Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a device and method for correcting code wheel misalignment which employs upper and lower code wheel misalignment photodetectors positioned above and below at least first and second motion detection photodetectors. According to other embodiments, there are provided a device and method for automatically setting the gain of an output circuit in an optical encoder. Still further embodiments of optical encoders combine the code wheel misalignment and automatic gain control features of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object capable of emitting light. The apparatus comprises a light detector comprising at least two optical sensors capable of determining the intensity of the light; and a computer processing output signal generated by the optical sensors and comparing a result of the processing with a known result corresponding to a known type to determine whether the object belongs to the known type.

Abstract: A fluorescence detection device is configured to detect a fluorescent substance which is attached to an inspected medium and glows at a specific wavelength. The detection device includes an illumination device configured to apply excitation light for exciting a fluorescent substance to an inspected medium, a first photoreceptor configured to receive excited light from the fluorescent substance of the inspected medium and detect only light of a specific wavelength, a second photoreceptor configured to receive excited light from the fluorescent substance of the inspected medium and detect light in a wider frequency band including the specific wavelength, and an authentication section configured to authenticate the fluorescent substance based on detection signals from the first and second photoreceptors.

Abstract: Provided is a photodetection device which is small in size and has excellent sensitivity. The photodetection device (10) puts cathode terminals of photodiodes (1 and 2) having different spectral characteristics, or a photodiode (1) provided with an optical filter and a photodiode (2) provided with a light shield layer, into an open end state, and detects light intensity of a desired wavelength region according to a difference in electric charges that have been stored in those photodiodes in a given period of time. Since the photodiodes 1 and 2 store electric charges, even if a photocurrent is small, it is possible to store the photocurrent to obtain the electric charges required for detection, permitting achievement of downsizing and high detection performance of the semiconductor device on which the photodiodes 1 and 2 are formed.

Abstract: An optical semiconductor module with a light receiving element with an upper and side light receiving face and a light emitting element mounted on the same mounting carrier. The light receiving element has a light receiving face on an upper face and a side face covered with an antireflection film. The mounting unit has the light emitting element and the light receiving element mounted so that they encompass a positional relationship that the light emitted from the light emitting element is optically connected at least on the light receiving face of the side face of the light receiving element.

Abstract: A radiation sensitive detector array (112) includes a photo sensor (204) that detects a photon and generates a signal indicative thereof. The radiation sensitive detector array (112) also includes a signal analyzer (214) that energy bins and counts the signal when the signal analyzer (214) is able to identify the signal in the output of the photo sensor (204), and that integrates the output of the photo sensor (204) over an integration period when the signal analyzer (214) is not able to identify the signal in the output of the photo sensor (204).

Abstract: An array of two-terminal detectors is configured to provide output signals that provide position sensitive radiation detection (e.g., outputs A and B provide vertical position and outputs C and D provide horizontal position), and which are differential (i.e., signal A+B is equal and opposite to signal C+D). Preferably, a capacitive network is employed to provide the position sensitivity. Array outputs are preferably provided to a low impedance amplifier or opto-electronic coupler.

Abstract: A measurement system for use with fluorescent chemosensors has multiple stimulus light sources each coupled to at least one sensor. Multiple sensors each receiving light from a different light source connect to each of one or more photodetectors. A processing device drives the light sources in a time-division multiplexed manner, and reads the photodetector at an appropriate time for each sensor. The processing device calibrates the sensor readings and provides them in a way that is identified to the associated sensor.

Abstract: Light sensor, comprising a non-translucent layer (1) having a translucent aperture (2), and a sensor array layer (3), comprising an array of op to-electrical sensor elements (3a-d), as well as a translucent solid first carrier layer (4) to which said non-translucent layer is applied at one side and said sensor array layer at the other side. A multitude of such light sensors can be manufactured by taking a first substrate (4) which is suitable as a translucent solid first carrier layer for said multitude of light sensors, applying the non-translucent layers (1) including an aperture (2) in each of them for said multitude of light sensors at one side of the first substrate and applying the sensor array layers (3) for said multitude of light sensors at the other side of the first substrate and, finally, separating the individual light sensors (7a-b). The light sensor may comprise an integrated opto-electric power supply (8, 9).

Abstract: Ambient light is sensed for use in determining luminous flux. According to an example embodiment, ambient light is sensed using two light sensor arrangements that respectively respond differently to light of different relative wavelengths. The output of the sensors is nonlinearly combined to generate data indicative of the luminous flux. This luminous flux data is used to generate a control output for controlling an electronic display.

Abstract: A light receiving detection circuit has a light receiving element configured to receive light emitted from a corresponding projection element, a current/voltage conversion circuit that converts a current signal passing through the light receiving element into a voltage signal, and a filter portion that has a plurality of stages. The filter portion has a high-pass filter and an amplifying circuit. The high-pass filter is able to be switched such that a time constant of the high-pass filter increases when the light receiving element receives light emitted by the corresponding projection element such that the time constant decreases when other projection elements except for the corresponding projection element emit the light.

Abstract: A waveform detector may include multiple stages.

Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric-cell device including a power-source unit arranged between a ground line and a power-source line for generating photo-electromotive force and applying state information to the power-source line, and also including an inverter for converting a direct-current power source into a predetermined one and communicating with the unit via the power-source line. A power-source module of the unit includes a photoelectric-cell module, a bypass diode, a state detector, a communication unit, and a communication controller. The photoelectric-cell module includes cells for generating photo-electromotive force, first/second terminals on the ground-line/power-source-line sides, respectively. The anode of the diode is connected to the first terminal, and the cathode to the second terminal. The detector detects a state of each power-source module. The communication unit applies the information to the power-source line.

Abstract: An optical sensor for detecting motion or movement in an area of interest and a method of operation is provided. The system includes a CMOS sensor having an array of pixels that captures images in an area of interest. The system monitors the average pixel value for the array to define a first state. If the average pixel value changes beyond a defined threshold, the system defines a second state. For each change in state, a signal is generated. In one embodiment, the optical sensor is used with a meter having a dial with an indicator. The optical sensor generates a signal each time the indicator passes through the area of interest to allow for the remote monitoring of a consumable commodity.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a photoelectric conversion device which detects light ranging from weak light to strong light. The present invention relates to a photoelectric conversion device having a photodiode having a photoelectric conversion layer, an amplifier circuit including a thin film transistor and a bias switching means, where a bias which is connected to the photodiode and the amplifier circuit is switched by the bias switching means when intensity of incident light exceeds predetermined intensity, and accordingly, light which is less than the predetermined intensity is detected by the photodiode and light which is more than the predetermined intensity is detected by the thin film transistor of the amplifier circuit. By the present invention, light ranging from weak light to strong light can be detected.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a light device that can emit light and sense light are disclosed. In one embodiment, a lighting device includes a light guide having a planar first surface, the light guide configured such that at least some ambient light enters the light guide through the first surface and propagates therein, and at least one light detector disposed along an edge of the light guide, the at least one detector optically coupled to the light guide to receive light propagating therein. The light detector can be configured to produce a control signal. In some embodiments, the lighting device also includes at least one light turning feature disposed on the first surface, the at least one light turning feature configured to direct light incident into the light guide through the first surface.

Abstract: In response to objects having relative motion within an encoding/sensing region relative to an encoder/sensor that, e.g., photosenses emanating light or performs impedance-based sensing, sensing results can indicate sensed time-varying waveforms with information about the objects, about their relative motion, about excitation characteristics, about environmental characteristics, and so forth. An encoder/sensor can include, for example, a non-periodic arrangement of sensing elements; a longitudinal sequence of sensing elements with a combined sensing pattern that approximates a superposition or scaled superposition of simpler sensing patterns; and/or IC-implemented sensing elements that include photosensing arrays on ICs and readout/combine circuitry that reads out photosensed quantities from cells in groups in accordance with cell-group sensing patterns and combines the readout photosensed quantities to obtain the sensing results.

Abstract: A photodetecting circuit includes an adder that selectively adds outputs of a plurality of circuits for photodetection. Each of the circuits for photodetection includes: a element for photodetecting; a transimpedance amplifier for photodetection, with a first input terminal connected to the photodetecting element; a transconductance amplifier, with a first input terminal connected to an output terminal of the transimpedance amplifier; and a feedback circuit, connected between the output terminal of the transimpedance amplifier for photodetection and the first input terminal of the transimpedance amplifier for photodetection and applying feedback to keep fixed an output voltage of the transimpedance amplifier for photodetection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and measuring light emitted from a sample and having a large dynamic range, e.g., a range of luminous intensity covering six or more orders of magnitude, that may be difficult to fully detect using a single detector with a limited detection range. Simultaneous measurements of the emitted light in two intensity ranges are performed using two detectors, e.g., one including a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and the other including a solid state detector such as a photodiode. A beam splitting element directs light emitted from a sample under investigation to both detectors simultaneously such that a portion of the light impinges on the first detector and a second portion of the light impinges on the second detector.

Abstract: One embodiment of a photodetecting semiconductor apparatus is provided with a sensor chip, a resin-sealed package in which the sensor chip is resin-sealed with a transparent resin, and a color filter disposed on the surface of the sensor chip, with a sensor circuit unit and a light-sensitive element group being formed in the sensor chip. The light-sensitive element group is configured with a color light-sensitive element having a sensitivity peak for color and an infrared light-sensitive element having a sensitivity peak for infrared light. The color light-sensitive element includes a red light-sensitive element having a sensitivity peak for red, a green light-sensitive element having a sensitivity peak for green, and a blue light-sensitive element having a sensitivity peak for blue.

Abstract: To monitor light pulses from a light source, such as a laser, sense signals are provided to a photosensing component or array, causing photosensing during a series of one or more sense periods for the light pulse. Each light pulse can be provided through a transmission structure, such as a layered structure, that provides output light with an energy-dependent position on the photosensing component. A pulse's sensing results can be used to obtain a set of one or more differential quantities; for example, with a photosensing array, two cells of the array can be read out and compared. For a narrow band light pulse, a transmission structure can provide a spot on the photosensing component, and the light spot position can be sensed.

Abstract: In optical tomography, a wide dynamic range is necessary while measuring currents. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the currents are measured by counting the integration time and outputting a measurement result on the basis of the counted integration time, if the integrated current exceeds a threshold value before expiration of a maximum integration time.

Abstract: An optical sensor chip, especially for an optical jamming protection device has a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array of photo-sensitive elements, especially photodiodes, a number of pre-processing switching circuits for respectively processing a detection signal of each element, and a programmable interface between the array and the pre-processing switching circuits, a pre-processing switching circuit being associable with each element by the interface. An optical jamming protection device has an emitter unit which is designed in such a way as to emit radiation in a spatial area, a detector unit for detecting a radiation field from the spatial area, and a control unit designed to identify an obstacle in a pre-determined monitoring region in the spatial area, by evaluating output signals of the detector unit. To this end, the detector unit comprises an above-mentioned sensor chip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring information of biological systems. The aim of the invention is to receive signals using less energy. To achieve this, random generators are used as receivers (B) of low-energy quanta, since the random generators can be regarded and implemented as antennae and receivers of signals of this type. The extensive natural transmission range of low-energy quanta can also be used to receive information from spatially remote systems.

Abstract: An optical measuring device includes: a light applying section configured to apply laser light to a sample flowing in a channel; and a fluorescence detecting section configured to detect fluorescence generated from the sample irradiated with the laser light; the fluorescence detecting section including a multichannel photomultiplier tube having a plurality of detection channels capable of simultaneously detecting a plurality of light beams, a light separator configured to separate the fluorescence according to wavelengths to provide the plurality of light beams, the light separator being provided by a transmission grating or a prism, and a telecentric condenser lens configured to receive the plurality of light beams from the light separator and direct the plurality of light beams toward the plurality of detection channels of the multichannel photomultiplier tube so that the optical axes of the plurality of light beams are parallel to each other.

Abstract: A configurable photo detector circuit comprises a photo detector array including a plurality of photo detectors coupled to a plurality of amplifiers. A method for programming a detection pattern of the configurable photo detector circuit comprises selecting a first detection pattern for the photo detector array, generating first signals to create the first selected detection pattern, and applying the first generated signals to the photo detector circuit to implement the first selected detection pattern.

Abstract: Systems and method for detecting and measuring light emitted from a sample and having a large dynamic range, e.g., a range of luminous intensity covering six or more orders of magnitude, that may be difficult to fully detect using a single detector with a limited detection range. Simultaneous measurement of the emitted light in two intensity ranges is performed using two detectors, e.g., one including a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and the other including a solid state detector such as a photodiode. A beam splitting element directs light emitted from a sample under investigation to both detectors simultaneously such that a portion of the light impinges on the first detector and a second portion of the light impinges on the second detector.

Abstract: A method is provided of compensating for stray light in a light sensor having a detection photosensor (7) and a reference photosensor (20), the reference photosensor (7) being for use in compensating for stray light falling on the detection photosensor (20). The method comprises using the reference photosensor (20) at least in part to determine a bias voltage applied to the detection photosensor (7). Based on this method, a display device is provided comprising a backlight and a light sensor for determining an ambient light level with the effects of stray light from the backlight substantially removed, with means provided for controlling the intensity of the backlight in dependence upon the determined ambient light level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for optically determining the position of an object in a particular area of a substantially plane surface. According to the invention at least one directional single-point emitter associated with at least two directional single-point light receivers covering the particular area are disposed near said particular area, each light emitter and receiver having an axis substantially parallel to the particular area and on which maximum emission, respectively maximum sensing angle, is observed, so that the axes of the receivers intersect the axis of the emitter at different points. The light emitter is energized and the position of the object on the axis of the emitter is determined as a function of a comparison of the light signals reflected and diffused by the object toward each of the two light receivers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical detector device (1) for generating at least one electrical output signal in response to a received beam of light, comprising an optical band-pass filter (3a), adapted to receive the beam of light and to provide a filtered beam of light, which filter (3a) has a transmission wavelength which increases in direction of at least one axis (4) and an array of detector elements (2) arranged in direction of the axis (4) to receive the filtered beam of light for generating the electrical output signal.

Abstract: A light grid includes pairs of transmitters and receiver units, and a programmable logic unit for signal evaluation. The analog part of the light grid includes only the reception elements and the storage capacitors for performing analog-to-digital conversion.

Abstract: A color sensor with a plurality of optical sensors in which the number of terminals for connection with the outside can be reduced. The color sensor includes a plurality of optical sensors each provided with a photoelectric conversion element and an optical filter over a light-transmitting substrate. The optical filters in the plurality of optical sensors have light-transmitting characteristics different from each other. The plurality of optical sensors is mounted over an interposer including a plurality of terminal electrodes for electrical connection with an external device. The interposer includes a wiring having a plurality of branches for electrical connection between the terminal electrode for inputting a high power supply potential to the plurality of optical sensors and a wiring having a plurality of branches for electrical connection between the terminal electrode for inputting a low power supply potential to the plurality of optical sensors.

Abstract: A radiation detecting apparatus includes plural pixels each provided with a switching element disposed on an insulating substrate and a conversion element disposed on the switching element, and plural signal wirings arranged in one direction and connected with the plural switching elements, wherein the conversion elements have electrodes separated respectively for the pixels, the switching element is connected with the electrode for each pixel, and both ends of the signal wiring, opposed to each other in a width direction, and both ends of the control wiring, opposed to each other in a width direction are disposed inside of an area of the electrode when seen from above the conversion element.

Abstract: A magnetic field gradient is generated in a space, and a microparticle is flied downward in the space, thereby applying a magnetic force from the magnetic field gradient onto the microparticle. Then, a velocity and an acceleration of the microparticle due to the magnetic force are measured, thereby measuring a mass of the microparticle on the measured velocity and a magnetic susceptibility of the microparticle.

Abstract: An photodetector includes: a first light receiving element that receives light including ambient light; a second light receiving element that receives light including the ambient light; and a red color filter disposed on an optical path through which the ambient light is incident on the second light receiving element.

Abstract: A configurable photo detector circuit includes a photo detector array having a plurality of photo detectors. A switching matrix includes a first plurality of inputs coupled to outputs of the plurality of photo detector, a second plurality of inputs, and a plurality of matrix outputs. A controller is coupled to the second plurality of inputs of the switching matrix for configuring the switching matrix. The controller is operable to receive programmed commands for configuring the switching matrix. An output block having a plurality of inputs is coupled to receive the plurality of matrix outputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein electrical signals from the plurality of photo detectors are directed to respective ones of the plurality of outputs based on the switching matrix.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element array having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements (emitting optics 4, receiving optics 5) arranged in an array, and the photoelectric conversion elements 4, 5 are arranged alternately at different positions so that every second one is aligned on the same line in the direction of array. A mounted structure of photoelectric conversion element array, having the emitting optics array and the receiving optics array in the photoelectric conversion element array of this invention, arranged on an interposer substrate 9 so as to oppose therewith, and these arrays are mounted on the interposer substrate 9 through the external connection terminals 7. An optical information processing apparatus 1 having the photoelectric conversion element array of the present invention, and an optical wave guide 3 opposed to the respective optics of the photoelectric conversion element arrays.

Abstract: An optical communication device includes a one-chip light receiving element having a plurality of light receiving sections having light receiving sensitivity to different wavelength ranges in a visible light spectrum. The photodiode has a light receiving surface, which is divided into nine blocks. For each light receiving section group in which light receiving sections have the light receiving sensitivity to an identical wavelength range, the light receiving sections are dispersedly placed in corresponding ones of the blocks.

Abstract: A field use optical grain characterising system (101) includes a generally rectangular prismatic composite body (102) that defines a component cavity (103). A substantially vertical elongate channel (104) extends within cavity (103) for housing a grain sample (not shown). An electromagnetic radiation source, in the form of a 12 Volt halogen lamp (105), is disposed within cavity (103.) for directing NIR light into channel (104). An optical detection system (107) is disposed within cavity (103) for sensing selected light emerging from channel (104) and for providing a sensor signal. A processor, which is included within detection system (107), is also disposed within cavity (103) and is responsive to the sensor signal for providing data indicative of a characteristic parameter of the grain sample. A display device, in the form of a 5.7-inch touch screen LCD display (108), is connected with body (102) for selectively presenting the data.

Abstract: The key device of the present invention is provided with: first light-emitting portions that emit light propagating in a first direction; second light-emitting portions that emit the light R propagating in a second direction; converters H that can convert a propagating direction of light from the first direction to the second direction, or from the second direction to the first direction; first light-receiving portions that receive light propagating in the first direction through the converters; second light-receiving portions that receive light propagating in the second direction through the converters; and a plurality of keys, which are provided correspondingly to the converters, and which determine whether the propagating direction of light is converted in the converters.

Abstract: An optical encoder (100) is provided with: a light-emitting element (30) including a main-signal light-emitting element (31) having a red LED (31A) that emits red light and an origin light-emitting element (32) having an infrared LED (32A) that emits infrared light; and a receiver unit (40) including a main-signal photo detector (41) that receives the red light to generate a predetermined signal and an origin photo detector (42) that receives the infrared light to generate a predetermined signal. Accordingly, even when the infrared light enters the main-signal photo detector (41) or the red light enters the origin photo detector (42), no signal is generated by the light, thereby effectively preventing crosstalk. Thus, the measurement accuracy of the optical encoder (100) can be improved.

Abstract: A person location detecting apparatus according to the present invention includes a light emitting section for radiating a projection light and a TOF method distance image sensor for receiving a reflected light from a room space of the projection light to output distance information in accordance with a distance to an object in the room space from each of a plurality of light receiving sections, and further includes a distance change detecting section for detecting a distance change to the object in the room space based on the distance information from the TOF method distance image sensor and a person distinguishing section for distinguishing a person by specifying a shape of a detected distance change area to detect a direction and distance to the distance change area that is specified as a shape of a person as a location of a person.

Abstract: An optical touch panel including a support defining a detection region, an optical illumination assembly including at least two edge emitting optical light guides extending along adjacent portions of the detection region and having ends adjacent to one another and at least one mechanical coupling and optical coupling assembly, at least one sensor assembly, operative to detect changes in the light received from the optical illumination assembly produced by the presence of an object in the detection region and detection circuitry receiving at least one output from the at least one sensor assembly and providing an output indication of the two dimensional location of object impingement in the detection region.

Abstract: Remote control systems that can distinguish predetermined light sources from stray light sources, e.g., environmental light sources and/or reflections are provided. The predetermined light sources can be disposed in asymmetric substantially linear or two-dimensional patterns. The predetermined light sources also can output waveforms modulated in accordance with one or more signature modulation characteristics. The predetermined light sources also can output light at different signature wavelengths.

Abstract: A light detector system for use with a work-piece is provided. The light detector system can include a housing and at least one sensor coupled to the housing. The sensor can be responsive to a light source to generate a signal that indicates a location of the light source with respect to the housing. The light detector system can also comprise a marker coupled to the housing. The marker can be responsive to the signal to mark the location of the light source on a surface of the work-piece.

Abstract: Method and systems related to obstructing a first predefined portion of at least one defined wavelength of light incident upon a first photo-detector array; and detecting the at least one defined wavelength of light with a photo-detector in a second photo-detector array.

Abstract: A display device in which light leakage in a monitor element portion is prevented without increasing the number of steps and cost is provided. The display device includes a monitor element for suppressing influence on a light-emitting element due to temperature change and change over time and a TFT for driving the monitor element, in which the TFT for driving the monitor element is provided so as not to overlap the monitor element. Furthermore, the display device includes a first light shielding film and a second light shielding film, in which the first light shielding film is provided so as to overlap a first electrode of the monitor element and the second light shielding film is electrically connect to the first light shielding film through a contact hole formed in an interlayer insulating film. The contact hole is formed so as to surround the outer edge of the first electrode of the monitor element.

Abstract: Provided is a photodiode array that is capable of outputting an electric signal with a large electric power and an optical microwave transmission system receiver that supplies an electric power with the aid of an optical fiber and does not require the electric power line from the external. An input modulation light is branched and input to a plurality of photodiode elements (1), electric output terminals (5) of the plurality of photodiode elements (1) are connected in parallel to each other, and a combined electric output is extracted. The electric output terminal (5) of the photodiode array configured as described above is connected to an antenna (7) without an intermediation of an amplifier circuit.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing alignment between an optical nanotaper coupler and a free space optical signal includes the formation of a “ridge” structure around the location of the nanotaper coupler to reduce stray light-related errors in the alignment process. The ridge is preferably formed by etching vertical sidewalls through the inter-level dielectric (ILD) and buried oxide (BOX) layers of the SOI structure. When an optical source (such as an illuminated fiber, laser, etc.) is scanned across this etched arrangement, the signal received by an associated photodetector registers an increase at the boundary between the etched region and the vertical sidewall of the ridge, thus defining the bounds within which the nanotaper coupler is located. Since the dimensions of the ridge are known and controlled by the etching process, the location of the nanotaper coupler tip along the endface of the ridge can be determined from this scan.

Abstract: One version of the invention relates to a laser detection system that includes a ball lens and a plurality of fiber optic bundles placed adjacent the ball lens so that incoming light rays are focused onto the bundles by the ball lens. In one particular version of the invention, a ball lens is one that can provide an almost infinite number of “principal” axes for off-axis light. Each fiber optic bundle is aimed in a different direction from each other bundle so that each bundle will have a different FOV even though the same ball lens is used to focus the incoming light rays.