Plural Signalling Means Patents (Class 250/349)
  • Publication number: 20140326887
    Abstract: A system for proximity detection includes a first sensor and a second sensor each including a sensor housing and a pixel array each configured to detect infrared radiation emitted in a predetermined temperature range, and generate a detection signal. A processor in communication with the first and second sensor is configured to receive detection signals to derive parameters of the detected object including object distance from the sensors, size, position relative to the sensors, object speed, and direction of motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: EXCELITAS TECHNOLOGIES SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Arthur John Barlow, Stefan Naumann
  • Publication number: 20140319358
    Abstract: The present invention relates to light curtains and, in particular, to safety light curtains for monitoring a protective field and to optical units of such light curtains which comprise optoelectronic components interconnected by a communication bus and to a method for allocating individual addresses to each of a plurality of optoelectronic components. The optical unit comprises a controller unit, a plurality of optoelectronic components interconnected by means of a communication bus, each of said optoelectronic components having a transmission input terminal for receiving a transmission signal and a transmission output terminal for outputting a transmission signal, and a receiving terminal for receiving a control signal from said control unit. An individual address is allocated to each of said optoelectronic components depending on a position of the respective optoelectronic component with respect to the other optoelectronic components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: CEDES SAFETY & AUTOMATION AG
    Inventors: Martin Hardegger, Carl MEINHERZ, Christopher WALTHER, Danilo DORIZZI
  • Publication number: 20140319357
    Abstract: An electromagnetic wave detector that detects incident light by converting the incident light into an electric signal includes a flat metal layer formed on a supporting substrate, an intermediate layer formed on the metal layer, a graphene layer formed on the intermediate layer, isolated metals periodically formed on the graphene layer, and electrodes arranged oppositely on both sides of the isolated metals. Depending on a size of a planar shape of each of the isolated metals, light having a predetermined wavelength at which surface plasmon occurs is determined out of the incident light, and the light having the predetermined wavelength is absorbed to detect a change in the electric signal generated in the graphene layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shimpei OGAWA, Daisuke Fujisawa, Tomohiro Maegawa
  • Publication number: 20140319353
    Abstract: Methods and systems may include a system including a first passive motion sensor having a lateral field of view with a first edge and a second passive motion sensor having a lateral field of view with a second edge that is substantially parallel to the first edge. The first and second edges can define a virtual beam. The system may also include logic to receive signals from the first and second passive motion sensors and determine a gait velocity and level of activity based on the signals from the first and second passive motion sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: William C. DeLeeuw
  • 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: 20140312234
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an ambient light sensor with first and second photo-detectors is disclosed. The first and second photo-detectors may have different depths and respond differently to light having a specific wavelength. The ambient lights sensor may further comprise a circuit configured to detect light of a specific wavelength. In another embodiment, the first and second photo-detectors may be configured such that each of the first and second photo-detectors detects coupling current from each other. In yet another embodiment, in addition to the first and second photo-detectors, a third photo-detector may be formed proximate to at least one of the first and second photo-detectors such that coupling photo-current is detected therein by the at least one of the first and second photo-detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Boon Keat Tan
  • Publication number: 20140291523
    Abstract: A method and system that measure the head position of a driver in a vehicle include an infrared lamp that is disposed on a driver B-pillar and transmits an infrared signal and an infrared receiving sensor that is disposed on a passenger A-pillar to receive infrared signal from the infrared lamp. In addition, a plurality of infrared lamps are disposed on the headrest of the driver's seat and transmit infrared signals and an infrared receiving sensor is disposed on a dashboard disposed in front of a steering wheel to receive infrared signals from the infrared lamps on the headrest. A controller operates the infrared lamps to transmit infrared signals and measures the head position of a driver based on infrared signals received by the infrared receiving sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Gideok Kwon, Sung Un Kim
  • 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: 20140264037
    Abstract: The invention is a rotational sensor to sense an object's angle and methods to analyse the sensor output. The sensor has a first emitting source, to either emit onto, or from the object, a first receiving sensor, to receive emissions from the first emitting source, either directly or indirectly, the emissions received dependent on said angle, first receiving sensor outputting a first signal a course measurement of the angle. Also present is a second emitting source, to emit onto, or from the object and a second receiving sensor, to receive emissions from the second emitting source, either directly or indirectly the emissions received again dependent on said angle, second receiving sensor outputting a second signal, as a fine measurement of the angle. A method of use of the sensor is disclosed together with a method of combining the fine and course measurements to output a signal with zero error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: AIRWAY LIMITED
    Inventors: Berwyn Lee Hoyt, Aaron Michael Robinson
  • Publication number: 20140264036
    Abstract: An assembling infrared touch control module is provided and includes four L-shaped first frame members and a plurality of straight second frame members matched in pairs. Each first and second frame member has a space therein and two openings at two ends thereof, respectively, in communication with the space. Each space has a circuit board therein. Each circuit board has a plurality of infrared transmitter/receiver components thereon and two connectors thereon at the two openings, respectively. The four first frame members and the second frame members whose number may be increased or decreased by demand are assembled together to form a frame by means of the connectors so that an active touch area of the frame may be resized by demand to be adapted to a display device of any size, and an additional touch control function adapted to an extended area for the display device may be set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Iman Hung, Chien-Ta Lin, Eric Huang, Sean Chen
  • Publication number: 20140279600
    Abstract: Techniques for automatically monitoring and reporting pest infestation in a distributed work environment, and resolving detected non-compliances. Sensors are configured to collect various types of data in the distributed work environment, including data related to pest traps and data related to human inspection and handling of pest traps. A rules engine analyzes the data collected from the sensors to determine compliance with a set of rules related to pest infestation. Other types of data that may be collected by sensors and analyzed by the rules engine include machine data, biological data, and environmental data. The rules may include governmental regulations, industry standards, and company specifications. If the rules engine detects existing non-compliance and/or potential non-compliance in the collected data with at least one of the rules, it generates alerts, remediation instructions, and/or takes actions to resolve the non-compliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Mitchell Barry Chait
  • Publication number: 20140273783
    Abstract: A system for determining a sash panel position. An example system includes a linear array of light emitting elements spaced at equal distances from one another mounted on a fume hood frame. The light emitting elements generate a light path towards a sash panel such that the sash panel blocks the light path when positioned at the light emitting element. A linear array of light sensing elements is spaced at equal distances from one another on a side opposite the sash panel. The light sensing elements receive the light path generated by corresponding light emitting elements when the sash panel does not block the light path. The light sensing elements may be on modules having shift registers with bits corresponding to the light sensing elements. The shift register stores a state of the light sensing element and outputs a series of bits indicating the state of each light sensing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Charles, Guy P. Caliendo
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140246592
    Abstract: An optical sensor system is disclosed. The optical sensor system comprises a panel and a sensing unit. The panel comprises a plurality of transparent areas. The sensing unit locates at one side of the panel and the sensing unit senses a plurality of first light signals reflected by an object and senses a plurality second light signals of an ambient light. The reflected first light signals and the second light signals pass through one of the plurality of transparent areas of the panel. The sensing unit further comprises a light sensor and a plurality of gesture sensors. The light sensor locates at the center of the sensing unit, and the light sensor senses the second light signals. The plurality of gesture sensors surrounds the light sensor, and the gesture sensors senses the reflected first light signals and then produce gesture signals corresponding to motions of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Capella Microsystems (Taiwan), Inc.
    Inventors: JINN-ANN KUO, YU-HAO KAO, KOON-WING TSANG, YUH-MIN LIN, CHENG-CHUNG SHIH, YAO-TSUNG TSAI
  • Publication number: 20140239180
    Abstract: An infrared detector including an array of detection bolometers each having a bolometric membrane suspended above a substrate, and associated with each bolometer: a detection branch, including the bolometer and a circuit performing a biasing according to a voltage set point, a compensation branch, including a compensation bolometer thermalized to the substrate, a circuit performing a biasing according to a voltage set point, an integrator for generating a voltage by integrating a difference between the currents flowing through said branches, a circuit generating a quantity depending on substrate temperature, including: a bolometer thermalized to the substrate, and a circuit for biasing the bolometer, and a circuit for generating the voltage set points according to said quantity. When the array is exposed to a uniform reference scene, the average of the differences between currents flowing through said branches is within the integrator dynamic range for a substrate temperature range from ?30° C.-90° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ULIS
    Inventors: Michel Vilain, Patrick Robert
  • Patent number: 8816285
    Abstract: A photosensor-equipped display device is provided having a combination of visible and non-visible light sources where a voltage drop is minimized when the non-visible light sources are turned on. The display device includes: a plurality of infrared LEDs (3b); photosensors (9) provided in a pixel region (4) for detecting reflected light originating from the infrared LEDs (3b); a sensor row driver circuit (7) configured to supply a sensor drive signal to the photosensors (9); an amplifier circuit (6) configured to amplify a signal read from the photosensors (9) in response to the sensor drive signal and output a photosensor signal; a signal processing circuit (20) configured to process the photosensor signal output from the amplifier circuit (6); and a backlight control circuit (13) configured to control on and off of the infrared LEDs (3b). The plurality of photosensors (9) are divided into a plurality of sensor groups in the pixel region (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromi Katoh, Naru Usukura
  • Publication number: 20140231651
    Abstract: A signal detecting circuit of an infrared sensor includes: a cell array in which bolometers sensing infrared rays and outputting signal currents are arranged in an N×M format; a level generator that outputs a plurality of bias voltages corresponding to a plurality of bias levels; N resistor non-uniformity correcting circuits that are located in a column direction of the cell array and supply different bias voltages to each of the bolometers; M resistor non-uniformity correcting circuits that are located in a row direction of the cell array and supply different bias voltages to each of the bolometers; a control unit that sets a bias voltage level of each resistor non-uniformity correcting circuit to correct the resistor non-uniformity of the cell array; and N integrators that integrate the signal currents output from the cell array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Chi-Yeon Kim, Kang-Il Lee, Sun-Ho Kim, Hyun-Jin Choi, Nam-Hwan Kim, Sang-Gu Kang
  • Publication number: 20140231650
    Abstract: A digitally scanned multi-cell EO sensor comprises a low-resolution multi-cell imaging detector. An array of optical focusing elements decomposes the sensor's FOV into at least four sub-fields. A sub-field directing array and focusing optic direct the optical radiation onto the imaging detector. In a first tilt mode, the optical radiation from the sub-fields is directed into at least four spatially separated sub-regions that each map to a different detector cell. A high-resolution spatial light modulator (SLM) digitally scans the FOV to select different portions of the FOV to map onto the different detector cells to time demultiplex spatially overlapping portions of the FOV onto each detector cell to stitch together a sub-image of a selected area of the FOV up to the native resolution of the SLM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Casey T. Streuber, Kent P. Pflibsen, Michael P. Easton
  • Publication number: 20140217289
    Abstract: An infrared detector may include a substrate, a resonant unit spaced apart from the substrate, the resonant unit configured to generate heat by inducing resonance at a plurality of wavelengths of incident infrared light, a thermistor layer configured to support the resonant unit and be spaced apart from the resonant unit, the thermistor layer having a resistance value that varies according to the heat generated in the resonant unit, and a connection unit configured to support the thermistor layer such that the thermistor layer is spaced apart from the substrate and electrically connect the thermistor layer to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung-hyun NAM, Hae-seok PARK
  • Patent number: 8796630
    Abstract: In the reference element employed in the thermal-type infrared solid-state image sensing device according to the present invention, a slit used for construction of a light receiving element is opened in insulating films between which a thermoelectric conversion element is tucked to such an extent that the slit pierces into the sacrifice layer; a film made of electrically conductive material covering the light receiving section and the slit is provided and a protective film is provided thereon, and the film made of electrically conductive material and the protective film enter the interior of the slit along a side wall of the slit, whereby a void is left in the interior of the slit. As a result, residual stresses of the insulating films are kept equal in the light receiving element and the reference element, and thereby, the light blocking effect and the heat transfer effect are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Tohyama
  • Patent number: 8785860
    Abstract: A sensor part for an infrared sensor, including an IR-sensitive detector (1), at least one reference source (2) emitting IR radiation, and an IR-sensitive reference detector (3) which, in the direction of the incident IR radiation, is at a distance from the detector (1), wherein the at least one reference source (2) is arranged at the side of the reference detector (3), and including a support (5), on the first side (6) of which the detector (1), the at least one reference source (2) and the reference detector (3) are arranged. The support (5) includes a blank made of a flexible material bent in some sections, in particular a blank made of a flexible printed circuit board bent in some sections. The invention achieves the aim of specifying a three-dimensional sensor part for an IR sensor that can be produced by a simple method. The invention further relates to a method for producing a sensor part and to an IR sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Kram, Gehard Rohner
  • Patent number: 8785859
    Abstract: A distributed optical fiber sensor based on Raman and Brillouin scattering is provided. The distributed optical fiber sensor includes a semiconductor FP cavity pulsed wideband optical fiber laser (11), a semiconductor external-cavity continuous narrowband optical fiber laser (12), a wave separator (13), an electro-optic modulator (14), an isolator (15), an Er-doped optical fiber amplifier (16), a bidirectional coupler (17), an integrated wavelength division multiplexer (19), a first photoelectric receiving and amplifying module (20), a second photoelectric receiving and amplifying module (21), a direct detection system (22), a narrowband optical fiber transmission grating (23), a circulator (24) and a coherence detection module (25). The temperature and the strain can be measured simultaneously, and the signal-to-noise ratio of the system is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: China Jiliang University
    Inventors: Zaixuan Zhang, Chenxia Li, Shangzhong Jin, Jianfeng Wang, Huaping Gong, Yi Li
  • Patent number: 8785858
    Abstract: A solar sensor for the detection of the direction of incidence and the intensity of solar radiation comprises a housing (12) made of a plastic material that is permeable to at least some of the solar radiation, the housing (12) having a curved side (14) facing the incident solar radiation and the housing (12) optically acting as a lens and having an internal focal plane (26) defined by the lens characteristics thereof. At least two photosensors (16) are embedded in the plastic material of the housing (12), each photosensor (16) having a sensor area (18) sensitive to at least the part of the radiation to which the plastic material is permeable, and the sensor areas (18) of the photosensors (16) being arranged in a substantially common plane (19) located in front of or behind the focal plane (26), seen from side (14) facing the incident solar radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH
    Inventors: Otto Knittel, Bernd Stich, Ralph Trapp, Dirk Nagel
  • Publication number: 20140197318
    Abstract: An infrared sensor array with interconnection type, comprises a substrate, a plurality of circuit units, and a plurality of infrared sensing modules. The substrate defines several sensing segments. Each sensing segment has a base portion, a connecting portion, and a testing portion. The connecting portion is arranged between the base portion and the testing portion. The circuit units are respectively formed on the sensing segments. Each circuit unit has a base circuit, a connecting circuit, and a testing circuit. The connecting circuit electrically connects to the base circuit and the testing circuit. Each base circuit is formed on each base portion, each connecting circuit is formed on each connecting portion, and each testing circuit is formed on each testing portion. The infrared sensing modules are respectively disposed on the base portions and electrically connected to the base circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: UNIMEMS MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: TZONG-SHENG LEE
  • 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: 20140191897
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a real-time location of an object or person in a facility using low frequency magnetic induction positioning is disclosed herein. Each of the plurality of low frequency receivers is configured to receive a signal packet from a low-frequency magnetic induction transmitter, decode the signal packet, and estimate a distance from the low-frequency magnetic induction transmitter to the low-frequency receiver based on the decoded signal packet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: AWAREPOINT CORPORATION
    Inventor: AWAREPOINT CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8772718
    Abstract: A device for detecting electromagnetic radiation that comprises an active bolometer provided with a first element sensitive to said electromagnetic radiation and a reference bolometer identical to the active bolometer, provided with a second element sensitive to said electromagnetic radiation. The active bolometer and reference bolometer are arranged close to one another on the same substrate. A cover covers at least the part of the second sensitive element exposed to the electromagnetic radiation and arranges an empty space between said second sensitive element and the cover. The inner wall of the cover is constituted by an absorbent layer made from a material absorbing at least the thermal radiations emitted by the second sensitive element. A reflecting shield forms at least a part of the outer wall exposed to said electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Ouvrier-Buffet, Jerome Meilhan
  • Publication number: 20140183366
    Abstract: Thermo-optical array devices and methods of processing thermo-optical array devices are disclosed. One method of processing thermo-optical array devices includes forming an (001) oriented titanium dioxide material on a bolometer material, and forming a vanadium dioxide material on the (001) oriented titanium dioxide material. One thermo-optical array device includes a bolometer material, a titanium dioxide material on the bolometer material, and a vanadium dioxide material on the titanium dioxide material, wherein the vanadium dioxide material has an optical transition temperature of less than 67 degrees Celsius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Honeywell International Inc.
  • Patent number: 8766194
    Abstract: An occupancy sensing electronic thermostat is described that includes a thermostat body, an electronic display that is viewable by a user in front of the thermostat, a passive infrared sensor for measuring infrared energy and an infrared energy directing element formed integrally with a front surface of the thermostat body. The passive infrared sensor may be positioned behind the infrared energy directing element such that infrared energy is directed thereonto by the infrared energy directing element. The thermostat may also include a temperature sensor and a microprocessor programmed to detect occupancy based on measurements from the passive infrared sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nest Labs Inc.
    Inventors: John Benjamin Filson, Eric B. Daniels, Brian Huppi
  • Patent number: 8759777
    Abstract: An infrared light detecting device and the infrared detecting method thereof. The device comprises a shield, a first photo detector and a second photo detector. The shield for blocking light is located above the first photo detector and the second photo detector. An opening is disposed on the shield above the first photo detector. In addition, there is a gap arranged between the first photo detector and the second photo detector. The first photo detector can detect the light passing through the opening to generate a photo sensing signal and couple an infrared light signal in the photo sensing signal to the second photo detector in order to output the infrared light signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Capella Microsystems (Taiwan), Inc.
    Inventors: Koon-Wing Tsang, Cheng-Chieh Huang, Sheng-Wen Huang, Jinn-Ann Kuo
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140168051
    Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) display apparatus for without 3D glasses. The display apparatus includes a display element operated to display left and right eye images. A back light assembly back lights the display element and includes light bars with a row of infrared (IR) light receivers that are each paired to a white light emitting diode (LED). Viewers in seats in tiered rows such that their heads are in known viewing locations. Left and right side illuminators illuminate the left and right sides of the faces of the viewers with IR light. The IR light is synchronized with display of the left and right eye images. IR reflected from viewers' faces pass through the display element and is focused onto IR light receivers, which causes LEDs to emit light onto the display element and provide left or right eye images to the viewers at their left or right eyes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Lanny Smoot, Quinn Smithwick
  • Publication number: 20140166882
    Abstract: An uncooled microbolometer detector that includes a substrate, a platform held above the substrate by a support structure, at least one thermistor provided on the platform, and an optical absorber. The optical absorber includes at least one electrically conductive layer extending on the platform over and in thermal contact with the at least one thermistor and patterned to form a resonant structure defining an absorption spectrum of the uncooled microbolometer detector. The optical absorber is exposed to electromagnetic radiation and absorbs the electromagnetic radiation according to the absorption spectrum. A microbolometer array including a plurality of uncooled microbolometer detectors arranged in a two-dimensional array is also provided. Advantageously, these embodiments allow extending the absorption spectrum of conventional infrared uncooled microbolometer detectors to the terahertz region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: INSTITUT NATIONAL D'OPTIQUE
    Inventors: Hassane OULACHGAR, Philip MAUSKOPF, Hubert JEROMINEK, Martin BOLDUC, Samir ILIAS, Christine ALAIN
  • Publication number: 20140166868
    Abstract: TeraHertz signal generation system based on traveling-wave oscillators providing extraction of orders of magnitude higher oscillation frequencies resulting in frequency multipliers and THz transceivers that can generate, transmit and sense THz frequency signals for sensing/imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Ahmet Tekin, Ahmed Emira, Suat Utku Ay
  • Publication number: 20140166885
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of retrofitting an existing single-beam infrared scanner assembly for detecting the temperature of an object. The method may include removing optics and optoeleetronic components contained within an existing housing of the single-beam infrared scanner assembly. The optics and optoelectronic components of the single-beam infrared scanner assembly may be replaced with optics and optoelectronic components for a multi-beam infrared scanner assembly. The replacement optics and optoelectronic components for the multi-beam infrared scanner assembly may be installed in the existing housing of the single-beam infrared scanner assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: PROGRESS RAIL SERVICES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald J. Arndt, Mark J. Bartonek
  • Patent number: 8748808
    Abstract: A method detects a loss of calibration of a thermal imaging radiometer including an array of imaging microbolometers and a gauge microbolometer. The detection method includes applying a first and a second electrical stimulation to the gauge microbolometer to bring it to a first and a second predetermined temperature, followed by measuring an ohmic responsivity of the gauge microbolometer that is representative of a difference between the first and second electrical stimulations. The measured ohmic responsivity is compared with a reference ohmic responsivity, such that a loss of calibration is signaled whenever the measured and reference ohmic responsivities differ by more than a predetermined threshold. A correction method includes steps of the detection method, to yield a corrected voltage response function for each imaging microbolometer. Advantageously, the methods involve probing the electrical response of the gauge microbolometer without requiring thermoregulated blackbody calibrations sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Institut National d'Optique
    Inventors: Loic Le Noc, Bruno Tremblay
  • Publication number: 20140151561
    Abstract: A pixel circuit including: a detection circuit having first and second transistors coupled in series between differential output nodes of an antenna, wherein the antenna is configured to be sensitive to terahertz radiation; a capacitor coupled to an intermediate node between the first and second transistors; and control circuitry coupled to control nodes of the first and second transistors, the control circuitry being configured for selectively applying to the control nodes one of: a gate biasing voltage for biasing the control nodes of the first and second transistors during a detection phase of the pixel circuit; and a reset voltage for resetting a voltage stored by the capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.A.
    Inventors: Hani Sherry, Andreia Cathelin
  • Publication number: 20140138545
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting a position or movement of an object (20). According to the method, at a plurality of different locations (13-15) infrared light emitted from the object (20) is received. The infrared light is based on a thermal emission of the object (20). Furthermore, a plurality of infrared light intensity information (A-C) is determined. For each of the plurality of different locations (13-15) a corresponding infrared light intensity information (A-C) is determined based on the infrared light received at the corresponding location (13-15). The position or movement (21, 22) of the object (20) is determined depending on the plurality of infrared light intensity information (A-C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Klinghult
  • Publication number: 20140138546
    Abstract: An antenna system is disclosed. The system comprises a first end-fire antenna element and a second end-fire antenna element facing each other in a planar arrangement, the antenna elements being configured such as to cause destructive interference between individual end-fire radiations of the elements, while maintaining constructive interference generally perpendicular to the planar arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Zeev Iluz, Amir Boag, Yael Hanein, Jacob Scheuer
  • Publication number: 20140110583
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adjusting a sensing threshold of an infrared proximity sensor are provided. The method includes: obtaining, through the infrared proximity sensor, a reflected infrared ray intensity value in an environment of a current light intensity; comparing the obtained reflected infrared ray intensity value with a pre-stored reflected infrared ray intensity value, so as to obtain a first difference; and when the first difference is greater than a preset first threshold, modifying the sensing threshold. It avoid misjudge of blocking of the mobile phone because a light transmittance of a lens is reduced, and the fault is solved by modifying the sensing threshold, so that a proximity sensing function of the mobile phone can be automatically repaired without changing hardware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: HUAWEI DEVICE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhihui WU
  • Publication number: 20140110585
    Abstract: A multi-spectral sensor assembly having a plurality of mosaics of four-side buttable focal plane arrays in which each mosaic array is responsive to a different range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The scene image is received through a baffled solar shade to a beam-splitting element which transmits a first portion of the received image in a first electromagnetic spectrum to a short wave infrared (SWIR) buttable focal plane array detector element. The beam-splitting element transmits a second portion of the received image in a second electromagnetic spectrum to a mid-wave infrared (MWIR) buttable focal plane array detector element by means of a folding mirror. The first and second portions of the received image are passed through a filter wheel having multiple selectable optical filters to provide a multi-spectral imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: James Justice
  • Publication number: 20140103214
    Abstract: A passive infra red detector comprises a plurality of passive infra red sensors (4, 5) and a lens member (2) arranged to direct radiation from a target area onto the sensors. The lens member (2) forms a substantially hemispherical dome about the infra red sensors (4, 5). The dome has a central axis and a plurality of contiguous facets (2a-2g) distributed about the central axis. Each facet has a flat outer surface and an inner surface that forms a lens to direct radiation onto the sensors. The detector further comprises a first passive infra red sensor (4) aligned with the central axis of the dome and having a sensitive surface substantially normal to the central axis, and a plurality of second passive infra red sensors (5) distributed about the central axis of the dome. The second passive infra red sensors (5) are inclined such that the outward normal from the sensitive surface of each second passive infra red sensor (5) makes an acute angle with the outward direction of the central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Antoine Yvon Messiou, Merlin MIlner, Paul Mans
  • Publication number: 20140103212
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting targets comprising at least one first receiver for receiving radiation, the radiation comprises beams of radiation spaced horizontally; at least one second receiver for receiving radiation, the radiation comprises beams of radiation spaced horizontally and vertically such that the beams of radiation received by the second receiver travel through different predetermined heights from the horizontal plane; at least one processor for receiving data from the first and second receivers, the at least one receiver operating to locate a target passing in the vicinity of the first and second receivers and determine the height of the target based upon the recordation of certain of the beams at a predetermined heights relative to the horizontal plane and the width of a target based upon the horizontal spacing of the beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: U.S. ARMY RESEARCH LABORATORY ATTN: RDRL-LOC-I
    Inventor: THYAGARAJU DAMARLA
  • Publication number: 20140092256
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided for implementing, operating, and manufacturing infrared imaging devices using integrated circuits. In one example, a system includes a focal plane array (FPA) integrated circuit comprising an array of infrared sensors adapted to image a scene, a plurality of active circuit components, a first metal layer disposed above and connected to the circuit components, a second metal layer disposed above the first metal layer and connected to the first metal layer, and a third metal layer disposed above the second metal layer and below the infrared sensors. The third metal layer is connected to the second metal layer and the infrared sensors. The first, second, and third metal layers are the only metal layers of the FPA between the infrared sensors and the circuit components. The first, second, and third metal layers are adapted to route signals between the circuit components and the infrared sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Simolon, Eric A. Kurth, Steve Barskey, Mark Nussmeier, Nicholas Högasten, Theodore R. Hoelter, Katrin Strandemar, Pierre Boulanger, Barbara Sharp
  • Publication number: 20140091220
    Abstract: An infrared imaging device that groups two or more active radiation detectors with at least one shielded radiation detector for cancelling the self-heating effect from the active radiation detectors is disclosed. A power supply is coupled to the group containing active and at least one shielded radiation detector to provide power to the group synchronously so that the active and shielded radiation detectors will be subjected to the same self-heating effect. A readout module subtracts a reference signal received from the shielded radiation detectors from each of the active signals received from each of the active radiation detectors. The infrared imaging device can have one or more shielded radiation detectors for each row of active radiation detectors in an infrared imaging array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: TELEDYNE DALSA INC.
    Inventor: Binqiao Li
  • Publication number: 20140084166
    Abstract: A flame detector includes a medium wavelength infrared bolometer having an array of pixel elements disposed within a housing. Optics supported by the housing and disposed with respect to the bolometer direct infrared radiation from a flame to the pixel elements of the array and direct radiation from a separate background object to the pixel elements of the array. Electronics are coupled to receive signals from the bolometer and programmed to track an intensity of radiation from the background object to monitor transmission of radiation through the optics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Barrett E. Cole
  • Patent number: 8674307
    Abstract: A device for detecting infrared radiation comprising an array of bolometers for detecting radiation; and in order to read each bolometer, a signal shaping circuitry comprising: a circuitry capable of biasing the bolometer at a predetermined voltage in order to make current flow therethrough; a circuitry capable of generating a common-mode current; and a circuitry capable of integrating the difference between the current that flows through the bolometer and the common-mode current. According to the invention, the device comprises a circuitry capable of injecting current into each bolometer in order to shift its resistance by a predetermined quantity that depends on its offset, current injection being performed prior to readout biasing of the bolometer and the shift being performed according to the direction in which the bolometer's resistance varies as a function of temperature. In addition, correction circuitry is capable of shifting the resistances of bolometers towards a common value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Ulis
    Inventors: Benoît Dupont, Michel Vilain
  • Publication number: 20140070103
    Abstract: A terahertz imager includes an array of pixel circuits. Each pixel circuit has an antenna and a detector. The detector is coupled to differential output terminals of the antenna. A frequency oscillator is configured to generate a frequency signal on an output line. The output line is coupled to an input terminal of the antenna of at least one of the pixel circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics SA
    Inventors: Hani Sherry, Andreia Cathelin, Andreas Kaiser, Ullrich Pfeiffer, Janusz Grzyb, Yan Zhao
  • Publication number: 20140067185
    Abstract: Methods and systems for inspecting a component within an assembled turbomachine are disclosed. At least one miniature robotic device having a non-destructive testing structure attached thereto is configured to travel around a surface of the component. The non-destructive testing structure gathers data related to the surface, and sends the data to a computing device connected to the at least one miniature robotic device. In one embodiment, the non-destructive testing structure comprises an image capture device and an infrared (IR) heat source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Nilesh Tralshawala, Bryon Edward Knight, Harry Israel Ringermacher
  • Publication number: 20140061469
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting electromagnetic radiation within a target frequency range is provided. The apparatus includes a substrate and one or more resonator structures disposed on the substrate. The substrate can be a dielectric or semiconductor material. Each of the one or more resonator structures has at least one dimension that is less than the wavelength of target electromagnetic radiation within the target frequency range, and each of the resonator structures includes at least two conductive structures separated by a spacing. Charge carriers are induced in the substrate near the spacing when the resonator structures are exposed to the target electromagnetic radiation. A measure of the change in conductivity of the substrate due to the induced charge carriers provides an indication of the presence of the target electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Harold Y. Hwang, Mengkun Liu, Richard D. Averitt, Keith A. Nelson, Aaron Sternbach, Kebin Fan