosenfeld, Ronen Tur
  • Patent number: 11856855
    Abstract: Provided are a thermal sensor and a manufacturing method thereof. The thermal sensor includes a transistor and a thermal sensing device. The thermal sensing device is disposed in a recess in a substrate and electrically connected to the transistor. The thermal sensing device includes a first dielectric layer, a metal silicide reflective layer, a second dielectric layer, and a thermal absorbing layer. The first dielectric layer is disposed on sidewalls and a bottom of the recess. The metal silicide reflective layer is disposed on the first dielectric layer located on the bottom of the recess. The second dielectric layer is disposed at a top of the recess. The thermal absorbing layer is disposed on the second dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Nuvoton Technology Corporation
    Inventors: In-Shiang Chiu, Kuang-Chu Chen, Peng-Chan Hsiao, Han-Ying Liu
  • Patent number: 11839516
    Abstract: Medical imaging equipment and a medical imaging method are provided. The medical imaging equipment includes medical equipment, a controller, and a head-mounted display. The medical equipment is configured to investigate a body portion and output a first image signal corresponding to the body portion. The first image signal has a first resolution. The controller is coupled to the medical equipment to receive the first image signal and convert the first resolution of the first image signal to a second image signal having a second resolution. The head-mounted display is coupled to the controller to display a display image of the second image signal. The head-mounted display has a direction line. When the head-mounted display faces the body portion, the display image and the body portion are located along to the direction line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: I-Han Chen, Chen Hsiang Shih, Yi-Fa Wang, Chih-Yang Tsai, Chia-Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 11749902
    Abstract: A dual-band shared-aperture antenna array based on a dual-mode parallel waveguide is applicable to the field of wireless communications technologies. The dual-band shared-aperture antenna array includes: a waveguide-substrate integrated waveguide transition structure, a multi-stage cascaded power splitter, a transverse coupling slot, a longitudinal coupling slot, a matching through-hole, a shared-aperture dual-mode parallel waveguide, and a shared-aperture parallel slot array. The entire structure includes two dielectric substrates. A signal is input to the multi-stage cascaded power splitter through the waveguide-substrate integrated waveguide transition structure located on a bottom-layer substrate. The foregoing dual-band shared-aperture antenna array based on a dual-mode parallel waveguide can separately implement a low-band fixed-beam slot array antenna, a high-band multi-beam long slot leaky-wave antenna, or a fixed-beam slot array antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: SOUTHEAST UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zhangcheng Hao, Yiwen Wu
  • Patent number: 11709099
    Abstract: A method includes capturing and scaling VLC and an IAS outputs to generate a scaled VLC output and a scaled thermal output (STO), aligning the scaled VLC output to the STO to generate an aligned image based on the scaled VLC output and the STO, determining alignment value(s) based on the aligned image, a laser pointer outputting a light beam to produce a laser dot on a target, and capturing a further output of the VLC. The method includes displaying the further output of the VLC (including a representation of the laser dot (RLD)), and an alignment marker, shifting the alignment marker and/or the RLD to a common position; determining coordinate(s) of the output of the IAS based on coordinate(s) of the further output of the VLC where the alignment marker and the RLD are shown at the common position; and storing the coordinate(s) of the output of the IAS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy G. Ruther, Gary F. Stefanik, Robert Hoevenaar
  • Patent number: 11702022
    Abstract: A collision mitigation system makes use of ladar sensors to identify obstacles and to predict unavoidable collisions therewith, and a duplex radio link in communication with secondary vehicles, and a number of external airbags deployable under the control of an airbag control unit, to reduce the forces of impact on the host vehicle, secondary vehicles, and bipeds and quadrupeds wandering into the roadway. A suspension modification system makes use of ladar sensors to identify road hazards, and make adaptations to a number of active suspension components, each with the ability to absorb shock, elevate or lower the vehicle, and adjust the spring rate of the individual wheel suspensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Continental Autonomous Mobility US, LLC
    Inventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Andrew Duerner
  • Patent number: 11614406
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for inspecting solar modules, and in particular systems and methods incorporating high-power light sources to impart ultraviolet fluorescence of solar modules. The systems and methods can include a filter and/or a camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: The Southern Company
    Inventors: William B. Hobbs, Jr., Braden H. Gilleland
  • Patent number: 11616918
    Abstract: An element includes a loop antenna configured to include first and second metal lines on a surface of a substrate on or from which terahertz waves are incident or emitted, and a rectifying element or an oscillation element electrically connected to the first and second metal lines. The element has a facing section at which a first surface of a first end not connected to the rectifying element or the oscillation element at an end of the first metal line faces a second surface of a second end not connected to the rectifying element or the oscillation element at an end of the second metal line, a direction in which the first surface faces the second surface is a direction in which the first end extends and is a direction intersecting a direction in which the second end extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Sato
  • Patent number: 11601606
    Abstract: A method of calibrating an infrared (IR) camera including a pixel array housed in a housing, the pixel array having an image sensor and one or more parasitic heat sensing pixels arranged to receive infrared light from different portions of an interior surface of the housing, the method including: receiving, by a processing device, one or more readings from each of the parasitic heat sensing pixels and from each pixel of the pixel array; and generating, by the processing device based on the one or more readings, one or more conversion matrices for converting readings from the parasitic heat sensing pixels into pixel correction values for performing 2D signal correction of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: LYNRED
    Inventors: Alain Durand, Nicolas Boudou
  • Patent number: 11592336
    Abstract: Systems and methods for thermal radiation detection utilizing a thermal radiation detection system are provided. The thermal radiation detection system includes one or more mercury-cadmium-telluride (HgCdTe)-based photodiode infrared detectors or Indium Antimonide (InSb)-based photodiode infrared detectors and a temperature sensing circuit. The temperature sensing circuit is configured to generate signals correlated to the temperatures of one or more of the plurality of infrared sensor elements. The thermal radiation detection system also includes a signal processing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Varga, Steven Henry Mersch
  • Patent number: 11573127
    Abstract: A far infrared sensor package includes a package body and a plurality of far infrared sensor array integrated circuits. The plurality of far infrared sensor array integrated circuits are disposed on a same plane and inside the package body. Each of the far infrared sensor array integrated circuits includes a far infrared sensing element array of a same size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: PixArt Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Ming Sun, Sen-Huang Huang
  • Patent number: 11515218
    Abstract: Thermal monitors comprising a substrate with at least one camera position on a bottom surface thereof, a wireless communication controller and a battery. The camera has a field of view sufficient to produce an image of at least a portion of a wafer support, the image representative of the temperature within the field of view. Methods of using the thermal monitors are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventor: Deepak Jadhav
  • Patent number: 11507724
    Abstract: An estimation method is performed by a computer for estimating a far field of electromagnetic waves or heat. The method includes: generating an emphasis pattern image obtained by emphasizing each target element of a pattern image of a target circuit by an emphasizing method that corresponds to a type of each target element, with respect to the target element which is at least a part of elements included in the target circuit; and estimating the far field of electromagnetic waves or heat radiated from the target circuit by an existing estimation model using the emphasis pattern image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Shohei Yamane, Yusuke Oishi, Hiroaki Watanabe, Yoichi Kochibe
  • Patent number: 11505113
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates an integrated module including a camera and a lamp, and may include a camera that acquires an image of a periphery of a vehicle and provide the image, at least one first lamp and at least one second lamp disposed at at least one location of an upper side and a lower side of the camera in a direction of a transverse axis of the camera, and a lamp controller that provides electrical energy for the first lamp to the first lamp and provides electrical energy for the second lamp to the second lamp according to daytime/nighttime determination information based on the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Han Seong Yu, Jung Sub Lim, Myeong Je Kim
  • Patent number: 11463661
    Abstract: Present invention discloses a night vision system for a vehicle and method of installation for the night vision system on the vehicle. The night vision system includes a mount, a night vision device detachably mountable on the vehicle using the mount. The night vision device is mounted pointing over a road for detecting one or more objects present on and alongside the road. The system further includes a display device configurable within an interior region of the vehicle for displaying a video stream received from the night vision device to a user driving the vehicle. The display device is configured to embody a program product for enabling the display device to receive, process and display the received video stream on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: NightRide Thermal LLC
    Inventors: Shawn Groce, Zevi Kramer, Jacky Yuan, Samantha Coughlan
  • Patent number: 11457576
    Abstract: An irrigation system that controls the irrigation operations based upon soil irrigation decisions and weather forecasts generated by specific meteorological data, including soil temperature, soil moisture, air temperature, air humidity, air pressure, and rainfall collected by different sensors. The system comprises an irrigation decision module, a soil decision module, an air factor decision module, a rainfall information sensor, an irrigation controller, and a mobile APP. The irrigation system uses low-power radio frequency networking technology to communicate between different modules and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Homgar International Inc
    Inventors: Zhongdong Huang, Dun Zheng
  • Patent number: 11445131
    Abstract: An imager array may be provided as part of an imaging system. The imager array may include a plurality of infrared imaging modules. Each infrared imaging module may include a plurality of infrared sensors associated with an optical element. The infrared imaging modules may be oriented, for example, substantially in a plane facing the same direction and configured to detect images from the same scene. Such images may be processed in accordance with various techniques to provide images of infrared radiation. The infrared imaging modules may include filters or lens coatings to selectively detect desired ranges of infrared radiation. Such arrangements of infrared imaging modules in an imager array may be used to advantageous effect in a variety of different applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Teledyne FLIR, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Högasten, Mark Nussmeier, Eric A. Kurth, Theodore R. Hoelter, Katrin Strandemar, Pierre Boulanger, Barbara Sharp
  • Patent number: 11425657
    Abstract: A sensor data transmitting apparatus that transmits sensor data with low power and a method therefor are provided. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a sensor data transmitting apparatus that transmits sensor data includes: a wireless communicator configured to access a network through an access point (AP); a timer module configured to generate a wake-up signal in a predetermined cycle; a storage configured to include a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory, a small booting code and a full booting code being recorded in the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory being capable of recording the sensor data; and a processor configured to execute the small booting code or the full booting code, collect the sensor data from a sensor after executing the small booting code, and transmit the sensor data to the AP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor Korea Inc.
    Inventors: Hee Jun Kim, Beomjin Kim
  • Patent number: 11415465
    Abstract: Improved techniques for thermal imaging and gas detection are provided. In one example, a system includes a first set of filters configured to pass first filtered infrared radiation comprising a first range of thermal wavelengths associated with a background portion of a scene. The system also includes a second set of filters configured to pass second filtered infrared radiation comprising a second range of thermal wavelengths associated with a gas present in the scene. The first and second ranges are independent of each other. The system also includes a sensor array comprising adjacent infrared sensors configured to separately receive the first and second filtered infrared radiation to capture first and second thermal images respectively corresponding to the background portion and the gas. Additional systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: FLIR Systems AB
    Inventors: Henning Hagman, Marta Barenthin-Syberg
  • Patent number: 11402271
    Abstract: Extensible architecture systems and methods are provided. An imaging system includes a front end (FE) and back end (BE) module. The FE module includes a thermal imager to capture video data representing thermal images of a scene, logic device to process the video data, sensor interface circuit to transmit the video data to the logic device, and FE interface circuit to transmit FE output video data generated based on the processed video data. The BE module includes a BE interface circuit to receive the FE output video data via the FE interface circuit. The BE module further includes a processor to generate a video output based on the FE output video data, and an input/output circuit(s) to interface with an input/output component(s) of the imaging system. The BE interface circuit, processor, and input/output circuits are provided as a system-on-module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Teledyne FLIR, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Poirier, George B. Rouse, Marc Norvig
  • Patent number: 11381327
    Abstract: Proactive systems for monitoring, diagnosing, and providing a plan of corrective action for Radio Frequency (RF) hardware components as part of a greater system or network in telecommunications. The system can be used for remote sites and in conjunction with current network management tools as the most prolific and fundamental piece of instrumentation in telecommunication networks. The system can be used simply as an RF development instrument for any industry requiring the use of high frequency signals. It consists of four sensor modules that are wirelessly linked to a receiver module which could be miles away. The sensors are RF power detector, Spectrum Analyzer, Interference Cancelling Synthesizer, dual function RF power detector and spectrum analyzer. The data gathered allows the user to create a profile for specific malfunctions in the RF chain, as well as interference direction, strength and source type leading to remotely deployed solution, and a mobile network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: SignalFox, Inc.
    Inventor: Shervin Kiannejad
  • Patent number: 11362882
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for optimal and adaptive urban scanning using self-organized fleets of autonomous vehicles. A mobile access point (MAP) may obtain, while operating within a communication network comprising one or more mobile access points (MAPs) and one or more fixed access points (FAPs), sensory information relating to an infrastructure utilized by the MAPs. The MAP may store the sensory information, may determine when access to a central entity, configured for managing the infrastructure and/or the communication network, is available via at least one fixed access point (FAP), and when access to the central entity is available, communicate the obtained sensory information. The MAP may include on-board sensors for directly obtaining at least some of the sensory information. The MAP may obtain at least some of the sensory information from fixed sensors deployed within or near the infrastructure. The MAP may comprise an autonomous vehicle (AV).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: VENIAM, INC.
    Inventor: Eduardo da Cruz Antunes Moreira da Mota
  • Patent number: 11348335
    Abstract: In one preferred form of the present invention, there is provided a computer implemented thermal audit method (58) including: using items (64) of photograph data (66), each item (64) of photograph data (66) being of a structure from a viewpoint where the item of photograph data (66) is based on the visual spectrum as would be seen by the human eye; using items (74) of thermal image data (76), each item (74) of thermal data (76) being of the structure from a viewpoint where the item (74) of thermal image data (76) is based on the thermal spectrum as would be seen by a thermal imaging camera; and applying a computer algorithm that identifies thermal points of interest (82) in connection with the thermal image data (66) and combines the thermal areas of interest (82) with the photograph data (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: EFFICIENCY MATRIX PTY LTD
    Inventors: John Konstantakopoulos, Chun Cheung
  • Patent number: 11335653
    Abstract: The task of the present invention is to achieve gain enhancement. A terahertz device (10) of the present invention includes a terahertz element (20) generating an electromagnetic wave, a dielectric (50) including a dielectric material and surrounding the terahertz element (20), a gas space (92) including a gas, and a reflecting film (82) serving as a reflecting portion. The reflecting film (82) includes a portion opposing the terahertz element (20) through the dielectric (50) and the gas space (92) and reflecting the electromagnetic wave toward a direction, wherein the electromagnetic wave is generated from the terahertz element (20) and transmitted through the dielectric (50) and the gas space (92). In addition, the refractive index of the dielectric (50) is lower than the refractive index of the terahertz element (20) and is higher than the refractive index of the gas in the gas space (92).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Kazuisao Tsuruda
  • Patent number: 11333557
    Abstract: An optically powered cryogenic FPA with an optical data link eliminates electrical penetrations of the cryogenic chamber for power delivery thereby reducing heat leaks into the cold volume by copper wires and EMI. An optical splitter receives and separates an optical input signal into an optical carrier signal, an optical Data IN signal and an optical power signal. An optical-to-electrical (O/E) converter converts the optical power signal into an electrical power signal, which is converted into a plurality of DC voltage signals to supply power within the chamber. An optical data link modulates the optical carrier signal with electrical signals from the ROIC to form and output an optical Data OUT signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Gerald P. Uyeno, Sean D. Keller, Benn Gleason
  • Patent number: 11330160
    Abstract: An observation and designation apparatus includes a first image sensor and a second image sensor that are connected to an electronic image processor circuit connected to a display. The first image sensor and the second image sensor provide fields that are superposed to supply respectively at least a first image and a second image of the same scene. The appliance further includes a laser emitter for emitting a laser beam lying in a predetermined range of wavelengths into a predetermined zone of the field of the second sensor; a region-of-interest filter extending in front of the second sensor. The electronic processor circuit superposes the two images by using the zone of the second image that corresponds to the third region of the filter to register the second image spatially relative to the first image. An observation and designation method makes use of such filtering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE
    Inventors: Nicolas Roux, Brice Lerat, Heloise Berthier
  • Patent number: 11320306
    Abstract: A subwavelength gold hole/disk array that when coupled with a ground plane induces extraordinary transmission through the hole/disk array and zero back reflection. The hole/disk array functions as a “light funnel” in couling incident radiation into the cavity with about 100% efficiency over a narrow resonant bandwidth, which results in frequency-selective perfect (˜100%) absorption of the incident radiation. Such an optical frequency-selective absorber enables flexible scaling of detector response to any wavelength range by pattern dimensional changes, enabling uncooled frequency selective detection and “color” imaging in the infrared domain. Methods and applications are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Debashis Chanda, Sushrut Modak, Jonathan Lee, Alireza Safaei
  • Patent number: 11323641
    Abstract: A control method of an infrared detector, for obtaining a wider dynamic range and preventing an over-range, is disclosed. The method includes: monitoring a value acquired in response to an electric current flowing in each of a plurality of infrared detection elements configuring the infrared detector, and lowering, when the value acquired in response to the electric current flowing in the infrared detection element reaches a threshold value within a detection time, sensitivity of the infrared detection element within the detection time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Yasuo Matsumiya
  • Patent number: 11308712
    Abstract: A passive incoherent millimeter-wave imaging system includes a receiver array including a plurality of receive modules configured to receive a scene signal reflected from a scene. The scene signal is reflected in response to a plurality of incoherent communication signals being reflected off the scene, and the plurality of incoherent communication signals are spatially and temporally incoherent at a point when reaching the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventor: Jeffrey Nanzer
  • Patent number: 11310903
    Abstract: A heat sink with a first sub-area and a second sub-area, designed for contacting a large area of a printed circuit board populated with electronic components. A thermal isolation extends between the first sub-area and the second sub-area, and a rigid mechanical connection that spans the thermal isolation connects the first sub-area to the second sub-area. As a result, the heat sink allows an assignment of sub-areas to electronic components on the printed circuit board, and contributes to mechanical stabilization of the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: dSPACE digital signal processing and control engineering GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Breicher, Van Son Nguyen, Johannes Henkel
  • Patent number: 11302854
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a highly accurate and highly reliable physical quantity sensor wherein an error due to stress applied to a sensor element of the physical quantity sensor is reduced. This physical quantity sensor device is provided with: a hollow section formed in a Si substrate; an insulating film covering the hollow section; and a heating section formed in the insulating film. The sensor device is also provided with a detection element that detects the temperature of the insulating film above the hollow section, the detection element is provided with a first silicon element and a second silicon element, and the first silicon element and the second silicon element are doped with different impurities, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakano, Masahiro Matsumoto, Yoshimitsu Yanagawa, Yasuo Onose
  • Patent number: 11302729
    Abstract: The detection device includes first and second photodetectors each sensitive to two different wavelength ranges. The detection device comprises a first filter configured to allow the first wavelength range to pass and to block the second wavelength range. The first filter covers the first photodetector and leaves the second photodetector uncovered. The detection device comprises a second filter located at a distance from the first and second photodetectors and at a distance from the first filter. The second filter is configured to allow the first and the second wavelength ranges to pass. A processing circuit is configured to receive electric signals coming from the first and second photodetectors and to provide data relative to the radiation of the second wavelength range by comparing the first signal with the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Lynred
    Inventors: Nicolas Pere Laperne, Pierre Jenouvrier, Yann Reibel
  • Patent number: 11291371
    Abstract: A device to measure with infrared radiation, then make a projection picture of, blood concentration inside the body of animals. Blood concentration in cancer masses increases, when compared to adjoining tissues, as flesh and bones, also with a disorganized capillary distribution. The device disclosed in this invention makes two types of images, a first image, which we call transmitted image, with infrared radiation that suffered no scattering as it propagates through the body or part of the body, and a second image, which we call scattered image, with radiation that suffered one or more scattering events, as it propagates through the body. Finally, a third image can be made from a combination of the first and second image after a suitable mathematical manipulation of the first and/or second images. Each of the three images may be used as an indication of cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventors: Gunnar Erik Skulason, Sergio Lara Pereira Monteiro
  • Patent number: 11285887
    Abstract: A module and support structure assembly, in particular for mounting on the windscreen of a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle, that includes: a module having a housing; and a support structure adapted to carry the module, the housing and support structure comprising respective first and second fixation members cooperating with each other for releasable fixing, in particular by snapping, the module to the support structure. The housing and support structure further comprise cooperating positioning members that are configured to define a receiving position for the module on the support structure, in which the module is not fixed, and to assist in a guided fashion engagement of the first and second fixation members to bring the module in a fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Aptiv Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Robik Edgarian, Ravindra Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 11264426
    Abstract: The embodiments disclosed in the present document relate to an image sensor for detecting infrared multi-band light, and an electronic device using same. The image sensor according to the various embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a first filter configured to allow light in the infrared band to pass; a pixel array comprising a first pixel configured to be able to at least detect light of a first band which corresponds to part of the light in the infrared band that passed through the first filter, and a second pixel configured to be able to at least detect light of a second band which corresponds to another part of the light in the infrared band that passed through the first filter; and a second filter provided on top of the first pixel, for lowering electrical reactivity of the first pixel towards light in a band other than the first band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Hwa-Young Kang
  • Patent number: 11248767
    Abstract: A first camera unit (111) acquires an image including at least an area ahead of a vehicle based on a first optical axis (X1). A second camera unit (112) acquires an image including at least an area on the left of the vehicle based on a second optical axis (X2). When viewed from an up-down direction of the vehicle, the first optical axis (X1) and the second optical axis (X2) intersect with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichi Watano, Yukio Nomura, Yoshiyuki Nakanishi, Teppei Muramatsu, Yichao Xie
  • Patent number: 11249383
    Abstract: A camera mount system for a filming through an optic on a real or simulated gun while also allowing for accurate aiming is disclosed. The camera mount may have a gun engagement surface, a vertical positioning portion, camera housing, and a secondary sight and/or screen to film through the optic while the gun is aimed using the screen or secondary sight. Additionally, the camera mount may be adjustable along the horizontal, lateral, and vertical axes. The camera mount may utilize accessory rails to assist with attaching a secondary sight or incorporate a prism to use the optic being filmed through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventor: Drew Nolle Walker
  • Patent number: 11240941
    Abstract: Autonomous vehicles are made by fitting sensors to non-autonomous vehicle platforms. A mounting structure to mount sensors to the vehicle is needed to provide sensor data about the environment of the vehicle. The mounting structure is sealed to prevent exterior environmental elements from harming the sensor hardware. Therefore, any heat generated from the sensors or equipment and/or exterior heat is sealed and trapped in the mounting structure. Thus, a way to cool the sensors is needed and to limit additions to the mounting structure is optimized by tapping into existing vehicle cooling systems to cool the sensors. Additionally, removal of the heated air by exhausting the air out from the mounting structure to aid in the cooling of the sensors is necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Scott L. Frederick, Bill Castleman, Jeff A. Teeples
  • Patent number: 11232316
    Abstract: An iris or other object detection method and apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises sending image data to a display of a device that is captured with a first camera of the device with an indication to guide a user to position a body part of the user with respect to the display while the image data is being sent to the display, providing feedback to the user to indicate to the user that the body part is in position so that an image of the body part can be captured by a second camera of the device, capturing an image of the body part with the second camera, and performing recognition on the body part using the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Donghai Guo, Shuya Kevin Huang, Jun Liu
  • Patent number: 11215509
    Abstract: A method and an infrared measuring system for determining a temperature distribution of a surface without contact includes an infrared detector array with a detector array substrate and respective pluralities of measuring pixels and reference pixels. The measuring pixels are each connected to the detector array substrate with a first thermal conductivity, are sensitive to infrared radiation, and each provide a measurement signal for determining a temperature measurement value that depends on the intensity of the incident infrared radiation. The reference pixels are each connected to the detector array substrate with a second thermal conductivity and each provide a measurement signal for determining a temperature measurement value. The reference pixels are implemented as blind pixels that are substantially insensitive to infrared radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Frank, Volkmar Senz, Michael Badeja, Axel Rumberg, Michael Krueger, Helge Dittmer
  • Patent number: 11211305
    Abstract: An integrated circuit having a body comprised of semiconducting material has one or more electronic components formed in a first region of the body and at least another electronic component formed in the second region of the body. A thermal barrier separates the two regions. By one approach that thermal barrier comprises a gap formed in the body. The gap may comprise an air gap or may be partially or wholly filled with material that inhibits thermal conduction. The thermal barrier may at least substantially surround the aforementioned second region. The second region may also include one or more temperature sensors disposed therein. A temperature control circuit may use the corresponding temperature information from within the second region to actively control the second region temperature using a temperature forcing element that is disposed at least proximal to the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Barry Jon Male
  • Patent number: 11212498
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for infrared (IR) crosstalk correction for hybrid Red-Green-Blue-IR (RGB-IR) sensors. A methodology implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes estimating illumination characteristics applied to a subject. The estimation is based on the subject image provided by a hybrid RGB-IR sensor, which comprises a plurality of pixels, each of the pixels associated with an R, G, B, or IR channel. The method further includes selecting a set of correction model parameters from a calibration database, the selection based on the estimated illumination characteristics, and generating a correction model based on the selected set of correction model parameters. The correction model provides correction weights for the RGB channels. The method further includes generating RGB correction values as a product of the correction weights and the IR channel and adjusting the RGB channels by the correction values to reduce IR crosstalk between the IR channel and the RGB channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Rastislav Lukac
  • Patent number: 11204282
    Abstract: A lens allows infrared light to pass therethrough. An infrared sensor includes infrared detection elements arranged in two or more columns. The infrared sensor is rotated around a scan rotation axis that passes through part of the lens to scan a detection range, and outputs an output signal indicating a thermal image of the detection range. At least two infrared detection elements in the infrared sensor are located at positions displaced from each other with respect to the scan rotation axis. Among the infrared detection elements, the number of first infrared detection elements having a smaller half-width of a point spread function in a scan direction than that in the direction of the scan rotation axis is larger than the number of second infrared detection elements having a larger half-width of a point spread function in the scan direction than that in the direction of the scan rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koichi Kusukame, Aki Yoneda, Nawatt Silawan
  • Patent number: 11199105
    Abstract: An optical monitoring system includes a controller configured to determine a predicted status of a component based on an operational time of a rotary machine and an individual model. The controller is also configured to receive a first signal indicative of an infrared spectrum image of the component from one or more cameras. Further, the controller is configured to determine a current status of the component based on the first signal and compare the current status to the predicted status of the component. Additionally, the controller is configured to update the predicted status of the component such that the predicted status matches the current status of the component and update at least one parameter of the individual model of the component based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Guanghua Wang, Daniel Endecott Osgood, William Stewart, Jason Edward Dees, Eric John Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 11195254
    Abstract: An interframe registration and adaptive step size-based non-uniformity correction method for an infrared image, comprising: first calculating a normalized cross-power spectrum of n-th and (n?1)-th original infrared images with the non-uniformity, and then calculating a horizontal relative displacement and a vertical relative displacement of the n-th and (n?1)-th original infrared images with the non-uniformity; calculating a space variance and a time variance of each pixel of the n-th original infrared image with the non-uniformity, using the obtained space variance and time variance to calculate an adaptive iterative step size of each pixel of the n-th original infrared image with the non-uniformity, and using the iterative step size to update a gain correction coefficient and a bias correction coefficient; finally, performing non-uniformity correction on the pixel in an overlapping area of the n-th and (n?1)-th original infrared images with the non-uniformity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: XIDIAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Huixin Zhou, Dong Zhao, Runda Qian, Lixin Guo, Xiuping Jia, Jun Zhou, Maosen Huang, Hanlin Qin, Bo Yao, Yue Yu, Huan Li, Jiangluqi Song, Bingjian Wang, Kuanhong Cheng, Juan Du, Shangzhen Song
  • Patent number: 11167983
    Abstract: A method includes attaching an optically transparent wafer to a first surface of an interposer wafer. The interposer wafer has a second surface opposite the first surface, and the second surface has a first channel therein. The method further includes attaching the interposer wafer to a first surface of a semiconductor wafer, and etching a second channel through the optically transparent wafer and through the interposer wafer. The method then includes applying wax into the second channel, and sawing through the optically transparent wafer and through at least a portion of the interposer wafer to form a third channel having a width that is wider than a width of the second channel. The wax is then removed to expose a portion of the first surface of the semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: John Charles Ehmke
  • Patent number: 11158780
    Abstract: Thermal pattern sensor comprising several pixels located on a substrate, each pixel comprising a pyroelectric capacitance, the pyroelectric capacitance comprising, a layer of porous pyroelectric material located between a first electrically conducting electrode and a second electrically conducting electrode, particles made of a first material at least partially filling the pores of the layer of porous pyroelectric material, the first material being electrically insulating and having pyroelectric properties and a layer made of a second material being placed between the layer made of a pyroelectric material and the second electrode, the second material being electrically insulating and having pyroelectric properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT À L'ÉNERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ÉNERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventor: Mohammed Benwadih
  • Patent number: 11143847
    Abstract: A compact, small form factor optical system for cameras that provides multiple optical paths to capture images of an object field in different portions of the light spectrum. The optical system includes a front lens group that captures visible and near-infrared (NIR) light from an object field and refracts the light to a beam splitter that splits the visible light and the NIR light onto two paths. On the visible light path, a visible light lens group refracts the visible light to form an image of the object field at a visible light sensor. On the NIR light path, a NIR light lens group refracts the NIR light to form an image of the object field at an NIR light sensor. The optical system thus provides images of the object field at two sensor planes, one image in the visible spectrum and the other image in the NIR spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Romeo I. Mercado
  • Patent number: 11131721
    Abstract: The semiconductor device includes a Hall element, a first differential pair, a second differential pair, an output amplifier circuit, and a voltage divider circuit. The Hall element outputs a signal that is dependent on stress to be applied to a semiconductor substrate to the first differential pair. The voltage divider circuit divides a voltage into a divided voltage having a voltage dividing ratio that is dependent on the stress. The first differential pair outputs a first current based on the signal. The second differential pair outputs a second current based on the divided voltage and a reference voltage. The output amplifier circuit outputs a voltage based on the first and second currents. A gain of the output amplifier circuit is approximated by a sum of a difference between stress dependence coefficients of transconductances of the first and second differential pairs and a stress dependence coefficient of the voltage dividing ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Ablic Inc.
    Inventors: Tomoki Hikichi, Kentaro Fukai