Photocell Controlled Circuit Patents (Class 250/206)
  • Publication number: 20120312961
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for setting imaging parameters for image guided radiation treatment. One system includes an imaging element configured to generate an observation of an object in accordance with a first value of an adjustable parameter. The object is associated with a volume of interest (VOI), wherein the VOI is a volume within a body of a patient. The system further includes one or more processors configured to determine a positioning of the VOI based at least in part on the observation of the object, determine a second value of the adjustable parameter based at least in part on a positioning parameter associated with the positioning of the VOI, and assist in providing the second adjustable parameter to the imaging element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: HEADWATER PARTNERS II LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Raleigh, Jose Tellado, Alireza Raissinia
  • Publication number: 20120312960
    Abstract: A control unit sets a first control value for causing a charge accumulation unit to execute a first accumulation and obtaining first image data and a second control value for causing the charge accumulation unit to execute a second accumulation and obtaining second image data, depending on whether an operation mode set by a setting unit executes image recognition processing based on image data obtained through accumulation by the charge accumulation unit. If the operation mode set by the setting unit does not execute the image recognition processing, the control unit sets the first and second control values to be different from each other, even if an object field has a constant luminance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yosuke Mine
  • Patent number: 8330087
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are multispectral detection methods and systems that can be used with image-forming optics configured to form an image of a sample. The systems include: (a) an imaging detector; (b) relay optics that include multiple optical elements, the relay optics positioned to relay the image formed by the image-forming optics to the imaging detector; (c) an actuator coupled to one of the optical elements in the relay optics and configured to adjust a position of the coupled optical element; and (d) control electronics configured to cause the actuator to adjust the position of the coupled optical element in the relay optics in response to a wavelength band selection by a wavelength selection element positioned to select one wavelength band for the image from among two or more wavelength bands within an overall wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Cambridge Research & Instrumentation, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter L. Domenicali
  • Publication number: 20120305803
    Abstract: A method for setting an evaluation parameter for a fluorescence microscope includes exciting dye particles in a sample to fluoresce and detecting fluorescent light from the particles. A graphical representation of a distribution of the fluorescent light is determined and a signal is generated for use in displaying the graphical representation on a display unit. Each subregion of the graphical representation is associated with a comparison value that is representative of a light quantity in the subregion. A predefined threshold is used as an evaluation parameter and compared to the comparison values. The subregions having a comparison value that is greater than the threshold value are marked on the display unit with predefined markings. The threshold value is changed and the comparison values are compared to the changed threshold value. The marked regions are defined as events and a complete image of the sample is obtained based on the events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH
    Inventor: Jonas Foelling
  • Publication number: 20120305814
    Abstract: A reset circuit includes a power supply, a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) that has a gate, a drain, and a source, a capacitor, a Schmitt trigger; and an inverter. When a voltage of the power supply is applied to the gate and turns on the MOSFET, the power supply charges the capacitor. After a predetermined delay time, a voltage of the capacitor reaches a threshold voltage of the Schmitt trigger and turns on the Schmitt trigger, and the capacitor discharges through the Schmitt trigger to correspondingly generate a reset signal output by the inverter to reset an electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHUAN-TSAI HOU
  • Publication number: 20120305770
    Abstract: An article of apparel such as a necktie, hat, cap, eyeglasses, or a pendant, that has battery-powered infrared (IR) light emitter(s) such as IR-emitting LEDs, in a pattern so that the light emitted when the IR emitters are energized is not visible to the naked eye, yet displays a message that can be electronically seen by an IR detecting and display device, such as a digital camera and smart phone. The arrangement of the IR emitters can form a pattern of a text character, a sign, a mark, an image, or other message, the selection of which can be controlled by a microprocessor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Eduardo MINERA
  • Publication number: 20120292481
    Abstract: A multi-beam laser beam control and imaging system includes a laser transmitter configured to emit light in a plurality of beamlets towards a target. At least one of the beamlets illuminates the whole target or a substantial portion of the target when imaging the target. A sensor is configured to receive light from the beamlets. A processor is communicably coupled to the sensor and configured to compute a relative phase of a wavefront of at least one beamlet based on output from the sensor. The processor also reconstructs a wavefront which is used to formulate two or three dimensional images of the target. A controller is communicably coupled to the processor and to the laser transmitter. The controller is configured to adjust a phase of at least one of the beamlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Richard A. Hutchin
  • Publication number: 20120286171
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluorescence measuring apparatus capable of determining whether accuracy of measuring fluorescence lifetime is deteriorated or not due to adjustment of the apparatus. The fluorescence measuring apparatus for measuring fluorescence emitted when an objects to be measured are irradiated with laser light includes: a laser light source that irradiates each of the objects to be measured with intensity-modulated laser light; a light-receiving unit that receives fluorescence emitted when each of the objects to be measured is irradiated with the laser light; a signal processing unit that determines a fluorescence lifetime using a signal of the fluorescence received by the light-receiving unit; and a determining unit that determines whether or not a fluorescence lifetime dispersion of the objects caused by amplification of the signal of the fluorescence performed by the light-receiving unit or by the signal processing unit is larger than a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUI ENGINEERING & SHIPBUILDING CO.,LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuteru Hoshishima
  • Publication number: 20120286136
    Abstract: A device for detecting a presence of an object includes an optical phased array, a detector, a processing portion and an indicator. The optical phased array can transmit a first optical beam to a first location at a first time and can transmit a second optical beam to a second location at a second time. The detector can detect a first reflected beam based on the first optical beam and can detect a second reflected beam based on the second optical beam. The processing portion can determine the presence of the object based on the first reflected beam and the second reflected beam. The indicator can generate an indicator signal based on the presence of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jerry A. Krill, Michael J. O'Driscoll, Michael C. Gross, Stergios J. Papadakis, Gerald F. Ricciardi, Isaac N. Bankman, Joseph S. Peri
  • Publication number: 20120280626
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the method and system which use an image caught by a photographic device for calculating a brightness of a space and acquiring a state of an object, and adjust the illuminant device and/or the shading device for the space to make the brightness of the space achieve the proper level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHENG KUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chu-Sing Yang, Jer-Nan Juang, Chao-Yang Lee
  • Publication number: 20120280144
    Abstract: A simple yet high performance optical system is described which is tailored to enabling efficient detection of the luminescence emissions of near infrared-to-visible upconverting phosphors. The system is comprised of simple and relatively low cost optical components and is designed to telecentrically enable low optical power NIR excitation and high sensitivity VIS and NIR detection of the upconverting phosphor (UCPs), particularly the lanthanide doped UCP nanocrystals which show great promise for utility as molecular taggants in many applications of biomedicine, security and environmental monitoring. The overall system is designed to facilitate compact spectrophotometric instrument manufacture and is adaptable to multiple liquid or solid sample types and formats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Richard A. Guilfoyle, Peter S. Guilfoyle
  • Publication number: 20120280112
    Abstract: A high dynamic range pixel (2) includes a photosensor device (4) for detecting incident light, said photosensor having a photosensor output (14) for a photosensor signal Vp that represents a time integral of the detected light intensity over an integration period. A transistor disconnect switch (8) has a first switch input (15) that is connected to the photosensor output (14), a second switch input (17) that is connected to receive a time-dependent reference signal Vref, and a switch output (16) for a switch output signal Vs that is switchably connected to the first switch input. The disconnect switch (8) is constructed and arranged to disconnect the switch output (16) from the first switch input (15) at a capture moment that depends on the relative values of input signals at the first and second switch inputs (15,18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: ISIS INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Steve Collins
  • Patent number: 8304706
    Abstract: Provided is a photodetector circuit having significantly low current consumption. The photodetector circuit includes two opposing P-channel metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors each including a gate connected to a drain of the opposing P-channel MOS transistor. The drain of one of the P-channel MOS transistors is discharged with an ON-state current of an N-channel MOS transistor which is turned ON with a voltage generated in a photoelectric element. The drain of the other of the P-channel MOS transistors is discharged with an ON-state current of a depletion type N-channel MOS transistor including a gate to which a voltage of a reference power supply terminal is input, and a source to which the voltage generated in the photoelectric element is input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Fumiyasu Utsunomiya
  • Publication number: 20120273651
    Abstract: Dual conversion gain pixel methods, system, and apparatus are disclosed. Dual conversion gain may be obtained by configuring an active pixel having a storage node, a first connection region, a second connection region, and a capacitor coupled between the storage node and the second connection region to introduce a first conversion gain by connecting the first connection region to a power source and connecting the second connection region to a current bias source and reconfiguring the active pixel to introduce a second conversion gain by connecting the second connection region to the power source and connecting the first connection region to the current bias source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: APTINA IMAGING CORPORATION
    Inventor: TRYGVE WILLASSEN
  • Publication number: 20120273695
    Abstract: A compact image sensor for imaging radiation emitted by fluorescing objects exposed to excitation light is disclosed. The compact image sensor includes a light guide defining a longitudinal axis for channeling radiation emitted by the fluorescing object; a reflective surface defined on the light guide that is oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the light guide to reflect the excitation light away from a detector of the image sensor; and the detector positioned at an end of the light guide for imaging radiation emitted by the fluorescing object. Also disclosed is a fluorescence imaging system for imaging radiation emitted by a fluorescing object to be imaged by compact image sensor and a method of fluorescence imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: APTINA IMAGING CORPORATION
    Inventor: ULRICH BOETTIGER
  • Publication number: 20120274608
    Abstract: In a simplified light sensing circuit, a light sensing apparatus including the light sensing circuit, a method of driving the light sensing apparatus, and an image acquisition apparatus and optical touch screen apparatus including the light sensing apparatus, the light sensing circuit includes an oxide semiconductor transistor including a channel layer including an oxide semiconductor material, for each pixel. The oxide semiconductor transistor is configured to operate as a light sensing device that senses light and a switch that outputs light sensing data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young Kim, I-hun Song, Seung-eon Ahn, Sang-hun Jeon, Chang-jung Kim, Sung-ho Park
  • Publication number: 20120261591
    Abstract: A device (10) and a method for analyzing a sample (16) containing fluorophores use a light source (12) emitting light (?ex) onto the sample (16), and onto a fluorescence standard (14). The fluorophores of the sample (16), given an immission of light of a first wavelength (?ex1), have a first excitation efficiency and, given an immission of light of a second wavelength (?ex2), have a second excitation efficiency. The fluorescence standard (14), given the same immissions of light, has a third excitation efficiency and, a fourth excitation efficiency. An optical element (20) which is arranged between the light source (12) and the sample (16) and/or (12) the fluorescence standard (14) adapts, due to its optical property, a first difference between the first excitation efficiency and the second excitation efficiency and a second difference between the third excitation efficiency and the fourth excitation efficiency to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: LRE MEDICAL GMBH, ESTERLINE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rafael Egger, Jörg Zeiner
  • Publication number: 20120256089
    Abstract: A light emitting unit is positioned to the subject side than a light receiving unit in a sensing device. The light emitting unit includes a light emitting layer, a first electrode, a second electrode which has an opening, and an insulating layer that is provided at a position that corresponds to the opening portion of the second electrode and that partially insulates the first electrode and the second electrode. The light receiving unit includes a light receiving element that receives reflected light. The light blocking layer is provided at a position that corresponds to the opening portion, and an opening portion is formed thereon. In a case when viewed in a plan view, the light blocking layer overlaps the opening portion, and a light receiving face of the light receiving element is positioned within the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiji KANDA, Hideto ISHIGURO, Tsukasa EGUCHI, Tetsuji FUJITA, Hidetoshi YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20120248290
    Abstract: A solid-state image sensing device comprises a unit pixel containing a photoelectric conversion element for detecting a light to generate photoelectrons and at least one electrode for forming an MOS diode structure, a first contact point connected to a first voltage supply for supplying a first voltage to the electrode, a second contact point connected to a second voltage supply for supplying a second voltage higher than the first voltage to the electrode, a first capacitor disposed between the first and second contact points, a change-over switch connected to one of the first and second contact points to selectively switch a voltage applied to the electrode to the first voltage or the second voltage, and pixel drive circuits for driving the change-over switch, thereby alternately applying the first voltage and the second voltage to the electrode to generate, hold, transfer, reset, or discharge the photoelectrons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki KAMIYAMA, Keisuke KOREKADO
  • Publication number: 20120245888
    Abstract: A method of processing data associated with fluorescent emissions from a microfluidic device. The method includes performing an auto-focus process associated with a first image of the microfluidic device and performing an auto-exposure process associated with the first image of the microfluidic device. The method also includes capturing a plurality of images of the microfluidic device. The plurality of images are associated with a plurality of thermal cycles. The method further includes performing image analysis of the plurality of captured images to determine a series of optical intensities and performing data analysis of the series of optical intensities to provide a series of change in threshold values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Fluidigm Corporation
    Inventors: Simant Dube, Gang Sun, Lian-She Zhao
  • Publication number: 20120228518
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorescence correlation spectroscopy system (1) for analyzing particles in a medium (2), including a means (3) for detecting the light (7) emitted by the particles in the medium (2), said means (3) being coupled to a waveguide (4), for which purpose the end piece of the guide (4) comprises a means (4b; 5) for confining the light (7) injected into the guide (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE - CNRS
    Inventors: Herve Rigneault, Jerome Wenger, Heykel Aouani, Patrick Ferrand, Neso Sojic, Frederique Deiss
  • Publication number: 20120228471
    Abstract: The invention relates to a primary light converter (1) for converting primary light (3) into secondary light (4). An electrical light conversion unit (2) converts at least a part of the primary light (3) into the secondary light (4), and an energy converter (5) converts at least a part of the primary light (3) into electrical energy, wherein the electrical light conversion unit (2) is adapted to be driven by the electrical energy from the energy converter (5). The invention relates further to a lighting apparatus comprising one or several of the primary light converters. It is not necessary to electrically connect the one or several primary light converters via a wire to an external power supply. This reduces the space required for the primary light converter and the lighting apparatus and increases the variability of possible arrangements of the one or several primary light converters and lighting systems comprising such primary light converters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Ties Van Bommel, Rifat Ata Mustafa Hikmet, Yongfeng Ni
  • Publication number: 20120228479
    Abstract: A control circuit is applied into a projector and an operation method is provided for the projector. The projector includes a photo sensor provided for generating a sensing voltage according to light intensity sensed by the photo sensor. The control circuit includes a first voltage-comparing unit, a reference voltage generating unit and a second voltage-comparing unit. The first voltage-comparing unit is provided for comparing the sensing voltage and a first reference voltage, to generate a first comprising result. The reference-voltage generating unit is provided for generating a second reference voltage and determining whether adjusting the second reference voltage according to the first comparing result. The second reference voltage is relatively larger than the first reference voltage. The second voltage-comparing unit is provided for comparing the sensing voltage and the second reference voltage, to generate a second comparing result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Jung-Chi CHEN, Po-Yen Wu, Chih-Lin Wang
  • Publication number: 20120228470
    Abstract: Generally described, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to pulse oximeter test instruments for testing pulse oximeters. The pulse oximeter test instruments are configured to linearize a relationship between an input signal and an output signal of a light emitting diode (LED). In some embodiments, the linearized relationship may be obtained by minimizing an amount of ambient light detected by a photosensor in a feedback loop. The photosensor may be located in a housing that limits the amount of ambient light that may be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: FLUKE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tom West
  • Publication number: 20120223130
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for scanning objects and associated substances, where the methods include: (a) using a first electronic device to scan a feature of an object and provide reference information about the object based on the scanned feature, where the feature identifies the object or a substance associated with the object; (b) using a second electronic device to measure electromagnetic radiation emitted from the object and provide sample information about the object based on the measured electromagnetic radiation; and (c) comparing the sample information and the reference information to determine whether the object includes the substance associated with the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin J. Knopp, Daryoosh Vakhshoori, Christopher Brown, Gregory Vander Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20120224028
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a microlens includes forming layer of photoresist on a substrate, patterning the layer of photoresist, and then reflowing the photoresist pattern. The layer of photoresist is formed by coating the substrate with liquid photoresist whose viscosity is 150 to 250 cp. A depth sensor includes a substrate and photoelectric conversion elements at an upper portion of the substrate, a metal wiring section disposed on the substrate, an array of the microlenses for focusing incident light as beams onto the photoelectric conversion elements and which beams avoid the wirings of the metal wiring section. The depths sensor also includes a layer presenting a flat upper surface on which the microlenses are formed. The layer may be a dedicated planarization layer or an IR filter, interposed between the microlenses and the metal wiring section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: DOO CHEOL PARK, SEUNG HYUK CHANG, MYUNG-SUN KIM, WON JOO KIM, JU HWAN JUNG, SEUNG HOON LEE, KWANG-MIN LEE, HYOUNG SOO KO
  • Publication number: 20120223925
    Abstract: There is provided a photodetection circuit and a photodetection method capable of obtaining high detection accuracy while reducing burn-in, and a display panel and a display including the above-described photodetection circuit. A photodetection circuit detecting incident light includes: a transistor provided between a fixed power supply line and a photodetection line; a photodiode provided between a gate of the transistor and a control line, and having a cathode directed toward the control line; a first capacitor connected, between the gate of the transistor and the control line, in parallel with the photodiode; and a second capacitor provided between the gate of the transistor and the fixed power supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Yamamoto, Katsuhide Uchino
  • Publication number: 20120223214
    Abstract: A light guided pixel having a guide layer and a light detector layer. The guide layer has a light guide. The light detector layer has a light detecting element that receives light channeled by the light guide. The light guide may include a filter for channeling emissions to the light detecting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Seung Ah Lee, Guoan Zheng, Benjamin Judkewitz, Shuo Pang, Jigang Wu, Changhuei Yang
  • Publication number: 20120223213
    Abstract: A physiological sensor having reduced sensitivity to interference includes a light source, a light detector in optical communication with the light source, and a sensor pad at least partially housing the light source and the light detector. The sensor pad is configured to be capacitively isolated from a patient. Moreover, the physiological sensor may be electrically connected to an amplifier having a signal ground and a monitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Oleg Gonopolskiy, Arik Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120211639
    Abstract: The optical sensor includes a photodiode PD1 with its anode grounded, a diode group DG1 having one end connected to a cathode of the photodiode PD1, a current source I1 having one end connected to the other end of the diode group DG1, a power supply section for applying a constant voltage to the other end of the current source I1, and a grounded-emitter NPN transistor QOUT1 having a base connected to the cathode of the photodiode PD1 and a collector connected to one end of the current source I1. The diode group DG1 is provided by n diodes D1, D2, . . . , Dn connected in series so that their forward directions are directed toward the photodiode PD1 side, and a photocurrent which flows from a connecting point between the diode group and the current source to the photodiode is converted into a voltage and outputted as a photoelectric conversion signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Kohei YASUKAWA, Norikazu Okada, Yasuyuki Shirasaka
  • Publication number: 20120205519
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating an at least two-dimensional image of at least part of a sample. The method involves scanning the sample. Acquiring at least one light signal by an optoelectronic detector for different areas of the sample. Converting the light signal into an electrical signal. Distributing the electrical signal onto several parallel evaluation channels whose signal evaluations differ from each other so that their dynamic ranges are different. Generating a result signal in each evaluation channel. Selecting at least one of the result signals as a function of one of the result signals in order to generate the image for the sample range concerned. It is also possible to generate one intermediate result signal for each channel, typically from the respective actual result signal and one or more other sources. Thus the signal selection depending on both the result signals and the intermediate result signals are possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Carl Zeiss Microlmaging GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Möhler, Dietmar Schmidt, Oliver Holub
  • Publication number: 20120193514
    Abstract: The Invention outlines a method of incorporating a laser pointing device, an optical sensor target device, and a communication by laser beam between the laser-pointer device and the optical sensor target device with the goal of effecting the activation or control of a device embodied in a model railroad or diorama. The Invention includes details of an apparatus incorporating an optical sensor target that can distinguish between the states of being hit and being not hit by a laser beam that is emitted from a laser pointing device that is aimed at the target for the purpose of activating or controlling a device embodied in a model railroad or diorama, and presents that fact to another device via an appropriate electrical circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Barry M. Laxton
  • Publication number: 20120193516
    Abstract: A pixel structure comprises a photo-sensitive element PPD for generating charges in response to light and a charge conversion element FD. A first transfer gate TX is connected between the photo-sensitive element PPD and the charge conversion element. A charge storage element PG is connected to the photo-sensitive element PPD. The charge storage element PG has a higher charge storage density than the photo-sensitive element PPD. The charge storage element PG is located on the photo-sensitive element PPD side of the first transfer gate TX and is arranged to collect charges generated by the photo-sensitive element PPD during an integration period. The charge storage element can be a photo gate, photodiode or capacitor. Arrangements are provided with, and without, a potential barrier between the photo-sensitive element PPD and the charge storage element PG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Jan BOGAERTS
  • Patent number: 8227733
    Abstract: A multi-layer photoelectric conversion device and technology is disclosed. A first photoelectric converter is separated from a second photoelectric converter by an insulative layer. The photoelectric converters may be of a variety of types, and the insulative layer provides protection to reduce pinhole faults in the multi-layer photoelectric conversion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Higuchi, Junji Aranami, Hisashi Sakai, Riichi Sasamori, Seigo Ito
  • Patent number: 8228182
    Abstract: A self-testing notification appliance includes a notification emitter, a verification circuit, and a controller. The notification emitter is operable to output light or light and sound based on a control signal. The verification circuit includes a notification sensor to detect the light or light and sound and generate a verification signal. The controller sends the control signal to the notification emitter and receives information based on the verification signal from the verification circuit. The self-testing notification appliance may be part of a network including a fire control panel and a plurality of additional self-testing notification appliances. The self-testing notification appliances may be assigned addresses on the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventors: Todd F. Orsini, Anthony J. Capowski, Michael A. Furtado
  • Publication number: 20120181417
    Abstract: A charge transfer transistor includes: a first diffusion region and a second diffusion region; a gate for controlling a charge transfer from the first diffusion region to the second diffusion region by a control signal; and a potential well incorporated under the gate, wherein the first diffusion region is a pinned photodiode. A pixel of an image sensor includes: a photodiode for generating and collecting a photo generated charge; a floating diffusion region for serving as a photo generated charge sensing node; a transfer gate for controlling a charge transfer from the photodiode to the floating diffusion region by a control signal; and a potential well incorporated under the transfer gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Intellectual Ventures II LLC
    Inventor: Jaroslav Hynecek
  • Publication number: 20120178026
    Abstract: An imaging device comprising at least one array pattern region and at least one attenuation region. A plurality of imaging features in the at least one array pattern region and a plurality of assist features in the at least one attenuation region are substantially the same size as one another and are formed substantially on pitch. Methods of forming an imaging device and methods of forming a semiconductor device structure are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Yuan He, Kaveri Jain, Lijing Gou, Zishu Zhang, Anton J. DeVilliers, Michael Hyatt, Jianming Zhou, Scott Light, Dan B. Millward
  • Publication number: 20120168607
    Abstract: Methods and systems for use in imaging an imaging domain that spatially separate a scattered field and reconstruct an image based on the spatially separated scattered field (e.g., for use in microwave imaging applications including tumor detection in human tissue, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: University of Manitoba
    Inventor: Vladimir Okhmatovski
  • Patent number: 8207481
    Abstract: A guidance system may include an optical system to focus incident radiation onto a detector configured to generate at least one guidance signal in response to the focused incident radiation. The optical system may include a first lens having a first side and a second side, the first side consisting of a Fresnel lens formed on a generally convex surface and the second side being generally planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Byron Taylor, Michael Schaub, David Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20120132817
    Abstract: An embodiment of a photomultiplier device is formed by a base substrate of insulating organic material forming a plurality of conductive paths and carrying a plurality of chips of semiconductor material. Each chip integrates a plurality of photon detecting elements, such as Geiger-mode avalanche diodes, and is bonded on a first side of the base substrate. Couplings for photon-counting and image-reconstruction units are formed on a second side of the base substrate. The first side of the base substrate is covered with a transparent encapsulating layer of silicone resin, which, together with the base substrate, bestows stiffness on the photomultiplier device, preventing warpage, and covers and protects the chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.I.
    Inventors: Mark Andrew SHAW, Federico Giovanni ZIGLIOLI
  • Publication number: 20120127285
    Abstract: A synchronization apparatus synchronizes switchover between the right and left shutters of shutter glasses for viewing three-dimensional images, with switchover between a right-eye image frame and a left-eye image frame alternately displayed on a display device. The synchronization apparatus includes a sensor installed on the image display screen of the display device, and a controller for controlling switchover between the right and left shutters in accordance with an output signal from the sensor. The right-eye image frame and the left-eye image frame include discrimination marks for discriminating between the right-eye image frame and the left-eye image frame. The sensor detects the discrimination marks displayed on the image display screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Buffalo Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi ISHIDOSHIRO
  • Publication number: 20120126093
    Abstract: A vehicle with a device including a central processing unit, at least one detector with at least one detection surface and designed for detecting, in a detection direction, laser pulses or a light beam coming from an external measuring apparatus which emits laser pulses or light beams for the purpose of detecting a vehicle and/or measuring the speed of a vehicle, and at least one transmitter with a transmission surface and which is designed for transmitting light pulses in a transmission direction that is substantially the same as said detection direction. The central processing unit causes the transmitter to transmit a series of light pulses upon detection of laser pulses or a light beam. The detection surface and the transmission surface are oriented substantially transversely to the driving direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: STICHTING NOBLE HOUSE
    Inventors: Tom Marnix Alexander De Wilde, Patrick Dijkstra
  • Patent number: 8179410
    Abstract: In a state where a sheet exists, an current I is gradually increased. When an voltage V reaches a light receiving level Vx, the current I at the time is stored as I1. The voltage V immediately before the voltage V reaches the light receiving level Vx is stored as V1. In a state where no sheet exists, the current I is gradually decreased from the above I1. When the voltage V reaches a non-light receiving level Vy, the current I at the time is stored as I2. The voltage V immediately before the voltage V reaches the non-light receiving level Vy is stored as V2. Then, the current I at the time of normal operation is set within a range between I1 and I2. A reference voltage Vs is set within a range between V1 and V2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Inoue
  • Publication number: 20120112037
    Abstract: An image capture device according to the present invention includes an imaging lens 3, a light-transmitting section 2 with two polarizers, a rotation driving section 2A that rotates the light transmitting section 2, and a solid-state image sensor 1 that has multiple pixels and their associated polarization filters. A first polarization filter 50a is arranged to face a first group of pixels W1 and a second polarization filter 50b is arranged to face a second group of pixels W2. The respective transmission axes of the polarizing areas P(1) and P(2) of the light-transmitting section 2 form an angle ? between themselves. Also, the respective transmission axes of the polarization filters 50a and 50b form an angle ? between themselves. And the rotation driving section 2A can rotate the light-transmitting plate 2 on the optical axis. As a result, multiple sets of multi-viewpoint images can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masao Hiramoto, Masayuki Misaki, Teruyuki Takazawa, Masaaki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20120091219
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a detector having a detecting device that detects a proximity condition and develops a parameter of electric power related thereto and a parameter measuring device coupled to the detecting device. The parameter measuring device comprises a parameter detector, and an analog-to digital converter (ADC) coupled to the parameter detector and operative in one of a plurality of operational ranges to develop a digital representation of the parameter. The parameter measuring device further includes a range selector coupled between the ADC and the parameter detector that is operative to cause the parameter detector to develop an output signal magnitude representative of the parameter of electric power wherein the output signal magnitude is within one of the operational ranges of the ADC. The detector may be used in a control for a spray device to detect motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Gene Sipinski, Joel Bertomeu, Juan Gavillero, Rafael Serrano-Gotarredona
  • Publication number: 20120074298
    Abstract: A photosensor includes a lower electrode formed of a metal film, an amorphous silicon film disposed on the lower electrode, an n-type amorphous silicon film disposed on the amorphous silicon film, an upper electrode that is disposed on the n-type amorphous silicon film, and receives a first reference voltage, a capacitive element connected between the lower electrode and a second reference voltage, a switch circuit that inputs a first supply voltage to the lower electrode in an on-state, and puts the lower electrode into a floating state in an off-state, and a detector circuit that detects a voltage change in the lower electrode after irradiating the amorphous silicon film for a given period with light when the switch circuit is on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Toshio MIYAZAWA, Atsushi Hasegawa, Terunori Saitou, Kozo Yasuda, Takeshi Yonekura
  • Patent number: 8143564
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventor: Takashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8139281
    Abstract: A tunable optical filter apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus may include a filter driver, a filter device, a detector device and a controller device. The filter driver generates a filter driver signal, including a dither signal. The controller device may be coupled to the detector device, the filter device and the filter driver. The controller device may receive the detector output signal and determine a ratio of the odd order harmonic signal to the even order harmonic signal with respect to the dither frequency. The controller device may also compare the ratio to a predetermined setpoint ratio and generate a control feedback signal for generating a new filter driver signal. The control feedback signal may be based on the comparison of the ratio of the odd order harmonic signal to the even order harmonic signal, to the predetermined setpoint ratio that corresponds to a desired filter operating frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Leah Wang, Anthony C. Kowalczyk
  • Patent number: 8134105
    Abstract: A light quantity measuring device includes a first light reception element, a second light, reception element, an identification circuit, and a selection circuit. The first light reception element receives a predetermined incident light at a first light reception surface. The second light reception element receives the incident light at a second light reception surface, which is oriented in the same direction as the first light reception surface. The identification circuit identifies an incident angle of the incident light with respect to the first light reception surface. The selection circuit, when the incident angle differs from a desired incident angle, selectively electrically connects an output portion of the second light reception element to an output portion of the first light reception element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Oki Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Chiba
  • Publication number: 20120043454
    Abstract: A sampling and holding circuit includes an amplifier (A) that amplifies a signal, a holding capacitor (Ch) that stores the signal, and a switch (S) connected between an output terminal of the amplifier and the holding capacitor. In a state in which the switch is on, the amplifier amplifies the signal with a first signal bandwidth, and subsequently, in a state in which the switch is on, the amplifier amplifies the signal with a second signal bandwidth, which is narrower than the first signal bandwidth, and subsequently the switch is turned off while the amplifier still amplifies the signal with the second signal bandwidth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takamasa Sakuragi