Abstract: An electro-optical system comprising a turret and a thermal reference source that is located exterior to the turret. The turret houses a detector array and optical elements that provide different fields of view for the detector array. One or more windows are provided in the turret through which energy passes to the detector array. The optical elements and detector are moveable or rotatable so that the detector array may view the exterior thermal reference source for calibration purposes and an image scene during normal operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a target within a field of view of an optical scanner is provided. In an optical scanner having a field of view, apparatus for indicating whether a target is aligned within said field of view includes a microprocessor and an alignment indicator. The alignment indicator is electrically connected to the microprocessor and includes, for example, a light emitting diode. The microprocessor defines a first zone and a second zone within the field of view and determines whether the target is within the field of view. If the target is within the field of view, the microprocessor identifies a target alignment point on the target. The microprocessor determines whether the target alignment point is within either the first zone or the second zone and sends a signal to the alignment indicator. In response, the alignment indicator provides an indication indicating whether the target alignment point is located within the first zone, the second zone, or neither.

Abstract: A pulse oximeter sensor having an emitter(s) and a detector, with a layer having a first portion of the emitter and a second portion of layer over the detector is provided. A barrier is included between the first and second portions of the overlying layer to substantially block radiation of the wavelengths emitted by the emitter(s). Preferably, the barrier reduces the radiation shunted to less than 10% of the radiation detected, and more preferably to less than 1% of the radiation detected. Additionally the shunt barrier is selected from a fibrous material, a woven material, and a compressible foam.

Abstract: An image sensing cell includes: a light sensing device 18; a first transistor 10 having a first node coupled to the light sensing device 18; a second transistor 12 having a first node coupled to a second node of the first transistor 10; a third transistor 14 having a control node coupled to the light sensing device 18; and a fourth transistor 16 having a first node coupled to a first node of the third transistor.

Abstract: An optoelectronic switch for switching an input signal comprises two PIN des connected in series with opposed polarity, an input signal choke connected to the PIN diodes for presenting a high impedance to the input signal and a low impedance to a PIN diode bias, and a photovoltaic cell connected to the PIN diodes and the input signal choke for generating the PIN diode bias to switch the PIN diodes between a substantially conductive state while the photovoltaic cell receives optical energy from a light source and a substantially non-conductive state while the photovoltaic cell does not receive optical energy from the light source.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing packs and for transporting blanks (10), for producing the packs, along a conveying path (11). For the purpose of monitoring and/or for the optoelectronic sensing of the blanks (10), monitoring elements (15) with sensors (16, 17) are arranged in the region of the conveying path (11). The blanks (10) are guided in the region of the monitoring element (15) such that the blanks (10) are moved beyond at least one of the sensors (16, 17) with sliding abutment, in order for the sensor to be cleaned constantly.

Abstract: High radiation concentration photovoltaic cell system including at least one optical structure in the form of a three-dimensional body having a first surface adapted to receive thereon photovoltaic cells and a second surface to be, at least indirectly, exposed to light radiation. The body of the optical structure has formed between its first and second surfaces a two-dimensional array of contiguous light radiation concentrators each in the form of an individual prismatic body portion. Each prismatic body portion tapers in two dimensions toward said first surface along the entire length of the concentrator. Each concentrator defines on the first surface a photovoltaic cell-attaching area to be aligned with an active portion of a single photovoltaic cell to be attached thereto.

Abstract: A circuit and a method of indicating the operation of a backup battery used in a communication device use a sensing circuit. The sensing circuit includes a diode connected in the forward direction between the communication device and the backup battery, for forming a current path from the communication device to the backup battery. A photocoupler connects in the forward direction between the backup battery and the communication device, for forming a current path from the backup battery to the communication device and sensing an output voltage from the backup battery. When the backup battery is operated, such a situation is sensed and the user is informed.

Abstract: A photoelectric semiconductor light-detection system with programmable dynamic performance includes a semiconductor photocell, preferably a photodiode, by which the impinging light intensity can be converted into a proportional photoelectric current. The drain of a first MOS FET of corresponding channel-type operated to saturation is coupled to the semiconductor photocell, e.g., the cathode or anode of the photodiode, and its source is maintained at a constant potential. A second MOS FET applies a predetermined variable charge amount to the gate of the first MOS FET. A capacitor is provided at the gate of the first MOS FET. The difference between the offset current and the photoelectric current can be integrated by an integration device. A third MOS FET can be operated as a switch to read the integration device and to reset it at a given value.

Abstract: In an optical detecting device, used for an image forming apparatus, for detecting an object to be detected, such as a paper, by an optical means including a light emitting means 20c, a photo sensing means 20d, a reflecting means 20b, and the like, there is provided at least one of a paper detecting devices in which conductive attracting means connected to a predetermined potential is disposed close to the optical means, the optical means is attached to a periodical replacing component of the image forming apparatus, a reflecting means 20b and a paper transporting path are oriented in different directions with respect to a photo sensing means 20d and a distance from the light emitting means 20c and the like to the reflecting means 20b is different from a distance from the light emitting means 20c and the like to the paper transporting path.

Abstract: A light-responsive vehicle control system is provided that is useful in the passenger compartment of a vehicle having a movable top, or cover, which may be opened to at least partially uncover the passenger compartment. The control system includes at least one control circuit which receives an input from the light sensor and produces an output to operate a device, such as an electro-optic mirror or the vehicle headlights, as a function of the light sensed by the light sensor and a sensitivity value. The control circuit is responsive to the position of the cover with respect to the passenger compartment to reduce the sensitivity level when the compartment is uncovered. The control circuit may filter a signal that is a function of light sensed by the light sensor according to a time-constant and be responsive to a reduction in the light level sensed by the light sensor to reduce the value of the time-constant.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte present in animal (e.g., human) tissue or fluids such as blood or plasma. The analyte is multi-photon excitable (e.g., two-photon excitable) at a first wavelength at which the animal tissue is substantially non-absorbing. The analyte fluoresces at a second wavelength upon being excited at the first wavelength. The animal tissue is irradiated with radiation at the first wavelength so as to excite the analyte through absorption by the analyte of two or more photons of the radiation at the first wavelength. Excitation of the analyte results in a fluorescent emission from the analyte of radiation at the second wavelength. The emission at the second wavelength is detected, and the concentration of analyte determined based on the detected emission.

Abstract: A color linear image sensor includes a sensor pixel linear array with a plural number of color filters laid and bonded thereover, a readout circuit and an output processing circuit. The sensor pixel linear array consists of repeat patterns of color pixels linearly arrayed in a preset color order, the repeat patterns being symmetrical with respect to the midpoint of the sensor pixel linear array. The readout circuit reads out image signals line by line from the sensor pixel linear array. The output processing circuit distributes the readout signals into a plural number of color image signal routes, and outputs the readout signals of separated colors. The color linear image sensor thus constructed may be incorporated into an image processing system. The midpoint of the sensor pixel linear array is coincident with the optical axis of a lens of the optical system of the image processing system.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 has an inertia assembly 14 which includes a moveable ball 60 for movement from a rest position under the influence of a predetermined change in vehicle inertia. A cap 64 is mounted to engage the ball 60 and to be displaced upon movement of the ball 60 from its rest position. A sensor assembly 16 detects movement of the cap 64. The sensor assembly 16 includes a photodiode 90 which directs a beam of light 92 to impinge upon a phototransistor 96. The cap 64 has a projection member 80 which is moved to interrupt the beam of light 92 when the ball 60 moves from its rest position. In the preferred embodiment, the sensor assembly 16 provides a signal which is used to control activation of a vehicle occupant restraint 18. In the preferred embodiment, the vehicle occupant restraint 18 is a seat belt retractor 18, which has a rotatable spool 134 and ratchet wheels 138.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an input device controller having a photo coupler generating an induced current in response to a received quantum of light and using multi-stage, e.g. three-stage, dynamic impedances as an impedance match to obtain better frequency response and accurate identification of light-pass/light-shield state of the photo coupler. It also related to an input device controller using a reference voltage supply circuit including a constant current generator and an equivalent circuit to avoid the bad effect on the cursor shift control caused by the variation of the reference voltage.

Abstract: A compact photosensor circuit provides automatic intensity range control for machine vision systems. The circuit may be implemented with standard CMOS integrated circuit technology to provide high sensitivity, fully static operation, and automatic exposure control with no moving parts. For each pixel of an imaging array, a photodetector provides an input photocurrent to a corresponding photosensor circuit. The photodetector is connected to provide an output voltage and an input to the gates of a pair of series-connected FETs that act as an attenuator. The attenuator is connected to a biasing source that provides a floor bias voltage. An output of the attenuator is connected to the gate of a third FET connected to the input photocurrent. The output voltage responds as a function of the light intensity at the photodetector while the bias voltage determines the range of light intensity for normal operation of the photosensor circuit.

Abstract: A combination switch for performing various functions comprises a fixed substrate having an output contact assembly which has a common output contact and other output contacts which are electrically insulated from the common output contact. The switch also comprises a movable substrate having a switch contact assembly which has a common contact and other contacts which are electrically connected to the common contact. A switch lever is for moving the movable substrate with respect to the fixed substrate to shift the switch contact assembly relative to the output contact assembly, thereby selectively connecting the common output contact to the output contacts through the switch contact assembly to supply from the output contact assembly a pattern signal indicative of one of different conductive patterns. A processor judges, in response to the pattern signal, to which function the conductive pattern corresponds and producing an operational signal for performing the indicated function.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory includes a reflective element for reflecting light to a photo-sensor positioned within the accessory's housing for controllably detecting an ambient light level. The vehicle accessory may also include a display source for generating vehicle information which is positioned in the housing to utilize the reflective element to also reflect an image from the display source to a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic rearview mirror system having a reflective element that is actuatable between at least two different reflective conditions by a control that discriminates between glare-causing and nonglare-causing light simultaneously sensed by a single light sensor. The control includes a processor that is more responsive to decreasing levels of light than to increasing levels of light to produce a signal that is indicative of the slow-transient characteristic of the light sensed by the single light sensor. The processor may include a very slow signal processor that is always operative and a somewhat faster-slow signal processor, which may be selectively inhibited when the mirror is fully colored, or when a differential circuit indicates that the difference between the glare and the non-glare light sensed by the light sensor exceeds a predetermined level. The differential circuit may additionally limit the differential between the glare and the nonglare lights sensed by the light sensor.

Abstract: A fast acting sensing circuit for use in a warning system to indicate relative movement between an object and a sensor when the movement exceeds a predetermined rate of speed. The circuit only provides an output if the rate of speed exceeds the predetermined level.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which enables efficient search of a particular file out of a multiplicity of files arranged on shelves, such that a display light, such as light-emitting diode, lights to externally indicate the location of the file only when a signal receiver attached to the file receives a predetermined signal from a signal transmitter connected to a computer. More particularly, a discrete object searching apparatus is provided for searching and locating discrete files wherein the signal transmitter and the signal receiver are, respectively, an infrared signal transmitter and an infrared signal receiver. An optical receptor portion of the receiver is provided with a means for cutting off visible light to eliminate wasteful use of the battery of the receiver. The receiver has no amplifier portion, the receptor portion being thus directly connected to a data processing portion in the receiver. The apparatus can perform not only search of a discrete file, but also search of a group of files.

Abstract: An alarm system for warning of a creosote chimney fire hazard, having both means to produce a visible alarm when the creosote temperature is nearing the creosote flash point, and means to produce an audible alarm when light from actual ignition of a creosote fire is detected. The invention also provides means to discriminate against detection of wood fire light, to minimize false alarms.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle headlamp dimming control is the type having an operator controlled first voltage divider across a power supply, a light sensitive resistance connected in electrical series with an electrically controlled variable resistance in a second voltage divider across the output of the first voltage divider, an energizing circuit adapted to energize the headlamp system from the power supply at high or low intensity in response to the output of the second voltage divider compared to a fixed reference voltage and first electric feedback means from the energizing circuit to the electrically controlled variable resistance for producing hysteresis feedback.

Abstract: A switching control device having a plurality of displaceable fingers programmable for controlling a sequence of switching operations in a time-controlled system has a magnetic element for exerting a magnetically retentive force on displaced fingers to hold the displaced fingers in displaced or programmed position, and permitting easy release of a displaced finger upon cancellation of a program so that the finger can return to an unprogrammed neutral position. The fingers may be mounted in a control disc having a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, the control disc functioning as a magnetic yoke, or the fingers themselves may be magnetic.

Abstract: An electrically passive keyboard is provided with an array of keys. Each key is provided with an actuating bar which when depressed cooperates with a plurality of coded shutters. Each shutter is arranged to intercept a beam of light passing from light projecting elements to light collecting elements. Light pulses generated at a light source are coupled to the projecting elements with fiber optic cables. Decoding logic is coupled to the light collectors with fiber optic cables. Delay elements are provided in series in the fiber optic cables so that the decoding elements receives a plurality of binary coded light signals in a predetermined timed sequence which are converted into binary coded electrical signals at a point remote from the electrically passive keyboard.

Abstract: A compound pendulum allows light to impinge upon properly positioned acceleration or deceleration photocells to vary the resistance of the photocells in accordance with the angular displacement of the pendulum; the amount and direction of angular displacement of the pendulum is dependent on the amount of acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. Variation of the deceleration photocell resistance varies the frequency of an oscillator circuit to alternately flash a pair of warning lights at a frequency dependent on the rate of deceleration of the vehicle. The acceleration photocell must receive maximum illumination (a threshold value) to actuate a light for warning of a minimum rate of acceleration of the vehicle. A manual switch allows a high flash rate of alternate warning lights to be controlled by the operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trouble detecting unit in an optical security device intentionally produces a state which is equivalent to a state in which the security system is out of order so as to check whether an emergency stop signal is produced or not and judges that the security system is in order if the emergency stop signal is produced and that the security system is out of order if the emergency stop signal is not produced. This checking is made while the security system need not be in operation. In a press, for example, the checking is made while the press is being lifted from a bottom dead center. A state which is equivalent to the one in which the security system is out of order is produced by intercepting, one by one, signals to light emitting elements or signals from light receiving elements.

Abstract: A compound pendulum allows light to impinge upon properly positioned acceleration or deceleration photocells to vary the resistance of the photocells in accordance with the angular displacement of the pendulum; the amount and direction of angular displacement of the pendulum is dependent on the amount of acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. Variation of the deceleration photocell resistance varies the frequency of an oscillator circuit to alternately flash a pair of warning lights at a frequency dependent on the rate of deceleration of the vehicle. The acceleration photocell must receive maximum illumination (a threshold value) to actuate a light for warning of a minimum rate of acceleration of the vehicle. A manual switch allows a high flash rate of alternate warning lights to be controlled by the operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: An objective eye examination apparatus generates rotating pencil rays of infrared light and focuses one of them on the eye pupil via an adjustable wedge reflector 55, 57 for varying the effective length of the optical axis. Light reflected back by the retina and returned into the optical system is passed through an image rotator 41 onto a quadrant photocell 43. The wedge reflector is adjusted until the differential outputs from the photocell reach a desired value, whereby the necessary reflector adjustment is indicative of refractive power. Unfocusable fogging light is also introduced into the eye via a dichroic mirror 39, and a further photocell 35 is disposed to receive light reflected back from the cornea only when the eye is properly positioned and open.

Abstract: A photoparamp array multiplexer to provide photoparametric amplification in n array of photodiode diodes connected in parallel which essentially eliminates the need for an array of preamplifiers.

Abstract: A non-volatile charge storage element wherein long-term charge storage occurs in the interface states of the element. Charge is stored at low applied voltages (.ltoreq. 10 volts) in short times (.ltoreq. 1 microseconds) and is stored as long as 10.sup.5 seconds or longer. The states are emptied by exposure to radiation in the visible or the near infrared regions of the spectrum. There are described, also, an information storage device employing a plurality of such elements and a solid-stage camera wherein the image screen includes a plurality of such elements. Changes in the charge storage in each of the elements results in changes in the capacitance of the element; either the capacitance of the element or its charge state is sensed to indicate the state of the element for information storage purposes. In one embodiment, thin film techniques are employed and a change in transconductance is detected to sense the charge state.

Abstract: A control device repeatedly starts operation of a portable machine by detecting the movement of a hand on a watch mechanism and producing a first start signal to start operation of one portion of the portable machine. A delay arrangement then produces a second start signal to actuate the remainder of the portable machine. A timing device, actuated by the first start signal, stops operation of the machine before occurrence of another first starting signal.