Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging element including: a photoelectric conversion section configured to generate a charge according to received light; and a plurality of active elements configured to perform predetermined operation on the charge generated in the photoelectric conversion section, wherein a part of a gate electrode possessed by one of the active elements has a projection part buried in a substrate in which the photoelectric conversion section is formed. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of noise, and provide excellent image quality with a smaller area.

Abstract: Systems and methods presented herein provide for optical surveillance using modulated lasers, or other forms of light, and optical detection. In one embodiment, an optical surveillance system includes a light source, such as a laser or light emitting diode, and a signal generator operable to modulate the light source. The system also includes a detector operable to detect the modulated light source and a processor communicatively coupled to the detector to distinguish the modulated light source from other detected light based on the modulating waveform of the modulated light source. The processor is also operable to determine a presence of an object between the laser and the detector based on an obscuration of the laser pulses on the detector.

Abstract: [Problem] An apparatus and method for measuring luminescence decay due to the lifetime of energy carriers inside a material such as a semiconductor is presented. [Solution] The intensity of a laser is modulated by a light modulating device resulting in a square wave excitation 14, and applied to a semiconducting material. The energy carriers inside the semiconductor are excited, and recombine after a certain time to give rise in part to some light emission 24, which decays in intensity from the time at which the excitation periods end. The decaying light is separated from the light emitted during excitation by another light modulator resulting in 26. This light intensity 26 contains the information related to the carrier lifetime. Because the amount of this light 26 is small and has a very short emission time, a CCD detector is used to be integrated several cycles of the decay periods in order to obtain a reasonable signal. This integrated intensity signal can be used to determine the carrier lifetime.

Abstract: Automatic process and installation for inspecting and/or sorting objects or articles belonging to at least two different categories, and made to advance approximately in a single layer, for example on a conveyor belt or a similar transport support. The process includes subjecting the advancing flow of objects or articles to at least two different types of contactless analysis by radiation, whose results are used in a combined manner for each object or article to perform a discrimination among these objects or articles and/or an evaluation of at least one characteristic of the latter, the analyses including at least one surface analysis process able to determine the physical and/or chemical composition of the outer layer of an object or article exposed to the radiation used in this process, and at least one volume analysis process able to determine the equivalent thickness of material of the same object or article.

Abstract: We describe methods and apparatus for high-speed high-contrast imaging one-, two- and three-dimensional imaging enabled by differential interference contrast time encoded amplified microscopy of transparent media without the need for chemical staining, that are suitable for a broad range of applications from semiconductor process monitoring to blood screening. Our methods and apparatus build on a unique combination of serial time-encoded amplified microscopy (STEAM) and differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. These methods and apparatus are ideally suited for identification of rare diseased cells in a large population of healthy cells and have the potential to revolutionize blood analysis and pathology including identification of cancer cells, such as Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) in early stage disease.

Abstract: Detection of a target object or a characteristic of that object, e.g. temperature or movement in an image of a scene at a focal plane of the image and with processing of signals representative of the image occurring at that focal plane with a sensor and an integrated circuit processor on an imaging circuit chip used to record the scene. Moreover, processing of the signals representative of the image and the object or characteristic of the object can all be processed in parallel. This arrangement allows for filtering of objects with the ability to distinguish the object generating signals from background clutter. The incorporation of the entire circuit in this integrated circuit chip increases the compactness and efficiency. Moreover, all signal processing will occur at the focal plane eliminates the need for external processing electronics thereby increasing compactness and efficiency while reducing spatial noise.

Abstract: An optical sensor element is mounted in a package which includes a glass lid substrate (1) having a filter function and a class substrate having a cavity. The glass substrate (2) having a cavity includes therein a through-electrode (5) in which metal is filled, and has wiring patterns (6, 7) provided by metalization on a front surface and a rear surface, respectively, thereof. The wiring pattern (6) and a wiring pattern (4; provided by retail nation on the glass lid substrate (1) are fixed and connected to each other with an adhesive having conductive particles (8) added thereto. The wiring patterns (6, 7) provided by metalization on the front surface and the rear surface, respectively, of the substrate (2) having a cavity and the metal filled in the through-electrode are structurally and electrically integrated wish each other.

Abstract: An optical sensing system includes a transmitter configured to transmit a free-space optical signal toward a target, and a receiver configured to receive a reflected free-space optical target signal from the target. The receiver includes a phase sensitive amplifier (PSA), a homodyne detector coupled downstream from the PSA, and a controller configured to adjust a phase of the PSA based upon the homodyne detector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring a target in a sample, the target being capable of generating an emitted light in response to an excitation light. In an example system, an excitation light source generates the excitation light along an excitation optical path. An attenuation filter arrangement selectively adds an attenuation filter to the excitation optical path. The attenuation filter attenuates the excitation light by a corresponding attenuation factor. The excitation light exits the attenuation filter arrangement along the excitation optical path to illuminate the sample. A light energy detector receives the emitted light generated in response to the excitation light, and outputs a measured signal level corresponding to an emitted light level. If the light energy detector indicates an overflow, signal measurement is repeated with attenuation filters of increasing attenuation factors until the measured signal level does not overflow.

Abstract: A method in a wearable electronic device of detecting clothing includes: detecting whether the wearable electronic device is coupled to a user, determining whether the wearable electronic device is covered, and adjusting one or more device settings of the wearable electronic device. A secondary check can perform an additional determination of whether the wearable electronic device is covered with clothing. One or more sensors, such as a skin sensor, a tension sensor, an infrared sensor, or microphones, can be used to execute the steps in the wearable electronic device.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device capable of suppressing the generation of dark current and/or leakage current is provided. The solid-state image pickup device has a first substrate provided with a photoelectric converter on its primary face, a first wiring structure having a first bonding portion which contains a conductive material, a second substrate provided with a part of a peripheral circuit on its primary face, and a second wiring structure having a second bonding portion which contains a conductive material. In addition, the first bonding portion and the second bonding portion are bonded so that the first substrate, the first wiring structure, the second wiring structure, and the second substrate are disposed in this order. Furthermore, the conductive material of the first bonding portion and the conductive material of the second bonding portion are surrounded with diffusion preventing films.

Abstract: A computational sensing array includes an array of sensing elements. In each sensing element, a first signal is generated from a transducer. A second signal is produced by a collection unit in response to receiving the first signal. The second signal may be modified, in a conditioning unit. A sensing element preprocessing unit generates a word representing the value of the modified second signal, and may produce an indication of change of the first signal. A current value of the word may be stored in a state holding element local to the sensing element, and a previous value of the word may be retained in a further state holding element local to the sensing element.

Abstract: A method of concentrating directional radiant energy using reflective optics and receivers that convert that energy wherein the receivers are situated in the body of the reflector on risers parallel to the direction of radiant energy, each said riser bounded by at least one parabolic mirror lying closer and another lying farther from the energy source, where the focus or foci of said mirrors lie substantially in the direction faced by the receiver situated in said riser. The reflector geometries include ones in which the mirrors are parabolic cylinder sections and require only one-axis tacking to focus, and ones in which the mirrors are paraboloid sections and require two-axis tracking to focus sunlight.

Abstract: An imaging element includes a photosensor and a transfer transistor to transfer electrical charges from the photosensor to a charge accumulation node. A selector is configured to receive at least two logic selection signals and to supply an activation signal, which is a function of the selection signals, to a control terminal of the transfer transistor. The selector is configured to receive at least two selection signals, each having a positive voltage when it is at a logic value 1 and a negative voltage when it is a logic value 0, and to supply the activation signal having a negative voltage when the imaging element is not selected.

Abstract: A member for a solid-state image pickup device having a bonding plane with no gaps and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The manufacturing method includes the steps of providing a first substrate provided with a photoelectric converter on its primary face and a first wiring structure, providing a second substrate provided with a part of a peripheral circuit on its primary face and a second wiring structure, and performing bonding so that the first substrate, the first wiring structure, the second wiring structure, and the second substrate are disposed in this order. In addition, at least one of an upper face of the first wiring structure and an upper face of the second wiring structure has a concave portion, and a conductive material forms a bottom face of the concave portion.

Abstract: A semiconductor device that may include an avalanche photodiode (APD), the APD may include: a first doped region of a first polarity; a buried guard ring of a second polarity, the second polarity is opposite to the first polarity, the buried guard ring is spaced apart from the first doped region and is positioned below the first doped region; a well of the second polarity, wherein the well interfaces the first doped region to form a p-n junction; and a second doped region of the second polarity, the second doped region is spaced apart from the first doped region.

Abstract: A detection apparatus includes a transistor disposed on a substrate, a conversion element disposed above the transistor and connected to the transistor, a capacitor connected in parallel with conversion element to the transistor, the capacitor including, between the substrate and the conversion element, an ohmic contact part connected to the conversion element, a semiconductor part connected to the ohmic contact part, and an electrically conductive part disposed at a location opposite to the semiconductor part and the ohmic contact part via an insulating layer, and a potential supplying unit configured to selectively supply a first electric potential to the electrically conductive part to accumulate charge carriers in the semiconductor part and a second electric potential to the electrically conductive part to deplete the semiconductor part. The detection apparatus configured in the above-described manner is capable of controlling pixel capacitance thereby achieving a high signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A two-step analog-digital converting circuit includes a comparator, an upper bit counter and a pulse residue conversion unit. The comparator is configured to compare a ramp signal and an input signal, and to output a resulting comparative signal. The upper bit counter is configured to receive the comparative signal and a clock signal, and to output upper bit values corresponding to a first time interval between a generation time point of the ramp signal and a first edge of the clock signal, the first edge of the clock signal immediately preceding a state transition time point of the comparative signal. The pulse residue conversion unit is configured to receive the comparative signal and the clock signal, and to output lower bit values corresponding to a second time interval between the first edge of the clock signal and the state transition time point of the comparative signal.

Abstract: A light sensor includes a control electrode formed on a substrate and having two edges, and a semiconductor film formed opposite the control electrode with an insulating film interposed therebetween, and including a photoactive layer and electrode regions located in a pair on opposite sides of the photoactive layer. The photoactive layer is arranged in an area that overlaps the control electrode. At least one of the paired electrode regions overlaps proximal one of the edges of the control electrode, and on and along the proximal edge, the at least one electrode region has a length shorter than that of the photoactive layer in a direction along the proximal edge of the control electrode.

Abstract: A smart sensor for maintaining constant gain in a photosensor despite temperature is disclosed. The smart sensor receives temperature data from a temperature sensor, then compares the temperature data to a lookup table of temperatures corresponding to voltages which, when applied to a photosensor at that temperature, will produce a desired gain. The smart sensor then applies the voltage from the lookup table to the photosensor, to yield a desired gain from the photosensor. The smart sensor is particularly applicable to SiPMs used in PET/MRI imaging systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photo sensor of a photo type touch panel, which includes a transistor with a control terminal receiving a first control signal, a first capacitor electrically connected to a first terminal of the transistor, a first photo transistor with a first terminal electrically connected to the first capacitor, and a second photo transistor with a control terminal receiving a second control signal, a first terminal electrically connected to a second terminal of the first photo transistor, and a second terminal receiving a third control signal.

Abstract: Various embodiments comprise apparatuses and methods including a light sensor. The light sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a light-absorbing semiconductor in electrical communication with each of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode. A light-obscuring material to substantially attenuate an incidence of light onto a portion of the light-absorbing semiconductor is disposed between the second electrode and the third electrode. An electrical bias is to be applied between the second electrode, and the first and the third electrodes and a current flowing through the second electrode is related to the light incident on the light sensor. Additional methods and apparatuses are described.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes, in the following order: a first electrode; an electron blocking layer; a photoelectric conversion layer containing a merocyanine dye; a hole blocking layer; and a transparent electrode as a second electrode, and an absorption maximum wavelength in a thin film absorption spectrum of the photoelectric conversion layer containing a merocyanine dye is within a range of from 400 to 520 nm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing photoreactions in a photoreactive material using scattered actinic light from at least one light-diffusing optical fiber are disclosed. The systems and methods include disposing a light-diffusing optical fiber relative to the photoreactive material. The light-diffusing optical fiber has a glass core, a surrounding cladding, and nano-sized structures situated either within the glass core or at the core-cladding boundary. The nano-sized structures are configured to scatter guided actinic light that travels in the light-diffusing optical fiber from an actinic light source. The scattered actinic light is provided throughout the photoreactive material and causes a photoreaction throughout the photoreactive material.

Abstract: A modification method and system. The method includes performing a computer processor of a computing system, a facial recognition process of an individual associated with a device. The computer processor retrieves from a detection device, eyewear detection data indicating that the individual is correctly wearing eyewear and tint detection data indicating that the eyewear comprises tinted lenses. In response, the computer processor analyzes results of the facial recognition process, the eyewear detection data, and the tint detection data. The computer processor modifies functions associated with the first device in response to results of the analysis.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a light receiving circuit having a trans-impedance amplifier and an output circuit is provided. The trans-impedance amplifier includes a photodiode, a feedback resistor and a first transistor having a channel of a first conductive type. The photodiode converts an optical signal into an electrical signal. Ends of the feedback resistor are connected respectively to the photodiode and a node. A gate of the first transistor receives the electrical signal from the photodiode. A signal corresponding to a signal from a drain of the first transistor is output to the node. The output circuit includes a second transistor having a channel of the first conductive type, and generates an output signal from a drain of the second transistor. A gate of the second transistor is connected to the node.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, apparatuses and systems for identifying an event are disclosed. One method includes sensing motion with a motion sensor, wherein the motion sensor is stationary, and the motion sensor senses motion of an object that is external to the motion sensor. The embodiment further includes matching the sensed motion with one of a plurality of stored patterns of events, and identifying an event associated with the sensed motion based on a match between a one of the plurality of patterns and the sensed motion. One apparatus includes a sensing device, wherein the sensing device includes a light sensor sensing motion and a processor. The processor is configured to match the sensed motion with one of a plurality of stored patterns of events, and identify an event associated with the sensed motion based on a match between a one of the plurality of patterns and the sensed motion.

Abstract: A scanning optical system manufacturing method includes receiving a scanning beam, emitted from a scanning unit including an incident optical system and a deflecting device and passed through an image-forming optical system, in an area having a width in the main scanning direction narrower than a spot diameter of the scanning beam by a light-receiving unit configured to be capable of being displaced at each image height position in the main scanning direction, calculating, based on an output of the light-receiving unit, a peak light quantity at each image height position of the scanning beam, smoothing distribution data of the peak light quantity at each of the image height position acquired by the calculating, and determining, based on the data acquired by the smoothing, either nondefective/defective states of the scanning unit and the image-forming optical system or a nondefective/defective state of only the image-forming optical system.

Abstract: When no light enters a photodiode, a second current mirror circuit operates. Consequently, a current that decreases a potential difference between two terminals of a light-receiving element flows into a transistor of the second current mirror circuit and an output of an optical sensor becomes low. Meanwhile, when light enters the photodiode, a transistor of the light-receiving element is turned on and the second current mirror circuit stops operating. Consequently, the current that decreases the potential difference between the two terminals of the light-receiving element is stopped in the transistor of the second current mirror circuit and the output of the optical sensor becomes high. This makes it possible to provide an optical sensor that has a circuit in which an output of a light-receiving element does not depend on a photocurrent and that is capable of operating at a high speed.

Abstract: A high speed analog photon counter and method is provided. In one aspect, the method includes delivering an electric charge to a circuit of the high speed analog photon counter through a current source of the circuit. The method also includes accumulating the electric charge in a capacitor of the circuit electrically coupled to the current source. The method further includes comparing the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor of the circuit with a reference voltage through a comparator of the circuit electrically coupled to an output of the capacitor. The output of the capacitor of the circuit is coupled to an input of the comparator of the circuit, and the reference voltage is coupled to another input of the comparator of the circuit. The method furthermore includes resetting the capacitor of the circuit when the electric charge accumulated in the capacitor of the circuit matches the reference voltage.

Abstract: A unit pixel for an image sensor includes an accumulation circuit configured to generate an accumulated dark current by accumulating a charge corresponding to a dark current during a time of flight (TOF), the accumulation circuit being optically shaded to generate the dark current, an output voltage generation circuit configured to generate and output an output voltage corresponding to the TOF based on a charge corresponding to the accumulated dark current, a control circuit configured to control an operation of the output voltage generation circuit based on a light signal that is input to the unit pixel after being reflected by an object, the light signal being emitted by a light source, and an initialization circuit configured to initialize the accumulation circuit at a predetermined cycle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a light-sensing apparatus includes a light-sensing pixel array that has a plurality of light-sensing pixels arranged in rows and columns; and a gate driver configured to provide the light-sensing pixels with a gate voltage and a reset signal that have inverted phases. Each of the light-sensing pixels includes a light sensor transistor configured to sense light and a switch transistor configured to output a light-sensing signal from the light-sensor transistor. The gate driver includes a plurality of gate lines connected to gates of the switch transistors, a plurality of reset lines connected to gates of the light sensor transistors, and a plurality of phase inverters each connected between a corresponding reset line and a gate line. Thus, when a gate voltage is applied to one of the plurality of gate lines, a reset signal with an inversed phase to the gate voltage may be applied to a corresponding reset line.

Abstract: A photodetector includes a substrate and an insulating arrangement formed in the substrate. The insulating arrangement electrically insulates a confined region of the substrate. The confined region is configured to generate free charge carriers in response to an irradiation. The photodetector further includes a read-out electrode arrangement configured to provide a photocurrent formed by at least a portion of the free charge carriers that are generated in response to the irradiation. The photodetector also includes a biasing electrode arrangement that is electrically insulated against the confined region by means of the insulating arrangement. The biasing electrode arrangement is configured to cause an influence on a spatial charge carrier distribution within the confined region so that fewer of the free charge carriers recombine at boundaries of the confined region compared to an unbiased state.

Abstract: The input device includes a frame-shaped optical waveguide having a hollow input-use interior, and a control means provided on the outside of one of the sides of the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide and the control means are provided on a surface of a frame-shaped retainer plate. The control means includes: a light-emitting element connected to ends of light-emitting cores of the optical waveguide; a light-receiving element connected to ends of light-receiving cores of the optical waveguide; and a CPU incorporating a program. Upon sensing a first light-shielded area where light is intercepted by the tip of a pen and a second light-shielded area where light is intercepted by user's hand that holds the pen, the program recognizes the second light-shielded area larger than the first light-shielded area as unnecessary information, based on a difference in light-shielded area.

Abstract: Embodiments include articles, authentication methods and apparatus, and article manufacturing methods. An article includes a substrate with a first luminescent taggant, and an extrinsic feature with a second luminescent taggant, which is positioned proximate a portion of the article surface. The first and second taggants produce emissions in overlapping emission bands as a result of exposure to excitation energy. Above the extrinsic feature, the substrate and extrinsic feature emissions combine in the overlapping emission band to produce “confounded” emissions that are distinguishable from the substrate emissions taken alone. An authentication system determines whether, in a region corresponding to a “substrate-only” region of an authentic article, emissions having first emission characteristics are detected in the overlapping emission band.

Abstract: Electronic devices may include super-resolution imaging systems for capturing multiple relatively low-resolution images and combining the captured images to form a high-resolution image. The imaging system may include image sensors configured to capture information above the Nyquist frequency of the image sensor by providing each image sensor pixel in an array of image sensor pixels with structures for reducing the size of the clear pixel aperture below the size of the image sensor pixel. The structures may be configured to pass light that is incident on a central region of the image sensor pixel to a photo-sensitive element through a color filter element and to reject light that is incident on a surrounding edge region. The structures may include a microlens configured to reject light that is incident on the edge region or a combination of a microlens and masking structures. Masking structures may be absorbing, reflecting, or interfering structures.

Abstract: Provided are improvements to photo detecting devices and methods for enhancing the sensitivity of photo detecting devices. A photo detecting device generates an electronic signal in response to a received light pulse. An electro-mechanical acoustic resonator, electrically coupled to the photo detecting device, damps the electronic signal and increases the signal noise ratio (SNR) of the electronic signal. Increased photo detector standoff distances and sensitivities will result.

Abstract: An image sensor for reducing a sampling time by shortening a stabilization duration is provided. The image sensor includes a pixel unit, a sampling unit sampling a signal from an output node of the pixel unit, a sinking unit sinking current from the output node of the pixel unit, and a current controller controlling the amount of current in the sinking unit.

Abstract: An optics module for determining at least one physical or chemical, process variable, especially concentration of at least one component of a medium, comprising: at least one light source; at least one data memory, wherein at least one characteristic of the light source is stored in the data memory; at least one interface, wherein the interface is designed for data transmission and/or energy transmission; and a platform. The light source, the data memory and the interface are arranged on/in the platform.

Abstract: In a method of operating an image sensor, a noise voltage of a floating diffusion region is sampled after a reset voltage is applied to the floating diffusion region. A storage region, in which a photo-charge is stored, is electrically connected to the floating diffusion region after sampling the noise voltage, and a demodulation voltage of the floating diffusion region is sampled after the storage region and the floating diffusion region are electrically-connected. A voltage is determined based on the noise voltage and the demodulation voltage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solid-state imaging device capable of calculating the difference in charge obtained by photoelectric conversion, and capable of a high level of integration.

Abstract: The present invention provides for metallic nanostructures or nanoburgers comprising a dielectric layer positioned between metallic layers and their use in metal enhanced emissions systems to enhance emissions from fluorophores, including intrinsic and extrinsic; luminophores; bioluminescent species and/or chemiluminescent species. The multilayer nanoburgers exhibit several distinctive properties including significantly enhanced intensity of emissions, decreased lifetime and increased photostability by simply varying the thickness of the dielectric layer while maintaining a constant thickness of the two metallic layers on opposite sides of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A sample observation apparatus includes excitation light irradiation unit to irradiate sample with excitation light; excitation light modulator to modulate spatial intensity distribution of the excitation light on the sample; excitation light modulation control unit to control the excitation light modulator according to modulation control signal; photo detection unit to detect light emission from the sample and to generate a detection signal; image generation unit to generate image data of the sample according to the modulation control signal and the detection signal; modulation control signal generation unit to generate the modulation control signal such that Nyquist frequency of the image data will be larger than cut-off frequency in the spatial intensity distribution of the excitation light on the sample; and image processing unit to emphasize high-frequency component that exceeds the cut-off frequency included in the image data.

Abstract: The invention relates to selecting a light source from a plurality of light sources, particularly to the selecting of a light source by pointing to it with a light source selection device. An embodiment of the invention relates to a light source selection device (10) comprising—at least one photosensor (36, 38, 40) with a field of view (20, 22, 24), wherein light (26, 28, 30) from one or more light sources (32, 34) may be received by the photosensor within the field of view, and - a photosensor output signal processing unit (42) being adapted to select one or more light sources by processing the light received by each photosensor. The present invention may be for example used to select appliances or devices or objects provided with the ability to transmit coded light in the ultra violet, visible or infra red spectra, for example lights, climate, curtains, kitchenware, etc.

Abstract: “An imaging device formed as an active pixel array combining a CMOS fabrication process and a nanowire fabrication process. The pixels in the array may include a single or multiple photogates surrounding the nanowire. The photogates control the potential profile in the nanowire, allowing accumulation of photo-generated charges in the nanowire and transfer of the charges for signal readout. Each pixel may include a readout circuit which may include a reset transistor, charge transfer switch transistor, source follower amplifier, and pixel select transistor. A nanowire is generally structured as a vertical rod on the bulk semiconductor substrate to receive light energy impinging onto the tip of the nanowire. The nanowire may be configured to function as either a photodetector or a waveguide configured to guild the light to the substrate. Light of different wavelengths can be detected using the imaging device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detection system comprising: an emitter (1) comprising a light-emitting diode (DEL) able to emit a luminous signal and a power supply source (A) designed to apply a constant voltage (VDEL) to the light-emitting diode (DEL), a receiver (2) intended to sense the luminous signal emitted by the light-emitting diode and designed to generate a first input signal (Sin1) representative of the luminous signal detected, means for measuring the current (IDEL) passing through the light-emitting diode (DEL) and intended to generate a second input signal (Sin2) representative of the current (IDEL) measured, processing means (3) connected to the receiver (2) to provide an output signal (Sout) as a function of the first input signal (Sin1) and of the second input signal (Sin2).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section that forms an image on a recording material, a human detecting device that detects a person including an optical sensing unit that converts only an upward light of incident light to the optical sensing unit to an electric signal, and a controller unit that controls the image forming section based on the electric signal.

Abstract: The control device (10) for controlling a therapy light source (30, 30b) comprises an input (13) for receiving information on an intensity and/or amount of light a person has been exposed to from a wearable device (20) that can connect to the control device via the input (13). The control device (10) further comprises an output (14, 14b) for controlling at least one therapy light source (30, 30b) that can be connected to the control device (10). A control unit (12) of the control device (10) is designed to control a connected therapy light source (30, 30b) dependent on the information on the intensity and/or amount of light the person has been exposed to. A wearable device (20) that is suited to operate in combination with the control device (10) comprises a light sensor (23) for detecting an intensity of received light. It further comprises a storage unit (25) connected to the light sensor (23) for storing at least one value related to the measured intensity of the received light.

Abstract: An information acquiring device is provided with a light emitting device, a light receiving device, and a base member on which the light emitting device and the light receiving device are mounted side by side. The light emitting device is provided with a laser light source, a collimator lens, a light separating element which reflects a part of laser light and transmits a part of the laser light, a diffractive optical element which converts the reflected laser light into laser light having a dot pattern, a photodetector which receives the transmitted laser light, and a laser controller which controls a light emission amount of the laser light source based on a detection signal from the photodetector. The laser light source, the collimator lens and the light separating element are linearly arranged, and the diffractive optical element faces a target area.

Abstract: The inventive optical analysis technique uses an optical system capable of detecting light from a micro region in a solution, such as an optical system of a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope, to detect the light from the light-emitting particle to be observed while moving the position of the micro region in the sample solution (while scanning the inside of the sample solution with the micro region); generates time series light intensity data, computes a characteristic value of the light intensity indicating the presence or absence of the light from a single light-emitting particle in every time section of a predetermined width in the light intensity data; and detects the light-emitting particle crossing the inside of the micro region individually using the characteristic value, thereby enabling the counting of the light-emitting particle(s) or the acquisition of the information on the concentration or number density of the light-emitting particle.