Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to a method for mitigating radar interference. The method may include receiving time domain signals from a radar device and transforming the time domain signals to time-frequency domain signals. The method may include comparing each time-frequency domain signal with one or more surrounding time-frequency domain signals to determine which of the time-frequency domain signals have interference. The method may include repairing the time-frequency domain signals having interference.

Abstract: A Radar Calibration Processor (“RCP”) for calibrating the phase of a stepped-chirp signal utilized by a synthetic aperture radar (“SAR”) is disclosed. The RCP includes a periodic phase error (“PPE”) calibrator, first non-periodic phase error (“NPPE”) calibrator in signal communication with the PPE calibrator, and a second NPPE calibrator in signal communication with the first NPPE calibrator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and device for sensing a road environment based on a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar. A method for detecting a road environment based on the FMCW radar includes the steps of: the FMCW radar performing a first scan to acquire a first frequency spectrum of beat signals, and shifting the first frequency spectrum based on first velocity information of a vehicle on performing the first scan; the FMCW radar performing a second scan to acquire a second frequency spectrum of beat signals, and shifting the second frequency spectrum based on second velocity information of the vehicle on performing the second scan; acquiring correlation information between the shifted first frequency spectrum and the shifted second frequency spectrum; and comparing the correlation information with a set threshold value and detecting the road environment.

Abstract: A laser radar (LADAR) system includes a laser transmitter configured to emit laser pulses at a first wavelength, a non-linear converter configured to convert the laser pulses to a second wavelength prior to spectral filtering of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) that is emitted from the laser transmitter in a spectrum concentrated around the first wavelength, and a spectral filter configured to substantially filter the ASE and allow the laser pulses at the second wavelength to pass.

Abstract: A portable instrument or apparatus includes a portable device and a rangefinder module. The rangefinder module can be attached to the portable device, which may be any suitable smartphone, tablet or other consumer electronics device having a camera. By suitable alignment of the rangefinder and camera, the device is capable of capturing accurate data over significant ranges, including for example an image of a target together with position information concerning the target. A folded optical arrangement reduces the volume and thickness of the rangefinder module.

Abstract: A vehicle sensor calibration system can detect an SDV on a turntable surrounded by a plurality of fiducial targets, and rotate the turntable using a control mechanism to provide the sensor system of the SDV with a sensor view of the plurality of fiducial targets. The vehicle sensor calibration system can receive, over a communication link with the SDV, a data log corresponding to the sensor view from the sensor system of the SDV recorded as the SDV rotates on the turntable. Thereafter, the vehicle sensor calibration system can analyze the sensor data to determine a set of calibration parameters to calibrate the sensor system of the SDV.

Abstract: A method and a system for evaluating a content of a bin, the method may include: transmitting at a first point in time and by a first acoustic transceiver array, a first acoustic pulse; receiving by a second acoustic transceiver array an echo of the first acoustic pulse; and processing the echo of the first acoustic pulse to assist in a provision of a first estimate related to the content; wherein the second acoustic transceiver array differs from the first transceiver array; wherein a distance between the first and second acoustic transceiver array is at least ten times a distance between transducers of the second acoustic transceiver array.

Abstract: A Pseudo-Random Phase Modulation (PRPM) multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) radar system suitable for use on an automated vehicle includes a first transmit-antenna that transmits a first transmit-signal generated by a first PRPM-code, a second transmit-antenna that transmits a second transmit-signal generated by a second PRPM-code, a receive-antenna used to detect a first reflected-signal arising from the first transmit-signal and a second reflected-signal arising from the second transmit-signal, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the receive-antenna and is operable to generate the first PRPM-code and the second PRPM-code.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a radar sensor (5, 6) of a motor vehicle (1), in which for detecting a target object (12) in an environment of the motor vehicle (1), a transmit signal (S) is emitted by means of the radar sensor (5, 6) and an echo signal reflected on the target object (12) is received as a received signal, wherein a plurality of sequences (13) each including a plurality of frequency-modulated chirp signals (14) is emitted one after the other by means of the radar sensor (5, 6) as the transmit signal (S), and wherein a transmission pause (15) respectively follows each sequence (13), in which the radar sensor (5, 6) does not emit any chirp signals (14). The period of time of the transmission pauses (15) is respectively randomly adjusted in the operation of the radar sensor (5, 6).

Abstract: The inventive imaging method consists in generating a mechanical wave having shearing and compressional components in a viscoelastic medium and in determining the movement parameter of said viscoelastic medium at different points during the propagation of said mechanical wave. Said method comprises a correction stage when the movement parameter is processed for eliminating errors caused by the compressional component of the mechanical wave.

Abstract: A method of operating an optoelectronic proximity sensor including a radiation-emitting component, a radiation-detecting component and a control unit includes: operating the radiation-emitting component with a pulsed current, wherein the pulsed current of the radiation-emitting component has an on time and an off time during a measurement period, and causing the control unit to evaluate a detector signal of the radiation-detecting component during the on time and ending the on time if the detector signal exceeds a threshold value, wherein the ratio of the on time to the measurement period is less than 1/10.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a distance to an object using a binary, event-based image sensor. In one aspect, the image sensor includes memory circuitry and address decode circuitry. In one aspect, activation of a photodiode of the image sensor array by receipt of one or more photons is able to be used directly as an input to logic circuitry. In one embodiment, the image sensor includes photodiodes operating in an avalanche photodiode mode or Geiger mode. In one embodiment, the imaging sensor includes photodiodes operating as thresholded integrating pixels. The imaging sensor can be fabricated from one or more substrates having at least a first and a second voltage portion.

Abstract: TOF distance sensor for capturing the distance to an object by receiving radiation reflected by the object, said radiation emanating from a radiation source modulated by a modulation frequency, comprising a pixel matrix for recording a pixel image. The pixel matrix consists of demodulation pixels which are designed for rear-side reception of the radiation. The demodulation pixels comprise a conversion region for generating charge carriers from the received radiation, and a separating device for separating the charge carriers in accordance with the modulation frequency, and also a stop for partitioning-off the conversion region from the separating device in relation to the charge carriers, and also an aperture for passing the charge carriers from the conversion region into the separating device. The TOF distance sensor is embodied in such a way that in each case at least two demodulation pixels form a common aperture.

Abstract: The invention introduces “crossed” navigation message authentication, which comprises a) generation and transmission of unpredictable bits periodically from satellites currently not connected to the ground mission segment and b) generation of digital signatures for the data from these satellites, and the transmission thereof through satellites that currently are connected to the ground mission segment. An attacker cannot spoof the navigation message as it contains an unpredictable bit pattern that is verified a few seconds later through a digital signature.

Abstract: A ground-based system to reduce the effect of interference, comprising a plurality of reference receivers, wherein the reference receivers are spaced a distance apart such that a single source of interference is unable to substantially interfere with a subset of the plurality of reference receivers, wherein the subset of the plurality of reference receivers includes at least two reference receivers; and a processing module communicatively coupled to the plurality of reference receivers and configured to receive data from each of the plurality of reference receivers, wherein the processing module is further configured to perform differential calculations on the data to calculate measurement corrections and estimated errors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for hole selection in a defined area. Embodiments further disclose a system and method for selecting a golf hole location on a green. The system may include a storage component, a processing component, an analyzing component, a selecting component, and a user interface. The storage component may store a database of potential hole locations and attributes. The analyzing component may apply limitations to selecting golf hole locations based upon attributes of each golf hole location to determine an available set. The selecting component may select a golf hole location from the available set. The user interface may be used to input data and output a presentation of a selected golf hole location.

Abstract: The system provides a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver in a vehicle. The GNSS receiver includes a radio frequency (RF) receiving circuit configured to receive GNSS signals from a plurality of GNSS satellites orbiting Earth at respective azimuth and elevation angles, a memory device storing an predetermined antenna pattern including initial signal to noise ratio (SNR) values for each of the respective azimuth and elevation angles, and a processor. The processor is configured to calculate SNR values of the received GNSS signals, iteratively calculate an updated antenna pattern by combining the calculated SNR values with the initial SNR values, compare further SNR values of further received GNSS signals to the SNR values in the updated antenna pattern to perform at least one of the following: 1) detection and mitigation of multipath signals, 2) estimation of vehicle heading, and 3) determination of a location of the antenna within the vehicle.

Abstract: A device comprising a reception unit for automatically receiving two radiofrequency signals originating from different satellite-based positioning and date-stamping systems, a data processing unit for automatically processing each of the radiofrequency signals so as to deduce time data therefrom, each time datum comprising at least one number of weeks, a calculation unit for automatically calculating a UTC date which is compatible with these time data, and a data transmission unit for automatically providing this UTC date to at least one user system.

Abstract: A computer readable medium containing processor executable instructions configured to perform the steps of (i) monitoring a positional accuracy of location information calculated based on signals received from GNSS satellites, (ii) if the positional accuracy passes a quality check, using the location information to continuously perform a calibration of data received from one or more sensors and (iii) if the positional accuracy does not pass the quality check, cease the calibration of the data received from the sensors, wherein dead reckoning information is calculated from the data received from the sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of a nuclear reactor by the detection of antineutrinos from the reactor can include a radioactive sample having a measurable nuclear activity level and a decay rate capable of changing in response to the presence of antineutrinos, and a detector associated with the radioactive sample. The detector is responsive to at least one of a particle or radiation formed by decay of the radioactive sample. A processor associated with the detector can correlate rate of decay of the radioactive sample to a flux of the antineutrinos to detect the reactor.

Abstract: A method and a PET apparatus are provided. According to an example of the method, a saturation indicia of a target detector may be determined through simulating emission of a ? photon to the target detector. The target detector is any one of SiPM detectors of a PET apparatus. The saturation indicia is for designating a maximum output voltage after amplifying an output of the target detector through a VGA when one ? photon is received by the target detector. The target VGA is a VGA corresponding to the target detector. By comparing an output voltage of the target VGA and the saturation indicia, it may determine that the target detector received a saturation event if the output voltage of the target VGA is higher than the saturation indicia. An amplifier gain of the target VGA may be adjusted until an amount of the saturation events detected by the target detector in unit time satisfies a pre-determined threshold.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are described for resetting an integration circuit (206) of a detector cell or an electronics arrangement (200) thereof. When a voltage signal output by the integration circuit (206) exceeds a specified threshold (e.g., indicating that a specified number of radiation photons have been detected), a charge injection circuit (208) is configured to inject charge into the integration circuit (206). The injected charge is typically opposite in polarity to stored charge that is stored by a capacitor (214) of the integration circuit (206) and is configured to counteract the stored charge. In this way, a voltage potential at the capacitor (214) decreases, causing the voltage signal output by the integration circuit (206) to decrease.

Abstract: A pulse detection circuit according to an embodiment includes a conversion circuit, a delay circuit, first and second comparators, a latch, and a generation circuit. The conversion circuit converts an input signal into a thermometer code signal. The delay circuit outputs a delay signal being the thermometer code signal delayed by a predetermined delay time. The first comparator (The second comparator) compares the thermometer code signal with the delay signal and outputs an increase signal (a decrease signal) indicating whether the input signal is larger (smaller) than the input signal before the delay time. Based on the increase signal and the decrease signal, the latch outputs an increase-decrease signal indicating whether the input signal is increasing or decreasing. Based on the thermometer code signal and the increase-decrease signal, the generation circuit generates a pulse detection signal and a pileup detection signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation detector, a radiographic imaging device and a radiographic imaging system that may detect radiation with high precision. Namely, in the radiation detector, radiation detection pixels include detection TFTs, and light that has been converted from radiation is illuminated directly from a scintillator onto the detection TFTs. Accordingly, leak current occurs in semiconductor active layers of the detection TFTs corresponding to the amount (intensity) of the illuminated light, and the leak current flows in to signal lines. Accordingly, radiation may be detected by monitoring the leak current, and enables timings, such as the start of irradiation of radiation, to be detected.

Abstract: A radiation detector can include a scintillator having opposing end surfaces and a plurality of discrete photosensors disposed on an end surface of the scintillator. In an embodiment, the photosensors are disposed at the corners or along the peripheral edge of the end surface, as opposed to being disposed at the center of the end surface. In an embodiment, the plurality of discrete photosensors may cover at most 80% of a surface area of the end surface of the scintillator and may not cover a center of the end surface of the scintillator. In a further embodiment, an aspect ratio of the monolithic scintillator can be selected to improve energy resolution.

Abstract: A radiation detector may include: a first photoconductor layer including a plurality of photosensitive particles; and/or a second photoconductor layer on the first photoconductor layer, and including a plurality of crystals obtained by crystal-growing photosensitive material. At least some of the plurality of photosensitive particles of the first photoconductor layer may fill gaps between the plurality of crystals of the second photoconductor layer. A method of manufacturing a radiation detector may include: forming a first photoconductor layer by applying paste, including solvent mixed with a plurality of photosensitive particles, to a first substrate; forming a second photoconductor layer by crystal-growing photosensitive material on a second substrate; pressing the crystal-grown second photoconductor layer on the first photoconductor layer that is applied to the first substrate; and/or removing the solvent in the first photoconductor layer via a drying process.

Abstract: An x-ray detector is disclosed, for a computed tomography system. In an embodiment, the x-ray detector includes a base plate and a number of detector modules, each including at least one detector field with a detector surface facing counter to an r-direction on a front face and each including a module support, fastened to the base plate. In at least one embodiment, the module support includes a bearing surface facing the base plate, perpendicular to the detector surface, for fastening purposes.

Abstract: Provided are an X-ray apparatus and a method of operating the same. An embodiment provides an X-ray apparatus that displays position information regarding a plurality of X-ray detectors and a method of operating the same. The X-ray apparatus includes a plurality of X-ray detectors, a plurality of mounts to which the plurality of X-ray detectors are mounted, and a work station. The plurality of X-ray detectors include light emitting elements that emit light of colors different from one another, the plurality of mounts include a plurality of light detectors that sense colors of light emitted by the light emitting elements and are disposed apart from one another, respectively. The workstation includes a controller that obtains positional information regarding the plurality of X-ray detectors based on colors of light sensed by the light detectors respectively included in the plurality of mounts.

Abstract: A workflow is presented that facilitates defining geocontextual information as a set of rules for multiple seismic attributes. Modeling algorithms may be employed that facilitate analysis of multiple seismic attributes to find candidate regions that are most likely to satisfy the set of rules. These candidates may then be sorted based on how well they represent the geocontextual information.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and mediums may implement obtaining baseline traces of a baseline seismic survey and monitor traces of a monitor seismic survey; employing a computer to align the monitor traces to corresponding baseline traces using an error function having a phase-based component, thereby obtaining an aligned monitor survey; generating with the computer a comparison of the aligned monitor survey to the baseline seismic survey; and using the comparison of the aligned monitor survey to the baseline seismic survey to determine a change in the subterranean hydrocarbon producing reservoir.

Abstract: In order to acquire seismic data relative to an underground area beneath the sea, seismic waves are emitted in an emission direction forming an angle ? with the vertical using at least one seismic source submerged at a depth d. A seismic signal is collected following the emission of the seismic waves and the propagation of same underground with a view to processing same. In one embodiment of the method, in order to overcome the major problem linked to the depth limit encountered by seismic sources, the processing of the seismic signal comprises a summation of a plurality of terms including the seismic signal and the seismic signal delayed by ?T=2d·cos ?/V, in which V is the speed of propagation of the seismic waves in water.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for investigating a subsurface volume of interest from a borehole. Apparatus comprise an enclosure configured for conveyance along the borehole; an acoustic source in the enclosure configured to generate acoustic signals; a lens assembly disposed in the enclosure and next to the acoustic source, the lens assembly being formed of a plurality of cells, each cell formed as a column oriented transverse to a direction of travel of the acoustical signals. Each cell comprises a plurality of cell segments with each cell segment of the plurality comprising at least one arcuate wall and at least one radial finger, and wherein the cell segments are oriented in alignment with a rhodonea conformal mapping geometry in a plane transverse to the column to cause acoustic waves to travel at a different speed in each of three orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A disclosed high-purity dipole transmitter has a longitudinal axis, an oscillation axis, and a side axis, each of the axes being mutually orthogonal. The transmitter includes an outer shell having external surfaces for displacing fluid along the oscillation axis. The transmitter also includes a reaction mass positioned inside the outer shell. The transmitter also includes an electromagnetic actuator that drives the outer shell relative to the reaction mass. The transmitter also includes a pair of matching springs separated along the longitudinal axis, where each spring is coupled between the outer shell and the reaction mass to enable compliant dipole motion of the outer shell along the oscillation axis while suppressing motion along other axes. Each spring includes a beam arrangement with each beam extending lengthwise in a direction parallel to the side axis and being thinnest in a direction parallel to the oscillation axis.

Abstract: An electrical resistivity imaging survey performs an investigation of a targeted subsurface site using a system of underground electrode arrays. The arrays are installed at depth within probe channels formed by a direct push drilling process that employs a non-rotational boring action. Each array includes a set of current electrodes to inject current into the subsurface, and a set of potential electrodes to detect a potential difference relating to an electrical field generated by the current. A meter generates a resistivity measurement using the voltage and current values to define a resistivity data point. The collection of data points developed by operation of the array system forms a model representative of the spatial distribution of the subsurface resistivity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetic sensing is described. The apparatus includes a strain-sensing fiber coupled to a conducting strip. The strain-sensing fiber may be, for example, a distributed feedback fiber with Bragg gratings. A current may be induced to flow on the conducting strip by electrically coupling a photodiode to the conducting strip and then activating a laser optically coupled to the photodiode. In the presence of a magnetic field, a Lorentz force will be exerted on the conducting strip, causing a displacement of the conducting strip that will induce strain on the strain-sensing fiber. The strain on the strain-sensing fiber may be measured by laser-pumping the strain-sensing fiber and measuring the reflected waves. The measured strain may be used to calculate the magnitude of the magnetic field. Multiple strain-sensing fibers may be optically coupled in series and deployed into a borehole for distributed magnetic field measurements.

Abstract: A resistivity measuring tool used in a drillstring having a drill bit on a distal end for drilling a wellbore in a formation includes a tool body having a longitudinal axis, a sensor configured to measure the angular position of the tool body relative to the wellbore, at least one axial antenna including a wire winding for generating an axial magnetic moment parallel with the longitudinal axis, and at least one transverse antenna. The transverse antenna includes an antenna body disposed within a pocket extending radially inward from an outer surface of the tool body and one or more turns of wire wound around the antenna body, the wire winding generating a transverse magnetic moment orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method for determining a formation thermal neutron decay rate from measurements of radiation resulting from at least one burst of high energy neutrons into formations surrounding a wellbore includes determining a first apparent neutron decay rate in a time window beginning at a first selected time after an end of the at least one burst, a second apparent decay rate from a time window beginning at a second selected time after the burst and a third apparent decay rate from a third selected time after the burst. The second time is later than the first time. A thermal neutron capture cross section of fluid in the wellbore is determined. A decay rate correction factor is determined based on the first and second apparent decay rates and a parameter indicative of the wellbore capture cross-section. The correction factor is applied to the third apparent decay rate to determine the formation thermal neutron decay rate.

Abstract: A motion detection system including a lens arranged to focus infrared radiation; a variably positionable optical attenuator arranged for variable positioning thereof opposite the focusing lens, operable for variably attenuating infrared radiation focused by the focusing lens, an extent and a magnitude of the variable attenuation being dependent on a position and on a set of physical characteristics of the variably positionable optical attenuator; a PIR sensor positioned opposite the focusing lens and the variably positionable optical attenuator, operable for sensing the focused and attenuated infrared radiation; and a human motion detection indication generator operable for ascertaining whether an intensity of infrared radiation sensed by the PIR sensor is above a human-generated infrared radiation detection threshold and, responsive thereto, for generating an indication of detection of human motion.

Abstract: Evaluating a fluid, including transmitting a light beam through the fluid to a detector while oscillating a path length traveled through the fluid by the light beam at a first frequency of oscillation; measuring a time-dependent intensity of incident light at the detector responsive to an interaction of the light beam with the fluid to produce a time-dependent intensity signal; filtering the time-dependent intensity signal to recover a path-dependent signal oscillating at the first frequency and indicative of an absorbance property of the fluid; and estimating a parameter of interest of the fluid using the path-dependent signal. The time-dependent intensity may be indicative of the true absorbance at multiple wavelengths of the fluid or fluids over the maximum path length difference so as to permit quantification of the percentages of each of these fluids. Filtering may include frequency filtering alone or using a phase-sensitive lock-in amplifier.

Abstract: A technique facilitates the study of complex fracture networks. A slot manifold is constructed with a system of branched thin channels, e.g. slots, which are joined at intersections. Fluid is flowed through the system of branched thin channels and through an intersection or intersections joining the channels in a manner which enables evaluation of fluid flow. A flow distribution device is used to allow or block flow of the fluid along specific branches of the system of branched thin channels to facilitate evaluation of fluid flow as a fluid moves through various angular changes and/or flow gap width changes from one channel to another.

Abstract: A method and system configured to provide a weather forecast for a selected zone is provided. The method and system is configured to receive meteorological reports and locally sensed measurements. The information is transmitted to a weather model preprocessor disposed on the device which generates an analysis field. This information is passed to the weather model which is an executable program also disposed on the device. The weather model processes the analysis field generated by meteorological reports, large-scale initialization data and in-situ sensor values to generate an initial weather forecast. The weather model updates the initial weather forecast with real-time, high-resolution atmospheric measurements to generate a weather forecast more representative of the user's zone than that available from Internet/media outlets. Furthermore, because the weather model is run on the mobile device itself, staleness of the forecast will no longer be an issue, as forecasts can be generated on demand.

Abstract: Aggregating and transforming data, and performing analytics thereupon, for application-specific optimization based on multiple data sources. The data is preferably ingressed automatically, and may originate from various public and/or private data sources. Data transformation preferably aligns the data aggregated from the various sources, to thereby allow meaningful referencing. Complex and non-aligned data can therefore be consolidated, such that it is readily digestible by simulation (or other) software. In an embodiment, risk of flooding for a supply chain is computed from the aggregated and transformed data, using data analytics based on physical computation for flood risk assessment, allowing the supply chain to be optimized with regard to threat of flooding and/or actual flooding. In another embodiment, risk of wild fire may be assessed. Other types of risk may also be assessed.

Abstract: A system for providing local barometric calibration for user equipment is disclosed. In particular, the system may utilize an over-the-air signal to feed local barometric pressure measurements to the user equipment so as to auto-calibrate the barometric sensor of the user equipment to the local barometric pressure. The local barometric pressure may be collated to the serving cell site identifier or wireless access point to which the user equipment is connected. The local barometric pressure measurements may be obtained by the optimal resource available in the area associated with the user equipment. For example, the local barometric pressure measurements may be obtained from the Internet, a local weather service, a local serving beacon, or other source. The barometric sensor may be calibrated at desired intervals, when certain conditions are satisfied, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of coating an optical substrate includes depositing a semiconductor coating over a surface of an optical substrate, wherein the semiconductor coating has broadband optical transmittance. Portions of the semiconductor coating are doped to form a spatially varied pattern of doped semiconductor in the semiconductor coating. The method includes annealing the semiconductor coating to do at least one of: increase oxygen in undoped areas of the semiconductor coating; or reduce oxygen in doped areas of the semiconductor coating.

Abstract: An autofocus lens system includes no conventional moving parts and has excellent speed and low power consumption. The system includes a small electronically-controlled focusing-module lens. The focusing-module lens includes two adjustable polymeric surfaces (e.g., two adjustable-surface lenses in a back-to-back configuration). The curvature of the surfaces can be adjusted to change focus. The performance of the autofocus lens system is extended by adding a conventional first and second lens, or lens group, on either side of the focusing-module lens. What results is an autofocus lens system with excellent near field and far field performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high resolution optical system. The optical system of the present invention includes, sequentially from an object side, a first lens having a positive refractive power and an object-side surface convex toward the object side; a second lens having a negative refractive power and an upwardly concave upper surface; a third lens having a positive refractive power; a fourth lens having a negative refractive power; a fifth lens having a positive refractive power and an upwardly convex upper surface; and a six lens having a negative refractive power and an upwardly concave upper surface.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to methods for preventing the formation of an emulsion in a liquid lens. In one embodiment, the method comprises fabricating a top substrate, a bottom substrate, and a central substrate including a cavity configured to be filled by first and second liquids. The liquid lens comprising the top substrate, the bottom substrate and the central substrate is assembled, with at least one of the top substrate and the bottom substrate in the assembled liquid lens being characterized by a stabilizing feature determining that in response to an impact load on the assembled liquid lens that would cause localized pressure drops of maximum magnitude X in the absence of the stabilizing feature, the maximum magnitude of localized pressure drops within the liquid lens is smaller than X.

Abstract: An imaging lens module includes a plurality of lens elements, wherein one of the lens elements is a plastic lens element. At least one surface of an object-side surface and an image-side surface of the plastic lens element includes an effective optical portion, a first fitting portion and a connecting portion. The effective optical portion is aspheric. The first fitting portion surrounds the effective optical portion and is connected to another one of the lens elements adjacent to the surface for aligning the plastic lens element with the lens element adjacent to the surface. The connecting portion connects the effective optical portion and the first fitting portion, and includes a coating area and an isolation area. The coating area is coated with a light absorbing coating. The isolation area connects the coating area and the first fitting portion.

Abstract: A textured reflector for a solar cell of thin film type is produced by deposition of a metal film on a support through openings of a mask. The mask is formed by a thin film formed by coplanar and preferably joined balls, the gaps between the balls forming the openings of the mask. The thin film is further advantageously formed by balls made from silica or from polymer material.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device comprises a CMOS sensor, a circuit board, a ceramic plate, an IR cut filter, a taking lens, a lens holder, and a support barrel. The CMOS sensor is mounted on the circuit board. The circuit board is fixed to the ceramic plate such that the CMOS sensor is placed inside an opening of the ceramic plate. The sides of the CMOS sensor are surrounded by the ceramic plate. The IR cut filter is fixed to the ceramic plate so as to cover the opening. The CMOS sensor is disposed behind the taking lens. The IR cut filter is disposed between the taking lens and the CMOS sensor. A light-shielding layer is formed over the entire periphery of edge portions of an incident surface of the IR cut filter. Harmful rays such as reflective light is blocked by the light-shielding layer.