Abstract: A display device for providing optical feedback includes light sources, each for emitting light in a different respective wavelength range, electro-optical elements defining pixels of an image, each for selectively passing light in one of the wavelength ranges and a sensor for measuring the intensity of light output from a portion of the electro-optical elements. To provide the optical feedback, a controller activates one of the light sources, alters those electro-optical elements within the portion of the electro-optical elements that are arranged to pass light in the wavelength range of a select one of the light source and reads out the measured intensity from the sensor. Based on the measured light intensity, the controller adjusts an illumination parameter associated with the select light source.

Abstract: A display device reduces artifacts in displayed images using an illumination device that includes light sources for emitting light and an illumination drive circuit operable to individually modulate each of the light sources. Electro-optical elements defining pixels of an image are each optically coupled to receive light correlated with one of the light sources. A controller loads data representing a portion of the image into those electro-optical elements that are correlated with a modulated one of the light sources modulated to reduce the intensity thereof.

Abstract: A device and method for producing an enhanced color image of a scene of interest captures a grayscale image of the scene of interest using a flash of infrared light and a color image of the scene of interest without using any flash of infrared light. The grayscale information from the grayscale image and the visible color information from the color image are combined to produce the enhanced color image.

Abstract: A combination of light source types is used to form a dynamically adjusted backlighted display with the particular combination dependant upon the desired light output at a given point in time. In one embodiment, RGB diodes are used for low brightness situations and as the brightness requirement increases white light sources are added. In another embodiment, different light source types are used to produce the different color components and optical feedback is used to control the power levels of the various diode types.

Abstract: In LED back-lighted display systems where the LED driving signals are pulse width modulated, brightness of the LED is determined by the duty cycle (length of the “on” pulse). In such systems, it is possible to, from time to time, skip an LED driving pulse without the human eye detecting the absence of (or change in) color during the “skipped” LED pulse. Using this approach, it is possible to measure the intensity of the light output from each LED of a multi-color LED display. Thus, in an embodiment having three colors, such as red, green and blue, it is possible to determine the light intensity from one of the LEDs (for example, the red LED) by skipping (blanking) the input driving pulses to the green and blue LEDs at a particular point in time. During that point in time the only light coming from the display would come from the unblanked LED which, in this case would be the red LED. It is then possible to measure the intensity of the red LED light using a photosensor without use of a filter.

Abstract: A method for attaching an optical device to an encapsulated electronic package. The method may include aligning and attaching an optical device to a non-singulated encapsulated electronic package using an adhesive, and curing the entire package. The method may further include singulating the non-singulated encapsulated electronic package with the optical device attached after curing.

Abstract: A switch panel having a touch plate, image generator, imaging system and light source is disclosed. The touch plate includes an optically transparent layer having first and second surfaces in which a light signal is trapped by internal reflection. The image generator displays an image that includes a plurality of button positions to a person viewing the touch plate from the first surface. When the user touches the front surface at one of the button positions, light from a multi-LED light source that generates the trapped light signal is caused to escape the touch plate at a point corresponding to the point of contact. The light leaving the touch plate is imaged by the imaging system and used to determine the location of the point of contact. Images taken with different LEDs in the light source are used to make the contact determination to reduce the effects of ambient light.

Abstract: An imaging device and method for producing an infrared (IR) filtered digital image of a scene of interest uses IR image signals derived from light transmitted through infrared pass filters of a color filter array to remove IR light components of color image signals derived from light transmitted through color pass filters of the color filter array. The color and IR image signals are generated using an image sensor that includes an imaging array and the color filter array.

Abstract: A light system, such as a backlight system for an LCD, includes a light guide and an attachment structure that are insert molded together at an edge surface of the light guide, and an optically active element (e.g., an LED and/or an optical sensor) attached to the attachment structure. By insert molding the attachment structure and the light guide together at an edge surface of the light guide, the optically active element can be efficiently attached at the edge of the light guide with minimal impact on the thickness and footprint of the backlight system.

Abstract: Scanner with light source calibration mechanism. The scanner includes a light source that generates a white light utilized to scan an image. The light source calibration mechanism includes a calibration color sensor that generates a calibration color sensor output. The light source calibration mechanism receives a predetermined color profile that can be, for example, the amount of red, green light, and blue light expected from the light source utilized by the scanner for scanning. The color calibration mechanism calibrates the light source of the scanner based on the output of the calibration color sensor and the predetermined color profile.

Abstract: Method for packaging a photo detector integrated circuit (IC) and a pigment filter and resulting package are described. An encapsulated package (e.g., an epoxy-encapsulated package) that includes a first surface is provided. A filter layer is then coated directly onto the first surface. The filter layer provides optical filtering properties (e.g., a predetermined filtering profile) in addition to the filtering provided by the pigment filter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating an output signal that represents light with a desired color profile. A first sensor is provided to receive light and based thereon to generate a first signal with a first color profile. A color sensor is also provided that receives light and based thereon generates a second signal with a second color profile. A signal generation mechanism that is coupled to the first sensor and the color sensor and receives the first signal with a first color profile, receives the second signal with a second color profile, and performs a predetermined operation on the first signal and the second signal to generate the output signal with the desired color profile.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for duplicating a target color and changing a color of an object to match the target color. A first color sensor measures the target color. A color projection mechanism selectively changes the color of the object. A color matching mechanism is coupled to the first color sensor for receiving the target color. Based on the target color, the color matching mechanism controls the color projection mechanism to change the color of the object to match the target color.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a color dye in a water sample are described. Light is generated and passed through a water sample. A color sensor is utilized to measure the light that passes through the water sample. Based on the measured light, it is determined whether a dye color is present in the water sample.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of an analyte (e.g., gas/radiation) that utilizes color change detection mechanisms. The apparatus has an indicator that changes color in the presence of the analyte. For example, in the absence of the analyte, the indicator reflects a first color. In the presence of the analyte, the indicator reflects a second color. The apparatus includes a color sensor that receives light reflected from the indicator and based thereon generates one or more signals that represent the reflected light. The apparatus also includes a color change detection mechanism that is coupled to the color sensor and that receives the signal generated by the color sensor and based on the signal determines whether the indicator has changed to the second color. Once it is determined that the indicator has changed to the second color, an alarm can be generated or remedial measures can be initiated.

Abstract: A color sensor for measuring light from a light source and the method for fabricating the color sensor. The color sensor includes a plurality of photodetectors, a plurality of primary color filters and a trim filter. Each primary color filter includes a layer of material between the light source and a corresponding one of the photodetectors. Each primary color filter preferentially transmits light in a corresponding band of wavelengths about a characteristic wavelength. The trim filter is located between the light source and the photodetectors and includes a layer of material that preferentially attenuates light at a first trim wavelength between two of the characteristic wavelengths. In one embodiment, the trim filter further preferentially attenuates light at a second trim wavelength, the first wavelength being less than one of the characteristic wavelengths and the second wavelength being greater than that characteristic wavelength.

Abstract: A color filter and method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The color filter has a primary filter layer and a first trim filter. The primary filter layer is partially transparent to light and has a transmission function that also varies as a function of the spatial location on that filter layer. The primary filter transmits light in a first band about a first characteristic wavelength at a first location in the primary filter layer and transmits light in a second band about a second characteristic wavelength at a second location in the primary filter layer. The first trim filter includes a layer of material that overlies the first and second locations and that preferentially attenuates light at a first trim wavelength between the first and second characteristic wavelengths. The transmission function of the first trim filter is substantially the same at the first and second locations.