Patents Assigned to Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10018504
    Abstract: A method of normalizing FPA system gain for varying temperature includes determining an FPA temperature and calculating an FPA system gain as a function of the FPA temperature, system gain for the FPA at a reference temperature, and empirically derived coefficients. The method also includes applying the FPA system gain at the FPA temperature to condition output of the FPA to produce temperature independent image data. An imaging system includes a focal plane array (FPA). A temperature sensor is operatively connected to measure temperature of the FPA. A module is operatively connected to the FPA and temperature sensor to calculate FPA system gain for the FPA as described above, and to apply the FPA system gain to condition output of the FPA to produce temperature independent image data. There need be no temperature control device, such as a thermoelectric cooling device, connected for temperature control of the FPA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Nazemi
  • Patent number: 10007971
    Abstract: A method of image-based quantification for allergen skin reaction includes imaging an area of skin that has been subject to a skin-prick test to produce one or more images of the area. The method includes identifying regions of wheal and/or flare in the one or more images of the area and quantifying weal and/or flare indicators based on the regions identified. The method also includes outputting results of the quantified wheal and/or flare indicators indicative of quantified allergen skin reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: Ziyou Xiong, Alan M. Finn
  • Patent number: 10007974
    Abstract: A method of enhancing an image includes constructing an input histogram corresponding to an input image received at a focal plane array, the input histogram representing a pixel intensity distribution corresponding to the input image and performing an analytical operation on the input histogram to produce a modified cumulative distribution, wherein the analytical operation is a function of camera temperature. The input image is transformed using the modified cumulative distribution to produce an enhanced output image corresponding to the input image, wherein at least a portion of the input image is enhanced in the output image. In addition to or in lieu of the non-linear operation, the binning edges of the input histogram can be adjusted based on at least one of camera temperature and sensitivity state to construct an adjusted cumulative distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Nazemi
  • Patent number: 9995677
    Abstract: A method of inspecting a silicon article includes irradiating a silicon article with infrared radiation, transmitting a portion of the infrared radiation through the silicon article, and filtering the infrared radiation transmitted through the silicon article. Image data is acquired from the filtered infrared radiation and an image of the silicon article reconstructed from the image data. Based on the reconstructed image of the silicon article, one or more anomalies defined within the silicon article are identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Curt Dvonch
  • Patent number: 9992432
    Abstract: A method of normalizing FPA system gain and correcting pixel non-uniformity for varying temperature includes determining an FPA temperature, calculating an FPA system gain as a function of the FPA temperature, and applying the FPA system gain at the FPA temperature to condition output of the FPA to produce temperature independent image data. The method also includes calculating a non-uniformity correction map on a pixel by pixel basis for the FPA, wherein non-uniformity correction for each pixel is a function of the FPA temperature, and applying the non-uniformity correction map to the imaging data from the FPA to produce temperature dependent non-uniformity corrected image data. An imaging system includes a focal plane array (FPA), a temperature sensor operatively connected to measure temperature of the FPA, and a module configured for system gain correction and non-uniformity correction as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Nazemi
  • Publication number: 20180120453
    Abstract: A radiation wavelength converter includes a detector configured to receive radiation of a first wavelength and to convert the radiation of a first wavelength to one or more electrical signals. The converter includes an integrated circuit (e.g., electrically connected to the detector to receive the one or more electrical signals) configured to amplify the one or more electrical signals. The converter also includes an emitter (e.g., formed on or attached to the integrated circuit and configured to be electrically connected to the integrated circuit to receive the one or more amplified electrical signals) configured to convert the one or more amplified electrical signals to radiation of a second wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Fustos, Kenneth A. Loesser
  • Patent number: 9948880
    Abstract: A multimode pixel of a pixel array is provided. The multimode pixel includes a photodetector, an image sensing circuit, a pulse detection circuit, and an image readout path coupled between the image sensing circuit and at least one readout conductor of the pixel array to transmit image signals from the image sensing circuit to the at least one readout conductor. The multimode pixel further includes a pulse readout path different from the image readout path, wherein the pulse readout path is coupled between the pulse detection circuit and the at least one readout conductor to transmit pulse data from the pulse detection circuit to the at least one readout conductor, and wherein the image readout path is controlled independently from the pulse readout path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Lund, Samuel Bagwell, David Estrada, Wilson Law
  • Patent number: 9939324
    Abstract: A wavefront sensing pixel is provided. The wavefront sensing pixel includes a low-pass filter filtering a charge signal from a photodetector and outputting a control signal when low-frequency signals are detected in the charge signal, and a control device to control flow of the charge signal past the control device based on whether a low-frequency signal is detected in the charge signal. The wavefront sensing pixel further includes a low-frequency signal path that receives a flow of signals that flow past the control device, and a high-frequency signal path independent of the low-pass filter and the control device, the high-frequency signal path receiving high-frequency signals included in the charge signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: Minlong Lin, Joshua Lund, Patrick Kuschak
  • Patent number: 9938752
    Abstract: An electronic device sealing arrangement includes a housing, an access door, a sealing member sized and configured to be sealingly compressed between the access door and the housing, a latch in operable communication with the housing and the access door, the latch being configured to compress the sealing member between the access door and the housing when moved to a position that latches the access door in a closed position, and a resilient member in operable communication with the latch and at least one of the housing and the access door, the resilient member being configured to at least partially compress when the access door is latched in the closed position and the sealing member is compressed between the access door and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: Dmitry Zhilinsky, Leonardo C. Gonzales
  • Patent number: 9936106
    Abstract: A method of correcting pixel non-uniformity for varying temperature includes determining an FPA temperature and calculating a non-uniformity correction map on a pixel by pixel basis for the FPA, wherein the non-uniformity correction for each pixel is a function of the FPA temperature and empirically derived coefficients. The method also includes applying the non-uniformity correction map at the FPA temperature to condition output of the FPA to produce temperature dependent non-uniformity corrected image data. An imaging system includes a focal plane array (FPA). A temperature sensor is operatively connected to measure FPA temperature. A module is operatively connected to the FPA and temperature sensor to calculate and apply a non-uniformity correction map as described above. There need be no temperature control device for the FPA. The FPA can include a buffered current mirror pixel architecture, and can include an InGaAs material for infrared imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Nazemi
  • Patent number: 9930280
    Abstract: An imaging and pulse detection (IPD) pixel array includes a plurality of imaging pixels arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. Each imaging pixel includes a respective photodetector that outputs signals in response to incident light and input laser pulses. The signals include imaging signals that correspond to the incident light and pulse signals that correspond to the input laser pulses. The IPD array further includes an isolation circuit associated with each of the respective imaging pixels, each isolation circuit outputting filtered output pulse signals in response to receiving the signals from the associated imaging pixel, the filtered output pulse signals corresponding to the pulse signals. The IPD array further includes a single pulse detection circuit that toggles between a charged and uncharged state corresponding to a pulse being received from at least one of the isolation circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: Minlong Lin, Joshua Lund
  • Patent number: 9928592
    Abstract: A method of image-based quantification for allergen skin reaction includes imaging an area of skin that has been subject to a skin-prick test to produce one or more images of the area. The method includes identifying regions of wheal and/or flare in the one or more images of the area and quantifying weal and/or flare indicators based on the regions identified. The method also includes outputting results of the quantified wheal and/or flare indicators indicative of quantified allergen skin reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: Ziyou Xiong, Alan M. Finn
  • Patent number: 9912302
    Abstract: A pulse detector amplifier is disclosed. The pulse detector amplifier may have a detection switching leg that receives an input energy pulse. The pulse detector may have a mirror fast trigger including a trigger node and controlling a mirrored switching leg. The detection switching leg may trigger the trigger node in response to the input energy pulse. The pulse detector amplifier may also have a mirrored switching leg that controlled by the trigger node. The mirrored switching leg may control a voltage and/or current on the output node responsive to the input energy pulse. Thus, the pulse detector may generally include a cascode architecture, with a mirror fast trigger (which may include a FET) between the mirrored legs of the amplifier and enhancing the rapid triggering of the amplifier output. Thus the pulse detector may be power efficient, may have a small part count, and may be sensitive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: SENSORS UNLIMITED, INC.
    Inventors: Minlong Lin, Joshua Lund, Robert Brubaker
  • Publication number: 20180041727
    Abstract: A multimode pixel of a pixel array is provided. The multimode pixel includes a photodetector, an image sensing circuit, a pulse detection circuit, and an image readout path coupled between the image sensing circuit and at least one readout conductor of the pixel array to transmit image signals from the image sensing circuit to the at least one readout conductor. The multimode pixel further includes a pulse readout path different from the image readout path, wherein the pulse readout path is coupled between the pulse detection circuit and the at least one readout conductor to transmit pulse data from the pulse detection circuit to the at least one readout conductor, and wherein the image readout path is controlled independently from the pulse readout path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Lund, Samuel Bagwell, David Estrada, Wilson Law
  • Patent number: 9880448
    Abstract: A system for parallax correction includes a first lens having a first pin extending radially therefrom and a second lens positioned parallel to the first lens. A moving platform has a first slot for accepting the first pin therein. The first slot is angled relative to the lenses to correct for parallax between the first and second lenses. The system can include an actuator for extending and retracting the moving platform towards and away from an object to focus on the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Laszlo Kovacs
  • Patent number: 9871066
    Abstract: An imaging pixel including a control device to control flow of a charge signal from a photodetector. The control device has a variable impedance that varies in response to frequency of an input signal, the control device being biased to permit signals to flow through the control device dependent on the frequency of signals being output by the photodetector. The imaging pixel further includes a low-frequency signal path that receives a flow of signals that flow through the control device, and a high-frequency signal path independent of the low-frequency signal path and the control device, the high-frequency signal path receiving high-frequency signals included in the charge signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: Minlong Lin, Joshua Lund
  • Patent number: 9846349
    Abstract: A lens cover includes a housing defining an optical aperture. A pair of opposed lens cover blades are each pivotally mounted to the housing at a common pivot point. A biasing member biases the blades apart from one another about the pivot point to uncover the optical aperture in an open position. A pair of magnetic members is included, each magnetic member being mounted to a respective one of the blades to bias the blades together to cover the optical aperture in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Foster
  • Patent number: 9842868
    Abstract: A sensor includes an InGaAs photodetector configured to convert received infrared radiation into electrical signals. A notch filter is operatively connected to the InGaAs photodetector to block detection of wavelengths within at least one predetermined band. An imaging camera system includes an InGaAs photodetector configured to convert received infrared radiation into electrical signals, the InGaAs photodetector including an array of photodetector pixels each configured to convert infrared radiation into electrical signals for imaging. At least one optical element is optically coupled to the InGaAs photodetector to focus an image on the array. A notch filter is operatively connected to the InGaAs photodetector to block detection of wavelengths within at least one predetermined band. A ROIC is operatively connected to the array to condition electrical signals from the array for imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Rozploch
  • Patent number: 9843749
    Abstract: A leakage mitigation circuit is provided. The leakage mitigation circuit includes an inverter coupled to a storage node, wherein the storage node receives a signal output by an imaging pixel having a first voltage level to be stored. The inverter inverts the signal to a second voltage level. A single transistor coupled to the inverter and the storage node inverts the signal output by the inverter to the first level to hold the signal at the storage node to its original level. A self-biased device coupled to the inverter lowers current disturbance related to the storage node and increase threshold voltage at which fluctuation of the level of the signal at the storage node causes the signal to be inverted by the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: Minlong Lin, Joshua Lund, John Liobe
  • Patent number: 9841576
    Abstract: A system for parallax correction includes a rotatable focus adjuster having a longitudinal axis. A lens retainer is engaged with the focus adjuster. A first lens is housed within the lens retainer aligned with the longitudinal axis. A second lens is positioned parallel to the first lens within the lens retainer. The second lens is configured to move laterally with respect to the first lens to correct for parallax between the first and second lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: Dmitry Zhilinsky, Laszlo Kovacs