To Determine Dimension (e.g., Thickness Or Distance) Patents (Class 324/662)
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Patent number: 10871409Abstract: According to some embodiments, system and methods are provided, comprising an installed product including a drive shaft; a magnetostrictive sensor having a sensor probe comprising: a substrate; a drive coil operative to receive a drive current and to emit a magnetic field through the drive shaft, wherein the drive coil is mounted on the substrate; one or more sense coils operative to receive the magnetic field and to transmit a signal based on the received magnetic field, wherein the one or more sense coils are mounted on the substrate; and wherein the magnetic field is emitted from the drive coil in a transverse direction to a radius of the drive shaft. Numerous other aspects are provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: G.E. Avio S.r.l.Inventors: Pekka Tapani Sipila, Christoph Boeld
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Patent number: 10844923Abstract: When forces are input to a mount in a plurality of directions, an ECU changes the magnitude of a coil excitation current to change the strength of a magnetic field. At this moment, the elastic force of the mount can be changed in directions in response to the plurality of directions in which the forces are input using a plurality of magnetorheological elastomers (a brim-shaped MRE portion and a cylindrical MRE portion) in which magnetic particles are arranged in different manners.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshio Inoue, Yuho Ito
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Patent number: 10846499Abstract: A fingerprint sensor includes: sensor pixels, each including a first transistor which controls a sensing signal to be outputted to a corresponding one of output lines; power lines disposed on a vertical line basis and each electrically connected to sensor pixels disposed on a corresponding vertical line; and a power supply unit which supplies reference voltages to the power lines. The power supply unit supplies the reference voltages, which is adjusted on the vertical line basis, to the power lines.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.Inventors: Sun Hwa Lee, Mu Kyung Jeon, Mee Hye Jung
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Patent number: 10797663Abstract: An impedance measurement circuit for determining a sense current of a guard-sense capacitive sensor operated in loading mode. The circuit includes a periodic signal voltage source for providing a periodic measurement voltage, a sense current measurement circuit, a differential amplifier that is configured to sense a complex voltage difference between the sense electrode and the guard electrode, a demodulator for obtaining, with reference to the periodic measurement voltage, an in-phase component and a quadrature component of the sensed complex voltage difference, and control loops for receiving the in-phase component and the quadrature component, respectively. An output signal of the first control loop and an output signal of the second control loop are usable to form a complex voltage that serves as a complex reference voltage for the sense current measurement circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2016Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A.Inventor: Laurent Lamesch
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Patent number: 10743445Abstract: An electronic-circuit-component pick-up instruction data generating device is provided that generates pick-up instruction data for automatically picking up an electronic circuit component from a nonmatrix tray defined to have nonmatrix arrangement in which arrangeable positions of the electronic circuit components are arranged in a nonmatrix pattern, other than a matrix tray defined to have matrix arrangement in which arrangeable positions of a plurality of the electronic circuit components are regularly arranged in a matrix pattern in a state of being positioned at all the intersection points made by two groups of straight lines that are parallel to two directions orthogonal to each other, respectively, and that are separated at regular intervals for each direction. An electronic-circuit-component mounting machine is provided that picks up an electronic circuit component from the nonmatrix tray based on generated pick-up instruction data, and automatically mounts the component on a circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: FUJI CORPORATIONInventors: Ryohei Fukumoto, Kenji Sasaki
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Patent number: 10739134Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the technical field of fingerprint sensor detection, and in particular, relate to a method and system for detecting a thickness of a protection layer of a fingerprint sensor. The method includes the following steps: step a: collecting fingerprint data via a fingerprint sensor, the fingerprint sensor comprising a plurality of chip sensing units, arranged in an array; step b: calculating a derivative of the fingerprint data, normalizing the derivative of the fingerprint data, and calculating an integration according to the normalized derivative of the fingerprint data; and step c: acquiring a thickness of a protection layer of the fingerprint sensor according to the integration result.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: SHENZHEN GOODIX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Shu Pang, Xiaochun Cai
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Patent number: 10719683Abstract: A hybrid capacitive and optical fingerprint sensor system includes: capacitive sensor electrodes; an optical image sensor having a plurality of image sensor pixels; light conditioning elements, configured to condition light from a sensing region of the hybrid capacitive and optical fingerprint sensor for detection by the optical image sensor; and a processing system having one or more controllers, configured to operate the capacitive sensor electrodes in a low-power mode of operation for the hybrid capacitive and optical fingerprint sensor, and to operate the optical image sensor to acquire an image from the sensing region of the hybrid capacitive and optical fingerprint sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: FINGERPRINT CARDS ABInventors: Jeffrey S. Lillie, Mark Pude, Eric Bohannon, Eric Moule, Erik Jonathon Thompson, Patrick Smith, Lynn Kern
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Patent number: 10679032Abstract: A fingerprint sensing method and a fingerprint sensing device are provided. The fingerprint sensing method includes the following steps. A first supply voltage is provided to power a fingerprint sensing circuit of the fingerprint sensing circuit. When the fingerprint sensing circuit is powered by the first supply voltage, it is detected whether a finger touch occurs. In response to determining that the finger touch has occurred, a second supply voltage is provided to power the fingerprint sensing device. A fingerprint image sensing is performed to obtain a fingerprint image when the fingerprint sensing circuit is powered by the second supply voltage.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: NOVATEK Microelectronics Corp.Inventors: Jung-Chen Chung, Chi-Ting Chen
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Patent number: 10665128Abstract: A method of operating a welding system includes receiving welding data corresponding to a welding session for a weld, receiving a location selection from an operator, and displaying on a display a graphical representation of welding parameters of the welding selection corresponding to the location selection. The welding data includes welding parameters, including a work angle of a welding torch, a travel angle of the welding torch, a contact tip to work distance, a travel speed of the welding torch along a path of the weld, an aim of the welding torch, or any combination thereof. The location selection corresponds to a point along the path of the weld traversed by the welding torch.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: William Joshua Becker, Richard Beeson
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Patent number: 10650214Abstract: A fingerprint sensor is disclosed. The fingerprint sensor includes a sensor plate, a voltage source, a control circuit and a first conductive plate. The sensor plate detects a first capacitance in response to a touch event on the fingerprint sensor. The voltage source establishes a predetermined voltage difference between a first node and a second node. The control circuit, connected to the sensor plate via the first node, charges a first capacitor associated with the first capacitance during a charge period, and discharges the first capacitor during a discharge period. The first conductive plate, separated from the sensor plate, is coupled with the voltage source via the second node. During the charge period and the discharge period of the control circuit, a voltage difference between the sensor plate and the first conductive plate is maintained at the predetermined voltage difference.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: IMAGE MATCH DESIGN INC.Inventors: Yehsuan Yan, Yen-Kuo Lo
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Patent number: 10634521Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a two-dimensional scale with a simple arrangement capable of omitting setting of an origin mark in the Y-axis direction. In a linear scale, a reference origin mark array and a tilting origin mark array that is a tilting marker array are provided in an origin mark region. Since the reference origin mark array is parallel to X-coordinates, an X-direction origin signal is correctly generated. On the other hand, for the Y direction in which no origin mark is provided, the distance between a reference origin mark and a tilting origin mark is detected. A Y-direction absolute position is decided in accordance with the distance.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: DMG MORI CO., LTD.Inventor: Masayuki Niiya
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Patent number: 10579850Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a fingerprint sensing system is provided, the system comprising: a plurality of sensors and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to selectively activate at least one of the plurality of sensors; wherein the controller is further configured to develop and measure at least one first capacitance, the first capacitance developing in response to a capacitance between a surface of an active sensor and a surface of a finger; and wherein the controller is further configured to develop at least one second capacitance, the second capacitance developing in response to a capacitance between a surface of an inactive sensor and the surface of the finger. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding fingerprint sensing method is conceived.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2017Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventor: Thomas Suwald
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Patent number: 10579193Abstract: A spatial frequency based capacitive motion sensor and method of operating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the motion sensor includes an array of sense cells to capacitively sense capacitance variations induced by a surface in proximity to the array. The motion sensor further includes processing circuitry including a multiplexer and a processor to process motion dependent output signals from the array to measure motion of the surface in a direction parallel to a surface of the array. Generally, processor is adapted to execute a program to control the multiplexer to interconnect the sense cells of the array to configure the array as a comb-filter to detect at least one spatial frequency component of the capacitance variations, and to measure motion of the surface in a direction parallel to the array. Other embodiments are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor CorporationInventors: John Frame, Victor Kremin, Andriy Ryshtun, Dmytro Puyda
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Patent number: 10565421Abstract: A fingerprint sensor includes a sensor substrate. A plurality of sensor pixels is configured to sense a change in capacitance corresponding to a touch of a user. Each of the plurality of sensor pixels includes a sensor electrode. A sensor protective layer is configured to protect the sensor substrate and the plurality of sensor pixels. The sensor protective layer includes a first region disposed over the sensor electrode, and a second region. The first region has a first permittivity. The second region has a second permittivity lower than the first permittivity.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.Inventors: Jae Kyoung Kim, Ki Seo Kim, Won Sang Park, Jong In Baek
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Patent number: 10496866Abstract: Disclosed a device and a method for a capacitive sensing identification system.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2016Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: CHIPONE TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING) CO., LTD.Inventor: Zhuo Li
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Patent number: 10482307Abstract: A fingerprint sensing system for sensing a fingerprint pattern of a finger, comprising: a sensor array including a plurality of electrically conductive sensing structures; read-out circuitry connected to each of the sensing structures for providing sensing signals indicative of a capacitive coupling between the sensing structures and the finger; first signal providing circuitry for providing a first time-varying voltage signal to at least a portion of the sensor array; at least one electrically conductive edge-compensating structure arranged outside the sensor array; and second signal providing circuitry for providing a second time-varying voltage signal to the at least one edge-compensating structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2018Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Fingerprint Cards ABInventors: Frank Riedijk, Wouter Brevet
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Patent number: 10406684Abstract: A system for controlling a robot moving vertically and horizontally using a motor is provided. The system includes a detector suitable for generating a feedback signal by detecting physical status of the motor; and a controller suitable for detecting loading of a substrate on the robot based on the feedback signal during a vertical moving interval of the robot, and generating a control command in accordance with the detection of the loading of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2015Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventors: Sang Tae Lee, Yun Il Kim, Dong Ju Seok
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Patent number: 10396784Abstract: A capacitive measurement device for control interfaces, includes: (i) a support plate (2) having elements for attachment (4) to a control interface (3), (ii) first electrodes (5) arranged on a first surface of the support plate (2) opposite the control interface (3) and including first active electrodes (5), (iii) electronic capacitive measurement elements capable of enabling the obtainment of proximity and/or contact information of objects of interest (1), and (iv) second electrodes (6, 7) arranged on a second surface of the support plate (2) facing the control interface (3) and including second active electrodes (6) connected to the electronic capacitive measurement elements such as to enable the obtainment of measurements of movement and/or deformation of the support plate (2). A method and apparatus implemented in the device are also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: QUICKSTEP TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventor: Didier Roziere
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Patent number: 10359386Abstract: A flexible capacitance sensor having multiple layers for communicating signals to a data acquisition system for reconstructing an image of an area or object located in a subject being sensed, the flexible capacitance sensor having a flexible layer of capacitance plates; a flexible shielding ground layer next to the layer of capacitance plates; a flexible layer of signal traces next to the shielding ground layer, where the layer of signal traces has a plurality of trace lines; and where the capacitance sensor is flexible and adapted to be wrapped around the subject being sensed. The sensor is adapted to communicate signals via the plurality of trace lines to a data acquisition system for providing an image of the area or object between the capacitance plates.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2017Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: Tech4Imaging LLCInventors: Qussai Marashdeh, Yousef Alghothani
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Patent number: 10352738Abstract: A sensor assembly includes an electrically conductive electrode bridge (26) and a multi-layer, integral sensor body (1). The sensor body (1) includes a core layer (2), an outer insulating layer (4) that substantially surrounds the core layer (2), and an electrically conductive electrode layer (6) between the core layer (2) and the outer insulating layer (4). The sensor body (1) also includes an electrically conductive electrode interface layer (14) at a rear part (12) of the sensor body (1) and in electrical contact with the electrode layer (6). The electrode bridge (26) is held in compression electrical contact with the electrode interface layer (14) during use.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2016Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Future Technology (Sensors) LTDInventor: Howard Elliot
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Patent number: 10338697Abstract: A position detector includes a position pointer having an AC signal generation circuit that is disposed in a housing and that transmits an AC signal, and a sensor that receives the AC signal. The position detector detects the position pointed to by the position pointer on the sensor. The position pointer includes at least three electrodes electrically isolated from each other, and a control circuit that controls so that the AC signal is selectively supplied to the electrodes, and so that identification information identifying the electrode to which the AC signal is selectively supplied is generated and transmitted to the sensor. The position detector further includes a position detection circuit that detects the position based on the AC signal, and an angular information calculation circuit that calculates the rotation angle and/or the tilt angle of the position pointer based on the AC signal and the identification information.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2017Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: WACOM CO., LTD.Inventor: Hideyuki Hara
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Patent number: 10330455Abstract: A method is provided that involves a wall configured to circumscribe and be radially adjacent a rotor. During this method, a tri-axial capacitance probe is provided that includes a tri-axial conduit with an outer conductor member. The tri-axial capacitance probe is configured to output data indicative of a characteristic of the rotor. The tri-axial capacitance probe is configured within a wall aperture in the wall. The outer conductor member is electrically coupled with the wall. The wall is configured as a housing for the tri-axial capacitance probe.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Erik D. Rice, Corey A. Benoit, Marc Samit, Edward F. Dreger, III, Eli C. Warren, Kevin Ford, Michael G. Conigliaro, Timothy Jarvis
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Patent number: 10325140Abstract: A fingerprint identification apparatus includes a substrate, a second electrode layer, and a first electrode layer. The first electrode layer includes parallel first electrodes, and at least parts of the first electrodes have openings or dents. The second electrode layer includes parallel second electrodes and the second electrodes cross with the first electrodes on the substrate, where the openings or the dents are defined at the cross points from projected view. The second electrode is applied with transmitting signal and the corresponding electric field lines are received by the first electrode. The electric field lines detouring the edges of the first electrodes, or detouring the openings (or the dents) have induction with the finger close to or touching the first electrodes. The number of the effective electric field lines and the effective mutual capacitance changes can be increased to enhance the fingerprint sensing accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: SUPERC-TOUCH CORPORATIONInventors: Hsiang-Yu Lee, Shang Chin, Ping-Tsun Lin
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Patent number: 10317248Abstract: An apparatus comprises: a first comparator configured to: receive an input proximity signal indicating a proximity of a target device, receive a second reference signal associated with a second distance, make a first comparison of the input proximity signal to the second reference signal, and provide a first output proximity signal based on the first comparison; and a second comparator configured to: receive the input proximity signal, receive the first output proximity signal, make a second comparison of the input proximity signal using the first output proximity signal, and provide a second output proximity signal based on the second comparison.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2016Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Radhakrishnan Selvaraj, Anuradha Mohan
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Patent number: 10281261Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for forming films having uniformity of thickness on substrates. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to measure thickness or other properties of films being deposited on a substrate without knowing beforehand the surface properties of the substrate. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to measure thickness or other properties of a plurality of layers being formed. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in measuring thickness of vertical memory stacks.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Khokan C. Paul, Edward Budiarto, Todd Egan, Mehdi Vaez-Iravani, Jeongmin Lee, Dale R. Du Bois, Terrance Y. Lee
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Patent number: 10218057Abstract: The communication device includes a circuit board and a camera mechanism comprising a metal shielding and a camera module positioned on the circuit board. The metal shielding is arranged on the circuit board to cover the camera module and an antenna mechanism is arranged on the metal shielding and electrically connected to a ground region of the circuit board through the metal shielding. A wireless signal generated by the camera module is output by the antenna mechanism and radiates outward from the metal shielding.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Hao-Ying Chang, Pai-Cheng Huang, Ching-Sung Wang, Chao-Wei Ho
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Patent number: 10162994Abstract: A capacitive fingerprint sensing apparatus includes sensing electrodes, a sensing driver and a processing module. Under a first self-capacitive sensing mode, the sensing driver combines M adjacent sensing electrodes to form a first sensing electrode set to perform a first self-capacitive sensing to obtain a first self-capacitive fingerprint sensing signal; under a second self-capacitive sensing mode, the sensing driver combines N adjacent sensing electrodes to form a second sensing electrode set to perform a second self-capacitive sensing to obtain a second self-capacitive fingerprint sensing signal. M and N are positive integers larger than 1. The processing module generates a first self-capacitive fingerprint pattern and a second self-capacitive fingerprint pattern according to first self-capacitive fingerprint sensing signal and second self-capacitive fingerprint sensing signal and combines them into a third self-capacitive fingerprint pattern.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2017Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Raydium Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Chang-Ching Chiang, Kun-Pei Lee
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Patent number: 10162993Abstract: A fingerprint detection circuit includes: a detection electrode, where a first capacitance is formed between a finger and the detection electrode, a second capacitance is formed between the finger and a virtual ground, and a parasitic capacitance is formed between the detection electrode and the virtual ground; an amplifier, where an inverting input end of the amplifier is connected to the detection electrode and a non-inverting input end of the amplifier is connected to an excitation signal; and a feedback capacitance, where one end of the feedback capacitance is connected to the inverting input end of the amplifier, the other end of the feedback capacitance is connected to an output end of the amplifier, and the output end of the amplifier outputs an output signal of the fingerprint detection circuit. There is no need to connect an excitation signal to a finger of a user through an external electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2015Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: SHENZHEN GOODIX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Chang Zhan
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Patent number: 10121044Abstract: A fingerprint sensor for reinforcing an electric field and preventing electric interference between adjacent electrodes. The fingerprint sensor includes a plurality of sensor electrodes provided on a substrate, an insulating layer, and a discontinuous grid formed in the insulating layer. The discontinuous grid includes a plurality of walls that are arranged in a two-dimensional (2D) manner. The plurality of walls are electrically insulated from each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Byunggil Jeong, Cheheung Kim, Jungwoo Kim
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Patent number: 10114515Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise methods and apparatus for a 3-dimensional capacitive sensor. The method and apparatus may comprise a sensing element formed along multiple planes to create a sensing field. The capacitive sensor comprises at least two parallel sensing planes. Each sensing plane may comprise two electrodes, where one electrode of each sensing plane be configured to operate as a transmission electrode and a reception electrode.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Takayasu Otagaki, Kensuke Goto
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Patent number: 10102412Abstract: A method of determining a physical property of a finger using a sensor comprising a two-dimensional measuring arrangement including a plurality of measuring elements, each defining a measuring element position in the measuring arrangement, and each comprising a finger electrode spaced apart from the finger by a dielectric structure. For each measuring element position, the method comprises the steps of performing a first sensing operation using a first capacitive configuration, acquiring a first measurement value for the first capacitive configuration, performing a second sensing operation using a second capacitive configuration, acquiring a second measurement value for the second capacitive configuration. The physical property of the finger is determined based on the first and second measurement values for each measuring element position.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: FINGERPRINT CARDS ABInventors: Frank Riedijk, Hans Thörnblom
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Patent number: 10102411Abstract: A hybrid capacitive and optical fingerprint sensor system includes: capacitive sensor electrodes; an optical image sensor having a plurality of image sensor pixels; light conditioning elements, configured to condition light from a sensing region of the hybrid capacitive and optical fingerprint sensor for detection by the optical image sensor; and a processing system having one or more controllers, configured to operate the capacitive sensor electrodes in a low-power mode of operation for the hybrid capacitive and optical fingerprint sensor, and to operate the optical image sensor to acquire an image from the sensing region of the hybrid capacitive and optical fingerprint sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Jeffrey S. Lillie, Mark Pude, Eric Bohannon, Eric Moule, Erik Jonathon Thompson, Patrick Smith, Lynn Kern
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Patent number: 10049253Abstract: In one aspect, a fingerprint sensor device for fingerprint detection includes an array of sensor pixels to capacitively couple with a touched portion of a finger to form an array of fingerprint associated capacitors having capacitive values indicative of a fingerprint. Each sensor pixel includes an output terminal configured to output an output signal that indicates a local capacitive coupling with the touched portion of the finger as part of fingerprint data for fingerprint detection; a capacitive sensing layer including an electrically conductive material that can be capacitively coupled to a local part of the touched portion of the finger, forming a fingerprint associated capacitor, the capacitive sensing layer operable to be coupled to the output terminal to cause the output signal; an integrated circuit layout layer that is electrically conductive; a fingerprint voltage generator; and a layout voltage generator.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: SHENZHEN GOODIX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Mengda Yang, Kuohao Chao, Chang Zhan
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Patent number: 9990529Abstract: A sensor for detecting a fingerprint, a fingerprint identification apparatus and a controlling method of a sensor for detecting a fingerprint are provided. The sensor for detecting the fingerprint includes a detecting panel including: a detecting region with a plurality of detecting units, in which the plurality of detecting units are distributed in a plurality rows and columns on the detecting region; and a conductive layer, configured to form a sensing capacitance between the conductive layer and a finger when the finger is close to the detecting region; a capacitance detecting module, configured to detect the sensing capacitance; and a control module.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Zibao Zhang, Jie Zhang, Yun Yang
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Patent number: 9953200Abstract: On the basis of the physical principle that a capacitance value is inversely proportional to the distance between capacitive electrodes, the spatial structure of the surface of an object can be imaged by measuring a coupling capacitance between the surface of measured object and the electrode arrays on a surface of a sensor; for example, imaging may be performed to uneven spaces between ridge lines and valley lines of fingerprints. The present application provides a C-Q-T type capacitive fingerprint sensor. Firstly, coupling capacitance differences between the fingerprints and the electrodes of the sensor are converted into charge quantity differences, then the charge quantity differences are converted into time differences, and edge signals carrying the time differences are output. Fingerprint sensors are grouped into an array, reading and data combination may be performed to the edge signals, and imaging may be performed to fingerprints.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: MICROARRAY MICROELECTRONICS CORP., LTDInventor: Yangyuan Li
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Patent number: 9952266Abstract: The disclosure features living object detectors for a wireless energy transfer systems that include a sensor featuring a first conductor positioned adjacent to a first surface of a substrate, a shield featuring a second conductor different from the first conductor, where at least a portion of the second conductor is positioned proximal to the first conductor and adjacent to the first surface of the substrate, a ground reference featuring a third conductor spaced from the substrate and positioned on a side of the substrate opposite to the first surface, and an electrical circuit coupled to the first, second and third conductors and configured so that during operation of the living object detector, the electrical circuit applies a first electrical potential to the first conductor and a second electrical potential to the second conductor, the first and second electrical potentials being approximately similar.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: WiTricity CorporationInventors: Noam Katz, Arunanshu Mohan Roy, Jude R. Jonas, Morris P. Kesler
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Patent number: 9891037Abstract: A tip clearance measurement system (TCMS) includes a probe and sensing circuitry. The probe directs microwave signals toward a turbine blade and receives microwave signals reflected by the turbine blade. The sensing circuitry includes a switch having a first state in which a main frequency is provided at an output of the switch and a second state in which a reference frequency is provided at an output of the switch. The sensing circuitry further includes a first conditioning circuit that receives a frequency provided at the output of the switch and provides a conditioned frequency to the probe and a second conditioning circuit that receives both the conditioned frequency provided by the first conditioning circuit and a reflected frequency received by the probe, and provides a conditioned output based on the conditioned frequency and reflected frequency.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2017Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Bhupindar Singh, Gary M. McBrien
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Patent number: 9885627Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for compensating for drift that may be present in a force sensing device. In some embodiments, the force sensing device may be calibrated to compensate for the drift. The calibration may include receiving an input waveform associated with a received amount of force on the force sensing device. A system model that approximates a transfer function that provides an output waveform associated with the input waveform is then determined. Using the system model, an inverse transfer function associated with the system model is also determined. The inverse transfer function may then be applied to the output waveform which compensates for the drift.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Baboo V. Gowreesunker, Wayne C. Westerman
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Patent number: 9864895Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of sensing a fingerprint pattern of a finger using a fingerprint sensing device. The method comprising: controlling a group of sensing elements to change a potential of a group of sensing structures comprised in said group of sensing elements; acquiring, in response to said variation in potential, a response signal from a finger detecting circuitry indicative of the capacitive coupling between the group of sensing structures and the finger detecting structure; comparing a variation in the response signal with a predefined threshold value; and providing a signal indicating that a finger is present when the variation in response signal is greater than the threshold value. The invention also relates to a corresponding fingerprint sensing device.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2017Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: FINGERPRINT CARDS ABInventors: Andreas Larsson, Frank Riedijk, Hans Thörnblom
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Patent number: 9766109Abstract: A capacitive liquid level sensor is provided comprising a capacitive probe having a capacitance and comprising a sensing tip wherein the capacitive probe is configured such that the capacitance of the probe changes when the sensing tip is exposed to liquid. A signal generator operates to supply an electrical signal alternating between a high and low state to the capacitive probe, the electrical signal being configured such that the probe is alternately charged and discharged when the signal is high or low respectively. A comparator operates to detect the magnitude of an electrical signal across the capacitive probe and provides a first output signal value when the detected signal magnitude is greater than a predetermined threshold value and a second output signal value when the signal magnitude is less than the threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2011Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: RANDOX LABORATORIES LTD.Inventors: Ian Armstrong, Michael Duffy, Stephen Peter Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 9719816Abstract: A fitting for positioning a probe in a hot gas path within a casing of a gas turbine engine is disclosed herein. The fitting includes a main body attachable to the casing opposite the hot gas path. The main body includes an internal bore and one or more cooling holes in communication with the internal bore. A compliant seal is positionable within the internal bore. In addition, a follower is positionable within the internal bore adjacent to the compliant seal. Moreover, the fitting includes a fastener configured to mate with the main body. In this manner, the follower deforms the compliant seal about the probe within the main body to secure and seal the probe within the main body.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Kurt Kramer Schleif, Zachary John Snider
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Systems and methods for non-destructive evaluation of molds and crucibles used in investment casting
Patent number: 9721044Abstract: Systems for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of molds and crucibles used in investment casting processes include a support, a 3D scanning device, and a computer component. Methods for non-destructive evaluation include providing a system for non-destructive evaluation of a mold or crucible; securing a mold or crucible to the support of the system; and operating the 3D scanning device of the system in conjunction with the computer component in order to create a 3D structure difference map that indicates whether the mold or crucible falls within or outside a desired structural integrity parameter range.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Bernard Patrick Bewlay, Jonathan Sebastian Janssen, Christopher Allen Nafis, Clifford Bueno, Krzysztof Lesnicki -
Patent number: 9702504Abstract: A detection system for detecting a dangerous condition for an operator using a power tool of the type which has an exposed blade relative to a work surface and a protection system for minimizing, if not eliminating the possibility of a user being injured by contacting the blade. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a proximity detection system is capable of detecting the presence of a user near the blade of a table saw and a protection system that can either retract the blade below the work surface of the table saw or terminate the drive torque to the blade which can result in rapid stopping of the saw blade by a work piece that is being cut.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignees: Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Wojciech T. Pierga, Thomas R. Siwek, Ahmad R. Shishegar
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Patent number: 9702749Abstract: Disclosed are liquid surface detection methods and devices, and immunoassay analyzers. By changing the power source input of a signal drive circuit, an effective voltage of a drive signal applied by the signal drive circuit on a liquid dispensing probe is a negative voltage, so that the liquid dispensing probe is protected as the cathode in an electrolytic cell formed between the liquid dispensing probe and the cleaning fluid, and is prevented from being corroded by the cleaning fluid and rusting. Moreover, the intrinsic detection flexibility and performance of the liquid surface detection device can be ensured, and the requirements on the material and process of the liquid dispensing probe are not high, thereby effectively controlling the cost.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jie Ma, Yanwen Weng, Yueping Chen
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Patent number: 9684418Abstract: A water-resistant capacitance sensing apparatus comprising a plurality of capacitive sense elements and a capacitance sensing circuit configured to measure both the mutual capacitance and self-capacitance on the plurality of capacitive sense elements. A method for water-resistant capacitance sensing, the method comprising performing a self-capacitance scan and a mutual capacitance scan, and detecting, by a processing device, a presence of an object with the plurality of sense elements. The method further determines whether the detected presence of the object is legitimate.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: PARADE TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.Inventors: Michael Patrick Hills, Volodymyr Burkovskyy, Oleksandr Karpin, Seok-Pyong Park, Patrick Prendergast
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Patent number: 9678191Abstract: An electrostatic capacitance detection circuit includes a charge amplifier that has an operational amplifier in which a capacitor is provided on a feedback path, and into which a signal including detection of electric charge of an inter-electrode capacitor of a sensor electrode and electric charge due to an external noise, and a selection switch that can switch a direction of a capacitor that is connected to input and output terminals of the charge amplifier through a feedback path that switches the direction of the capacitor depending on a direction of electric charge flowing in from a detection-side electrode of the sensor electrode, due to a drive signal applied to the sensor electrode.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Tatsumi Fujiyoshi
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Patent number: 9672401Abstract: A fingerprint sensing system comprises a sensor array with a plurality of sensing structures and read-out circuitry connectable to each of the sensing structures, and power supply circuitry arranged to provide to the read-out circuitry a substantially constant supply voltage being a difference between a high potential and a low potential. The fingerprint sensing system is configured in such a way that the low potential and the high potential are variable while substantially maintaining the supply voltage, and the read-out circuitry is connectable to each of the sensing structures in such a way that a variation in the low potential and the high potential while substantially maintaining the supply voltage results in a change of the charge carried by a sensing structure connected to the read-out circuitry. The change in charge is indicative of a capacitive coupling between the sensing structure and the finger.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2016Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: FINGERPRINT CARDS ABInventors: Frank Robert Riedijk, Hans Thörnblom
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Patent number: 9666635Abstract: Fingerprint sensing circuit packages and methods of making such packages may comprise a first substrate having a top side and a bottom side; the top side comprising a fingerprint image sensing side over which a user's fingerprint is swiped; the bottom side comprising a metal layer forming a fingerprint sensing circuit image sensor structure; and a sensor control circuit housed in a sensor control circuit package mounted on the metal layer. The sensor control circuit may comprise an integrated circuit die contained within the sensor control circuit package. The fingerprint sensing circuit package may also have a second substrate attached to the bottom side of the first substrate having a second substrate bottom side on which is placed connector members connecting the fingerprint sensing circuit package to a device using a fingerprint image generated from the fingerprint sensing circuitry contained in the fingerprint sensing circuitry package.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2011Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Richard Alex Erhart, Richard Brian Nelson, Erik Thompson, Armando Leon Perezselsky
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Patent number: 9658452Abstract: Disclosed are a glass type terminal capable of supporting gestures using one finger or two fingers by providing a three-dimensional input device at a temple hinged to a rim of a lens, and an input method thereof. For three-dimensional touch inputs, the temple is configured to have an upper surface, a lower surface, an inner side surface and an outer side surface provided touch sensor, respectively. Upon sensing of a touch input applied onto said one or more surfaces of the temple using one finger or two fingers, a screen displayed on a lens is controlled in correspondence to the sensed touch input. Under such configuration, a user can control the screen in a more convenient manner.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2014Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Gukchan Lim, Sukjin Lee, Younghun Joo, Seonghyok Kim, Jonghun Kwon, Sungho Woo
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Patent number: 9616727Abstract: A shock absorber mounting device joins a shock absorber provided between an axle and a vehicle body to the vehicle body. The shock absorber mounting device includes a magnetic rubber mount having magnetic particles thereinside and being provided between the shock absorber and the vehicle body, an electromagnetic coil configured to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic particles, and a controller configured to supply an excitation current to the electromagnetic coil.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: KYB CorporationInventors: Atsushi Ogawa, Keiji Saito