Abstract: A method and system for image and video encoding and decoding is disclosed. A plurality of macro-blocks of pixels are defined in the image to be encoded, for subsequent block-by-block encoding and decoding. A node-cell structure of pixels is individually defined for each macro-block. The node pixels are encoded first. Then, the cell pixels are encoded using the decoded node pixels as a reference. This allows increasing macro-block size without a significant degradation of pixel encoding quality.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to light sensors that primarily respond to visible light while suppressing infrared light. Such sensors are especially useful as ambient light sensors because such sensors can be used to provide a spectral response similar to that of a human eye. Embodiments of the present invention are also directed to methods of providing such light sensors, and methods for using such light sensors.

Abstract: A configurable photo detector circuit comprises a photo detector array including a plurality of photo detectors coupled to a plurality of amplifiers. A method for programming a detection pattern of the configurable photo detector circuit comprises selecting a first detection pattern for the photo detector array, generating first signals to create the first selected detection pattern, and applying the first generated signals to the photo detector circuit to implement the first selected detection pattern.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a circuit includes a photodetector (PD) array including a plurality of electrically isolated PD sections. Additionally, the circuit includes a switching matrix that includes a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, and that can be selectively configured in a plurality of different switch configurations. Each of the electrically isolated PD sections is adapted to detect light (if any) and provide an electrical output signal, indicative of the light detected by the PD section (if any), to a different one of the inputs of the switching matrix. The switching matrix is adapted to combine the electrical output signals provided by the electrically isolated PD sections in a plurality of different manners, in dependence on which of the plurality of different switch configurations is selected.

Abstract: A multi-level signal uses the third/fourth signal level to signal both a word clock edge and a data word boundary. At the receiver, a level detector detects a transition to or from the third/fourth level as a clock signal transition and the word boundary. The bit clock can be recovered using a conventional clock multiplier. Bi-level signaling is used for data between the word boundaries. Additional signal states are available in the multi-level signal by modulating the pulse width at the third/fourth signal level.

Abstract: A configurable photo detector circuit comprises a photo detector array including a plurality of photo detectors coupled to a plurality of amplifiers. A method for programming a detection pattern of the configurable photo detector circuit comprises selecting a first detection pattern for the photo detector array, generating first signals to create the first selected detection pattern, and applying the first generated signals to the photo detector circuit to implement the first selected detection pattern.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to light sensors that primarily respond to visible light while suppressing infrared light. Such sensors are especially useful as ambient light sensors because such sensors can be used to provide a spectral response similar to that of a human eye. Embodiments of the present invention are also directed to methods of providing such light sensors, and methods for using such light sensors.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a circuit includes a photodetector (PD) array including a plurality of electrically isolated PD sections. Additionally, the circuit includes a switching matrix that includes a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, and that can be selectively configured in a plurality of different switch configurations. Each of the electrically isolated PD sections is adapted to detect light (if any) and provide an electrical output signal, indicative of the light detected by the PD section (if any), to a different one of the inputs of the switching matrix. The switching matrix is adapted to combine the electrical output signals provided by the electrically isolated PD sections in a plurality of different manners, in dependence on which of the plurality of different switch configurations is selected.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to circuits, systems and methods that can be used to detect light beam misalignment, so that compensation for such misalignment can be performed. In accordance with an embodiment, a circuit includes a photo-detector (PD) having a plurality of electrically isolated PD segments. Additionally, the circuit has circuitry, including switches, configured to control how currents indicative of light detected by the plurality of electrically isolated PD segments are arithmetically combined. When the switches are in a first configuration, a signal produced by the circuitry is indicative of vertical light beam alignment. When the switches are in a second configuration, the signal produced by the circuitry is indicative of horizontal light beam alignment. The signals indicative of vertical light beam alignment and horizontal light beam alignment can be used detect light beam misalignment, so that compensation for such misalignment can be performed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to light sensors, that primarily respond to visible light while suppressing infrared light. Such sensors are especially useful as ambient light sensors because such sensors can be used to provide a spectral response similar to that of a human eye. Embodiments of the present invention are also directed to methods of providing such light sensors, and methods for using such light sensors.

Abstract: A photodiode includes a substrate having a first semiconductor type surface region on at least a portion thereof, and a second semiconductor type surface layer formed in a portion of the surface region. A multi-layer anti-reflective coating (ARC) is on the second semiconductor type surface layer, wherein the multi-layer ARC comprises at least two different dielectric layers. A layer resistant to oxide etch is above a peripheral portion the multi-layer ARC. Further layers are above the layer resistant to oxide etch, and thereby above the peripheral portion the multi-layer ARC. A window extends down to the multi-layer ARC. A photodiode region is formed by a pn-junction of the first semiconductor type surface region and the second semiconductor type surface layer.

Abstract: A photodetector integrated circuit (PDIC) capable of being used with at least two different types of optical discs includes a photodetector (PD) array and a switch matrix. The PD array includes a center channel PD and a side channel PD electrically isolated from the center channel PD. The switch matrix, which includes a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, can be selectively configured in a plurality of different switch configurations. The side channel PD includes a plurality of electrically isolated PD sections. Each electrically isolated PD section of the side channel PD is adapted to detect light and provide an electrical output signal, indicative of the light detected by the PD section, to a different one of the inputs of the switch matrix.

Abstract: A photodiode includes an opening over an active photodiode region so that a top passivation layer and interlayer dielectric layers (ILDs) do not affect the spectral response of the photodiode. A dielectric reflective optical coating filter, which includes a plurality of dielectric layers, fills at least a portion of the opening and thereby covers the active photodiode region, to shape a spectral response of the photodiode. Alternatively, the dielectric reflective optical coating filter is formed prior to the opening, and the opening is formed by removing a top passivation coating and ILDs to expose the dielectric reflective optical coating filter.

Abstract: A photodetector includes one or more first photodiode regions that are covered by an optical filter configured to reject infrared (IR) light and that produce a first current (I1). The photodetector also includes one or more second photodiode regions that are covered by a light blocking material configured to reject visible and infrared light and that produce a second current (I2). The photodetector also includes one or more third photodiode regions that are not covered by the optical filter and are not covered by the light blocking material and that produce a third current (I3). Additionally, the photodetector includes circuitry configured to produce an output indicative of the first current (I1) or a scaled version of the first current (I1), minus the second current (I2) or a scaled version of the second current (I2), minus the third current (I3) or a scaled version of the third current (I3). The optical filter configured to reject IR light can be, e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a utility device, such as a cold cathode fluorescent lamp that is powered in accordance with a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal, includes an analog sensor which monitors the utility device to derive an output signal representative of the PWM signal. An integrating analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which is coupled to the sensor and has its operation synchronized with an integral multiple of the period of the PWM signal, produces an output representative of an average of the output of the utility device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to light sensors, that primarily respond to visible light while suppressing infrared light. Such sensors are especially useful as ambient light sensors because such sensors can be used to provide a spectral response similar to that of a human eye. Embodiments of the present invention are also directed to methods of providing such light sensors, and methods for using such light sensors.

Abstract: A photodetector integrated circuit (PDIC) capable of being used with at least two different types of optical discs includes a photodetector (PD) array and a switch matrix. The PD array includes a center channel PD and a side channel PD electrically isolated from the center channel PD. The switch matrix, which includes a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, can be selectively configured in a plurality of different switch configurations. The side channel PD includes a plurality of electrically isolated PD sections. Each electrically isolated PD section of the side channel PD is adapted to detect light and provide an electrical output signal, indicative of the light detected by the PD section, to a different one of the inputs of the switch matrix.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to light sensors, that primarily respond to visible light while suppressing infrared light. Such sensors are especially useful as ambient light sensors because such sensors can be used to provide a spectral response similar to that of a human eye. Embodiments of the present invention are also directed to methods of providing such light sensors, and methods for using such light sensors.

Abstract: A configurable photo detector circuit comprises a photo detector array including a plurality of photo detectors coupled to a plurality of amplifiers. A method for programming a detection pattern of the configurable photo detector circuit comprises selecting a first detection pattern for the photo detector array, generating first signals to create the first selected detection pattern, and applying the first generated signals to the photo detector circuit to implement the first selected detection pattern.

Abstract: A dynamically configurable multiple wavelength adapted photodetector (PD) integrated circuit includes a PD array having a center bank of electrically isolated PD sections, and a first and a second side channel bank of electrically isolated PD sections on opposing sides of the center PD bank for receiving light and outputting electrical signals. A dynamically configurable switching matrix having a first plurality of inputs is coupled to outputs of the PD sections and a second plurality of inputs is provided for receiving control signals which select from a plurality of different switch configurations. The switch configurations set which of the PD sections are coupled to particular ones of a plurality of matrix outputs provided by the switching matrix. A structure providing switching matrix configuration information is coupled to the second plurality of inputs of the switching matrix to selects specific ones from the plurality of different switch configurations.