Patents by Inventor Alexander Lu

Alexander Lu has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12273642
    Abstract: Examples include an image sensor comprising a pixel array having at least one column of addressable pixel sensors, and a column amplifier coupled to the at least one column of addressable pixel sensors, the column amplifier comprising a transistor bank including a plurality of transistors, and mode select circuitry coupled to the transistor bank and configured to establish one or more connections among the plurality of transistors to configure the column amplifier to operate in one of a differential mode of operation and a single-ended mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: FAIRCHILD IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Hung Trong Do, Khai Nguyen, Stephen W. Mims, Alexander Lu, Kwang Bo Cho, Angel Rogelio Lopez
  • Patent number: 12267605
    Abstract: Structures are disclosed for a binned set of two or more pixels of a pixel array that share a same readout circuit. The binned pixel design provides space-saving benefits on the chip and also improves the overall image quality. According to some embodiments, each of the binned pixels includes a photodetector and its own transfer gate. The readout circuit is coupled to the transfer gates of each of the binned pixels and includes its own second transfer gate that separates the pixels from a gain mode select block. The gain mode select block may include capacitors of different sizes and one or more switches to control which capacitors are to receive the charge from any one of the binned pixels. The readout circuit may also include a potential barrier (such as a diode), which allows for pumping charge onto the one or more capacitors of the gain mode select block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: FAIRCHILD IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Xianmin Yi, Alexander Lu
  • Patent number: 12258065
    Abstract: A vehicular trailer guidance system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) and a rear backup camera disposed at a vehicle. A human machine interface (HMI) is operable in (i) a trailer left-backup mode, (i) a trailer straight-backup mode and (iii) a trailer right-backup mode. Responsive to selection by the driver of the trailer left-backup mode or trailer right-backup mode, the ECU sets a desired trailer angle of the trailer tongue leftward or rightward to an angle that is commensurate with a driver-selected setting of an input device. Responsive to selection by the driver of the trailer straight-backup mode, the ECU sets the desired trailer angle to a zero degree angle. The ECU, while the vehicle is backing up the trailer, controls the power steering system of the vehicle to steer the vehicle to back up the trailer to have the determined trailer angle coincide with the set desired trailer angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Jyothi P. Gali, Richard C. Bozich, Alexander Velichko
  • Patent number: 12251823
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to magnetically moveable displacement devices or robotic devices. Particular embodiments provide systems and corresponding methods for magnetically moving multiple movable robots relative to one or more working surfaces of respective one or more work bodies, and for moving robots between the one or more work bodies via transfer devices. Robots can carry one or more objects among different locations, manipulate carried objects, and/or interact with their surroundings for particular functionality including but not limited to assembly, packaging, inspection, 3D printing, test, laboratory automation, etc. A mechanical link may be mounted on planar motion units such as said robots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: Planar Motor Incorporated
    Inventors: Xiaodong Lu, Peter Tang, Alexander H. Slocum, Rui Chen
  • Patent number: 12253948
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for software-defined coherent caching of pooled memory. The pooled memory is implemented in an environment having a disaggregated architecture where compute resources such as compute platforms are connected to disaggregated memory via a network or fabric. Software-defined caching policies are implemented in hardware in a processor SoC or discrete device such as a Network Interface Controller (NIC) by programming logic in an FPGA or accelerator on the SoC or discrete device. The programmed logic is configured to implement software-defined caching policies in hardware for effecting disaggregated memory (DM) caching in an associated DM cache of at least a portion of an address space allocated for the software application in the disaggregated memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Francesc Guim Bernat, Karthik Kumar, Alexander Bachmutsky, Zhongyan Lu, Thomas Willhalm
  • Patent number: 12250481
    Abstract: Image sensor systems are disclosed that include charge coupled device (CCD) pixels integrated with CMOS readout circuitry via separately bonded substrates. According to some embodiments, columns of image sensing pixels on a first substrate are arranged with overlapping gate structures to facilitate charge transfer between the pixels. At least one pixel is coupled to a first conductive pad that contacts (or is melded with) a second conductive pad from a second substrate bonded to the first substrate. The second substrate includes a readout circuit using one or more CMOS devices coupled to the second conductive pad to receive the accumulated charge from a given column of pixels. The resulting photodetector signal from the accumulated charge can be, for instance, amplified via a source follower component and ultimately read out to a column amplifier, and subjected to further processing and/or use in a given downstream system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: FAIRCHILD IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Xianmin Yi, Alexander Lu
  • Publication number: 20250054631
    Abstract: A method for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) subtype classification and treatment may include identifying, for a liver epithelial cell lineage, one or more features associated with the liver epithelial cell lineage. The one or more features may be designated as representative of a molecular subtype associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) such as, for example, a cholangio-like subtype, a hepatocyte-like subtype, or a progenitor-like subtype. A patient may be determined to exhibit the molecular subtype if these features are detected within the tumor sample of the patient. Moreover, treatment for the patient may be determined based on the molecular subtype exhibited by the patient. For example, treatment for the patient may include additional therapies, such as an GPC3/CD3 bi-specific antibody, to overcome subtype-specific resistance to combination immunotherapy associated with the progenitor-like subtype. Related systems and computer program products are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2024
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Inventors: Yinghui GUAN, Shan LU, Yulei WANG, Alexander ABBAS
  • Patent number: 12126928
    Abstract: Examples include column readout amplifiers and image sensors including same. In one example, a column readout amplifier includes a signal amplifier having an amplifier output and first and second amplifier inputs, a filter capacitor having first and second terminals, the second terminal connected to a ground terminal, a buffer amplifier having a buffer amplifier input and a buffer amplifier output, a switching network configured to switchably connect the amplifier output to the buffer amplifier input and the buffer amplifier output to the first terminal of the filter capacitor during a first time period, and to switchably connect the amplifier output directly to the first terminal of the filter capacitor during a second time period, and a low-pass filter connected in a feedback path of the signal amplifier between the amplifier output and the first amplifier input, the low-pass filter including a series resistor and a capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Hung T. Do, Khai Nguyen, Alexander Lu, Stephen W. Mims, Kwang Bo Cho, Angel Rogelio Lopez
  • Publication number: 20240267652
    Abstract: Image sensor systems are disclosed that include charge coupled device (CCD) pixels integrated with CMOS readout circuitry via separately bonded substrates. According to some embodiments, columns of image sensing pixels on a first substrate are arranged with overlapping gate structures to facilitate charge transfer between the pixels. At least one pixel is coupled to a first conductive pad that contacts (or is melded with) a second conductive pad from a second substrate bonded to the first substrate. The second substrate includes a readout circuit using one or more CMOS devices coupled to the second conductive pad to receive the accumulated charge from a given column of pixels. The resulting photodetector signal from the accumulated charge can be, for instance, amplified via a source follower component and ultimately read out to a column amplifier, and subjected to further processing and/or use in a given downstream system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2023
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Applicant: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Xianmin Yi, Alexander Lu
  • Publication number: 20240223920
    Abstract: Examples include column readout amplifiers and image sensors including same. In one example, a column readout amplifier includes a signal amplifier having an amplifier output and first and second amplifier inputs, a filter capacitor having first and second terminals, the second terminal connected to a ground terminal, a buffer amplifier having a buffer amplifier input and a buffer amplifier output, a switching network configured to switchably connect the amplifier output to the buffer amplifier input and the buffer amplifier output to the first terminal of the filter capacitor during a first time period, and to switchably connect the amplifier output directly to the first terminal of the filter capacitor during a second time period, and a low-pass filter connected in a feedback path of the signal amplifier between the amplifier output and the first amplifier input, the low-pass filter including a series resistor and a capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2022
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Hung T. Do, Khai Nguyen, Alexander Lu, Stephen W. Mims, Kwang Bo Cho, Angel Rogelio Lopez
  • Publication number: 20240196115
    Abstract: Examples include an image sensor comprising a pixel array having at least one column of addressable pixel sensors, and a column amplifier coupled to the at least one column of addressable pixel sensors, the column amplifier comprising a transistor bank including a plurality of transistors, and mode select circuitry coupled to the transistor bank and configured to establish one or more connections among the plurality of transistors to configure the column amplifier to operate in one of a differential mode of operation and a single-ended mode of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Applicant: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Hung Trong Do, Khai Nguyen, Stephen W. Mims, Alexander Lu, Kwang Bo Cho, Angel Rogelio Lopez
  • Publication number: 20240155262
    Abstract: Image sensor systems are disclosed that allow for charge transfer between pixels of a group included in a pixel array with a single digital readout of the accumulated charge from the group. Each of the pixels within a given group includes a photodetector. One or more pump gates are arranged between adjacent pixels of the given group to allow charge to be pumped from one pixel to the next in a serial fashion within the group. A readout circuit that includes at least a transfer gate and a capacitor may be coupled to a final pixel of the group to receive the accumulated charge and generate a photodetector signal (based on the accumulated charge) that can be amplified via a source follower component and ultimately read out to a column amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Applicant: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Xianmin Yi, Alexander Lu, Carol Zhao
  • Publication number: 20240129644
    Abstract: Structures are disclosed for a binned set of two or more pixels of a pixel array that share a same readout circuit. The binned pixel design provides space-saving benefits on the chip and also improves the overall image quality. According to some embodiments, each of the binned pixels includes a photodetector and its own transfer gate. The readout circuit is coupled to the transfer gates of each of the binned pixels and includes its own second transfer gate that separates the pixels from a gain mode select block. The gain mode select block may include capacitors of different sizes and one or more switches to control which capacitors are to receive the charge from any one of the binned pixels. The readout circuit may also include a potential barrier (such as a diode), which allows for pumping charge onto the one or more capacitors of the gain mode select block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Xianmin Yi, Alexander Lu
  • Publication number: 20240129647
    Abstract: A given pixel of a pixel array includes various operation modes with each of the operation modes having a different conversion gain for the charge received from the photodetector of the pixel. When the modes are used in conjunction with one another, the dynamic range of the pixel can be increased. A readout circuit coupled to a photodetector within a given pixel includes a transfer gate between the photodetector and a gain mode select block that includes capacitors of different sizes and one or more switches to control which capacitors are to receive the charge from the photodetector. Depending on the state(s) of the one or more switches, different operation modes with different conversion gains can be selected to increase the dynamic range of the pixel. The adaptability of the readout circuit can allow for a high dynamic range even in extreme temperature environments by lowering the dark current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Xianmin Yi, Alexander Lu
  • Patent number: 11956557
    Abstract: A given pixel of a pixel array includes various operation modes with each of the operation modes having a different conversion gain for the charge received from the photodetector of the pixel. When the modes are used in conjunction with one another, the dynamic range of the pixel can be increased. A readout circuit coupled to a photodetector within a given pixel includes a transfer gate between the photodetector and a gain mode select block that includes capacitors of different sizes and one or more switches to control which capacitors are to receive the charge from the photodetector. Depending on the state(s) of the one or more switches, different operation modes with different conversion gains can be selected to increase the dynamic range of the pixel. The adaptability of the readout circuit can allow for a high dynamic range even in extreme temperature environments by lowering the dark current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Xianmin Yi, Alexander Lu
  • Publication number: 20230388670
    Abstract: An imaging device may include an image sensor that generates frames of image data in response to incident light with an array of image pixels, and processing circuitry that processes the image data. The processing circuitry may include a transformation circuit that applies transforms to subsampled frames of image data that are generated using a subset of the image pixels to produce transform values, and a comparator circuit that compares the transform values. The processing circuitry may determine that motion has occurred between sequential frames if a difference between a first transform value corresponding to a first image frame and a second transform value corresponding to a second image frame exceeds a threshold value. In response to determining that motion has occurred, the image sensor may generate full-frame image data using all of the pixels of the array of image pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander LU, Kuang-Yen LIN
  • Patent number: 11812168
    Abstract: An imaging device may include an image sensor that generates frames of image data in response to incident light with an array of image pixels, and processing circuitry that processes the image data. The processing circuitry may include a transformation circuit that applies transforms to subsampled frames of image data that are generated using a subset of the image pixels to produce transform values, and a comparator circuit that compares the transform values. The processing circuitry may determine that motion has occurred between sequential frames if a difference between a first transform value corresponding to a first image frame and a second transform value corresponding to a second image frame exceeds a threshold value. In response to determining that motion has occurred, the image sensor may generate full-frame image data using all of the pixels of the array of image pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Lu, Kuang-Yen Lin
  • Publication number: 20210211594
    Abstract: An imaging device may include an image sensor that generates frames of image data in response to incident light with an array of image pixels, and processing circuitry that processes the image data. The processing circuitry may include a transformation circuit that applies transforms to subsampled frames of image data that are generated using a subset of the image pixels to produce transform values, and a comparator circuit that compares the transform values. The processing circuitry may determine that motion has occurred between sequential frames if a difference between a first transform value corresponding to a first image frame and a second transform value corresponding to a second image frame exceeds a threshold value. In response to determining that motion has occurred, the image sensor may generate full-frame image data using all of the pixels of the array of image pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander LU, Kuang-Yen LIN
  • Patent number: 7594205
    Abstract: Systems and methods for designing integrated circuits and for creating and using androgynous interfaces between electronic components of integrated circuits are disclosed. One preferred method of designing an integrated circuit includes several steps. In one step, a foundation block for the integrated circuit is specified, including specifying the locations of multiple androgynous interfaces in the integrated circuit. In another step, one or more component blocks to comprise the integrated circuit are identified for use. In another step, the component blocks to form a layout of the integrated circuit are positioned in a manner that minimizes connection distances between functional blocks and between functional blocks and the androgynous interfaces. In another step, the androgynous interfaces are set to perform as targets (slaves) or initiators (masters) based on the layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence H. Cooke, Alexander Lu
  • Publication number: 20060230369
    Abstract: Systems and methods for designing integrated circuits and for creating and using androgynous interfaces between electronic components of integrated circuits are disclosed. One preferred method of designing an integrated circuit includes several steps. In one step, a foundation block for the integrated circuit is specified, including specifying the locations of multiple androgynous interfaces in the integrated circuit. In another step, one or more component blocks to comprise the integrated circuit are identified for use. In another step, the component blocks to form a layout of the integrated circuit are positioned in a manner that minimizes connection distances between functional blocks and between functional blocks and the androgynous interfaces. In another step, the androgynous interfaces are set to perform as targets (slaves) or initiators (masters) based on the layout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventors: Laurence Cooke, Alexander Lu