Abstract: A device for providing even illumination to a user’s hand or other object to acquire images of the object for biometric identification of a user, includes a camera, a first light module positioned on a first side of the camera, and a second light module positioned on a second side of the camera. The camera is positioned closer to the second light module. The second light module emits light with a lesser intensity than the first light module. Light bending films positioned adjacent to the light modules redirect emitted light toward opposite edges of the field of view of the camera. Diffusers in the path of the emitted light diffuse portions of the emitted light along the edges of the field of view. Polarizers positioned in the path of the emitted light polarize the emitted light to facilitate visualization of particular features of the hand or other object.

Abstract: An optical detector system provides beam positioning data to an optical tracking system to facilitate optical communications. The optical detector system comprises a plurality of optical photodetectors. For example, a two-by-two array may be used. Incoming light passes through one or more optical elements, such as a lens and a dispersive optical element. A first portion of the beam entering the optical elements is directed into a first spot having a first area on the array. A second portion of the beam entering the optical elements is dispersed to form a second spot having a second area on the array that is larger than the first area. This combination of first portion and second portion of the beam incident on the array provides unambiguous information in the output of the photodetectors that is indicative of a position of the incoming beam with respect to the array.

Abstract: An optical detector system provides output to an optical tracking system to facilitate optical communications by tracking a beam of incoming light using a fast-steering mirror (FSM). The optical detector system comprises an array of optical photodetectors, such array comprising one or more quad cells. The incoming light passes through one or more optical elements to generate a specified beam shape, such as a bar or cross, on the array. The resulting output from the array is highly responsive to changes in position of the reshaped beam on the array. As a result, noise equivalent angle (NEA) of the optical detector system representing pointing error is substantially reduced. A reduction in NEA facilitates more precise alignment, allowing incoming light to be aligned to a smaller area. For example, the incoming light may be aligned to a single mode optical fiber connected to a receiver system.

Abstract: A time-of-flight camera may be used to generate depth images of a scene, where the scene includes retroreflective materials. The time-of-flight camera may capture first sensor data by illuminating the scene at a first energy level, and by exposing a sensor for a first duration. If portions of the sensor are saturated by light reflected from retroreflective materials, corrupted pixels are detected within the first sensor data. A second set of sensor data may be captured by illuminating the scene at a second energy level, or by exposing the sensor for a second duration. The corrupted pixels may be identified and masked from the first sensor data, which may be blended with corresponding portions of the second sensor data to generate a depth image.

Abstract: A biometric input device includes a sensor assembly that generates images of a user's palm that is within a field of view (FOV) using an image sensor behind a polarizer with a first polarization. The palm within the FOV is illuminated at different times with light having the first polarization and the second polarization. The images are acquired using polarized light and provide images of surface and subcutaneous features. The images may then be processed to identify the user. The device may include a touchscreen to provide information to the user or receive input from a user. The device may include a stand to mount the device at a convenient location, such as at an entry portal, point of sale, and so forth.