Patents by Inventor Valton Smith

Valton Smith 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).

  • Publication number: 20250172432
    Abstract: A device may determine a time-of-flight measurement by performing a sample of a sensor based on light received via at least one first spectral filter, wherein the at least one first spectral filter is associated with a spectral range for a time-of-flight measurement; determine that a condition is satisfied with regard to the time-of-flight measurement, wherein the condition relates to an orientation or a position of the sensor or the sensor device relative to a measurement target; trigger a spectrometry measurement to be performed based on determining that the condition is satisfied with regard to the time-of-flight measurement; and perform, based on light received via at least one second spectral filter and by performing a sample of the sensor, the spectrometry measurement for the measurement target based on the condition being satisfied with regard to the time-of-flight measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2025
    Publication date: May 29, 2025
    Inventors: William D. HOUCK, Valton SMITH
  • Patent number: 12281978
    Abstract: A spectroscopic assembly may include a spectrometer. The spectrometer may include an illumination source to generate a light to illuminate a sample. The spectrometer may include a sensor to obtain a spectroscopic measurement based on light, reflected by the sample, from the light illuminating the sample. The spectroscopic assembly may include a light pipe to transfer the light reflected from the sample. The light pipe may include a first opening to receive the spectrometer. The light pipe may include a second opening to receive the sample, such that the sample is enclosed by the light pipe and a base surface when the sample is received at the second opening. The light pipe may be associated with aligning the illumination source and the sensor with the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis R. Hruska, Peng Zou, Benjamin F. Catching, Marc K. Von Gunten, Valton Smith
  • Patent number: 12216004
    Abstract: A device may determine a time-of-flight measurement by performing a sample of a sensor based on light received via at least one first spectral filter, wherein the at least one first spectral filter is associated with a spectral range for a time-of-flight measurement; determine that a condition is satisfied with regard to the time-of-flight measurement, wherein the condition relates to an orientation or a position of the sensor or the sensor device relative to a measurement target; trigger a spectrometry measurement to be performed based on determining that the condition is satisfied with regard to the time-of-flight measurement; and perform, based on light received via at least one second spectral filter and by performing a sample of the sensor, the spectrometry measurement for the measurement target based on the condition being satisfied with regard to the time-of-flight measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Houck, Valton Smith
  • Publication number: 20240418642
    Abstract: An optical sensor system may include a light source. The optical sensor system may include a concentrator component proximate to the light source and configured to concentrate light from the light source with respect to a measurement target. The optical sensor system may include a collection component that includes an array of at least two components configured to receive light reflected or transmitted from the measurement target. The optical sensor system may include may a sensor. The optical sensor system may include a filter provided between the collection component and the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2024
    Publication date: December 19, 2024
    Inventors: Curtis R. HRUSKA, William D. HOUCK, Valton SMITH, Marc K. VON GUNTEN, Chuck DEMILO
  • Publication number: 20240402403
    Abstract: An optical device may include a plurality of sensor elements and a plurality of optical channels. The plurality of sensor elements may include a first set of sensor elements associated with a first wavelength range and a second set of sensor elements associated with a second wavelength range. The plurality of optical channels may include a first set of optical channels associated with the first wavelength range and a second set of optical channels associated with the second wavelength range. A first optical channel, of the first set of optical channels, may be disposed over a first sensor element, of the first set of sensor elements, and a second optical channel, of the second set of optical channels, may be disposed over a second sensor element, of the second set of sensor elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2024
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventors: Valton SMITH, Michael KLIMEK, Curtis R. HRUSKA
  • Patent number: 12092572
    Abstract: An optical sensor system may include a light source. The optical sensor system may include a concentrator component proximate to the light source and configured to concentrate light from the light source with respect to a measurement target. The optical sensor system may include a collection component that includes an array of at least two components configured to receive light reflected or transmitted from the measurement target. The optical sensor system may include may a sensor. The optical sensor system may include a filter provided between the collection component and the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis R. Hruska, William D. Houck, Valton Smith, Marc K. Von Gunten, Chuck Demilo
  • Patent number: 12072516
    Abstract: An optical device may include a plurality of sensor elements and a plurality of optical channels. The plurality of sensor elements may include a first set of sensor elements associated with a first wavelength range and a second set of sensor elements associated with a second wavelength range. The plurality of optical channels may include a first set of optical channels associated with the first wavelength range and a second set of optical channels associated with the second wavelength range. A first optical channel, of the first set of optical channels, may be disposed over a first sensor element, of the first set of sensor elements, and a second optical channel, of the second set of optical channels, may be disposed over a second sensor element, of the second set of sensor elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Valton Smith, Michael Klimek, Curtis R. Hruska
  • Patent number: 12055481
    Abstract: A sensor device may determine a first optical sensor value associated with a first displacement and a second optical sensor value associated with a second displacement, wherein the first displacement is between an emitter associated with the first optical sensor value and a sensing location used to determine the first optical sensor value, wherein the second displacement is between an emitter associated with the second optical sensor value and a sensing location used to determine the second optical sensor value, and wherein the first displacement is different from the second displacement. The sensor device may determine one or more measurements using the first optical sensor value and the second optical sensor value, wherein the one or more measurements relate to a first penetration depth associated with the first optical sensor value, and a second penetration depth associated with the second optical sensor value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Valton Smith, William D. Houck, Curtis R. Hruska, Marc K. Von Gunten
  • Patent number: 12050129
    Abstract: An optical sensor device may comprise an optical sensor comprising a set of sensor elements; an optical filter comprising one or more channels, wherein each channel, of the one or more channels, is configured to pass light associated with particular wavelengths to a subset of sensor elements, of the set of sensor elements, of the optical sensor; a phase mask configured to distribute a plurality of light beams associated with a subject in an encoded pattern on an input surface of the optical filter; and one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to obtain, from the optical sensor, sensor data associated with the subject and determine, based on the sensor data, spectral information associated with the subject. The one or more processors may determine, based on the sensor data and information associated with the encoded pattern, spatial information associated with the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Houck, Valton Smith
  • Publication number: 20240183710
    Abstract: An optical measurement device may include a light source; an emission optic configured to direct a first portion of light generated by the light source to a measurement target; a collection optic configured to receive light from the measurement target; an optical conduit configured to direct a second portion of light generated by the light source to a spectral reference; the spectral reference; a sensor; and a filter. A first portion of the filter may be provided between the collection optic and a first portion of the sensor. A second portion of the filter may be provided between the spectral reference and a second portion of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2024
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: William D. HOUCK, Valton SMITH
  • Patent number: 11920979
    Abstract: An optical measurement device may include a light source; an emission optic configured to direct a first portion of light generated by the light source to a measurement target; a collection optic configured to receive light from the measurement target; an optical conduit configured to direct a second portion of light generated by the light source to a spectral reference; the spectral reference; a sensor; and a filter. A first portion of the filter may be provided between the collection optic and a first portion of the sensor. A second portion of the filter may be provided between the spectral reference and a second portion of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Houck, Valton Smith
  • Publication number: 20240068868
    Abstract: A device may determine a time-of-flight measurement by performing a sample of a sensor based on light received via at least one first spectral filter, wherein the at least one first spectral filter is associated with a spectral range for a time-of-flight measurement; determine that a condition is satisfied with regard to the time-of-flight measurement, wherein the condition relates to an orientation or a position of the sensor or the sensor device relative to a measurement target; trigger a spectrometry measurement to be performed based on determining that the condition is satisfied with regard to the time-of-flight measurement; and perform, based on light received via at least one second spectral filter and by performing a sample of the sensor, the spectrometry measurement for the measurement target based on the condition being satisfied with regard to the time-of-flight measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: William D. HOUCK, Valton SMITH
  • Patent number: 11913833
    Abstract: An optical device may comprise an array of sensor elements and an array of optical channels disposed on the array of sensor elements. At least one optical channel of the array of optical channels may be configured to pass bandpass filtered light to at least one sensor element of the array of sensor elements. At least one other optical channel of the array of optical channels may be configured to pass non-bandpass filtered light to at least one other sensor element of the array of sensor elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Valton Smith, William D. Houck
  • Publication number: 20240027267
    Abstract: A multispectral sensor device may include a sensor array comprising a plurality of channels and one or more processors to determine that a time-sensitive measurement is to be performed, wherein the time-sensitive measurement is to be performed using data collected by one or more channels of the plurality of channels; cause the data to be collected by a proper subset of channels, of the plurality of channels, wherein the proper subset of channels includes the one or more channels; and determine the time-sensitive measurement based on the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: William D. HOUCK, Valton SMITH
  • Patent number: 11852531
    Abstract: A device may determine a time-of-flight measurement by performing a sample of a sensor based on light received via at least one first spectral filter, wherein the at least one first spectral filter is associated with a spectral range for a time-of-flight measurement; determine that a condition is satisfied with regard to the time-of-flight measurement, wherein the condition relates to an orientation or a position of the sensor or the sensor device relative to a measurement target; trigger a spectrometry measurement to be performed based on determining that the condition is satisfied with regard to the time-of-flight measurement; and perform, based on light received via at least one second spectral filter and by performing a sample of the sensor, the spectrometry measurement for the measurement target based on the condition being satisfied with regard to the time-of-flight measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Houck, Valton Smith
  • Publication number: 20230341264
    Abstract: An optical sensor device may comprise an optical sensor comprising a set of sensor elements; an optical filter comprising one or more channels, wherein each channel, of the one or more channels, is configured to pass light associated with particular wavelengths to a subset of sensor elements, of the set of sensor elements, of the optical sensor; a phase mask configured to distribute a plurality of light beams associated with a subject in an encoded pattern on an input surface of the optical filter; and one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to obtain, from the optical sensor, sensor data associated with the subject and determine, based on the sensor data, spectral information associated with the subject. The one or more processors may determine, based on the sensor data and information associated with the encoded pattern, spatial information associated with the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: William D. HOUCK, Valton SMITH
  • Patent number: 11796389
    Abstract: A multispectral sensor device may include a sensor array comprising a plurality of channels and one or more processors to determine that a time-sensitive measurement is to be performed, wherein the time-sensitive measurement is to be performed using data collected by one or more channels of the plurality of channels; cause the data to be collected by a proper subset of channels, of the plurality of channels, wherein the proper subset of channels includes the one or more channels; and determine the time-sensitive measurement based on the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Houck, Valton Smith
  • Publication number: 20230333295
    Abstract: An optical device may include a plurality of sensor elements and a plurality of optical channels. The plurality of sensor elements may include a first set of sensor elements associated with a first wavelength range and a second set of sensor elements associated with a second wavelength range. The plurality of optical channels may include a first set of optical channels associated with the first wavelength range and a second set of optical channels associated with the second wavelength range. A first optical channel, of the first set of optical channels, may be disposed over a first sensor element, of the first set of sensor elements, and a second optical channel, of the second set of optical channels, may be disposed over a second sensor element, of the second set of sensor elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Valton SMITH, Michael KLIMEK, Curtis R. HRUSKA
  • Patent number: 11714003
    Abstract: An optical sensor device may comprise an optical sensor comprising a set of sensor elements; an optical filter comprising one or more channels, wherein each channel, of the one or more channels, is configured to pass light associated with particular wavelengths to a subset of sensor elements, of the set of sensor elements, of the optical sensor; a phase mask configured to distribute a plurality of light beams associated with a subject in an encoded pattern on an input surface of the optical filter; and one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to obtain, from the optical sensor, sensor data associated with the subject and determine, based on the sensor data, spectral information associated with the subject. The one or more processors may determine, based on the sensor data and information associated with the encoded pattern, spatial information associated with the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Houck, Valton Smith
  • Patent number: 11698478
    Abstract: An optical device may include a plurality of sensor elements and a plurality of optical channels. The plurality of sensor elements may include a first set of sensor elements associated with a first wavelength range and a second set of sensor elements associated with a second wavelength range. The plurality of optical channels may include a first set of optical channels associated with the first wavelength range and a second set of optical channels associated with the second wavelength range. A first optical channel, of the first set of optical channels, may be disposed over a first sensor element, of the first set of sensor elements, and a second optical channel, of the second set of optical channels, may be disposed over a second sensor element, of the second set of sensor elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Valton Smith, Michael Klimek, Curtis R. Hruska