Infrared Responsive Patents (Class 250/338.1)
  • Patent number: 9599597
    Abstract: In some embodiments, vehicle-based natural gas leak detection methods are used to generate 2-D spatial distributions (heat maps) of gas emission source probabilities and surveyed area locations using measured gas concentrations and associated geospatial (e.g. GPS) locations, wind direction and wind speed, and atmospheric condition data. Bayesian updates are used to incorporate the results of one or more measurement runs into computed spatial distributions. Operating in gas-emission plume space rather than raw concentration data space allows reducing the computational complexity of updating gas emission source probability heat maps. Gas pipeline location data and other external data may be used to determine the heat map data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Picarro, Inc.
    Inventors: David Steele, Sze M. Tan, Chris W. Rella
  • Patent number: 9599894
    Abstract: An infrared transmission photosensitive resin composition includes (A) a pigment dispersion composition including a coloring agent (a1); (B) an alkaline soluble resin; (C) a photo-polymerizable compound; (D) a photo-polymerization initiator; and (E) a solvent, wherein the coloring agent (a1) includes a blue pigment, a red pigment and a yellow pigment. Thereby, the infrared transmission photosensitive resin composition may form an infrared transmission pixel which exhibits a high transmittance in an infrared region while having a very low transmittance in a visible light region, so as to be used in an image sensor for obtaining an image having excellent image quality at a place where the quantity of light is insufficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: DONGWOO FINE-CHEM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung No Lee, Yu Bin Im, Wan Joong Kim
  • Patent number: 9599529
    Abstract: In some embodiments, vehicle-based natural gas leak detection methods are used to generate 2-D spatial distributions (heat maps) of gas emission source probabilities and surveyed area locations using measured gas concentrations and associated geospatial (e.g. GPS) locations, wind direction and wind speed, and atmospheric condition data. Bayesian updates are used to incorporate the results of one or more measurement runs into computed spatial distributions. Operating in gas-emission plume space rather than raw concentration data space allows reducing the computational complexity of updating gas emission source probability heat maps. Gas pipeline location data and other external data may be used to determine the heat map data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Picarro, Inc.
    Inventors: David Steele, Sze M. Tan, Chris W. Rella
  • Patent number: 9599508
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe a divided-aperture infrared spectral imaging (DAISI) system that is adapted to acquire multiple IR images of a scene with a single-shot (also referred to as a snapshot). The plurality of acquired images having different wavelength compositions that are obtained generally simultaneously. The system includes at least two optical channels that are spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels are configured to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards an optical FPA unit comprising at least two detector arrays disposed in the focal plane of two corresponding focusing lenses. The system further comprises at least one temperature reference source or surface that is used to dynamically calibrate the two detector arrays and compensate for a temperature difference between the two detector arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Rebellion Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Timothy Kester, Nathan Adrian Hagen
  • Patent number: 9582885
    Abstract: A zonal underground structure detection method based on sun shadow compensation is provided, which belongs to the crossing field of remote sensing technology, physical geography and pattern recognition, and is used to carry out compensation processing after a shadow is detected, to improve the identification rate of zonal underground structure detection and reduce the false alarm rate. The present invention comprises steps of acquiring DEM terrain data of a designated area, acquiring an image shadow position by using DEM, a solar altitude angle and a solar azimuth angle, processing and compensating a shadow area, and detecting a zonal underground structure after the shadow area is corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Tianxu Zhang, Longwei Hao, Wenxuan Ma, Cen Lu, Heng Yao, Yuehuan Wang, Nong Sang, Weidong Yang
  • Patent number: 9574949
    Abstract: Automated systems and methods for testing the efficacy and reliability of distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system. The DTS system has a fiber optic sensing cable laid out on a structure to be monitored, and a DTS unit for sensing temperature along a sensing line at locations thereof. The DTS unit is optically coupled to the sensing cable. The sensing cable is optically coupled to a test cable to form the sensing line. Also provided, is a cooling device for cooling the test cable. A controller periodically actuates the cooling device to thereby test the efficacy and reliability of the DTS system. A relay configured for communication with the DTS unit and the controller is operable to trigger an alarm condition in response to a signal received from the DTS unit indicative that a temperature drop in the sensing line at a location thereof has been detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ROCTEST LTD
    Inventors: Riccardo Belli, Daniele Inaudi
  • Patent number: 9576916
    Abstract: A high frequency circuit includes a first electronic device, a second electronic device, and a graphene interconnection unit, where at least one of a trench and a via is defined under the graphene interconnection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignees: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION, YONSEI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hyeon-jin Shin, Jae-young Choi, Seong-chan Jun, Whan-kyun Kim, Hyung-seo Yoon, Ju-yeong Oh, Ju-hwan Lim
  • Patent number: 9574945
    Abstract: A detector of terahertz (THz) energy includes a MOSFET having an extended source region, and a channel region depleted of free carriers, which MOSFET operates in a sub-threshold voltage state and has an output that is an exponential function of THz energy supplied to the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventors: Zeljko Ignjatovic, Hanan Dery
  • Patent number: 9570250
    Abstract: A gas insulated switching device with a gastight housing, with switching elements mounted in the housing, having an optical window on which an external camera can be positioned outside the housing on a support element in such, that the contacts and/or the contact positions of one or more switches can be displayed by this camera on a display screen, and with a switchable light source, which illuminates the area the camera is focused on to display the contact positions of one or more switches, as well as a camera system having the switching device. For easier and more cost effective use of a camera system, considering that direct optical control of specific switch positions are often not desired, the camera may be portable and/or positionable only temporarily, and the support element and the camera itself are provided with complementary elements for temporarily positioning the portable camera to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventor: Siegmund Chichy
  • Patent number: 9568361
    Abstract: An optical sensor device includes at least two light receiving units in which a plurality of types of light receiving elements is integrated in the same vertical structure. In addition, the optical sensor device further includes a switch unit configured to select at least one of the light receiving elements in each of the light receiving units in a time-division manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichiro Nakata, Yoshitsugu Uedaira
  • Patent number: 9564569
    Abstract: A sensor-in-package device, a process for fabricating a hermetically-sealed sensor-in-package device, and a process for fabricating a hermetically-sealed sensor-in-package device with a pre-assembled hat that employ example techniques in accordance with the present disclosure are described herein. In an implementation, the sensor-in-package device includes a substrate; at least one thermopile, at least one photodetector, at least one light-emitting diode, an ultraviolet light sensor, and a pre-assembled hat disposed on the first side of the substrate, where the pre-assembled hat includes a body; a first lid; and a second lid; where the body, the substrate, and the first lid define a thermopile cavity that houses the at least one thermopile, and where the body, the substrate, and the second lid define an optical cavity that houses at least one of the at least one photodetector, the at least one light-emitting diode, or the ultraviolet light sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Wang, Jerome C. Bhat, Tian Tian, Seshasayee Ankireddi, Kumar Nagaranjan, Seshasayee Gaddamraja
  • Patent number: 9551655
    Abstract: A sensor platform is provided for interrogating a sample with an electromagnetic (EM) wave. The platform includes: a dielectric material having opposing first and second planar surfaces; a first array of loop elements embedded in the first planar surface of the dielectric material, wherein slots are formed between the loop elements in the first array of loop elements and configured to host a sample material therein; and a second array of loop elements embedded in the second planar surface of the dielectric material and formed symmetrically with respect to the first array of loop elements, wherein slots are also formed between the loop elements of the second array of loop elements. The loop elements in the first array and the second array are comprised of a conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents Of The University Of Michigan
    Inventors: Pinaki Mazumder, Nan Zheng, Kyungjun Song, Mahdi Aghadjani
  • Patent number: 9548340
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an OLED display system is presented. A substrate is provided and a display is provided on the substrate. At least one sensor is also provided on the substrate. A barrier is provided on the substrate between the display and said the least one sensor, the barrier blocking emissions from the display from being sensed by the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: BOSE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mark R. Hickman
  • Patent number: 9546907
    Abstract: Dynamic Digital Modulation obtains thermal image data on active semiconductor devices with sufficient sensitivity to be used in situ with packaged devices. These techniques can be applied to dynamic failures, but can also produce quantitative data of actual power dissipation as the device is placed into different operational modes. The thermal image results can be analyzed to assist in thermal management and assessing reliability and failure analysis issues in semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Quantum Focus Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: R. Aaron Falk, Tram Pham, Anthony Ruiz
  • Patent number: 9539866
    Abstract: An inspection system for use in measuring several vehicle conditions in a high volume vehicle inspection line. A plurality of sensors are installed on a vehicle for measuring a plurality of vehicle conditions to assist in the rapid evaluation of critical vehicle conditions or parameters. At least one tool is positioned along a vehicle path in a monitoring station. As the vehicle passes through the monitoring station, the tool received electronic data from the plurality of sensors and displays one or more signals to alert an inspector of acceptable or unacceptable vehicle conditions. In one example, the plurality of sensors includes tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) data from the vehicle tires to rapidly assess the condition of the tire air pressure and other monitored tire conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: ATEQ CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jacques Mouchet
  • Patent number: 9534981
    Abstract: Prism-coupling systems and methods for characterizing large depth-of-layer waveguides formed in glass substrates are disclosed. One method includes making a first measurement after a first ion-exchange process that forms a deep region and then performing a second measurement after a second ion-exchange process that forms a shallow region. Light-blocking features are arranged relative to the prism to produce a mode spectrum where the contrast of the mode lines for the strongly coupled low-order modes is improved at the expense of loss of resolution for measuring characteristics of the shallow region. Standard techniques for determining the compressive stress, the depth of layer or the tensile strength of the shallow region are then employed. A second measurement can be made using a near-IR wavelength to measure characteristics of the deeper, first ion-exchange process. Systems and methods of measuring ion-exchanged samples using shape control are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Rostislav Vatchev Roussev, Vitor Marino Schneider, Emily Elizabeth Young
  • Patent number: 9534958
    Abstract: Detecting infrared radiation from a rodent in a cage using an infrared sensor array with a field of view that corresponds to a moving area of the rodent to determine position, velocity, head position, etc. and determining a behavior of the rodent based on the detected infrared radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventors: Michael E. Lhamon, Anuj Agarwal
  • Patent number: 9523612
    Abstract: Passive detector structures for imaging systems are provided which implement unpowered, passive front-end detector structures with direct-to-digital measurement data output for detecting incident photonic radiation in various portions (e.g., thermal (IR), near IR, UV and visible light) of the electromagnetic spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Public Service Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter N. Kaufman, Howard E. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 9523848
    Abstract: A micromirror system that includes a chip frame, at least one spring element, and at least one mirror plate oscillatorily suspended in the chip frame via the at least one spring element. The chip frame and the at least one spring element include at least one microchannel which is provided with an inlet opening and an outlet opening for leading through a flowing coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E. V.
    Inventors: Ulrich Hofmann, Hans-Joachim Quenzer, Joachim Janes, Björn Jensen
  • Patent number: 9520844
    Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation detection circuit includes a photodetector transforming the received electromagnetic radiation into an electric current. A bias circuit is connected to the photodetector. An amplifying circuit has an input terminal coupled to the photodetector. An amplifying transistor has a first low-impedance electrode forming the input terminal of the amplifying circuit and a second low-impedance electrode coupled to an output terminal of the detection circuit. The transistor is configured to conduct the current applied on the first electrode. A high-impedance electric load is connected to the second electrode to deliver a voltage representative of the electric current originating from the photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: SOCIÉTÉ FRANÇAISE DE DÉTECTEURS INFRAROUGES-SOFRADIR
    Inventor: Eric Sanson
  • Patent number: 9518917
    Abstract: MIR spectroscopy systems comprising hierarchical spectral dispersion that enables fine spectral resolution and high sensitivity spectroscopy are disclosed. Hierarchical spectral dispersion is derived by employing at least two diffractive lens arrays, located on either side of a test sample, each receiving input radiation having an input spectral range and distributing the input radiation into a plurality of output signals, each having a fraction of the spectral range of the input radiation. As a result, the signal multiplication factor of the two arrays is multiplied in a manner that mitigates the propagation of wavelength harmonics through the system. In some embodiments, an emitter array comprising a plurality of spectrally selective emitters provides the input MIR radiation to a spectroscopy system. In some embodiments, spectrally selective detectors are used to detect narrow spectral components in the radiation after they have passed through the test sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Axel Scherer, Frank T. Hartley
  • Patent number: 9518868
    Abstract: An infrared (IR) detector may include a substrate, circuitry carried by the substrate, and a metal-black layer over the thermometric element. The circuitry may include a thermometric element with a measurable thermometric property. The IR detector may include a dielectric layer covering the metal-black layer, and the circuitry provides a value for IR radiation absorbed by the metal-black layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA RESEACH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventor: Deep Panjwani
  • Patent number: 9509960
    Abstract: A server device may receive images of a vehicle from one or more camera devices implemented as part of a home monitoring or home control system and identify, based on the images, an anomaly associated with the vehicle. In some implementations, conditions under which the anomaly occurred may also be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC.
    Inventors: Momin Mirza, Farooq Muzaffar, Nisheeth Gupta
  • Patent number: 9500599
    Abstract: A surface inspection apparatus and method of inspecting chip surfaces includes a laser generator that generates a periodic CW laser and is transformed into an inspection laser beam having a beam size smaller than a surface size of the chip. Thus, the inspection laser beam is irradiated onto a plurality of the semiconductor chips such that the semiconductor chips are partially and simultaneously heated. Thermal waves are detected in response to the inspection laser beam and thermal images are generated corresponding to the thermal waves. A surface image is generated by a lock-in thermography technique and hold exponent analysis of the thermal image, thereby generating surface image in which a surface defect is included. Time and accuracy of the surface inspection process is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youn-Jo Mun, Hoon Sohn, Sang-Young Kim, Yun-Kyu An, Sung-Il Cho, Seung-Weon Ha, Jin-Yeol Yang, Soon-Kyu Hwang
  • Patent number: 9500187
    Abstract: A method, system and program product comprise receiving an activated signal from a first motion detector. The activated signal indicating an object is detected by the first motion detector. A source of heat is applied to a heatable object for a first predetermined period of time in response to the receiving. The applying is conveyed by a terminal device. The heatable object is positionable within a sensing range of a second motion detector. The applying of the heat source is stopped for a second predetermined period of time. The stopping enables the heatable object to cool in which a cycle of the applying and the stopping with motion of said heatable object is detectable by the second motion detector wherein the detection by the first motion detector is relayed to the second motion detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Theodore S. Wills
  • Patent number: 9482784
    Abstract: The present invention is related to an imaging metamaterial, comprising at least one resonant unit with a controllable split structure that comprises at least one gap and at least one segment, wherein the segment is connected by a node or separated by the gap. The present invention also provides a method for preparing an imaging metamaterial. The present invention further provides an imaging apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ta-Jen Yen, Cheng-Kuang Chen, Yueh-Chun Lai
  • Patent number: 9470580
    Abstract: An infrared sensor includes a thermopile connected in series with an ambient temperature compensation resistance temperature detector (RTD) and four electrical leads. The thermopile produces a voltage as a function of temperature of a point of interest, while the RTD varies in resistance as a function of ambient temperature. Two of the leads deliver current to energize the RTD. The other two leads are used for sensing voltages produced by the thermopile and the RTD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Harold Rud
  • Patent number: 9473681
    Abstract: A housing for an infrared camera module may be implemented with a substantially non-metal cover configured to substantially or completely enclose various components of an infrared imaging device. A metal layer may be disposed on various interior and/or exterior surfaces of the cover. Such implementations may be used to reduce the effects of various environmental conditions which may otherwise adversely affect the performance of the infrared imaging device. In addition, one or more conductive traces may be built into the housing and/or on interior surfaces of the housing to facilitate the passing of signals from components of the infrared imaging device such as infrared sensors, read out circuitry, a temperature measurement component, and/or other components. One or more fiducial markers may be provided to align various components of the infrared camera module during manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore R. Hoelter, Joseph Kostrzewa, Pierre Boulanger, Barbara Sharp, Eric A. Kurth
  • Patent number: 9448149
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method for ultrasonic fatigue testing at high temperature and a testing device without needing preliminary Young's modulus measurement, and a method for ultrasonic fatigue testing at high temperature and a testing device capable of securing heat insulation for protecting a vibrator without water cooling of a horn, measuring end surface displacement of a test specimen in a noncontact manner, and solving problems of a noncontact temperature measurement of a test specimen and temperature control. Young's modulus is calculated by inverse calculation, a rod and a horn having heat resistance, heat insulation, and temperature symmetry of a test specimen are used, laser light is irradiated and received from an oblique direction to measure end surface displacement, and a noncontact temperature measurement of a test specimen by a black-body coating and a two-color radiation thermometer and temperature control by a high-frequency coil having a special shape are performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: National Institute For Materials Science
    Inventor: Furuya Yoshiyuki
  • Patent number: 9448113
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes a terahertz wave generating unit configured to generate a terahertz wave in response to incidence of pump light thereon; a terahertz wave detecting unit configured to detect the terahertz wave in response to incidence of probe light thereon; an adjusting unit configured to adjust an optical path length difference to adjust a timing at which the terahertz wave and the probe light reach the terahertz wave detecting unit; an amount-of-change detecting unit configured to detect an amount of change in the optical path length difference; a vibration obtaining unit configured to obtain information about a magnitude of vibration of the adjusting unit; a determining unit configured to determine whether the magnitude is within a range of an allowable value; and an output unit configured to output a measurement start trigger in a case where the determining unit determines the magnitude is within the range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeaki Itsuji
  • Patent number: 9442216
    Abstract: A sensor comprising a light emitter and light detector directly covered and encapsulated by a layer of light blocking compound. The light blocking compound can be thick enough between the light emitter and light detector to block substantially all light emitted by the light emitter from reaching the light detector directly, but be thin enough above the light emitter and light detector to allow at least some level of light emitted by the light emitter to escape out of the sensor, be reflected by another object, re-enter the sensor, and survive passing through the light blocking compound to enter the light detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: HANA MICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Vanapong Kwangkaew, Krisadayut Chansawang, Sirirat Silapapipat, Preecha Bootwicha, Sanjay Mitra
  • Patent number: 9443416
    Abstract: A fire alarm system includes a transceiver. The transceiver has: a housing; conductors for receiving power from power lines; power output conductors for transmitting the power to a local alarm; and a connector for the alarm conductor of the local alarm. The transceiver has a trigger circuit, responsive to an alarm condition. A transmitter circuit responds to the alarm condition by injecting a signal onto a power conductor, using power line carrier technology. A receiver circuit responds to a second signal, similar to the first signal, by triggering the transmitter circuit; and by triggering the local alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher George Kalivas
  • Patent number: 9442028
    Abstract: Methods of capturing improved-contrast mode spectra of a double ion-exchanged (DIOX) glass sample using prism coupling of index np. The DIOX glass sample has a refractive index profile with a first region adjacent the surface that satisfies 0.0005 ? ? ? n ? ? n ? x ? ? 0.0009 , where ? is a wavelength of measuring light. The prism-sample interface includes an interfacing liquid of index nf that differs from np by no more than 0.03, and that can exceed np. The mode spectra have a contrast that is higher than that obtained by conventional prism coupling by using gradient illumination or partially blocked illumination that reduces the amount of background reflected light from the coupling prism. The improved-contrast mode spectra can be processed using conventional means to determine at least one stress characteristic of the DIOX glass sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Rostislav Vatchev Roussev, Emily Elizabeth Young
  • Patent number: 9435886
    Abstract: A proximity sensor includes a transmitter unit, a receiver unit, and a housing. The transmitter unit transmits a light signal. The receiver unit receives the light signal reflected by an object to determine a proximity status of the object. The housing defines a first enclosed accommodation space for accommodating the receiver unit, wherein the portion of the housing defining the first enclosed accommodation space has a sealed light passage made of a light-transmissible material such that the receiver unit is capable of receiving the light signal reflected by the object through the light passage. The housing can further include a second enclosed accommodation space for accommodating the transmitter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INCORPORATION
    Inventor: Nientse Chen
  • Patent number: 9429694
    Abstract: A wavelength tunable interference filter, an optical filter device, an optical module, and an electronic apparatus include a fixed substrate, a movable substrate, a fixed reflective film provided on the fixed substrate, a movable reflective film provided on the movable substrate and facing the fixed reflective film with an inter-reflective film gap interposed therebetween, and an electrostatic actuator that changes the size of the inter-reflective film gap. The movable substrate is curved in a convex shape in a direction away from the fixed substrate in an initial state. The reflective film has reflectance characteristics in which the first reflectance at a predetermined first wavelength in a measurement wavelength range is lower than the second reflectance at a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Teruyuki Nishimura, Hiroshi Komatsu
  • Patent number: 9429473
    Abstract: Highly advantageous spectrometer systems and associated methods are disclosed which utilize phase modulation in conjunction with first and second harmonic detection to reduce or eliminate negative impacts from interference patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph R. Demers
  • Patent number: 9431454
    Abstract: An imaging device includes a light source which irradiates an infrared light including one or more wavelength to a subject; a lens which forms an image of the infrared light transmitting the subject or being reflected from the subject; an infrared detection device including a plurality of pixels which are sensitive to the wavelength; and a filter array which is provided in proximity to the infrared detection device between the lens and the infrared detection device and including a plurality of wavelength filters having different transmission wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Risako Ueno, Koichi Ishii, Kazuhiro Suzuki, Hideyuki Funaki
  • Patent number: 9423791
    Abstract: A non-contact sensor system and method are disclosed for determining paper sheet quality parameters such as caliper, basis weight and sheet moisture based on THz radiation. The method can include emitting, by an emitter system, a THz radiation signal towards paper sheet material such that the THz radiation interacts with the paper sheet material; detecting, by a detector system, a time and/or frequency dependent response of the THz radiation signal having interacted with the paper sheet material; determining model parameters of a physical model by optimizing the model parameters such that a predicted response of the physical model is fitted to the detected response, the model parameters being indicative of transmission and/or reflection coefficients at interfaces of the paper sheet material with surrounding media; and determining, from the determined model parameters, at least some of the paper sheet quality parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Jacobus Lodevicus Martinus Van Mechelen, Hannes Merbold
  • Patent number: 9425227
    Abstract: An imaging sensor is provided. The imaging sensor includes: a filter array used for extracting a specified color component of an incident light; and photoelectric elements for receiving the incident light via the filter array. The filter array includes: a green filter for extracting a green component; a red filter for extracting a red component; a blue filter for extracting a blue component; and a first infrared filter for extracting a first infrared component for the green component. The first infrared filter is implemented by the green filter and an infrared high-pass filter of a specific wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: VisEra Technologies Company Limited
    Inventor: Wei-Ko Wang
  • Patent number: 9418499
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for checking value documents by which the similarity of the intensity spectrum of a value document to be checked to a reference spectrum can be tested. To check the similarity of the intensity spectrum recorded from the value document to be checked to the reference spectrum, not the recorded intensity spectrum itself is compared with the reference spectrum, but rather a corrected intensity spectrum adapted to the reference spectrum, which arises from the recorded intensity spectrum by a linear correction. The correction parameters of the linear correction function are ascertained by adapting the linearly corrected intensity spectrum to the reference spectrum. Through the adapting it is achieved that fluctuations of the recorded intensity spectrum that are due to measuring technology are compensated at least partly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rauscher, Jorg Frankenberger
  • Patent number: 9405104
    Abstract: An apparatus for capturing an image includes a plurality of lens elements coaxially encompassed within a lens housing. A split-sub-pixel imaging chip includes an IR-pass filter coating applied on selected sub-pixels. The sub-pixels include a long exposure sub-pixel and a short-exposure sub-pixel for each of a plurality of green blue and red pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Wende Zhang, Jinsong Wang, Kent S. Lybecker, Jeffrey S. Piasecki, Ryan M. Frakes, Travis S. Hester
  • Patent number: 9406831
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure, and method for manufacturing, of avalanche photodiode type for receiving electromagnetic radiation in a given wavelength range and including a first semiconductor area configured for absorption of the electromagnetic radiation, a second area configured for providing a multiplication of carriers, and a third semiconductor area in contact with the second semiconductor area. The second area includes at least two subparts with the second subpart configured to have a mean carrier multiplication rate that is more substantial than that of the first subpart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventor: Johan Rothman
  • Patent number: 9398856
    Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: GEELUX HOLDINGS, LTD.
    Inventor: Marcio Marc Abreu
  • Patent number: 9401377
    Abstract: An array bolometric detector for detecting an electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined infrared or terahertz wavelength range, including a substrate, and an array of bolometric microplates for the detection of the radiation, suspended above the substrate by support elements. The detector includes a membrane arranged above each microplate, and having patterns having a refractive index smaller than that of the membrane formed therein. The patterns are placed periodically along at least one axis of the membrane, according to a period shorter than or equal to ? n , where ? is a wavelength to be detected and n is the average refractive index of the medium separating the microplate from the membrane. The width of the patterns along the axis increases from a central location of the membrane towards the periphery thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Salim Boutami, Geoffroy Dumont, Jérome Hazart, Jean-Jacques Yon
  • Patent number: 9400218
    Abstract: A bolometer including: at least one electromechanical microsystem or nanosystem, the microsystem or nanosystem including a support and a mobile mass hung from beams above the support, the mobile mass forming an absorber of optical flux; actuation electrodes configured to set the mobile mass in vibration and arranged laterally relative to the mobile mass; and detection electrodes to detect variation in vibration frequency of the mobile mass arranged laterally relative to the mobile mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Laurent Duraffourg, Philippe Andreucci
  • Patent number: 9397241
    Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are presented such as can be used for electro-optic modulation and detection or other applications. For example, an optical metal grating is disposed on a thin metal film to couple light from broadside to the metal film as surface plasmon-polariton waves; below the metal film is located a thin insulating layer and a doped semiconductor region forming a metal-insulator-semiconductor structure. The device can be configured to operate as a reflection or transmission modulator, or as a photodetector, for example. Modulating the voltage applied to the metal-insulator-semiconductor structure modulates the carrier concentration in the semiconductor near the insulating layer, which modulates the refractive index of the semiconductor in this region, thus modulating the coupling efficiency to the surface plasmon-polaritons, thus modulating the reflectance and transmittance of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: University of Ottawa
    Inventors: Pierre Simon Joseph Berini, Chengkun Chen
  • Patent number: 9398218
    Abstract: To reduce the difference among a plurality of images acquired due to an object shake or hand shake. An image capturing apparatus 10 includes an imaging optical system 11 and an image sensor 14 that acquires an image of light coming from the imaging optical system 11. The imaging optical system 11 has an aperture stop 12 including a first aperture and a second aperture. The image sensor 11 has first pixels and second pixels. The central axis of the first aperture and the central axis of the second aperture are aligned with each other. The first aperture has a first optical filter that codes light passing therethrough with a first code. The first pixels receive first coded light coded with the first code. The second pixels do not receive the first coded light and receive light other than the first coded light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keiichiro Ishihara
  • Patent number: 9386183
    Abstract: An image sensor including: light guides for irradiating light onto an irradiated object; a lens that focuses reflected light that was reflected by the irradiated object; a sensor that receives the reflected light that was focused by the lens; and a housing. The housing houses or holds the light guides, the lens, and the sensor, and is formed by integrating a housing metal portion and a housing resin portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Ohama, Akiko Fujiuchi, Seiichi Matsumura, Atsushi Ito, Masaru Imaizumi
  • Patent number: 9383254
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a symmetric absorber-coupled far-infrared microwave kinetic inductance detector including: a membrane having an absorber disposed thereon in a symmetric cross bar pattern; and a microstrip including a plurality of conductor microstrip lines disposed along all edges of the membrane, and separated from a ground plane by the membrane. The conducting microstrip lines are made from niobium, and the pattern is made from a superconducting material with a transition temperature below niobium, including one of aluminum, titanium nitride, or molybdenum nitride. The pattern is disposed on both a top and a bottom of the membrane, and creates a parallel-plate coupled transmission line on the membrane that acts as a half-wavelength resonator at readout frequencies. The parallel-plate coupled transmission line and the conductor microstrip lines form a stepped impedance resonator. The pattern provides identical power absorption for both horizontal and vertical polarization signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Kongpop U-yen, Edward J. Wollack, Ari D. Brown, Thomas R. Stevenson, Amil A. Patel
  • Patent number: 9378489
    Abstract: The invention shows s system (1) and a method for registering a collection of refuses from a refuse bin (19) to a refuse collection lorry (3). The refuse bin is provided with an information carrier (21) which is adapted to send information upon reception of an electromagnetic signal. An interrogator (9) and a registering unit (4) are provided on a holder (15), which is attachable to a person (23) who collects the refuse. The interrogator (9) is adapted to send an electromagnetic signal and to receive information from the information carrier (21). The registering unit (4) is connected to the interrogator (9) and is able to register information received from the interrogator (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: DAPROX AB
    Inventors: Bengt Åkerblom, Mikael Hemlén