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: The present invention relates to a photosensitive device comprising a matrix of photosensitive pixels, in particular of the type produced by techniques for depositing semiconductor materials. The invention relates more particularly (but not exclusively) to the driving of such devices used for detecting radiological images. It also relates to a method of driving the photosensitive device. The photosensitive device includes means for adjusting the amplitude of the bias, allowing separate adjustment of the amplitude of the bias of the photosensitive pixels (P1 to P9; P401 to P409). The method of driving the photosensitive device consists, in the calibration phase, in adjusting the amplitude of the bias of each of the photodetector elements (Dp) separately from one another, so as to bring the output saturation levels of the two photosensitive pixels into maximum coincidence.

Abstract: A readout circuit (29) for reading active pixels in a sensor (10) having at least one sensor segment (11) each containing addressable pixels (12) includes a respective sample and hold unit (28) for sampling and holding an analog value associated with a corresponding pixel, and an analog multiplexer (35) in each segment having an addressable channel coupled to each sample and hold unit for carrying the corresponding held value of the respective pixel. A lookup table (38) stores addresses of predefined neighboring pixels associated with the respective pixel. An encoder (36) is responsive to one or more trigger signals for generating an address in the lookup table, and a controller (37) feeds the address to the lookup table and successively feeds the addresses of the predefined neighboring pixels output by the lookup table to the analog multiplexer.

Abstract: A sensor may be formed with a transistor comprising a gate that has both n-type and p-type regions to increase the gate work function. In combination with moving the p-type well such that the p-type well only partially dopes the channel of the transistor, the increased gate work function further increases the reset voltage level required to create the reset channel without having to use high doping levels in the critical regions of the sensor structure including the photo-detector and the reset transistor. The source of the reset transistor is partially beneath the n-type region of gate, while the transistor's drain is partially beneath the p-type region of the gate. The channel has a p-type well portion and a substrate portion. This construction of the sensor may eliminate the reset noise associated with the uncertainty of whether the charge left in the transistor's channel will flow back towards the photo-detector after the transistor has been turned off.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a specimen, such as a semiconductor wafer that uses a laser light source for providing a beam of light. The beam is applied to a traveling lens acousto-optic device having an active region and responsive to an RF input signal to selectively generate plural traveling lenses in the active region. The traveling lens acousto-optic device is operative to receive the light beam and generate plural flying spot beams, at the respective focus of each of the generated traveling lenses. A light detector unit, having a plurality of detector sections, each detector section having a plurality of light detectors and at least one multi-stage storage device operative to receive in parallel an input from the plurality of light detectors, is used to generate useable scan data. Information stored in each of the storage devices is serially read out concurrently from the multiple stages.

Abstract: A communication system including an infrared receiver that receives optical infrared signals. The infrared receiver utilizes an array of photo-sensors for detecting optical infrared signals within a solid angle. Each photo-sensor, however, detects optical infrared signals in only a predetermined portion of the solid angle. On detecting optical infrared signals, each photo-sensor converts and forwards a corresponding electrical signal to a filter circuit that selectively determines whether the signal meets a predetermined criteria such as a frequency threshold. The filter circuit or other processing circuitry is thereby able to identify photo-sensor(s) providing an optimal infrared communication link. The infrared receiver may include an optical system comprising a lens assembly that directs the optical infrared signals towards the array of photo-sensors.

Abstract: A camera includes a set of sensing elements. Each sensing element is arranged at an image plane in an energy field to measure a magnitude and sign of a local gradient of the energy field. Each sensing element includes at least two energy intensity sensors. Each energy sensor measures a local intensity of the energy field. Logarithms of the intensities are subtracted from each other to obtain the magnitude and sign of the gradients. A Poisson equation is solved using the gradients to obtain an output image of the energy field.

Abstract: A laser beam receiver with non-interdigitated photosensors arranged in a repeating pattern of “n” channels of photosensors in each of “m” sectors is disclosed. The photocurrent from both the anode and cathode terminals of the photosensor is used to determine laser beam position. The repeating patterns connect one set of “n” channel amplifier channels with the corresponding set of “m” sector amplifier channels. The position of the laser beam is determined by its position relative to the sector and channel the laser beam impinges on. The laser beam position relative to sector boundaries is determined by the distribution of photosensor current into the “n” channels of amplifiers from the “n” photosensors within each sector. The sector of the photosensor the laser beam impinges on is determined by the distribution of photosensor current into the “m” channels of sector amplifiers from the “m” groups of “n” photosensors.

Abstract: A position and color detection sensor (for detecting a position of a light spot in a light distribution that can include stray light components, e.g. from other lasers, ambient lighting etc.) includes two discrete response position sensitive detectors (DRPSDs). The first DRPSD is used to calculate a raw estimate of the spot position and the second DRPSD is used to calculate the actual spot position based on information from the first DRPSD. Color is supported by further dividing each pixel of the first DRPSD into elementary photocells, each one covered with an appropriate optical filter. The use of two DRPSDs differing in pixel geometries makes them suitable for integration on the same chip using the same process. This reduces production and alignment costs. Further, analogue microelectronic processes can be used for color filter deposition and simple optics can be used for beam splitting and shaping.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting the relative position of reference light includes a plurality of photodetector arrays arranged in a generally vertical row. Each array includes a plurality of photodetector elements arranged in a generally vertical array row. The photodetector elements in the arrays are arranged in a generally vertically oriented, extended row. Each of the photodetector elements provides an electrical output when illuminated with the light. A plurality of weighting circuits is provided, each weighting circuit being associated with a respective one of the plurality of photodetector arrays.

Abstract: A receiving device for cooperation with an optical fiber is provided with a sensor (3). The sensor (3) comprises two or more distinct sensor elements (4a, . . . , 4d) delivering an output signal with a strength that depends on the intensity applied to the sensor element (4a, . . . , 4d). A greatest dimension (a) of the sensor element (4a, . . . , 4d) is at most equal to half the diameter of a diffraction-limited spot (5) of the beam (2) exiting the optic fiber (1) at the location of the sensor elements (4a, . . . , 4d). A diametrical dimension (c) of the part of the sensor (3) provided with sensor elements (4a, . . . , 4d) is greater than the diameter of the beam (2) exiting from the optical fiber (1). Means (15) are present for determining the strength of the output signal from each sensor element (4a, . . . , 4d).

Abstract: An optical detection device for detecting an intensity of a light beam in a detection window and for detecting data transmitted by the light beam includes a first detection diode and an array of at least two second detection diodes in a detection window. In addition, provision is made for a first readout circuit connectable to the first detection diode, for reading out the first detection diode at a first readout speed to detect the data, and for a second readout circuit connectable to the second detection diodes, for reading out the second detection diodes at a second readout speed smaller than the first readout speed, so as to detect the intensity of the light beam.

Abstract: An imaging system with an integrated source and detector array. A plurality of light detectors are arranged in a detector array and a plurality of light sources corresponding to detectors in the detector array are arranged in a source array in an epi-illumination system so that light radiated from a point on the object illuminated by a given source is detected by a corresponding detector. An optical system is disposed with respect to the source array and the detector array so as to illuminate an object with light from the source array and image the object on the detector array. Ordinarily, the sources and detectors are coplanar and, preferably, are fabricated or at least mounted on the same substrate. One or more sources in the source array may have a corresponding plurality of detectors, and one or more detectors in the detector array may have a corresponding plurality of sources.

Abstract: In a multipoint autofocus system in which a focus state of objects at different positions in a plurality of focus detection zones in an image surface is detected, and thereafter, one of pieces of information on the focus state thus detected is selected, so that a focusing optical system is moved in accordance with the selected focus data, provision is made of a judging apparatus for judging the contrast of the detected object in the focus detection zones, and a controller for selecting data representing the shortest focus from among the focus data of the objects in the focus detection zones in which the judged object contrast is higher than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. Sensors are deployed at a theatrical event to detect the IR focusing signal and/or the RF signal of an unauthorized imaging device. De-focusing signals are used to disrupt the auto focus system of imaging devices that do not use IR focusing systems. A thwarting signal comprising invisible light frequencies may be combined to produce a thwarting signal that is received by the CCD of an imaging device as white light thereby rendering the recorded image unusable.

Abstract: The device of the present invention includes an electrochromic element having a transmittance that varies in response to an electrical signal, a base substrate disposed in spaced relation to the electrochromic element, a seal disposed between the base substrate and the electrochromic element, and an optical sensor. The seal, base substrate, and electrochromic element form a sealed cavity therebetween, in which the optical sensor is disposed. According to another embodiment, an electrochromic device is provided that includes a first substrate, an electrochromic medium disposed on the first substrate, a pair of electrodes in contact with the electrochromic medium, a pair of conductive clips, each in electrical contact with a respective one of the electrodes, and two pairs of electrical lead posts for mounting the first substrate to the circuit board. Each pair of lead posts is attached to, and extends from, a respective one of the conductive clips.

Abstract: Information is encoded, within a photosensor array, into photosensors which are not used for imaging. Some information encoding photosensors are permitted to receive unimpeded light, and for other photosensors the light is at least partially blocked or filtered. Alternatively, some photosensors may be disabled. When the photosensors are exposed to light, the resulting photosensor signals provide information. Alternatively, some photosensors may accumulate charge in the absence of light, and the resulting photosensor signals in the absence of light provide information. The information can be binary, or multiple-bit per pixel. Information can also be encoded into each individual color channel. Identification of vendor, part type, or other information can be encoded.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a centroid of a spot produced by electromagnetic radiation, e.g., optic radiation, using an array of PIN photodiodes serving as photodetectors and being organized in columns and in rows. Vertical connections are used to interconnect the PIN photodiodes in the columns in accordance with a first pattern that interconnects two or more adjacent columns. Horizontal connections are used to interconnect PIN photodiodes in the rows in accordance with a second pattern that interconnects two or more adjacent rows. The first and second patterns of interconnections can include just two adjacent columns and two adjacent rows, respectively and form a checkerboard interconnect pattern. The interconnections are made such that there are no anode connections between the PIN photodiodes in the rows and columns.

Abstract: A semiconductor photodetecting device including a PIN photodiode formed on an SI-InP substrate; a buried optical waveguide portion formed on the SI-InP substrate and including the film thickness continuously increased toward the PIN photodiode and an InP clad layer covering the upper surface and the side surface of the InGaAsP core layer; and a ridge-shaped connection optical waveguide portion formed on the SI-InP substrate between the PIN photodiode and the buried optical waveguide portion and including the InGaAsP core layer and the InP clad layer selectively covering only the upper surface of the InGaAsP core layer.

Abstract: An object presence detection device, of the type mounted to a motor vehicle having at least one blind spot, where the detection device is for detecting an object situated in the blind spot, comprises: a receiver for detecting electromagnetic waves, comprising a focussing device, and a light detector converting said received electromagnetic waves into electrical signals; an electronic circuit converting the electrical signals into digitized signals; a logic circuit analyzing the digitized signals to analyze the presence of objects in the blind spot which are moving relative to the vehicle, and emitting variable output signals depending on the result of the analysis; indicator members activated by the output signals, suitable to be perceived by the driver.

Abstract: A plurality of semiconductor devices are disposed in a line on the surface of a supporting substrate. Each semiconductor device is adapted to generate an electric signal depending on the intensity of incident light. Adjacent semiconductor devices are optically coupled by an interconnecting optical waveguide so that light can pass through the semiconductor device one by one in a direction from a first stage closest to an input end to a last stage. An electric signal transmission line is formed of a pair of conductors connected to the semiconductor devices so that the electric signal generated by the semiconductor devices can propagate. One conductor of the pair of conductors of the electric signal transmission line is formed so as to extend in the air above the supporting substrate between adjacent semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A sensor may be formed with a transistor comprising a gate that has both n-type and p-type regions to increase the gate work function. In combination with moving the p-type well such that the p-type well only partially dopes the channel of the transistor, the increased gate work function further increases the reset voltage level required to create the reset channel without having to use high doping levels in the critical regions of the sensor structure including the photo-detector and the reset transistor. The source of the reset transistor is partially beneath the n-type region of gate, while the transistor's drain is partially beneath the p-type region of the gate. The channel has a p-type well portion and a substrate portion. This construction of the sensor may eliminate the reset noise associated with the uncertainty of whether the charge left in the transistor's channel will flow back towards the photo-detector after the transistor has been turned off.

Abstract: An electronic imager includes a detector array, a plurality of processing circuits, each responsive to an output signal from a respective detector element of the array and to a determination that signal coupling in general or charge sharing in particular occurred. The imager further includes a shared channel circuit coupled to at least two processing circuits for receiving an output signal from the processing circuits in response to a determination that signal coupling has occurred and for generating an output signal in response to the received signals. The shared channel circuit further directs the output signal to an image sub-pixel, wherein a plurality of sub-pixels are associated with each radiation sensitive element.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. Sensors are deployed at a theatrical event to detect the IR focusing signal and/or the RF signal of an unauthorized imaging device. De-focusing signals are used to disrupt the auto focus system of imaging devices that do not use IR focusing systems. A thwarting signal comprising invisible light frequencies may be combined to produce a thwarting signal that is received by the CCD of an imaging device as white light thereby rendering the recorded image unusable.

Abstract: A photocell system includes a current control circuit that provides an offset voltage. Each photocell in a photocell array includes an opto-electrical converter receives the offset voltage such that the opto-electrical converter establishes a DC operating point. In one embodiment, each photocell includes the current control circuit. In an alternate embodiment, a single current control circuit provides the offset voltage for the entire photocell array.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a centroid of a spot produced by electromagnetic radiation, e.g., optic radiation, using an array of PIN photodiodes serving as photodetectors and being organized in columns and in rows. Vertical connections are used to interconnect the PIN photodiodes in the columns in accordance with a first pattern that interconnects two or more adjacent columns. Horizontal connections are used to interconnect PIN photodiodes in the rows in accordance with a second pattern that interconnects two or more adjacent rows. The first and second patterns of interconnections can include just two adjacent columns and two adjacent rows, respectively and form a checkerboard interconnect pattern. The interconnections are made such that there are no anode connections between the PIN photodiodes in the rows and columns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor photodetector. The photodetector is a waveguide photodetector, which comprises: a waveguide (1,2,3) having a III-V ridge structure including an active layer (1); a semiconductor layer (4) deposited on top of the ridge structure; and, metal detector electrodes (not shown) on the surface of the higher refractive index semiconductor layer (4). The semiconductor layer (4) has a higher refractive index than the waveguide structure (1,2,3). The ridge structure is configured to widen along the length of the waveguide (1,2,3) such that light passing through the active layer (1) of the waveguide couples more efficiently up into the higher refractive index semiconductor layer (4).

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a single linear array of bi-cell optical detectors is arranged with each bi-cell optical detector having a rectangular aperture located a prescribed distance above the surface of the bi-cell optical detector. In the first embodiment, in calculating the position of a point source emitter, it is understood that each detector receives light from the point source emitter at a unique angle different from the angles at which the other detectors receive light from the point source emitter. A plot of detector ratios is made by taking the best fit line through the ratios from each detector and the location of the point where the detector ratio is zero yields the point of perpendicularity between the emitter and the linear detector array. Another embodiment contemplates a three dimensional detector having three linear arrays of bi-cell detectors arranged at the periphery of a measuring space mutually orthogonal to one another.

Abstract: The invention provides a luminescent based sensor having a luminescent material optically coupled to a substrate, and adapted to be used in a medium or environment such as water or air. A detector is provided to detect light that is emitted into the substrate by the material. The substrate is adapted to redirect light that is emitted into the substrate at angles with the range &thgr;esc? &thgr;? &thgr;lsc where &thgr;esc is the critical angle of the environment/substrate interface and &thgr;lsc is the critical angle of the luminescent layer/substrate interface. Examples of possible configurations arc described.

Abstract: An optical semiconductor relay comprises a light emitting element converting an electrical signal into an optical signal, a first photodiode array receiving the optical signal from the light emitting element. The first photodiode array converts the optical signal into an electrical signal. The relay is further provided with a first diode having one electrode connected to one end of the first photodiode array and a MOSFET. The MOSFET has a gate terminal connected to other electrode of the first diode, and a source terminal connected to other end of the first photodiode array. A second photodiode array is arranged to receive the optical signal from the light emitting element. The second photodiode array converts the optical signal into an electrical signal and has both ends connected to the respective electrodes of the first diode. A control circuit connected between the gate and source terminals of the MOSFET.

Abstract: A position measuring system for determining the relative position of a first object and a second object movable relative to one another that includes an incremental track, associated with a first object and having a periodic line structure that has individual lines and a scanning unit, associated with a second object movable relative to the first object, that scans said periodic line structure and that generates a corresponding incremental signal. A sensor system that generates absolute position information pertaining to the relative position of the first and second objects, wherein the width of the individual lines, as measured along a longitudinal direction of the incremental track, varies over at least a portion of the breadth of the incremental track, as measured in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, in such a way that a structure with absolute position information is superimposed on the periodic line structure.

Abstract: A vehicular imaging system for capturing an image includes an imaging sensor and an electro-optic filter. The electro-optic filter is operable to attenuate light in response to a voltage applied to said electro-optic filter. The electro-optic filter is positioned along an optic path between the imaging sensor and a scene being captured by the imaging sensor. The imaging system includes a control for applying the voltage to the electro-optic filter. Preferably, the control is operable to selectively apply the voltage to the electro-optic filter. Preferably, the control is operable to selectively apply the voltage to the electro-optic filter in response to an ambient light intensity.

Abstract: Method for extracting an illuminated zone from a matrix of photosensors of a light-detecting device and light-detecting device implementing this method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a micromirror optical multiplexer for directing light to an array of sensors. The micromirror optical multiplexer directs light from one or more sources onto multiple, coplanar sensors for the purpose of exciting fluorescence. The micromirror optical multiplexer includes at least one light source and a micromirror array having a top face and up to four side faces. Pivotable mirrors of the micromirror array are arranged in a multiple row, multiple column format on the top face. In addition, each of the side faces of the micromirror array has at least one row of pivotable mirrors. By pivoting one side face mirror and one top face mirror, a light source entering at one corner of the micromirror array can be directed to exit near normal incidence anywhere on the bottom of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for detecting an object or a person is received. The receiving power is permanently detected. The laser light pulse is switched off when a threshold value that matches sufficient receiving power is obtained.

Abstract: A method is described for the operation of an opto-electronic sensor array, in which a plurality of sequential operating light pulses are emitted into a monitored region; the operating light pulses reflected from an object arranged in the monitored region are received by a spatially resolving receiver unit with a plurality of light sensitive sensors; the light intensity of the respectively received reflected operating light pulses is detected and stored in each case during an activation interval synchronously with the emission of the operating light pulses for each sensor; and after each activation interval, in sequential transmission steps, the light intensities stored for the sensors are transmitted to a parallel processor having a plurality of parallel signal inputs for the parallel signal processing, with the transmission in each case taking place for a plurality of sensors simultaneously in each transmission step. Furthermore, a sensor array for the carrying out of the method is described.

Abstract: Under an embodiment, a system includes an array of analog photocells; a first plurality of shift cells, each shift cell in the first plurality of shift cells being coupled to a corresponding analog photocell; and a second plurality of shift cells, each shift cell in the second plurality of shift cells being coupled to a corresponding shift cell in the first plurality of shift cells; and a differential operational amplifier having a first input coupled to a terminating output of the first plurality of shift cells and a second input coupled to a terminating output of the second plurality of shift cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a micromirror optical multiplexer for directing light to an array of sensors. The micromirror optical multiplexer directs light from one or more sources onto multiple, coplanar sensors for the purpose of exciting fluorescence. The micromirror optical multiplexer includes at least one light source and a micromirror array having a top face and up to four side faces. Pivotable mirrors of the micromirror array are arranged in a multiple row, multiple column format on the top face. In addition, each of the side faces of the micromirror array has at least one row of pivotable mirrors. By pivoting one side face mirror and one top face mirror, a light source entering at one comer of the micromirror array can be directed to exit near normal incidence anywhere on the bottom of the device.

Abstract: Control to read signals from a sensor unit having a plurality of pixels by pixel blocks of a predetermined size, and the read signals are applied a sum of products operation by pixel blocks of the predetermined size. The calculated sum of products is applied to signal processes, such as signal compression, performed by a block.

Abstract: Sequential read-out method and system for reading out an array of photocells are disclosed. The array includes a plurality of photocells that are arranged in rows and columns. A sequential readout circuit is provided for reading out the values of each photocells in a sequential fashion. The sequential readout circuit processes one photocell at a time and can, for example, determine a difference between a final integration light value and a reset value for each photocell in a time sequential manner.

Abstract: The subject invention is an optical detection assembly (26) for detecting dispensed material (28). The detection assembly (26) includes a housing (38) having a number of optical sensors (42) mounted to the housing (38). A material applicator (30) is mounted within a central opening (44) of the housing (38) and extends through the opening (44) such that the sensors (42) substantially surround the applicator (30) to continuously detect the material (28) being dispensed through the applicator (30). The subject invention also includes the method of detecting the material (28) being dispensed upon a workpiece (32) utilizing a robotic apparatus (20) having an articulated arm (24) with the housing (38) mounted to the arm (24).

Abstract: The present invention provides a velocity matched distributed photodetector/modulator (VMDP) for converting between an optical signal and an electrical signal. The converter has twice the theoretical efficiency of any prior art device. The converter wave-guide core is of uniform cross-sectional thickness and composition along the optical path, which makes it easy to fabricate. The converter includes a passive optical waveguide and a plurality of photodiodes. The photodiodes optically couple in series with the passive optical waveguide and electrically couple in parallel with one another to convey the electrical signal there between. The photodiodes exhibit impedance mismatches that generate reflections of the electrical signal, which contribute to a cancellation of reverse traveling portions of the electrical signal.

Abstract: Plural photodetectors for receiving light and generating detection signals. A light amount controlling portion is arranged above the photodetectors for controlling an amount of the light to the photodetectors according to an incident angle. A weighting portion for weighting sensitivities of the photodetectors respectively. The sensitivities are weighted to provide a total output characteristic of the weighted detection signals of which magnitude varies according to the incident angle. Weighting is provided by a signal processing circuit by controlling gains, or a translucent film on the photodetectors for controlling transparencies portions above respective photodetectors, or opaque films on the photodetectors for controlling amounts of the light to respective photodetectors. A first function signal may be obtained from a part of photodetectors for an air conditioner and a second function signal may be obtained from all of photodetectors for head lamp on/off controlling.

Abstract: A system (100) and method for focal plane array calibration using an internal non-uniform calibration source (30). In the illustrative embodiment, the system (100) includes a first mechanism (16) for calculating a relative gain of each detector element in the focal plane array (20) relative to at least one reference element, a second mechanism (17) for obtaining the absolute gain of the reference element, and a third mechanism (18) for calculating the absolute gains for all other detector elements using the relative gains in conjunction with the absolute gain of the reference element. The relative response of each pixel is calculated from measurements of the response of each pixel using an internal calibration source (30) at two or more different source positions, and two illumination intensities at each position. Measurements using a pair of source positions separated by k pixels establishes the relative response of the ith pixel with respect to the (i+k)th pixel.

Abstract: A position and color detection sensor (for detecting a position of a light spot in a light distribution that can include stray light components, e.g. from other lasers, ambient lighting etc.) includes two discrete response position sensitive detectors (DRPSDs). The first DRPSD is used to calculate a raw estimate of the spot position and the second DRPSD is used to calculate the actual spot position based on information from the first DRPSD. Color is supported by further dividing each pixel of the first DRPSD into elementary photocells, each one covered with an appropriate optical filter. The use of two DRPSDs differing in pixel geometries makes them suitable for integration on the same chip using the same process. This reduces production and alignment costs. Further, analogue microelectronic processes can be used for color filter deposition and simple optics can be used for beam splitting and shaping.

Abstract: A semiconductor image sensor for detecting a light incident thereto, includes a semiconductor substrate divided into a light sensing region and a peripheral circuit region, a photodiode formed on top of the light sensing region, at least one transistor formed on top of the peripheral circuit region, at least one insulating layer formed on top of the photodiode and the transistor; and an optical layer formed on the insulating layer to efficiently transmit the light to the photodiode.

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.

Abstract: A carrier selective high resistance film is formed over an entire area between a thick amorphous semiconductor layer and a voltage application electrode, and an electrodeless region extends throughout a circumference of the voltage application electrode. As a result, dark currents are suppressed, without impairing signal response characteristics, by carrier selectivity of the carrier selective high resistance film. Covered by the carrier selective high resistance film, the thick amorphous semiconductor layer maintains an effective surface resistance. The electrodeless region extending circumferentially of the voltage application electrode secures a sufficient surface voltage endurance to suppress creeping discharges due to a bias voltage. Consequently, sufficient detection sensitivity is secured by applying a high bias voltage to the voltage application electrode.

Abstract: The effectiveness of a method for checking for exact alignment of two successive shafts, axles or the like is improved by the fact the no measures with respect to linearization or temperature compensation are necessary any longer by using a light-sensitive array as the light-sensitive sensor. The effects of outside light and reflections can be suppressed. The cross section and the quality of a detected laser beam can be checked especially by visual inspection. Production of the corresponding device for executing this process is facilitated. By using matched beam splitters and reflectors as well as light sources of different colors the number of optoelectronic sensors necessary can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A threshold device or comparator comprises an array of energy emitters, e.g. light emitting diodes (16) or diode arrangements. The bits of a binary string are supplied to respective diodes or diode arrangements, which have the property of emitting energy of a distinguishable different characteristic depending on whether the applied bit is a 0 or 1. Sensors (18, 20) sensitive to the intensities of the respective different characteristics detect the intensities and a comparator 24 provides an output indicating the relative quantities of 0's and 1's in the binary string.