Methods Patents (Class 250/340)
- Including probe (Class 250/341.2)
- Including polarizing means (Class 250/341.3)
- With semiconductor sample (Class 250/341.4)
- With calibration (Class 250/341.5)
- Heating of object or material (Class 250/341.6)
- With multiple sources (Class 250/341.7)
- Measuring infrared radiation reflected from sample (Class 250/341.8)
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Publication number: 20130248711Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Paul Martin Lambkin, William Allan Lane
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Publication number: 20130248715Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATIONInventors: Patricia Sharek-Evans, Gene D. Tener, Albert Ciullo
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Publication number: 20130248716Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Inventors: Axel KULCKE, Frank HOLLSTEIN, Bert HANDSCHICK, Gerhard STANZEL
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Patent number: 8541745Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLCInventors: Timothy Dickinson, Rachid Mohsen Alameh
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Publication number: 20130240735Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: INSTITUTE FOR INFORMATION INDUSTRYInventors: Hsu-Chun Yen, Che-Yi Lin, Kai-Jun Wang, Chun-Yeh Liao, Che-Yu Chang, Sheng-Yang Wu
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Publication number: 20130234028Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Christopher Scott Larsen, Barrett E. Cole
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Patent number: 8530843Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Societe Francaise de Detecteurs Infrarouges—SofradirInventors: Laurent Rubaldo, Patrick Maillart, Michel Zecri
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Publication number: 20130221223Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Inventors: Catherine Genevieve Caneau, Feng Xie, Chung-En Zah
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Publication number: 20130225985Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Alexander Seth Ross, Jeffrey Michael Ashe
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Publication number: 20130214165Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: Hubner GmbHInventor: Hubner GmbH
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Publication number: 20130214162Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: Chemlmage CorporationInventor: Chemlmage Corporation
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Patent number: 8513606Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 14, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Naoki Oda
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Patent number: 8506159Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal CorporationInventors: 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
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Patent number: 8507865Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michaela Böberl, Jens Fürst, Wolfgang Heiss, Maksym Kovalenko, Tobias Rauch
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Publication number: 20130193325Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2013Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.Inventor: MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
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Publication number: 20130193326Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey H. Lee
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Publication number: 20130187051Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Publication number: 20130168552Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: CAPELLA MICROSYSTEMS (TAIWAN), INC.Inventors: Koon-Wing Tsang, Cheng-Chieh Huang, Sheng-Wen Huang, Jinn-Ann Kuo
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Patent number: 8476592Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignees: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Korea Research Institute of Standards and ScienceInventors: Min Yong Jeon, Kyung Hyun Park, Dae-Su Yee
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Patent number: 8471206Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 14, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Flir Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Kostrzewa, Russell D. Granneman
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Publication number: 20130141115Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicants: UNIVERSITE DE SAVOIE, PELLENC SELECTIVE TECHNOLOGIESInventors: Pellenc Selective Technologies, Universite De Savoie
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Patent number: 8455828Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 9, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Magnolia Optical Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Elwood J. Egerton, Ashok K. Sood
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Patent number: 8449826Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ryoji Kurosaka
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Publication number: 20130119255Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: Motorola Mobility, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Dickinson, Rachid M. Alameh
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Publication number: 20130112878Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Terry Zhao, Yang Chen, Hansen Gu
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Patent number: 8436311Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Paul H. Shelley, Gregory J. Werner, Paul G. Vahey
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Publication number: 20130100160Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: BARNESANDNOBLE.COM LLCInventor: BARNESANDNOBLE.COM LLC
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Publication number: 20130099122Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 8415626Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Airware, Inc.Inventor: Jacob Y Wong
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Patent number: 8405030Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 25, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.Inventors: Timothy T. Rueger, William Hong, David Andreas
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Publication number: 20130069542Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: ENLIGHTED, INC.Inventors: Joseph Basil Curasi, Tanuj Mohan, Zachary Gentry
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Publication number: 20130069543Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: ENLIGHTED, INC.Inventors: Tanuj Mohan, Joseph Basil Curasi, Zachary Gentry, Premal Ashar, Sanjeev Patel
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Patent number: 8395123Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 22, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Andrew M. Dattelbaum, Gautam Gupta, Juan G. Duque, Stephen K. Doorn, Christopher E. Hamilton, Kimberly A. DeFriend Obrey
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Patent number: 8384031Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.Inventors: Timothy T. Rueger, William Hong, David Andreas
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Publication number: 20130037719Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Inventors: Peter J. Melling, Mary A. Thomson
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Patent number: 8373125Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Wenzhou MTLC Electric Appliances Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lidong Ni, Chongguang Zhang, Wei Gao
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Patent number: 8362431Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Mount Holyoke CollegeInventors: Janice A. Hudgings, Joseph Summers
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Patent number: 8358074Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: William A. Biondo, David T. Proefke, Brian K. Latouf, Clark E. McCall
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Publication number: 20130015355Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS, LLCInventors: David R. NOONE, Adam S. BERGMAN, Robert Kevin LYNCH
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Publication number: 20130009061Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Inventor: Chen Weigen
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Patent number: 8344323Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Roc8Sci Co.Inventor: Frank Thomas Hartley
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Publication number: 20120326040Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventor: Seung Hoon SA
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Publication number: 20120318984Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventor: Emmanuel Vanneau
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Publication number: 20120312990Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: TEXAS ADVANCED OPTOELECTRONIC SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: CECIL ASWELL, EUGENE G. DIERSCHKE
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Publication number: 20120298869Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventors: CHENG-CHUNG SHIH, KOON-WING TSANG
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Patent number: 8319183Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Natarajan Gunasekaran, Vitor Marino Schneider, Charlene Marie Smith, Carlo Anthony Kosik Williams
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Publication number: 20120292514Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: CEDES AGInventor: Martin Pfiffner
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Publication number: 20120286161Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANInventors: Mina Raieszadeh, Vikrant Jayant Gokhale
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Publication number: 20120286163Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Johan Stiens, Werner Vandermeiren, Gennady Shkerdin, Roger Vounckx
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Patent number: 8309928Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: A. Wayne Antesberger