With Imaging Patents (Class 250/227.2)
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Patent number: 7638746Abstract: A sensing arrangement (11) for sensing objects at a plurality of sensing sites (64) is described herein. In one embodiment the arrangement comprises: an imaging device (60) having an array of light-detecting elements; a light guide arrangement (62) extending from the sensing sites (64) to the imaging device (60); a mount (79) for maintaining the light guide arrangement (62) and the imaging device (60) in a fixed spatial relation so that each sensing site (64) illuminates a zone (60a,b) of different elements on the array; and a processor (72), in communication with the imaging device (60), for analyzing image data captured by each zone. A method of sensing an object is also described herein.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: Gunnar Jespersen
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Publication number: 20090289178Abstract: A method for processing and/or analyzing image information representing radiation in a spatially resolved manner using an optical system coupled to at least one detector includes the step of collecting said image information with said optical system using at least one micromechanical mirror moved such that the image information is scanned and coupled sequentially into the at least one detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: ABB RESEARCH LTDInventor: Ken Yves Haffner
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Patent number: 7616853Abstract: A launch system and method for microscopy having an optical fiber positioned proximate a sample slide with an optical fiber mounting element so as to deliver an EMR from the optical fiber into a first sample slide and to a surface of a second sample slide at a critical angle for total internal reflection at an interface of the surface of the second sample slide and a sample positioned proximate to the surface of the second sample slide.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2008Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: The University of Vermont and State Agricultural CollegeInventors: Guy G. Kennedy, David M. Warshaw
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Patent number: 7612896Abstract: A method of measuring the three-dimensional volume or perimeter shape of an interior cavity includes the steps of collecting a first optical slice of data that represents a partial volume or perimeter shape of the interior cavity, collecting additional optical slices of data that represents a partial volume or perimeter shape of the interior cavity, and combining the first optical slice of data and the additional optical slices of data to calculate of the three-dimensional volume or perimeter shape of the interior cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventor: Gary Franklin Stone
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Publication number: 20090256064Abstract: An electronic component capable of effectively dissipating heat generated in an LED chip and other elements is provided. A light emitting unit 1 includes a substrate 2 made of copper or aluminum, an insulating layer 3 formed on the surface thereof, a circuit pattern 4 formed on the insulating layer 3, and a circuit pattern 5 formed on the substrate 2 through an opening 3a that has been formed in advance in the insulation layer 3. An LED chip 6 is mounted on the circuit patterns 4 and 5 by using solder 7. The LED chip 6 includes a ceramic substrate 9, electrodes 10 and 11 formed thereon, and an LED die 12 as a light emitting portion disposed on the electrode 11, which is one of the electrodes. Terminals 13 and 14 are provided on the upper surface of the LED die 12. The terminal 13, which is one of the terminals, is connected to the electrode 10 via a bonding wire 15, and the terminal 14, which is the other one of the terminals, is connected to the electrode 11 via a bonding wire 16.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2009Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomihisa Saito
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Publication number: 20090236505Abstract: Multifunctional optical sensor, comprising a matrix of photodetectors of the CCD or CMOS type, having a sensitive area divided into sub-areas, each of which, individually or combined with others, is dedicated to a specific function of monitoring the scene or measuring environmental parameters. The optical sensor comprises a matrix of microlenses, each of which is set to focus the radiation coming from a portion of solid angle on the associated photodetector or cluster of mutually contiguous photodetectors. Each function is associated to a single microlens or to a single subgroup of mutually contiguous microlenses or to multiple, not mutually contiguous microlenses or to multiple, not mutually contiguous subgroups of microlenses. The angular separation between the central directions of the portions of solid angle subtended by adjacent photodetectors or adjacent clusters of photodetectors is not constant within the matrix.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventors: Nereo Pallaro, Davide Capello, Piermario Repetto, Roberto Finizio, Cosimo Carvignese, Luca Liotti
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Publication number: 20090212202Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging apparatus that is capable of taking images of objects in at least three directions on a single imaging device, has a wide imaging angle of view and can easily be made compact, and a vehicle incorporating it. The imaging apparatus comprises a single imaging device 30 and at least three imaging optical systems 101, 102 and 103 that are located in juxtaposition to form on an imaging plane of the imaging device 30 at least three images in varying imaging directions. Of the three imaging optical systems 101, 102 and 103, at least two 101 and 102 reflect axial chief rays from objects in the right-and-left direction intersecting the direction of juxtaposition, and each have a curved reflecting surface of concave shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventor: Koichi Takahashi
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Publication number: 20090179143Abstract: An image capturing device includes a lens system including a plurality of regions on a pupil plane that each have different focal distances, a plurality of first polarizing elements that respectively transmit differently polarized light and respectively transmit light passing through the plurality of regions, a plurality of second polarizing elements that respectively transmit polarized light transmitted through the plurality of first polarizing elements, and a plurality of light receiving elements that respectively receive light transmitted through the plurality of second polarizing elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2009Publication date: July 16, 2009Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi MUROOKA, Hideyasu ISHIBASHI, Ichiro AMIMORI
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Publication number: 20090127439Abstract: An image sensing apparatus with artificial ommatidia includes an imaging optical lens group forming a concave focal surface, an artificial ommatidia unit having a curved top surface corresponding to the concave focal surface and a flat bottom surface, and an image sensor disposed under the artificial ommatidia unit. The artificial ommatidia unit is disposed under the imaging optical lens group so that the curved top surface is coincided with the concave focal surface of the imaging optical lens group. The artificial ommatidia unit having a plurality of artificial ommatidia collects light emitting from the imaging optical lens group, and guides the light to the bottom surface thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seung-tae CHOI, Min-seog CHOI, Jeong-yub LEE, Woon-bae KIM
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Publication number: 20090127441Abstract: An image sensor according to an embodiment can comprise a metal line layer formed on a semiconductor substrate including a light receiving device; a first microlens formed on the metal line layer; a color filter array formed on the first microlens; and a second microlens formed on the color filter array. An oxide layer pattern can be disposed between the metal line layer and the first microlens. A blocking layer can be arranged in the oxide layer pattern in regions between adjacent first microlenses.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventor: Sang Il Hwang
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Publication number: 20090127440Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Junichi Nakai
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Patent number: 7504613Abstract: An optical imaging system having an optical source located between the object being imaged and the sensor is provided. Such positioning of the source enables provision of compact optical imaging systems. In particular, such systems can have image widths significantly larger than the object to sensor separation. The arrangement of source, imaging assembly and sensor is such that an image of the source is not formed at the sensor. Therefore, the effect of this source positioning on the image of the object at the sensor is a reduction of intensity, as opposed to more objectionable imaging artifacts, such as spurious shadows and/or bright spots. Thus compact optical imaging systems having good image quality are provided, which enables high-fidelity imaging of object to sensor for a wide variety of applications.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Evan Thrush, Jonathan Ziebarth, James S. Harris, Jr., Michael D. McGehee
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Patent number: 7502538Abstract: A system is provided to monitor a structure within an outer casing of a gas turbine engine. The system may comprise an optical fiber bundle, a fiber bundle palette and a camera palette assembly. The optical fiber bundle may have first and second ends. The first end is adapted to pass through a bore in the outer casing of the gas turbine engine so as to be positioned adjacent the structure within the gas turbine engine casing to be monitored. The fiber bundle palette is adapted to be located outside of the engine casing to receive the second end of the optical fiber bundle. The camera palette assembly comprises a fixture movable relative to the fiber bundle palette and a first camera mounted to the fixture. The first camera is adapted to be positioned adjacent to the second end of the optical fiber bundle so as to receive electromagnetic radiation received by the first end of and transmitted through the optical fiber bundle.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Hans-Gerd Brummel, Evangelos V. Diatzikis
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Publication number: 20090032688Abstract: A two-dimensional image sensor is disclosed. The image sensor includes an array of photodetectors formed within a silicon substrate. The array of photodetectors is arranged to detect reflections of light from a surface. Channels are etched through the silicon substrate, allowing light to pass from a light source through the substrate to the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventor: Paul Lapstun
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Publication number: 20090026357Abstract: Provided is an image sensor including an overcoating layer and at least two micro lenses formed on the overcoating layer. The image sensor is characterized in that the overcoating layer positioned below a clearance between the micro lenses is etched such that curved surfaces of the micro lenses extend to the etched overcoating layer, and a contamination in the bonding pad can be prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventor: Joon HWANG
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Publication number: 20090020690Abstract: An optical member includes high refractive index layers having a great refractive index and low refractive index layers having a small refractive index, which are each relatively thin as compared with an optical length, disposed alternately in the lateral direction as to an optical axis. Each width of the high refractive index layers and the low refractive index layers is equal to or smaller than the wavelength order of incident light.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2008Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Atsushi Toda
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Publication number: 20090001257Abstract: An image sensor is disclosed that can provide a microlens aligned directly above an active area of a substrate. The image sensor can include a substrate having a pixel area. An active region can be formed on the pixel area and can include photodiodes. Metal lines and an interlayer dielectric can be provided on the pixel area of the substrate. A microlens can be formed above the metal lines and interlayer dielectric to be directly aligned with the active area of the pixel area. To achieve such an alignment, an alignment key of the microlens can be aligned with an alignment key of the active region. In one embodiment, the microlens can avoid being formed right above the metal lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventor: Sun Jae Hwang
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Publication number: 20080277567Abstract: Disclosed are scanning devices which measure and quantify optical properties within an object such as the absorption of light, refractive index, light scattering, fluorescence, and phosphorescence. Through the use of two rotating plane mirrors and two paraboloid mirrors, a laser light beam is made to traverse the object to be scanned wherein the beam is always parallel to the optical axis. The invention provides an improvement over previously reported scanning devices by virtue of increased speed and resolution. Two-dimensional projections gleaned by each scan of the object are reconstructed into a three-dimensional image through the use of various computer techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Simon John Doran, Nikola Krstajic
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Patent number: 7440121Abstract: A method of measuring the three-dimensional volume or perimeter shape of an interior cavity includes the steps of collecting a first optical slice of data that represents a partial volume or perimeter shape of the interior cavity, collecting additional optical slices of data that represents a partial volume or perimeter shape of the interior cavity, and combining the first optical slice of data and the additional optical slices of data to calculate of the three-dimensional volume or perimeter shape of the interior cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventor: Gary Franklin Stone
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Patent number: 7435010Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming an optical monitoring or transmitting light guide and a resulting apparatus that begins by bonding a bundle of optical fibers together using an epoxy and polishing the distal end of the bundle of optical fibers to create an optical aperture. The ratio of fiber size to binder particulate size of the epoxy used in the bonding process is sufficient to maintain the integrity of the bundle of optical fibers during the polishing of the distal end. The method positions the bundle of optical fibers into a protective sheath and a connector. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the epoxy used in the bonding process matches that of the connector. Once assembled, the invention positions the connector through the opening in the surface of a device, such that the distal end of the bundle of optical fibers is either recessed in, substantially flush with, or extends from the surface of the device through which the connector extends, depending on field-of-view requirements.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2007Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: The Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: Leo R. Gauthier, Jr., James E. McDonald, Louis A. Mattes
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Patent number: 7433563Abstract: A launch system and method for microscopy having an optical fiber positioned proximate a sample slide with an optical fiber mounting element so as to deliver an EMR from a terminal end of the optical fiber across a surface of the sample slide to an opposing side surface at a desired incident angle.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: University of Vermont and State Agricultural CollegeInventors: Guy G Kennedy, David M Warshaw
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Patent number: 7423265Abstract: Near-field electromagnetic devices having an opaque metallic screen with a fractal iterate aperture are provided. More specifically, the aperture is obtained by application of a self-similar replacement rule to an initial shape two or more times. Alternatively, the aperture can be obtained by application of a self-similar replacement rule one or more times to an initial C-shape. Such apertures tend to have multiple transmission resonances due to their multiple length scales. Fractal iterate apertures can provide enhanced transmission and improved spatial resolution simultaneously. Enormous improvement in transmission efficiency is possible. In one example, a checkerboard fractal iterate aperture provides 1011 more intensity gain than a square aperture having the same spatial resolution. Efficient transmission for fractal iterate apertures having spatial resolution of ?/20 is also shown.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Joseph A. Matteo, Lambertus Hesselink, Yin Yuen
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Patent number: 7411177Abstract: A multi-spectrum image capturing device includes a multi-spectrum illuminating device comprising LED's for emitting lights of different wavelengths from one another, a plurality of optical rods for relaying the lights emitted from the LED's, an optical diffusion element for diffusively reflecting the lights from the optical rods by a white diffusion surface and an aluminum-coated reflecting surface to be irradiated at an angle of about 60° with respect to an image-capturing optical axis, and an optical sheet for further diffusing the lights from the optical diffusion element, and also includes an image-capturing optical system and a CCD for forming an image based on lights reflected from an irradiated surface under illumination by the multi-spectrum illuminating device to capture the formed image. An image output captured by the CCD is analyzed to measure color components of the irradiated surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Hiroyoshi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7333249Abstract: An image reading device includes light-emitting diode chips (11A-11C) and a light guide (3) having a main region (3A) and a subsidiary region (3B). The subsidiary region (3B) includes a light incident surface (31) located above the light source (11A-11C) and an inclined surface (32). The light source (11A-11C) is offset in a direction receding from the main region (3A) with respect to the center (C2) as viewed in the primary scanning direction of the light incident surface (31).Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideki Sawada
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Publication number: 20070205379Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for using a fiber array spectral translator-based (“FAST”) spectroscopic system for improved imaging, spectral analysis, and interactive probing of a sample. In an embodiment, the confocality of a fiber array spectral translator-based spectroscopic system is improved through the use of structured illumination and/or structured collection of photons. User input may be received and acted upon to allow a user to interactively in real time and/or near real time view and analyze specific regions of the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2007Publication date: September 6, 2007Applicant: CHEMIMAGE CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew P. Nelson, Patrick J. Treado
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Patent number: 7250597Abstract: Avoiding an illumination light irregularity to the utmost under increasing degree of integration and the memory capacity by suppressing a light amount irregularity on the illumination pupil plane to the utmost, unable to be adjusted by a conventional method. When the light amount irregularity on the illumination pupil plane which is the exit surface of the optical fiber is relatively large, focus of the imaging surface of the CCD camera is switched from the sample to the illumination pupil plane by a focus switching lens. The light amount irregularity is calculated and analyzed by the image processor. Based on the analyzed result, the exit surface position of the optical fiber is adjusted in the illumination optical system. In this manner, the illumination pupil plane which is the exit surface of the optical fiber can be adjusted to an illumination pupil plane where the light amount irregularity is small.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Aoki
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Patent number: 7248413Abstract: A microscopic lens, of size approximately 1 micron is used for its optical characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Stephen R. Quake, James P. Brody
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Patent number: 7173235Abstract: In an apparatus for optically reading a target based on a light reflected from the target, a light source has a first optical axis and operates to emit light. An imaging optical system has a second optical axis. The imaging optical system is arranged so that the reflected light enters into the imaging optical system. A photodetector has an active area so that the imaging optical system focuses the reflected light on the active area of the photodetector. A light guide member is arranged between the target and the imaging optical system on the first and second optical axes, respectively. The light guide member is configured to guide the light emitted from the light source while preventing the guided light from leaking therefrom to irradiate the guided light to the target.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Denso Wave IncorporatedInventor: Kunihiko Ito
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Patent number: 7149383Abstract: An optical system is adapted to produce reduced back reflection from a receiving detector back to a light source for increased system performance. The system may optically condition light signals from the light source for projection onto the detector. The conditioning may result in a light spot on the detector that has an annular intensity distribution or profile. The annular distribution may be attained in any number of ways including providing a slope discontinuity in the lens surface, providing an ax icon lens function, and/or providing a defocused light spot on the detector surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Finisar CorporationInventor: Bo Su Chen
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Patent number: 7129472Abstract: An identification circuit (131) recognizes optical probes (112A, 112B) of different scanning types that are connected to a light source unit (113) and a control device (114), the frequency of the drive signal of a control circuit (130) for driving a scanner inside the optical probe is varied by this recognition signal, corresponding drive signals are applied to the optical probes connected, the scanner of each probe is scanned, and two-dimensional optical information is imaged by an imaging device (115) and displayed on a monitor (116).Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2000Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Atsushi Okawa, Hiroki Hibino, Hiroyuki Sangu
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Patent number: 7091492Abstract: A fiber optic plate assembly is provided for transferring optical signals to a detector or other optical element within an imaging device or imaging system. The fiber optic plate assembly comprises first and second fiber optic plates coupled via an optical coupling gel configured to permit separation of the two plates from each other to permit repair or replacement of one of the plates. Alternatively, the imaging device may comprise a single fiber optic plate coupled directly to an optical detector.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2004Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Ropintassco Holdings, L.P.Inventor: Daniel Moonen
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Patent number: 6998600Abstract: A miniature, ultra-high resolution, and color scanning microscope using microchannel and solid-state technology that does not require focus adjustment. One embodiment includes a source of collimated radiant energy for illuminating a sample, a plurality of narrow angle filters comprising a microchannel structure to permit the passage of only unscattered radiant energy through the microchannels with some portion of the radiant energy entering the microchannels from the sample, a solid-state sensor array attached to the microchannel structure, the microchannels being aligned with an element of the solid-state sensor array, that portion of the radiant energy entering the microchannels parallel to the microchannel walls travels to the sensor element generating an electrical signal from which an image is reconstructed by an external device, and a moving element for movement of the microchannel structure relative to the sample.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Yu Wang
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Patent number: 6946647Abstract: A sensor system for viewing the light energy of a scene has an imaging detector which converts incident light energy into an electrical signal. Two colors are separately imaged by the detector in two imaging regions. The imaging system for each color includes a color filter positioned between the scene and the respective region of the detector, an optical train that focuses filtered color scene energy, and an optical fiber bundle having an input end that receives the respective color scene energy from the optical train and an output end that directs the color scene energy onto the respective region of the detector using a nonlinear mapping. The optical fiber bundle is formed of a plurality of optical fibers wherein each of the optical fibers has an input shape and size at its input end and an output shape and size at its output end. The output shape and size are different from the input shape and size.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2000Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Mary Dominique O'Neill, William Hale Wellman
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Patent number: 6873338Abstract: A two-dimensional array of non-uniformly spaced pixels having a plurality of overlaid pixel sets for avoiding moiré patterns in digital images by avoiding producing an inherent “frequency” or pattern that may interfere with details or harmonics present in the image source, thereby eliminating the occurrence of moiré patterns and the need for application of image processing to remove Moiré patterns. A first set of pixels, (imaging sensors or display elements) are arranged along a two axes according to a non-uniform predictable process. The first set pixels spacing inherently produces non-uniformly spaced and sized “gaps”, in which additional sets of pixels potentially having a different characteristics from the first set, may be placed, thereby yielding an array comprised of multiple overlaid arrangements of non-uniformly spaced pixels. As such, images samples from or displayed on the additional sets of pixel sensors also avoid production of Moiré patterns.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Viktors Berstis
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Patent number: 6856440Abstract: A system for scanning objects having a linear array sensor, adapted to detect light input signals, is provided. A lens is optically connected to the linear array sensor, and is adapted to receive and transmit an optical image located in a field of view along a lens axis to the linear array sensor. A light source which generates an illumination stripe in general linear alignment with the lens axis is provided. A cylindrical lens is positioned between the light source and an object to be scanned. The cylindrical lens adapted to collect, transmit and focus light from the light source to form the illumination stripe.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: ACCU-Sort Systems, Inc.Inventors: Edward I. Chaleff, Thomas J. Brobst
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Patent number: 6744033Abstract: A light guide 3 has a cross-sectional shape substantially ¼ oval. An end of a major axis side of the oval is cut (chamfered) to include a focal point of the oval. Light scattering patterns 3P are provided on a plane 3d formed by cutting. The light guide 3 is housed in a light guide casing 4 to allow the emission plane 3a to be exposed, and a light-emitting source base plate is provided on an end surface of the light guide 3 in the longitudinal direction to form a line-illuminating device 10. This line-illuminating device 10 shows characteristics in which intensity distribution in a sub-scanning direction is not changed much relative to elevation of a document surface. Accordingly, if an optical axis of a rod lens 5 and a light-receiving surface of a line image sensor 6 are arranged in an area with less change of light intensity relative to elevation of the document surface, it is possible to reduce possible deterioration of a reading image even when the document surface is elevated.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.Inventor: Makoto Ikeda
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Patent number: 6714323Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light source for illuminating an image reading region extending in the primary scanning direction, and a plurality of lenses for focusing light reflected on the image reading region and for producing reduced images. Each of the lenses has an optical axis which intersects a predetermined portion of the image reading region. The image reading apparatus further includes a plurality of light receiving elements for output of image signals based on the light focused by the lenses and a light conductor for leading the light emitted by the light source toward the image reading region. The light conductor leads the emitted light so that the predetermined portion of the image reading region is illuminated more brightly than the adjacent portions.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2000Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroaki Onishi, Hisayoshi Fujimoto, Norihiro Imamura
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Patent number: 6657185Abstract: An irregular pattern detector includes a first optical system, a transparent light guide body and a second optical system. The first optical system has a light source. The transparent light guide body has an incident face receiving incident light from the light source of the first optical system, a detection face facing the incident face for placing of a subject having an irregular pattern, a curved surface reflecting scattered light from the detection face, an optical absorbing face facing the curved surface and having an opening outputting light reflected from the curved surface. The second optical system, such as an imaging lens, guides the light from the opening of the optical absorbing face of the transparent light guide body to a camera device. This irregular pattern detector can be scaled down, and can produced precise images without any deformation.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akihide Shiratsuki, Masahiro Shikai, Hajime Nakajima
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Patent number: 6628445Abstract: A system for scanning objects having a linear array sensor, adapted to detect light input signals, is provided. A lens is optically connected to the linear array sensor, and is adapted to receive and transmit an optical image located in a field of view along a lens axis to the linear array sensor. A light source is used to generate an illumination stripe. A cylindrical lens is positioned between the light source and an object to be scanned. The cylindrical lens is adapted to collect, transmit and focus light from the light source to form the illumination stripe. The linear array sensor, lens axis, and illumination stripe are co-planar and parallel.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.Inventors: Edward I. Chaleff, Thomas J. Brobst
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Patent number: 6617570Abstract: A compact light scanning optical device having a wide field of view and high resolution is provided. The light scanning optical system is formed of a point light source, a confocal condensing optical system which collects light from the point light source and directs it to an object to be scanned, a scanning means for scanning the point light source, and a cover glass which includes an interior surface that is concave, with the cover glass being positioned between the confocal condensing optical system and the object to be scanned.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takeshi Suga
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Patent number: 6563104Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, an object surface (14) is disposed facing one end face of a rod lens array (10), while an image surface (16) is disposed facing the other end face thereof. A lens working distance of the rod lens array on the object side is substantially equal to that on the image side. An actual object-image distance Tco is set between the conjugate length TC1 at which the average value MTFave of the MTF of the rod lens array in the lens array direction is maximized and the conjugate length TC2 at which the &Dgr;MTF(=(MTFmax−MTFmin)/MTFave) is minimized, and a shift quantity &Dgr;TC(=|TCo−TC1|) is set within 0 mm<&Dgr;TC<+02 mm for the conjugate length TC1 at which the MTFave is maximized.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shuya Ogi, Koichiro Iki, Minoru Toyama
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Publication number: 20030057362Abstract: A CCD line sensor has CCDs and fiber optic light guide members mounted on the CCDs. Each of the fiber optic light guide members comprises a plurality of fiber optic plates arrayed in a main direction and longer than the width of photodiodes in an auxiliary direction. The fiber optic light guide members serve to guide photo-stimulated light R spread in the auxiliary direction and applied thereto into the photodiodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.Inventor: Hiroyuki Karasawa
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Publication number: 20030053229Abstract: A circular optical reflection apparatus to be used in an optical image capturing device for receiving light ray from a light source and reflecting the light ray at least twice inside the apparatus then projecting the light ray to a lens set for forming an image on an image forming device. The apparatus includes a cylindrical optical member which has its outside surface coating with a reflective material and has an axial cutaway section to serve as a light inlet and a light outlet. Light ray enters through the light inlet into the cylindrical optical member and reflects inside at least twice then emits out through the light outlet. It may obtain an optical path needed for image forming with less number of reflection mirrors. It is smaller size and may be produced and assembled with less time and cost. It can also eliminate accumulated reflection angle tolerance that might otherwise happen to the conventional ones that use reflection mirrors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventor: Y. W. Chang
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Patent number: 6481860Abstract: A circular optical reflection apparatus to be used in an optical image capturing device for receiving light ray from a light source and reflecting the light ray at least twice inside the apparatus then projecting the light ray to a lens set for forming an image on an image forming device. The apparatus includes a cylindrical optical member which has its outside surface coating with a reflective material and has an axial cutaway section to serve as a light inlet and a light outlet. Light ray enters through the light inlet into the cylindrical optical member and reflects inside at least twice then emits out through the light outlet. It may obtain an optical path needed for image forming with less number of reflection mirrors. It is smaller size and may be produced and assembled with less time and cost. It can also eliminate accumulated reflection angle tolerance that might otherwise happen to the conventional ones that use reflection mirrors.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Umax Data Systems IncInventor: Y. W. Chang
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Patent number: 6476378Abstract: An imaging apparatus optically extruding parts of a screen image and outputting the extruded images from surfaces different in dimension from the screen surface, wherein a set of image guides formed by bundles of optical fibers placed on the surface of the screen extrude portions of the image displayed on the screen and radiate the extruded images from opposite surfaces different in dimension from the surface of the screen. When some image or a video stream are displayed on the screen, image features are modified so that the extruded portions are displayed on the surfaces of the image guides properly in response to the positions and orientations of the image guides. When the imaging apparatus is equipped to track the positions and orientations of the image guides in real-time, a user can interact with an image animation by moving the image guides.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Jean-Luc Nougaret, Hiroyuki Segawa
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Patent number: 6417508Abstract: A sensor unit and LEDs are arranged on a sensor board. A light guide is placed above the resultant structure with be parallel to the sensor. The two end portions of the light guide are bent downward at right angles, and the bent end portions serve as incident portions on which light beams from the LEDs are incident. Light entering the light guide emerges from an exit portion to be irradiated on an original. The light reflected by the original is read by the sensor. The direction in which the reflected light is incident on the sensor is parallel with the direction in which the light from each LED is incident on the incident portion. With this structure, in the image sensor, electrical connection between the LEDs, the sensor unit, and an external system is facilitated.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Makoto Ogura, Akihiko Yushiya
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Publication number: 20020079436Abstract: In light detection systems for illuminating specimens having a plurality of detection channels, particularly channels employing laser scanning microscopes, an improved method comprises assigning an upper and/or lower limiting value which is adjustable for at least one channel and changing the channel to be detected with respect to its mode of operation when the limiting value is reached.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: Ralf Wolleschensky, Gunter Moehler
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Patent number: 6399938Abstract: As shown in FIG. 1, an optical device 10 comprises an input optical member 11, in which a plurality of optical fibers 14 are arranged parallel to each other and integrally formed, having an entrance surface 11a and an exit surface 11b which intersect an optical axis at an angle of 15° and at an angle of 30°, respectively; and an output optical member 12, in which a plurality of optical fibers are c:l arranged parallel to each other and integrally formed, having an entrance surface 12a and an exit surface 12b which intersect an optical axis at an angle of 7.5° and at an angle of 90°, respectively. Here, the exit surface 11b of the input optical member 11 and the entrance surface 12a of the output optical member 12 are in contact with each other, whereas the angle formed between the optical axis of the input optical member 11 and the optical axis of the output optical member 12 is an angle of 22.5° which is the difference between 30° and 7.5° mentioned above.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Takeo Sugawara, Makoto Suzuki
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Patent number: 6384400Abstract: A fiber optic scintillator includes, for example, a first plurality of radiation absorbing elements comprising a scintillating material for converting radiation into light and a second plurality of radiation absorbing elements interspersed among the first plurality of radiation absorbing elements. The first plurality of radiation absorbing elements has a first radiation absorption efficiency. The second plurality of radiation absorbing elements has a second radiation absorption efficiency and an effective atomic number greater than about 50. The second radiation absorption efficiency is greater than said first radiation absorption efficiency. A scintillator forming method provides a bundle of the second plurality of radiation absorbing elements interspersed among the first plurality of radiation absorbing elements by drawing the bundle, The drawn bundle is cut into a plurality of sections.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Douglas Albagli, George Edward Possin, Sung Su Han, Michael Clement DeJule
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Publication number: 20020020806Abstract: The invention provides a method for multi-pixel imaging of a scene, using a single detector associated with a time-delay arrangement, the method including the steps of producing an image of at least part of a remote scene in a defined image plane; receiving the scene as imaged on the image plane and conveying it image pixel by image pixel through a plurality of light-conveying means to a single detector while introducing a time-delay, whereby the image pixels arrive at the single detector in a sequential order, and using an electronic logic to reconstruct the image from the time-delayed image pixels received by the detector. The invention also provides a system for implementing the described method.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Applicant: ELOP Electro-Optics Industries Ltd.Inventor: Lucien Almi