Abstract: The method for forming an image with a wide dynamic range makes use of an image sensor containing subsets of pixels that can be individually reset. After an initial reset (21), a pixel or row of pixels is exposed (22) for a first time interval and the gray value(s) (Plong(255)) are read out (23) and stored (24). The pixel or row of pixels is then reset (25) and exposed (26) for a second, shorter time interval. The second gray value(s) (Pshort(255)) is/are read out (27) and either stored or immediately combined (28) with the first gray value(s) (Plong(255)) by means of a merging function (ƒ). The merging function (ƒ) ensures a monotonic, smooth change in output from the lowest to the highest gray values. The procedure is repeated for all pixels or rows of pixels in the image sensor, thus obviating the need for the storage of complete images. The method reduces temporal aliasing to a minimum and eliminates spatial aliasing.

Abstract: A photodiode (1) in a conventional photodetector-pixel architecture is supplied with a shunt diode (2) connected to a control voltage (V0). Suitable selection of the constant or time-varying control voltage (Vc) allows a combination of linear and non-linear, preferably logarithmic illumination response of the photodiode (1), resulting in a high dynamic photodetecting range of more than five orders of magnitude. The properties of the shunt diode (2) and the control voltage (Vc) can be chosen such that the resulting dark current matches the dark current of the photodiode (1), which becomes independent of voltage for high temperatures. This enables photodetecting with a sufficient dynamic range at higher temperatures than possible with conventional photodetectors.

Abstract: An active cell for a photosensitive sensor that includes photosensitive diode in which the transistors of the cell are implemented using CMOS technology. The cell operates with an exposure phase in which the quantity of light impinging on the cell is detected followed by a scanning phase during which the luminance information caused by the impinging light is extracted from the cell. The cell is arranged in such a way to virtually completely isolate the charge accumulation node from the remainder of the cell after the exposure phase to eliminate stray accumulation of charge carriers.

Abstract: An in phase quadrature signal generator including a phase shifter (1) that receives at an input terminal (2) an input signal (Vin) supplied to phase shifting means (3,4) formed of passive elements, arranged for delivering at first and second output terminals, first (Out_I) and second (Out_Q) in phase quadrature signals. This generator is characterised in that it further includes, between the phase shifting means and the output terminals, transconductor means (11, 12) having a transconductance proportional to the passive elements, arranged so as to obtain a transfer function between said first and second in phase quadrature signals independent of said passive elements.

Abstract: An electronic camera can be reprogrammed, recalibrated or optimized for a given application or environment by a remote expert who does not have to be present locally. The camera requires a bi-directional data path to the expert, preferably using the internet, for writing parameters into the camera's program memory and for reading its acquired images. The remote expert must be capable of presenting selected visual stimuli to the camera, which are presented by a suitable image presentation device to the camera, under remote control by the expert. Thanks to the invention, a recalibration of the camera is more simple, faster, at lower costs and independent of the location of the camera user.

Abstract: The optical fiber coupling apparatus (1) for coupling light from a light-emitting device (3) into an optical fiber (4) in an optoelectronic package comprises a microactuator (8) for positioning the end of the fiber (4) with respect to the light-emitting device (3), and a control circuit (9) in which the manipulated variable is a position of the fiber end. The control circuit (9) comprises outcoupling means (41) for coupling out of the fiber (4) a well-defined portion of the light propagating through the core of the fiber (4) and a photodetector (5) for detecting the intensity of the outcoupled light portion. The controlled variable in the control circuit (9) is the light intensity detected by the photodetector (5), from which a microprocessor (6) calculates command signals for the microactuator (8). Thus, a remote control of the optical coupling without any external intervention is achieved.

Abstract: A correlation method and a digital correlation device allowing detection of the occurrence of a coded reference sequence including N code elements or chips in a sampled reception signal are described. The reception signal is sampled at a frequency equal to d times the chip rate of the reference sequence, and d×Nd correlation values are generated for d×Nd successive delays of the reception signal, Nd being a lower number than the number N of chips. Each correlation value, for a given delay of the reception signal, is obtained, according to the present invention, at the end of a plurality of correlation operations during which partial correlation values covering code portions including Nd successive chips of the reference sequence are generated.

Abstract: In the imaging pyrometer, at least three types of pixels (L, S, V) for sensing electromagnetic radiation in at least three different spectral ranges are arranged in a mosaic pattern. In a neighborhood, there are two types of pixels with relatively narrow spectral sensitivity ranges in the infrared (IR), a first one (L) for sensing longer IR wavelengths and the other one (S) for shorter IR wavelengths. Additionally, there is a third pixel type (V) present for receiving electromagnetic radiation in a broader band such as the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. This is preferably realized by placing a mosaic filter pattern directly on pixels of an appropriate optoelectronic image sensor, for example by evaporation and photolithographic definition.

Abstract: There is disclosed a differential oscillator circuit including first (10) and second (20) branches each including the series arrangement, between high (VDD) and low (VSS) supply potentials, of a first transistor (4, 5), a first current source (2, 3) and resistor means (8, 9, 18, 19; 18*, 19*). The first transistors are interconnected so as to form a crossed pair of transistors, the most positive current terminal of each transistor (on the “drain” side) being connected to the control terminal of the other transistor of the crossed pair. This differential oscillator circuit further includes an electro-mechanical resonator (6) connected to the crossed transistor pair on the “drain” side, as well as a capacitive element (7) connected to the crossed transistor pair on the “source” side. Advantageously, for high frequency applications, the electro-mechanical resonator can be of the bulk acoustic wave type.

Abstract: The monolithic integration of all key photonic components (11-16) of an integrated-optical microsystem (1) based on organic semiconductors is disclosed. Examples of such components (11-16) are light sources (11), photodetectors (12), photovoltaic power generators (12), field-effect transistors (13, 14), resistors, capacitors (15), or waveguiding structures (11, 12). The components (11-16) are arranged on a common substrate (20), are compatible with each other, can be manufactured simultaneously and can be operated simultaneously. At least one of the components (11-14) comprises a layer (23) of organic semiconductor material. Each component (11-16) comprises a plurality of layers (21-26), at least one of which (21) has identical physical and chemical characteristics in at least two components (11-16).

Abstract: A support procedure for administering prescription drugs which does not require patient action while avoiding erroneous patient manipulation in order to carry out error-free home treatment, wherein the procedure includes the following steps: STEP 1 prior preparation of one or more drug doses, programming and storing identifying parameters in a computer (1), STEP 2 individual insertion of each dose in a pack (2) which is subsequently sealed, and entering the parameters on an arbitrary storage substrate (3) applied to the pack (2), STEP III: integrating the pack into a dispenser (4) of which the operation is programmable and which includes a means for reading the parameters.

Abstract: A photodiode (1) in a conventional photodetector-pixel architecture is supplied with a shunt diode (2) connected to a control voltage (VC). Suitable selection of the constant or time-varying control voltage (VC) allows a combination of linear and non-linear, preferably logarithmic illumination response of the photodiode (1), resulting in a high dynamic photodetecting range of more than five orders of magnitude. The properties of the shunt diode (2) and the control voltage (VC) can be chosen such that the resulting dark current matches the dark current of the photodiode (1), which becomes independent of voltage for high temperatures. This enables photodetecting with a sufficient dynamic range at higher temperatures than possible with conventional photodetectors.

Abstract: There is described a device and a method for detecting the pulse rate. The measuring principle consists of emitting radiant energy at the surface of or through human body tissue (5) by means of a light-emitting source (10), measuring the intensity of the radiant energy after propagation through the human body tissue by means of at least first and second light detectors (21, 22, 23, 24) located at a determined distance from the light-emitting source and providing first and second input signals (y1(t), y2(t)) representative of this propagation. Simultaneously, a motion detecting device (40), such as a three dimensional accelerometers, provides a motion reference signal (ax(t), ay(t), az(t)) representative of motion of the detecting device on and with respect to the human body tissue (5). The input signals are then processed in order to remove motion-related contributions due to motion of the detecting device (1) on and with respect to the human body tissue (5) and to produce first and second enhanced signals.

Abstract: Electrochemoluminescent detector for analyzing a biochemical or biological substance, comprising at least a cell (11, 12) generating and detecting the electrogenerated chemoluminescence, which includes: at least a working electrode (16, 17) produced on a substrate (20); electric power supply (13) connected to the electrode; a photodiode (14) detecting the light generated by electrochemoluminescence; and a device for measuring the signal delivered by the photodiode. The photodiode (14) is produced by being integrated in the substrate (20). The cell comprises two interdigital working electrodes protected by a passivation layer (18) leaving part of their top surface in contact with outside. An intermediate layer (19) of dielectric material is inserted between the electrodes and the substrate (20).

Abstract: There is described a method and system for enhancing speech in a noisy environment. The method operates on a frame-to-frame basis and preferably uses a Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) to transform time-domain components of an input signal into frequency-domain components. The speech enhancement method is essentially based on a subspace approach in the so-called Bark-domain and an optimal subspace selection using a Minimum Description Length (MDL) criterion.

Abstract: The integrated-optical chemical and/or biochemical sensor comprises a resonant waveguide structure (1). A chemical and/or biochemical substance (2) to be sensed can be deposited on a surface of the waveguide structure (1). Incident light (31) is coupled into the waveguide structure (1) by a grating structure (G), making use of a first set of degrees of freedom. The incoupled light (32) interacts with the substance (2), which emits fluorescent light (42). Fluorescent light (42) is coupled out by the same grating structure (G), making use of a second set of degrees of freedom which differs from the first set of degrees of freedom in at least one degree of freedom. For example, the incident light (31) is coupled in using a first diffraction order mg,ex=1, and the emitted (42) light is coupled out using a second, different diffraction order mg,em=2.

Abstract: A low-energy particle sensor includes current collection areas which take the form of diodes partially covering the substrate. In detection areas defined alongside the collection areas the small thickness of the material enables low-energy particles (in particular a particles or protons) to penetrate the substrate. The currents generated by particles forming electron-hole pairs in this substrate are collected by the diode regions and sent to a load circuit. Applications include sensors for detectors of products resulting from collisions brought about in particle physics research apparatus.

Abstract: Inductive sensor for non-contact detection of discontinuities of a conductive or ferromagnetic target for determination of target position, movement and speed, or generally of a magnetic image, including a plurality of receiving secondary windings associated with each exciting primary winding, configured to obtain electric signals optimized as a function of the discontinuities of the target. The sensor, combined with a suitable electric measuring circuit, allows global analysis of the signals provided by the secondary windings and configuration of a network in accordance with a predefined selection. An adaptive circuit allows auto-calibration of the sensor.

Abstract: The on-chip electrical circuit (1) for the detection of modulated signals (I), e.g., light, comprises sensor means (PS), e.g., a photosensor, and feedback means (FB) including a low-pass frequency filter. The circuit (1) further comprises a voltage-controlled current source (CS), the input of which is connected to the output of the feedback means (FB) and the output of which is connected in series with the photosensor (PS) in a common node. The common node is connected to the input of an amplifier (AMP). The output of the amplifier (AMP) may be connected to a rectifier (RF), followed by a low-pass filter (LPF). A plurality of such electrical detection circuits (1) with parallel outputs can form a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array sensor for the coherent or heterodyne analog detection of intensity modulated optical signals simultaneously for all pixels with a high dynamic range. The array sensor may be used, e.g.

Abstract: The optoelectronic sensor comprises at least two pixels (1.11, 1.12, 1.21, 1.22), each pixel (1.11, 1.12, 1.21, 1.22) comprising a photodiode (2), and means for electrically connecting at least two pixels, the connecting means comprising FETs (6) for switching the connection on or off. The pixels (1.11, 1.12, 1.21, 1.22) are designed in such a way that if, e.g., four pixels (1.11, 1.12, 1.21, 1.22) are connected the photocharges generated in the connected pixels (1.11, 1.12, 1.21, 1.22) are combined in one of the connected pixels (1.22), whereby the spatial resolution of the sensor is reduced. A skimming FET (3) arranged between the photodiode (2) and a charge detection circuit (4) offers a floating source and floating drain in each pixel (1.11, 1.12, 1.21, 1.22). Thus the sensor can be manufactured in CMOS technology and is suited for photocharge binning. The invention makes it possible to vary the spatial resolution, the light sensitivity and/or the readout velocity by purely electronic means.