Controlled By Article, Person, Or Animal Patents (Class 250/221)
  • Patent number: 10462874
    Abstract: A lighting system comprising a light source operable to emit a source light, a sensor operable to sense environmental light from an environment, and a controller operatively connected to each of the sensor and the light source and configured to analyze the environmental light sensed by the sensor to at least one of detect and generate data relating to a condition of the environment, the data being transmittable in a transmitted data light. The sensor is operable to sense the presence or absence of a dominant wavelength associated with the environmental light. Additionally, the controller is operable to correlate the dominant wavelength with a substance, the controller is configured to detect a level of the dominant wavelength correlated with the substance, and the controller is configured to operate the lighting system to generate an alert based upon the detected level of the dominant wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Environmental Light Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Fredric S. Maxik, Eric Bretschneider, Pedro Medelius, David Bartine, Robert Soler, Gregory Flickinger
  • Patent number: 10451404
    Abstract: A sensor is disclosed that provides measurements in multiple degrees of freedom without significantly increasing size, complexity, or cost. The sensor can include a light component in support of a first light source operable to direct a first beam of light, and a second light source operable to direct a second beam of light. The sensor can also include an imaging device that can directly receive the first beam of light and the second beam of light and convert these into electric signals. The imaging device and the light component can be movable relative to one another. The sensor can further include a light location module and/or a position module configured to receive the electric signals and determine locations of the first beam of light, the second beam of light on the imaging device and a relative position of the imaging device and the light component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Rememdia LC
    Inventor: Fraser M. Smith
  • Patent number: 10452203
    Abstract: Techniques for utilizing two or more mobile devices equipped with projectors to generate a combined seamless user interfaces by stitching projection areas generated by the projectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Chunhui Zhang, Ji Zhao, Min Wang, Rui Gao, Xiong-Fei (Bruce) Cai, Chunshui Zhao
  • Patent number: 10454346
    Abstract: An encoder includes a first disc and a second disc, a first detector, a second detector, a rotation count detector, and a sender. The first disc and the second disc are mounted on a rotation shaft of a motor. The first detector is configured to detect a rotation position of the first disc within one rotation of the first disc. The second detector is configured to detect that the second disc has made one rotation. The rotation count detector is configured to count a rotation count of the second disc based on an output from the second detector. The sender is configured to send sending data including the rotation position and the rotation count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Kunihiko Ogawa, Keita Ogoh, Yasuhiro Matsutani
  • Patent number: 10445604
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for detecting various actions of a vehicle operator. More particularly, apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for detecting various actions of a vehicle operator based on digital image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Chan, Kenneth J. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 10444765
    Abstract: An unmanned vehicle that moves automatically within an environment, in particular a cleaning robot, with a detection system for detecting object data in an environment of the vehicle and a calculating device for generating an area map based on recorded object data. The area map has information about a position of an external illuminating device designed separately from the vehicle, as well as one or several items of information about the illuminating device, such as light intensity, emission spectrum, position and/or size of a partial area of an environment that can be illuminated by the illuminating device, and type of illuminating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: David Erkek, Georg Hackert, Gerhard Isenberg, Roman Ortmann, Andreas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10445998
    Abstract: A motion sensor has an infrared detector with a first set of detector elements coupled to a first channel and a second set of detector elements coupled to a second channel. A first optical subsystem directs infrared radiation from a first number of monitored volumes to the infrared detector and a second optical subsystem directs infrared radiation from a second number of monitored volumes to the infrared detector. Intrusion detection circuitry is coupled to both channels of the infrared detector and selects a set of peaks in the first channel and the second channel. It then calculates an alternation score based on a number of alternating peaks in the set of peaks, and indicates an intrusion detection based, at least in part, on the alternation score. The circuitry also determines a peak-to-peak period for the first channel and calculates a slope-synchrony measurement to modify the alternation score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventors: Eric Scott Micko, Guang Liang Zhu
  • Patent number: 10443296
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for controlling a door are generally described herein. A door opener system can include a head unit. The system can include a wall station, a controller, or a wireless transmitter. The wall station can be inside a room, the room including the door and the controller can be outside the room. The wireless transmitter can be portable. The wall station, controller, or wireless transmitter can be used to control the head unit. The head unit can be used to open or close the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: GTO Access Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rosenmarkle, Mark Lawrence, Matthew Kirkland, Alexandra Rolon
  • Patent number: 10436427
    Abstract: A Light and Power Distribution System for Non-Occupied Structures for providing electrical and lighting capabilities without the need for an electrician or inspections. The Light and Power Distribution System for Non-Occupied Structures includes a main housing assembly coupled to a wall of a structure; a main power connection cable for electrically coupling to an electrical service; and at least one electrical outlet operationally coupled to the main housing assembly and electrically coupled to said main power connection cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventor: Nathan L Rons
  • Patent number: 10437389
    Abstract: A touch sensing apparatus is disclosed comprising a panel that defines a touch surface, a plurality of light emitters and detectors arranged along a perimeter of the panel. The light emitters are arranged to emit a respective beam of emitted light that travels above the touch surface, wherein the light detectors are arranged to receive detection light from the emitted light. The plurality of light emitters and detectors are arranged above the touch surface and are connected to a substrate extending in a direction parallel with a normal axis of a plane in which the panel extends. A method of assembling a touch sensing apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: FlatFrog Laboratories AB
    Inventors: Daniel Skagmo, Robert Ehn, Hakan Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 10436608
    Abstract: A method and an inductive proximity sensor for detecting an object having at least one coil, wherein at least one transmission current pulse can be applied to the coil by a control and evaluation unit and having the control and evaluation unit for outputting an object detection signal, wherein the control and evaluation unit is configured to scan at least one induced voltage pulse that is generated by the transmission current pulse at the coil in at least one section from or after the point in time of the application of the transmission current pulse up to the point in time of the complete attenuation of the voltage pulse and to form scan values, whereby the voltage pulse is digitized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventors: Sascha Thoss, Andreas Peter, Olaf Machul
  • Patent number: 10429995
    Abstract: A coordinate detecting apparatus includes a plurality of light-receiving sensors and a controller. The plurality of light-receiving sensors detect light emitted from a light-emitting member in a detection area. The controller detects a position of the light-emitting member based on the light detected by the plurality of light-receiving sensors, and controls the light-emitting member such that an intensity of the light emitted from the light-emitting member is higher than an intensity of ambient light incident on the plurality of light-receiving sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masato Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10423189
    Abstract: To provide a control device and control system capable of implementing time synchronization of sensor data, even in a case of using a common sensor interface device. A control device that receives information related to sensor values from a sensor interface device includes: a timing signal generation unit that generates a timing signal, an additional information generation unit that generates additional information synchronized with the timing signal, and an output unit that outputs the timing signal and additional information to the sensor interface device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Satou
  • Patent number: 10410760
    Abstract: A rigid-flex assembly (RFA) includes a circuit board attachable to a focal plane sensor. The RFA includes a flexible wiring section electrically coupled at opposing ends to the circuit board and to an edge connector. The flexible wiring section has a controlled separation distance or volume or vacuum gap between wiring strips for reduction of dielectric electrical loss and electrical cross talk. The flexible section has wires or traces configured to reduce the amount of copper used while optimizing signal integrity. Rigid substrates electrically couple the flexible wiring section to the connector. The RFA uses an end-launch, in-plane connection to the sensor for improved performance. A sensor module includes a housing and a sensor. An RFA is coupled to the sensor for high-speed data transfer and that optimizes signal integrity while providing thermal isolation via the flexible section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jay R. Neumann, Thomas F. McEwan, David E. Sigurdson, Alberto Perez, Janine F. Lambe, Gregory D. Tracy
  • Patent number: 10410359
    Abstract: A method for real-time motion capture for a person when interfacing with an application executed by a computer is provided. The method includes capturing a space using a camera interfaced with the computer. The space includes at least part of the person. Identifying a plurality of markers disposed on the person. The plurality of markers is associated with at least a torso, arms and legs of the person. Capturing movement of the person by tracking the plurality of markers from images taken by the camera. The method is configured to interpret one or more movements of the person as an input for the application, while the movement of the person is tracked using the plurality of markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Marks
  • Patent number: 10407835
    Abstract: Track alignment reference system projectors having a modulated light source, in addition to arrays of light sources, optionally utilizing a lens are provided. Track alignment systems that utilize or may make use of cascaded devices are also described. Related systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: FOCUS POINT SOLUTIONS
    Inventors: Todd Van Cleave, Larry Van Cleave
  • Patent number: 10402018
    Abstract: A light-sensitive type touch panel, a display device and a touch positioning method are provided. The light-sensitive type touch panel includes: a first thin film on a support substrate; a second thin film opposite to the first thin film in a direction perpendicular to the support substrate; a fluid layer, which is between the first thin film and the second thin film in the direction perpendicular to the support substrate, adjacent to the first surface, which is close to the first thin film, of the second thin film, and has a refractive index smaller than that of the second thin film; a light source configured to emit incident light which is incident to the second thin film; and a light sensor on a side, away from the second thin film, of the first thin film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jinyu Ren, Yongzhi Song, Bo Zhou
  • Patent number: 10400497
    Abstract: A vehicle window glass raising/lowering device includes a drive mechanism, a control unit for controlling the drive mechanism, and a camera for capturing an image of a detection line. The camera includes an optical system. The control unit includes a detection means for detecting a blocked state in which the detection line captured in an image by the camera is at least partially blocked by a foreign object, and a pinching prevention means when the blocked state is detected by the detection means during when the window glass is moved by the drive mechanism. The optical system is arranged at a position corresponding to an opening formed on an inner circumferential surface of the frame portion so that an optical axis of the optical system passes through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ikeda, Hideaki Takehara, Yasuhiro Saito, Sadaji Umehara, Tsuyoshi Kondo, Masakane Yoshizawa, Hideaki Kashiwagi, Mayu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10400498
    Abstract: A vehicle window glass raising/lowering device includes a drive mechanism, a control unit for controlling the drive mechanism, a camera for capturing an image of a detection line. The camera includes an optical system. The control unit includes a detection means for detecting a blocked state in which the detection line captured in an image by the camera is at least partially blocked by a foreign object, and a pinching prevention means when the blocked state is detected by the detection means during when the window glass is moved by the drive mechanism. The optical system is arranged at a position corresponding to an opening formed on an upper surface of a door trim so that an optical axis of the optical system passes through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ikeda, Hideaki Takehara, Yasuhiro Saito, Sadaji Umehara, Tsuyoshi Kondo, Masakane Yoshizawa, Hideaki Kashiwagi, Mayu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10394341
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology relate to electronic devices with input devices. An input device may include a button or a key of a keyboard that uses a light sensor to detect key press events. The light sensor may detect changes in an amount of received light caused by actuation of a keycap of the button or key. The button or key may include an opaque structure that blocks a portion of the light when the key is compressed. The button or key may include a light source such as a light-emitting diode that generates light. A portion of the light from the light source may illuminate the key or button to provide backlight for the key and another portion may be received by the light sensor for detecting partial or complete compression of the button or key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Daniel J. Drusch, Chang Zhang
  • Patent number: 10393918
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a photoelectric sensor system with a primary photo-detector to receive an on-axis return reflected by a retro-reflective target, and a monitor photo-detector to detect off-axis light indicative of a diffuse reflective object blocking the optical path between an emitter and the retro-reflective target. In an illustrative example, the optical path may include a coaxial transceiver module that includes a beam splitter mirror to redirect the optical path. In some embodiments, a bifurcated lens may provide, for example, a lateral offset of the emitter axis through one lens, and the return axis through an adjacent parallel lens. The second photo-detector may provide, for example, an array of one or more detection surfaces to detect off-axis light associated with a diffuse reflective object, such as a white card, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Banner Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: Eric Lindmark, Paul D. Bratton, Dennis John Smith, Neal A. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 10387719
    Abstract: A wearable computing device includes various biometric sensors for recording biometric measurements of a user wearing the wearable computing device. The wearable computing device is further configured to interpret the biometric measurements as commands to be performed. The wearable computing device also includes modules and logic that determine whether the biometric measurements were voluntary or involuntary movements by the user, which indicate whether the user intended such biometric measurements to be input to the wearable computing device. Where the biometric measurements indicate that the user's movements and/or gestures were voluntary, the wearable computing device is configured to further classify and analyze the biometric measurements. This classification and analysis yields the different types of actions and objects the user was engaged in or acting on at the time the biometric measurements were obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: DAQRI, LLC
    Inventors: Stefanie A. Hutka, Lucas Kazansky
  • Patent number: 10385555
    Abstract: An automated liquid delivery system comprising: a housing defining an internal chamber, the housing comprising at least one delivery hole; a flow control valve inserted into the internal chamber and connectable to a source of liquid, the flow control valve for controlling a flow of liquid coming from the source of liquid; at least one pipe inserted into the internal chamber and connected to the flow control valve for delivering the liquid coming from the flow control valve through the delivery hole of the housing; a controller inserted into the internal chamber for controlling the flow control valve, the flow control valve and the controller being powerable by a battery insertable into the housing; and a cover securable to the housing for enclosing the flow control valve, the pipe, the controller and the battery therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: MAAX BATH INC.
    Inventors: Charles Kerwin Braddock, Thomas Stuart Debaugh
  • Patent number: 10386226
    Abstract: An optical safety beam method and system. A transmitter periodically sends bursts of light pulses with varying strengths. The receiver analyzes the received light pulses to automatically adjust its sensitivity and to detect when the light path is partially obstructed even when there are stray light pulse reflections that reach the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Mars International, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Engelstein, David Salgueiro, Mohamed Abdelhafez, Ralph Giffone, Andrew Lindsay
  • Patent number: 10373449
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to increasing the use of protective eyewear in safety-critical environments. Systems and methods disclosed herein include lighting devices that emit ambient lighting and safety lighting for an environment. The safety lighting includes visible characteristics different from the ambient lighting. Additionally, the systems and methods include protective eyewear having a lens that filters out substantially the visible characteristics of the safety lighting striking the lens and pass components of the ambient light safety lighting striking the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: William Pflug, Brian Tillotson
  • Patent number: 10372155
    Abstract: A joystick has a related control method to provide displayed object control function. The joystick includes a body, an image sensor and a processor. The body has a deformable bottom surface whereon a pattern is disposed. The image sensor is disposed under the body and adapted to capture a plurality of frames about the pattern. The processor is electrically connected with the image sensor and adapted to generate a displayed object control signal according to pattern variation within the plurality of frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: PixArt Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Chung Wang, Hsin-Chia Chen, Hui-Hsuan Chen, Chao-Chien Huang, Chu-Hung Nien
  • Patent number: 10356260
    Abstract: A medium conveyance device includes an openable and closable cover that covers a conveyance path for a medium, a sensor that includes a transmission unit which transmits a measured object and a reception unit which receives the measured object transmitted from the transmission unit, the sensor for detection of the medium being present on the conveyance path, and a processor that increases a transmission level of the transmission unit when a reception level for the measured object received by the reception unit is less than a threshold, and determines whether the cover is opened based on whether a rate of change of the reception level between before and after an increase in the transmission level is less than a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: PFU LIMITED
    Inventors: Masayasu Takahashi, Yoshiaki Yamahara
  • Patent number: 10339768
    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: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF IOWA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Richard Hurtig, Benjamin Berkowitz, Blake Earl Martinson, Zihan Zhu, Richard Rives Bird
  • Patent number: 10340408
    Abstract: An exemplary non-invasive wearable brain interface system includes a headgear configured to be worn on a head of the user and a plurality of self-contained photodetector units configured to removably attach to the headgear. The photodetector units each include a plurality of photodetectors configured to detect photons of light after the photons reflect from a target within a brain of the user. The brain interface system further includes a master control unit communicatively coupled to each of the photodetector units by way of a plurality of wires and configured to control the photodetector units, the master control unit comprising an input power port configured to connect to a power cable that provides power from a power source for the master control unit and the photodetector units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: HI LLC
    Inventors: Husam Katnani, Ryan Field, Bruno Do Valle, Rong Jin, Jacob Dahle
  • Patent number: 10323974
    Abstract: An optical sensor for a conventional tank gauge designed to allow a user to remotely check the liquid level of a tank without the need for a visual inspection. Using an emitter circuit board with a plurality of photoemitters and a detector circuit board with a plurality of photodetectors, the optical sensor can fit over a conventional tank gauge without disturbing the gauge. The circuit boards can be attached to an optical sensor frame, which can be adjusted on the conventional tank gauge by a height adjustment screw and a series of set screws. Alternatively, one or more sliders can be used to maintain proper alignment. Analog data generated from the photodetectors can be digitized using a microcontroller and can be made available for viewing on a stationary or mobile device via an integrated network connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventor: Eric Guldalian
  • Patent number: 10326917
    Abstract: A monitoring camera is equipped with a touch sensor in a camera cover glass, which senses positions of objects touching or being close to the cover glass. The touch sensor aids the camera in separating image data depicting objects on the cover glass from image data depicting the monitored scene. This information may be used when choosing image capture settings, by indicating to the camera which image regions are less important to take into account, and to avoid false alarms which otherwise may occur when rain drops or insects on the cover glass are mistaken for events in the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: AXIS AB
    Inventors: Igor Gurovski, Thomas Ekdahl
  • Patent number: 10311662
    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 unlocking a locked device. The method includes the steps of providing an RF microdevice having an electronic identification code and attaching the microdevice to a person. An RF lock system is provided to the subject locked device, including an electronically powered lock, an RF reader and a processor. The user brings the microdevice near the reader, whereby the reader communicates with the microdevice via RF signals, and the reader signals the processor to corroborate the identification code. If the processor corroborates the identification code, the processor signals the powered lock to actuate and unlock. If the processor does not corroborate the identification code, the powered lock remains unactuated and locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: T.W. Vending, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Westby, Eric Bloms, Sam Bengston, Patrick McMullan
  • Patent number: 10302747
    Abstract: A distance measuring apparatus measuring a distance to an object is disclosed. The apparatus includes a light projector projecting an irradiating light onto the object; a first receiver receiving and converting a reflected light into a received light signal; a second receiver adjacent to the light projecting unit, the second receiver receiving and converting the irradiating light into a reference signal, the second receiver being different from the first receiver; and a distance measuring unit measuring the distance based on a time. The distance measuring unit calculates an integrated waveform based on a reference waveform of the reference signal and a waveform of the received light signal, determines, based on the integrated waveform, a time from projection of the irradiating light onto the object by the light projecting unit until reception of the reflected light by the first receiver, and calculates the distance based on the determined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichi Suzuki, Mitsuru Nakajima, Hideomi Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 10303250
    Abstract: Provided are wearable glasses including a display and a method of operating the same. The wearable glasses include: a display configured to display an image; a sensor configured to acquire wear state information representing a state in which a user currently wears the wearable glasses, while the image is being displayed on the display; and a processor configured to determine an inclination of the wearable glasses with respect to the user based on the acquired wear state information, and to adjust, based on the determined inclination, the image that is displayed on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kyung-ho Jeong
  • Patent number: 10302765
    Abstract: An area monitoring system is configured to include a monitoring apparatus and a reflector. The monitoring apparatus includes a time-based detecting unit (i.e., a first detecting unit) that detects an intruder at a scanning angle by measuring a distance to an object based on an elapsed time until reflected light is received, for a first detection area. The monitoring apparatus further includes a light reception amount-based detecting unit (i.e., a second detecting unit) that detects an intruder at a scanning angle by comparing an actual light reception amount at a timing at which reflected light is received when radiated laser light is reflected by a reflector, and a light reception threshold (i.e., a reference light reception amount) set in advance, with a second detection area set farther than the first detection area as an area subjected to detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignees: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED, DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shoji Katsura, Tetsuya Iwasaki, Keiji Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10295971
    Abstract: A wearable embedded control system, including at least one remote device and at least one wearable hand device. The wearable hand device includes a plurality of light emitting diodes coupled to a plurality of light dependent resistors wherein the light emitting diodes and the light dependent resistors are fixed along at least one finger of the wearable hand device. The wearable hand device further includes a signal conditioning circuit configured to filter an ambient light signal, and a single board computer including processing circuitry configured to detect a presence of light emitted by the plurality of light emitting diodes and received by the plurality of light dependent resistors, determine one or more integer values corresponding to the presence of light received by the plurality of light dependent resistors, and transmit the one or more integer values to the remote device via a real-time Data Distribution Service middleware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Basem Mohammed Almadani, Farouq Muhammad Aliyu
  • Patent number: 10293447
    Abstract: A control device for a piece of powered equipment having an electronic sensor and an electronic control board for controlling the equipment depending on a control signal from the sensor. The electronic sensor is a contactless optical sensor, provided in an interface area of the control device, configured to measure a distance separating at least one target, located in the interface area, and the optical sensor, the electronic board being configured to establish a first control of a main function of the powered equipment, when a signal from the optical sensor is established for a measured distance within a first range of distances, and to establish a control for at least one additional function of the powered equipment, different from the main function, when a signal from the optical sensor is established for a measured distance greater than the first range of distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: PELLENC (SOCIETE ANONYME)
    Inventors: Roger Pellenc, Philippe Gilbert, Bernard Lopez
  • Patent number: 10290193
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of multifunctional ground insert lamps, a plurality of camera devices and a system controller. The multifunctional ground insert lamps and the camera devices are respectively connected with the system controller. The system controller controls operation of the camera devices according to the monitoring information of the multifunctional ground insert lamps. Each of the multifunctional ground insert lamps includes a monitoring module which includes a transmitter, a receiver and a lamp body. The receiver of each of the multifunctional ground insert lamps is connected with the transmitter of other multifunctional ground insert lamps. Two of the multifunctional ground insert lamps form a couple and have signals connected mutually. Thus, the multifunctional ground insert lamps construct a surveillance system and an illuminating system at the specified zone to provide monitoring, alarming and lighting functions simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Dong Guan Bright Yinhuey Lighting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin Hsu
  • Patent number: 10292240
    Abstract: Various embodiments may relate to a sensor unit having a plurality of sensor elements, the detection data of which are used for controlling an opto-electronic light source. According to various embodiments, the plurality of sensor elements are arranged on a substrate body, which is provided in the form of a molded circuit carrier made of a plastic material, and detect different regions and/or sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignees: OSRAM GMBH, SITECO BELEUCHTUNGSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Loster, Gertrud Kraeuter, Clemens Meyer
  • Patent number: 10288765
    Abstract: A photoelectric sensor and a control method thereof are provided, the photoelectric sensor includes a driving pulse generating unit, generating a driving pulse of different cycles; a light-emitting part, receiving the driving pulse to emit light; a light receiving part, receiving the light reflected by a detected object to generate a light receiving signal; an output unit, processing the light receiving signal to output a detection signal; and a control unit, controlling the driving pulse generating unit to generate a first driving pulse of a sleep cycle in usual, and triggered by a variation of the detection signal to control the driving pulse generating unit to generate a specified number of second driving pulses of a duty cycles, the duty cycle is formed by two or more specific cycles, an average of the specific cycles serves as the duty cycle, and the duty cycle is shorter than the sleep cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Qi Hong
  • Patent number: 10282962
    Abstract: A method, computer program, and system for monitoring a person in a structure having a first room and a second room. The system includes motion sensors and accelerometers to determine states and activities within the states, respectively. No visual images of any type are used to monitor the person. The person does not need to wear any type of equipment or component or necklace or bracelet or special clothing with any type of equipment or component in order to be monitored by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Lech Smart Home Systems LLC
    Inventors: Robert Mytelka, Jim Heins, Stuart Zakon, Joe Goldman
  • Patent number: 10279786
    Abstract: A braking-system suitable for use on an automated vehicle includes a ranging-sensor, a braking-actuator and a controller in communication with the ranging-sensor and the braking-actuator. The ranging-sensor is used to detect an object proximate to a host-vehicle when the object resides in a field-of-view of the ranging-sensor. The field-of-view defines a bottom-edge of the field-of-view and a boundary of a conflict-zone, where the boundary corresponds to a portion of the bottom-edge. The a braking-actuator used to control movement of the host-vehicle. The controller determines a height of the object, determines a distance to the object, determines a range-rate of the object when the object is in the field-of-view, and activates the braking-actuator when an estimated-distance to the object is less than a distance-threshold, the height of the object is greater than a height-threshold, and the object has crossed the boundary and thereby enters the conflict-zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Aptiv Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Premchand Krishna Prasad
  • Patent number: 10271087
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application configured to monitor attentiveness of a user based on the brain activity of the user. For example, a media guidance application may monitor brain activity associated with an attentiveness level of the user and in response to determining the attentiveness level of the user does not correspond to the threshold attentiveness level, perform an operation associated with a low attentiveness level of the user (e.g., performing a scan operation through various content providers).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter R. Klappert, Michael R. Nichols, Camron Shimy, William Wagner, Yinghsueh (Annie) Chen, Paul T. Stathacopoulos
  • Patent number: 10261577
    Abstract: The present application provides a method and device for determining input information, and relates to the field of a wearable device. The method comprises in response to a first part of a body of a user executing an action, acquiring target blood-flow information about the first part or a second part that corresponds to the first part; and determining input information according to the target blood-flow information and reference information. According to the method and device, the body of the user is used as an input interface, to cause an interaction area to be increased, which helps to improve input efficiency and user experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Beijing Zhigu Rui Tuo Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuanchun Shi, Yuntao Wang, Chun Yu, Lin Du
  • Patent number: 10260335
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using opto-electrical networks to control downhole electronic devices. A system is provided that can include an optical transmitter. The optical transmitter can generate a first electrical signal associated with a radio frequency or a frequency bandwidth of the radio frequency. The optical transmitter can also convert the first electrical signal to an optical signal. The optical transmitter can further transmit the optical signal over a fiber-optic cable to an optical receiver deployed in a wellbore. The system can include the optical receiver. The optical receiver can convert the optical signal to a second electrical signal associated with the radio frequency or the frequency bandwidth. The optical receiver can also control an electronic device in the wellbore that is identified from the radio frequency or the frequency bandwidth of the second electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Yan-Wah Michael Chia, Glenn Andrew Wilson
  • Patent number: 10262519
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus with an image-projecting function that is convenient for a user can be provided. The lighting apparatus includes: an illuminating unit that emits illumination light; and a projection-type image display unit that projects an image. The projection-type image display unit is configured so that a setting menu screen settable about an image displayed by the projection-type image display unit can be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: MAXELL, LTD.
    Inventors: Takuya Shimizu, Katsuyuki Watanabe, Hiroyuki Urata, Tatsuya Ishikawa, Nobuo Masuoka
  • Patent number: 10261634
    Abstract: A touch interface includes a plurality of emitters arranged along a first edge of a flexible electronics component to emit light that propagates across a surface of the flexible electronics component and a plurality of receivers arranged along a second edge of the flexible electronics component to detect light. The touch interface further includes a touch controller coupled to the plurality of emitters and the plurality of receivers. The touch controller is configured to cause one or more of the plurality of emitters to emit light, receive one or more signals indicative of detected light at the plurality of receivers, and determine at least one of a user interaction with the flexible electronics component or a current state of flexing of the flexible electronics component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: FLEXTERRA, INC.
    Inventor: Hjalmar Edzer Ayco Huitema
  • Patent number: 10254527
    Abstract: A certain embodiment provides an observation method using a microscopic imaging device which has a solid-state imaging device having a plurality of pixels arranged at predetermined intervals, each of the pixels including a microlens configured to collect light, and a light receiving unit configured to receive the light collected by the microlens. The observation method includes mounting an object to be observed on the microlenses or above the microlenses by disposing a specimen containing the object to be observed on the microscopic imaging device, and imaging the object to be observed, mounted on the microlenses or above the microlenses by a solid-state imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Soichiro Ueno
  • Patent number: 10257343
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing and one or more processors. At least one proximity sensor component is operable with the one or more processors and can include an infrared signal receiver to receive an infrared emission from an object external to the housing. The one or more processors can receive, with a communication circuit, an incoming communication from a remote communication device and determine whether a person is within a thermal reception radius of the at least one proximity sensor component. Where the person is not within the thermal reception radius, the one or more processors can perform a control operation in response to receiving the incoming communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Rachid M Alameh, Kevin J McDunn
  • Patent number: 10246929
    Abstract: The present invention provides machine tool having a door of which the position is changed between the time of machining and when nothing is being machined, and where the moving speed of the door can be changed. The machine tool is provided with: a drive unit that can move the door; a control unit that can control the drive unit for moving the door; a safety signal input unit that takes in a safety signal from the outside of the machine tool; and a door opening and closing speed setting unit that can set the moving speed of the door to a first moving speed in the case where a safety signal is inputted into the signal input unit or to a second moving speed in the case where no safety signal is inputted, and is characterized in that the first moving speed is higher than the second moving speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kiwamu Saitou