Controlling Light Source Intensity Patents (Class 250/205)
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Patent number: 8530815Abstract: Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to an imaging device. The imaging device includes a multi-dimensional array of light sensitive elements, an illumination source that outputs an optical signal, an optical element that focuses the optical signal on the array, and an illumination controller. The illumination controller varies the output of the optical signal to control exposure at a location of the array.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Kurt Eugene Spears
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Patent number: 8526076Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a light source that generates light used for reading an image and a light guide body which extends in a predetermined direction and onto which the light from the light source is incident. The light guide body includes a pair of first faces that reflect the light so as to cause the light to direct to an image reading region from directions different from one another, a second face which emits the light directing from the first faces toward the image reading region and onto which the light reflected from the image reading region is incident, and a third face which emits the light that is incident from the second face and passes between the pair of first faces.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Sasuke Endoh
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Patent number: 8513566Abstract: A laser beam processing machine comprising a laser beam application means for applying a laser beam to a workpiece held on a chuck table and a processing-feed means, wherein the laser beam application means comprises a first pulse laser beam application means and a second pulse laser beam application means; the first pulse laser beam application means comprises an acousto-optic deflection means for deflecting the optical axis of a pulse laser beam oscillated by a first pulse laser beam oscillation means in the processing-feed direction (X direction), and a first condenser lens for converging a pulse laser beam passing through the acousto-optic deflection means; the second pulse laser beam application means comprises a second condenser lens for converging a pulse laser beam oscillated by the second pulse laser beam oscillation means; and an NA value of the first condenser lens is set smaller than the NA value of the second condenser lens.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Disco CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Morikazu, Keiji Nomaru
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Patent number: 8497465Abstract: Helmet-mounted switch systems are disclosed. A helmet-mounted switch system comprises a mount portion, an electronic device, a power source, at least one accelerometer, and a processor. The mount portion is rotatable around a rotation axis. The electronic device is mounted to the mount portion. The power source is configured to switchably supply power to the electronic device. The at least one accelerometer is operable to measure an acceleration of the mount portion. The system may also include at least one gyroscope operable to measure a rotation of the mount portion. The processor is configured to receive acceleration data. The processor is programmed to determine whether the mount portion is rotating around the rotation axis based on the acceleration data. The processor is programmed to change a power state of the electronic device when the mount portion is rotating around the rotation axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Exelis, Inc.Inventor: John Barnett Hammond
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Patent number: 8493446Abstract: A system and method for intelligently controlling headlights receive a multiplicity of images that represent frames of a video sequence of an external environment of a vehicle. At least one bright spot, or blob, is found that stands out from a dark background of the external environment within each frame of the multiplicity of images. A multiplicity of features is extracted from a found blob. A type is recognized of a found blob that is selected from a multiplicity of types of blobs. A determination is then made whether to turn on a high beam light or a low beam light based at least on the recognized type of the found blob and a set of rules. Finally, an action based on such decision is performed.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ying Li, Sharathchandra Pankanti
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Patent number: 8492696Abstract: Optical apparatus includes a device package, with a radiation source contained in the package and configured to emit a beam of coherent radiation. A diffractive optical element (DOE) is mounted in the package so as to receive and diffract the radiation from the radiation source into a predefined pattern comprising multiple diffraction orders. An optical detector is positioned in the package so as to receive and sense an intensity of a selected diffraction order of the DOE.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: PrimeSense Ltd.Inventors: Ronen Akerman, Dudu Voschina, Niv Galezer, Yoed Arieli, Tomer Segev, Zafrir Mor, Alexander Shpunt
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Patent number: 8487233Abstract: The invention relates to vision equipment including a translucent optical strip covering all or some of the visual field of the user of the said equipment and a device for projecting images onto the said strip in at least one zone of the visual field of the user, called the image-projection zone. The optical strip includes a plurality of zones covered by a layer of material with a controlled coefficient of light transmission, a zone at least covering the image-projection zone and in that the vision equipment also comprises a means for controlling the coefficient of light transmission capable of receiving status information and of controlling the coefficient of light transmission of each of the zones and independently of one another as a function of the said status information. The invention preferably applies to helmet visor equipment or head-up displays for an aircraft cockpit and to vision equipment in the motor vehicle field.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: ThalesInventors: Joël Baudou, Laurent Laluque, Jean-Michel François
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Patent number: 8485671Abstract: A projector apparatus includes a light source configured to emit light beams of a plurality of color components, emissions of the light beams being controlled individually, a projection unit configured to form images respectively corresponding to the color components using the light beams from the light source for each frame and to sequentially project the images, a driving unit configured to drive the light source so that the light beams are emitted as light pulses having respectively predetermined pulse widths for a period in which the projection unit projects each of the images, a detector configured to detect deterioration levels of the light source respectively for the color components, and a controller configured to control the pulse widths of the light beams emitted from the light source based on the deterioration levels.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mamoru Shibasaki
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Patent number: 8482817Abstract: An image reading apparatus capable of reading documents includes a reading unit including a light emitting element, a mechanism configured to move the reading unit, and a control unit configured to control the reading unit and the mechanism both to carry out reading by turning on the light emitting element and moving the reading unit and to temporarily stop moving the reading unit upon occurrence of a predetermined factor. The control unit sets a first current value which is caused to flow through the light emitting element when reading is carried out and sets a second current value which is less than the first current value and which is caused to flow through the light emitting element when the reading unit is temporarily stopped.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenji Kubozono, Yasuyuki Shinada
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Publication number: 20130168532Abstract: A system and method for adjusting the light output of an optoacoustic imaging system. An optoacoustic imaging system includes a light source having a light output control, a probe for delivering light to a volume, the probe being associated with one or more sensors, a light path operatively connected to the first light source, the light path providing light from the first light source to the probe. To avoid unsafe fluence levels incident upon the volume of interest in a clinical setting, the light output control may be set to an initial, relatively low value. After the light source is pulsed, the light output may be measured at or near the probe at the distal end of the light path. The measured light output can used to determine whether, and how much, to change the setting of the light output control.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: Seno Medical Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Schmid, Bryan Clingman
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Publication number: 20130169306Abstract: With a light source evaluation device 10 according to the present invention and a solar cell evaluation device 1 employing the same, a dependency P (?, Ib) for each wavelength ? of a short-circuit current Ib generated by white bias light of a measurement target solar cell 2, which is pre-measured at each of a plurality (i) of irradiance levels, is regarded as a spectral responsivity Pi (?) at each irradiance level, and a value for adjusting a light quantity of an illumination light source 3 that illuminates the solar cell 2 is computed using a spectral responsivity Ps (?), which is computed using the spectral responsivity Pi (?), a pre-supplied spectral irradiance S (?) of reference sunlight, and a pre-measured spectral irradiance L (?) of the illumination light source 3.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventors: Yoshihiro Nishikawa, Tsutomu Okura
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Patent number: 8476565Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a system for operating a plurality of streetlights in response to motion from a vehicle. The system includes a sensor associated with at least one of the streetlights and configured to detect the presence of a moving vehicle and to provide a signal representative of the moving vehicle. The system further includes a radio frequency transceiver associated with each of the streetlights. The system yet further includes processing electronics configured to receive the signal representative of the moving vehicle from the sensor and to cause the radio frequency transceiver to transmit a command to one or more of the plurality of the streetlights to change lighting states along a pathway for the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.Inventor: Neal R. Verfuerth
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Patent number: 8471188Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a physical property of light emitted from a light source. In particular, the invention can be applied to a lighting system for atmosphere creation. The measurements needed for feedback control are made at a portable user device comprising a planar photodetector. More or less all industrially available photodetectors are of the planar type, but planarity is in fact a necessary feature to achieve faithful relative measurements. Since the user device is portable, variations in the orientation of the photodetector can introduce large and unpredictable measurement errors, making effective control of the light source impossible. According to one embodiment of the invention, the orientation-dependent errors are eliminated by measuring the actual orientation of the photodetector and processing the detection signal appropriately.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Koninlijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Tim Corneel Wilhelmus Schenk, Paulus Henricus Antonius Damink, Lorenzo Feri
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Publication number: 20130153746Abstract: An optical scanning device includes a light source; a light source driving unit that drives the light source; a detecting unit that detects light intensity emitted from the light source; a light intensity adjustment determining unit that determines whether or not it is necessary to adjust the light intensity emitted from the light source; a detected-light-intensity determining unit that determines whether or not the light intensity detected by the light intensity detecting unit is at a predetermined light intensity; and a light intensity adjusting unit that, when it is determined that the light intensity needs to be adjusted, amplifies the light intensity emitted from the light source with an amplification factor that is set according to the imaging condition to adjust a driving current of the light source driving unit and to thereby adjust the light intensity, which is determined by the detected-light-intensity determining unit, to the predetermined light intensity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: Takao WATANABE, Shinji KOBAYASHI, Hiroaki KYOGOKU
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Patent number: 8461502Abstract: In a method and a device for detecting the light power emitted by an LED light source, the LED light source is driven with a drive signal corresponding to a binary code. The light emitted by the LED light source is detected by means of a sensor system. The output signal of the sensor system is evaluated in a control and regulating unit. The LED light source is driven with a binary code having an irregular bit sequence.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Stefan Gianordoli, Stefan Holzinger
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Patent number: 8461504Abstract: Methods for optical restricting are described. An example of the invention relates to a method of restricting the brightness of a light source. The method can include: absorbing, in absorber material of a photo-restrictor, at least a portion of a primary emission produced by the light source; producing first photoexcitations in the absorber material characterized by a first excitation density; transferring the first photoexcitations from the absorber material to an emitter material of the photo-restrictor thereby producing second photoexcitations characterized by a second excitation density; and producing a secondary emission from the emitter material.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Sunlight Photonics Inc.Inventors: Sergey V. Frolov, Michael Cyrus, Allan J. Bruce
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Patent number: 8461503Abstract: A system may include a light sensor, an actuator having a range of motion, and a circuit adapted to establish a light level setpoint in response to the light sensor and the actuator. The circuit may be adapted to perform a first function when the actuator is in a first region of the range of motion and a second function when the actuator is in a second region of the range of motion.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: Richard A. Leinen
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Publication number: 20130140430Abstract: A lighting panel includes a tile having a first side parallel to a principal plane of the lighting panel, a plurality of solid state lighting devices arranged on the first side of the tile and configured to emit light, a reflector sheet on the first side of the tile, and a brightness enhancement film on the reflector sheet. The reflector sheet may be arranged between the tile and the brightness enhancement film and the brightness enhancement film may be configured to increase the on-axis intensity of emitted light. A luminaire adapted for general illumination includes a lighting panel as described above, a current supply circuit configured to supply an on-state drive current to a string of lighting devices in response to a control signal, a photosensor arranged to receive light from one of the solid state lighting devices, and a control system configured to receive an output signal from the photosensor and to adjust the control signal responsive to the output signal of the photosensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: Cree, IncInventor: Cree, Inc.
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Patent number: 8455808Abstract: Apparatus for optical restricting are described. An example of the invention relates to an apparatus for restricting the brightness of a light source. The apparatus can include an absorber material configured to absorb at least a portion of a primary emission produced by the light source and producing photoexcitations in response thereto; and an emitter material configured to receive the photoexcitations from the absorber material and producing a secondary emission therefrom, wherein an amount of the secondary emission is restricted with respect to an amount of the primary emission.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Sunlight Photonics Inc.Inventors: Sergey V. Frolov, Michael Cyrus, Allan J. Bruce
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Patent number: 8450671Abstract: A light-emitting device includes: an array of light-emitting elements connected to a light-up signal line to supply a current for lighting up; an array of memory elements provided so as to correspond to the respective light-emitting elements, connected through respective resistances to a memory signal line to supply a signal to designate a light-emitting element to be lighted up, and memorizing by getting turned on that a corresponding light-emitting element is to be lighted up; and an array of switch elements provided so as to correspond to the respective memory elements, electrically connected to the respective memory elements, connected to a transfer signal line to supply signals to set so as to allow a sequential shift of an ON state from one side end to the other end side, and causing the respective memory elements to be likely to be set in an ON state by getting turned on.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seiji Ohno, Takashi Fujimoto
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Patent number: 8451116Abstract: A wireless battery-powered daylight sensor for measuring a total light intensity in a space is operable to transmit wireless signals using a variable transmission rate that is dependent upon the total light intensity in the space. The sensor comprises a photosensitive circuit, a wireless transmitter for transmitting the wireless signals, a controller coupled to the photosensitive circuit and the wireless transmitter, and a battery for powering the photosensitive circuit, the wireless transmitter, and the controller. The photosensitive circuit is operable to generate a light intensity control signal in response to the total light intensity in the space. The controller transmits the wireless signals in response to the light intensity control signal using the variable transmission rate that is dependent upon the total light intensity in the space. The variable transmission rate may be dependent upon an amount of change of the total light intensity in the space.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: James P. Steiner, Greg Edward Sloan
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Patent number: 8450670Abstract: A lighting fixture system for fluorescent lamps includes one or more fluorescent lamps and one or more ballasts configured to provide controlled power to the one or more fluorescent lamps. The lighting fixture further includes a controller wired to the fluorescent lighting fixture. The controller includes one or more relays configured to turn power provided to the one or more ballasts on and off such that the one or more fluorescent lamps turn on and off with the switching of the one or more relays. The controller further includes a logic circuit configured to control the switching of the one or more relays, wherein the logic circuit is configured to log usage information for the fluorescent lighting fixture in memory. The controller yet further includes communications electronics configured to output the logged usage information.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Daniel J. Czaja, Jr., Michael J. Potts, Ryan M. Franzen, Eric A. Smasal
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Patent number: 8446750Abstract: Disclosed is a memory module which includes a memory chip; an external input/output terminal having an electrical signal input/output terminal and an optical signal input/output terminal; an optical signal processor configured to convert a first optical signal input through the optical signal input/output terminal into a first internal electrical signal and to convert a second internal electrical signal into a second optical signal; and a controller configured to provide a first data signal to the memory chip in response to a first external electrical signal input through the electrical signal input/output terminal or the first internal electrical signal and to transfer the second internal electrical signal to the optical signal processor or to output a second external electrical signal to the electrical signal input/output terminal in response to a second data signal output from the memory chip.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2012Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Gwangman Lim
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Patent number: 8445824Abstract: There is provided a lighting device, comprising at least one light emitter, at least one reflector and at least one sensor. The sensor is positioned within a region which receives direct light from the light emitter when the light emitter is emitting light. In some embodiments, the light emitter comprises one or more light emitting diode. In some embodiments, the sensor is positioned between the light emitter and a power supply. In some embodiments, the reflector comprises at least one opening, and light emitted by the light emitter passes through the opening to the sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor is sensitive to only some wavelengths of visible light. Some embodiments are back-reflecting lamps, and some are forward-reflecting lamps.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Antony Paul Van De Ven
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Patent number: 8445826Abstract: An outdoor lighting fixture includes at least a first ballast for controllably providing power to at least one lamp for illuminating an outdoor area. The outdoor lighting fixture further includes a housing and a radio frequency transceiver. The outdoor lighting fixture yet further includes an antenna coupled to the radio frequency transceiver and extending away from the housing. The outdoor lighting fixture also includes a control circuit that operates the radio frequency transceiver as a wireless router for wireless network communications.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.Inventor: Neal R. Verfuerth
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Patent number: 8441195Abstract: An illumination adjustment circuit includes a light sensitive unit, an amplification unit, a switch unit, and a light emitting unit. The switch unit includes a plurality of electronic switches with increasing threshold voltages. The light emitting unit includes a plurality of sets of light emitting diodes corresponding to the electronic switches. Each set of the light emitting diodes is connected to the amplification unit through one of the electronic switches corresponding thereto. The light sensitive unit detects the brightness of ambient light, outputting a first voltage to the amplification unit accordingly. The amplification unit amplifies the first voltage to a second voltage and outputs the second voltage to the switch unit, so that the electronic switches with the threshold voltages lower than the second voltage are turned on, and the set of light emitting diodes connected to the electronic switch becomes luminous.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ming-Chih Hsieh
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Patent number: 8440951Abstract: A wavelength conversion laser light source includes: a fundamental light source for outputting fundamental light; a wavelength conversion element with a nonlinear optical effect for converting the fundamental light into harmonic light of a different wavelength; a first optical receiver for receiving light of a specific polarization direction contained in the fundamental light output from the fundamental light source and converting an amount of light thereof into an electrical signal; a second optical receiver for receiving the harmonic light output from the wavelength conversion element and converting an amount of light thereof into an electrical signal; a temperature holding unit for holding a temperature of the wavelength conversion element constant; a fundamental light control unit for performing first control of controlling an amount of light of the fundamental light output from the fundamental light source based on the electrical signal from the second optical receiver, and second control of controllingType: GrantFiled: July 8, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Furuya, Koichi Kusukame, Tetsuro Mizushima, Toshifumi Yokoyama, Kenji Nakayama, Kazuhisa Yamamoto, Shinichi Kadowaki, Tomoya Sugita, Nobuyuki Horikawa
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Patent number: 8436287Abstract: A system and/or a method read, measure and/or control intensity of light emitted from a light-emitting diode (LED). A light detector may be located in a position adjacent to the LED for reading and/or measuring the intensity of light emitted from the LED. The LED and the light detector may be located in a cavity which may limit exposure of the LED and the light detector to ambient light. The cavity may have an aperture for allowing light emitted from the LED to exit the chamber to illuminate an environment in which the chamber is located. The aperture may be located between the cavity and a compartment, and the LED may emit light through the aperture into the compartment. An additional detector may be located in the compartment and/or may extend from the cavity through an additional aperture into the compartment.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Phaedrus, LLCInventor: Bradley W. Engstrand
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Patent number: 8427062Abstract: An illumination device is specified which includes a radiation source having at least one light-emitting diode, a control unit and a radiation receiving unit. The radiation receiving unit is provided, during operation of the illumination device for receiving both a radiation emitted by the radiation source and a reference radiation and for generating a measurement signal upon receiving the radiation from the radiation source and a reference signal upon receiving the reference radiation. An operating point for the radiation source is tunable by the control unit in a manner dependent on the measurement signal and the reference signal. Furthermore, a method is specified by which an emission characteristic of an illumination device can be adapted to a predetermined emission characteristic in a simplified manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: OSRAM Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter HaftungInventors: Ralph Peter Bertram, Wolfgang Pabst
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Patent number: 8420993Abstract: An optical signal generator includes a single-mode laser; a reflecting mirror to define another cavity different from a cavity of the single-mode laser, and reflect a part of output light from the single-mode laser to return the part of the output light to the single-mode laser; an intensity modulator provided between the single-mode laser and the reflecting mirror; and a phase adjuster, provided between the single-mode laser and the reflecting mirror, to adjust a frequency difference between a signal on state and a signal off state generated in accordance with intensity modulation by the intensity modulator.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Shigeaki Sekiguchi
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Patent number: 8416355Abstract: A directional filter device for controlling direction of maximal blocking of incident light, including: (a) a front polarizer; (b) a plurality of front electrodes; (c) a liquid crystal layer having a front surface for receiving light and a back surface for emitting light; (d) a plurality of back electrodes; (e) a back polarizer; and (f) circuitry for applying a voltage between said front electrodes and said back electrodes, wherein said circuitry is configured to apply voltage between front and back electrodes that do not face each other using voltage sequences that create electric fields at angles selected from a range of angles, which are not perpendicular to the front surface of the liquid crystal layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: TC View Ltd.Inventors: Zeev Tamir, Yacov Cohen
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Publication number: 20130075579Abstract: Disclosure is related to an electromagnetic wave sensing apparatus with integration of multiple sensors, and a method for applying the apparatus. According to one of the embodiments, the method adapted to an electronic wave sensing apparatus includes an initialized step of a host enabled to configure one or more sensors of the electronic wave sensing apparatus. The initialization for those sensors includes one or more setting items selected from resolution, gain, data rate, frequency, and driving current. A next step is to set up a control unit electrically connected with the multiple sensors, and the related setting items are such as output format, output gain, output source, output level, and output driving current. Based on the setting items, the signals will be shaped accordingly and be output. In response to the setting items, the control unit drives one or more internal devices or external devices to function the various applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: LITE-ON SEMICONDUCTOR CORP.Inventor: Lite-On Semiconductor Corp.
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Patent number: 8405014Abstract: To provide a light source unit which prevents a reduction of light emitting efficiency in a luminescent material layer and a projector, a projector includes a light source unit, a display device and a projector control device, the light source unit includes an excitation light shining device, a luminescent wheel on which a luminescent material layer is laid circumferentially which receives the excitation light to emit luminescent light of a predetermined wavelength band, two types of light source devices for emitting light rays of wavelength bands which are different from the predetermined wavelength band, and a light source control device for controlling individually the emission of light by the excitation light shining device and the two types of light source devices and for controlling the rotating speed of the luminescent wheel in accordance with a period of time when the excitation light shining device is turned on.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mamoru Shibasaki
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Patent number: 8406563Abstract: A photometric calibration method includes: obtaining a target image and a reference image by a light field camera and transforming the reference image into a revised target image corresponding to the target image; calculating a photometric calibration ratio according to a function for correlating the target image and the revised target image by using a numerical algorithm; and the intensity of the target image is divided by the photometric calibration ratio to obtain a calibrated target image. A light field of a scene is formed by all of the calibrated target image so as to improve the quality of the light field.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: National Taiwan UniversityInventors: Chia-Kai Liang, Homer H. Chen, Bing-Yi Wong, Gene Liu
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Patent number: 8399819Abstract: A current source circuit to drive a light source in an optical sensor system is disclosed. The current source includes an inductor connected in series with a resistor, and a diode coupled in parallel with the inductor and resistor. The current source is configured to receive a regulated direct current (DC) voltage and to provide the current through the inductor to the light source when a switch is closed, and to divert current through the inductor to the diode when the switch is open.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.Inventors: Vipin C. Madhani, Alan Adamsky
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Publication number: 20130056615Abstract: Various embodiments related to monitoring for optical faults in an optical system are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides, in an optical system comprising a light source, a light outlet, and an optical element disposed between the light source and the light outlet, a method of monitoring for optical system faults. The method includes detecting, via a light sensor directed toward an interface surface of the optical element closest to the light source, an intensity of light traveling from the interface surface of the optical element to the light sensor, and comparing an intensity of light detected to one or more threshold intensity values. The method further includes identifying an optical system fault condition based on comparing the intensity of light detected to one or more threshold values, and modifying operation of the optical system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventor: Microsoft Corporation
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Patent number: 8389919Abstract: A laser controller may operate a laser at a high power level, such as Class 3R, Class 3B, or higher, but may have safety interlocks to limit exposure to a safe level and may, as a system, be classified as Class 1. The laser controller may control a laser that transmits a light beam to a sensor, and may operate the laser in a high power mode when the sensor senses the light beam. While a laser is transmitting and the laser beam is not sensed, the laser may be operated within Class 1 power levels. When the light beam is broken, the laser controller may turn off the laser or change the power level to a safe level such that a person would not be exposed to any more energy than a Class 1 level. The laser controller may use various mechanisms to set a detection threshold and may use an ambient light sensor to determine when detection may be impossible.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Inventors: Theodore Bruce Ziemkowski, John Bonvallet
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Patent number: 8384003Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a display device including one or more methods for modifying the display brightness by automatically adapting to ambient lighting conditions.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: William Bryson Gardner, Jr.
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Patent number: 8378283Abstract: A photoelectric switch control circuit includes a first resistance; a first capacitance; and a photoelectric switch having a plurality of contacts which comprise a first to a fourth contacts. The first contact is grounded, one end of the first resistance, the second and the third contacts of the photoelectric switch and one end of the first capacitance connects at node A, the fourth contact is connected with the processing unit and grounded via a second resistance, the other end of the first resistance is connected with a voltage source, the other end of the first capacitance is grounded.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2012Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xiao-Zhan Peng, Hsing-Suang Kao
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Patent number: 8378661Abstract: A solar simulator which uses a honeycomb structure for providing highly collimated light for testing one or more photovoltaic cells.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Alpha-Omega Power Technologies, Ltd.Co.Inventor: William Ray Cravey
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Patent number: 8373106Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing light from a light source. The method includes the steps of measuring a predetermined set of characteristics of the light source and detecting flicker when the predetermined set of characteristics exceed a corresponding flicker fusion threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Dignity HealthInventors: Stephen L. Macknik, Susana Martinez-Conde
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Patent number: 8367997Abstract: An image reading device has: a light source at which plural light-emitting elements are arrayed; a detection unit that detects light amounts of illumination light which are emitted from the light-emitting elements and are reflected by a reference plate; a derivation unit; and an adjustment unit. On the basis of detected light amounts, the derivation unit derives difference amounts between a reference value and average values of light amounts per predetermined first number of adjacent light-emitting elements. On the basis of the derived difference amounts, the adjustment unit adjusts light amounts per the first number of light-emitting elements such that the average values become the reference value.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideo Takeuchi
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Publication number: 20130020462Abstract: An LED lighting module formed by combining components into an integrated type to achieve efficiency in light emission-light diffusion-heat dissipating operations is provided. Also, a lighting lamp is provided in which a plurality of LED lighting modules are combined to enable wide light distribution, and heat generated from the lighting lamp can be convected through a plurality of vent holes formed in all side surfaces of the lamp to achieve improved illumination efficiency and lengthen the lifespan of the lamp to tens of thousands of hours. For this, the LED lighting module is formed by combining, into an integrated type, an LED module in which a plurality of vertical projection type and side projection type LED elements are arrayed, a light diffusion cover having blades protruded from the left and right sides thereof, and a thin heat dissipating plate, thereby obtaining a lightweight and economically advantageous lighting module.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: SOLARKOR COMPANY LTD.Inventor: Hyunmin Kim
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Patent number: 8357888Abstract: The present invention relates to a photoelectrical feedback sensing system. A first light signal passes through the sensing apparatus. A second light signal corresponding to a characteristic of a sample within the sensing apparatus is outputted from the sensing apparatus. The first photo detector receives the first light signal and outputs a first electric signal corresponding to the intensity of the first light signal. The second photo detector outputs a second electric signal corresponding to the intensity of the second light signal. A driving signal is generated by the micro-processor to drive the light-emitting unit. The micro-processor receives the second electric signal and converts the second electric signal into a digital signal. The feedback circuit modulates the driving signal for maintaining the optical stability of the first light signal so that the sensing system is less affected by environmental temperature fluctuation and noise interferences.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2010Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: National Chung Cheng UniversityInventors: La-Kwan Chau, Szu-Shan Shieh, Chin-Jung Kuo, Chung-Sheng Chiang, Chang-Yue Chiang, Yu-Shen Shih
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Patent number: 8358406Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a defect inspection method which can prevent the failure in detecting a defect, caused by saturation of a pattern signal obtained by inspecting an inspected object, so that the investigation of the cause for defect occurrence can be done earlier. To achieve this object, according to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a defect inspection that irradiates laser light on an inspected object having a pattern formed thereon, detects a signal from the inspected object and thereby detects a defect, the inspection including: inputting pattern information contained in layout data on the inspected object; determining based on the inputted pattern information, at least one of arrangement, repetitiveness and density for each of a plurality of inspected areas of the inspected object; estimating a saturation level of the detected signal based on the determination result; and determining a transmittance condition so that the signal does not saturate.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Masami Ikota, Tomohiro Funakoshi, Shigeaki Hijikata
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Patent number: 8354629Abstract: An illuminated keyboard includes optical sensors and units each comprising an optically transmissive key member; a scissors-shaped structure having a top secured to the key member; a light guide diaphragm under the scissors-shaped structure; an insulating diaphragm under the light guide diaphragm and including a light source on a top surface, a positive conductor connected to a positive terminal of the light source and on the top surface, a negative conductor connected to a negative terminal of the light source and on a bottom surface, and a bus having one end interconnecting the positive and negative conductors, and the other end connected to the sensor; a film circuit board under the insulating diaphragm and including a holed rubber dome with the key member positioned therein; and a base board with the scissors-shaped structure retained thereon. Brightness is adjusted in response to light condition as sensed by the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Tai Chung Precision Steel Mold Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jack Lin
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Publication number: 20130009060Abstract: An adhesive fastening element for holding a workpiece, the adhesive fastening element including: a light source for providing light to an exterior surface of the adhesive fastening element so as to cure an adhesive; and a light meter for receiving light from the exterior surface of the adhesive fastening element; wherein the light source is controlled in response to the amount of light received by the light meter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Mark H. RAFFLES, Helen L. LLEWELLYN-POWELL
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Publication number: 20130003064Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring spectral distribution of an illumination source and providing desired output spectral radiance are described. The systems include a user defineable light source, an integrating sphere, and one or more light detectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: David W. Allen, Steven W. Brown, Maritoni Litorja
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Patent number: 8337628Abstract: A removable non-integrated treating chemistry dispensing cartridge assembly may emit a signal in response to a predetermined amount of treating chemistry being detected and in response to a predetermined amount of illumination being detected.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul E. Beshears, Jr., Sathish A. Sundaram
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Publication number: 20120320140Abstract: A light beam emission apparatus separates, via a half mirror, apart of a laser beam emitted from a semiconductor laser towards a photosensitive member, guides the separated laser beam to an optical sensor to detect a light quantity, and controls the light quantity based on the detected result. The light beam emission apparatus includes a first light blocking member located between the semiconductor laser and the half mirror, and a second light blocking member located between the half mirror and the optical sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yuuta Sakurai