Abstract: Detection circuits (1) for detecting movements of movable objects (2) such as joysticks are provided with detectors (100,200) for detecting movements of the movable objects (2), comprising detection units (101-136,201-204) for detecting light spots (3) from sources (4), the light spots (3) depending on said movements, and with reference detectors (300) for compensating for aging/process variations, comprising reference detection units (301-304) for calibrating the detection units (101-136,201-204). Such detection circuits (1) suffer from aging/process variations to a relatively small extent. First detectors (100) for detecting x or y movements are partly located within the light spot (3) dependently on positions of (300) are then entirely located within the light spot (3) independently from positions of the joysticks.

Abstract: Detection circuits (1) for detecting movements of movable objects (2) such as joysticks are provided with detectors (100,200) for detecting movements of the movable objects (2), comprising detection units (101-136,201-204) for detecting light spots (3) from sources (4), the light spots (3) depending on said movements, and with reference detectors (300) for compensating for aging/process variations, comprising reference detection units (301-304) for calibrating the detection units (101-136,201-204). Such detection circuits (1) suffer from aging/process variations to a relatively small extent. First detectors (100) for detecting x or y movements are partly located within the light spot (3) dependently on positions of the joysticks and the reference detectors (300) are then entirely located within the light spot (3) independently from positions of the joysticks.

Abstract: Detection circuits (1) for detecting movements of movable objects (2) such as joysticks are provided with first detectors (100) for detecting first movements of the joysticks in first directions, comprising first detection units (101) for detecting a presence/absence of light spots (3), locations of the light spots (3) depending on said first movements, and with second detectors (200) for detecting second movements of the joysticks in second directions, comprising second detection units (201) for detecting first second intensities of the light spots (3), intensities of the light spots (3) depending on said second movements. Such detection circuits (1) are less sensitive to misalignment of components during an assembly and simpler to produce and less costly. The second detectors (200) are entirely located within the light spot (3) independently from positions of the joysticks and the first and third detectors are partly located within the light spot (3) dependently on positions of the joysticks.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a direction of low power radiation originating from at least one source, the radiation arriving essentially collimated, the apparatus including an opening, at least two radiation sensors, a respective integrator for each radiation sensor, an integration enabler, a threat detector, and a processor, each integrator being coupled with a respective radiation sensor, the integration enabler being coupled with each integrator, the threat detector being coupled with the integration enabler, and the processor being coupled with the integrators and the threat detector, wherein the opening receives incoming radiation, the radiation sensors being located at different spatial locations behind the opening, each radiation sensor detecting at least a respective portion of the incoming radiation received from the opening and converting the respective portion of the incoming radiation into a respective electric signal, each integrator integrating the respective electric signal, wherein the threat det

Abstract: In order to be able to reliably detect when an object is caught between two parts which move in relation to one another in a motor-driven closing mechanism, in particular in an electromotively driven window winder system, provision is made for the sensor system to have an optical pressure sensor as well as an electrical capacitive sensor in addition. The optical pressure sensor comprises a light-guiding element, a light source for injecting light into the light-guiding element and a light sensor for sensing the light which has been output. The electrical sensor comprises an electrode which is connected to a voltage source. Both sensors are each assigned to an evaluation unit for evaluating the respective signal.

Abstract: A portable, handheld artificial light detector distinguishes artificial light from sunlight and identifies low-frequency artificial light from high-frequency artificial light. Artificial light includes light from a lamp powered by an AC source. Low frequency light includes, for example, light produced by a magnetic luminaire ballast, while high frequency light includes light produced by an electronic luminaire ballast.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical audio microphone arrangement comprising at least a sensor arranged to be movable in response to sound waves and a Michelson type interferometer for measuring the displacement of the sensor, which comprises a reflecting surface. The interferometer comprises at least a light source, a reference mirror, a beam splitter and at least two detectors. This invention relates further to a method for measuring sound waves.

Abstract: An occupancy sensor is provided with a housing having an interior cavity. A switch is mounted in the interior cavity of the housing and configured for placement in the open and closed positions. A fascia cover plate may be positioned on the housing to enclose the interior cavity. The fascia cover plate has a fascia rib on an interior surface thereof. The fascia rib is arranged to interfere with the switch in the disabled state to prevent positioning of the fascia cover plate on the housing.

Abstract: Multifunctional optical sensor, comprising a matrix of photodetectors of the CCD or CMOS type, having a sensitive area divided into sub-areas, each of which, individually or combined with others, is dedicated to a specific function of monitoring the scene or measuring environmental parameters. The optical sensor comprises a matrix of microlenses, each of which is set to focus the radiation coming from a portion of solid angle on the associated photodetector or cluster of mutually contiguous photodetectors. Each function is associated to a single microlens or to a single subgroup of mutually contiguous microlenses or to multiple, not mutually contiguous microlenses or to multiple, not mutually contiguous subgroups of microlenses. The angular separation between the central directions of the portions of solid angle subtended by adjacent photodetectors or adjacent clusters of photodetectors is not constant within the matrix.

Abstract: The invention is based on a sensor device having at least one transmitter unit situated inside a sensor body, a receiver unit associated with the transmitter unit and situated inside the sensor body, and an end face that is situated between the transmitter unit and receiver unit and constitutes a boundary surface of the sensor body. According to a first aspect of the invention, it is possible to achieve a compact embodiment with low requirements for assembly-related production tolerances if the transmitter unit and/or the receiver unit is/are comprised of an injection molded part with an incorporated radiation transmitter and/or radiation receiver. According to another aspect of the invention, a radiation transmitted from the transmitter unit to the receiver unit essentially travels in a beam path outside the sensor body. The invention also relates to a use of a sensor device and a vehicle light.

Abstract: A detection system for a washroom device evaluates outputs from an active sensor and a passive sensor to determine whether to activate the device (e.g., operate a valve in a sink or a lavatory). The active sensor has a transmitter that directs a light beam to a selected zone and a receiver that detects whether the light beam is reflected back to the sensor. The passive sensor detects changes in a temperature signature around the washroom device. A controller evaluates the outputs from both the active sensor and the passive sensor to determine how to operate the washroom device.

Abstract: An optical navigation device includes a housing, a light source, a navigation sensor, and optics. In accordance with the invention, the light source is a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) that is configured to generate coherent light in the visible light spectrum. For example, the VCSEL generates red coherent light in the range of 600-700 nm. In an embodiment, the VCSEL generates red coherent light at 665 nm±20 nm. Because the light generated by the VCSEL is in the visible light spectrum, a human will sense contact with the corresponding beam and will naturally react to avoid injury. This enhances the overall safety of an optical mouse. Additionally, when using a VCSEL that generates visible red light, it is easy to visually determine whether or not the beam is focused directly on a measurement sensor during calibration.

Abstract: A pointing device includes a light source, an aperture member, and a detector. The light source provides incident light for illuminating an obverse surface of a plate at a predetermined incident angle. The plate has the obverse surface and a reverse surface and is transparent to the wavelength of the incident light. The aperture member has an opening through which speckle light from the obverse surface and speckle light from the reverse surface pass. The speckle light results from the incident light. The detector detects the intensity of the speckle light passing through the opening. In order that the speckle light from the obverse surface and the speckle light from the reverse surface overlap each other at the detector, the opening has a longitudinal dimension in a direction in which the incident angle is formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods using a temporal-frequency sensitive receiver to detect laser light that is scattered by an oscillating object, thereby allowing remote monitoring of the object's position and movement.

Abstract: A system for generating orientation information includes a reflector, an image collection system, and a processor. The image collection system is configured to collect at least two sets of image data, where one set of image data includes a stronger indication of the reflector than the other set of image data. The two sets of image data are collected using at least one reflector with some orientation-specific characteristic or a reflector integrated into a device that includes some orientation-specific structural feature. Once collected, the two sets of image data are used to generate orientation information related to the reflector. In particular, orientation information related to the reflector is generated by taking the difference between the two sets of image data.

Abstract: A method of detecting an object using a structured light and a robot using the same are disclosed. The method of detecting a floor object using a structured light includes measuring a height difference of a position onto which a specified structured light is projected with a reference position, and detecting the floor object using the measured height difference.

Abstract: A dimmable window testing system comprises a light source configured to emit a beam of known intensity through a dimmable element of an electrically dimmable window system. A light intensity sensor measures a light intensity of light emitted from the light source through the dimmable element.

Abstract: The device detects a thread during the detection of the ends of threads (21) in suction pipe (17) crossflown by air, comprising a sensor device (22) having a transmitter (31) and a receiver (32) in a textile machine producing cross-wound bobbins. A measuring field (26) is formed between the transmitter (31) and the receiver (32). The suction pipe has a curvature in the area of the measuring field (26). The measuring field (26) is arranged in proximity of the smaller radius of the suction pipe (17), which has a recess (27) oriented in the running direction of the suction pipe (17) to form the measuring field (26). The suction pipe (17) is curved upstream and downstream of the measuring field (26) such that the detected thread is tensed inside the recess (27) to be spaced at least partly from the bottom of the recess (27) in the measuring field (26), making it possible to easily and reliably detect the thread.

Abstract: A keypad is provided. The keypad includes an optical waveguide on the top surface of which at least one prism pattern is formed, a light source for generating light and causing the light to be incident to a side surface of the optical waveguide, and at least one optical detector located below the optical waveguide to correspond to the at least one prism pattern.

Abstract: There are provided an infrared light emitting diode 42 operable to emit light in a predetermined cycle; a phototransistor 44 operable to receive light which is emitted by the infrared light emitting diode 42 and reflected from a retroreflective sheet 40 of the operation article 3, and output a light reception signal “Sp”; and a highpass filter unit 116 operable to pass a high frequency component of the light reception signal “Sp”, output the high frequency component as a light reception signal “Ss” and operable to generate a reference voltage. The highpass filter unit 116 supplies the reference voltage to a node to which the light reception signal “Ss” is output, and the processor 110 counts the number of pulses included in the light reception signal “Ss”, and calculates the speed of the operation article 3.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel optical sensors and novel methods for sensing optical radiation. The novel optical sensors and the novel optical sensing methods are used, for example, for controlling the operation of automatic faucets and flushers. The novel sensors and flow controllers (including control electronics and valves) require only small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, and thus enable battery operation for many years. A passive optical sensor includes a light detector sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers.

Abstract: A radiographic inspection system for inspecting subject objects using charged particle beams having pulses of charged particles with different energy levels from pulse to pulse. A phase shifter thereof enables adjustment of the RF power delivered to first and second accelerating sections thereof from a single RF source without adjustment of the RF power generated by the RF source. The system also enables the generation of images of the contents of a container from multiple directions and in multiple planes, and allows the discrimination of materials present in the container.

Abstract: A security sensor apparatus senses movement of an object. The sensor apparatus includes an electronics arrangement having an optical emitter and an optical receiver. The optical receiver has an axis of reception. The optical emitter emits a first beam along an axis of emission in an emission direction. The axis of emission diverges in the emission direction from the axis of reception at an angle of at least two degrees. The electronics arrangement is mounted in association a first surface of the object or a second surface of a structure disposed in opposition to the first surface. A reflector arrangement includes at least one reflective surface and is mounted in association with the other of the first surface and the second surface. The at least one reflective surface receives at least a portion of the first beam and produces a second beam directed at and received by the optical receiver.

Abstract: A compact biometric device includes a first light source for emitting light irradiated onto a subject; a first light guide unit whose surface is inputted with light radiated from the subject and whose ends output the light inputted from the subject; a photo sensor unit to detect light outputted from the end of the first light guide means as a signal; a liquid crystal display unit installed between the subject and the surface of the first light guide means; a control unit for controlling the display on the liquid crystal display unit; and a signal processor unit for processing the signals detected by the photo sensor unit. The control unit controls the display on the liquid crystal display unit to change the position where the light emitted from the subject is inputted onto the surface of the first light guide unit.

Abstract: A switch for a domestic appliance, such as a cooking range, that includes a radiation emitter, an auxiliary radiation emitter and a radiation receiver, the radiation receiver adapted to receive at least part of the radiation emitted from the radiation emitter and auxiliary radiation emitter and to generate one or more reception signals whose values depend on the radiation received. A controller associated with the switch generates a periodic control pulse (Pc) at a first time interval to cause the radiation emitter to emit radiation for a duration of time and a periodic test pulse (Pt) at a second time interval different than the first time interval to cause the auxiliary radiation emitter to emit radiation for a duration of time. The controller configured to evaluate the one or more reception signals to determine if an error or malfunction exists in the switch.

Abstract: A device for electronically and optically counting objects, such as fish, animals, vegetation or other materials, as they are placed into a container. The device surrounds a defined opening on a container. As objects are placed into the container, they fall through the frame of the opening. A light source, such as a laser or LED, is directed toward a light detector in such a way as to be disrupted as the animal falls into the container. A light detector detects said disruption of the light and signals the electronic circuit to add to the number previously counted. Various methods of communicating the count are provided. The preferred method of communicating the count is via an integrated visual display. The preferred method of powering the device is by the use of one or more electric battery. Various methods of electrically powering the device are provided.

Abstract: A light control apparatus includes a part for splitting an input light entering the light control apparatus through an optical fiber, a photoelectric conversion part for converting a monitor light into an electrical signal, and a third part for controlling the opening and closing of an optical transmission path for a signal light based on the electrical signal. The light power of an output light is controlled by the opening and closing amount of the optical transmission path which is controlled depending on the amount of the electrical signal output in accordance with the level of the monitor light. A semiconductor photovoltaic device capable of performing photoelectric conversion without using an external power source is used as the photoelectric conversion part. An optical shutter using a micromachine, or an optical device such as absorption-type modulator or refractive index-type modulator is used as the third part.

Abstract: A tilt switch includes a base and a cover body. The base includes an upright support having a lower groove, and first and second lower passage holes communicated with the lower groove. An emitter is mounted on the base to emit a light signal. A receiver is disposed opposite to the emitter to receive the light signal. The cover body includes first and second press pieces respectively having first and second upper passage holes that complement with the respective first and second lower passage holes to define first and second light passages, respectively, and an upper groove cooperating with the lower groove to define a chamber. The light signal propagates along a light path passing through the chamber from the first to the second light passage. A ball member is rollable within the chamber to block or unblock the light path.

Abstract: A multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor is describes having a first indicating portion disposed at each of the light emitting and receiving units comprising a plurality of first indicating elements being in the same row of each of the light emitting and receiving elements with no-interference to each of the light emitting and receiving elements, a second indicating portion disposed at one of the light emitting and receiving units and comprising a plurality of second indicating elements being out of the same row of one of the light emitting and receiving elements of the units having the second indicator portion with no-interference to one of the light emitting and receiving elements of the units having the second indicator portion and an indicating control portion for turning on the plurality of the first indicating elements of the first indicating portion to show the first and second rows of the units when the binary signal indicating the first status is outputted by the status output circuit and indicating

Abstract: A fixturing system and microscope/video camera setup enables an operator to manipulate a photodiode into position optically using known good targets for the X and Y location and using microscope focus/defocus/refocus for locating the active area of the avalanche photodiode exactly at the focal point of the lens.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a touch proximity sensing system detecting the presence or absence of a triggering object. The system includes a reflective optical sensor, an active surface, and a light pipe in combination. The reflective optical sensor has an emitter for creating a light and a receiver for detecting a reflected light of the emitter. The active surface is suitable for receiving the triggering object, such as a stylus or finger, or the like. The light pipe is disposed between the reflective optical sensor and the active surface. The length of the light pipe is such that the reflective optical sensor and the active surface are spaced-apart from each other. The light pipe transports the light from the emitter to the active surface. In the presence of the triggering object, light from the emitter is reflected and the light pipe transports the reflected light to the receiver.

Abstract: A security sensor apparatus senses movement of an object. The sensor apparatus includes an electronics arrangement having an optical emitter and an optical receiver. The optical receiver has an axis of reception. The optical emitter emits a first beam along an axis of emission in an emission direction. The axis of emission diverges in the emission direction from the axis of reception at an angle of at least two degrees. The electronics arrangement is mounted in association a first surface of the object or a second surface of a structure disposed in opposition to the first surface. A reflector arrangement includes at least one reflective surface and is mounted in association with the other of the first surface and the second surface. The at least one reflective surface receives at least a portion of the first beam and produces a second beam directed at and received by the optical receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an optoelectronic sensor, particularly a light barrier, during which a light emitter emits light signals having a time interval toward a monitoring area, at least some of the light signals being comprised of a number of successive individual pulses. A light receiver receives the emitted light signals. An evaluating unit processes received signals generated from the received light signals and outputs an object determination signal according to the evaluation result. According to the inventive method, a number of light signals are emitted in a regular sequence, the courses of the respective received signals being evaluated in a different manner. The invention also relates to an optoelectronic sensor that is suited for carrying out the aforementioned method.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a light-projecting apparatus including a light-projector emitting an infrared light beam, a light-projector drive portion pulse-driving the light-projector; and a receiver; and a light-receiving apparatus including a light-receiver receiving the infrared light beam emitted by the light-projector, a light interruption judgment portion judging that the infrared light beam is interrupted when at least a predetermined number of pulses are successively not output by the light-receiver, a light-receiving state detection portion detecting a light-receiving state of the infrared light beam, and a transmitter transmitting the light-receiving state information to the receiver are provided. The period of the pulse driving signal in the light-projector drive portion is changed based on the information received by the receiver.

Abstract: An optical sensor for detecting objects within an area to be monitored comprises at least one casing to accommodate optical and electronic components. The at least one casing comprises casing parts. The casing parts are composed of a low-pressure injection molding compound and are formed by a low-pressure injection molding operation.

Abstract: Advantage is taken of the fact that in optical navigation devices it is possible to measure the intensity of light impacting the pixel array of photo-diodes. Based upon such an intensity determination, a feedback signal is used to reduce the intensity of the light to a point where it is equal to or less than a predetermined value. In one embodiment, the discharge rate of a capacitive power supply is used to determine the intensity of the light source impacting the pixels. When the discharge rate is faster than a given amount the inference is that the light intensity is too great and power is reduced to the light source to reduce the intensity.

Abstract: A system for generating orientation information includes a reflector, an image collection system, and a processor. The image collection system is configured to collect at least two sets of image data, where one set of image data includes a stronger indication of the reflector than the other set of image data. The two sets of image data are collected using at least one reflector with some orientation-specific characteristic or a reflector integrated into a device that includes some orientation-specific structural feature. Once collected, the two sets of image data are used to generate orientation information related to the reflector. In particular, orientation information related to the reflector is generated by taking the difference between the two sets of image data.

Abstract: An alternating current light emitting device and the fabrication method includes forming one or more alternating current micro diode light emitting modules on a substrate, wherein the alternating current micro diode light emitting module has two micro diodes connected to one another, and each micro diode has at least two active layers and is electrically connected by a conductive structure, such that the active layers of each micro diode can take turns emitting light during the positive/negative half cycles of alternating current. A continuous and full-scale light emitting effect is thereby achieved.

Abstract: A method of controlling a flow of liquid includes calibrating a PSD infrared sensor associated with the spout. The calibrating includes turning on the spout to thereby dispense a stream of liquid from the spout and into a stream space; emitting infrared energy from the PSD infrared sensor and toward the stream of liquid; sensing a first position of the infrared energy after the infrared energy has been reflected back to the sensor from the stream of liquid; storing first information based upon the first position of the reflected infrared energy; turning off the spout to thereby inhibit the liquid from being dispensed from the spout; sensing a second position of the infrared energy after the infrared energy has been reflected back to the sensor from an object that is fixed relative to the sensor; and storing second information based upon the second position of the reflected infrared energy. Infrared energy is emitted from the PSD infrared sensor and toward the stream space.

Abstract: A hospital bed obstacle detection device (412) and related method for detecting an obstacle between first and second components (24, 26) of a hospital bed (410).

Abstract: A system for optical navigation includes an optical navigation sensor integrated circuit (IC) configured to generate image information for use in navigation sensing and a collapsible structure which sets the distance between the optical navigation sensor IC and a navigation surface and which can be expanded or collapsed as needed. The collapsible structure includes a collapse system configured to allow the collapsible structure to be in an expanded state or a collapsed state. The collapse structure has a smaller profile dimension in the collapsed state than in the expanded state. The collapsible structure is placed in the expanded state for navigation sensing and in the collapsed state for storage and/or charging.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus of converting a laser beam traveling straight to a beam propagated in all directions and a security system using the laser beam propagated in all directions. The laser beam traveling straight is incident on a cylindrical prism and repeatedly reflected and transmitted to be converted to the laser beam propagated in all directions. The laser beam is converted to a plane beam or a conical beam by controlling an incident angle of the laser beam incident on the cylindrical prism. The security system is constructed using the apparatus of generating the plane, beam or conical beam.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an optical detection sensor configured so as to irradiate exit light emitted from a light source onto an object to be measured, the object being disposed a relative distance away from an end face of a first optical fiber, and receive the reflection light therefrom with a second and a third optical fiber, thereby computing a displacement amount of the object.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the position of a radiation scattering/reflecting element, where the radiation emitter is provided at a surface of a radiation transmissive element an on which radiation is incident. This incident radiation is scattered/diffused/reflected by the scattering/reflecting element and guided by the transmissive element toward a detector able to determine the position of the element.

Abstract: A photographing section photographs a photographing object, a light-projector projects a light spot parallel to or approximately parallel to an optical axis of the photographing section onto the photographing object, and a detector detects, from an image of the photographing object photographed by the photographing section, a light spot from the light-projector reflected by the photographing object on the basis of an arrangement position of the light-projector relative to the photographing section. A reflected light spot of light projected onto a detection object can be detected with certainty, and erroneous detection of the reflected light spot, in particular, erroneous detection due to disturbance light, can be prevented at a low cost, without an increase in size of the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating and controlling a lithography process are provided. For example, a method for reducing within wafer variation of a critical metric of a lithography process may include measuring at least one property of a resist disposed upon a wafer during the lithography process. A critical metric of a lithography process may include, but may not be limited to, a critical dimension of a feature formed during the lithography process. The method may also include altering at least one parameter of a process module configured to perform a step of the lithography process to reduce within wafer variation of the critical metric. The parameter of the process module may be altered in response to at least the one measured property of the resist.

Abstract: A sensor system has a video camera and an evaluation unit, the evaluation unit receiving a video signal from the video camera and providing output information relating to luminance and movement of an observation space. The evaluation unit can include a microcontroller that undertakes calculations in order to provide the output information. However, the sensor system can be included in a light control system. A method for controlling an artificial light component of controllable light sources via a light control system includes: picking up a video signal, relaying the video signal to the input of the evaluation unit, evaluating the video signal with reference to luminance and movement in the evaluation unit, outputting the information relating to luminance and movement at the output of the evaluation unit to a control unit and setting a desired brightness of the controllable light sources via the control unit.

Abstract: An optical sensor and method of using the same is provided for sensing relative movement between the sensor and a surface by detecting changes in optical features of light reflected from the surface. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a two dimensional array of photosensitive elements, the array including at least a first plurality of photosensitive elements arranged and coupled to sense a first combined movement along a first set of at least two non-parallel axes, and a second plurality of photosensitive elements arranged and coupled to sense a second combined movement along a second set of a least two non-parallel axes.

Abstract: A motion sensor incorporates an internal light source, typically a super bright LED. A multi-lens system or an arrangement of small windows in front of the LED projects a visible light pattern that mimics the detection pattern of the motion sensor to an observer standing in the detection zone and looking at the sensor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a proximity sensor. An illumination means (2) projects an array of spots (40) towards a scene. Detector (8) looks towards the scene through a mask (6). The mask (6) is arranged such that light from a target at a certain range, for instance far object (14) is not transmitted to the detector. Light reflected from a close object (16) however passes through the mask (6) and is incident on the detector (8). A rise in the intensity of incident light at the detector (8) is determined by threshold detector (10) and used to operate an alarm (12).