Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for simultaneously measuring mass concentrations of particulates with different sizes. The method detects particulates within different size ranges in air based on laser scattering and can eliminate cross interference between the particulates within different size ranges. The device is simple in structure, can realize on-line simultaneous measurement of PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10 with high measurement precision and low cost.

Abstract: A retrieval device for retrieving items within a confined space with limited access, said device comprising: (a) an elongated body having a front and rear and a longitudinal axis; (b) a clamping mechanism comprising at least a set of jaws disposed at said front, said jaws being configured to actuate between closed and open positions, said clamping mechanism also comprising at least one actuating member connected to said jaws and at least partially disposed in said body; (c) an actuator laterally offset from said axis and beside said at least one actuating member, said actuator operatively connected to said at least one actuating member to actuate said jaws between said closed and opened positions; and (d) at least one camera disposed proximate said motor and offset from said axis, said at least one camera having a field of view of at least a portion of said jaws.

Abstract: A sensor includes a sensor array. The sensor array includes a plurality of passive imaging pixels and a plurality of time of flight (TOF) imaging pixels. A method of imaging includes collecting passive imaging data from a sensor array and collecting time of flight (TOF) imaging data from the sensor array. Collecting passive imaging data and collecting TOF imaging data can be performed at least partially at the same time and along a single optical axis without parallax.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, media, and methods for providing near-instantaneous feedback from real-time motion sensor data. In an embodiment, the system may perform operations including loading at least one target motion trigger. Disclosed embodiments may receive real-time sensor data from the first motion sensor detachably fixed to a user. Additionally, disclosed embodiments may include calculating a motion profile based on the real-time sensor data, the motion profile describing a multi-dimensional representation of acceleration of a motion performed by the user. Disclosed embodiments may also include comparing the at least one target motion trigger to the calculated motion profile to determine if the motion performed by the user corresponds to the target motion. Further, disclose embodiments may include transmitting, based on the comparison, an instruction to provide an alert to a user.

Abstract: Methods of sensor readout and calibration and circuits for performing the methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include driving an active sensor at a voltage. In some embodiments, the methods include use of a calibration sensor, and the circuits include the calibration sensor. In some embodiments, the methods include use of a calibration current source and circuits include the calibration current source. In some embodiments, a sensor circuit includes a Sigma-Delta ADC. In some embodiments, a column of sensors is readout using first and second readout circuits during a same row time.

Abstract: A sensor element of a resistance thermometer includes a substrate having a first layer including lanthanum aluminate and an electrically conducting measuring structure directly arranged on the first layer. The measuring structure includes platinum.

Abstract: An approach for controlling ultraviolet intensity over a surface of a light sensitive object is described. Aspects involve using ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength range that includes ultraviolet-A and ultraviolet-B radiation to irradiate the surface. Light sensors measure light intensity at the surface, wherein each sensor measures light intensity in a wavelength range that corresponds to a wavelength range emitted from at least one of the sources. A controller controls the light intensity over the surface by adjusting the power of the sources as a function of the light intensity measurements. The controller uses the light intensity measurements to determine whether each source is illuminating the surface with an intensity that is within an acceptable variation with a predetermined intensity value targeted for the surface. The controller adjusts the power of the sources as a function of the variation to ensure an optimal distribution of light intensity over the surface.

Abstract: A method includes forming an assembly of layers including an InP cap layer on an InGaAs absorption region layer, wherein the InGaAs layer is on an n-InP layer, and wherein an underlying substrate layer underlies the n-InP layer. The method includes removing a portion of the InP cap and n-InP layer by dry etching.

Abstract: An imaging system and a method of imaging are provided. The imaging system includes a single optics module configured for focusing light reflected or emanated from a dynamic scene in the infrared spectrum and a synchronous focal plane array for receiving the focused light and acquiring infrared images having a high spatial resolution and a low temporal resolution from the received focused light. The imaging system further includes an asynchronous neuromorphic vision system configured for receiving the focused light and acquiring neuromorphic event data having a high temporal resolution, and a read-out integrated circuit (ROIC) configured to readout both the infrared images and event data.

Abstract: A photodiode has an absorption layer and a cap layer operatively connected to the absorption layer. A pixel is formed in the cap layer and extends into the absorption layer to receive charge generated from photons therefrom. The pixel defines an annular diffused area to reduce dark current and capacitance. A photodetector includes the photodiode. The photodiode includes an array of pixels formed in the cap layer. At least one of the pixels extends into the absorption layer to receive charge generated from photons therefrom. At least one of the pixels defines an annular diffused area to reduce dark current and capacitance.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for refractive beam steering in a LIDAR system. The apparatus includes a first scanner that receives a beam transmitted along an optical axis and projects the beam as a plurality of scan lines in a first plane between a first angle and a second angle, wherein the first angle and the second angle are defined with respect to the optical axis; a motor that is coupled to the first scanner; one or more processors that are configured to generate rotation information based on one or more components of a particular waveform and transmit a signal to the motor, the signal causing the motor to rotate the first scanner based on the rotation information.

Abstract: A semiconductor heterostructure for an optoelectronic device includes a base semiconductor layer having one or more semiconductor heterostructure mesas located thereon. One or more of the mesas can include a set of active regions having multiple main peaks of radiative recombination at differing wavelengths. For example, a mesa can include two or more active regions, each of which has a different wavelength for the corresponding main peak of radiative recombination. The active regions can be configured to be operated simultaneously or can be capable of independent operation. A system can include one or more optoelectronic devices, each of which can be operated as an emitter or a detector.

Abstract: In a method of determining the position of an object, raw image data of the sky is recorded using a celestial imaging unit. The last known position, orientation, date, and time data of the object are obtained, and the position of a celestial body is measured. A latitude and longitude of the object is determined by matching the measured celestial body position to the expected celestial body position based on the input parameters. A system for determining a new position of an object comprises a celestial imaging unit configured to record image data of the sky, a signal processing unit, and a signal processing unit configured to receive and store in memory the image data received from the celestial imaging unit. The signal processing unit filters the image to find the positions of celestial objects in the sky. The signal processing unit is further configured to use roll and pitch from an IMU, and date and time from a clock to determine the object's position (latitude and longitude).

Abstract: A pixel output processing circuit of a focal plane array (FPA) having a plurality of laser range finding pixels (LRF) is provided. The respective LRF pixels output a high frequency analog signal in response to sensing a reflected laser pulse. The pixel output processing circuit includes a common net and a detection circuit. The common net is connected to a amplifying transistor of each of the LRF pixels for receiving analog signals output from the respective LRF pixels. The detection circuit is coupled to the common net and outputs a pulse flag in response to detecting that a high frequency analog signal has been received by the common net.

Abstract: A method of assembling a photodetector assembly includes depositing bumps on a read out integrated circuit (ROIC) without depositing bumps on a photodiode array (PDA). The method includes assembling the PDA and ROIC together wherein each bump electrically interconnects the ROIC with a respective contact of the PDA. A photodetector assembly includes a PDA. A ROIC is assembled to the PDA, wherein the ROIC is electrically interconnected with the PDA through a plurality of electrically conductive bumps. Each bump is confined within a respective pocket between the ROIC and a respective contact of the PDA. The disclosed methods can enable focal plane array manufacturers to achieve low-cost production of ultra-fine pitch, large format imaging arrays.

Abstract: A measurement system, its assembly and use are disclose. The system may include an instrument for making sensor measurements. The instrument has a substantially cylindrical housing. The shape and size allow the instrument to easily fit in an average hand enabling handheld operation. The housing houses a board stack of electronic boards. These electronics drive an electrical signal in at least one drive channel and measure responses from at least two sensing channels. These responses are provided to a processor for analysis. The instrument has a sensor connector that enables simultaneous electrical and mechanical attachment of an end effector.

Abstract: A solution for illuminating plants is provided. An illustrative system can include: a set of visible light sources configured to emit visible radiation directed at the plant; a set of ultraviolet radiation sources configured to emit ultraviolet radiation directed at the plant; and a set of sensors, wherein at least one sensor is configured to detect a fluorescence emitted from the plant due to the ultraviolet radiation and a fluorescence emitted from the plant due to the visible radiation.

Abstract: System and method for a user to monitor and/or modify his or her sleep. In one embodiment, the sleep coaching system comprises a sensor for sensing a physiological signal of a sleeping user such as an EEG, computer memory databases for storing user and sleep-related data and advice, and a processor that generates a set of advice to improve user sleep satisfaction based on the user and sleep-related data. The advice to improve user sleep satisfaction, which may be communicated to the user, may comprise a sleep coaching plan, which may include one or more sleep coaching workshops that the user may undertake.

Abstract: A high-resolution thermopile infrared sensor array having monolithically integrated signal processing and a plurality of parallel signal processing channels for the signals from pixels of a sensor array, and a digital port for the serial output of the pixel signals are provided, wherein the sensor array is located on one or more sensor chips. The thermal piled infrared sensor array possesses low power loss, high integration density and high thermal and geometric resolution. Each signal processing channel (K1 . . . KN) has at least one analogue/digital converter (ADC), and is assigned a memory region in a memory (RAM) for storing the signals from the pixels (SE).

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing water device run time, transmitting this data via a network to a database which analyzes, records and reports the individual run times and the aggregate use over any given timeframe. Sensors used to measure device use time do not directly measure flow rate, and may sense device run time by sensing water flow, through electronic signals, vibration, etc. The sensors may be battery powered and transmit discrete data packets via radio frequency to powered node units. A system of node units communicates with a central internet gateway which uploads the data packets to a cloud-based database which organizes, analyzes, stores and reports the information. The system allocates the cost of water flowing through a common water meter to a plurality of individual units within a collection of geographically proximate units. The systems are useful in multi-unit buildings or complexes having stacked plumbing.