Controlled By Article, Person, Or Animal Patents (Class 250/221)
  • Patent number: 11231817
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to external user interfaces used in connection with head worn computers (HWC). Embodiments relate to an external user interface that has a physical form intended to be hand held. The hand held user interface may be in the form similar to that of a writing instrument, such as a pen. In embodiments, the hand held user interface includes technologies relating to writing surface tip pressure monitoring, lens configurations setting a predetermined imaging distance, user interface software mode selection, quick software application launching, and other interface technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Mentor Acquisition One, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph F. Osterhout, John N. Border, Edward H. Nortrup
  • Patent number: 11225336
    Abstract: A combined aircraft navigation and anti-collision light, includes: at least one navigation light source and one anti-collision light source; a navigation light sensor, in operation outputting a light detection signal corresponding to an amount of light detected by the navigation light sensor; first and second optical systems, associated with navigation and collision light sources, wherein the first optical system is configured for shaping a navigation light output from light emitted by the at least one navigation light source and is configured for directing stray light from the at least one navigation light source to the navigation light sensor and a second optical system, associated with the at least one anti-collision light source and configured for shaping an anti-collision light output from light emitted by the at least one anti-collision light source; a lens cover, arranged over the light sources and optical systems for passing light therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: GOODRICH LIGHTING SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Andre Hessling-Von Heimendahl, Robert Trinschek, Anil Kumar Jha, Matthias Krause
  • Patent number: 11213443
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a support structure having a base and further includes an indication system having one or more clearance sensors configured to detect clearance within a clearance zone between the patient support surface and a floor surface and are also configured to generate one or more clearance signals corresponding to the detected clearance. The indication system also includes a controller coupled to the clearance sensors that is configured to receive the one or more clearance signals and generate an output based upon the received clearance signals. A display coupled to the controller is configured to receive the generated output and generate a visual clearance indication corresponding to the detected clearance within the clearance zone, or in specific predefined portions of the clearance zone, that is viewable in a viewing area of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Anish Paul
  • Patent number: 11205016
    Abstract: An optical electromagnetic radiation (EM) emitter and receiver are located upon a printed circuit board (PCB) layer and are optically connected to an optical security pathway that is between a pair of signal traces. A predetermined reference flux is determined, the reference flux being the expected EM transmitted by the optical security pathway and received by the receiver. When the PCB is subject to an unauthorized access thereof (e.g., drilled, sawed, cut, etc.), the optical EM transferred by optical security pathway is altered. An optical monitoring device that monitors the flux of the optical EM received by the receiver detects a change in flux, in relation to the reference flux, and passes a tamper signal to one or more computer system devices to respond to the unauthorized access. For example, one or more cryptographic adapter card or computer system functions or secured crypto components may be disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Layne A. Berge, John R. Dangler, Matthew S. Doyle, Thomas W. Liang, Manuel Orozco
  • Patent number: 11198220
    Abstract: Safety system (100) for an industrial environment (10) comprising a robotic machine wherein at least a moving head (12) of the robotic machine is movable within a first area (1) and a second area (2) of the industrial environment (10), the safety system (100) comprising: a light curtain (110) extending between a first vertical support (112) and a second vertical support (114) to cover both the first area (1) and the second area (2); a head position sensor (130) adapted to detect the position of the moving head (12) within the first area (1) and the second area (2); a safety control unit (140); wherein the light curtain (110) comprises a first couple of two TOF sensors (F1, F3) respectively positioned on the first and second vertical supports (112, 114), the safety control unit (140) being adapted to process output signals received from the TOF sensors (F1, F3) and the head position sensor (130) so as to selectively and dynamically secure the first area (1) and the second area (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Datalogic IP Tech S.R.L.
    Inventor: Enrico Lorenzoni
  • Patent number: 11194036
    Abstract: A method for detecting motion may include: performing at least one scanning cycle on a monitored space using a radar apparatus; detecting and identifying at least one moving object in the monitored space, including detecting an actual displacement value for each moving object detected inside the monitored space between a detection cycle and a subsequent detection cycle; providing a threshold value of maximum allowable displacement associated with every moving object detected inside the monitored space between the detection cycle and the subsequent detection cycle; locating at least one semi-static zone in the monitored space, the at least one semi-static zone corresponding to a portion of the monitored space that surrounds at least one semi-static object; and generating an alarm signal only when, in the monitored space, at least one moving object situated outside the at least one semi-static zone is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: INXPECT S.P.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Tartaro, Alessio Degani, Marco Garatti
  • Patent number: 11185010
    Abstract: Agricultural seed planting systems include a processing unit, a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame for opening a furrow in soil, and a sensor in communication with the processing unit and adapted to sense a characteristic associated with seed planting. The sensor may generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic and the processing unit may receive the signal. In some aspects, the sensed characteristic may be either a soil characteristic or a seed characteristic. Information associated with the sensed characteristic can be saved in memory for future use and to assist with more effective planting in the future.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura B. Blomme, Courtney N. Achen
  • Patent number: 11175433
    Abstract: The present invention maintains sealing of the housing over a long period of time. A multiple-optical-axis photoelectric sensor (100) includes a light projector (110) and a light receiver (120) whose external forms are each formed by a housing (1) including an outer case (10) constituted by a main body case (11) and a first cap member (12), a light-transmitting plate (15), a first pressing member (20A), second pressing members (20B), a first adhesive tape (17A), and second adhesive tapes (17B). The first cap member (12) has a supporting part (12a) provided on its inner side, and an elastic member (18) is provided between the second pressing member (20B) and a portion of the light-transmitting plate (15) supported by the supporting part (12a). The light-transmitting plate (15) is pressed toward the first cap member (12) via the elastic member (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunkichi Sasaki, Nobuchika Takiguchi, Satoshi Nishiuchi, Keisaku Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 11173819
    Abstract: A method for setting an ergonomic position of a center console with an arm rest and with one or more operating elements separate from the arm rest in a vehicle, includes detecting an arm of a driver facing the centre console with a forearm and at least areas of an upper arm using one or more optical sensors; determining at least an elbow position and a hand position of the arm of the driver using sensor data of the sensors by means of a suitable evaluation method; and automatically moving the arm rest of the centre console using the positioning unit based on the determined elbow positions and hand positions at least vertical as well as parallel to the vehicle axis so that after moving an ergonomic position of the arm is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Motherson Innovations Company Limited
    Inventors: Matthias Koller, Andreas Herrmann, Ilka Rötzer
  • Patent number: 11167206
    Abstract: A portable device includes a speaker; a first sensor that detects movement of the device; a second sensor that detects a direction in which the device is facing; and a controller that, when time-series variation of the movement detected by the first sensor indicates a jump movement, causes a sound corresponding to the direction detected by the second sensor to be output from the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Yaji, Kenichi Sakai, Katsuhiko Sasaki
  • Patent number: 11170233
    Abstract: A method for determining a location of a vehicle, the method may include receiving reference visual information that represents multiple reference images acquired at predefined locations; acquiring, by a visual sensor of the vehicle, an acquired image of an environment of the vehicle; generating, based on the acquired image, acquired visual information related to the acquired image, wherein the acquired visual information comprises acquired static visual information that is related to the environment of the vehicle; searching for a selected reference image out of the multiple reference images, the selected reference image comprises selected reference static visual information that best matches the acquired static visual information; and determining an actual location of the vehicle based on a predefined location of the selected reference image and to a relationship between the acquired static visual information and to the selected reference static visual information; and wherein the determining of the actual
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Cartica AI Ltd.
    Inventors: Igal Raichelgauz, Karina Odinaev
  • Patent number: 11162788
    Abstract: A high-definition map system receives sensor data from vehicles traveling along routes and combines the data to generate a high definition map for use in driving vehicles, for example, for guiding autonomous vehicles. A pose graph is built from the collected data, each pose representing location and orientation of a vehicle. The pose graph is optimized to minimize constraints between poses. Points associated with surface are assigned a confidence measure determined using a measure of hardness/softness of the surface. A machine-learning-based result filter detects bad alignment results and prevents them from being entered in the subsequent global pose optimization. The alignment framework is parallelizable for execution using a parallel/distributed architecture. Alignment hot spots are detected for further verification and improvement. The system supports incremental updates, thereby allowing refinements of subgraphs for incrementally improving the high-definition map for keeping it up to date.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: NVIDIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chen Chen, Gregory Coombe
  • Patent number: 11162838
    Abstract: The present invention allows a user to easily grasp which light receiving section is in what light reception state. The multiple-optical-axis photoelectric sensor (10) includes: a plurality of light receiving sections (110); a display section (120) which is provided in the vicinity of a corresponding light receiving section among the plurality of light receiving sections (110), the display section (120) displaying a light reception state of the corresponding light receiving section; and a display control section (103) which causes the display section (220) and the display section (120) to simultaneously display the light reception state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuchika Konishi, Keisaku Kikuchi, Yuya Yamada, Satoshi Nishiuchi
  • Patent number: 11155184
    Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the adjustment of vehicle seat and steering wheel positions, and in particular relates to an apparatus and method for automatic adjustment of driver sitting posture. The method for automatic adjustment of driver sitting posture according to the present invention comprises the following steps: determining an ergonomic parameter corresponding to a user; calculating a seat position parameter according to the ergonomic parameter; adjusting a seat position according to the seat position parameter; calculating a steering wheel position parameter according to the ergonomic parameter; and adjusting a steering wheel position according to the steering wheel position parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Tao Wang
  • Patent number: 11150152
    Abstract: The present application discloses implementations that relate to devices and techniques for sensing position, force, and torque. Devices described herein may include a light emitter, photodetectors, and a curved reflector. The light emitter may project light onto the curved reflector, which may reflect portions of that projected light onto one or more of the photodetectors. Based on the illuminances measured at the photodetectors, the position of the curved reflector may be determined. In some implementations, the curved reflector and the light emitter may be elastically coupled via one or more spring elements; in these implementations, a force vector representing a magnitude and direction of a force applied against the curved reflector may be determined based on the position of the curved reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Alex Shafer, Adam Reich, Emily Cooper
  • Patent number: 11150183
    Abstract: An optical sensor includes at least one pair of a light source and a photodetector, the light source and the photodetector facing each other and having an opening between the light source and the photodetector; and a base substrate disposed on or below the at least one pair of the light source and the photodetector, the base substrate including a contact sensor positioned in an area corresponding to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kun Sun Eom, Jin Young Park, Sung Mo Ahn
  • Patent number: 11143736
    Abstract: A detector for determining a position of at least one object is disclosed and includes at least one sensor element having a matrix of optical sensors, the optical sensors each having a light-sensitive area. Each optical sensor is designed to generate at least one sensor signal in response to an illumination of its respective light-sensitive area by a light beam propagating from the object to the detector. The sensor element is adapted to determine at least one reflection image. The detector also includes at least one evaluation device adapted to select at least one reflection feature of the reflection image at least one first image position in the reflection image. The evaluation device is adapted to determine at least one reference feature in at least one reference image and at least one second image position in the reference image corresponding to the at least one reflection feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: trinamiX GmbH
    Inventors: Patrick Schindler, Peter Schillen, Michael Eberspach, Christian Lennartz, Robert Send, Ingmar Bruder, Heiko Hengen, Lars Diesselberg
  • Patent number: 11137482
    Abstract: A lidar device is described for scanning a region to be scanned, using at least one beam. The device includes at least one radiation source for generating the at least one beam, as well as a receiving unit for receiving at least one beam reflected by an object and for deflecting the at least one reflected beam onto a detector. The at least one radiation source generates the at least one beam away from an axis of symmetry, and the at least one beam traveling at a distance from the axis of symmetry. A method for scanning a region to be scanned is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Annette Frederiksen, Nico Heussner
  • Patent number: 11140334
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first image sensor, a second image sensor, a first light source associated with the first image sensor, a second light source associated with the second image sensor, and a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to control the first light source and the second light source to prevent interference between the first and the second light sources affecting images captured by the first and the second image sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Ambarella International LP
    Inventors: Yao Lu, Long Zhao
  • Patent number: 11133574
    Abstract: A communication device includes: a first body including a first display portion; a second body including a second display portion; a communication circuit that carries out millimeter-wave band communication; and one or more millimeter-wave band communication antennas provided in at least one of the first body and the second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryuken Mizunuma, Satoshi Tanaka, Yasuhisa Yamamoto, Akiko Itabashi
  • Patent number: 11126305
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical sensor for use in an image recognition device, such as a fingerprint detector. The presently disclosed optical sensor has improved light transmittance in a compact and cost-efficient structure. In particular the presently disclosed optical sensor can be placed under a display panel of an electronic device, such as a smartphone. One embodiment relates to an optical sensor system for placement under a display panel for detecting/imaging light returned from a fingerprint on top of the display panel, the optical sensor comprising a microlens structure having a front side with an array of light focusing elements and an opaque back side with an array of optically transparent apertures aligned with the focusing elements, and a sensor array of optical detectors facing the back side of the microlens structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignees: WaveTouch Limited, WaveTouch Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Peng Xiang, Jørgen Korsgaard Jensen
  • Patent number: 11125603
    Abstract: A method and system are described for detecting a fault of a fluid level sensing device associated with an aircraft engine, the fluid level sensing device arranged to measure a variance in a fluid level. The method comprises triggering a timer, while the timer is running, receiving a measurement indicative of the fluid level from the fluid level sensing device, resetting the timer when at least one timer-reset condition has been met, and outputting a fault signal when the timer reaches a timer threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Benjamin Bregani, Sean McCarthy, Nicolas Renard, Andrew Ghattas
  • Patent number: 11105626
    Abstract: Position-sensitive light beam detector comprising photodiodes and at least two weighting networks, each of which includes a signal output and network nodes. According to the invention, a plurality of the network nodes of the first weighting network is provided for the photodiode terminal in such a way that each node of said plurality of nodes is connected to a node of the second weighting network via a photodiode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: AndroTec GmbH
    Inventor: Mirko Essling
  • Patent number: 11108393
    Abstract: An optical keyswitch includes a keycap, a supporting mechanism having a protrusion disposed under the keycap to support the keycap to move downward or upward, and a switch module including a circuit board, an emitter, and a receiver. The emitter and the receiver are electrically connected to the circuit board. The emitter emits an optical signal to the receiver. When the keycap is not pressed, the receiver receives the optical signal of a first intensity. When the keycap is pressed, the protrusion moves along with the keycap, and the protrusion changes the optical signal received by the receiver to have a second intensity different from the first intensity, so the switch module is triggered to generate a triggering signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Chen Yang, Yu-Chun Hsieh, Yung-Chih Wang, Chia-Hung Liu, Ching-Yu Wang, Li-Te Chang
  • Patent number: 11105954
    Abstract: A power beaming system includes a power beam transmitter arranged to transmit the power beam, and a power beam receiver arranged to receive the power beam from the power beam transmitter. A power beam transmission source is arranged to generate a laser light beam for transmission by the power beam transmitter from a first location toward a remote second location. A beam-shaping element shapes the laser light beam, at least one diffusion element uniformly distributes light of the shaped laser light beam, and a projection element illuminates a power beam receiving element of predetermined shape with the shaped laser light beam. At the power beam receiver, a diffusion surface diffuses a portion the power beam specularly reflected from the power beam receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: LASERMOTIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., David Bashford
  • Patent number: 11099295
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a photoelectric sensor system having a transmitter and a receiver, and at least one aperture module configured to modify a nominal field of view (FOV) of the transmitter and/or receiver, such that an overlap between the transmitter and receiver FOVs is controlled. In an illustrative example, the aperture module may be a plate having respective receiver and transmitter apertures. The transmitter and/or receiver apertures may be aligned or slightly offset from respective transmitter and receiver optical axes. The transmitter and/or receiver apertures may have a specific size/shape/position that produces a custom predetermined FOV overlap. At least one registration/alignment pin may extend through the aperture plate, a baffle, and a lens module to control orientation. The photoelectric sensor system may advantageously (1) be more resistant to the “white card effect,” (2) increase maximum sensor range, and (3) control the shape/size/overlap of the FOVs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: BANNER ENGINEERING CORP.
    Inventors: Eric K. Lindmark, Dennis R. Luer
  • Patent number: 11097894
    Abstract: A container having a receptacle with an open upper end for receiving material, and an edge cap that is movably supported relative to the receptacle. The edge cap has a sidewall that is spaced outwardly from a camming surface of the receptacle, and a lid support member that projects inwardly from the sidewall. A lid panel is pivotably mounted to the lid support member for pivoting between a closed position and an open position. An actuation portion of the lid panel has a cam surface that is positioned between the camming surface and the sidewall. The cam surface is configured to engage with the camming surface to pivot the lid panel towards the open position when the sidewall is moved towards the camming surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: OP-Hygiene IP GmbH
    Inventor: Heiner Ophardt
  • Patent number: 11091949
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a liftgate system with a vertically-opening liftgate and a power actuator responsive to a user opening command for opening the liftgate to a variable opening height. The vehicle has an active sensor adapted to detect objects and their respective distances within a detection zone and a camera adapted to capture a search image with a field-of-view showing objects in the detection zone. In response to the user opening command, a controller 1) performs facial recognition on the search image to detect image locations containing a face of each respective person visible in the search image, 2) identifies distances for each respective person according to coincidence with the detected objects, 3) determines a user height according to the respective image location and distance of at least one respective person visible in the search image, and 4) sets the variable opening height in response to the user height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Paul K. Dellock, Zeljko Deljevic, Aaron M. Halonen
  • Patent number: 11076109
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices and systems for an optimized sensor layout for an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle. In one aspect, the system includes a vehicle capable of semi-autonomous or autonomous operation. A plurality of forward-facing cameras is coupled to the vehicle and configured to have a field of view in front of the vehicle. At least three forward-facing cameras of the plurality of forward-facing cameras have different focal lengths. A right-side camera is coupled to the right side of the vehicle, the right-side camera configured to have a field of view to the right of the vehicle. A left-side camera is coupled to the left side of the vehicle, the left-side camera is configured to have a field of view to the left of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: TUSIMPLE, INC.
    Inventor: Lei Nie
  • Patent number: 11067692
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a detector (110) for determining a position of at least one object (112) within a range of measurement (114) is disclosed. The detector (110) comprises at least two longitudinal optical sensors (116) and at least one transfer device (118) for imaging the object (112) into an image plane. The transfer device (118) has a focal plane. The transfer device (118) is positioned in between the longitudinal optical sensors (116) and the object (112). Each of the longitudinal optical sensors (116) has at least one sensor region (120). Each of the longitudinal optical sensors (116) is designed to generate at least one longitudinal sensor signal in a manner dependent on an illumination of the respective sensor region (120) by at least one light beam (178) propagating from the object (112) to the detector (110), wherein the longitudinal sensor signal, given the same total power of the illumination, is dependent on a beam cross-section of the light beam (178) in the sensor region (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: trinamiX GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Lungenschmied, Oili Pekkola, Patrick Schindler, Robert Send, Ingmar Bruder, Erwin Thiel, Stephan Irle
  • Patent number: 11059174
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling obstacle avoidance of a robot. The method includes acquiring current positioning data of the robot, and determining whether an obstacle, spaced from a current position at a distance shorter than a preset distance, exists in a path from the current position to a target position or not according to the current positioning data and position data of all obstacles in a predetermined moving region; if the obstacle exists, calculating the shortest distance between the robot and the obstacle according to the acquired positioning data, a predetermined 3D model of the robot and a predetermined 3D model of the obstacle; calculating a due movement direction of the current robot according to the acquired positioning data, the calculated shortest distance and the 3D model of the obstacle, and controlling a movement posture of the robot according to the calculated movement direction to avoid the obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: PING AN TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Taotao Zhou, Bao Zhou, Jing Xiao
  • Patent number: 11061427
    Abstract: An operating device includes: an operating lever extending in a first direction and including a first end-side part in the first direction, the first end-side part being operable; a casing supporting a first-direction intermediate part of the operating lever; first and second sensors arranged in the casing so as to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and be adjacent to a second end-side part in the first direction of the operating lever; and third and fourth sensors arranged in the casing so as to be spaced apart from each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions and be adjacent to the second end-side part of the operating lever, wherein each of the first to fourth sensors outputs a signal in accordance with a load applied from the operating lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akihiro Kondo, Hiroaki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 11061137
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a proximity detection device. The proximity detection device includes one or more photodetectors and a readout circuit configured to sample one or more output signals from the one or more photodetectors at regular intervals throughout a detection period. The proximity detection device includes a pulse transmission circuit configured to transmit into the scene a first optical pulse having a first pulse duration and a second optical pulse having a second pulse duration that is at least 50 percent longer than the first pulse duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SAS
    Inventor: Pascal Mellot
  • Patent number: 11055507
    Abstract: Display device and its driving method are provided. The display device includes pixels and optical sensors in a display area. The driving method includes detecting a touch control operation in the display area to determine a touch control area where the touch control operation is conducted and performing N fingerprint identification operations. Each fingerprint identification operation includes configuring a portion of pixels in the touch control area as bright pixels and a remain portion of the pixels in the touch control area as black pixels; and processing electrical signals from the plurality of optical sensors to retrieve fingerprint information where the plurality of optical sensors receives light signals and converts the light signals to the electrical signals. Each of the pixels in the touch control area is configured as bright pixels in at least one of the N fingerprint identification operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Xiamen Tianma Micro-Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zongjun Zou, Ying Sun, Yumin Xu
  • Patent number: 11041975
    Abstract: The present invention achieves a multiple-optical-axis photoelectric sensor which can be assembled with reduced effort. A multiple-optical-axis photoelectric sensor (100) includes a light projector (110) and a light receiver (120) each having an outer shape defined by a housing (1) including: an outer case (10); a light-transmitting plate (15); and a pressing member (20). Supporting parts (11b) are provided at respective inner surfaces of side plates of the outer case. Extending parts (11c) are provided at end parts of the corresponding side plates. The pressing member is configured to press the light-transmitting plate against the supporting parts by being attached to the respective extending parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishiuchi, Shunkichi Sasaki, Nobuchika Takiguchi, Keisaku Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 11014350
    Abstract: There is disclosed a housing including a plurality of compartments for housing a plurality of LEDs or photo detectors. Each compartment has a number of control pads projecting inwardly and a number of protrusions. The control pads are configured to provide a contact surface for the LEDs or photo detectors to control the alignment and position of each of the plurality of LEDs or photodiodes within each of the plurality of compartments. Each of the protrusions urges each of the plurality of LEDs or photodiodes against the respective control pads to control the alignment of the LEDs or photodiodes in the housing. A detector array including a casing, an LED housing and a photodiode housing is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Francisco Gomez, Rafael Ulacia Portoles, Laura Portela Mata, Jose Miguel Felguera
  • Patent number: 11016051
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the disclosed wireless sensors comprise chemically-sensitive conductor traces that respond to variations in the polymer surrounding the sensors due to the change in proximity of the chemicals stored within the polymer vessels (e.g., degradation of the structural integrity of the polymer vessel). The sensors may generally be installed at the interface between the corrosion barrier and the structural layers of a polymer vessel comprising any FRP, PTFE, plastic, or other polymers. As the chemical stored within the polymer vessel degrades or permeates the corrosion barrier, the impedance measured by the sensor, in one embodiment, changes, which signals a change in the structural integrity of the polymer in which the sensor is embedded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Materials Technology Institute, Inc. (MTI)
    Inventors: Robert Sinko, Chris Heaton, Brian English, Heather Allain
  • Patent number: 11017643
    Abstract: Methods and systems for augmentative and alternative communication are disclosed. An example method can comprise receiving a candidate input, classifying the candidate input as an intentional input, and generating a signal in response to the intentional input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Richard Hurtig, Benjamin Berkowitz, Blake Earl Martinson, Zihan Zhu, Richard Rives Bird
  • Patent number: 11009405
    Abstract: A system and method for early-warning and positioning of overheating in a lithium ion battery pack is disclosed, especially for a single battery in the lithium ion battery pack during use. The system Includes a sensor unit, a controller unit, an alarm unit and an auxiliary unit; the sensor unit includes a special flexible thin film sensor; the controller unit includes a single chip microprocessor, an alarm controller, a computer and a display, the single chip microprocessor and the alarm controller being connected to the computer, the computer being connected to the display; the alarm unit includes a LED alarm light and a buzzer; the single chip microprocessor of the controller unit is connected to the flexible film sensor; the auxiliary unit includes a power supply and a constant value resistor; the power supply provides power separately to the controller unit and the alarm unit, and the constant value resistor is directly connected to the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventors: Zhirong Wang, Jinlong Bai, Yin Liang
  • Patent number: 11002066
    Abstract: A system such as a vehicle system or building system may have an enclosing structure such as a wall that surrounds an interior region and separates the interior region from an exterior region. An occupant of the system may be located in the interior region. An adjustable window in the enclosing structure may be located between the interior and exterior regions. Control circuitry in the system may use an exterior sensor system in the exterior region to capture an image of the environment surrounding the system, to locate external objects such as light sources, and to make other measurements. User input can be gathered from the occupant of the system and the location of the occupant and inanimate objects in the interior region can be gathered using an interior sensor system. The control circuitry can adjust the window based on the gathered information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Wilson, Martin Melcher, Christopher D. Jones
  • Patent number: 11000333
    Abstract: A laser catheter assembly is provided that includes a plurality of laser active fibers, each fiber having a substantially non-circular fiber cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: THE SPECTRANETICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: George Woodrow Burton
  • Patent number: 11000182
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus including an enclosure configured to receive an endoscope having an electromagnetic radiation sensor. The apparatus also includes an electromagnetic radiation source having at least a portion disposed within the enclosure. The electromagnetic radiation source is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation based on a calibration instruction. The electromagnetic radiation sensor is configured to receive at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation when at least a portion of the endoscope is coupled to the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel McCaffrey, Jane Bareau, Laura Keith, James McNally, Jason Sproul
  • Patent number: 10996467
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying an operational area, the apparatus comprising a headset (10) for placing over a user's eyes, the headset including a viewing device (12) configured to provide to said user, in use, a view of a real-world environment, a display generating device for depicting an operational area, said operational area being defined within said real-world environment and comprising a plurality of functional regions each defining a different one or more selectable functions or operations that can be performed in respect of said operational area, the apparatus being configured to transfer image data from said display generating device into said user's view of said real-world environment at said viewing device to generate an augmented reality environment, the apparatus further comprising a control module (26) including a control device (28) configured to be selectively communicably coupled to all of said functional regions to enable a user to selectively perform the respective one or more fun
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventors: Ian Geoffrey James, Edmond Richard Ridge, David John Simm, Malcolm Grant Pigott
  • Patent number: 10996051
    Abstract: An example system for determining space availability in an aircraft includes a plurality of laser sensors configured to be positioned in a baggage container at a first wall and a second wall, and the first wall and the second wall face each other. The plurality of laser sensors emit signals within the baggage container and detect reflected responses to generate outputs. The system also includes one or more processors in communication with the plurality of laser sensors for executing instructions stored in non-transitory computer readable media to perform functions including receiving the outputs from the plurality of laser sensors, mapping contents of the baggage container based on the outputs from the plurality of laser sensors, and based on said mapping, outputting data indicative of occupied space in the baggage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Amar Patel, Vinutha Patel
  • Patent number: 10987942
    Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a printer function part configured to print on a recording sheet, a power supply including a rechargeable battery, a charger configured to charge the rechargeable battery, and an input part configured to input information. The printer function part, the input part, the power supply, and the charger are arranged from a first end of the printing apparatus towards a second end opposite to the first end, in an order of the printer function part, the input part, the power supply, and the charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Tatsuya Oguchi, Sumio Watanabe, Yukihiro Mori
  • Patent number: 10988366
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided that includes a housing configured to dispense liquid into a container, the housing having an outlet for dispensing liquid into the container. The liquid dispenser includes a proximity sensor disposed proximate to the outlet and configured to detect the container when the container is disposed proximate to the outlet; a light source disposed proximate to the outlet and configured to emit a beam of light to identify a location of liquid to be dispensed from the outlet; and a processor configured to determine whether the container is disposed proximate to the outlet based on an output signal from the proximity sensor; and illuminate the light source to project the beam of light towards an opening of the container based on the output signal from the proximity sensor, to inform a user of a location of liquid to be dispensed from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Inventors: Regina M. Garcia, Eric R. Garcia
  • Patent number: 10984236
    Abstract: A system and an apparatus are provided, for gaze tracking within a defined operating range. The apparatus includes at least one optical system, which capable of capturing radiation in a wavelength range produced by a composite illumination source. The apparatus also includes at least one set of illumination sources creating the composite illumination source, wherein: at least one of the illumination sources is positioned relative to the optical system such that it ensures a user bright pupil response at the beginning of the apparatus operating range; and the composite illumination source size is such that it creates a Purkinje image on a user's eye capable of being distinguished by the optical system at the end of the apparatus operating range. The apparatus also includes an illumination controller for activating and deactivating the at least one composite illumination source, and a signal processing controller for transmitting generated images from the at least one optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Mirametrix Inc.
    Inventors: Simon St-Hilaire, Nicholas Joseph Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10983621
    Abstract: A touch display device and a driving method thereof are provided. A driving signal line configured to drive light emitting unit to emit light is multiplexed as a detection electrode. Moreover, the capacitance is formed between the detection electrode and a transparent conductive layer, the capacitance can be changed according to a change in touch force, so that when a position of the detection electrode is pressed, a distance between the detection electrode and the transparent conductive layer changes, and the capacitance between the detection electrode and the transparent conductive layer changes accordingly. In this way, a magnitude of the force at a touch position can be determined by a change in a capacitance value between the detection electrode and the transparent conductive layer, so that a force touch function can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignees: Hefei BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd., BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Xu, Tongmin Liu, Jin Sha, Dayu Zhang
  • Patent number: 10977987
    Abstract: Display systems, devices and methods that utilize one or more native display elements as photo-sensing elements to detect light. A display device includes a plurality of light-emitting diode (LED) pixel elements arranged in an array having a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows, and a control circuit configured to selectively activate a first LED pixel element to emit light, and simultaneously activate a second LED pixel element to detect light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventor: Kirk Hargreaves
  • Patent number: 10977883
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method utilize a micro electronic device implanted in a person or group of persons, or wearable thereby, to manage a variety of activities, including interrogating an RF microdevice for information. The microdevice has a housing, an antenna, a microprocessor, a tuning capacitor, and a transducer such as a location transponder, a thermometer, a heart rate transducer, a blood pressure transducer, and an information storage element. The method includes the steps of providing the microdevice and attaching it to a person. The person brings the microdevice near a login system having an RF reader and a login processor. The reader communicates with the microdevice via RF signals, and signals the login processor to corroborate an identification code from the microdevice. If the login processor corroborates the identification code, it signals the microdevice to permit access to information from the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: T.W. Vending, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Westby, Eric Bloms, Sam Bengston, Patrick McMullan