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 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: Organometallic colloid(s) is dispersed in a polymer matrix to form an infrared-blocking encapsulant.

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: 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: A visible light communications transmitter combines a modulated carrier signal with a pulse from a pulse generator. The carrier signal is modulated according to data read from a buffer during the pulse.

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: In one embodiment, color sensors allow multiple data transfer channels to occur between a light source and a light detector. Light of differing wavelengths can be detected simultaneously and the modulated data on each wavelength can be independently and simultaneously processed. If desired, data from a selected wavelength can be delivered to an end-user. In another embodiment, different colors can be used for different directions of communication thereby allowing for simultaneous bi-directional communication.

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: 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 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: In one embodiment, an optical encoder device is provided with an optical encoder to detect codewheel/codestrip positions; a housing to accommodate the optical encoder; a first tapered guidepost protruding from a sidewall of the optical encoder housing; and a second tapered guidepost protruding from the sidewall of the optical encoder housing and extending substantially parallel to the first tapered guidepost. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

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.