Measuring Infrared Radiation Reflected From Sample Patents (Class 250/341.8)
  • Publication number: 20150083921
    Abstract: An approaching vehicle detection apparatus mounted to a subject vehicle includes a ranging device for detecting a distance to a different vehicle based on receipt of an infrared light reflected by the different vehicle, a communication device for exchanging an infrared signal with the different vehicle when the different vehicle approaches the subject vehicle within a first vehicle-to-vehicle distance, and a ranging synchronization device for making transmission timing of the infrared light differ from the subject vehicle to the different vehicle based on the signal of the communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Shinji OOYABU
  • Publication number: 20150076354
    Abstract: An information acquiring apparatus that acquires information on a specimen by applying terahertz wave to the specimen through a plate-like member, the specimen being provided between a reflecting member having a reflecting surface and the plate-like member. The apparatus includes an applying unit that applies the terahertz wave to the specimen, a detecting unit that detects the terahertz wave reflected from the specimen, and an information acquiring unit that acquires the information on the specimen by using temporal waveforms acquired from a result of detection performed by the detecting unit, the information acquiring unit using at least a temporal waveform representing a portion of the terahertz wave that is reflected by an interface between the plate-like member and the specimen and a temporal waveform representing a portion of the terahertz wave that is reflected by an interface between the specimen and the reflecting surface of the reflecting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Takayuki Koizumi
  • Patent number: 8981302
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with proximity sensor capabilities for monitoring for the presence of nearby external objects. The electronic device may make temperature measurements such as measurements involving the monitoring of nearby objects for emitted blackbody light indicative of whether or not the external object is a heat-emitting object such as a human body part. The same sensor that is used in gathering temperature readings may be used in gathering proximity sensor data or separate temperature sensor and proximity sensor detector structures may be used. Motion sensor capabilities may be provided using sensor structures having an array of heat sensing elements. Signals from the array of heat sensing elements may be used in making temperature measurements and in gathering proximity sensor readings. Sensor structures may operate at wavelengths longer than 3 microns such as wavelengths from 3-5 microns or 10-15 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Henry H. Yang, Matthew E. Last
  • Patent number: 8981301
    Abstract: A time-domain waveform of a terahertz wave is measured by a method based on time-domain spectroscopy by using an optical delay unit to adjust an optical path length along which excitation light propagates thereby adjusting a difference between a time at which the excitation light arrives at a generating unit configured to generate the terahertz wave and a time at which the excitation light arrives at a detection unit configured to detect the terahertz wave. The optical delay unit is driven according to a first speed pattern to acquire a first time-domain waveform. The optical delay unit is then driven according to a second speed pattern different from the first speed pattern to acquire a second time-domain waveform. The first time-domain waveform and the second time-domain waveform are averaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeaki Itsuji
  • Publication number: 20150069243
    Abstract: An electronic device for detecting presence includes a housing and an infrared (“IR”) sensor. The housing includes an outer surface having an opening formed thereon. The IR sensor is disposed in the housing and adjacent to the opening. The IR sensor has an unobstructed path and line of sight through the opening to outside of the housing. The IR sensor is configured to receive heat emitted by a person from outside of the housing via the opening and to generate a signal in response thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC
    Inventors: Rachid Mohsen Alameh, Patrick J. Cauwels, Jun Jiang, Kenneth A. Paitl
  • Patent number: 8969808
    Abstract: The present application provides a non-dispersive infrared gas sensor. The non-dispersive infrared gas sensor may include an infrared source, an infrared detector, and a waveguide extending about the infrared source and the infrared detector. The waveguide may include a reflective diffuser thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Amphenol Thermometrics, Inc.
    Inventor: David Benjamin Henderson
  • Patent number: 8957380
    Abstract: An optical proximity sensor is provided that comprises an infrared light emitter an infrared light detector, a first molded optically transmissive infrared light pass component disposed over and covering the light emitter and a second molded optically transmissive infrared light pass component disposed over and covering the light detector. Located in-between the light emitter and the first molded optically transmissive infrared light pass component, and the light detector and the second molded optically transmissive infrared light pass component is a gap. Layers of infrared opaque, attenuating or blocking material are disposed on at least some of the external surfaces forming the gap to substantially attenuate or block the transmission of undesired direct, scattered or reflected light between the light emitter and the light detector, and thereby minimize optical crosstalk and interference between the light emitter and the light detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: James Costello, Rani Saravanan, Wee Sin Tan
  • Publication number: 20150041654
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for non-destructive, contact or non-contact inspection of composite assemblies using radiation having a frequency in the terahertz range (10 GHz-10 THz) of the spectrum, whereby said method is implemented as an embodiment of the system for non-destructive, contact or non-contact inspection of composite assemblies using terahertz radiation, that is also claimed under the present invention. Said method enables the forming of a two or three-dimensional image of the material structure of an assembly of composite materials, from which image detection and analysis of material conditions of the composite materials forming said composite assemblies is possible, irrespective of the way that the composite materials forming said composite assemblies were joined together, and without the need for a priori knowledge about the structural characteristics, shape or configuration of said composite materials (for instance layered, foam, placed on metal substrate).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Stichting SRON - Netherlands Institute for Space Research
    Inventors: Andrei M. Barychev, Alena V. Belitskaya, Herman H. Van der Linden, Willem Jellema
  • Publication number: 20150034827
    Abstract: A device and to a method for detecting rain, which includes a camera and a light source. The camera is arranged behind a windowpane, in particular inside a vehicle, behind a windscreen, and focused on a far range located in front of the windowpane. The light source for producing at least one light beam which is directed to the windowpane directs the at least one light beam to the windowpane in such a manner that at least one beam which is reflected by the outer side of the windowpane is incident on the camera. The structure of the image of the at least one beam reflected by the outer side of the windowpane is analyzed, in particular as part of an image processing step. The type of rain or precipitation on the outer side of the windowpane is classified based on the analysis of the structure of this image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Dieter Krökel
  • Publication number: 20150014542
    Abstract: An arrangement for optically detecting buried layers of flat objects having a plurality of layers, in particular wafers, containing a radiation source for illuminating the surface of the object at an angle; a polarization filter arranged in the beam path; and a detector for detecting radiation reflected by the surface of the object or transmitted by the object; is characterized in that that layer of the object which is closest to the radiation source at least partially transmits the radiation from the radiation source; the polarization filter transmits only radiation which is polarized parallel to the plane of incidence; and the surface of the object is illuminated at the Brewster angle. The surface of the object is preferably illuminated with unpolarized radiation and the polarization filter is arranged in the beam path between the surface of the object and the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Bernd Srocka, Ralf Langhans
  • Patent number: 8933417
    Abstract: A lens and reflector unit for optical measurements includes first and second convex surface sections of the lens and reflector unit. Both have their respective central normal lines. A first flat surface section has a normal direction that divides the angle between the central normal lines into equal halves. A third convex surface section has a third central normal line, and the fourth convex surface section has a fourth central normal line. A second flat surface section has a normal direction that divides the angle between the third and fourth central normal lines into to equal halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Wallac Oy
    Inventor: Pauli Salmelainen
  • Publication number: 20150008324
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to obtain a physical property of an object by time-domain spectroscopy includes: a detection unit; a delay unit configured to adjust a time difference between generation and detection; a shaping unit configured to collect the electromagnetic wave pulses; a waveform obtaining unit configured to construct a time waveform of the electromagnetic wave pulses; and a collecting position adjusting unit configured to adjust a collecting position. When the collecting position is moved, an amount of adjustment when the collecting position matches first and second reflection portions, respectively, of the object, and a difference by the delay unit required for detecting first and second pulses of the time waveform are obtained, and from an amount of change of the amount of adjustment and the difference, a thickness and a refractive index of a region between the first and second reflection portions of the object are calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Takeaki Itsuji
  • Publication number: 20150008327
    Abstract: Concatenated distributed feedback lasers having multiple laser sections laid out in series are disclosed. The concatenated distributed feedback 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: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Catherine Genevieve Caneau, Feng Xie, Chung-En Zah
  • Publication number: 20140374603
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel measurement techniques based on moiré techniques and optical frequency conversion. For example, in the IR realm, the configuration can be any moiré configuration, the detector is an IR detector, and the light source can be at any wavelength. The optical configuration, the detector, and the type of light source depend on the physical properties of object/scene and the parameter(s) to be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE
    Inventors: Faramarz FARAHI, Mehrdad ABOLBASHARI, Gelareh BABAIE
  • Publication number: 20140361175
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for extracting depth information using infrared light which can be provided at low cost in such a way to apply a nonlinear crystal and a photonic crystal to a depth camera and comprises infrared light emission unit which emits a first infrared light toward a subject; a wavelength conversion unit which concerts the first infrared light reflected from the subject into a second infrared light having a wavelength shorter than the wavelength of the first infrared light; and depth information extraction unit which detects the converted second infrared light and extracts depth information of the subject, wherein the wavelength conversion unit is formed of a crystal capable of concerting the length of the wavelength. The wavelength conversion unit is formed of a crystal which is capable of converting the length of wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hwasup Lim, Jae Hun Kim, Sang Chul Ahn, Hyoung Gon Kim, Junha Roh
  • Patent number: 8907897
    Abstract: A small sensor surface designed to control a smart phone or Mobile Internet Device (MID). The sensor surface may be mounted on the side of the proposed device in a position where a user's thumb or finger naturally falls when holding the device in his/her hand. The sensor surface is simultaneously convex and concave, providing both visual and physical cues for the use of the sensor surface. The sensor may include capacitive sensing, optical sensing and pressure sensing capabilities to interpret thumb gestures into device control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Charles F. Harrison
  • Patent number: 8896545
    Abstract: A display system configured for multi-touch input is provided. The display system comprises a display surface, a local light source to illuminate the display surface with infrared light, and an image-producing display panel. The image-producing display panel comprises a plurality of image sensor pixels positioned within a sensor layer of the image-producing display panel. The image-producing display panel further comprises an angularly-selective layer positioned between the display surface and the sensor layer, wherein the angularly-selective layer is configured to transmit light having a first range of incidence angles with the surface normal of the angularly-selective layer to a first sensor pixel of sensor layer, and to reflect light having a second range of incidence angles from a second sensor pixel of the sensor layer, where the second range is greater than the first range of incidence angles with respect to a surface normal of the sensor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Karlton Powell
  • Publication number: 20140340707
    Abstract: A measurement apparatus comprises a light source of line shape configured to move in a predetermined direction and illuminate a measurement target object, and a capturing unit configured to capture the measurement target object illuminated by the light source of line shape. The measurement apparatus controls the light source of line shape and the capturing unit, and estimates the reflection characteristics of the measurement target object from a plurality of images captured by the capturing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Jun Hirabayashi, Takamasa Seto
  • Patent number: 8890074
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting durability of a wiper blade, may include an optical sensor including a light emitting unit radiating an infrared ray to a windshield glass and a light receiving unit receiving the infrared ray reflected through the windshield glass, wherein the wiper blade may be positioned between the light emitting unit and light receiving unit, and a controller comparing an infrared receiving quantity of the windshield glass transferred from the light receiving unit with a reference receiving quantity to determine an exchange time of the wiper blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyun Sub Kim, Jun Mo Ku
  • Publication number: 20140319356
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a liquid in a closed container using THz radiation, in which a first and a second measurement are carried out, wherein the THz radiation is emitted in the direction of the liquid for measuring properties of the liquid, and a portion of the THz radiation coming from the direction of the liquid is detected. In the proposed method, the closed container contains, in addition to the liquid, a gas, wherein a wall of the container is transmissive for THz radiation and wherein the detected portion of the THz radiation in the first measurement is reflected at a boundary surface between the wall and the gas or a pocket containing the gas, and in-the second measurement is reflected at a boundary surface between the wall and the liquid. The first measurement thus serves as a reference measurement for capturing disturbing losses in the THz beam path and for determining influences of the wall on a measurement result for the second measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewardten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Bernd Sartorius, Helmut Roehle
  • Publication number: 20140312233
    Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure provide system and method of operation of a driving circuit for a light emitting element in a Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera. A DC-DC converter is configured to emit a constant current, and is coupled in parallel to a first modulation switch configured to connect the driving circuit to ground. The first modulation switch is further configured to alternate connections between the current source and ground at a frequency in a desired range of operation to produce an AC current. In some embodiments, an RC circuit element is coupled to an output electrode of the light emitting element and configured to apply a reverse bias to decrease turn-off time of the light emitting element. In some embodiments, a second modulation switch is coupled to the output electrode and configured to apply the reverse bias across the light emitting element. Other systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Michael Mark, Markus Dielacher, Martin Flatscher, Josef Prainsack
  • Publication number: 20140306114
    Abstract: A method of non-destructive detection of solid inclusions with varying sensitivities but highly congruent positional identification by both short-wavelength and long-wavelength methods. The short-wavelength method consists of lateral scatter (LS) and the long-wavelength method consists of THz imaging. The LS method was able to detect all agglomerated inclusions, transparency variations, voids, and localized phase differences. The THz imaging was able to routinely detect solid inclusions and index inhomogeneity. In combination, the LS and THz imaging methods were able to detect all relevant types of material variation, so that the combination of the two non-destructive testing methods provides a synergistic solution capable of detecting the full array of critical material variations in transparent polycrystalline ceramic materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT & TRANSFER, INC.
    Inventor: J. Scott Steckenrider
  • Publication number: 20140299775
    Abstract: A system for monitoring individuals while protecting their privacy includes at least one energy emitter configured to emit energy onto a field-of-view that may contain an individual, and at least one energy sensor configured to capture reflected energy from within the field-of-view. A spatial measurement module calculates spatial measurements of objects within the field-of-view based on data from the energy sensor. A schematic generation module creates schematic views of objects within the field-of-view, distinguishing human beings from each other and from inanimate objects or animals. Three-dimensional measurements of the individual and environs are transformed into a two-dimensional or other schematic view, allowing ongoing monitoring of the individual while preventing viewing of the individual's face and appearance, and preventing observation of what the individual may be wearing or watching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Zebadiah M. Kimmel
  • Patent number: 8854472
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image capturing device having an irradiation unit, an image capturing unit, and a color representation setting unit. The irradiation unit irradiates a subject with infrared rays having different wavelength intensity distributions, the image capturing unit captures images of the subject by the respective infrared rays having different wavelength distributions which are reflected by the subject, and forms image information indicating the respective images, and the color representation setting unit sets color representation information for representing the respective images, which are indicated by the formed image information, by different plain colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Yasushi Nagamune
  • Publication number: 20140291524
    Abstract: An information acquiring apparatus that acquires information of a sample includes an irradiation unit configured to irradiate an irradiation position of the sample with a terahertz wave through a transmission member being in contact with the sample; a detection unit configured to detect a terahertz wave reflected by the transmission member and a terahertz wave reflected by the sample; a waveform acquiring unit configured to acquire a time waveform of the terahertz wave reflected by the transmission member and a time waveform of the terahertz wave reflected by the sample, by using detection results of the detection unit; and an information acquiring unit configured to acquire the information of the sample by using the time waveform of the terahertz wave reflected by the transmission member, the time waveform of the terahertz wave reflected by the sample, and information relating to a thickness of the transmission member at the irradiation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Oichi Kubota, Sayuri Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20140291522
    Abstract: An estimation apparatus using reflected light of infrared light reflected on an object, the estimation apparatus including: a single input unit including a first pixel having first spectral sensitivity characteristics in a wavelength range of the infrared light and a second pixel having second spectral sensitivity characteristics different from the first spectral sensitivity characteristics in the wavelength range of the infrared light; and an estimator that estimates at least either one of a color or a material of the object based on a first output value that is an output value of the reflected light from the first pixel and based on a second output value that is an output value of the reflected light from the second pixel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tadanori TEZUKA, Tsuyoshi NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20140284481
    Abstract: An optical position detection system includes a light output unit that outputs lights toward a first detection target and a second detection target, and a first light receiving unit that receives a first reflected light from the first detection target and a second light receiving unit that receives a second reflected light from the second detection target having different wavelengths, wherein the first detection target has a first reflection filter that reflects the first reflected light and the second detection target has a second reflection filter that reflects the second reflected light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Kanechika KIYOSE, Kogo ENDO
  • Publication number: 20140274205
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for assisting a person in determining the presence or identity of obstacles in the person's path, characterized by a housing, a laser projector for generating a laser pattern in a surface in said person's path, a receiver for at least receiving a plurality of images of the laser pattern reflected from the surface and for generating a signal corresponding to said laser pattern reflection and a processor for processing said signal to at least determine the presence or identity of an object, and a warning generator for generating a warning to the person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Kurt A. Goszyk
  • Publication number: 20140264034
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for sensing touch and/or gestures in the near-field area overlying a light-guiding layer within a device or other optical sensing system. In one aspect, modulated infrared light is emitted into the overlying area, and the light reflected by objects within the overlying area is redirected through the light-guiding layer to infrared sensors. In one aspect, a masking structure can be located between the light-guiding layer and the infrared sensors. In some aspects, probability mapping or backtracing can be used to estimate the locations of objects within the overlying area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: XIQUAN CUI, Muhammed I. Sezan, Russell Wayne Gruhlke, Qiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8836795
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image capturing device provided with an irradiation unit, an image capturing unit, and a color representation setting unit. The irradiation unit irradiates a subject with infrared rays having different wavelength intensity distributions, the image capturing unit captures images of the subject by the respective infrared rays being reflected by the subject and forming image information indicating the respective images, and the color representation setting unit sets color representation information for representing the respective images, which are indicated by the formed image information, by different plain colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Yasushi Nagamune
  • Patent number: 8834020
    Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Geelux Holdings, Ltd.
    Inventor: Marcio Marc Abreu
  • Patent number: 8835854
    Abstract: A method of non-destructively determining the condition of a material, said method including providing an elongated probe containing a plurality of optical fibers, said elongated probe coupled to an infrared spectrometer, said tip of said elongated probe positioned near said material, said elongated probe including said tip having a width of less than about 2.0 mm; and, making an infrared spectroscopy measurement of said material by providing infrared light from said infrared spectrometer through at least one of said plurality of optical fibers and collecting at least a portion of said infrared light reflected from a material juxtaposed near said tip through at least another of said plurality of optical fibers to provide said reflected light to said infrared spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Dean, Paul H. Shelley
  • Publication number: 20140252236
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods enhance depth perception, e.g., the depth perception of a human being using an apparatus worn on the user's head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth Cottrell
  • Publication number: 20140252237
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of detecting the presence of a microorganism in a tested sample, the method comprises: illuminating the tested sample; and generating one or more infrared (IR) images of the sample using an IR detector operable to detect, in its field of view, radiation reflected and/or transmitted from the test sample in the IR spectral region of 0.75 to 20 ?m or spectral region therein; wherein the radiation, imaged in the one or more IR images, is indicative of the presence of a microorganism in the test sample. The method according to the present disclosure is utilized in determining the efficiency of an anti-microbial agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Yoav Weinstein, Eran Sinbar
  • Patent number: 8822928
    Abstract: Reliable and rapid diagnostic methods for many functional syndromes (FS) such as Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis (IC) are not available. Exemplary embodiments include rapid and accurate methods for diagnosing FS in humans and other mammals using infrared microspectroscopy (IRMS). Exemplary methods utilize Soft Independent Modeling by Class Analogy (SIMCA) to create classification models. Exemplary methods utilize classification models to categorize a subject's condition (e.g., healthy/sick and or flare/remission). Using these classification models, various embodiments enable diagnosis based on spectra data from a blood sample or other biomedical specimen. Exemplary embodiments may be useful for rapid diagnosis of IC and various other conditions in humans, cats, and/or other mammals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: The Ohio State University
    Inventors: Charles A. Buffington, Daniel Emilio Rubio-Diaz, Luis E. Rodriguez-Saona, Judi L. Stella
  • Patent number: 8814427
    Abstract: An optical measurement instrument includes one or more temperature sensors (122) arranged to measure sample well specific temperatures from sample wells (111-117) arranged to store samples (103-109) to be optically measured. A processing device (121) of the optical measurement instrument is arranged to correct, using a pre-determined mathematical rule, measurement results obtained by the optical measurements on the basis of the measured sample well specific temperatures. Hence, the adverse effect caused by temperature differences between different samples on the accuracy of the temperature correction of the measurement results is mitigated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Wallac Oy
    Inventors: Jyrki Laitinen, Markku Ojala
  • Publication number: 20140217288
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a terahertz emission microscope being capable of improving a detection accuracy of a terahertz electromagnetic wave, a photoconductive element and a lens used therefor, and a method of producing a device. [Solving Means] A photoconductive element includes a base material, electrodes and a film material. The base material has an incident surface on which a terahertz electromagnetic wave is incident, the terahertz electromagnetic wave generated by irradiating a device to be observed with a pulse laser generated from a light source. The electrodes are formed on the base material and detect the terahertz electromagnetic wave incident on the incident surface of the base material. The film material is formed on the incident surface of the base material, transmits the terahertz electromagnetic wave and reflects the pulse laser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Masanao Kamata
  • Patent number: 8796627
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided having a source for illuminating a remote surface with at least one wavelength of light (e.g., in the range of 940 to 970 nm), a detector for receiving returned illumination from the surface and providing an analog signal representative of the returned illumination, and a controller which samples the analog signal to obtain sample data representative of amplitude of light of the source returned from the surface by the detector. The controller determines the presence of water (or moisture, liquid, ice, vapor or heavy gases) on the surface in accordance with the sample data. An audible alarm is activatable by the controller. The source and detector are in a housing in perpendicular or non-perpendicular orientations with respect to the surface. Such housing being mountable at a distance from the surface where water detection is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Techwell Consulting LLC
    Inventors: Thomas L. Rockwell, James E. Roddy
  • Patent number: 8796628
    Abstract: A method for inspecting sealing defects of a container using infrared light. Infrared light in a wavelength range of 1450 nm±20 nm is irradiated from a phototransmitter onto the sealed portion of a sample container Infrared light reflected from or transmitted through the sealed portion of the sample container is received by a photoreceiver, and transmitted to a photodetector through an optical fiber. The infrared light in a same wavelength range as the case of inspecting the sample container is irradiated onto the sealed portion of a container to be inspected. The infrared light reflected from or transmitted through the sealed portion of the inspected container is converted into the analog voltage value and transmitted to a controller. If the infrared light is reduced to be smaller than a threshold set on the basis of the sample container, the sealed portion of the inspected container is judged as a sealing defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Daiwa Can Company
    Inventors: Taichi Ijuin, Tomio Yamauchi, Akira Kawazoe, Tetsuya Takatomi
  • Publication number: 20140197317
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with proximity sensor capabilities for monitoring for the presence of nearby external objects. The electronic device may make temperature measurements such as measurements involving the monitoring of nearby objects for emitted blackbody light indicative of whether or not the external object is a heat-emitting object such as a human body part. The same sensor that is used in gathering temperature readings may be used in gathering proximity sensor data or separate temperature sensor and proximity sensor detector structures may be used. Motion sensor capabilities may be provided using sensor structures having an array of heat sensing elements. Signals from the array of heat sensing elements may be used in making temperature measurements and in gathering proximity sensor readings. Sensor structures may operate at wavelengths longer than 3 microns such as wavelengths from 3-5 microns or 10-15 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Henry H. Yang, Matthew E. Last
  • Publication number: 20140191131
    Abstract: Excitation light of two wavelengths is incident to an optical crystal from a first face side, and a terahertz wave THzb is generated from a second face, and the excitation light that has passed through the optical crystal is reflected, made incident to the optical crystal from the second face side, and a terahertz wave THza is generated from the first face. Terahertz waves with similar characteristics to each other are thereby generated reliably in plural directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: ARKRAY, INC.
    Inventors: Hirohisa Uchida, Naoto Shichi
  • Publication number: 20140172374
    Abstract: A material detector includes a pulse generator to generate pulses to excite molecules in the material and a detector to detect a signal generated from excited molecules in the terahertz region. Spectral features in the material are analyzed to identify the material. Detection can be performed using a nanoantenna array structure having antennas tuned to detect the expected spectral emission. The nanoantenna array can include antennas having MIM or MIIM diodes. Signal processing and statistical analysis is use to reduce false positives and false negative in identifying the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick K. Brady
  • Patent number: 8752415
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring engine oil deterioration, including measuring the first absorbance of engine oil using near infrared at a wavelength of 1000 nm or more, measuring the second absorbance of the engine oil during use using near infrared at the wavelength, and comparing the first absorbance and the second absorbance of the engine oil, so that the engine oil may be determined to be in a state of deterioration when the second absorbance may be at least 1.5 times the first absorbance, and to a system for measuring engine oil deterioration therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology
    Inventors: Won Gyu Kim, Ki Hwan Oh, Keun Woo Chung, Young-Wun Kim
  • Publication number: 20140155865
    Abstract: Air-in-line sensor systems and methods of using same are provided. The system includes an adapter (60) including first and second cylindrical portions defining a fluid flow channel, the first cylindrical portion comprising two adjacent wedge-shaped protrusions (68). Each wedge-shaped protrusion is infrared transmittive and defines an outer surface and an inner surface. The system further includes a tube and an infrared reflective sensor having an infrared light emitter (42,52) and an infrared light detector (44,54). The infrared light emitter and the infrared light detector are positioned at or near an adapter so that an infrared light can be transmitted to the adapter and at least a portion of the infrared light reflected off the adapter can be detected by the infrared light detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Adam Hartman, Paul Nguyen, David Charles Cummings
  • Publication number: 20140147576
    Abstract: An image article comprises a substrate having a security image coated on at least a portion thereof, which security image effects less than 50% reflectance of radiation of a wavelength between 800 and 900 nm, wherein the security image comprises a defined infrared-absorbing compound, for example Pigment Green 8, wherein said infrared-absorbing compound does not create a strongly coloured security image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: INOVINK LIMITED
    Inventors: David Malcolm Lewis, Peter Jeffrey Broadbent
  • Publication number: 20140138544
    Abstract: A tracking system for tracking an eye including a light source projecting light toward a display surface in a sequential pattern, one or more reflectors associated with an optical device, where the one or more reflectors reflect the pulses of light from the display source, one or more photo detectors, where the photo detectors detect reflected pulses of light from the light source, and a system that measures pulse timing relative to horizontal and vertical pattern to compute a gaze angle of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: INNOVEGA INC.
    Inventors: Randall B. Sprague, Arthur Zhang
  • Patent number: 8704181
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ice detection device and method for detecting ice on an aircraft in flight. The device includes a transmitter which emits a first and a second radiation in the direction of a reflective surface, these two radiations respectively being within a first wavelength band and a second wavelength band; and a receiver which captures the reflected radiations. The transmitter and said receiver are fixed on an external surface of the aircraft. Then a computer determines the presence or absence of ice as a function of the intensity of the captured radiations. The reflective surface is located outside the boundary layer of the aircraft during flight and includes a heating/cooling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Zodiac Aerotechnics
    Inventors: Manuel Thorez, Laurent Paszkiewicz
  • Patent number: 8696197
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for determining at least one optical characteristic of a substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer. Once the optical characteristic is determined, at least one parameter in a processing chamber may be controlled for improving the process. For example, in one embodiment, the reflectivity of one surface of the substrate may first be determined at or near ambient temperature. From this information, the reflectance and/or emittance of the wafer during high temperature processing may be accurately estimated. The emittance can be used to correct temperature measurements using a pyrometer during wafer processing. In addition to making more accurate temperature measurements, the optical characteristics of the substrate can also be used to better optimize the heating cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Mattson Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Janis Timans
  • Patent number: 8686367
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a photodiode, a first and second storage transistor, a first and second transfer transistor, and a first and second output transistor. The first transfer transistor selectively transfers a first portion of the image charge from the photodiode to the first storage transistor for storing over multiple accumulation periods. The first output transistor selectively transfers a first sum of the first portion of the image charge to a readout node. The second transfer transistor selectively transfers a second portion of the image charge from the photodiode to the second storage transistor for storing over the multiple accumulation periods. The second output transistor selectively transfers a second sum of the second portion of the image charge to the readout node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ashish A. Shah
  • Patent number: 8674305
    Abstract: An opto-electronic module includes a detecting channel comprising a detecting member for detecting light and an emission channel comprising an emission member for emitting light generally detectable by said detecting member. Therein, a radiation distribution characteristic for an emission of light from said emission channel is non rotationally symmetric; and/or a sensitivity distribution characteristic for a detection in said detecting channel of light incident on said detection channel is non rotationally symmetric; and/or a central or main emission direction for an emission of light from said emission channel and a central or main detection direction for a detection of light incident on said detection channel are aligned not parallel to each other; and/or at least a first one of the channels comprises one or more passive optical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Heptagon Micro Optics Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Markus Rossi, Ville Kettunen