Patents by Inventor Vincent Y. Chow

Vincent Y. Chow 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: 20180269250
    Abstract: A system and method for optical perception can include a current confining pixel (CCP) that includes a detector pair, the detector pair including a first detector and a second detector, coupled together in an inverse polarity configuration such that the current confining pixel defines a sense node and a reference node together forming a differential output across the pair of detectors. The system and method can include a plurality of CCPs arranged in a CCP array, coupled together in any suitable manner; receiving, at a current confining pixel (CCP), an input signal; generating a differential output signal based on the input signal; and, analyzing an output of a CCP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventor: Vincent Y. Chow
  • Publication number: 20180266938
    Abstract: A method and system for particle detection and characterization including a current confining pixel and a light source. The pair of light detectors may comprise a first light detector and a second light detector electrically coupled to one another. Further, the first and the second light detectors may be situated in parallel and may have inverse polarities. Further, the particle detector method and system can comprise a boundary vernier-line having a width separating the first and the second light detectors. It may comprise a signal processor for processing an output waveform generated by a particle as it flows unobstructed on or near the detector surface; wherein the output waveform is bipolar and a polarity of the output waveform may flip when the particle crosses the boundary vernier-line; and wherein the signal processor may analyze the output waveform to ascertain at least one property of the particle. Methods of using the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventor: Vincent Y. Chow
  • Publication number: 20180270435
    Abstract: A system and method for optical perception can include a current confining pixel (CCP) that includes a detector pair, the detector pair including a first detector and a second detector, coupled together in an inverse polarity configuration such that the current confining pixel defines a sense node and a reference node together forming a differential output across the pair of detectors. The system and method can include a plurality of CCPs arranged in a CCP array, coupled together in any suitable manner; receiving, at a current confining pixel (CCP), an input signal; generating a differential output signal based on the input signal; and, analyzing an output of a CCP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventor: Vincent Y. Chow
  • Publication number: 20180270434
    Abstract: A system and method for optical perception can include a current confining pixel (CCP) that includes a detector pair, the detector pair including a first detector and a second detector, coupled together in an inverse polarity configuration such that the current confining pixel defines a sense node and a reference node together forming a differential output across the pair of detectors. The system and method can include a plurality of CCPs arranged in a CCP array, coupled together in any suitable manner; receiving, at a current confining pixel (CCP), an input signal; generating a differential output signal based on the input signal; and, analyzing an output of a CCP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventor: Vincent Y. Chow
  • Patent number: 8368024
    Abstract: The Present Invention relates to methods and systems particularly useful in electrical products used to monitor and detect very weak signals. These products include, for example, night vision binoculars and remote listening devices. More specifically, the methods and systems of the Present Invention provide a signal conditioning technique that attenuates electrical noise generated within the product while at the same time preserving the integrity of the input signal. This provides a high signal-to-noise ratio within the product electronics and a dramatically clear final image. The Present Invention includes a method and system for chopping or splitting an input signal into two components, tagging each of the split signal components with opposite polarities, and a second reverse chopping step that combines the split and tagged input signal components into a restored input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Vincent Y. Chow
  • Patent number: 8306626
    Abstract: An artificial retina device to electrically stimulate a neuroretina of an eye to produce artificial vision, the artificial retina device comprising: an electrical source; at least one stimulating electrode connected with the electrical source; and at least one ground return electrode connected with the electrical source, wherein the stimulating electrode and ground return electrode are configured to be disposed within the eye on opposite sides of the neuroretina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: IMI Intelligent Medical Implants AG
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Publication number: 20110238134
    Abstract: An artificial retina device to electrically stimulate a neuroretina of an eye to produce artificial vision, the artificial retina device comprising: an electrical source; at least one stimulating electrode connected with the electrical source; and at least one ground return electrode connected with the electrical source, wherein the stimulating electrode and ground return electrode are configured to be disposed within the eye on opposite sides of the neuroretina.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: IMI INTELLIGENT MEDICAL IMPLANTS AG
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Patent number: 7981062
    Abstract: Mechanically activated objects or devices for use in treating degenerative retinal diseases are provided. Such devices apply mechanical forces to tissues of an eye to effectuate treatment and are configured for chronic implantation (thereby applying chronic stimulation/irritation) in or on the eye. The devices may be configured for contact with a retina of the eye, preferably positioned in a subretinal space. Various embodiments comprise a moving member configured for chronic contact with at least a portion of the eye, which moving member is activated by an actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator may be distally located relative to the moving member. Alternatively, the moving member may be supported by a body member that, optionally, also supports the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: IMI Intelligent Medical Implants AG
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, George Y. McLean, Vincent Y. Chow, Jay Cech, Christopher M. Bonner, Vladimir Gelfandbein
  • Patent number: 7979134
    Abstract: An artificial retinal device, implanted in the subretinal space of the eye in persons with certain types of retinal blindness, induces artificial vision by electrical stimulation of the remaining viable cells of the retina. The artificial retina device includes a stimulating electrode unit preferably placed in the subretinal space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: IMI Intelligent Medical Implants AG
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Publication number: 20100117722
    Abstract: The Present Invention relates to methods and systems particularly useful in electrical products used to monitor and detect very weak signals. These products include, for example, night vision binoculars and remote listening devices. More specifically, the methods and systems of the Present Invention provide a signal conditioning technique that attenuates electrical noise generated within the product while at the same time preserving the integrity of the input signal. This provides a high signal-to-noise ratio within the product electronics and a dramatically clear final image. The Present Invention includes a method and system for chopping or splitting an input signal into two components, tagging each of the split signal components with opposite polarities, and a second reverse chopping step that combines the split and tagged input signal components into a restored input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Vincent Y. Chow
  • Publication number: 20100121231
    Abstract: Mechanically activated objects or devices for use in treating degenerative retinal diseases are provided. Such devices apply mechanical forces to tissues of an eye to effectuate treatment and are configured for chronic implantation (thereby applying chronic stimulation/irritation) in or on the eye. The devices may be configured for contact with a retina of the eye, preferably positioned in a subretinal space. Various embodiments comprise a moving member configured for chronic contact with at least a portion of the eye, which moving member is activated by an actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator may be distally located relative to the moving member. Alternatively, the moving member may be supported by a body member that, optionally, also supports the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, George Y. McLean, Vincent Y. Chow, Jay Cech, Christopher M. Bonner, Vladimir Gelfandbein
  • Patent number: 7031776
    Abstract: Methods of using electrical stimulation by itself or in conjunction with growth factors to treat and prevent visual loss due to choroidal, retinal pigment epithelial and/or neuroretinal cell degeneration and dysfunction are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Optobionics
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Patent number: 7003354
    Abstract: An artificial retinal device, implanted in the subretinal space of the eye in persons with certain types of retinal blindness, induces artificial vision by electrical stimulation of the remaining viable cells of the retina. The artificial retina device includes a stimulating electrode unit preferably placed in the subretinal space, and a tail-like extension housing a distant electrical return ground electrode unit that may be placed in the vitreous cavity. The stimulating electrode unit includes an array of electrode subunits. Each electrode subunit includes one or more microphotodiodes electrically connected, for example, in series to provide increased voltage and current to its microelectrode. The stimulating electrode unit and the ground return electrode of the ground return electrode unit are preferably disposed on opposite sides of the neuroretina to allow for efficient and high resolution transretinal electrical stimulation of the neuroretinal cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Optobionics Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Patent number: 6904239
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for carrying additional information data on multiplexed signals which are modulated on different wavelengths. An information code such as an address or control data for a particular data signal at a selected wavelength is overlaid on the parallel multiplexed signals. The information code may be overlaid by attenuation or changing the amplitude of the different signals. A separate marker channel at a separate wavelength is also multiplexed with the data signals to indicate the presence of an information code. An optical data detector array is used to optically determine the encoded address by comparing the signals with light levels and producing an output when a matching code is detected. The optical data detector array uses a series of detectors each corresponding to the wavelength of light signals carrying the information data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Publication number: 20040105364
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for carrying additional information data on multiplexed signals which are modulated on different wavelengths. An information code such as an address or control data for a particular data signal at a selected wavelength is overlaid on the parallel multiplexed signals. The information code may be overlaid by attenuation or changing the amplitude of the different signals. A separate marker channel at a separate wavelength is also multiplexed with the data signals to indicate the presence of an information code. An optical data detector array is used to optically determine the encoded address by comparing the signals with light levels and producing an output when a matching code is detected. The optical data detector array uses a series of detectors each corresponding to the wavelength of light signals carrying the information data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Alan Y. Chow
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Patent number: 6609840
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for carrying additional information data on multiplexed signals which are modulated on different wavelengths. An information code such as an address or control data for a particular data signal at a selected wavelength is overlaid on the parallel multiplexed signals. The information code may be overlaid by attenuation or changing the amplitude of the different signals. A separate marker channel at a separate wavelength is also multiplexed with the data signals to indicate the presence of an information code. An optical data detector array is used to optically determine the encoded address by comparing the signals with light levels and producing an output when a matching code is detected. The optical data detector array uses a series of detectors each corresponding to the wavelength of light signals carrying the information data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Patent number: 6574022
    Abstract: An optical signal receiver for rapid and error free translation of optical signals into electrical signals is disclosed. The receiver is coupled to a light source. The light source is amplified and then split into two segments. One of the segments is delayed by a specific amount of time. Both segments are optically coupled to a photo detector. Each photo detector is coupled in parallel and are connected by two output terminals. When the voltage output by each photo detector is equal, the output terminals are balanced and will not have any voltage. The circuit will provide a voltage output on the terminal only on differential photocurrents sensed by the detector elements. The quiescent magnitude of the voltage output is a function of the value of the reverse bias voltage applied by the two voltage sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Publication number: 20030028225
    Abstract: Methods of using physical stimulation by itself or in conjunction with growth factors to treat and prevent visual loss due to choroidal, retinal pigment epithelial and/or neuroretinal cell degeneration and dysfunction are presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Publication number: 20030014089
    Abstract: Methods of using electrical stimulation by itself or in conjunction with growth factors to treat and prevent visual loss due to choroidal, retinal pigment epithelial and/or neuroretinal cell degeneration and dysfunction are presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow
  • Publication number: 20020169486
    Abstract: An artificial retinal device, implanted in the subretinal space of the eye in persons with certain types of retinal blindness, induces artificial vision by electrical stimulation of the remaining viable cells of the retina. The artificial retina device includes a stimulating electrode unit preferably placed in the subretinal space, and a tail-like extension housing a distant electrical return ground electrode unit that may be placed in the vitreous cavity. The stimulating electrode unit includes an array of electrode subunits. Each electrode subunit includes one or more microphotodiodes electrically connected, for example, in series to provide increased voltage and current to its microelectrode. The stimulating electrode unit and the ground return electrode of the ground return electrode unit are preferably disposed on opposite sides of the neuroretina to allow for efficient and high resolution transretinal electrical stimulation of the neuroretinal cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Optobionics Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Y. Chow, Vincent Y. Chow