Abstract: In certain embodiments, a unit cell is provided. The unit cell may include a high sensitivity path and a low sensitivity path. The high sensitivity path may include a first transistor and a first switch. The first switch may couple an output node to the first transistor. The low sensitivity path may include a capacitor. A second switch may couple the high sensitivity path to the low sensitivity path. A third switch may couple the high sensitivity path and the low sensitivity path to a voltage node.

Abstract: A physiological sensor includes a light source in optical communication with a light detector. A controller is in communication with the light detector via a connector. A booster circuit is in communication with the light detector and the connector. The booster circuit may be configured to buffer signals generated by the light detector and reduce an input capacitance on either the controller or terminals of the connector. In various embodiments, the booster circuit may be disposed on the connector for a reusable cable or a disposable sensor pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an assembly for generating optical section images. The invention permits the three-dimensional, layered optical scanning of spatially extended objects and is used in microscopy, but is not limited to this field. In said method, illumination patterns with periodicity in at least one direction are projected into a Plane and the light from the sample which is reflected and/or scattered and/or emitted fluorescence light is being imaged onto a spatially resolving detector. According to the invention, initially there is a calibration step, in which the local phase and/or the local period of the illumination patterns are determined for each location on the detector. In the sample detection mode, for the calculation of each optical section image there are two illumination patterns projected into or onto the sample and the resulting intensity distributions are used to form an image on the detector.

Abstract: A sensor for laser spot trackers. The novel sensor includes a detector array comprised of a predetermined number of subsets, each subset including a plurality of detector elements, and a readout circuit for providing a first output and a second output, the first output including subset signals that represent the total energy received in each subset and the second output including signals representing energy received by each individual detector element. In an illustrative embodiment, the array is divided into four subsets and the first output includes four subset signals that are compatible with four-quadrant guidance systems. A subset signal is generated by thresholding signals received from each individual detector element to remove noise, and then summing the thresholded signals from each detector element in the subset.

Abstract: A position sensing device (PSD) comprising: a light source that provides light responsive to current that it receives; a power source that provides current to the light source through a load line; a photodetector that receives an amount of light from the light source that is a function of position of the light source relative to the photodetector; and an integrated circuit comprising an I/O port connected to the light source and having a plurality of selectable states; wherein different selectable states determine different values for the load line and therefore current provided to the light source.

Abstract: A method of reading electrical charges produced by a photo-detector of a photo-detector matrix includes collecting and storing electrical charges produced by the photo-detector in a first capacitive element, transferring the charges stored in the first capacitive element to a second capacitive element, and reading the voltage at the terminals of the second capacitive element. The transfer followed by the reading is carried out in at least two phases: at least one first phase taking place during the collection and storage of the charges in the first capacitive element, and a second phase taking place at the end of the collection and storage of the electrical charges in the first capacitive element.

Abstract: A relay circuit that includes: a light emitting element that outputs an optical signal in accordance with an input electric signal; a photoelectric conversion element that converts the optical signal into an electric signal and generates a potential difference between its opposite ends; a switching element that has a prescribed threshold value and that determines an output state in accordance with the potential difference that is generated by the photoelectric conversion element and that exceeds the prescribed value; first and second paths that are respectively connected to the opposite ends of the photoelectric conversion element and that transmit the potential difference generated by the photoelectric conversion element to the switching element; a discharge circuit that electrically connects the first path and the second path to each other when the potential difference generated by the photoelectric conversion element drops to a prescribed value; and a first resistor element that is arranged between the dis

Abstract: A tool setting or tool analysis device for a machine tool comprises a light source for producing a light beam. A light receiver receives the light beam and produces a signal indicative of the amount of light received. This is analyzed by a main analysis circuit to generate a trigger signal to a machine controller when the beam is at least partially occluded. To provide fail-safe operation should the main circuit not recognize the tool, a back-up trigger signal is produced after a delay by a delay circuit. In one preferred form, the back-up trigger signal may oscillate, providing repeated edges which can ensure fail-safe operation even if the machine controller suffers from a blind window and therefore misses the initial trigger signal.

Abstract: A mobile terminal is provided that includes a housing having an opening, a display provided in the opening of the housing, a bezel provided on the housing, and at least one sensor or a touch screen/sensor provided at the bezel. The at least one sensor or touch screen detects a user selection on the bezel such that an image on the display changes or a command is performed by the mobile terminal. The sensor or the touch screen/sensor also allows images on the main display to be not hidden because items or commands are selected on the bezel.

Abstract: A portable electronic device capable of assuming an open configuration and a closed configuration comprises a primary light sensor and a secondary light sensor. When the portable electronic device is in the open configuration, a light sensor signal is selected from the primary light sensor, and when the portable electronic device is in the closed configuration, a light sensor signal is selected from the secondary light sensor.

Abstract: It is described a hydrogel based transducer device for detecting an environmental state, in particular for detecting an environmental state within a biological material. The transducer device (300) comprises a base element (302), a radiation source (305), which is formed at the base element (302) and which is adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation (306), an optical element (325), which is arranged at the base element (302) and which is adapted to interact with the electromagnetic radiation (306). The transducer device (300) further comprises a radiation detector (350), which is adapted to receive the electromagnetic radiation (326) having interacted with the optical element (325), and a hydrogel material (340), which is mechanically coupled to the optical element (325) and which is adapted to change its volume when getting into contact with an environmental material of the transducer device (300) such that the spatial position of the optical element (325) is changed.

Abstract: A photoelectric converter includes a photoelectric conversion element, which includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed discretely and a photoelectric conversion material layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and in which a current generated in the photoelectric conversion material layer changes with the lapse of an application time, where a constant amount of light is applied to the photoelectric conversion material layer while a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a current detection circuit to detect the change in the current.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of executing an electrical function, such as a fusing operation, by activation through a chip embedded photodiode through spectrally selected external light activation, and corresponding structure and circuit. The present invention is based on having incident light with specific intensity/wave length characteristics, in conjunction with additional circuit elements to an integrated circuit, perform the implementation of repairs, i.e., replacing failing circuit elements with redundant ones for yield and/or reliability. Also to perform disconnection of ESD protection device from input pad once the packaged chip is placed in system. No additional pins on the package are necessary.

Abstract: In a photodetecting device 3, a wiring board 12 is provided at the front surface side of a photodetecting element 11 so that a first bonding pad region 15 formed on the front surface of the photodetecting element 11 is exposed, and second bonding pads 17B are formed, of the wiring board 12, in the region on a further inner side than first bonding pads 17A. Thereby, in the photodetecting device 3, a forming space for wire bonding can be located at the inside of the photodetecting element 11, so that the wiring board 12 and the photodetecting element 11 can be made almost equal in size. As a result, in the photodetecting device 3, the area that the photodetecting element 11 occupies relative to the photodetecting device 3 can be sufficiently secured, and minimization of the non-sensitive region in the case of a buttable arrangement of the photodetecting devices 3 on a cold plate 2 can be realized.

Abstract: A light detecting apparatus receives input light branched and output by a branching device, to calculate transmittance and reflectivity from the input light, acquires a wavelength corresponding to the calculated transmittance and reflectivity to calculate a gain value corresponding to input light intensity, acquires a driving current value corresponding to a calculated gain value and an acquired wavelength, and outputs an acquired driving current value.

Abstract: A converter system for generating electrical signal from an optical signal utilizes a collector for collecting an energy source as an optical signal. The collected optical signal is transmitted to a receiver which is associated with a converter for converting the optical signal to an electric signal. In one embodiment the converter system is incorporated in an electric motor of the type having a housing, a rotating shaft mounted in the housing, a commutator on the shaft, and a pair of permanent magnets, whereby the shaft is rotated in response to electrical power being applied to the commutator. The system includes an optical collector mounted in the housing in non-interfering relationship with the commutator and the shaft, whereby the optical collector is adapted for generating an optical signal from the stray energy in the motor housing when power is applied to the motor and the shaft is rotating. The optical signal thus generated is transmitted to the receiver.

Abstract: A direct-type backlight device for a non-self-luminous image display panel has a light-emitting area corresponding to a display area of the image display panel. The light-emitting area is arranged by combining a plurality of backlight substrates each of which is provided with (i) a color sensor for detecting an incident light intensity and (ii) red, green, and blue LEDs whose respective light intensities are controlled in accordance with a detection result obtained by the color sensor. This arrangement allows reduction of brightness unevenness entirely in the light-emitting area of the backlight device.

Abstract: A thin film circuit comprises a plurality of thin film transistors, wherein the output response of the circuit is dependent on at least first (36) and second (34, 22) of the transistors. The first thin film transistor (36) is, in use, exposed to a source of illumination (2) and the second thin film transistor (16) is shielded from the source of illumination. The first thin film transistor (36) is operated in use as an analogue switch which provides an analogue output in response to a control input. The illumination of this transistor reduces the effect of dynamic threshold voltage variations, which can be a limitation to circuit performance.

Abstract: An image sensing device comprises a pixel array, a plurality of column amplification units each including a setting unit, and a plurality of reference signal supply units, wherein a first reference signal and a second reference signal are common to a plurality of columns in the pixel array, each of the plurality of column amplification units amplifies a difference between the first reference signal and the second reference signal to output the amplified difference, or amplifies each of the first reference signal and the second reference signal to output the amplified first reference signal and the amplified second reference signal, and the setting unit sets, in the column amplification unit, an amplification factor which is determined in accordance with a signal output from each of the plurality of column amplification units so as to reduce variations of the amplification factor between the plurality of column amplification units.

Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus to detect radiation. A substrate (1) has a conversion element on a first surface. The conversion element is configured to convert radiation into electric charges. A readout circuit is connected to a first region. The first region includes a first edge of the first surface. A driving circuit is connected to a second region other than the first region. The second region includes a second edge of the first surface. A light source (4) is arranged on a second surface side which faces the first surface. The light source (4) is arranged so as to face any regions of the second surface side except the first region.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a patterned beam of radiation in a lithographic exposure apparatus includes a receiving part for receiving the patterned beam of radiation and a processing part arranged to receive at least a part of the patterned radiation beam via the receiving part. The receiving part of the sensor is integrated in a substrate table for holding a substrate.

Abstract: An exemplary image sensor package includes a substrate, an imaging area, a circuit layer and two passive components. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface, which are opposite to each other. An image sensing area is formed on the first surface of the substrate and a circuit layer is formed on the second surface of the substrate. The passive components opposite to the image sensing area are soldered to the circuit layer of the second surface.

Abstract: This photodetecting circuit 1 is capable of suppressing oscillation of an output, and operates as a zero bias circuit in a case of a small photoelectric current to an extent that a dark current is concerned about, and limits an output current in a case of a large photoelectric current to an extent that troubles are caused in the circuit operation. Because a resistive element TR2 is provided in the photodetecting circuit 1, even when a modulation frequency of light, in other words, a frequency of a photoelectric current I flowing in a photodiode PD is made higher, oscillation can be suppressed. Further, due to the resistive element TR2 being inserted, this functions as a limiter as well, and a bias voltage to be applied to the photodiode PD is made to be a positive bias voltage, which prevents an excess current from being generated to suppress abnormal operations of the circuit.

Abstract: An image sensor formed in a semiconductor stack of a lower region of a first conductivity type and of an upper region of a second conductivity type, including: a photodiode formed of a first portion of the stack; a read area formed of a second portion of the stack; a trench with insulated walls filled with a conductive material, the trench surrounding the photodiode and the read area and being interrupted, all along its height, on a portion facing the photodiode and the read area; and first connection mechanism associated with the conductive material of the trench and capable of being connected to a reference bias voltage.

Abstract: A medical pump including an electromagnetic emitter and detector is provided. The emitter emits electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength. A pump set that is compatible with the medical pump modifies the emitted electromagnetic radiation when properly installed in the pump. The detector receives electromagnetic radiation, and a filter circuit excludes electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength other than the predetermined wavelength. The pump monitors the filtered signal to determine whether the received electromagnetic radiation corresponds to the emitted electromagnetic radiation as modified by a properly loaded, compatible pump set and determines whether a compatible pump set is properly loaded in the pump as a function thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring distances includes a lens module, a light sensor, and a calculation module. The lens module is used for imaging an object to be measured. The lens module has a focal plane which is non-vertical to the light axis thereof. The light sensor is used for receiving the image of the object through the lens module, and generating a corresponding signal accordingly. The calculation module is used for calculating the distance of the object based on a high frequency part of the signal. A relative method for measuring distances is provided as well.

Abstract: An optical sensor device has a sensor unit which includes a light emitter (24), a light receiver (26), and a lens plate (12) that is used for coupling a pencil of rays, radiated by the light emitter (24), into and out of the pane and directing it onto the light receiver (26). The lens plate (12) includes a combined Fresnel structure (16a, 16b) having a Fresnel lens structure (18a, 18b) and a Fresnel reflector structure (20a, 20b) on a first surface (12a) facing the light emitter (24) and the light receiver (26), and a Fresnel reflector structure (22a, 22b) on an opposite, second surface (12b) facing the pane. This configuration is especially suitable for use as a rain sensor. Without the light emitter the sensor device is suitable to be used as a light sensor.

Abstract: In a photoelectric conversion apparatus including a charge holding portion, a part of an element isolation region contacting with a semiconductor region constituting the charge holding portion extends from a reference surface including the light receiving surface of a photoelectric conversion element into a semiconductor substrate at a level equal to or deeper than the depth of the semiconductor region in comparison with the semiconductor region.

Abstract: A focal plane array suitable for use in hyperspectral imaging applications is provided. The focal plane array comprises pixels comprising arrays of photodiodes, wherein each photodiode in each array is selectively sensitive to a different wavelength of a set of wavelengths.

Abstract: A safety system for a vehicle is provided, which comprises signalling means associated with a seat of the vehicle for emitting an optically detectable signal carrying information related to the seat and detecting means for remotely detecting the optically detectable signal and for providing a corresponding signal to a control unit.

Abstract: A method for providing an intensity or brightness measurement using a digital image-capturing device comprising: selecting a target area within a field of view of the image-capturing device, the target area containing pixels; measuring the intensity or brightness of pixels in a target area; accumulating the intensity or brightness values of the pixels in the target area; and determining a pixel value representative of the intensity or brightness of the pixels in the target area. A device for making color measurements comprising an image-capture device, a processor or logic device, and a memory location for accumulating color data, and the processor or logic device is programmed to perform color measurements by accumulating the data for pixels located in the target area in memory, and determining a representative color value.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for taking an image of a face includes an imaging element having sensitivity for a near-infrared range and a visible range, a first optical filter provided between the face and the imaging element to reduce an intensity of a visible light entering the imaging element and a near-infrared light irradiating portion for irradiating the face with a near-infrared light.

Abstract: A first transistor may be provided on a current path of a photo transistor. The bias current path may include a bias switch and a first bias resistor connected in series and is provided in parallel with a main current path including the phototransistor. A second transistor may configure a current mirror circuit with the first transistor, and generates second current formed by multiplying the first current flowing in the first transistor by a predetermined factor. The second current is charged in the charging capacitor and converted into a voltage. The bias current path turns on prior to the start of light reception of the phototransistor and turns off after a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of light reception of the phototransistor.

Abstract: A compound sensor which can improve the space for installing sensors and an operation for installing sensors by organizing various types of sensors, are provided. A compound sensor according to the present invention includes a light-shielding plate (3A) having one face onto which sunlight is irradiated and the other face located on a side opposite to the one face, which shields the sunlight from the one face side toward the other face side, a solar sensor (8A-8C) provided in the one face of the light-shielding plate (3A), and a temperature sensor provided in the other face side of the light-shielding plate (3A).

Abstract: Objects are to suppress reduction in current output from a photoelectric conversion device and to prevent ESD from occurring in the photoelectric conversion device without greatly increasing the number of steps for manufacturing the photoelectric conversion device. The photoelectric conversion device includes a photodiode generating current by light irradiation; an amplifier circuit including at least one MOS transistor for amplifying the current; and at least one diode which is connected in series with the photodiode in a path of the current generated in the photodiode or a path of the current amplified by at least one MOS transistor so that a bias direction of the diode is opposite to that of the photodiode. Each of the photodiode and the diode includes a stack of a plurality of semiconductor films.

Abstract: A photosensor with customizable angular-response characteristics is presented. This photosensor includes a light-modifier located between the photosensor and a target area to be monitored by the photosensor, wherein the light-modifier provides a customizable angular response for light received at the photosensor from the target area.

Abstract: A pixel structure having a shielded storage node. A pixel comprises a sample transistor coupled to a light detecting stage. The sample transistor comprises an inner junction region surrounding and coupled to a storage node and a gate disposed around at least three sides of the inner junction region that operates as a charge barrier to shield the storage node. A memory capacitor is coupled to the storage node.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light barrier for the monitoring of a light path having a base assembly of a first transmitter emitting a light signal and a first receiver generating an output signal for a control. In accordance with the invention, the light barrier has an active reflector assembly having a second receiver for the reception of the light signal emitted by the first transmitter and a second transmitter for the transmission of a feedback signal in dependence on the received light signal.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods for quantifying a surface's cleanliness relative to a contaminant. Such devices and methods may comprising and use a source of interrogating radiation to which the contaminant is responsive, a means for directing the interrogating radiation, a detector, and an analyzer. Radiation emitted from the source is directed by the radiation means toward the surface or a surface cleaner that may hold the contaminant. The detector detects radiation from the surface or the surface cleaner produced in response to the interrogating radiation by the contaminant, e.g., fluorescent or phosphorescent radiation, and generate a corresponding signal that is compared by the analyzer relative to an electronic standard that corresponds to the surface in an acceptably clean state so as to quantify the surface's cleanliness.

Abstract: When reverse bias processing is performed, on a plurality of photoelectric conversion devices connected in series, different potentials are applied to electrodes of three or more photoelectric conversion devices to simultaneously perform reverse bias processing on two or more reverse photoelectric conversion devices. Thereby, time taken to perform reverse bias processing on the photoelectric conversion devices can be reduced.

Abstract: A voltage supply is connected to provide a variable bias voltage to a plurality of optical quantum tunneling photodetectors to thereby vary the spectral response of the photodetectors and thus detect radiation.

Abstract: The present invention allows immediate reading of a monitor voltage of a required arbitrary burst cell and provides a burst light receiving power monitor circuit that monitors the monitor voltage of a burst cell, the burst light receiving power monitor circuit comprising: a memory that includes a plurality of areas and that prepares an address for each area; a monitor voltage forming section that converts input signal light of the burst cell to a digital monitor voltage amplitude; and a controller that continuously stores the monitor voltage amplitude from the monitor voltage forming section in each area of the memory specified with an address by a control signal externally inputted according to the timing of the burst cell and that controls reading out a monitor voltage from an arbitrary area of the memory specified with an address by an external memory access signal.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device comprises: a clipping unit including a MOS transistor which has a source connected to a signal line and a drain being connected to a power supply, and the clipping unit clipping an electric potential of the signal line to an electric potential corresponding to an electric potential of the source; a holding capacitance which has a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode being connected to a gate of the MOS transistor, and the holding capacitance holding at least a voltage transferred to the signal line while the charge-voltage converter has been reset; and a shift unit which shifts an electric potential of the second electrode in a direction such that the electric potential of the second electrode comes close to a level to be transferred to the signal line while the charge-voltage converter has been reset.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a photoelectric converter, a reflector, and a charge carrier guiding region. The reflector is disposed under the photoelectric converter, and the charge carrier guiding region is disposed between the photoelectric converter and the reflector. The reflector reflects incident light passed by the photoelectric converter back through the photoelectric converter for increasing photoelectric conversion efficiency and reduced crosstalk. The charge carrier guiding region dissipates undesired charge carriers for further increasing photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A receiver optical sub-assembly includes a multilayered ceramic substrate mounted on an electrically conductive base. The multilayered ceramic substrate has a ground layer on the front surface. A light receiving element is mounted on the front surface of the multilayered ceramic substrate. A cap and the electrically conductive base enclose the multilayered ceramic substrate and the light receiving element. An electrically conductive body connects the ground layer to the electrically conductive base. Terminals are attached to the back surface of the multilayered ceramic substrate. The terminals project outside the electrically conductive base. A high frequency noise propagates from the ground layer to the base through the electrically conductive body. A sufficient amount of ground potential is obtained. Self-resonance is prevented. The multilayered ceramic substrate enables an enhanced density of the terminals based on a wiring pattern or patterns and a via or vias.

Abstract: A system and method for prealigning a substrate. One embodiment provides a rotor configured to rotate a carrier around a rotation axis in response to a rotation signal. The carrier includes a main surface substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis. The substrate is disposable on the carrier. The substrate includes a main surface and a mark such that an orientation of the substrate with respect to the rotation axis is detectable. An electromagnetic radiation source is configured to illuminate the main surface of the substrate with electromagnetic radiation. An optical/electrical converter is responsive to the electromagnetic radiation reflected back from the main surface, detecting the mark of the substrate and providing a sensing signal. A controller is configured to receive the sensing signal and providing the rotation signal.

Abstract: Performed is a process of setting, on a mounting table, an adjustment substrate, which is provided with a slit of a preset width extended toward a center from a peripheral portion of the adjustment substrate; irradiating the laser beam toward a light receiving surface of a light energy measuring device, which is disposed on a front surface side of the adjustment substrate, from a rear surface side of the adjustment substrate through the slit; and measuring a variation in an energy amount of the laser beam irradiated onto the light receiving surface by the light energy measuring device while moving the laser emitting device in the optical axis direction, and adjusting a position of the laser emitting device in the optical axis direction to a desired position based on the variation in the energy amount on the light receiving surface.

Abstract: A merocyanine dye is provided. The merocyanine dye is represented by formula (1). In the formula (1), A1 represents a divalent atomic group, n represents an integer of 1 to 3, A2 and A3 each independently represent an aromatic hydrocarbon ring or a heterocyclic ring having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and R11 and R12 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, or a heterocyclic group having 3 to 18 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Sensitivity is freely changeable to another one in correspondence to a photographing mode, and both still image photographing and moving image photographing for example which are largely different from each other in dosage of exposure to radiation and which are also different from each other in required sensitivity are carried out so as to meet that request. A source or drain electrode of a TFT 21 is connected to a signal output circuit 3 through a signal line 14a and an IC 5. A source/drain of a TFT 23 is connected to the signal output circuit 3 through a signal line 14b and the IC 5. Thus, in each pixel 6, any one of the signal lines 14a and 14b is freely selectable when a signal is read out.

Abstract: A light to plug into a wall socket having a negative ion generator in the form of a pin. The pin design can be easily cleaned with a swab and cleaning solution such as rubbing alcohol, eliminating the need to trim or clean a brush electrode when corrosion or deposits form. The negative ion generator is always on and produces the negative ions to purify the air. The device can have a light sensor to activate the light when light is low. The device can also come with light emitting diodes which can be set to indicate the status of the various systems of the device. The device can come equipped with an air freshener that disperses vaporized perfume into the air.