Patents Examined by Stephen Yam
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Patent number: 7435948Abstract: To provide a solid-state image sensing device that is capable of improving the connection reliability of bonding pads and bonding wires. A solid-state image sensing element 1 of the present invention contains a long plate-shaped metal substrate 16, a long plate-shaped solid-state image sensing element 4 fixed to the surface of the metal substrate 16 via an adhesive layer 18, and bonding pads 6, formed on the surface of the solid-state image sensing element 4, for electrically connecting to the lead frame via bonding wires 14. The adhesive layer 18 contains a first adhesive layer 18a, and a second adhesive layer 18b of a higher modulus of elasticity than the first adhesive layer 18a, and at the regions directly below the bonding pads 6 provided at both end sections in a longitudinal direction of the solid-state image sensing element 4, the metal substrate 16 and the solid-state image sensing element 4 are fixed via the second adhesive layer 18b.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2006Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: NEC Electronics CorporationInventors: Hirochika Narita, Ryuya Kuroda
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Patent number: 7432486Abstract: A microscope digital image acquiring system 1 includes a microscope 2 composed of a microscope unit 10 forming an enlarged image of an object O and a microscope controller 20 controlling movement of the microscope unit 10, an imaging instrument 3 composed of a camera head unit 30 that is attached to the microscope 2 and has an imaging device detecting the enlarged image of the object O and a camera controller 40 that receives a detected signal output from the imaging device and outputs image information of the object O. The microscope controller 20 and the camera controller 40 operate cooperatively in response to control commands sent externally. The system 1 has a connecting cable 52 connecting with both instruments 20 and 40 to carry out communication with each other. Both instruments 20 and 40 operate cooperatively by communicating control commands with each other through the connecting cable 52.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Takashi Tanemura, Tomotaka Shinoda
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Patent number: 7427731Abstract: An illumination unit comprising a high-power light source (1), a first optical element (12) for focusing the light emitted from the high-power light source (1), a photometric head (8) for illuminating an object (3) in a predefinable manner, an optical waveguide (2) for transmitting the emitted and focused light to the photometric head (8), a displacement unit (6) for varying the axial distance between the high-power light source (1) with the first optical element (12) and the inlet of the optical waveguide, wherein the cross-sectional surface of the focal point is at least twice as large as the cross-sectional surface of the optical waveguide (2) on the light inlet side, and the intensity of the light coupled into the optical waveguide (2) can be varied by axial displacement of the high-power light source (1).Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2005Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: ICOS Vision Systems N.V.Inventors: Detlef Gerhard, Martin Renner
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Patent number: 7427734Abstract: A multiple photosensor pixel image sensor sense differentiated color components of light. The multiple photosensor pixel image sensor has a plurality of photo-sensing devices formed with the surface of the substrate. Each photo-sensing device has a structure adjusted to convert photons of the light to photoelectrons representative of a magnitude of the color component of the light for which the structure of the photo-sensing device is adjusted. Each multiple photosensor pixel image sensor includes at least one storage node to selectively receive photoelectrons from each photo-sensing device and triggering switches connected to selectively and sequentially transfer the photoelectrons from each of the plurality of photo-sensing devices to the storage node. At least one reset triggering switch is connected to the one storage node to place the storage node to a reset voltage level after integration and sensing of the photoelectrons.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Digital Imaging Systems GmbHInventors: Guang Yang, Taner Dosluoglu
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Patent number: 7427746Abstract: The optical module includes a sensing member, a main body and an adjustable mechanism. The sensing member includes an optical sensor. The main body guides an external light beam into the optical sensor. The adjustable mechanism is disposed at first edges of the sensing member and the main body for combining the sensing member with the main body and adjusting the relative distance or angle between the optical sensor and the external light beam. The adjustable mechanism includes a first adjustable element and a second adjustable element. The unit adjustable amount of the adjustable mechanism is equal to a difference between a first unit displacement of the first adjustable element and a second unit displacement of the second adjustable element.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Transpacific Plasma, LLCInventors: Chien-Kuo Kuan, Hsi-Yu Chen, Wei-Chen Tu
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Patent number: 7427745Abstract: The invention relates to a shutter for an optical imaging system, e.g. a digital camera. The shutter comprises an interface between a transparent body and a capillary space. Light rays introduced to the active area of the interface are reflected by total internal reflection when the capillary space is filled with a gas. The light rays are transmitted through the interface when the capillary space is rapidly filled with a liquid. Thus, the light rays are either absorbed or reflected towards an image sensor, depending on the state of the shutter. The liquid is delivered to the capillary space through at least one duct which is positioned opposite the active area.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Jorg Linke, Pasi Ryytty
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Patent number: 7427742Abstract: An imager includes a two-dimensional array of photosensors, each photosensor having a center point. A non-telecentric lens is positioned over the two-dimensional array of photosensors, and a two-dimensional array of microlenses is positioned over the two-dimensional array of photosensors. Each microlens is associated with a corresponding photosensor, and each microlens has a center point. A color filter array is positioned over the two-dimensional array of photosensors. The color filter array includes a plurality of color filter areas. Each color filter area is associated with a corresponding photosensor and has a center point. A layer of transmissive apertures is further positioned over the two-dimensional array of photosensors. Each aperture is associated with a corresponding photosensor and having a center point. The microlens is positioned over the corresponding photosensor such that the center point of the microlens is offset from the center point of the corresponding photosensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Clifford I. Drowley, Chin-Chun Wang
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Patent number: 7427738Abstract: A light-receiving amplifier circuit of the present invention includes: a first preamplifier circuit to which a light-receiving element is connected; a second preamplifier circuit which is the same type as the first preamplifier circuit and which is apart from the light-receiving element; and a differential amplifier circuit for amplifying output voltage differential between the preamplifier circuits, wherein each of the first preamplifier circuit includes an amplifier and first and second plural feedback resistors, each of which resistors has an end commonly connected to an input terminal of the amplifier; an amplification factor of the differential amplifier circuit is less than one; and the first preamplifier circuit includes an output voltage expanding circuit which is connected to (i) another end of the first feedback resistors in the first preamplifier circuit and (ii) an output terminal of the amplifier, and which circuit is for expanding an output voltage range from the amplifier and supplying the expaType: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kohichiroh Sugimoto
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Patent number: 7427747Abstract: A control portion of an optical image pickup apparatus includes a scan driver, a lock-in amplifier, and an A/D converter. The scan driver outputs a predetermined drive signal to a Y-scanning mirror and an X-scanning mirror and scans the Y-scanning mirror and the X-scanning mirror. The lock-in amplifier detects a signal level Vout of a frequency component of the drive signal of the scan driver among signals detected by a detector portion. The A/D converter converts a signal detected by a detector portion and a signal level of the detected signal of a frequency component of a drive signal detected by the lock-in amplifier to digital signals and outputs the digital signals to an image processor. Thus, mirror scan operations of the scanning mirrors can be securely detected.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Yasushige Ishihara, Atsushi Okawa, Hiroshi Tosaka, Tianyu Xie, Tadashi Hirata, Akihiro Horii, Kazunari Tokuda
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Patent number: 7427733Abstract: A gated optical image intensifier 10 is provided with multiple intensifying channels 20, 22, 24, 26 each supplied with radiation via a respective optical channel of an optical splitter. The separate intensifying channels are subject to gating by a sequence of time spaced gating signals generated by an electronic gating signal generator. The multi-channel gated optical image intensifier has particular utility in the field of fluorescence lifetime imaging.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Imperial Innovations LimitedInventors: Jonathan David Hares, Paul Michael William French
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Patent number: 7427737Abstract: An imager in which two adjacent pixels share row and reset lines and a row selection circuitry while the output transistors of the two pixels are configured as a differential amplifier. In operation, both pixels are reset at the same time, causing differential reset signals to be output from the amplifier. The charge from the first pixel is readout and a differential pixel signal for the first pixel is output from the amplifier. Because the reset and pixel signals are differential signals generated within the pixels, they are free from common-mode noise. Correlated double sampling can be used to obtain the pixel output value, which is also free from common-mode noise, from the differential reset and pixel signals. The second pixel may be readout in the same manner. Because the two pixels are sharing circuitry, the pixels have decreased fill factor and complexity as well.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Nikolai E. Bock
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Patent number: 7427732Abstract: A system and method for laser source detection. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a first array of lenses, a second array of opto devices (including light sources and light detectors), and at least one processor. By positioning the array of lenses to determine the lens position at which energy from an incoming laser is greatest on the light detectors, the approximate location of the laser source may be determined. Upon determining the source, responsive action may be taken. If the incoming laser is from a friendly party, a friendly-party notification may be provided. If the incoming laser is from an enemy, reciprocal targeting or false reflections may be employed.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Vicraj T. Thomas, Michael L Rhodes, Philip J. Zumsteg, Jan Jelinek
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Patent number: 7427739Abstract: An electro-optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of scanning lines, a plurality of data lines intersecting with the corresponding plurality of scanning lines in pixel areas on the substrate, a plurality of pixels arranged in the pixel areas so as to correspond to intersections of the plurality of scanning lines and the plurality of data lines, hold capacitors each arranged for a corresponding one of the data lines, and N image signal lines for supplying N image signals which have been subjected to serial-parallel conversion to the plurality of data lines divided into data line groups, each of which has N data lines of the plurality of data lines, where N is a natural number not less than 2.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2007Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Hitoya Nagasawa
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Patent number: 7427740Abstract: An image sensor comprises an active pixel region that includes a plurality of unit pixels arranged in a matrix pattern, a first optical black region formed adjacent to the active pixel region, wherein a plurality of shaded unit pixels are arranged therein, a drain region formed adjacent to the first optical black region, the drain region discharging excess electrons generated in the active pixel region, and a second optical black region formed adjacent to the drain region, wherein another plurality of the shaded unit pixels are arranged therein.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sun-Yong Park, Jun-Taek Lee
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Patent number: 7425694Abstract: A time-resolved measurement apparatus (100) acquires a detection timing pulse from an output terminal (34) attached to a micro channel plate (30) in a photomultiplier tube (14). A position-time measuring circuit (16) generates a signal indicating the time difference between a reference time pulse synchronized with excitation of a sample (10) and the detection timing pulse, and feeds the signal to a data processor (18). The data processor stores this time difference as a detection time of light emission. The data processor corrects the detection time according to the distance between the position at which the detection timing pulse is generated on the micro channel plate and the output terminal. This enhances the precision of time-resolved measurement.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Mitsunori Nishizawa, Nobuyuki Hirai
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Patent number: 7417221Abstract: An image sensor may be constructed as an imager die onto which is adhered an optical spacer. The imager die and optical spacer may be supported by a dam-and-fill construction which allows light to pass through the optical spacer and onto the imager die. The image sensor may generate control signals for use in a variety of automatic vehicle equipment controls and may be incorporated into an automotive vehicle such as by inclusion into a rearview mirror assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Steven B. Creswick, Stephen L. Otey, Spencer D. Reese, Jon H. Bechtel, Joseph S. Stam
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Patent number: 7388183Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing thermally generated dark current in a CMOS imaging device is disclosed. A photodiode within the imaging device is kept zero-biased, so that the voltage is equal at both ends of the photodiode. This zero-biasing is accomplished using several different techniques, including, alternatively: a transistor operating at its sub-threshold level; a leaky diode; a short-channel MOSFET; or ramping charge injection.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Isao Takayanagi, Junichi Nakamura
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Patent number: 7381942Abstract: An exemplary Two-Dimensional Optical encoder (“2-D Encoder”) described herein includes a light emitter and a light detector array. The light detector array includes at least one band of light detectors arranged on at least one diagonal of an X-Y grid having an X-axis and a Y-axis, wherein the X-axis and Y-axis are approximately orthogonal.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP Pte LtdInventors: Chen Khol Chin, Chung Min Thor
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Patent number: 7378641Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for identifying an object O in an opening that can be closed by means of a mobile element (12). Light is fed into at least one fiber-optic light guide (33, 34) from a light source (1, 2), and variations in the received light are detected by means of at least one receiver (Ea, Eb), the fiber-optic light guide being arranged at least partially along the edge of the opening (11). A first fiber-optic light guide sends light transversally to the length thereof, said light being then received by a second fiber-optic light guide transversally to the length thereof. The second fiber-optic light guide (34) is connected to the receiver (Eb). The fiber-optic light guides are arranged on the edge of the opening (11) in such a way that a light field (F) at least partially bridging the opening is produced.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignees: Daimler Chrysler AG, Mechaless Systems GmbHInventors: Rolf Melcher, Frank Rottmann, Gerd Reime, Andreas Rodewald, Juergen Setzer, Michael Dietz, Peter Langer
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Patent number: RE40409Abstract: A photoelectric converter with improved charge transfer efficiency from a light receiving portion. The photoelectric converter includes a light receiving portion having an output end and a gate portion having a first side and a second side that both define a readout gate width for the light receiving portion, where the first side of the gate portion confronts the output end of the light receiving portion. The photoelectric converter also includes a charge transfer portion formed to confront the second side of the gate portion, where the readout gate width of said gate portion is wider at the first side confronting said light receiving portion than at the second side confronting said charge transfer portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Satoshi Kitayama, Kazushige Nigawara, Tsuyoshi Sasaki