Abstract: An infrared ray sensing element, includes: 1) a semiconductor substrate; 2) an infrared ray receiver disposed above the semiconductor substrate in such a manner as to be isolated from the semiconductor substrate, the infrared ray receiver being configured to receive an infrared ray; and 3) a beam configured to support the infrared ray receiver to the semiconductor substrate and include a thermopile configured to sense a temperature increase of the infrared ray receiver, wherein one of the following has a cross sectional shape that includes at least one protruding part: i) the beam, and ii) the thermopile.

Abstract: A command input system, includes: 1) an infrared camera for picking up an image of a sensing area, with which defines a certain part as a back face; 2) an extractor for extracting, based on an image data of the image picked up by the infrared camera, at least one of the following: a) a configuration of a hand, and b) a movement of a hand; and 3) a temperature adjustor for adjusting at least one of a hand temperature and a back face temperature so as to increase a difference between the hand temperature and the back face temperature.

Abstract: An infrared detection element is configured to prevent decreases in detection precision when a beam bends. The infrared detection element basically has a substrate structure, a light receiver configured and arranged to receive infrared rays and at least one beam having one end fixed to the substrate and another end fixed to the light receiver to support the light receiver above the substrate. At least one protuberance is provided on at least one of the substrate, the light receiver and the beam with the at least one protuberance being configured and arranged to limit direct contact between any two of the beam, the light receiver and the substrate structure during bending of the beam, except at the at least one protuberance.

Abstract: An infrared detection element is configured to prevent decreases in detection precision when a beam bends. The infrared detection element basically has a substrate structure, a light receiver configured and arranged to receive infrared rays and at least one beam having one end fixed to the substrate and another end fixed to the light receiver to support the light receiver above the substrate. At least one protuberance is provided on at least one of the substrate, the light receiver and the beam with the at least one protuberance being configured and arranged to limit direct contact between any two of the beam, the light receiver and the substrate structure during bending of the beam, except at the at least one protuberance.

Abstract: An infrared ray sensing element, includes: 1) a semiconductor substrate; 2) an infrared ray receiver disposed above the semiconductor substrate in such a manner as to be isolated from the semiconductor substrate, the infrared ray receiver being configured to receive an infrared ray; and 3) a beam configured to support the infrared ray receiver to the semiconductor substrate and include a thermopile configured to sense a temperature increase of the infrared ray receiver, wherein one of the following has a cross sectional shape that includes at least one protruding part: i) the beam, and ii) the thermopile.

Abstract: A non-contact information input device is provided that can easily and reliably use simple image processing to input information indicated by the shape of a user's hand. The non-contact information input device is configured to detect a user's hand using an imaging section, and to select an operation mode based on a shape of the hand. Then, a distance detecting section of the non-contact information input device is configured to detect a distance from the hand to the imaging section and adjust a parameter used in the operation mode in response to the distance if the parameter is adjustable. Thus, the image processing load is reduced and the parameter is easily and reliably adjusted by adjusting the parameter in the selected operation mode based on the distance detected by the distance detecting section.

Abstract: A spindle unit which can offset any displacement of the spindle due to thermal expansion and which can adjust the preload on the bearings according to the revolving speed of the spindle. Between the outer casing and the spindle are provided a high-rigidity elastic member and a pressure chamber connected to an oil pressure control valve. A displacement sensor provided at the end of the spindle and a tachometer are connected to the pressure control valve. As the revolving speed of the spindle increases, oil pressure is introduced into the pressure chamber to reduce the preload. By reducing the preload, the spindle moves axially, thus offsetting its displacement due to thermal expansion.