Locating Infrared Emissive Objects Patents (Class 250/342)
  • Patent number: 8415624
    Abstract: A method and system for detection and identification of concealed materials, is provided, wherein a dark image and two or more NIR sample images are taken at two or more key wavelengths or bands of wavelengths corresponding to peaks and/or valleys in the NIR spectra of known materials, and differential wavelength imaging processes are used to produce a differential wavelength image based on therein. The differential wavelength image is then analyzed/processed so as to detect any materials concealed on the target of interest, such as a human or piece of baggage, by calculation of pixel intensity values in the image and identification of distinctive pixel values. Then, via various methods, the distinctive pixel values of the detected materials are compared to a data set of known wavelengths related to known materials, such as explosives and other contraband. Correspondence thereof results in an accurate identification of the concealed material(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Polestar Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ranganathan Shashidhar
  • Patent number: 8410445
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a human body sensing apparatus with improved accuracy, in which whether a moving direction of a human body is a ‘determinate entry or exit’ or an ‘indeterminate entry or exit’ is determined by analyzing a sensing signal outputted from each of sensor units, and room occupancy states are classified into a ‘ZERO’ state, a ‘CHECK’ state, a ‘WAIT’ state, an ‘AOL’ state and an ‘IOL’ state depending on a determined result. Even a variety of unexpected behaviors that a human can perform in a sensing area of the sensor units can be detected, and thus correctness and correction rate are superior in calculating the number of people staying in a room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: LINUDIX Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-yong Kim, Yu-Chul Kim, Yong-Duck Lee
  • Patent number: 8400625
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for testing the boresight of a gimbaled camera and laser system, such as an infrared countermeasures (IRCM) system, in extreme environments. Light simulating a target is reflected through an optics system to the camera, with a portion of the light reflected back from a corner cube reflector through the optics system as a reference. A laser beam from the laser is received through the same optics system, and a position of the corner cube reflected reference and laser beam are compared in order to determine whether the camera and laser are properly aligned. A spherical shell adapted to position the camera at its geometric center keeps misaligned laser pulses from reflecting back into the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: DRS RSTA, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Young, Dharmesh G. Panchal, Alan A. Rakes
  • Patent number: 8390461
    Abstract: A device for counting and determining the direction of passage of living beings. A first cell delivers an electrical signal representing the passage of a living being. A second pryoelectric cell delivers a second electrical signal. A processing unit analyzes the signals and determines the number of living beings moving past and their direction of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Eco Computeur
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Dubois, Christophe Milon
  • Patent number: 8384783
    Abstract: An IR camera includes a thermal radiation capturing arrangement for capturing thermal radiation of an imaged view in response to input control unit(s) receiving user inputs from a user of the IR camera; a processing unit arranged to process the thermal radiation data in order for the thermal radiation data to be displayed by an IR camera display as thermal images; and an IR camera display arranged to display thermal images to a user of the IR camera. The processing unit is further arranged to determine at least one temperature reference value representing the temperature of the surrounding environment of the imaged view; and calculate at least one output power value indicative of an amount of energy dissipated in a part of the imaged view by using the temperature value of the thermal radiation data corresponding to said part of the imaged view and the at least one determined temperature reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Flir Systems AB
    Inventors: Katrin Strandemar, Henrik Jönsson, Torbjörn Hamrelius, Gunnar Palm
  • Patent number: 8368535
    Abstract: An intrusion detector comprising a passive sensor for detecting a person entering a space to be monitored, said intrusion detector comprising a housing provided with a window for said passive sensor, optical means for directing electromagnetic radiation from said person onto the passive sensor, alarm means connected to said passive sensor for generating an alarm in case the electromagnetic radiation from said person being detected by the passive sensor corresponds to a signal value that exceeds a maximum level or falls below a minimum level, a special feature being the fact that the optical means are provided with a mirror curved in two directions for forming at least one protective curtain extending in a vertical plane in the space to be monitored, wherein the passive sensor is disposed on the optical axis at the focus of the mirror, and wherein the mirror directs a beam of electromagnetic radiation from the person, rotated through at least 45°, preferably through at least substantially 90°, onto the passive
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Americas Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Math Pantus
  • Patent number: 8364317
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air conditioner, including a temperature detection unit configured to detect an indoor temperature, a human body detection unit configured to rotatably operate and detect a person within an indoor area, a position determination unit configured to determine a position of the person based on data detected by the human body detection unit, and a control unit configured to perform an automatic operation for controlling a current of air according to the position of the person, determined by the position determination unit, if the indoor temperature reaches a first reference temperature according to an entry of an automatic operation mode and to perform a preparation operation for executing the automatic operation if the indoor temperature does not reach the first reference temperature, in the case where the automatic operation mode has been set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hee Woong Park, Dong Ju Kim, Nae Hyun Park
  • Publication number: 20130009062
    Abstract: Flame detectors and methods of detecting flames are described herein. One device includes an optical element configured to process mid wave infra-red light and long wave infra-red light emitted from an area, and a bolometer configured to detect a flame in the area based on the mid wave infra-red light and long wave infra-red light processed by the optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Barrett E. Cole
  • Publication number: 20120318985
    Abstract: An integral battery, light and light switch assembly can be removably fitted within a light-transmitting pocket on an article of clothing, such as a glove. Alternatively, the assembly can be mounted to virtually any surface with an adhesive or hook and loop fastener. In one application, the assembly can be attached to fishing tackle to attract fish. The assembly is particularly useful for nighttime use by those in the vicinity of traffic, including police, fire and ambulance workers as well as runners and cyclists. The assembly can also be used to mark a trail or identify a location in the dark. Infrared lighting can be used for tactical operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Glenn Bushee
  • Patent number: 8319638
    Abstract: A motion detector and a method for detecting a tampering of the motion detector. The tampering can include a spraying or brushing of a lens of the motion detector. The motion detector comprises a lens, a single sensing section for detecting infrared signals within a protected area, and detecting vibrations on the lens in the form of acoustic signals, the vibrations and the infrared signal causing a voltage change in the single sensing section, a first and second amplifier for amplifying the voltage change for processing for tampering and motion, respectively, first and second filter for filtering the voltage change for processing for tampering and motion, respectively, a microcontroller for determining if the detected voltage change is consistent with a pattern that is indicative of tampering or motion and alarm generating section for generating a tamper alarm or a motion alarm based upon the determination by the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8314393
    Abstract: A device can be made operable to distinguish between materials impinging on a predefined area based at least in part on differentials within sets of data indicative of measurable characteristics of the materials impinging on the defined area. Such a device can trigger a protection mechanism based at least in part on identification of such differentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Qualex Manufacturing, LC
    Inventor: Russell S. Garland
  • Publication number: 20120235029
    Abstract: A system for testing an IR proximity sensor has an infrared reflector that receives radiation transmitted from the proximity sensor under test. An electronically modulated IR-transmissive device is positioned between the sensor and the reflector. A tester is coupled to control the IR-transmissive device for testing the sensor. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Ching Yu John Tam
  • Patent number: 8258478
    Abstract: An apparatus for enabling and disabling a lookdown zone mask in an intrusion detector unit. The unit may include a passive infrared motion detector, a lens assembly, and a mask or cover which selectively enables and disables a lookdown zone associated with the detector. The lens assembly provides a lens proximate the detector. The lens provides the lookdown zone. When the mask substantially covers the lens, the lookdown zone is disabled because the path of radiant energy to the detector is blocked and prevents the detector from detecting any motion in the lookdown zone. When the mask does not cover the lens, the lookdown zone is enabled because the lens permits the path of radiant energy to the detector through the lens and allows the detector to detect any motion in the lookdown zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Roert E. Walters, William S. DiPoala
  • Patent number: 8189860
    Abstract: A method and system for increasing the detection, location, identification or classification of objects hidden on the surface or buried below the surface of the ground is disclosed. The method acquires image data in separate IR and/or visible spectral regions simultaneously and converts the data into intensity value arrays for each spectral region. These intensity value arrays are transformed into two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays for each spectral region. The background clutter from the two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays is removed; forming clutter reduced two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays. The inverse two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform is performed on the clutter reduced two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform arrays to form clutter removed intensity value arrays. These arrays are subtracted in a pair-wise mariner to obtain chemical-specific spectral signatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Micro USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Kadayam S. Thyagarajan, Richard Patterson
  • Patent number: 8138478
    Abstract: A passive infra-red detector including at least three sub-detectors, each sub-detector being operative to receive infra-red radiation from a corresponding one of at least three sub fields-of-view, each sub field-of-view being exclusively defined by an optical element which does not define any other sub field of view, the sub fields-of-view being angled with respect to each other, adjacent ones of the sub fields-of-view being separated by a gap of no more than 30 degrees and at least one of the sub fields-of-view having at least one of the following characteristics: extending over no more then 45 degrees in azimuth; and including not more than three azimuthally distributed detection zones, and signal processing circuitry, operative to receive output signals from the sub detectors and to provide a motion detection output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Visonic Ltd.
    Inventors: Boris Zhevelev, Yaacov Kotlicki, Michael Lahat
  • Patent number: 8101917
    Abstract: A device can be made operable to distinguish between materials impinging on a predefined area based at least in part on differentials within sets of data indicative of measurable characteristics of the materials impinging on the defined area. Such a device can trigger a protection mechanism based at least in part on identification of such differentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Qualex Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Russell S. Garland
  • Patent number: 8053720
    Abstract: Provided are a multi-frequency millimeter-wave very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) receiving system and a method of designing a quasi optical circuit for the multi-frequency millimeter-wave VLBI receiving system. The multi-frequency millimeter-wave VLBI receiving system includes a plurality of low pass filters, offset ellipsoidal mirrors, and flat mirrors for dividing a cosmic radio wave signal incident through the troposphere. A beam propagated from a celestial point is introduced into a receiver room via a 45-degree flat mirror and is divided into a plurality of beams by using a plurality of low pass filters having different bandwidths and mirrors, and the divided beams are transmitted to corresponding quasi-optical receivers having different bandwidths via a plurality of mirrors. Therefore, radio astronomic observations can be simultaneously performed in 22 GHz, 43 GHz, 86 GHz, and 129 GHz bands, and phase variations of electromagnetic waves in the bands can be compensated for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute
    Inventors: Seog Tae Han, Jung Won Lee, Do Heung Je, Moon Hee Chung
  • Patent number: 8018647
    Abstract: Imaging systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an image system is disclosed that comprises a Raman gain medium configured to receive an image from a target area and a tunable laser configured to pump light into the Raman gain medium over a plurality of first wavelengths to induce amplification of the image over a plurality of second wavelengths strokes shifted from the plurality of first wavelengths. The image system further comprises an image detector system that receives and processes the amplified image over the plurality of second wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Rex Rice, Mark Alan Folkman
  • Patent number: 8018338
    Abstract: Disclosed is a detection process performed in the detector, which is switchable between an active detection mode, where the detector actively monitors the surrounding area, and a passive detection mode. The data obtained by operation in the active detection mode for the first time are temporarily stored to serve as an initial environmental parameter. Subsequently, the detector operates primarily in the passive detection mode to determine whether or not a downstream device is to be activated, while switching intermittently from the passive detection mode to the active detection mode to thereby determine the activation or deactivation of the downstream device based on the result of comparing the detected value with the initial environmental parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Everspring Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hung Huang
  • Patent number: 7989769
    Abstract: Thermographic imaging equipment is incorporated directly into cabinets housing electrical switchgear to provide for dedicated, nearly continuous monitoring of the contained equipment. A mechanical scanning technique may allow low-cost sensors to provide essentially continuous thermographic monitoring. Dedicated thermal imaging equipment allows automatic analysis through predefined temperature threshold maps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Brandt, David L. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20110163907
    Abstract: A detection field selectable motion sensor that includes a modulator having a output with a shaped response to received radiation emissions forming a detection field and a sensor configured to detect the output from the modulator. The motion sensor can be configured with a set of lenses that can be aligned with the sensor. Further, the motion sensor can be an active sensor that transmits electromagnetic radiation which is detected after reflection from a detection field. Infrared radiation is the preferred source of received and transmitted radiation but microwave or visible light can be used. For an active motion detection either coherent or incoherent radiation can be used. The motion sensor includes a means for mounting and a hinge or swivel for orientating the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Roar Viala
  • Patent number: 7924155
    Abstract: A method of sensing motion in a predetermined area is provided. The method may include using a digital output motion sensor to produce a digital output signal indicative of the presence of motion in the predetermined area. The method may further include transmitting the digital output signal along a signal path independent of analog amplification and filtering. The method may also include using a microprocessor coupled to the signal path to receive the digital output signal and to process the digital output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Soccoli, Michael Ostrovsky, Al Lombardi
  • Patent number: 7924441
    Abstract: An optical locating and tracking system may have two or more optical scanners, one or more optical detectors responsive to radiation from one or more optical sources, and a controller coupled to the detector(s) and the scanner(s). Each scanner has a reflector mounted to a two-dimensional actuator that tilts the reflector about first and second axes. The controller determines whether a given reflector of a given scanner is aligned to provide an optical path between the optical source(s) and the detector(s) from one or more detection signals from the one or more optical detectors. The optical path originates, terminates or is deflected at the object. The controller also determines the object's position in three dimensions from control signals to the two-dimensional actuators of the scanners obtained the reflectors are aligned to provide the optical path. The control signals determine a tilt of each reflector about its first and second axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Mirrorcle Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Veljko Milanović
  • Patent number: 7902508
    Abstract: A detection field selectable motion sensor that includes a modulator having a output with a shaped response to received radiation emissions forming a detection field and a sensor configured to detect the output from the modulator. The motion sensor can be configured with a set of lenses that can be aligned with the sensor. Further, the motion sensor can be an active sensor that transmits electromagnetic radiation which is detected after reflection from a detection field. Infrared radiation is the preferred source of received and transmitted radiation but microwave or visible light can be used. For an active motion detection either coherent or incoherent radiation can be used. The motion sensor includes a means for mounting and a hinge or swivel for orientating the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: The Watt Stopper Inc
    Inventor: Roar Viala
  • Publication number: 20100303449
    Abstract: A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. A method includes determining, using a computing device and stored emission signatures of a plurality of different imaging devices, whether an emission is indicative of a presence of an imaging device that has transmitted a content signal and in response to determining that the emission is indicative of the presence of the imaging device that has transmitted the content signal, and initiating, using the computing device, transmission of a thwarting signal from a signal generator to thwart the imaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Elliott D. Light, Jon L. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20100294938
    Abstract: An infrared sensing assembly for allowing detection of a location of an external object, as well as a mobile device employing such an assembly and related methods of operation, among other things, are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensing assembly includes a pyramid-type housing structure having a central surface and multiple outer surfaces each of which extends in an inclined manner away from the central surface. The sensing assembly further includes multiple phototransmitters each positioned proximate to a respective one of the outer surfaces, and a photoreceiver positioned proximate to the central surface, with each respective photoelectric device being oriented so as to correspond to its respective surface. The sensing assembly is operated so that light is emitted from the phototransmitters, reflected by the object, and received by the photoreceiver. By processing signals from the photoreceiver that are indicative of the received light, the external object's location is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Rachid Alameh, Patrick Cauwels, Jun Jiang, Kenneth Paitl
  • Patent number: 7800049
    Abstract: An occupancy sensor having a replaceable cover with a convenient adjustment and installation scheme is disclosed herein. More particularly, a single or multi-technology occupancy sensor, assembled inside a semi-spherical shaped enclosure includes a replaceable cover with a convenient adjustment and installation scheme. This sensor design enables the sensor to be rotated after installation to obtain a desired coverage patterns. Specifically, the housing for the occupancy sensor includes a front cover having a lens assembly, a base assembly, a harmonic wheel, and a back cover. The front cover couples to the base assembly such that tool-less, manual access is available through the manually removable cover assembly to adjust several features of the sensor. The harmonic wheel enables the front cover, which includes the lens to swivel from zero to 359 degrees relative to the back cover anytime after installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacuturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: John Bandringa, Danilo F. Estanislao, Adam Kevelos, Nehal Shah, Paul Soccoli, Edward Uftring
  • Patent number: 7755052
    Abstract: A passive infrared sensor has two detection members established by respective detectors and optical elements, with alternating spatial volumes being monitored by each detection member. No dead space need exist between volumes. The detection members are configured such that a moving object causes the members to output different frequencies, whereas a non-moving stimulus produces the same frequency from both detection members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Suren Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Eric Scott Micko
  • Publication number: 20100155604
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for tracking multiple infrared signal coordinates. The method for tracking multiple infrared signal coordinates includes: sequentially operating a plurality of infrared generators; photographing the infrared generators; calculating frequency photographed by each infrared generators; and when the calculated frequency at the time of calculating does not meet the reference value, delaying, by a delay time, the flickering of the infrared generator where the frequency does not meet the reference value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jeongmook LIM, Yongki SON, Dongwoo LEE, Ilyeon CHO
  • Patent number: 7709796
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the presence of concealed objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Iscon Video Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Izrail Gorian, Lev Z. Vilenchick, Galina Doubinina
  • Patent number: 7645992
    Abstract: A method and device are revealed to non-invasively identify hidden foreign objects in proximity of living tissue. More specifically to a method and device find a foreign object hidden under the clothes of a person by measuring an anomaly in an infrared radiation signal emitted by the human subject; the anomaly caused by the presence of the foreign object. A spectral scan at the identified location is used to identify the object. Even when the object is hidden behind clothes, the object is positively identified based on the interaction of optical radiation naturally emitted by the human body in the infrared frequency spectrum with every component of the examined object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Passive Medical Systems Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Yaakov Lyubchik, Yafim Smoliak, Nathan Blaunshtein
  • Publication number: 20090289189
    Abstract: A device can be made operable to distinguish between materials impinging on a predefined area based at least in part on differentials within sets of data indicative of measurable characteristics of the materials impinging on the defined area. Such a device can trigger a protection mechanism based at least in part on identification of such differentials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: QUALEX MANUFACTURING, LC
    Inventor: Russell S. Garland
  • Publication number: 20090230307
    Abstract: A device to detect a heat source, which can detect position of a heat source faster and more efficiently using a sensor capable of detecting a heat source, a home appliance having such a detecting device and a method of detecting a heat source are disclosed. The heat source detecting method includes performing a first mode to scan an overall area to be searched, performing a second mode to scan at least one specific region included in the area to be searched, and detecting a heat source in the area to be searched by selectively controlling a sensor the first mode and the second mode. Accordingly, a period of renewing position information of a heat source is shortened, and unnecessary detecting operation is eliminated. As a result, the heat source detecting device can more efficiently detect a heat source, using a sensor having limited performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong Joo Han, Kook Jeong Seo, Jeong Su Han, Sung Hoon Kim, Su Ho Jo, Hyen Young Choi, Sang Jun Lee, O Do Ryu
  • Patent number: 7573033
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with automatically optimizing cyclic integration are described. One method embodiment includes repetitively acquiring a thermal intensity data using an infrared detector configured to operate for an integration time. The method embodiment may also include extracting a useable data from the intensity data and then updating a rolling composite image with the useable data. The method may also include selectively automatically updating the integration time based on whether the thermal intensity data included a value that fell outside the pre-determined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Innovative Engineering & Consulting Corp.
    Inventors: John M. Paximadis, Richard Pettegrew
  • Patent number: 7560696
    Abstract: A sensor mounting mechanism that includes a base member adapted to be mounted to a structure and a base neck having a first end and a second end where the first end is adapted to be coupled to a sensor with a ball-socket coupling and the second end is coupled to the base member with a rotating coupling. The mounting mechanism provides fine and coarse adjustment means for adjusting the scanning area of the sensor such as an PIR occupancy sensor without the use of a tool. The sensor includes a detachable lens holder for easy replacement of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Yun Wu, John Bandringa, Paul Soccoli, Nehal Shah, Alfred J. Lombardi, Edward Uftring, Adam Kevelos, Thomas Leonard, David Weigand, John Engel
  • Patent number: 7554676
    Abstract: A positional measurement system includes an electromagnetic wave source which emits an electromagnetic wave, a lens system which has a first lens surface, an electromagnetic wave shield section provided around a center axis of the first lens surface, and a second lens surface, and causes the electromagnetic wave having entered by way of the first lens surface exclusive of the electromagnetic wave shield section to exit from the second lens surface, to form an electromagnetic wave concentrated area at a position opposite the electromagnetic wave source, a receiving device which detects the electromagnetic wave concentrated area formed by the lens system, and a computing device which measures a position of the electromagnetic wave source based on information detected by the receiving device on the electromagnetic wave concentrated area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuji Seko
  • Patent number: 7542087
    Abstract: An orientation sensor for use with an image sensor is provided, which includes at least two polarizers with different orientations and associated photodetectors and a signal processing unit. The orientation sensor can be incorporated in a digital camera. When the camera is exposed to daylight, which is polarized, the relative outputs from the differently oriented polarizers can be compared to record the orientation of the camera. This orientation can be stored with the image data so that a user does not have to manually change the orientation of an image on an image display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Limited
    Inventor: Jeffrey Raynor
  • Patent number: 7511276
    Abstract: Two sensor units are mounted on opposite sides of a transom of a boat and directed to a common location behind the boat. The field of view of the two sensors overlaps behind the marine propulsion unit of the boat to detect the presence of a heat emitting object, such as a mammal. Housing structures contain infrared sensing elements, lenses, and light shields. Signals from four infrared sensing elements are received by a controller which reacts, with an alarm signal, when at least two of the four sensors detect a heat emitting object within their individual fields of view. False triggering can be reduced by not providing an alarm signal if only the two most inboard sensors detect the heat emitting object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Richard E. Staerzl
  • Publication number: 20090065695
    Abstract: An infrared camera including optics and a detector sensitive to infrared radiation is used in conjunction with at least one light source, such as a laser, to locate a reference point on a target. Two intersecting line segments are produced by the one light source or a combination of two light sources to locate the reference point on the target. The infrared camera would display both an infrared image as well as a visible image which can be merged onto a single display. The teaching of the present invention could also be used to determine the distance to the target as well as the area of the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Robert DeMarco, Frank Vallese, Gerard DiTaranto
  • Patent number: 7488941
    Abstract: A motion-activated decorative lighting fixture with a PIR motion detector hidden behind a decorative slotted wall of the fixture body. The motion-activated decorative lighting fixture includes a motion detector housing that forms an integral part of the lighting fixture body. The housing includes a slotted vertically extending exterior wall around the housing with an array of elongate vertically extending slots horizontally spaced apart from one another and extending along at least a portion of the wall. One or more PIR sensors are disposed within the housing, and a segmented Fresnel lens array is disposed within the housing behind the slots to direct infra-red energy from a monitored field of view to a sensor. The lens array includes a plurality of columns of lenslets, at least a portion of which have at least two lenslets disposed one above the other. Each column is aligned with a corresponding slot so as to direct infra-red energy from a monitored zone passing through the corresponding slot to a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: EML Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wade Lee, Donald R. Sandell
  • Patent number: 7484857
    Abstract: A deformable reflector includes a plurality of MEMS devices, each having an electrode membrane having a reflective surface thereon, a flat surface, and a pulldown electrode formed in the flat substrate. The electrode membrane has substantially a same flatness of the flat substrate when the electrode membrane comes into contact with the flat substrate across a majority of its surface area in response to a voltage being applied to the pulldown electrode. The electrode membrane has a two-dimensional curvature when no voltage is applied to the pulldown electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Carl O. Bozler, W. Gregory Lyons, Jeremy B. Muldavin
  • Patent number: 7476862
    Abstract: Two sensor units are mounted on opposite sides of a transom of a boat and directed to a common location behind the boat. The field of view of the two sensors overlaps behind the marine propulsion unit of the boat to detect the presence of a heat emitting object, such as a mammal. Housing structures contain infrared sensing elements, lenses, and light shields. Signals from four infrared sensing elements are received by a controller which reacts, with an alarm signal, when at least two of the four sensors detect a heat emitting object within their individual fields of view. False triggering can be reduced by not providing an alarm signal if only the two most inboard sensors detect the heat emitting object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Richard E. Staerzl
  • Patent number: 7453613
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an optical scanning apparatus which is not limited in the disposition of a scanning device, can reduce the adherence of dust to each member of the scanning device, and is enhanced in the reliability of the scanning device, and an image displaying apparatus having the same. The optical scanning apparatus includes a housing for containing and holding therein a scanning device provided with a movable mirror, an elastic supporting portion for supporting the movable mirror swingably about a swinging center, and a supporting base for supporting the elastic supporting portion, an optical member OE constituting a first optical system for directing a beam to the scanning device in the housing, and an optical member OX constituting a second optical system for emerging the beam passed through the scanning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Urakawa, Akira Yamamoto, Keiichiro Ishihara
  • Publication number: 20080258065
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting a propagation direction of electromagnetic energy includes a plurality of receptors oriented in different directions for absorbing at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy, each of the plurality of receptors comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes or nanofibers. The sensor further includes a processor electrically coupled with the plurality of receptors for determining the propagation direction of the electromagnetic energy based upon the electromagnetic energy absorbed by the plurality of receptors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Johnny E. Banks
  • Patent number: 7439512
    Abstract: A device can be made operable to distinguish between materials impinging on a predefined area based at least in part on differentials within sets of data indicative of measurable characteristics of the materials impinging on the defined area. Such a device can trigger a protection mechanism based at least in part on identification of such differentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: QuaLex Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Russell S. Garland
  • Patent number: RE40650
    Abstract: The digital sampler circuit processes an output signal from a high gain analog amplifier having as input an infrared motion detector output signal and a negative low pass filtered feedback signal. The amplifier output signal is a substantially square pulse signal having an irregular frequency and duty cycle and has an average duty cycle indicative of a DC level and a slow change in the DC level of the detector output signal. The sampler circuit includes a detector circuit for detecting the amplifier output signal and discriminating at regular intervals a high/low state of the output signal, and generates a high/low feedback signal corresponding to the high/low state of the output signal detected. The high/low state of the output signal is analyzed over a predetermined number of the intervals to obtain a ratio value for producing an output digital signal sample value. The digital sample value is a measure of the DC level and the change in the DC level of the detector output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Shmuel Hershkovitz
    Inventor: Pinhas Shpater
  • Patent number: RE40927
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to radiant energy systems and more particularly to systems exhibiting the retroreflection principle wherein the system comprises a focusing means and a surface exhibiting some degree of reflectivity positioned near the focal plane of the device, and wherein incident radiation falling within the field-of-view of said system is reflected back in a direction which is parallel to the incident radiation. The present invention has great applicability in military optical system applications for detecting the presence of an enemy employing surveillance equipment and for neutralizing this surveillance capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Norman R. Wild, Paul M. Leavy, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE42554
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to radiant energy systems and more particularly to systems exhibiting the retroreflection principle wherein the system comprises a focusing means and a surface exhibiting some degree of reflectivity positioned near the focal plane of the device, and wherein incident radiation falling within the field-of-view of said system is reflected back in a direction which is parallel to the incident radiation. The present invention has great applicability in military optical system applications for detecting the presence of an enemy employing surveillance equipment and for neutralizing this surveillance capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Retro Reflective Optics, LLC
    Inventors: Norman R. Wild, Paul M. Leavy, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE42913
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to radiant energy systems and more particularly to systems exhibiting the retroreflection principle wherein the system comprises a focusing means and a surface exhibiting some degree of reflectivity positioned near the focal plane of the device, and wherein incident radiation falling within the field-of-view of said system is reflected back in a direction which is parallel to the incident radiation. The present invention has great applicability in military optical system applications for detecting the presence of an enemy employing surveillance equipment and for neutralizing this surveillance capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Retro Reflective Optics, LLC
    Inventors: Norman R. Wild, Paul M. Leavy, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE43681
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to radiant energy systems and more particularly to systems exhibiting the retroreflection principle wherein the system comprises a focusing means and a surface exhibiting some degree of reflectivity positioned near the focal plane of the device, and wherein incident radiation falling within the field-of-view of said system is reflected back in a direction which is parallel to the incident radiation. The present invention has great applicability in military optical system applications for detecting the presence of an enemy employing surveillance equipment and for neutralizing this surveillance capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Retro Reflective Optics, LLC
    Inventors: Norman R. Wild, Paul M. Leavy, Jr.