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: 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: 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 light source having a first mixing chamber, a light pipe structure, and a controller is disclosed. The first mixing chamber includes a first plurality of LEDs, the first mixing chamber having a first transparent window through which light from the first plurality of LEDs exits the first mixing chamber. The light pipe structure has a first end optically coupled to the window such that light from the first plurality of LEDs enters the first end and a second end through which the light exits. The controller determines the power that is applied to the first plurality of LEDs and includes a photodetector optically coupled to the second end of the light pipe structure. The photodetector generates signals indicative of an intensity of light generated by the LEDs, the controller causing the LEDs to be powered such that the signal matches a target value.

Abstract: An ambient light sensor (ALS) system is described. The ALS system includes a polychromatic color sensor, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a digital processor. The polychromatic color sensor generates a plurality of analog signals from a corresponding plurality of color channels based on a detected ambient light signal. The ADC is coupled to the polychromatic color sensor. The ADC converts the plurality of analog signals to a plurality of digital signals. The digital processor is coupled to the ADC. The digital processor generates a processed light signal. The processed light signal describes a characteristic of the detected ambient light signal. Embodiments of the ALS system provide a more comprehensive characterization of the ambient light, and facilitate control of a device based on the characterization of the 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 source that generates light having an output optical spectrum is disclosed. The light source includes first and second LEDs and a layer of phosphor that is excited by light from the first LED. The layer of phosphor is positioned to convert a portion of the light from the first LED in a first LED optical spectrum to light having a phosphor spectrum. The second LED emits light in a second LED optical spectrum. The first and second LEDs are powered such that the output optical spectrum includes the first and second optical spectrums and the phosphor spectrum such that the output spectrum is more constant as a function of wavelength at wavelengths between 450 nm to 650 nm than the first or second optical spectrums or the phosphor spectrum. The invention can provide a white LED light source with improved color rendering.

Abstract: An ambient light sensor (ALS) system is described. The ALS system includes a polychromatic color sensor, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a digital processor. The polychromatic color sensor generates a plurality of analog signals from a corresponding plurality of color channels based on a detected ambient light signal. The ADC is coupled to the polychromatic color sensor. The ADC converts the plurality of analog signals to a plurality of digital signals. The digital processor is coupled to the ADC. The digital processor generates a processed light signal. The processed light signal describes a characteristic of the detected ambient light signal. Embodiments of the ALS system provide a more comprehensive characterization of the ambient light, and facilitate control of a device based on the characterization of the ambient light.

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: A switch panel having a touch plate, light converter, and light analyzer are disclosed. The touch plate includes an optically transparent layer having first and second surfaces, and having an index of refraction greater than that of air. The touch plate conducts light of an excitation wavelength between the first and second surfaces and emits part of that light through the second surface at one of a plurality of emission locations depending on the position at which pressure is applied to the first surface. The light converter is positioned to receive the light emitted through the second surface and generates light having a plurality of distinct location-specific spectra, one of the location-specific spectra corresponding to each of the emission locations. The light analyzer generates a signal indicative of which of the location-specific spectra was generated by the light converter.

Abstract: A switch panel having a touch plate, light converter, and light analyzer are disclosed. The touch plate includes an optically transparent layer having first and second surfaces, and having an index of refraction greater than that of air. The touch plate conducts light of an excitation wavelength between the first and second surfaces and emits part of that light through the second surface at one of a plurality of emission locations depending on the position at which pressure is applied to the first surface. The light converter is positioned to receive the light emitted through the second surface and generates light having a plurality of distinct location-specific spectra, one of the location-specific spectra corresponding to each of the emission locations. The light analyzer generates a signal indicative of which of the location-specific spectra was generated by the light converter.

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 light system, includes a light guide, an attachment structure, and an optically active element. The light guide has first and second major surfaces and an edge surface. The attachment structure is insert molded to the light guide at the edge surface of the light guide, wherein the light guide is molded around at least a portion of the attachment structure. The optically active element is attached to the attachment structure.

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: 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 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: An optical encoder device is provided with an optical encoder for detecting codewheel/codestrip positions, an optical encoder housing for accommodating the optical encoder, a first tapered guidepost protruding from a sidewall of the optical encoder housing, the first guidepost having a star-shaped cross-section and being arranged adjacent to the optical encoder, and a second tapered guidepost protruding form the sidewall of the optical encoder housing and extending substantially parallel to the first guidepost, the second guidepost having a diamond-shaped cross-section and being arranged remote from the optical encoder.

Abstract: An optical encoder device (100) comprises an optical encoder for detecting codewheel/codestrip positions, an optical encoder housing of accommodating the optical encoder, a first tapered guidepost (103) protruding from a sidewall (102) of the optical encoder housing, said first guidepost (103) having a star-shaped cross-section and being arranged adjacent to the optical encoder, and a second tapered guidepost (104) protruding from the sidewall (102) of the optical encoder housing and extending substantially parallel to the first guidepost (103), said second guidepost (104) having a diamond-shaped cross-section and being arranged remote from the optical encoder.