Patents by Inventor Hao-Yen Tang
Hao-Yen Tang 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).
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Patent number: 10846502Abstract: A sensor device comprising a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, wherein the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers is substantially flat, a non-uniform contact layer overlying the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, and a sensor processor is described. The sensor device is configured to: transmit ultrasonic signals using the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers for reflection from an object in contact with the non-uniform contact layer, wherein the ultrasonic signals traverse the non-uniform contact layer, receive reflected ultrasonic signals at the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, obtain non-uniformity data characterizing the non-uniform contact layer, control operating parameters of the sensor device based on the non-uniformity data, and generate an image of the object in contact with the non-uniform contact layer based on the reflected ultrasonic signals, wherein the image is corrected for non-uniformity of the non-uniform contact layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: InvenSense, Inc.Inventor: Hao-Yen Tang
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Patent number: 10820888Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus having a Micro-machined Ultrasonic Transducer (MUT), such as a Piezoelectric MUT (PMUT) or Capacitive MUT (CMUT), with a transmitting mode and a receiving mode for generating and sensing acoustic pressure in imaging applications. During transmission in a PMUT the inverse piezoelectric effect on the piezo layer causes transverse stress, which causes a bending moment in the PMUT structure leading to out-of-plane deflection. Different applied signs of voltage generates different signs of stress inside the piezo that in turn cause oscillating motion generating an acoustic pressure wave. During signal reception, incident pressure waves deflect the PMUT creating transverse stress, resulting in a charge determined through measuring voltage between electrodes. The apparatus is particularly well-suited for use in health care, such as measuring fat/muscle thickness, blood-flow, and blood pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Bernhard E. Boser, David A. Horsley, Hao-Yen Tang, Yipeng Lu
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Patent number: 10775938Abstract: Touch events can be detected using an ultrasound input device coupled to a surface, such as a surface of a piece of furniture or electronic device. The ultrasound input device can generate ultrasonic waves in the surface, the reflections of which can be measured by the ultrasound input device. When a touch is made to the surface (e.g., opposite the ultrasound input device), the physical contact can absorb some of the energy of the outgoing ultrasonic waves (e.g., the originally transmitted wave and any subsequent outgoing reflections). Energy measurements associated with the measured reflections can thus be used to identify touch events. Various techniques can be used to make the energy measurements and reduce identification of false touch events.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: UltraSense Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hao-Yen Tang, Mo Maghsoudnia, Man-Chia Chen
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Patent number: 10719175Abstract: A touch sensor chip can comprise an ultrasound sensor layer comprising an array of ultrasonic transducers. The array of ultrasonic transducers can comprise one or more ultrasonic transducers. The touch sensor chip can also comprise an integrated circuit layer coupled to the ultrasound sensor layer. The integrated circuit layer can comprise circuitry configured for driving the array of ultrasonic transducers to generate ultrasound signals and receiving reflected ultrasound signals using the array of ultrasonic transducers. The integrated circuit layer can also comprise circuitry configured for generating an energy signal associated with received reflected ultrasound signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2019Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: UltraSense System, Inc.Inventors: Sina Akhbari, Hao-Yen Tang, Mo Maghsoudnia, Man-Chia Chen
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Publication number: 20200183536Abstract: In a method for determining force applied to an ultrasonic sensor, ultrasonic signals are emitted from an ultrasonic sensor. A plurality of reflected ultrasonic signals from a finger interacting with the ultrasonic sensor is captured. A first data based at least in part on a first reflected ultrasonic signal of the plurality of reflected ultrasonic signals is compared with a second data based at least in part on a second reflected ultrasonic signal of the plurality of reflected ultrasonic signals. A deformation of the finger during interaction with the ultrasonic sensor is determined based on differences between the first data based at least in part on the first reflected ultrasonic signal and the second data based at least in part on the second reflected ultrasonic signal. A force applied by the finger to the ultrasonic sensor is determined based at least in part on the deformation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2020Publication date: June 11, 2020Applicant: InvenSense, Inc.Inventors: Eitan MEDINA, Behrooz ABDI, Sam MASSIH, Romain FAYOLLE, Hao-Yen TANG
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Publication number: 20200167538Abstract: MEMS ultrasound fingerprint ID systems are provided. Aspects of the systems include the capabilty of detecting both epidermis and dermis fingerprint patterns in three dimensions. Also provided are methods of making and using the systems, as well as devices that include the systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2019Publication date: May 28, 2020Inventors: Yipeng Lu, David Horsley, Hao-Yen Tang, Bernhard Boser
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Patent number: 10585534Abstract: An ultrasound input device can be coupled to a material layer having an external surface located opposite the material layer from the ultrasound input device. The ultrasound input device can transmit an emitted signal through the material layer towards the external surface and receive a set of reflected ultrasound signals associated with the emitted signal. The set of reflected ultrasound signals comprises at least one reflected ultrasound signal, and the set of reflected ultrasound signals can be associated with a touch event between an object and the external surface. A system can comprise one or more data processors configured for performing operations including determining an energy signal associated with the set of reflected ultrasound signals, extracting feature information associated with the energy signal, determining an inference associated with the object based on the extracted feature information, and generating an output signal associated with the determined inference.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2019Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: UltraSense Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hao-Yen Tang, Sina Akhbari, Mo Maghsoudnia, Man-Chia Chen
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Patent number: 10564778Abstract: In a method for determining force applied to an ultrasonic sensor, ultrasonic signals are emitted from an ultrasonic sensor. A plurality of reflected ultrasonic signals from a finger interacting with the ultrasonic sensor is captured. A first data based at least in part on a first reflected ultrasonic signal of the plurality of reflected ultrasonic signals is compared with a second data based at least in part on a second reflected ultrasonic signal of the plurality of reflected ultrasonic signals. A deformation of the finger during interaction with the ultrasonic sensor is determined based on differences between the first data based at least in part on the first reflected ultrasonic signal and the second data based at least in part on the second reflected ultrasonic signal. A force applied by the finger to the ultrasonic sensor is determined based at least in part on the deformation.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2019Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: InvenSense, Inc.Inventors: Eitan Medina, Behrooz Abdi, Sam Massih, Romain Fayolle, Hao-Yen Tang
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Publication number: 20200050817Abstract: In a method for operating a fingerprint sensor comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, a first subset of ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor are activated, the first subset of ultrasonic transducers for detecting interaction between an object and the fingerprint sensor. Subsequent to detecting interaction between an object and the fingerprint sensor, a second subset of ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor are activated, the second subset of ultrasonic transducers for determining whether the object is a human finger, wherein the second subset of ultrasonic transducers comprises a greater number of ultrasonic transducers than the first subset of ultrasonic transducers.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Applicant: InvenSense, Inc.Inventors: James Christian SALVIA, Hao-Yen TANG, Michael H. PERROTT, Bruno W. GARLEPP, Etienne DE FORAS
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Publication number: 20200012385Abstract: Touch events can be detected using an ultrasound input device coupled to a surface, such as a surface of a piece of furniture or electronic device. The ultrasound input device can generate ultrasonic waves in the surface, the reflections of which can be measured by the ultrasound input device. When a touch is made to the surface (e.g., opposite the ultrasound input device), the physical contact can absorb some of the energy of the outgoing ultrasonic waves (e.g., the originally transmitted wave and any subsequent outgoing reflections). Energy measurements associated with the measured reflections can thus be used to identify touch events. Various techniques can be used to make the energy measurements and reduce identification of false touch events.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2019Publication date: January 9, 2020Applicant: UltraSense Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hao-Yen Tang, Mo Maghsoudnia, Man-Chia Chen
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Patent number: 10497748Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor pixel includes a substrate, a piezoelectric micromechanical ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) and a sensor pixel circuit. The PMUT includes a piezoelectric layer stack including a piezoelectric layer disposed over a cavity, the cavity being disposed between the piezoelectric layer stack and the substrate, a reference electrode disposed between the piezoelectric layer and the cavity, and one or both of a receive electrode and a transmit electrode disposed on or proximate to a first surface of the piezoelectric layer, the first surface being opposite from the cavity. The sensor pixel circuit is electrically coupled with one or more of the reference electrode, the receive electrode and the transmit electrode and the PMUT and the sensor pixel circuit are integrated with the sensor pixel circuit on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2016Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Hrishikesh Vijaykumar Panchawagh, Suryaprakash Ganti, Kostadin Dimitrov Djordjev, David William Burns, Timothy Alan Dickinson, Donald William Kidwell, Jr., Ravindra Vaman Shenoy, Jon Bradley Lasiter, Hao-Yen Tang, Yipeng Lu
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Publication number: 20190354238Abstract: A method includes receiving energy data associated with an ultrasound input device coupled to a material layer. The energy data comprises a current energy value and past energy values associated with reflected ultrasound signals received at the ultrasound input device in response to the ultrasound input device transmitting emitted signals through the material layer towards an external surface of the material layer. The method can then include comparing the energy data with threshold data to generate a current trigger value for trigger data. The trigger data is indicative of an occurrence of a touch event when the current energy value exceeds a current threshold value of the threshold data. Then the method can include updating the threshold data based on the energy data, the trigger data, and the threshold data. Updating the threshold data comprises generating a subsequent threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Applicant: UltraSense Systems, Inc.Inventors: Sina Akhbari, Hao-Yen Tang, Mo Maghsoudnia, Man-Chia Chen
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Publication number: 20190354209Abstract: An ultrasound input device can be coupled to a material layer having an external surface located opposite the material layer from the ultrasound input device. The ultrasound input device can transmit an emitted signal through the material layer towards the external surface and receive a set of reflected ultrasound signals associated with the emitted signal. The set of reflected ultrasound signals comprises at least one reflected ultrasound signal, and the set of reflected ultrasound signals can be associated with a touch event between an object and the external surface. A system can comprise one or more data processors configured for performing operations including determining an energy signal associated with the set of reflected ultrasound signals, extracting feature information associated with the energy signal, determining an inference associated with the object based on the extracted feature information, and generating an output signal associated with the determined inference.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Applicant: UltraSense Systems, Inc,Inventors: Hao-Yen Tang, Sina Akhbari, Mo Maghsoudnia, Man-Chia Chen
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Publication number: 20190354210Abstract: A touch sensor chip can comprise an ultrasound sensor layer comprising an array of ultrasonic transducers. The array of ultrasonic transducers can comprise one or more ultrasonic transducers. The touch sensor chip can also comprise an integrated circuit layer coupled to the ultrasound sensor layer. The integrated circuit layer can comprise circuitry configured for driving the array of ultrasonic transducers to generate ultrasound signals and receiving reflected ultrasound signals using the array of ultrasonic transducers. The integrated circuit layer can also comprise circuitry configured for generating an energy signal associated with received reflected ultrasound signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Applicant: UltraSense Systems, Inc.Inventors: Sina Akhbari, Hao-Yen Tang, Mo Maghsoudnia, Man-Chia Chen
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Publication number: 20190354237Abstract: Touch events can be detected using an ultrasound input device coupled to a surface, such as a surface of a piece of furniture or electronic device. The ultrasound input device can generate ultrasonic waves in the surface, the reflections of which can be measured by the ultrasound input device. When a touch is made to the surface (e.g., opposite the ultrasound input device), the physical contact can absorb some of the energy of the outgoing ultrasonic waves (e.g., the originally transmitted wave and any subsequent outgoing reflections). Energy measurements associated with the measured reflections can thus be used to identify touch events. Various techniques can be used to make the energy measurements and reduce identification of false touch events.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Applicant: UltraSense Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hao-Yen Tang, Mo Maghsoudnia, Man-Chia Chen
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Patent number: 10466844Abstract: Touch events can be detected using an ultrasound input device coupled to a surface, such as a surface of a piece of furniture or electronic device. The ultrasound input device can generate ultrasonic waves in the surface, the reflections of which can be measured by the ultrasound input device. When a touch is made to the surface (e.g., opposite the ultrasound input device), the physical contact can absorb some of the energy of the outgoing ultrasonic waves (e.g., the originally transmitted wave and any subsequent outgoing reflections). Energy measurements associated with the measured reflections can thus be used to identify touch events. Various techniques can be used to make the energy measurements and reduce identification of false touch events.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2019Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: UltraSense Systems, Inc.Inventors: Hao-Yen Tang, Mo Maghsoudnia, Man-Chia Chen
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Publication number: 20190325185Abstract: A sensor device comprising a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, wherein the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers is substantially flat, a non-uniform contact layer overlying the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, and a sensor processor is described. The sensor device is configured to: transmit ultrasonic signals using the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers for reflection from an object in contact with the non-uniform contact layer, wherein the ultrasonic signals traverse the non-uniform contact layer, receive reflected ultrasonic signals at the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, obtain non-uniformity data characterizing the non-uniform contact layer, control operating parameters of the sensor device based on the non-uniformity data, and generate an image of the object in contact with the non-uniform contact layer based on the reflected ultrasonic signals, wherein the image is corrected for non-uniformity of the non-uniform contact layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2018Publication date: October 24, 2019Applicant: InvenSense, Inc.Inventor: Hao-Yen TANG
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Patent number: 10452887Abstract: In a method for operating a fingerprint sensor comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, a first subset of ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor are activated, the first subset of ultrasonic transducers for detecting interaction between an object and the fingerprint sensor. Subsequent to detecting interaction between an object and the fingerprint sensor, a second subset of ultrasonic transducers of the fingerprint sensor are activated, the second subset of ultrasonic transducers for determining whether the object is a human finger, wherein the second subset of ultrasonic transducers comprises a greater number of ultrasonic transducers than the first subset of ultrasonic transducers.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2016Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: InvenSense, Inc.Inventors: James Christian Salvia, Hao-Yen Tang, Michael H. Perrott, Bruno W. Garlepp, Etienne De Foras
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Patent number: 10430631Abstract: MEMS ultrasound fingerprint ID systems are provided. Aspects of the systems include the capability of detecting both epidermis and dermis fingerprint patterns in three dimensions. Also provided are methods of making and using the systems, as well as devices that include the systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Yipeng Lu, David Horsley, Hao-Yen Tang, Bernhard Boser
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Publication number: 20190288696Abstract: An apparatus and method for frequency tuning/tracking between an electrical subsystem and a mechanical transducer subsystem is presented. An electromechanical transducer generates acoustic pulses as it is driven by a transmit signal from an electrical subsystem. As the transmit signal goes inactive, the settling behavior of the transducer is registered from which the difference in frequency between the resonance of the electromechanical transducer and the transmit signal frequency is determined and utilized for locking the electrical subsystem to the mechanical transducer subsystem by either tuning operating frequency of the electrical subsystem, or the mechanical transducer, to keep them matched (locked).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Bernhard Boser, Richard Przybyla, Hao-Yen Tang