Color (e.g., Filter Or Spectroscope) Patents (Class 250/226)
  • Publication number: 20120286145
    Abstract: The invention provides a pigment dispersion composition including an azo pigment represented by formula (1), in which the azo pigment represented by formula (1) does not have an ionic hydrophilic group, an azo pigment derivative and a dispersant. In formula (1), G represents a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group; R1 represents an amino group, an aliphatic oxy group, an aliphatic group, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group; R2 represents a substituent; A represents a heterocyclic group; m represents an integer of 0 to 5; and n represents an integer of 1 to 4, wherein: when n=2, the azo pigment is a dimer formed via R1, R2, A or G; when n=3, the azo pigment is a a trimer formed via R1, R2, A or G; and when n=4, the azo pigment is a tetramer formed via R1, R2, A or G.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshihito Kuge, Nobuo Seto, Masahiro Higashi, Keiichi Tateishi, Hideki Takakuwa, Kaoru Aoyagi, Hiroshi Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20120285531
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to focusing luminescent concentrators wherein directional emission, obtained by placing an absorber/emitter within a microcavity or photonic crystal, may be oriented by a macroscopic concentrator and focused to a point or line for 3D or 2D concentration, respectively. The focusing luminescent concentrators disclosed herein may provide high concentration ratios without the need for tracking, and may reduce re-absorption losses associated with conventional concentrators. The present disclosure further relates to photovoltaic cells and/or optical detector devices comprising a focusing luminescent concentrator. The devices and methods presently disclosed are also useful, for example, in solar, thermal and thermophotovolatic applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen R. FORREST, Noel C. Giebink
  • Patent number: 8309898
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus having a pixel array region and a peripheral region includes a pixel array, a readout unit, an output unit, a plurality of output lines, and a color filter layer which is arranged in the pixel array region and the peripheral region and includes a color filter arranged above the plurality of pixels. The color filter layer extends to surround the output lines when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a surface of a semiconductor substrate, and has an opening arranged above the plurality of output lines. The opening of the color filter layer is filled with gas or an insulator lower in dielectric constant than the color filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Kato, Hirofumi Totsuka
  • Patent number: 8309165
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a color filter by copper and silver film, comprising: a lower copper layer; a lower silver layer formed on the lower copper layer; a medium formed on the lower silver layer; an upper copper layer formed on the medium; and an upper silver layer formed on the upper copper layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Pixart Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Sen-Huang Huang, Chin-Poh Pang, Hsin-Hui Hsu
  • Patent number: 8309905
    Abstract: The multispectral filter for an image detection device comprises a prismatic plate (85) comprising a first internal face (86) and a second external face (87), the first and the second faces (86, 87) being inclined with respect to one another by an angle ?, and comprises at least two different spectral bands (91, 92, 93, 94) deposited either on the first or the second face (86, 87) of the prismatic plate (85), the various spectral bands (91, 92, 93, 94) being spaced a predetermined distance (D) apart. Application to multispectral imagers, in particular to Off Axis imagers. This filter allows the suppression of the ghost images (or spurious echoes) generated at the focal plane of a multispectral imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Blanc, Stephane Garin
  • Publication number: 20120280116
    Abstract: A method can be used to produce a housing for an optoelectronic semiconductor device. A reflector part, which has an inner area configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation, is encased in places with a housing material using an injection molding method. The inner area of the reflector part remains free of the housing material at least in places. The reflector part is formed with a first plastic material and the housing material is formed with a second plastic material that is different than the first plastic material. The first plastic material and the second plastic material differ from one another with regard to at least thermal stability or resistance to electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: OSRAM OPTO SEMICONDUCTORS GMBH
    Inventors: Gertrud Kräuter, Bernd Barchmann
  • Publication number: 20120268701
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display device provided with a photosensor, which can improve sensor sensitivity without affecting display. The display device includes: a photosensor (FS) provided in a display region (1); a visible light blocking filter (18) that blocks visible light, which is disposed on an optical path of light that enters through an image display surface and that reaches the photosensor (FS); and a wavelength conversion layer (24) that is disposed between the visible light blocking filter (18) and the photosensor (FS) and that converts light in a specific wavelength range, which includes a range outside of the visible light range, into visible light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tadashi Nemoto, Hiromi Katoh, Christopher Brown
  • Patent number: 8294081
    Abstract: A surgical lamp includes a light source, a camera, at least one rotatable polarization filter, and a control device that controls the polarization filter according to the results of an evaluation of the image which is captured by the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Trumpf Medizin Systeme GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Rouven Rosenheimer, Willibald Hiemer, Martin Schenk
  • Patent number: 8293565
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a solid-state imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a step of forming a transparent resin layer above a principal surface of a semiconductor substrate, a step of exposing the transparent resin layer to light by using a grating mask having a first transmission region and a second transmission region having a higher transmittance of the light than the first transmission region in mutually separate positions, a step of forming first resin patterns and second resin patterns lower than the first resin patterns in mutually separate positions, and a step of forming first microlenses and second microlenses lower than the first microlenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hajime Ootake
  • Publication number: 20120262711
    Abstract: A spectrometric measurement device capable of determining an optimal wavelength for detecting an objective component is provided. One mode of the present invention is a fluorescence measurement device for casting an excitation light of a predetermined wavelength into or onto a sample and detecting a predetermined wavelength of light contained in the fluorescence generated from the sample irradiated with the excitation light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryutaro Oda
  • Patent number: 8288708
    Abstract: An optical filter 2 is disposed on an image sensor 12 including a plurality of sensor pixels 12a which are aligned, and includes a elongated translucent substrate 4; a first optical filter layer 6 laminated on the translucent substrate 4, and a second optical filter layer 8 laminated on the first optical filter layer 6. The translucent substrate 4 includes a photodetecting part 4a which is long in the alignment direction X of the sensor pixels 12a and disposed on the image sensor 12; and a frame part 4b surrounding the photodetecting part 4a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Katurou Hikita, Fumihiko Shimomura, Tomonori Tsunashima
  • Publication number: 20120248298
    Abstract: An optical sensor has a glass base having a concave portion, and a glass lid is bonded to the base and overlies the concave portion to form an hermetically sealed cavity portion. A photoelectric conversion element is accommodated in the cavity portion. Internal wirings are each connected at one end to the photoelectric conversion element and extend through notches formed in a peripheral edge of the base. The other ends of the internal wirings are connected inside the notches to external wirings that extend along an outside surface of the base and terminate in external terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Hitoshi Takeuchi, Noriyuki Kimura, Koji Noguchi
  • Publication number: 20120248297
    Abstract: A method comprises receiving an output signal of one of multiple detection channels. The method further includes color separating the output signal and generating a color separated signal substantially only with the peaks corresponding to the detected signals with the principle emission in the emission spectrum range of the detection channel. The method further includes estimating a time-variant amplitude of the gradually decaying tail and removing the time-variant amplitude from the color separated signal. The method further includes generating a corrected colored separated signal with substantially only the peaks corresponding to the fluorescent dyes attached to the fragments in the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: ANALOGIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ching Ming LAI
  • Patent number: 8274031
    Abstract: A colored microlens array includes a plurality of microlenses for focusing incident light on a plurality of respective positions, on a substrate or a transparent film provided on the substrate, in which peripheral sections of the plurality of microlenses overlap each other at the adjacent positions and the microlenses are colored in a plurality of colors and arranged in a predetermined color arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junichi Nakai
  • Publication number: 20120236297
    Abstract: An optical sensor includes a light receiving element (for example a photodiode) and an angle limiting filter that limits the incidence angle of incidence light with respect to the light receiving area of the light receiving element. When a wavelength of the incidence light is denoted by ?, a height of the angle limiting filter is denoted by R, and a width of an opening of the angle limiting filter is denoted by d, “d2/?R?2” is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira UEMATSU, Yoshiyuki TERASHIMA, Yoichi SATO, Atsushi MATSUO
  • Patent number: 8269172
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, devices and methods for detecting both ambient light and proximity to an object. This detection is performed by a double-layered photodiode array and corresponding circuitry such that ambient light and proximity detection are enabled by a plurality of integrated photodiodes. In various embodiments of the invention, ambient light is sensed using a first set of photodiodes and a second set of photodiodes such that a spectral response is created that is approximately equal to the visible light spectrum. Proximity detection is realized using an integrated photodiode, positioned below the first and second sets of photodiodes, that detects infrared light and generates a response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David Skurnik
  • Patent number: 8270047
    Abstract: First, second, and third image planes are obtained from at least one image sensor. The first image plane is formed from light of a first spectral distribution. The second image plane is formed from light of a second spectral distribution. The third image plane is formed from light of a spectral distribution which substantially covers the visible spectrum. First spatial frequency components are generated from the first, second and third image planes. A second spatial frequency component is generated from the third image plane. A color transform is applied to the first spatial frequency components from the first, second, and third image planes to obtain at least first, second and third transformed first spatial frequency image planes. The at least first, second and third transformed first spatial frequency image planes are combined with the second spatial frequency component from the third image plane to form an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Stephen Pollard, Andrew Hunter, Renato Keshet
  • Publication number: 20120229813
    Abstract: In a wavelength detector and an OCT including the same, the wavelength detector includes a wavelength filter by which at least one of the diffraction beams of a coherent input light is selected as a selection beam having a desired frequency by using a flat plate and at least a slit penetrating through the flat plate. The pixel having image data of an OCT image is mapped to the frequency of the selection beam by one to one, thereby improving uniformity of the resolution of the OCT image along a depth of the inspection object. The frequency of the selection beam is determined by an optical spectrum analyzer before initiating the OCT inspection to the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: EQ MED CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ki-Wan Kim, Man-Sik Jeon, Un-Sang Jung, Chang-Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20120224872
    Abstract: A sensor used for determining area coverages of each colorant in a printed image is provided. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements for determining area coverages of each colorant in a printed image that includes a plurality of colorants including a black colorant. One of the sensing elements is an infrared sensing element configured to measure infrared reflection, and the others of the sensing elements are each configured to detect a visible color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wencheng WU, Edul N. Dalal, Beilei Xu
  • Patent number: 8258456
    Abstract: The present invention provides an image sensor. The image sensor comprises: a substrate, a plurality of optical elements, a first insulation layer, an anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer, a second insulation layer, and a color filter array. The optical elements are disposed in the substrate. The first insulation layer is disposed on the substrate and the optical elements. The ARC layer is disposed on the first insulation layer. The second insulation layer is disposed on the ARC layer. The color filter array is disposed on the second insulation layer, and the color filter array comprises a plurality of color filters corresponding to a plurality of different colors of light, respectively. The ARC layer comprises a plurality of sections directly below the color filters in a vertical direction, respectively, and the sections have different inherent reflection characteristics. The image sensor of the present invention can increase sensitivity and reduce crosstalk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Himax Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Desmond Cheung
  • Patent number: 8259201
    Abstract: A color image sensor has a plurality of pixels. On the pixels zero-order diffractive color filters (DCFs) (1) are arranged. Different zero-order DCFs (1), e.g., DCFs (1) transmitting red, green and blue light, respectively, are allocated to the pixels of the color image sensor. The use of DCFs (1) for color imaging devices brings better defined band-pass or notch filters than the presently used lacquers. The DCFs (1) are more stable with respect to time, temperature and any environmental aggression. The manufacture of the DCF pattern is simpler and cheaper than that of a conventional dye-filter pattern, since the different types of DCFs can be manufactured simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA
    Inventors: Alexander Stuck, Marc Schnieper
  • Patent number: 8247754
    Abstract: A focal plane array suitable for use in hyperspectral imaging applications is provided. The focal plane array comprises pixels comprising arrays of photodiodes, wherein each photodiode in each array is selectively sensitive to a different wavelength of a set of wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Princeton Lightwave, Inc.
    Inventor: Bora Muammer Onat
  • Patent number: 8243261
    Abstract: An optical property measurement apparatus includes: a main body which includes a plane-shape surface that is so disposed as to face the display portion; an optical sensor which receives light directed from an opening that is formed through the plane-shape surface; and a support portion which is disposed on a side of the plane-shape surface and keeps a constant distance between the display portion and the plane-shape surface; wherein a light shield portion that is so disposed as to enclose a circumferential area of the opening of the plane-shape surface and shields entrance of light from a region other than a measurement target region of the display portion when the optical property is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Sensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Matsumoto, Shinji Yamamoto, Kenji Imura, Kazuya Kiyoi, Yoshiyuki Nagashima, Yasushi Goto
  • Patent number: 8243369
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sampling techniques can constantly monitor a spectral output from a broadband source in order to control a central wavelength of interrogation light supplied by the source for input to a sensor. A first portion of light output from the broadband source passes through a controller module for spectral analysis and referencing to provide measurements that can be used as feedback to actively modify a second portion of the light from the source. This modified second portion thereby controls the central wavelength to ensure accurate determination of sensor response signals received at a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Domino Taverner
  • Patent number: 8237831
    Abstract: A method of forming a full-color output image from a color filter array image having a plurality of color pixels having at least two different color responses and panchromatic pixels, comprising capturing a color filter array image using an image sensor including panchromatic pixels and color pixels having at least two different color responses, the pixels being arranged in a repeating pattern having a square minimal repeating unit having at least three rows and three columns, the color pixels being arranged along one of the diagonals of the minimal repeating unit, and all other pixels being panchromatic pixels; computing an interpolated panchromatic image from the color filter array image; computing an interpolated color image from the color filter array image; and forming the full color output image from the interpolated panchromatic image and the interpolated color image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Adams, Jr., Mrityunjay Kumar, Bruce H. Pillman, James A. Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20120193520
    Abstract: A primary beam splitter (310) of an optical apparatus (300) can be used to split an incident light beam (305) into a primary plurality of light beams and to direct a first beam of the primary plurality of light beams in a first direction and a second beam of the primary plurality of light beams in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Secondary beam splitters (315a,b) positioned in beam paths of the first and second beams can be used to split the first and second beams of the primary plurality of light beams into a secondary plurality of light beams (320a,b) and to split the second beam of the primary plurality of light beams into a tertiary plurality of light beams (325a,b). A primary plurality of beam reflectors (335a,b/340a,b/345a,b) can be positioned and used to redirect the secondary and tertiary plurality of light beams toward a common detector (355).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Joerg Bewersdorf, Brian Thomas Bennett
  • Publication number: 20120197093
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for attenuating environmental interference are described. A wearable monitoring apparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to the body of a subject and a sensor module that includes an energy emitter that directs energy at a target region of the subject, a detector that detects an energy response signal—or physiological condition—from the subject, a filter that removes time-varying environmental interference from the energy response signal, and at least one processor that controls operations of the energy emitter, detector, and filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Steven Francis LeBoeuf, Jesse Berkley Tucker, Michael Edward Aumer, Eric Douglas Romesburg, Joseph Norman Morris
  • Patent number: 8227736
    Abstract: An image sensor device is disclosed. The image sensor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a first pixel region and a second pixel region. A first photo-conversion device is disposed within the first pixel region of the semiconductor substrate to receive a first light source. A second photo-conversion device is disposed within the second pixel region of the semiconductor substrate to receive a second light source different from the first light source. The surface of the semiconductor substrate corresponding to the first photo-conversion device and the second photo-conversion device has a first microstructure and a second microstructure, respectively, permitting a reflectivity of the first pixel region with respect to the first light source to be lower than a reflectivity of the second pixel region with respect to the first light source. The invention also discloses a fabrication method of the image sensor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: VisEra Technologies Company Limited
    Inventors: Chi-Xiang Tseng, I-Hsiu Chen, Chen-Wei Lu, Chun-Hung Lai
  • Patent number: 8227743
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for a selection of a wavelength including a wavelength source for providing a plurality of wavelengths, a wavelength selector for allowing a selection of a desired wavelength from the wavelength source, and a wavelength detector to detect a selected wavelength for subsequent use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Glucostats System PTE Ltd
    Inventors: Zhang Xiqin, Ting Choon Meng
  • Patent number: 8227737
    Abstract: An imaging device including: an electronic shutter and a pixel array part. The pixel array part has a plurality of pixels with different characteristics of spectral sensitivity arranged in an array and which converts light transmitted through the pixel into an electric signal. The pixel array part has a plurality of color pixels and at least one clear pixel, the plurality of color pixels including (i) a first color filter pixel having a peak of spectral sensitivity characteristics in red, (ii) a second color filter pixel having a peak in blue, and (iii) a third color filter pixel having a peak in green.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Kanai, Nobuo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8221888
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a color filter by copper and silver film, comprising: a lower copper layer; a lower silver layer formed on the lower copper layer; a medium formed on the lower silver layer; an upper copper layer formed on the medium; and an upper silver layer formed on the upper copper layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: PixArt Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Sen-Huang Huang, Chin-Poh Pang, Hsin-Hui Hsu
  • Patent number: 8217336
    Abstract: A light sensing device has a first filter to block visible light in a light path. The light sensing device also has a first color sensor and a clear sensor, to detect light in the light path after the first filter. A light intensity calculator computes a measure of the intensity of visible light in the light path, based on a difference between (a) an output signal of the first color sensor, and (b) an output signal of the clear sensor. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Ching Yu John Tam
  • Patent number: 8203114
    Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging sensor and an adaptive spatial spectral processing filter capable of detecting, identifying, and/or classifying targets having a spatial extent of one pixel or less includes a sensor that may be oversampled such that a pixel is spatially smaller than the optical blur or point spread function of the sensor. Adaptive spatial spectral processing may be performed on hyperspectral image data to detect targets having spectral features that are known a priori, and/or that are anomalous compared to nearby pixels. Further, the adaptive spatial spectral processing may recover target energy spread over multiple pixels and reduce background clutter to increase the signal-to-noise ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Ian S. Robinson, Anthony M. Sommese
  • Patent number: 8203115
    Abstract: According to the invention, an integrated hyperspectral imager includes a planar photonic substrate. A plurality of imaging pixel photonic circuits is disposed in a M×N array on the planar photonic substrate. Each imaging pixel photonic circuit includes an input coupler configured to receive a broadband input electromagnetic radiation. A waveguide is optically coupled to the input coupler. A plurality of wavelength filters is optically coupled to the waveguide. Each wavelength filter has a wavelength filter input and a wavelength filter output. Each detector has a detector input optically coupled respectively to each of the wavelength filter outputs. Each detector has a respective detector output. The integrated hyperspectral imager is configured to provide electrical signals that are representative of a hyperspectral image of the received broadband input electromagnetic radiation. A method for recording an image based on a received electromagnetic radiation is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Michael J. Hochberg, Tom Baehr-Jones
  • Publication number: 20120145926
    Abstract: A method for 3D imaging of cells in an optical tomography system includes moving a biological object relatively to a microscope objective to present varying angles of view. The biological object is illuminated with radiation having a spectral bandwidth limited to wavelengths between 150 nm and 390 nm. Radiation transmitted through the biological object and the microscope objective is sensed with a camera from a plurality of differing view angles. A plurality of pseudoprojections of the biological object from the sensed radiation is formed and the plurality of pseudoprojections is reconstructed to form a 3D image of the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: VISIONGATE, INC.
    Inventors: Eric J. Seibel, Alan C. Nelson, Mark E. Fauver, J. Richard Rahn
  • Patent number: 8198578
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an array of sub-diffraction limit-sized light receptors formed in a substrate having a light receiving surface. Each light receptor may be configured to output a binary valued bit element and to change state between an off-state and an on-state by the absorption of at least one photon. The apparatus further includes an optical filter structure disposed over the light receiving surface, the optical filter structure having of an array of filter pixels each having an associated passband spectral characteristic. A data element obtained from the array of sub-diffraction limit-sized light receptors is composed of a plurality of the bit elements output from a plurality of light receptors that underlie filter pixels having at least two different passband spectral characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Samu T. Koskinen, Ossi M. Kalevo, Tero Rissa, Juha H. Alakarhu
  • Publication number: 20120126143
    Abstract: An optical cavity mode apparatus comprising at least one microresonator; a light emitting diode for supplying light irradiation to the microresonator to stimulate the excitation level of the microresonator; and an optical detector to obtain spectra of the microresonator stimulated by the light emitting diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIREBIO INC.
    Inventor: Michael Himmelhaus
  • Patent number: 8179532
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are set forth for monitoring lamp condition, comprising directing a beam of light at the lamp, detecting percent transmission of the beam through the lamp, wherein the percent transmission is indicative of lamp blackening, and repeating the directing and detecting of the beam of light periodically to provide an indication of lamp blackening over time, wherein the lamp blackening thereby provides an indication of lamp condition over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc.
    Inventor: John Parkin
  • Patent number: 8179457
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an array of sub-diffraction limit-sized light receptors formed in a substrate having a light receiving surface. Each receptor is configured to output an n-bit element and to change state based on the absorption of at least one photon (n is an integer >0). The apparatus includes an optical filter structure disposed over the light receiving surface, the structure having an array of filter pixels, each having an associated passband spectral characteristic. A data element obtained from the array of receptors is generated from a combination of a plurality of the n-bit elements output from a plurality of light receptors that underlie filter pixels having at least two different passband spectral characteristics. The filter pixels having at least two different passband spectral characteristics form a gradient filter wherein bandpass regions increase when moving from a central region of the gradient filter towards an edge region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Samu T. Koskinen, Ossi M. Kalevo, Tero Rissa, Juha H. Alakarhu
  • Patent number: 8164042
    Abstract: Color filter arrays (CFA) and image sensors using same are provided. A color filter array includes a plurality of first color filter patterns respectively interlaced with a plurality of second color filter patterns, wherein the first and second color filter patterns comprise a plurality of color filters of at least three different colors of red (R), green (G) and blue (B) filters, and the first and second color filter patterns are not mirror symmetrical, and a blue (B) filter in one of the first color filter patterns is adjoined by a red (R) filter in one of the second color filter patterns adjacent thereto and/or a red (R) filter in one of the first color filter patterns is adjoined by a blue filter in one of the color filter patterns adjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: VisEra Technologies Company Limited
    Inventors: Chi-Xiang Tseng, Chin-Poh Pang, Cheng-Lin Yang, Wu-Chieh Liu
  • Patent number: 8158916
    Abstract: This invention relates to a color controlled light source comprising a plurality of colored light elements; a detector for detecting the light output of the light source and generating a detection signal; and a color control unit for generating driving signals to said light elements on the basis of said detection signal and a predetermined target color point of the light output of the light source. In order to enable detection of contributions from individual light elements to the light output of the light source, the light source further comprises a modulator for individual signature modulation of the driving signal to each one of said light elements; and a corresponding demodulator for demodulation of said detection signal and generation of actual, i.e. measured, values of the output of the individual light elements. The color control unit determines nominal values of the light output of each light element for obtaining said target color point, and compares the actual values with the nominal values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Volkmar Schulz, Bernd Ackermann, Lorenzo Feri
  • Patent number: 8153946
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a light-receiving element which is connected to a negative power supply and generates conductive carriers by receiving light, an amplifier transistor which is a depletion transistor and amplifies an electrical signal obtained by the conductive carriers, and a transfer gate transistor which is a depletion transistor and is controlled by a negative potential applied to a gate to electrically connect or disconnect the light-receiving element and the amplifier transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Toyoshima
  • Publication number: 20120074301
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for a device with minimized optical cross-talk are provided. In one example, the device includes a filtering material selected to maximize the attenuation of signals causing cross-talk while minimizing the attenuation of desired signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: TEXAS ADVANCED OPTOELECTRONIC SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: MATTHEW DEAN KROESE, TODD SHANNON BISHOP
  • Patent number: 8143565
    Abstract: An adjustable multimode lightfield imaging system. A non-homogeneous filter module is positioned at the aperture plane of the lightfield imaging system and provides the multimode capability. The filter module can be moved relative to the imaging system, thus allowing adjustment of the multimode capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kathrin Berkner, M. Dirk Robinson, Jun Ke
  • Patent number: 8145014
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for removing color noise including: a color interpolation unit performing color interpolation on a bayer pattern image output from an image sensor; a high-pass filter unit performing high-pass filtering on each of the pixels of the bayer pattern image to generate high-pass filtered values of each of the pixels; a high frequency region determining unit comparing pixel values of a target pixel, from which color noise is removed, and pixels adjacent to the target pixel with the high-pass filtered values to determine whether the target pixel is included in a high frequency region; and a color noise region determining unit using differences between color values of the target pixel interpolated by the color interpolation unit and determining whether the target pixel is included in a color noise region when it is determined that the target pixel is included in the high frequency region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Boo Dong Kwak, Bong Soon Kang, Joo Young Ha, Sung Mok Lee, Won Woo Jang, Won Tae Choi, Joo Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8138467
    Abstract: An image pickup device includes a pixel array including a plurality of photo sensitive devices and a color filter array including a plurality of color filters each disposed above a corresponding one of the plurality of photo sensitive devices. The color filters include a first type color filter formed on a glass substrate to filter light to pass a first spectrum and a second type color filter stacked on at least part of the first type color filter to filter light to pass a second spectrum. Accordingly, fabrication of a color filter array can be simplified and a color filter array having a small lay out can be fabricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bum Suk Kim, Jung Chak Ahn
  • Patent number: 8138466
    Abstract: A video signal processing apparatus includes an image sensor and an infrared component remover. The image sensor receives light through a color filter, the color filter including long-pass filters only or a combination of a long-pass filter and an all-transmissive filter. The long-pass filters in the color filter a visible-light transmissive long-pass filter for permitting a visible-light component and an infrared-light component to pass therethrough and an infrared-light transmissive long-pass filter for permitting an infrared-light component to pass selectively therethrough. The infrared-light component remover removes an infrared-light component contained in a signal having passed through the visible-light transmissive long-pass filter, with transmittance data of an infrared-light region of the visible-light transmissive long-pass filter and the infrared-light transmissive long-pass filter applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hajime Hosaka
  • Patent number: 8134115
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an array of sub-diffraction limit-sized light receptors formed in a substrate having a light receiving surface. Each light receptor may be configured to output a scalar valued multi-bit element and to change state based on the absorption of at least one photon. The apparatus further includes an optical filter structure disposed over the light receiving surface, the optical filter structure having an array of filter pixels each having an associated passband spectral characteristic. A data element obtained from the array of sub-diffraction limit-sized light receptors is composed of a combination of a plurality of the multi-bit elements output from a plurality of light receptors that underlie filter pixels having at least two different passband spectral characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Samu T. Koskinen, Ossi M. Kalevo, Tero Rissa, Juha H. Alakarhu
  • Patent number: 8106343
    Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes a pixel array, a first color filter, a second color filter, and a light shielding portion. The amount of electric charges generated in a first pixel after light of a first wavelength enters the first pixel is larger than that of electric charges generated in a second pixel after light of a second wavelength enters the second pixel. The light shielding portion defines the aperture regions of the first and second pixels so as to set the aperture area of the first pixel larger than that of the second pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuu Arishima, Hideaki Takada, Seiichirou Sakai
  • Publication number: 20120021525
    Abstract: Optics collection and detection systems are provided for measuring optical signals from an array of optical sources over time. Methods of using the optics collection and detection systems are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian FEHR, Nathaniel Joseph McCaffrey, Stephen Turner