Patents Assigned to Sonavation, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8805031
    Abstract: Provided is a method for analyzing a fingerprint, including storing a captured fingerprint in a memory; and analyzing the stored fingerprint using acoustic sensing principles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer M. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8703040
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a piezoelectric ceramic body and devices therefrom. The method comprises mixing a piezoelectric ceramic powder with a polymer binder and surfactant to form a slip mixture, casting the slip mixture into a mold and setting to the slip mixture in the mold to form a green body, cutting the green body to form a cut green body with an array of micron-sized ceramic elements and separation, and sintering the cut green body to form a sintered ceramic body. The sintered ceramic body can be further process to encasing in a polymer material to form a piezoelectric ceramic-polymer composite. The piezoelectric ceramic-polymer composite can be further processed to form devices such as acoustic transducers and sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventors: De Liufu, Louis Regniere
  • Patent number: 8634604
    Abstract: Provided is a method for analyzing image slices. The method includes extracting first and second sub-slices from first and second image slices, respectively, and computing a shift between the first and second image slices based on the first and second sub-slices. The first and second sub-slices overlap. Also provided is a system for analyzing image slices. The system includes an extraction module configured to extract first and second sub-slices from first and second image slices, respectively, and a shift computation module configured to compute a shift between the first and second image slices based on the first and second sub-slices of the extracted sub-slices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventor: Omid S. Jahromi
  • Patent number: 8515135
    Abstract: Provided is a method for determining a resonant frequency of a biometric sensor. The method includes obtaining first pixel data from a first scan by scanning the biometric sensor with a first frequency. Second pixel data is obtained from a second scan by scanning the biometric sensor with a second frequency that is different from the first frequency. A respective first and second reference value is calculated from the first and the second pixel data. A highest reference value is determined from the first and the second reference values. The first or the second frequency is selected as the resonant frequency based on the highest reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventors: David Brian Clarke, Christian Liautaud
  • Patent number: 8508103
    Abstract: Provided is a transducer having first and second surfaces including first electrode lines positioned along the first surface in a first direction and configured for grounding and second electrode lines positioned along the second surface in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second electrode lines are configured switching between receiving and transmitting in an interlaced manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventors: Rainer M. Schmitt, Christian Liautaud
  • Patent number: 8503740
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing biometric digit data variously include scanning a digit in a transverse direction relative to an array of sensor elements, detecting the scanned digit and/or a predetermined characteristic of the scanned digit, outputting from individual sensor elements of the array of sensor elements respective continuous streams of biometric data associated with the scanned digit, discrete sampling the respective continuous streams of data, and reconstructing the discrete sampled data. The discrete sampled data may be directly reconstructed, e.g., in accordance with a reconstruction characteristic associated with detecting and/or discrete sampling the scanned digit, to form a biometric characteristic image associated with the digit. Optionally, the respective continuous streams of data may be stored for later discrete sampling, or discrete sampled data may be stored for later reconstruction to form a biometric characteristic image associated with the digit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Irving, Omid S. Jahromi, David B. Clarke
  • Patent number: 8489901
    Abstract: Provided is a data acquisition module. The data acquisition module includes a memory and a controller. The controller includes an encryption module configured to encrypt information written to the memory using a key included in the controller. The key is unique to the controller. Also provided is a method for processing identification information. The method includes encrypting information with a key included in a controller and storing the encrypted information. The key is unique to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventor: John Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 8433110
    Abstract: Provided is a fingerprint sensor configured for detecting a pulse of a human or other mammal. A time series of fingerprint images is analyzed to identify time-based variations in spatial location and/or pressure from ridges of a finger, where the variations result from time-based variations in the flow of blood. Based on the analysis, a determination is made if the time-based variations are indicative of a pulse in a digit of the person, and if so, a determination is made as to the pulse rate based on the variations. Imaging sensitivity of the digit at the fingerprint sensor is optimized for determination of the pulse. The time series of fingerprint images is also analyzed to determine if there is bulk motion of the digit, in which case pulse rate analysis is temporarily suspended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Kropp, Richard Irving, Rainer M. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8358803
    Abstract: Provided is a method for analyzing image slices. The method includes extracting first and second sub-slices from first and second image slices, respectively, and computing a shift between the first and second image slices based on the first and second sub-slices. The first and second sub-slices overlap. Also provided is a method for controlling a cursor on a screen. The method includes determining a shift between a first image slice and a second image slice and determining a displacement of the cursor on the screen based on the determined shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Irving, Omid S. Jahromi
  • Patent number: 8335356
    Abstract: Provided is a fingerprint sensor including one or more mechanical devices for capturing the fingerprint. The mechanical devices include a matrix of pillars and are configured to be mechanically damped based upon an applied load. A q factor of the pillars is optimized by adjusting a distance between pillars within the matrix in accordance with a quarter shear wavelength at an operating wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer M. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8331633
    Abstract: Provided is a fingerprint sensor including one or more mechanical devices for capturing the fingerprint. The resonators are configured to be mechanically damped based upon an applied load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer M. Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20120279865
    Abstract: Provided herein is a method of making an integrated circuit device using copper metallization on 1-3 PZT composite. The method includes providing an overlay of electroplated immersion of gold (Au) to cover copper metal traces, the overlay preventing oxidation on 1:3 PZT composite with material. Also included is the formation of immersion Au nickel electrodes on the 1-3 PZT composite to achieve pad metallization for external connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis Regniere, Yakub Aliyu, Rainer M. Schmitt, Theodore M. Johnson, Ronald A. Kropp, Christian Liautaud, Deda Diatezua, Isaac R. Abothu, De Liufu, Richard Irving, Patrick D. Brown, Walter C. Mick, William H. Tanubrata, Omid S. Jahromi, John Boudreaux, David B. Clarke, Jack S. Chorpenning, Bryce M. Barbato, Honorio R. Ulep, William R. Robinson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120095348
    Abstract: Provided herein is an ultrasound imaging device including a two dimensional ultrasound imaging array for three dimensional images positioned at least in the vicinity of distal end of a catheter configured to be used for intra organ imaging, wherein the imaging array includes a first number of output ports. The imaging device also includes a high voltage multiplexer configured to (i) reduce the first number of signal lines to a second number of signal lines, wherein the second number is less than the first number and (ii) connect the array to a signal processing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventor: Reinhard J. Warnking
  • Publication number: 20120092026
    Abstract: Provided is a method of arranging a plurality of sensor elements to form a sensor array. The method includes arranging the plurality of elements to form two or more sub-rows along an axis. Elements in a first of the two or more sub-rows are positioned in a staggered arrangement with the elements in a second of the two or more sub-rows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Liautaud, Rainer M. Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20120016604
    Abstract: Invention includes a novel pointing device which uses acoustic impediography as a means to locate the position of finger and then uses the said location to control the position of a cursor on a computer screen. In addition, while the finger is touching the sensor the touch-pressure level can be estimated via statistical data evaluation, as average brightness decreases with increasing touch-pressure providing a means for gesturing. This new device has the advantage that it can double as a biometric identification device for verifying the identity of the computer's user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Irving, Omid S. Jahromi, Ronald A. Kropp, Rainer M. Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20110269307
    Abstract: Provided herein is a method of making an integrated circuit device using copper metallization on 1-3 PZT composite. The method includes providing an overlay of electroplated immersion of gold (Au) to cover copper metal traces, the overlay preventing oxidation on 1:3 PZT composite with material. Also included is the formation of immersion Au nickel electrodes on the 1-3 PZT composite to achieve pad metallization for external connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventors: Yakub Aliyu, Deda Diatezua
  • Publication number: 20100239133
    Abstract: Provided is a transducer having first and second surfaces including first electrode lines positioned along the first surface in a first direction and configured for grounding and second electrode lines positioned along the second surface in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second electrode lines are configured switching between receiving and transmitting in an interlaced manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventors: Rainer M. Schmitt, Christian Liautaud
  • Publication number: 20100237992
    Abstract: Provided is a Fingerprint sensor using Acoustic Impediography. The sensor includes an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC or IC) and an array of mechanical resonator used as sensing elements. The array of sensing elements contains multiple sensing elements arranged in rows and columns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Liautaud
  • Publication number: 20100239751
    Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing multiple devices on a single piezoelectric composite substrate. The piezoelectric composite substrate is significantly larger than a size required for a single device, thus multiple sensors can be simultaneously fabricated from the same piezoelectric composite substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis Regniere
  • Publication number: 20090327762
    Abstract: Provided is a data acquisition module. The data acquisition module includes a memory and a controller. The controller includes an encryption module configured to encrypt information written to the memory using a key included in the controller. The key is unique to the controller. Also provided is a method for processing identification information. The method includes encrypting information with a key included in a controller and storing the encrypted information. The key is unique to the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventor: John BOUDREAUX