Abstract: Pixels are two-dimensionally arrayed, each of the pixels having a first photoelectric conversion section which is divided into a plurality of regions to perform photoelectric conversions and a second photoelectric conversion section whose outer periphery is surrounded with the plurality of regions of the first photoelectric conversion section and which is divided into a plurality of regions to perform photoelectric conversion. In addition, micro-optical systems are arrayed so as to correspond to the pixels, the micro-optical systems guiding light of an object to the pixels. A division manner of the plurality of regions of the first photoelectric conversion section is different from a division manner of the plurality of regions of the second photoelectric conversion section.

Abstract: A CMOS image sensor or other type of image sensor comprises a pixel array and sampling and readout circuitry associated with the pixel array. In conjunction with readout of one or more pixels in a selected group of pixels of the pixel array, a pixel power line signal of the array transitions from an inactive state to an active state, and a reset signal of a non-selected group of pixels of the pixel array transitions from an active state to an inactive state within a predetermined time prior to the transition of the pixel power line signal from its inactive state to its active state. This arrangement advantageously reduces well bounce in the image sensor. The image sensor may be implemented in a digital camera or other type of digital imaging device.

Abstract: An imaging device module includes a circuit mounting layer; a bottom glass layer disposed above the circuit mounting layer; a silicon die disposed above the bottom glass layer; a top glass layer disposed above the silicon layer; and a lens holder disposed above the top glass layer. The silicon die includes an image sensor. The lens holder contains an optical component.

Abstract: An optical semiconductor module with a light receiving element with an upper and side light receiving face and a light emitting element mounted on the same mounting carrier. The light receiving element has a light receiving face on an upper face and a side face covered with an antireflection film. The mounting unit has the light emitting element and the light receiving element mounted so that they encompass a positional relationship that the light emitted from the light emitting element is optically connected at least on the light receiving face of the side face of the light receiving element.

Abstract: A CCD device of the type which provides gain by impact ionisation in a multiplication register includes an arrangement for production of a first output signal derived from a known input with multiplication applied and a second output signal derived from a different input with unit gain applied. Using the known ratios of the two signals, the gain of the multiplication register can be determined. The two signals can be derived from accumulating thermal charge in elements a CCD image device and by summing charge to produce a signal processed with unity gain and by averaging charge for use with the signal with gain applied. An alternative embodiment uses an extra light source for producing input signals of known ratio.

Abstract: Disclosed is a geodetic target object comprising at least one reflector surface, a receive channel with a detector (18) for receiving electromagnetic radiation (ES) transmitted by a measuring unit (2?), and a transmit channel with a radiation source (13?). The associated transmission port and/or reception port is/are integrated into the reflector surface or is/are embodied so as to adjoin the reflector surface such that radiation (RS) that is modulated for transmitting data can be transmitted in the direction of the measuring unit (2?) within the cross section (5?) of the radiation (ES) generated by the measuring unit (2?).

Abstract: An occupancy sensor having a replaceable cover with a convenient adjustment and installation scheme is disclosed herein. More particularly, a single or multi-technology occupancy sensor, assembled inside a semi-spherical shaped enclosure includes a replaceable cover with a convenient adjustment and installation scheme. This sensor design enables the sensor to be rotated after installation to obtain a desired coverage patterns. Specifically, the housing for the occupancy sensor includes a front cover having a lens assembly, a base assembly, a harmonic wheel, and a back cover. The front cover couples to the base assembly such that tool-less, manual access is available through the manually removable cover assembly to adjust several features of the sensor. The harmonic wheel enables the front cover, which includes the lens to swivel from zero to 359 degrees relative to the back cover anytime after installation.

Abstract: An imaging pixel array includes an active area of pixels, organized into rows and columns of pixels. The array also includes a plurality of dark pixel columns adjacent to the active area of pixels such that rows of pixels in the active area of pixels extend across the plurality of dark pixel columns. The plurality of dark pixel columns are composed of tied pixels. The array also includes a plurality of dark pixel rows adjacent to the active area of pixels and the plurality of dark pixel columns such that columns of pixels in the active area of pixels extend across the plurality of dark pixel rows. The plurality of dark pixel rows are composed of both optically black pixels and tied pixels on the same row.

Abstract: Transmission-type screens are placed corresponding to a display board at a front area of the display board, on which an article is placed. Each of the screens transmits and projects a projector image luminous flux projected from a backside of the screens to a front side of the screens. When the projector image luminous flux is projected from the backside of the screens, each of inner circumferences which defines a space including an image projecting space for leading the projector image luminous flux to the backside of the screens without obstruction. A display shelf might have a projector and a computer. The projector projects the projector image luminous flux. The display shelf might have a reflecting mirror which lead the projector image flux to the screens.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining when a device is placed in a high ambient motion environment (HAME). The method includes receiving sensor data, and based on the sensor data determining if the device has been placed in the HAME. When placement in the HAME is detected, the method further includes putting the device in a HAME mode. In one embodiment, putting the device in the HAME mode includes locking user input features.

Abstract: A computerized apparatus and method for detecting unauthorized activity in a protected area in real-time using a fiber optic cable having an optical sensor line, a fiber scanning unit, and a computer. Detecting unauthorized activity is done by scanning the sensor line using the scanning unit to obtain repetitive scan signals representing the state of the sensor line, receiving scan signals at the computer, processing the scan signals to determine an initial baseline representing the normal state of the sensor line, storing the baseline, continuously monitoring the sensor line using the scan signals received in real-time by the computer, comparing the scan signal to the baseline, determining if a fault has occurred based on an predetermined attenuation change in one or more of the scan signals as compared to the baseline, generating a fault signal, and providing a warning of a fault in response to the fault signal.

Abstract: A dazzle protection unit (1) for a portable dazzle protection device that includes an optical dazzle protection filter (3) and at least one sensor (5) for the sensing of incident light and for controlling the translucency of the filter (3). In doing so, the dazzle protection unit (1) includes a light capturing element (4), which captures incident light on a light capturing surface area (12) and conducts it to the at least one sensor (5). The light capturing element (4) preferably captures the light from several areas located at a distance from one another on a front side of the dazzle protection unit (1). Means (8) for coupling light into the light capturing element (4) are situated at a distance from one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projection system comprising: a polychromatic light source and at least one imaging assembly illuminated by an associated polychromatic illumination beam, and comprising: two separate colored wheels, respectively called first and second colored wheel; and three separate imagers, respectively called first, second and third imagers. At least one part of the polychromatic beam, called first source beam, illuminating the first colored wheel which separates said source beam into a first monochromatic beam and into a two-tone beam, said first monochromatic beam illuminating the first imager and said two-tone beam being transmitted toward the second colored wheel. The second colored wheel being illuminated by said two-tone beam and separating said two-tone beam into second and third monochromatic beams, respectively illuminating said second and third imagers respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of high-speed, high-performance, low-noise optical encoders having various means for preventing undesired stray light from reaching light detectors incorporated therein. Structures employed to block stray light in the optical encoders include light barriers, air gap trenches, and coatings disposed between first and second sides of a substrate of the encoder. Also disclosed are compact single track optical encoders having a single dome lens disposed thereover, and dual track triple dome lens optical encoders. Methods of making such optical encoders are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical pointing device is provided. The optical pointing device includes an image sensor including a photocell array including a plurality of photocells for sensing light and generating an analog signal corresponding to the light, the image sensor sequentially outputting analog signals from the plurality of photocells, a comparator for comparing the signals output from the image sensor to generate a relative comparative signal, and comparing at least one signal output from the image sensor with a comparative signal to generate an absolute comparative signal, and a controller for outputting motion data using the relative comparative signal and outputting a shutter control signal using the absolute comparative signal. The optical pointing device does not include an A/D converter or a pre-filter circuit, thus reducing a chip size of a semiconductor integrated circuit, unlike a conventional optical pointing device.

Abstract: An imaging system suitable for projecting an image beam provided by a light valve unto a screen is provided. The imaging system includes a projection lens and a light beam modulation module. The projection lens is disposed on an optical path of the image beam, so as to project the image beam unto the screen. The light beam modulation module comprising a fixed light shutter and a movable light shutter is disposed between the projection lens and the light valve. The fixed light shutter is disposed on the optical path of the image beam so as to shield off a portion of the circumferential light of the image beam. The movable light shutter is suitable for moving into the optical path of the image beam to shield off another portion of the circumferential light of the image beam.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a light source for generating light at a wavelength <550 nm, and a detector for determining a scattered radiation. The gas sensor further includes a field-effect transistor, a semiconductor diode or an ohmic resistance, which forms a unit together with the light source and/or the detector.

Abstract: To suppress a decrease in photosensitivity of a photoelectric conversion element provided in a semiconductor device by reducing the parasitic resistance of an amplifier circuit. In addition, the amplifier circuit which amplifies the output current of the photoelectric conversion element is operated stably. A semiconductor device includes a photoelectric conversion element, a current mirror circuit having at least two thin film transistors, a high-potential power supply electrically connected to each of the thin film transistors, and a low-potential power supply electrically connected to each of the thin film transistors. When a reference thin film transistor is an n-type, the reference thin film transistor is placed closer to the low-potential power supply than an output thin film transistor is. When a reference thin film transistor is a p-type, the reference thin film transistor is placed closer to the high-potential power supply than an output thin film transistor is.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for detecting the level of a fluid in a surgical cassette by projecting light from a linear light source into a wall of a cassette. Depending on the amount a light reflected or refracted in the cassette (i.e., due to the cassette material/fluid interface or cassette material/air interface (or other interface)) various portions of a linear sensor array will be more or less illuminated. By examining the illumination of the linear sensor array, the level of fluid in the chamber can be determined.

Abstract: An optical touch panel including a support defining a detection region, an optical illumination assembly including at least two edge emitting optical light guides extending along adjacent portions of the detection region and having ends adjacent to one another and at least one mechanical coupling and optical coupling assembly, at least one sensor assembly, operative to detect changes in the light received from the optical illumination assembly produced by the presence of an object in the detection region and detection circuitry receiving at least one output from the at least one sensor assembly and providing an output indication of the two dimensional location of object impingement in the detection region.