Utilizing A Spectrometer Patents (Class 356/326)
  • Patent number: 10007861
    Abstract: The method and system may be used to provide an indication of a color value for a particular siding sample and to color match a specific siding product to the color value of the siding sample. The system receives a digital image of a siding sample and a desired color value to be matched. A color query module plots this desired color value as a desired color point in a multidimensional color space together with a plurality of color reference points. Each color reference point represents the color value of an existing siding product. The system determines a “distance” between the desired color point and each plotted color reference point within the color space and identifies the siding product associated with the color reference point that is located the shortest distance to the desired color point within the color space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Maurer, Nicholas U. Christopulos, Lee C. Drinan
  • Patent number: 9983066
    Abstract: A system for high sensitivity, high time resolution detection of an arbitrary spontaneous emission is disclosed. The system may use a local oscillator (LO) for generating an LO input optical signal, and an linear optical mixer for receiving and mixing the input optical signal and an arbitrary spontaneous emission. The 2D detector generates a first component output and a second component. A subsystem receives the component outputs and produces first and second dispersed spectrum output signals. At least a first ultra-high speed camera is used for imaging one of the first or second dispersed spectrum output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Robert Armstrong, Harry B. Radousky, Joseph Zaug
  • Patent number: 9983352
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber for an SPR sensor, characterized in that the optical fiber is comprised of a core layer and a cladding layer surrounding the core layer, and the cladding layer is doped with metal nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: GWANGJU INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Seongmin Ju, Won Taek Han
  • Patent number: 9964396
    Abstract: A spectrometer and method for determining an emitted light spectrum. An input light signal is received and directed to an array of interferometers using waveguides. A plurality of self-interfering signals are detected from a first plurality of interferometers in the array of interferometers. The first plurality of interferometers has fewer interferometers than required to satisfy the Nyquist criterion for reconstructing the emitted light spectrum. The emitted light spectrum is reconstructed from the plurality of self-interfering signals using compressive sensing. The plurality of self-interfering signals can provide an interference pattern used to reconstruct the emitted light spectrum. A second plurality of interferometers may output a second plurality of self-interfering signals to reconstruct a low resolution spectrum of the input light signal satisfying the Nyquist criterion. Low resolution signal components can be detected from the low resolution spectrum and used to pre-process the interference pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: COM DEV LTD.
    Inventors: Alan Scott, Hugh Podmore
  • Patent number: 9961831
    Abstract: A sensor generates a sensor signal indicative of a sensed variable. A first filter is applied to the sensor signal, and filters the sensor signal based on a first set of sensor data, to generate a first filtered signal. A second filter is applied to the sensor signal, based on a second set of sensor data that is greater than the first set of sensor data, to generate a second filtered sensor signal. The first and second filtered sensor signals are compared to generate a control signal that can be used to control a controllable subsystem of a mobile machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: William D. French, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9958379
    Abstract: A light detection and ranging device associated with an autonomous vehicle scans through a scanning zone while emitting light pulses and receives reflected signals corresponding to the light pulses. The reflected signals indicate a three-dimensional point map of the distribution of reflective points in the scanning zone. A hyperspectral sensor images a region of the scanning zone corresponding to a reflective feature indicated by the three-dimensional point map. The output from the hyperspectral sensor includes spectral information characterizing a spectral distribution of radiation received from the reflective feature. The spectral characteristics of the reflective feature allow for distinguishing solid objects from non-solid reflective features, and a map of solid objects is provided to inform real time navigation decisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Jiajun Zhu, David I. Ferguson, Dmitri A. Dolgov, Jonathan Baldwin Dowdall
  • Patent number: 9952138
    Abstract: The present invention is thus directed to an automated system and method of varying the optical path length in a sample that a light from a spectrophotometer must travel through. Such arrangements allow a user to easily vary the optical path length while also providing the user with an easy way to clean and prepare a transmission cell for optical interrogation. Such path length control can be automatically controlled by a programmable control system to quickly collect and stores data from different path lengths as needed for different spectrographic analysis. Such a methodology and system, as presented herein, is able to return best-match spectra with far fewer computational steps and greater speed than if all possible combinations of reference spectra are considered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Thermo Electron Scientific Instruments LLC
    Inventors: John Magie Coffin, Damian W. Ashmead, Todd C. Strother
  • Patent number: 9939651
    Abstract: An example beam splitting apparatus is assembled from multiple prisms that are assembled together along respective mating surfaces to form a single monolithic optical device. The beam splitting apparatus includes optical features, such as dichroic and reflective surfaces, that define optical paths for light that enters the beam splitting apparatus. The optical features allow photons in the light to be directed along different optical paths based on their wavelengths. The optical features in the beam splitting apparatus are provided by coatings, films, and/or surface treatments applied to any of the faces of the prisms. In particular, coatings, films, and/or surface treatments are applied to the mating surfaces of the prisms so that the optical features are internal to the assembled monolithic optical device. The beam splitting apparatus may be implemented in a communication terminal that exchanges data modulated light according to frequency-division duplex communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Robert Todd Belt, Nam-hyong Kim, Baris Ibrahim Erkmen, Edward Allen Keyes
  • Patent number: 9933305
    Abstract: A hand held spectrometer is used to illuminate the object and measure the one or more spectra. The spectral data of the object can be used to determine one or more attributes of the object. In many embodiments, the spectrometer is coupled to a database of spectral information that can be used to determine the attributes of the object. The spectrometer system may comprise a hand held communication device coupled to a spectrometer, in which the user can input and receive data related to the measured object with the hand held communication device. The embodiments disclosed herein allow many users to share object data with many people, in order to provide many people with actionable intelligence in response to spectral data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: VERIFOOD, LTD.
    Inventors: Damian Goldring, Dror Sharon, Guy Brodetzki, Amit Ruf, Menahem Kaplan, Sagee Rosen, Omer Keilaf, Uri Kinrot, Kai Engelhardt, Ittai Nir, Nitzan Waisberg, Dana Cohen Bar-On
  • Patent number: 9927355
    Abstract: A single-shot terahertz imaging system including an interferometer and a terahertz spectrometer. The interferometer includes a beam splitter configured to receive input terahertz radiation and output first terahertz radiation and second terahertz radiation, a sample configured to reflect the first terahertz radiation, and a mirror configured to reflect the second terahertz radiation. The beam splitter is further configured to receive the reflected first terahertz radiation and the reflected second terahertz radiation, and output interfered terahertz radiation. The terahertz spectrometer is configured to measure the interfered terahertz radiation and includes a frequency dispersive element configured to receive the interfered terahertz radiation and output spatially dispersed terahertz radiation, and a terahertz radiation detector configured to determine the intensity of the spatially dispersed terahertz radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Robert H. Giles, Gargi Sharma, Cecil S. Joseph
  • Patent number: 9921105
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a spectrometer apparatus comprising a mobile device including an integrated camera, having a camera lens and an image sensor. The camera lens is located within a body of the mobile device that comprises a detachable housing coupled to the body of the mobile device. The detachable housing includes a first end and a second end opposed to the first end. The first end includes an optical input and the second end includes an opening that is substantially aligned with the camera lens. An optical spectrometer device is located within the housing and optically coupled to both the optical input at the first end of the housing and the camera lens at the second end of the housing. The optical spectrometer device receives a target image from the optical input and generates a spectral image that is received by the image sensor via the camera lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Solomon Assefa, Sergio A. Bermudez Rodriguez, Levente Klein, Theodore G. van Kessel
  • Patent number: 9899275
    Abstract: There is to provide a semiconductor device manufacturing method capable of improving reliability in a semiconductor device, including the following steps of: forming a semiconductor element on a semiconductor substrate, forming a wiring structure on the main surface of the semiconductor substrate, polishing the back surface of the semiconductor substrate, measuring the thickness of the semiconductor substrate, forming a back electrode on the back surface of the semiconductor substrate, and then cutting off the semiconductor substrate along the scribe region. In the step of measuring the thickness of the semiconductor substrate, it is measured in a portion where the main surface of the semiconductor substrate is bared without forming the insulating films included in the wiring structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenzo Naito
  • Patent number: 9897535
    Abstract: Optical reader systems and methods with accurate microplate position detection capability are disclosed. The optical reader systems having scanning optical systems that are configured to scan select position-detecting features on the microplate to accurately determine their respective positions. The measurement of the positions of the position-detecting features can also be used to calibrate the optical reader system to reduce or eliminate adverse positioning effects from system non-linearities that arise from one or more of the system components, including the scanning optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald C Hollenbeck, David Andrew Pastel, Hak C. Sim, Cameron J. Tovey, Cynthia L. Wida
  • Patent number: 9880392
    Abstract: A camera array apparatus including a plurality of cameras and a light deflection module is provided. The cameras are arranged in an array. The light deflection module is disposed on the cameras. The light deflection module includes at least one prism set. The prism set has a plurality of prisms. The prism set is configured to deflect a light entering obliquely with respect to an optical axis of the cameras to at least a portion of the cameras. The angle between the optical axis and the deflected light is smaller than the angle between the optical axis and the light before being deflected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kao-Der Chang, Luan-Ying Chen, Ching-I Tai, Jui-Wen Pan
  • Patent number: 9867523
    Abstract: A surgical imaging device and method configured to be inserted into a surgical site. The surgical imaging device includes a plurality of prongs. Each one of the prongs has an image sensor mounted thereon. The image sensors provide different image data corresponding to the surgical site, thus enabling a surgeon to view a surgical site from several different angles. The prongs may be moveable between a first position, suitable for insertion through a small surgical incision, and a second position, in which the prongs are separated from each other. In addition, the prongs may be bendable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Michael P. Whitman
  • Patent number: 9851287
    Abstract: An aerosol distribution determining system and method are provided. The system includes a set of light emitters for emitting electromagnetic radiation. The system further includes a hyperspectral imaging camera for capturing hyperspectral images of the electromagnetic radiation in an absence of and in a presence of an aerosol distribution. The system also includes a data processing system for determining at least one of a size, a vertical density distribution, and a shape of particles in the aerosol distribution based on a spectral response, an angular distribution, and a polarization of the aerosol distribution derived using the hyperspectral images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hendrik F. Hamann, Levente Klein, Alejandro G. Schrott
  • Patent number: 9846079
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices may provide an optical scheme that achieves simultaneous wavelength channels and maintains the resolution and luminosity of an etalon. Various embodiments may provide a method to optically recirculate the light reflected from the etalon back through the same etalon at new angles. Various embodiments create an etalon spectrometer based on angular dispersion without moving parts and without losing the light that is not initially transmitted. Various embodiments may provide a spectrally-resolved receiver and/or transmitter. Various embodiments may provide a system including a retro-reflector, a detector or transmitter array, and an etalon disposed between the retro-reflector and the detector or transmitter array, wherein the retro-reflector is configured to redirect light reflected by the etalon back to the etalon at a different angle of incidence than an original angle of incidence on the etalon of the light reflected by the etalon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventors: Mark A. Stephen, Molly E. Fahey, Michael A. Krainak
  • Patent number: 9841378
    Abstract: An imaging assembly and processing system that includes a sample platform having a target region which can hold a sample, where the sample can be marked with fluorescent or phosphorescent markers. The imaging assembly can have an excitation light module proximate to the sample platform that emits light to excite the markers, and a lens module positioned to receive emission light from excited markers in target region. At least one series filter assembly or interference filter can be arranged in front of, behind, or both in front of and behind the lens module. The assembly includes a light sensor and a processor and imaging module configured to process data captured by the light sensor. Images of the sample are generated based on the emission light from the sample that transmit through and are filtered by the lens assembly and series filter assembly or interference filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan Thrush, Steve Swihart, Neeraj Bhatt
  • Patent number: 9839108
    Abstract: The invention includes various electronic devices for avoiding or minimizing XRF analyzer user fatigue. In one embodiment, the XRF analyzer can include a finger tap switch for activating the XRF analysis. In another embodiment, the XRF analyzer can include a hand sensor and a finger tap switch, activation of both required to activate the XRF analysis. In another embodiment, the XRF analyzer can include a microphone capable of receiving a verbal command from a user and a finger tap switch, both receipt of the verbal command and activation of the finger tap switch required to activate the XRF analysis. Additional benefits of some embodiments include improving XRF analysis safety and avoiding XRF analyzer theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Floyd Jones, Daniel N. Paas, Brad Harris
  • Patent number: 9829435
    Abstract: A label-free biosensor detection arrangement incorporating an external cavity laser (ECL) includes a tunable lasing element (e.g. an antireflection coated laser diode or semiconductor optical amplifier) and a narrow bandwidth resonant reflectance filter as the wavelength-selective element for the tunable lasing element. A sample is deposited on the surface of the resonant reflectance filter containing a biological material. The wavelength emitted by the external cavity laser is continuously tunable by binding interactions between the biological material and the resonant reflectance filter or adsorption of the biological material present in the sample on resonant reflectance filter. The narrow bandwidth resonance reflectance filter can take the form of photonic crystal (PC), a Bragg stack, or a Brag fiber reflection filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, X-Body, Inc.
    Inventors: Meng Lu, Chun Ge, Brian T. Cunningham, Stephen Schulz
  • Patent number: 9823544
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling stray light reflections are provided. An optical system includes an aperture having an optical axis passing therethrough, one or more optical elements disposed along an optical path, and a detector disposed along the optical path. The system further includes an optical housing disposed between the aperture and the detector. The interior surface of the optical housing includes a predetermined surface feature adapted to control reflections of stray light along the optical path between the aperture and the detector. A method of fabricating an optical housing includes forming a pattern comprising a predetermined surface feature on an interior surface of the optical housing. The predetermined surface feature is configured to control reflections of stray light along an optical path between an aperture at a proximal end of the optical housing and a detector at a distal end of the optical housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: DRS Network & Imaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin J. McIntyre, Brian R. Pekarek, Mark E. Durham, Ken Pietrasik
  • Patent number: 9823130
    Abstract: A lighting device that emits illumination light from two or more angular directions onto a sample surface to be measured, an imaging optical lens, and a monochrome two-dimensional image sensor are provided. This configuration provides a method and an apparatus that take a two-dimensional image of the sample surface to be measured at each measurement wavelength and accurately measure multi-angle and spectral information on each of all pixels in the two-dimensional image in a short time. In particular, a multi-angle spectral imaging measurement method and apparatus that have improved accuracy and usefulness are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: OFFICE COLOR SCIENCE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masayuki Osumi
  • Patent number: 9824295
    Abstract: Systems and methods for characterizing an obscurant and imaging a target are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of imaging a target includes characterizing at least one obscurant present in an environment, and determining, based on the at least one characterized obscurant, one or more of the following: one or more wavelengths corresponding to the at least one obscurant, a polarization state corresponding to the at least one obscurant, and a sensor exposure time corresponding to the at least one obscurant. The method further includes adjusting one or more parameters of an imagining system based at least in part on a characterization of the at least one obscurant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: L-3 COMMUNICATIONS CINCINNATI ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Harish P. Hiriyannaiah, Nansheng Tang
  • Patent number: 9816950
    Abstract: An x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis system 10 can include an XRF analyzer 20 which can communicate wirelessly with other devices. The system 10 can also include remote-processor software configured to be loaded onto a handheld electronic device 23 and/or remote-computer software configured to be loaded onto a remote-computer 28. The XRF analyzer 20 can include a microphone 18 and/or an output device 31 to allow a user 19 to communicate conveniently with the XRF analyzer 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Floyd Jones, Daniel N. Paas, Brad Harris, Bill Hansen
  • Patent number: 9814550
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a method for automatic calibration of dental furnaces, there is made available a dental furnace comprising a control unit adapted to control the dental furnace for performing a firing process defined by firing process parameters such as e.g. the temperature and/or a temporal temperature curve and/or a temperature gradient and/or a vacuum in a firing chamber of the dental furnace. There is provided at least one calibration firing-object sample made of a dental material, where said dental material, after said calibration firing-object sample has been subjected to a calibration firing-object process with predetermined firing process parameters, has a defined desired color stored e.g. in the control unit. Further, a color measuring device is used which, for transmission of measurement signals and/or measurement results, is operatively connected to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Vita Zahnfabrik H. Rauter GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rauh, Michael Jochen Tholey, Vanik Jinoian
  • Patent number: 9785752
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a method for patient stratification and selection of patients who are candidates for a specific therapy is described which is based on quantifying one or more digital image analysis feature distributions from stained tissue. The method extends beyond the abilities of a manual observer and a microscope, and generally comprises: acquiring digital images of stained tissue sections from patients submitted for evaluation, applying an algorithm process to said images with a computer to extract the morphometric and staining features of image pixels and tissue objects, deriving one or more distribution function for one or more image analysis features, calculating a summary statistic of the one or more distribution functions, and using said summary statistic along with an associated predefined patient stratification paradigm to separate a patient cohort into distinct strata which correspond to a decision to include or exclude a patient for a specific therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Flagship Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Black, Carsten Schnatwinkel, Kristin Wilson, Nathan T. Martin, Joseph Krueger, Holger Lange
  • Patent number: 9778106
    Abstract: A spectrometer (1) comprises a light source (2), a monochromator (3) with at least one diffraction grating (4), a monochromator housing (5), an order sorting filter (7), a microplate receptacle (12) and a controller (6). The order sorting filter (7) of the spectrometer (1) comprises a substrate (23), a first optical thin film (24) and a second optical thin film (25), wherein, in a spatially partly overlapping and interference-free manner, the first optical thin film (24) is arranged on a first surface (26) and the second optical thin film (25) is arranged on a second surface (27) of the substrate (23). A spectrometer (1) equipped with a respective order sorting filter is used in a scanning method for detecting the absorption spectrum of samples examined in wells (14) of microplates (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: TECAN TRADING AG
    Inventors: Lutz Niggl, Andreas Erlbacher, Frank Münchow
  • Patent number: 9759867
    Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a first beam combining device arranged to receive a first optical beam having a first wavelength at a first location and a second optical beam output having a second wavelength at a second location. The second optical beam has a polarization that is substantially orthogonal to a polarization of the first optical beam. The first beam combining device configured to output a first combined beam that comprises a combination of the first optical beam and the second optical beam. An optical element is arranged to receive the first combined beam and a second combined beam and to transmit an output beam that includes a combination of the first combined beam and the second combined beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Deng, Yaohui Xie, Li Zeng, Xiaolu Song
  • Patent number: 9759707
    Abstract: Optical analysis systems and methods that utilize integrated computational elements (“ICE”) may be useful for characterizing dry cements and determining cement slurry additives suitable for use therewith. For example, a method may include optically interacting a dry cement with an ICE configured to detect a characteristic of the dry cement; generating a plurality of output signals corresponding to the characteristic of the dry cement detected by the ICE; receiving and processing the plurality of output signals with a signal processor to yield a value for the characteristic of the dry cement; and determining at least one of a composition and a concentration of a cement slurry additive for use in combination with the dry cement based on the value of the characteristic of the dry cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: William Ceceil Pearl, Jr., Megan Renee Pearl
  • Patent number: 9733123
    Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for coupling optical fibers to a spectrometer. The connector assembly includes a plate having a slit defined therein and a ferrule that secures end portions of the optical fibers therein. The ferrule includes a forward end having an aperture that receives the optical fibers. The connector assembly further includes a connector housing having an alignment mechanism with a plate recess dimensioned to receive the plate therein and a ferrule recess dimensioned to receive the forward end of the ferrule therein. The plate recess orients the plate and the ferrule recess orients the ferrule within the connector assembly that includes a spring for imparting a force urging the forward end of the ferrule into contact with the plate to minimize an air gap between the plate and the ferrule. The spring and the alignment mechanism maintain the ferrule in an x-y-z, rotation, and/or an angular orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Captain JRT LLC
    Inventors: Eric Todd Marple, Kirk David Urmey
  • Patent number: 9726602
    Abstract: A method for observing biological species on a culture medium contained in a container having at least one translucent face, the method including the steps of: a) directing a light beam onto one portion of the translucent face, so as to define at least one illuminated region and at least one non-illuminated region of the face; and b) acquiring an image of a portion of the surface of the culture medium illuminated by the light beam, the acquisition being carried out through at least one of the non-illuminated regions of the translucent face and along an optical acquisition axis forming a non-zero angle (a) with the direction of propagation of the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignees: Commissariat a L'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Biomerieux
    Inventors: Mathieu Dupoy, Mathieu Debourdeau, Frédéric Pinston
  • Patent number: 9720243
    Abstract: An example beam splitting apparatus is assembled from multiple prisms that are assembled together along respective mating surfaces to form a single monolithic optical device. The beam splitting apparatus includes optical features, such as dichroic and reflective surfaces, that define optical paths for light that enters the beam splitting apparatus. The optical features allow photons in the light to be directed along different optical paths based on their wavelengths. The optical features in the beam splitting apparatus are provided by coatings, films, and/or surface treatments applied to any of the faces of the prisms. In particular, coatings, films, and/or surface treatments are applied to the mating surfaces of the prisms so that the optical features are internal to the assembled monolithic optical device. The beam splitting apparatus may be implemented in a communication terminal that exchanges data modulated light according to frequency-division duplex communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Robert Todd Belt, Nam-hyong Kim, Baris Ibrahim Erkmen, Edward Allen Keyes
  • Patent number: 9715635
    Abstract: An apparatus for document identification, having a capture device for capturing a document feature of a document, a processor that is designed to perform document identification locally using the document feature if a processing criterion for the local performance of document identification by means of the apparatus for document identification is satisfied, and a transmitter that is designed to send a data record that is dependent on the document feature via a communication network to a communication network address if the processing criterion for the local performance of document identification by means of the apparatus for document identification is not satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Bundesdruckerei GmbH
    Inventors: Ilya Komarov, Olaf Dressel, Frank Fritze, Manfred Paeschke
  • Patent number: 9709715
    Abstract: An angle limiting filter includes: a first light-shielding layer containing a first light-shielding material and provided with a first opening; a second light-shielding layer containing a second light-shielding material and located in a region which surrounds at least one portion of the first light-shielding layer; a third light-shielding layer containing the first light-shielding material, provided with a second opening at least one portion of which overlaps the first opening, and located above the first light-shielding layer; and a fourth light-shielding layer containing the second light-shielding material and located above the second light-shielding layer in a region which surrounds at least one portion of the third light-shielding layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Noriyuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9689816
    Abstract: The invention includes various electronic devices for avoiding or minimizing XRF analyzer user fatigue. In one embodiment, the XRF analyzer can include a finger sensor for activating an XRF analysis. In another embodiment, the XRF analyzer can include a finger tap switch for activating the XRF analysis. In another embodiment, the XRF analyzer can include a microphone for activating the XRF analysis by receipt of a verbal command. Additional benefits of some embodiments include improving XRF analysis safety and avoiding XRF analyzer theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Floyd Jones, Daniel N. Paas, Brad Harris
  • Patent number: 9690976
    Abstract: This document describes methods, systems and computer program products directed to imaging blood cells. The subject matter described in this document can be embodied in a method of classifying white blood cells (WBCs) in a biological sample on a substrate. The method includes acquiring, by an image acquisition device, a plurality of images of a first location on the substrate, and classifying, by a processor, objects in the plurality of images into WBC classification groups. The method also includes identifying, by a processor, objects from at least some classification groups, as unclassified objects, and displaying, on a user interface, the unclassified objects and at least some of the classified objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Hematology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Zahniser, Kam Lin Wong, David Zahniser, Robert Hohlfeld
  • Patent number: 9683953
    Abstract: An x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis system 10 can include an XRF analyzer 20 which can communicate wirelessly with other devices. The system 10 can also include remote-processor software configured to be loaded onto a handheld electronic device 23 and/or remote-computer software configured to be loaded onto a remote-computer 28. The XRF analyzer 20 can include a microphone 18 and/or an output device 31 to allow a user 19 to communicate conveniently with the XRF analyzer 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Floyd Jones, Daniel N. Paas, Brad Harris, Bill Hansen
  • Patent number: 9671280
    Abstract: Method of generating a correction function for a light-emitting diode (LED) testing process, including: detecting light emitted by a reference LED and reflected from inactive LEDs on a panel within a field of view of a detector; varying a number of the inactive LEDs to derive uncorrected values of an optical parameter as a function of the number of inactive LEDs; detecting light emitted by the reference LED, or by an active LED having identical optical properties, in the absence of any other LEDs, to determine at least one reference value for each optical parameter; and calculating differences between the uncorrected values and each reference value to generate the correction function, the correction function being based on the number of inactive LEDs which are arranged within the field of view of the detector in the light detecting step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: ASM TECHNOLOGY SINGAPORE PTE LTD
    Inventors: Ka Yee Mak, Sai Kit Wong, Xiao Lan Liu, Jian Jun Ju
  • Patent number: 9673894
    Abstract: There is provided a method of determining at least one linear-crosstalk-related parameter of an optical signal-under-test having, within an optical channel bandwidth, at least a data-carrying signal contribution and a wavelength-dependent linear-crosstalk contribution arising from a data-carrying signal contribution of an adjacent optical signal associated with an adjacent channel to the optical signal-under-test, the method comprising: acquiring at least one optical spectrum trace encompassing a quasi-continuum of closely-spaced wavelengths over a spectral range extending to at least part of both the signal under test and the adjacent optical signal; and estimating said linear-crosstalk contribution using at least spectral properties of said at least one optical spectrum trace; wherein one of said at least one linear-crosstalk-related parameter is the linear-crosstalk contribution and is determined from said estimating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: EXFO INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Gariepy, Gang He
  • Patent number: 9664560
    Abstract: A double-grating surface-enhanced Raman spectrometer. The spectrometer includes a substrate; a plurality of nanofingers carried by the substrate, the nanofingers arranged to define a first optical grating; a light source oriented to project a beam of light toward the first optical grating; a second optical grating oriented to receive a beam of light scattered from the first optical grating; and a detector oriented to receive a beam of light scattered from the second optical grating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: R. Stanley Williams, Zhiyong Li
  • Patent number: 9625696
    Abstract: A laser scanning microscope includes a light irradiating portion that irradiates a sample; a PMT that detects fluorescence from the sample and outputs an intensity signal; a data processing portion that converts the intensity signal to brightness information at each pixel; a full-scale setting portion that can set a normal full scale that is smaller than the intensity signal when a light stimulus is given and an expanded full scale that is larger than the normal full scale, as a maximum range of the intensity signal that can be converted to brightness information; and a control portion that determines whether to switch between a normal observation mode and a stimulation observation mode; wherein the full-scale switching portion sets the normal full scale in the normal observation mode and sets the expanded full scale in the stimulation observation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Hashimoto, Kunihiko Sasaki, Yasunari Matsukawa, Akinori Araya
  • Patent number: 9622101
    Abstract: A system for broadcasting a telecommunications signal is configured to detect the use of an improper filter, and/or also, the presence of an improper return signal from a filter. The system includes a broadcast cell having a signal generation component and a signal transmitting component, a filter through which the signal generated by the signal generation component is sent, and a directional coupler that diverts a portion of a return signal reflected from the filter back to the broadcast cell away from the broadcast cell to a detector, the detector configured to determine when the return signal is at least a minimum level, or within a range, that indicates use of an improper filter or the presence of an improper return signal, allowing modification of the system or notification of the conditions, in certain circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Nagi A. Mansour, Pinalkumari Tailor, Yun Sung Kim, Sandeep Padmakar Mangrulkar
  • Patent number: 9606344
    Abstract: Provided is a microscope system that including: a plurality of image-capturing sections that are provided in a microscope to capture a plurality of lights from a specimen; a capture-condition setting section that allows a user to set an image-capturing order of the plurality of groups into which the lights are classified, and the image-capturing sections for image-capturing of the lights; and a control section that causes the microscope to perform image capturing of the lights according to contents set in the capture-condition setting section. The capture-condition setting section has a table in which an first axis indicates the groups and a second axis indicates the image-capturing sections, and a plurality of cells that are each associated with one of the groups and one of the image-capturing sections are arrayed in a matrix; and captured items that indicate image-capturing of the lights are set in the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shingo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9587930
    Abstract: A method for determining the thickness of a layer in a sample stack of at least two layers with an assembly comprising a light source for illuminating a stack of layers and a detector for detecting light reflected by the stack of layers in a defined first wavelength range, the method comprises a first step of obtaining a calibration curve by the calibrating steps of providing two or more reference stacks of layers, where each layer of the reference stacks has a known thickness, the same material as the sample stack and the layers occur in the same order as in the sample stack; illuminating the reference stacks with light from the light source; and detecting the intensity of light reflected by the reference stacks with the detector in the first wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: HSEB Dresden GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Srocka
  • Patent number: 9581553
    Abstract: This invention is within the technical field of distinguishing between natural diamond and synthetic CVD and HPHT diamonds, involves an examination technique using the Raman spectra. Procedurally, a highly sensitive Raman spectrometer (S/N>10,000) is used to scan and examine the diamond sample. The spectrometer is fitted with a tailor-made probe that has a large facula and surface area. Specially developed software is then used to perform an intensity correction and a background elimination to obtain a specific Raman spectral range (250-2800 cm?1) with the corrected intensity and a smooth baseline. Next, the Raman peak intensity of 2030 cm?1 (the post-correction and -standardization characteristic peak) is used as a basis to distinguish between natural diamond and synthetic CVD and HPHT diamonds. This method has the advantages of being non-destructive, simple, fast, and practical identification for diamonds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Dong-Shyogn Pan
  • Patent number: 9549702
    Abstract: A system includes one or more optical sensors for the measuring and monitoring of physiological information of a motorized system operator. The system is configured to determine an incapacitation state of the motorized system operator based upon the measured physiological information. When the measured physiological information indicates an incapacitation state (intoxication level, stress level, and so forth), the system is configured to provide a response thereto including, but not limited to: lock out operation of the motorized system, provide a warning on a display, transmit a message from the motorized system, assume automatic control of the motorized system, and so forth. The system includes a plurality of light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs)), one or more photodetectors, and control circuitry coupled to the plurality of light sources and/or photodetectors to non-invasively measure physiological information (e.g., blood alcohol concentration, stress levels, and so forth).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicole D. Kerness, Joy T. Jones, Arvin Emadi
  • Patent number: 9541496
    Abstract: A freshness estimation method includes obtaining an absorbance spectrum that is obtained by irradiating an eye of a fish with light having all or part of a wavelength band from 315 nm to 450 nm; and estimating freshness of the fish by using a shape of the obtained absorbance spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yumi Wakita, Jun Ozawa, Naoshi Kondo, Yuuichi Ogawa, Tetsuhito Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9542723
    Abstract: Aspects of the technology pertain to geographical image processing of time-dependent imagery. Various assets acquired at different times are stored and processing according to acquisition date in order to generate one or more image tiles for a geographical region of interest. The different image tiles are sorted based on asset acquisition date. Multiple image tiles for the same region of interest may be available. In response to a user request for imagery as of a certain date, one or more image tiles associated with assets from prior to that date are used to generate a time-based geographical image for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Kirmse, Reuel William Nash, Steve Zelinka
  • Patent number: 9513159
    Abstract: The provided solar simulator light-intensity evaluation apparatus and method can evaluate the characteristics of a solar cell in an arbitrary place at an arbitrary time and date, using an existing solar simulator, as follows: an estimated spectral irradiance of the natural sunlight is calculated under a measurement condition including a place and/or a time and date where and when the solar cell is measured; and an target value of adjustment and estimated light amount value of the solar simulator are calculated under the measurement condition, on the basis of the estimated spectral irradiance having been calculated, the spectral irradiance of the solar simulator, and solar cell information including a spectral sensitivity of the solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 9515726
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method, an apparatus, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program for measuring characteristics of a WDM system. The method may include obtaining channel characteristics of a channel, calculating a Health Factor of a channel using the characteristics, and displaying the Health Factor and characteristics of a channel on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Sean Patrick Adam, Joseph Fitzgerald, Jeffrey Alexander Harding, Scott Prescott