Methods Patents (Class 250/340)
  • Publication number: 20130248711
    Abstract: An infrared sensor, comprising at least one pixel comprising a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the first and second sensors are dissimilar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Martin Lambkin, William Allan Lane
  • Publication number: 20130248715
    Abstract: A system including a sensor to receive scattered light from a scene in a thermal infrared spectral region, a Modified Integrated Thermal (MIT) band filter to acquire MIT band data within a thermal detection bandwidth, a sub-band filter to acquire a first sub-band data within a first sub-band bandwidth which is within the thermal detection bandwidth. The sub-band filter is a Reference band filter to capture Reference band data or a Reststrahlen band filter to capture Reststrahlen band data. The system also includes one or more processors configured to perform differencing of the MIT band data and the first sub-band data to compute a second sub-band data. The computed second sub-band data is Reference band data when the sub-band filter is the Reststrahlen band filter or the computed second sub-band data is Reststrahlen band data when the sub-band filter is the Reference band filter. A method and a computer software product are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patricia Sharek-Evans, Gene D. Tener, Albert Ciullo
  • Publication number: 20130248716
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the detection and identification of objects, wherein an illumination device emits polychromatic light in the infrared range, creating a light curtain, or an essentially two-dimensional area of light in the X and Z axis. The light from the light curtain and light reflected or transmitted by an object in the light curtain is imaged, via aperture-imaging optics, onto an aperture that is in the optical path and behind the aperture-imaging optics. The aperture is an elongated opening extending along the Z axis. A wavelength-dispersive device, such as a grating, diffracts light admitted by the aperture wavelength-dispersively in a diffraction direction along the Y axis. An image sensor detects the diffraction image and generates image signals which are analyzed to identify the materials comprising the object. An output signal may be generated in response to the material identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Axel KULCKE, Frank HOLLSTEIN, Bert HANDSCHICK, Gerhard STANZEL
  • Patent number: 8541745
    Abstract: A method in a wearable electronic device of detecting clothing includes: detecting whether the wearable electronic device is coupled to a user, determining whether the wearable electronic device is covered, and adjusting one or more device settings of the wearable electronic device. A secondary check can perform an additional determination of whether the wearable electronic device is covered with clothing. One or more sensors, such as a skin sensor, a tension sensor, an infrared sensor, or microphones, can be used to execute the steps in the wearable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Dickinson, Rachid Mohsen Alameh
  • Publication number: 20130240735
    Abstract: In a method for detecting objects by utilizing near infrared (NIR) light and far infrared (FIR) light, an NIR environment image and an FIR environment image generated by photographing a current environment with the NIR light and the FIR light respectively are received. The NIR and FIR environment images are respectively analyzed to obtain several NIR-environment-image analysis values and FIR-environment-image analysis values. A current-environment category is generated according the NIR-environment-image analysis values and the FIR-environment-image analysis values. First object detection information and second object detection information are obtained by respectively performing object-detection onto the NIR environment image and the FIR environment image. Information of at least one detected object in the current environment is obtained according to the current-environment category, the first object detection information and the second object detection information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: INSTITUTE FOR INFORMATION INDUSTRY
    Inventors: Hsu-Chun Yen, Che-Yi Lin, Kai-Jun Wang, Chun-Yeh Liao, Che-Yu Chang, Sheng-Yang Wu
  • Publication number: 20130234028
    Abstract: A flame detector includes an infrared detector and a first window covering the infrared detector. A second window is positioned in front of the first window. The flame detector is adapted to reject light having a wavelength below approximately 2 ?m and to reject light having a wavelength above approximately 6 ?m, allowing detection of flame from multiple sources. In variations, the windows in combination with the infrared detector may provide the rejection or a band pass filter provides the rejection. Still further variations utilize notch filters or a band reject filter to provide notches of light to the infrared detector corresponding to the wavelength of different flame sources to be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Larsen, Barrett E. Cole
  • Patent number: 8530843
    Abstract: In an infrared detector provided with a photodiode, when the temperature of the photodiode is lowered to its operating temperature, the photodiode is forward biased. During forward biasing of the photodiode, injection of a majority carrier current takes place through the photodiode. The majority carriers mask a part of the defects of the photodiode. The acquisition phase is then performed by reverse biasing the photodiode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Societe Francaise de Detecteurs Infrarouges—Sofradir
    Inventors: Laurent Rubaldo, Patrick Maillart, Michel Zecri
  • Publication number: 20130221223
    Abstract: Multi-surface emitting mid-IR multiwavelength distributed-feedback quantum cascade ring lasers laid out in a concentric circle are disclosed. The lasers utilize quantum cascade core designs to produce optical gain in the mid-infrared region and may generate several wavelengths simultaneously or sequentially. Methods of making along with methods of using such devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Catherine Genevieve Caneau, Feng Xie, Chung-En Zah
  • Publication number: 20130225985
    Abstract: A system and method for transducer placement in soft-field tomography are provided. One system includes a plurality of transducers configured for positioning at a surface of an object in a non-soft-field tomography configuration. The system also includes an interface and a processor communicating with the plurality of transducers via the interface. The processor is configured to perform soft-field sensing using soft-field data acquired by the plurality of transducers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alexander Seth Ross, Jeffrey Michael Ashe
  • Publication number: 20130214165
    Abstract: A method is provided for examining mail items with regard to dangerous contents. In a first step, the mail item is scanned in such a manner that the contours of the contents of the mail item are made visible. After an evaluation of the contents of the mail item, a spectral analysis of the content of the mail item occurs in a second step in pre-determinable areas of the mail item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Hubner GmbH
    Inventor: Hubner GmbH
  • Publication number: 20130214162
    Abstract: A system and method for analyzing unknown materials on surfaces including, but not limited to, chemical materials, biological materials, hazardous materials, drug materials, and non-threat materials using SWIR and/or extended range SWIR hyperspectral and spectroscopic techniques. A system comprising a collection optics, a tunable filter, and a first detector for generating a test data set representative of the unknown sample. A second detector, comprising a visible imaging device, may be configured to operate in a scanning mode to locate areas of interest for further interrogation using SWIR. A method comprising generating a SWIR test data set representative of the unknown sample and analyzing the unknown sample to detect, identify and/or distinguish an unknown material as a known material. This analysis may be achieved by comparing the test data set to a reference data set using at least one chemometric technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Chemlmage Corporation
    Inventor: Chemlmage Corporation
  • Patent number: 8513606
    Abstract: A THz wave detector including a thermal isolation structure in which a supporting unit containing electrode wirings connected to a readout circuit formed in an substrate supports a temperature detecting unit connected to the electrode wirings so that one face of said temperature detecting unit and said substrate are opposed to each other with a predetermined gap, wherein a reflective film reflecting THz waves is formed on the substrate so as to face the temperature detecting unit, an absorbing film absorbing the THz waves is formed on the temperature detecting unit, the reflective film and the temperature detecting unit form an optical resonant structure, the distance between the reflective film and the temperature detecting unit is set to 8 to 14 ?m, and the sheet resistance of the absorbing film is set to 100 to 200 ?/square.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Oda
  • Patent number: 8506159
    Abstract: A defect on the surface or in the surface layer of a moving material can be detected by using a method comprising steps of: heating the surface of the material, obtaining thermal image data of the surface of the material using an infrared thermography camera while the surface of the material is being heated up at the heating step or being cooled down after heating, and detecting the defect by calculating Laplacian with respect to temperature of the surface represented by the thermal image data. When the thermal image data is obtained while the material is being heated up, a heating device and the camera is arranged so that thermal energy emitted from the heating device is reflected by the material to come into the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Nakagawa, Tadayuki Ito, Tetsuo Nishiyama, Masahiro Doki, Kozo Saito, Belal Gharaibeh, Keng Hoo Chuah, Ahmad Salaimeh, Masahiro Yamamoto, Tomoya Takeuchi, Kazufumi Ito, Huaxiong Huang, Sean C. Bohun
  • Patent number: 8507865
    Abstract: An organic photodetector detects infrared radiation, particularly radiation within the spectral region of over 1100 nm, the so-called imager region. Contrary to the currently known photodetectors, such as the Bolometer, II-VI semiconductor, and quantum well detectors, the photodetector contains semiconducting nano-particles for shifting the range of detection, requires no technical and cost-intensive effort in the production thereof, and may be constructed of flexible substrates by simple printing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michaela Böberl, Jens Fürst, Wolfgang Heiss, Maksym Kovalenko, Tobias Rauch
  • Publication number: 20130193325
    Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring one or more silicon-containing compounds present in a biogas. The method includes generating a first absorption spectrum based on a ratio of a first spectral measurement and a second spectral measurement. The first spectral measurement is from a non-absorptive gas having substantially no infrared absorptions in a specified wavelength range of interest and the second spectral measurement is from a sample gas comprising the biogas. The method includes generating at least one surrogate absorption spectrum based on, at least, individual absorption spectrum for each of a subset of one or more silicon-containing compounds selected from a larger set of known silicon-containing compounds with known concentrations. A total concentration of the one or more silicon-containing compounds in the biogas can be calculated based on the first absorption spectrum and the at least one surrogate absorption spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventor: MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130193326
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing nonlinearity artifacts in an IR imaging system applies a non-linear correcting function to signals received from a microbolometer. The non-linear correcting function can be a second-order polynomial, a third-order polynomial, some other formula, or a table from which corrections can be interpolated. In embodiments, the correcting function is automatically adjusted according to an ambient temperature measurement, to which a non-linear correction can be applied, either in a separate step or as an adjustment to the correcting function applied to the microbolometer signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Lee
  • Publication number: 20130187051
    Abstract: A photon detection system with improved high-speed performance. An array of photon detectors is provided, providing transient responses that indicate both a time and a location of photon detection. Each photon detector may use a superconducting nanowire, arranged as part of a resonant cell to have a unique resonant frequency. Upon detection of even a single photon, a resonant cell may create a transient response comprising its unique resonant frequency. The transient responses may be combined on a single readout line, allowing identification of the photon detection location based on a detected frequency component read out. The electrical properties within resonant cells, as well as the connections between different resonant cells, may be configured to produce different transient responses. For example, resonant cells may be configured to produce a transient response having multiple pulses, which may separately indicate a time and a location of a photon detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Publication number: 20130168552
    Abstract: An infrared light detecting device and the infrared detecting method thereof. The device comprises a shield, a first photo detector and a second photo detector. The shield for blocking light is located above the first photo detector and the second photo detector. An opening is disposed on the shield above the first photo detector. In addition, there is a gap arranged between the first photo detector and the second photo detector. The first photo detector can detect the light passing through the opening to generate a photo sensing signal and couple an infrared light signal in the photo sensing signal to the second photo detector in order to output the infrared light signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: CAPELLA MICROSYSTEMS (TAIWAN), INC.
    Inventors: Koon-Wing Tsang, Cheng-Chieh Huang, Sheng-Wen Huang, Jinn-Ann Kuo
  • Patent number: 8476592
    Abstract: Provided is a terahertz wave apparatus. The terahertz wave apparatus includes: a wavelength-fixed laser emitting a first laser light having a fixed first wavelength; a wavelength-swept laser emitting a second laser light having a tunable second wavelength; a coupler coupling the first laser light with the second laser light; and a generator converting a mixed light emitted from the coupler into a terahertz wave, wherein a frequency of the terahertz wave is continuously tunable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science
    Inventors: Min Yong Jeon, Kyung Hyun Park, Dae-Su Yee
  • Patent number: 8471206
    Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to determining the vacuum integrity within a vacuum package assembly containing an infrared detector, such as within an infrared imaging device. For example for an embodiment, a method of performing a vacuum pressure test on a vacuum package includes changing a first parameter value associated with an infrared detector within the vacuum package to vary a temperature of the infrared detector; measuring a second parameter value associated with the infrared detector based on the changing of the first parameter value; comparing the second parameter value to a threshold value; and determining a vacuum pressure condition of the vacuum package based on the comparing of the second parameter value to the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Flir Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Kostrzewa, Russell D. Granneman
  • Publication number: 20130141115
    Abstract: Automatic process and installation for inspecting and/or sorting objects or articles belonging to at least two different categories, and made to advance approximately in a single layer, for example on a conveyor belt or a similar transport support. The process includes subjecting the advancing flow of objects or articles to at least two different types of contactless analysis by radiation, whose results are used in a combined manner for each object or article to perform a discrimination among these objects or articles and/or an evaluation of at least one characteristic of the latter, the analyses including at least one surface analysis process able to determine the physical and/or chemical composition of the outer layer of an object or article exposed to the radiation used in this process, and at least one volume analysis process able to determine the equivalent thickness of material of the same object or article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicants: UNIVERSITE DE SAVOIE, PELLENC SELECTIVE TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Pellenc Selective Technologies, Universite De Savoie
  • Patent number: 8455828
    Abstract: Infrared (IR) radiation detecting and sensing systems using aligned or bundled carbon nanotubes and methods to making the same. In certain embodiments of the invention, it includes a substrate, aligned or bundled carbon nanotubes, first and second conducting interconnects each in electrical communication with the nanotubes. Bundled nanotubes can be tuned to increase the temperature coefficient of resistance to increase sensitivity to IR radiation. In addition bundled nanotubes are independent of Nyquist frequency limitations found in other IR sensors because of the lack of 1/f or flicker noise sources. These detectors can be fabricated on CMOS foundry wafers resulting in large format focal planes greater than 1000×1000 and pixel sizes only limited by photolithographic technologies. The increase in temperature coefficient of resistance claimed within results in IR detectors capable of NEDT of less than 10 mK at low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Magnolia Optical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Elwood J. Egerton, Ashok K. Sood
  • Patent number: 8449826
    Abstract: Since known detection devices include detectors of the same number as that of samples, the system configuration is complicated. According to the present invention, therefore, a plurality of electromagnetic-wave-transmission lines with different propagation-delay times and a coupled-transmission line coupling the electromagnetic-wave-transmission lines with each other are provided, and an electromagnetic wave is detected by the same electromagnetic-wave-detection unit. Subsequently, a detection device including at least one electromagnetic-wave detector of a number smaller than that of samples can be provided, which decreases the system complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryoji Kurosaka
  • Publication number: 20130119255
    Abstract: A method in a wearable electronic device of detecting clothing includes: detecting whether the wearable electronic device is coupled to a user, determining whether the wearable electronic device is covered, and adjusting one or more device settings of the wearable electronic device. A secondary check can perform an additional determination of whether the wearable electronic device is covered with clothing. One or more sensors, such as a skin sensor, a tension sensor, an infrared sensor, or microphones, can be used to execute the steps in the wearable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Dickinson, Rachid M. Alameh
  • Publication number: 20130112878
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of processing signals from a passive infrared sensor evaluates energy of received signals. An integration or accumulation process can be used to provide an indicator of signal energy. This indicator can be compared to a predetermined alarm threshold to determine if an alarm indication should be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Zhao, Yang Chen, Hansen Gu
  • Patent number: 8436311
    Abstract: A method of predicting thermal or chemical effect in a painted or coated composite material includes generating a calibration model, providing a composite material having a coating layer, irradiating the coating layer with infrared energy, detecting infrared energy reflected from the coating layer and predicting a thermal or chemical history of the coating layer using the calibration model and the infrared energy reflected from the coating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul H. Shelley, Gregory J. Werner, Paul G. Vahey
  • Publication number: 20130100160
    Abstract: A system and method for improving power consumption by providing the ability to detect whether a cover is placed on top of Infrared, IR, touch device. While the cover is in the open state, a certain amount of the light transmitted by the IR transmitters is directed upward and away from the IR receivers in the device. When the cover is closed, this light is reflected off of the cover and is incident on the IR receivers. The system of the present invention recognizes this increased level of received IR light and determines that the cover is in a closed position. Having made such a determination that the cover is placed on the device, the device's power savings system can switch to an appropriate power saving mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: BARNESANDNOBLE.COM LLC
    Inventor: BARNESANDNOBLE.COM LLC
  • Publication number: 20130099122
    Abstract: A temperature sensing apparatus and method are described to detect a change in a frequency due to a change in a temperature. An infrared light sensing apparatus and method are also provided. The temperature sensing apparatus may include an electrode to generate an electrical signal, a piezoelectric layer to convert the electrical signal into an acoustic wave, and a temperature sensitive layer formed by doping impurities in one or more structures formed on a substrate. Additionally, the infrared light sensing apparatus may convert into heat infrared light incident to an infrared light absorption layer, using an infrared light reflection layer and the infrared light absorption layer. A temperature sensitive layer may detect a change in a resonant frequency based on a change in a temperature of the heat, and may detect a change in infrared light based on the change in the resonant frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ho Soo PARK, In Sang SONG, Duck Hwan KIM, Chul Soo KIM, Sang Uk SON, Jea Shik SHIN, Cui Jing
  • Patent number: 8415626
    Abstract: An NDIR gas sensor is housed within a mechanical housing made up of a header housing, a can mounted to the header housing, and a sample chamber mounted above the can. The can has a top surface with a pair of windows formed in it to allow radiation to enter and return from the sample chamber. An electronics module is mounted on a printed circuit board hermetically sealed within the can. A signal channel path length detected by the signal detector is greater than a reference channel path length detected by the reference detector and an absorption bias between the signal and reference outputs can be used to determine a gas concentration in the sample chamber. Both the signal detector and the reference detector have an identical narrow band pass filter with the same Center Wavelength (“CWL”), Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) and transmittance efficiency at the CWL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Airware, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Y Wong
  • Patent number: 8405030
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a sensor integrated circuit (IC). The at least one integrated photodetector that is adapted to sense light, and an integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is coupled to the at least one integrated photodetector, and is adapted to convert an output signal of one or more of the at least one integrated photodetector to one or more digital signals. The sensor integrated circuit (IC) further includes an integrated controller that is adapted to facilitate operation of the sensor integrated circuit (IC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy T. Rueger, William Hong, David Andreas
  • Publication number: 20130069542
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods, apparatuses and systems for identifying an event are disclosed. One method includes sensing motion with a motion sensor, wherein the motion sensor is stationary, and the motion sensor senses motion of an object that is external to the motion sensor. The embodiment further includes matching the sensed motion with one of a plurality of stored patterns of events, and identifying an event associated with the sensed motion based on a match between a one of the plurality of patterns and the sensed motion. One apparatus includes a sensing device, wherein the sensing device includes a light sensor sensing motion and a processor. The processor is configured to match the sensed motion with one of a plurality of stored patterns of events, and identify an event associated with the sensed motion based on a match between a one of the plurality of patterns and the sensed motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: ENLIGHTED, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Basil Curasi, Tanuj Mohan, Zachary Gentry
  • Publication number: 20130069543
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for dual-technology occupancy detection are disclosed. One dual-technology occupancy detection apparatus includes a motion sensor sensing motion, an ambient light sensor sensing variation in ambient light, and a controller for detecting occupancy and controlling a building environmental parameter based on the sensed motion and the sensed variations in ambient light. One method of detecting occupancy for controlling lighting includes sensing motion with a motion sensor, sensing variations in ambient light with an ambient light sensor, and detecting occupancy and controlling activation of a light based on the sensed motion and the sensed variations in ambient light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: ENLIGHTED, INC.
    Inventors: Tanuj Mohan, Joseph Basil Curasi, Zachary Gentry, Premal Ashar, Sanjeev Patel
  • Patent number: 8395123
    Abstract: Fluorescent composites of surfactant-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were prepared by exposing suspensions of surfactant-wrapped carbon nanotubes to tetramethylorthosilicate (TMOS) vapor. Sodium deoxycholate (DOC) and sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) were the surfactants. No loss in emission intensity was observed when the suspension of DOC-wrapped SWNTs were exposed to the TMOS vapors, but about a 50% decrease in the emission signal was observed from the SDS-wrapped SWNTs nanotubes. The decrease in emission was minimal by buffering the SDS/SWNT suspension prior to forming the composite. Fluorescent xerogels were prepared by adding glycerol to the SWNT suspensions prior to TMOS vapor exposure, followed by drying the gels. Fluorescent aerogels were prepared by replacing water in the gels with methanol and then exposing them to supercritical fluid drying conditions. The aerogels can be used for gas sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew M. Dattelbaum, Gautam Gupta, Juan G. Duque, Stephen K. Doorn, Christopher E. Hamilton, Kimberly A. DeFriend Obrey
  • Patent number: 8384031
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a sensor integrated circuit (IC). The at least one integrated photodetector that is adapted to sense light, and an integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is coupled to the at least one integrated photodetector, and is adapted to convert an output signal of one or more of the at least one integrated photodetector to one or more digital signals. The sensor integrated circuit (IC) further includes an integrated controller that is adapted to facilitate operation of the sensor integrated circuit (IC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy T. Rueger, William Hong, David Andreas
  • Publication number: 20130037719
    Abstract: A spectroscopic method is disclosed for detecting and measuring contaminants in fluids such as water or oil, where the hydrophilicity of the contaminant is substantially different from that of the contaminated fluid. Good calibrations can be obtained at very low concentrations using infrared spectroscopy with ATR crystals that have not been additionally coated or otherwise modified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Peter J. Melling, Mary A. Thomson
  • Patent number: 8373125
    Abstract: A sensor switch includes an infrared sensor, and a control unit coupled to the infrared sensor and configured to receive a signal corresponding to an object detected by the infrared sensor, wherein the control unit is configured to enable an ON state of a device under control of the sensor switch for a period of time depending on a duration and a strength of the signal from the infrared sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Wenzhou MTLC Electric Appliances Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lidong Ni, Chongguang Zhang, Wei Gao
  • Patent number: 8362431
    Abstract: An embodiment of a method of performing thermoreflectance measurements with an imaging system comprises: reflecting radiation from a number of points in a sample in response to an illuminating radiation while a temperature modulation is applied to the sample; acquiring digital images of the reflected radiation after the reflected radiation passes through an aperture; and deriving a map of relative reflectivity of the sample based on the digital images. At least a portion of the illuminating radiation passes through at least a portion of the sample and is reflected at a change refractive index interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Mount Holyoke College
    Inventors: Janice A. Hudgings, Joseph Summers
  • Patent number: 8358074
    Abstract: Embodiments include lighting systems and methods for controlling the activation of daytime running lamps (DRLs). Embodiments of the method include receiving inputs from one or more on-board subsystems, and when the lighting system is set in an automatic control mode and the headlights are deactivated, selectively activating and deactivating the DRLs based on the inputs. Embodiments of the lighting system include DRLs, headlights, and a processing and control subsystem. The processing and control subsystem is adapted to determine whether a DRL activation criteria is met when the lighting system is set in an automatic control mode, to activate the DRLs when the DRL activation criteria is met and the headlights are deactivated, and to deactivate the DRLs when the DRL activation criteria is not met and the headlights are deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William A. Biondo, David T. Proefke, Brian K. Latouf, Clark E. McCall
  • Publication number: 20130015355
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting an object transiting an interrogation zone of an electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) system and determining whether the object is a person entering or exiting the facility in order to increment a corresponding counter. A first zone detector detects motion in a first zone. The first zone detector can be a first passive infrared (“PIR”) detector. A second zone detector detects motion in a second zone different from the first zone. The second zone detector can be a second PIR detector. A processor is in communication with the first and second zone detectors in which the processor receives data from the first and second zone detectors to determine whether to increment a count value based at least in part on the received data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS, LLC
    Inventors: David R. NOONE, Adam S. BERGMAN, Robert Kevin LYNCH
  • Publication number: 20130009061
    Abstract: An active infrared induction instrument powered by a dry battery capable of reducing power consumption through the adjustment of the emitter pulse width. The infrared emitted LED emits infrared signals, which, after being reflected by an object, are received by the infrared photodiode. The infrared signals received the infrared signals received by the infrared photodiode then enter an integrated circuit chip through a comparator. The pulse widths of the infrared emission pulse signals are dynamically adjusted after the width of the pulse series is received by the discrimination chip, thus reducing the emission power consumption to save energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Chen Weigen
  • Patent number: 8344323
    Abstract: A method for identifying and quantifying one or more analytes included in a sample comprising a background solvent is disclosed. The present invention enables in-situ calibration and removal of the spectral signature of the background solvent from a composite spectrum so that the spectral features associated with the analyte(s) can be more easily and precisely identified. Further, the method enables estimation of the concentration of the analyte(s) by normalizing the spectrum based on the path length of the infrared radiation through the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Roc8Sci Co.
    Inventor: Frank Thomas Hartley
  • Publication number: 20120326040
    Abstract: Disclosed are a pixel, a pixel array, an image sensor including the same, and a method for operating the image sensor. Charges are eliminated from a first photoelectric conversion region of a photoelectric conversion section, and accumulated into the first photoelectric conversion region. Information about quantity of the charges of the first photoelectric conversion region is output, and charges are removed from a second photoelectric conversion region of the photoelectric conversion section. Accumulation of charges into the second photoelectric conversion region is started, and then information about quantity of the charges accumulated in the second photoelectric conversion region is output. Lights having wavelength bands different from each other are independently detected according to disclosed invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seung Hoon SA
  • Publication number: 20120318984
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for measuring at least two properties of an object, for some embodiments, said device comprising a measuring device for measuring at least one physical property of an object and an infrared imaging device for measuring at least one thermal property of an object, and wherein said first measuring device and said infrared imaging device are arranged to be synchronized to perform simultaneous measurements of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Emmanuel Vanneau
  • Publication number: 20120312990
    Abstract: Semiconductor structures for optoelectronic sensors with an infrared (IR) blocking filter and methods for using such sensors with post-detection compensation for IR content that passes through the IR blocking filter are provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: TEXAS ADVANCED OPTOELECTRONIC SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: CECIL ASWELL, EUGENE G. DIERSCHKE
  • Publication number: 20120298869
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a proximity sensing apparatus and a method thereof. The proximity sensing apparatus comprises a panel, a first light-emitting unit, a second light-emitting unit and a sensing unit. The panel comprises a plurality of transparent areas. The first light-emitting unit is located at one side of the panel and emits a plurality of first light signals through one of the transparent areas. The second light-emitting unit is located at the same side as the first light-emitting unit of the panel and emits a plurality of second light signals through one of the transparent areas. The sensing unit is located at the same side as the first light-emitting unit of the panel and senses the reflected first light signals or the reflected second light signals reflected by an object. Wherein, the sensing unit is closer to the first light-emitting unit than to the second light-emitting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: CHENG-CHUNG SHIH, KOON-WING TSANG
  • Patent number: 8319183
    Abstract: Methods of characterizing and measuring particulate accumulation in a family of particulate filters (10) are disclosed. The disclosure can be applied to diesel, gasoline and natural gas fueled engines, fluid streams bearing dust, and chemical and biological substances such as may be found in laboratory fluids, for example, air. In one embodiment, the disclosure is directed to measuring diesel particulate accumulation in a family of diesel particulate filters. The methods include measuring calibration complex terahertz transmission spectra (PC(f)) of at least a portion (17) of at least one particulate or diesel particulate filter in the family for different known particulate or diesel particulate amounts (ADP). The method also involves performing a partial least squares (PLS) analysis on the calibration complex terahertz transmission spectra to establish a calibration relationship between the complex terahertz transmission spectra and the particulate or diesel particulate amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Natarajan Gunasekaran, Vitor Marino Schneider, Charlene Marie Smith, Carlo Anthony Kosik Williams
  • Publication number: 20120292514
    Abstract: A sensor device is proposed for monitoring a mobile moving element, guided in a guide, with respect to undesired collisions of the moving element with an object which is located in a monitoring range, having at least two sensors for sensing the object, wherein the sensors comprise a transmitter and a receiver for emitting and receiving electromagnetic rays, wherein the sensors are arranged one next to the other in such a way that they can be mounted parallel to the guide, and the sensors are also oriented in such a way that the rays emitted by them penetrate the monitoring range. In order to enable improved obstacle recognition, the sensors are embodied as distance sensors for determining the distance from the object. In addition, a safety device, a door and a method for monitoring the movement are proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: CEDES AG
    Inventor: Martin Pfiffner
  • Publication number: 20120286161
    Abstract: An infrared sensor formed from a resonant sensor element having a mechanical resonator and an IR absorber arranged to receive and absorb incident infrared radiation. The resonator includes a temperature-responsive material that exhibits pyroelectric and piezoelectric effects. The IR absorber is thermally coupled to the resonator such that the resonator receives thermal energy from at least some of the incident infrared radiation absorbed by the IR absorber. The resonator has at least one resonant characteristic that varies based on the amount of thermal energy received from the IR absorber by the resonator. A sensor array and infrared sensing method are included that use a plurality of the infrared sensors along with a reference sensor having the same construction as the other sensor elements, except that the sensor either lacks the IR absorber or has it arranged so that it is not exposed to the incident infrared radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Mina Raieszadeh, Vikrant Jayant Gokhale
  • Publication number: 20120286163
    Abstract: A device (100) is described for actively or passively modulating incident radiation, the device comprising at least one diffraction means (10) adapted for evanescent wave excitation upon irradiation with the incident radiation, and an absorption layer (40) adjacent the at least one diffraction means (10) so that the evanescent waves can interact with the absorption layer (40). The absorption layer (40) has alterable absorption properties so as to alter the absorption of the evanescent waves resulting in modulating of the incident radiation. The device (100) may be for actively modulating incident radiation thus being e.g. a modulator for laser radiation. Alternatively, the device may be for passively modulating incident radiation, thus acting as a sensing device for sensing environmental parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Johan Stiens, Werner Vandermeiren, Gennady Shkerdin, Roger Vounckx
  • Patent number: 8309928
    Abstract: An infrared imaging system including a substrate, a plurality of hexagonal shaped micro-bolometer pixels combined to define a focal plane array. Each pixel is electrically connected to the substrate with a pair of opposing isolation legs. One end of the isolation leg is attached to the pixel's periphery while the other is fixed to that substrate so that the focal plane array and a plane containing the substrate have a parallel, spaced-apart relationship. In this manner, the isolation legs provides an electrical communication path from each pixel to the substrate as each pixel undergoes an internal change in resistance due to absorption of infrared energy. At the same time, the legs separate the pixels from the substrate so that there is no heat transfer between the pixel and the substrate due to direct contact. The hexagonal shape arrangement also allows for a staggered arrangement of adjacent rows in the array, thereby increasing the fill factor for the focal plane array of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: A. Wayne Antesberger