Patents by Inventor Ronald A. Kropp

Ronald A. Kropp 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).

  • Patent number: 8433110
    Abstract: Provided is a fingerprint sensor configured for detecting a pulse of a human or other mammal. A time series of fingerprint images is analyzed to identify time-based variations in spatial location and/or pressure from ridges of a finger, where the variations result from time-based variations in the flow of blood. Based on the analysis, a determination is made if the time-based variations are indicative of a pulse in a digit of the person, and if so, a determination is made as to the pulse rate based on the variations. Imaging sensitivity of the digit at the fingerprint sensor is optimized for determination of the pulse. The time series of fingerprint images is also analyzed to determine if there is bulk motion of the digit, in which case pulse rate analysis is temporarily suspended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Kropp, Richard Irving, Rainer M. Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20120279865
    Abstract: Provided herein is a method of making an integrated circuit device using copper metallization on 1-3 PZT composite. The method includes providing an overlay of electroplated immersion of gold (Au) to cover copper metal traces, the overlay preventing oxidation on 1:3 PZT composite with material. Also included is the formation of immersion Au nickel electrodes on the 1-3 PZT composite to achieve pad metallization for external connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis Regniere, Yakub Aliyu, Rainer M. Schmitt, Theodore M. Johnson, Ronald A. Kropp, Christian Liautaud, Deda Diatezua, Isaac R. Abothu, De Liufu, Richard Irving, Patrick D. Brown, Walter C. Mick, William H. Tanubrata, Omid S. Jahromi, John Boudreaux, David B. Clarke, Jack S. Chorpenning, Bryce M. Barbato, Honorio R. Ulep, William R. Robinson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120016604
    Abstract: Invention includes a novel pointing device which uses acoustic impediography as a means to locate the position of finger and then uses the said location to control the position of a cursor on a computer screen. In addition, while the finger is touching the sensor the touch-pressure level can be estimated via statistical data evaluation, as average brightness decreases with increasing touch-pressure providing a means for gesturing. This new device has the advantage that it can double as a biometric identification device for verifying the identity of the computer's user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Sonavation, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Irving, Omid S. Jahromi, Ronald A. Kropp, Rainer M. Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20110170750
    Abstract: Provided is a fingerprint sensor configured for detecting a pulse of a human or other mammal. A time series of fingerprint images is analyzed to identify time-based variations in spatial location and/or pressure from ridges of a finger, where the variations result from time-based variations in the flow of blood. Based on the analysis, a determination is made if the time-based variations are indicative of a pulse in a digit of the person, and if so, a determination is made as to the pulse rate based on the variations. Imaging sensitivity of the digit at the fingerprint sensor is optimized for determination of the pulse. The time series of fingerprint images is also analyzed to determine if there is bulk motion of the digit, in which case pulse rate analysis is temporarily suspended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald A. Kropp, Richard Irving, Rainer M. Schmitt