Photoelectric Patents (Class 356/218)
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Publication number: 20080074652Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a system for detecting entry of an object from a first area into a second area. The system includes a light source for generating a light beam, the light beam defining a boundary between the first area and the second area. The system further includes a retroreflector positioned across from the light source, the retroreflector for reflecting the light beam back towards the light source and a photodetector positioned adjacent to the light source, the photodetector for detecting the reflected light beam wherein the photodetector generates a signal in response to detecting an interruption in the light beam signaling entry of an object from the first area to the second area.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Inventors: Julie E. Fouquet, Richard Haven, Shalini Venkatesh, Akihiro Machida
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Patent number: 7340118Abstract: Fuel injectors (10) for internal combustion engines are modified and equipped with fiber optic fuel pressure sensors (12) and fiber optic combustion pressure sensors (14). The combustion pressure sensors (14) are located in separate channels (26) formed in the fuel injectors with the lower portion (22) of the channels leading to the combustion chambers. Above the combustion pressure sensors (14) are fiber optic leads (24). In the preferred embodiments the sensors (46) are equipped with diaphragms (40) of novel shape (48) and employ multiple pairs of fibers (86, 88), temperature sensitive components (72, 74, 126) and novel compensation and status monitoring circuits (FIGS. 6, 9, 10, 14, 15, 18).Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2003Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Inventors: Marek T. Wlodarczyk, Thomas J. Poorman
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Patent number: 7335868Abstract: An exposure control system and method for an image sensor, which includes an image sensor, an illuminator, a controller and a light separator. The image sensor has plural photosensitive pixels in a two-dimensional matrix arrangement. When an exposure is operated in a sub-region of the plural photosensitive pixels, the illuminator produces a flashlight as a light source for exposure. The light separator eliminates light except the flashlight. The controller sequentially activates each row of pixels in the sub-region, and when each row of pixels is in an exposure state, the controller drives the illuminator to produce the flashlight.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Sunplus Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tung-Tsai Liao, Kuo-Chun Fan, Li-Ming Chen, Chia-Kang Hsu
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Publication number: 20080037140Abstract: The invention relates to a light-receiving element for receiving light reflected at an optical recording medium capable of preventing qualitative deterioration of an electrical signal obtained by photoelectric conversion of the light received, an optical head using the element, and an optical recording/reproducing apparatus using the element. The light-receiving element includes a light-receiving portion formed on a silicon substrate, and a cover layer disposed so as to cover an upper side of the silicon substrate, the cover layer on the light-receiving portion having a thickness of 30 ?m or less as viewed in the normal direction of the silicon substrate surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: TDK CORPORATIONInventor: Jun Ono
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Patent number: 7317520Abstract: An apparatus for measuring brightness transmitted by a light-emitting display unit of a laser telescope and observed by the user's eyes comprises a focusing unit (11), a sensor unit (12), a processing unit (13) and a display unit (14). A method of measuring brightness includes the steps of: providing a constant color temperature to simulate the external light; providing a tool platform and locating the apparatus for measuring brightness and the laser telescope under test thereon; further providing a light-impermeable cover to cover the laser telescope and the apparatus for avoiding the external light interfering with the measurement of brightness; then turning on the laser telescope and enabling it to range; picking up the light of a reticle and a measured value transmitted from the light-emitting display unit by means of the apparatus for measuring brightness; and at last, displaying the measured value on the display unit of said apparatus for measuring brightness.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2005Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.Inventors: Chung-Wei Wang, Shih-Hsien Yang
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Patent number: 7301618Abstract: A method for the correction of average brightness or brightness uniformity variations in OLED displays comprising: a) providing an OLED display having one or more light-emitting elements responsive to a multi-valued input signal for causing the light-emitting elements to emit light at a plurality of brightness levels; b) measuring the brightness of each light-emitting element at two or more, but fewer than all possible, different input signal values; c) employing the measured brightness values to estimate a maximum input signal value at which the light-emitting element will not emit more than a predefined minimum brightness and the rate at which the brightness of the light-emitting element increases above the predefined minimum brightness in response to increases in the value of the input signal; and d) using the estimated maximum input signal value at which the light-emitting element will not emit light more than the predefined minimum brightness and the rate at which the brightness of the light-emitting eleType: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Ronald S. Cok, James H. Ford
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Publication number: 20070268481Abstract: A system measures reflectance in a scene. A first optical sensor is configured to measure incident energy at a location in a scene. A second optical sensor is configured to measure reflected energy from the location in the scene. The incident energy and the reflected energy are analyzed to determine a photometric property at the location of the scene.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2006Publication date: November 22, 2007Inventors: Ramesh Raskar, Hideaki Nii, Yong Zhao, Paul H. Dietz, Erich Bruns
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Patent number: 7283223Abstract: A mechanism for moving and positioning a light source so that its light impinges a target as it moves on or off axis of an optical system. A detector may receive scattered light at a same position whether the light impinging the target is on or off axis due to, for example, a telecentric optical system. Further, the light may be positioned so that the detector is maximally impinged with scattered light. An output may go to a processor that sends a signal to the light source to move the emitted light so as to continually impinge the target as it moves on or off axis. An array of light sources may used in lieu of the moving light source. To move the light beam, another light at another position in the array may be selected to replace a previously selected light source.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Bernard S. Fritz
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Patent number: 7271887Abstract: A sunlight measuring device that quantifies the accumulation of light at a particular site. The sunlight measuring device is a battery-operated device mounted on a stake for easy insertion into the ground. The device is placed at the intended site for growing a plant. The light that falls on the sunlight measuring device over a period of time is accumulated and the light accumulation is represented by a visual signal that indicates one of four light conditions: full sun, partial sun, partial shade, full shade.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Suncalc CorporationInventors: William C. Bickel, James E. Richardson
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Patent number: 7271886Abstract: Uncaging devices that can be used to uncage photoactivatable caged components are provided. Consistent, uniform and/or high throughput processing of reactions and assays that include caged components is provided. Masked multiwell plates that can be used for uncaging photoactivatable caged components are provided. Methods and apparatus for initiating assays involving caged components are provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Panomics, Inc.Inventors: Frank Witney, Gary McMaster, Quan Nguyen, Steve Chen
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Optical sensor, output processing method of optical sensor, display device, and electronic apparatus
Patent number: 7268337Abstract: An optical sensor includes a light receiving element in which a current corresponding to the amount of received light flows between one end and the other end thereof, a comparator which compares a voltage at the one end of the light receiving element with a predetermined threshold voltage to output a logical signal based on the comparison result, an initialization circuit which initializes the voltage at the one end of the light receiving element to the threshold value or a voltage approximate to the threshold voltage before detecting the amount of the received light, and a voltage changing circuit which changes the voltage at the one end of the light receiving element by a predetermined voltage after completing the initialization. In the optical sensor, after changing the voltage by the voltage changing circuit, a period until the logical signal output from the comparator is logically inverted is expressed as a value corresponding to the amount of the received light.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Tokuro Ozawa -
Patent number: 7267546Abstract: A light meter for detecting two or more different wavelengths of light and methods for determining whether a light source configured to emit light at two or more dominant wavelengths is working properly. The inventive light meter includes a housing, two or more receiving means for receiving light energy emitted by an external light source wherein each receiving means is configured to receive light energy of a desired wavelength, detecting means for detecting and measuring light energy received by the receiving means, and display means for providing a visual indication of the existence and intensity of one or more wavelengths of light energy received by the receiving means.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Scott, Bruce S. McLean
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Patent number: 7264971Abstract: A readhead for a photometric diagnostic instrument includes a housing adapted for incorporation within the photometric diagnostic instrument, and an elongated sample table operatively engaged with the housing. The sample table is configured to support elongated reagent sample media of the type having a plurality of test areas disposed in spaced relation thereon, each of the test areas being configured to react with a sample and to change color according to an amount of a constituent or property in the sample. A light source is provided to illuminate the sample table. An imager having an elongated field of view is coupled to the housing, the elongated field of view including at least a portion of the sample table. A scanning mechanism is configured to move the field of view relative to the sample table.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions DiagnosticsInventor: Nicholas T. Stock
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Patent number: 7263286Abstract: The present invention provides a fast testing system and method for optical transceiver, which integrates multiple testing machines in the testing environment for the optical transceiver, so that the user can employ the testing system for optical transceiver for rapid and simultaneous measurement of multiple products, and further improving the production efficiency. Moreover, with a combination of optical channel selector with a set of digital communication analyzer and spectrum analyzer, a plurality of products to be tested can be switched for parametric inspection, and by combining a tree coupler to synchronously transmit the measurement signals of the standard sample to the product to be tested in a multi-port transmission to further measure the bit error ratio. Thus, the product analysis report for the user is in real-time, so as to effectively improve the competitiveness of the industry.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Faztec Optronics Corp.Inventor: Jack Peng
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Patent number: 7256880Abstract: A hemispherical goniophotometer is disclosed, in which two pivoting arms are articulated on a revolving rotating arm and are each fitted with a measurement head. The geometry of the arrangement is chosen such that the measurement heads can move along the envelope surface of a hemisphere during rotating of the rotating arm through 360° and pivoting of the pivoting arms through 180°.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fur Elektrische Gluehlampen mbHInventors: Ulrich Binder, Georg Sauter, Walter Steudtner, Gerhard Trebbin, Norbert Wagner
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Patent number: 7253890Abstract: A door obstacle sensor in which an optical transmitter and a receiver are located on the same side of an entranceway, and a retroreflector is placed on the opposite side. A controller measures the time of flight of a light beam that is reflected from the retroreflective target. All future target distances are compared to the initial distance, and a decision is made as to an object being present in or absent from the entranceway.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Inventor: Reza Miremadi
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Publication number: 20070171403Abstract: A machine and methods measure a characteristic of an optical signal incident upon a detector characterized by one or more dynamic response parameters. One method receives an output signal from the detector and compares that output signal and a computationally determined response of the detector to a known optical signal incident upon the detector. The response is based on said one or more dynamic parameters. The method determines the characteristic based on a relationship between the output signal and the computationally determined response. Another method observes an output signal from an optical detector detecting one or more optical signals, accesses a characteristic curve of detector response, compares the observed output signal to the characteristic curve, and calculates at least one characteristic of one or more optical signals based on a relationship of the observed output signal and the characteristic curve.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2007Publication date: July 26, 2007Applicant: Newport CorporationInventors: Prakash Kasturi, Adrian Nastase
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Patent number: 7242466Abstract: A pointing system comprises an encoded surface and a pointing device for use with an encoded surface remote from the pointing device. The pointing device comprises a collimated light source for projecting a collimated light beam having a wavelength outside the visible light spectrum onto the encoded surface. The encoded surface scatters the collimated light beam striking the encoded surface. A detector associated with the collimated light source detects at least a portion of the scattered light. A controller is associated with the detector and configured to respond to the detected portion of the scattered light to determine a position where the collimated light beam strikes the encoded surface. The position corresponds to where the device is pointing.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Yuan Kong, Glen Larsen
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Patent number: 7232987Abstract: The present invention is an accumulated light meter that generates data concerning the quantity of photosynthetically active radiation available over a measured period of time. The device can calculate a daily light integral (DLI) that corresponds to the amount of light required by certain plants in order to optimize photosynthesis. The device also possesses the ability to filter out the effect that wavelengths of unproductive light have on the calculated values since not all light is conducive to photosynthesis and different species of plants can utilize different wavelengths of light in dissimilar ways.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Inventors: Victor Webbeking, Karen Main, Loyd Kepferle, Larry Wendell Wilson
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Patent number: 7209226Abstract: A gravity sensor has a photo interrupter and a gravity wheel. The photo interrupter has a housing, a cavity in the housing, a light emitter on one side of the housing and a light detector on the other side of the housing. The gravity wheel points in a direction of gravity and has a pivot at center thereof and pivotally arranged on the housing, a plumb at one edge of the gravity wheel and a plurality of through holes annularly arranged in the gravity wheel. The gravity wheel has a portion present in the cavity. An inclined angle of a test object is determined by calculating relative movement between the photo interrupter and the gravity wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Lite-On Technology CorporationInventors: Cheng-Fang Chen, Cheng-Hong Su
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Patent number: 7190444Abstract: A method of measuring a field-of-view (FOV) of an optical sensor includes the steps of: (a) uniformly illuminating a FOV of the optical sensor; (b) moving, at an angle of motion, a slit across the FOV and illuminating the optical sensor through the slit; (c) measuring an optical response of the sensor through the slit, at evenly spaced positions of the moving slit; (d) changing the angle of motion and repeating steps (b) and (c); (e) repeating step (d) for equally spaced angles of motion; and (f) constructing a two-dimensional map of the FOV of the optical sensor, after completing step (e). Constructing the two-dimensional map of the FOV includes filtering the measured data using a filtered backprojection algorithm, and interpolating among the filtered measured data to form the two-dimensional map.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Douglas L. Cohen
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Patent number: 7190445Abstract: An optical sensor device for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte, contains a waveguide disposed over a light source and a light detector mounted on a surface of a substrate and separated by an internal baffle, wherein the waveguide has a thickness corresponding to a far field emission point of the light source as determined by a light shielding baffle between the light source and light detector. An analyte indicator matrix is disposed on the outer surface of the waveguide. The sensor device geometry takes advantage of only direct illumination of the indicator matrix, and direct collection of indicator matrix illumination, without any significant reflection by said waveguide. Undesirable light noise generated by the light source passes directly out of the device through the waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Sensors for Medicine and Science, Inc.Inventors: Arthur E. Colvin, Jr., Steven J. Walters
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Patent number: 7181096Abstract: A light waveguide includes: a light introducing portion for introducing light coming from a light source into a waveguide main body; a light radiating surface for radiating the light introduced through the light introducing portion to the hydrogel side; a light transmitting surface which is disposed opposite to and in parallel to the light radiating surface and through which external light incident from the light radiating surface is transmitted to the exterior; a light separation portion, which provided on a surface in a region ranging from the light introducing portion to the light radiating surface and the light transmitting surface, reflecting only totally reflected components of the light introduced through the light introducing portion; an irregular reflection portion provided on the light transmitting surface to change the reflection angle on the light transmitting surface of the light reflected by the light separation portion; and a mirror portion provided at a position opposite to the light introduciType: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Matsumoto, Shuuji Imuta
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Patent number: 7158223Abstract: To achieve the improvement in workability of attachment or detachment of a light receiving fiber for receiving a torque optical signal from a rotor, as well as the improvement in the light receiving efficiency of optical signals, a torque measuring apparatus comprises a rotor having a hollow body portion formed between a drive-side flange portion and a load-side flange portion; light emitting elements disposed on a periphery of the rotor for emitting optical signals based on an output from a torque detection unit arranged on a hollow portion of the hollow body portion; a diffusion means for diffusing the optical signals; and a light receiving fiber attached to a chassis disposed outside the rotor for receiving the optical signals via the diffusion portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tooru Arai
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Patent number: 7129689Abstract: A true RMS conversion circuit. A test apparatus includes a transmitter source including AC and DC supplies. The transmitter source can connect to a transmitter. The test apparatus includes an optical receiver to receive optical signals from a transmitter coupled to the transmitter source. The optical receiver includes an amplifier with a differential output. The test apparatus also includes a matching networks connected to a high and low outputs. Also included in the test apparatus are filters connected to the matching networks. The filters are designed to separate AC and DC signals. An RMS conversion circuit is connected to the filters such that the RMS conversion circuit receives AC signals from the filters. The RMS conversion circuit converts the AC signals to a DC function of the RMS value of the AC signals. A data acquisition system is connected to the RMS conversion circuit to receive the function of the RMS value of the AC signals.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Finisar CorporationInventor: André Lalonde
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Patent number: 7092081Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the optoelectric properties of an organic light-emitting device (OLED) comprising a platform, a goniometer, a three-axis moving device and a computer. The goniometer is disposed on one side of the platform and an OLED is disposed on the goniometer. The three-axis moving device is disposed on another side of the platform. The photo-detector is disposed on the three-axis moving device with the photo-detector toward the OLED on the goniometer. The goniometer, the three-axis moving device and the photo-detector are connected to the computer.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: RiTdisplay CorporationInventors: Yen-Lin Wang, Ju-Chung Chen, Shu-Shin Lin
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Patent number: 7084964Abstract: An optical power measuring apparatus for successively measuring optical power in a time series and displaying a time axis change of the measurement values as a measurement screen fixedly displays the latest measurement value of optical power on the measurement screen, and improves a working factor of an optical axis adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Yokogawa Electric CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Kubota
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Patent number: 7068362Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for a beam transmissometer. In an embodiment, the beam transmissometer includes a LED signal source, collimating apparatus, a retroreflector that directs the projected beam, imaging apparatus that directs the beam onto a detector that converts the projected beam into an electrical signal, and signal processing circuitry that enhances the reception of the optical beam. The LED signal source is modulated in a pulsed fashion so that the effects of beam reflection are ameliorated. Signal processing circuitry amplifies, filters, and synchronizes to the electrical signal. A calculating unit uses the processed signal to determine a beam attenuation coefficient, which is indicative of the visibility of a medium in which the transmissometer is immersed. A method is also provided for aligning optics of a beam transmissometer. The method determines an offset and a rotation of a retroreflector housing that causes an optical beam to be centered.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: The Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: Thomas M. Murdock, Kirk S. Decker, James T. Velky, Karen D. Rennich
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Patent number: 7068361Abstract: Apparatus (10), systems and methods are disclosed for treating a biological fluid with light. A container (206) of biological fluid is introduced into a fluid treatment chamber (40) where it is contacted with light provided by one or more light sources (60, 70) in proximity to the fluid treatment chamber (40). A light sensing system (650) senses the intensity of illumination of the light. A radiometer (460) may be inserted into fluid treatment chamber (40) to calibrate the light sensing system (650). An electronic control system (600) utilizes an interface circuit board (606) to interface a computer circuit board (602) to a display panel (37), a user interface panel (39, 39a), a relay circuit board (640), light sensors 404 and various other sensors (649). A detector (385) senses agitating movement of a tray (90) that contains biological fluids.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignees: Baxter International, Cerus CorporationInventors: George D. Cimino, Peter Stark
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Patent number: 7049578Abstract: Two different phase components obtained by splitting interference light of light from an object by a diffraction grating are guided to first and second PD's by a second optical system. A first signal is outputted from a first signal processing circuit section that receives light reception signal from first PD, and a second signal is outputted from a second signal processing circuit section that receives a light reception signal from the second PD. A third signal of an interference light signal whose noise component is removed is outputted by a third signal processing circuit section using the first signal and the second signal. Then, the frequency of the third signal is detected, and the movement velocity of the object is detected by a movement velocity detection section on the basis of the frequency.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideo Wada, Nobuhisa Watanabe, Takayuki Taminaga
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Patent number: 7034982Abstract: A plastically deformable element of a microelectromechanical device is strained so as to improve the lifetime of the microelectromechanical device. The element of the device can be strained by deforming the element into a deformed state and holding the element at the deformed state for a particular time period so as to acquire an amount of plastic deformation. The operation states of the device are calibrated according to the states before straining and the acquired plastic deformation. After then, the device is operated in the calibrated states.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Reflectivity, IncInventor: Jonathan Doan
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Patent number: 7035534Abstract: A lightmeter-remote is usable in a system with a remotely settable camera and a plurality of remotely settable photolamps. The lightmeter-remote has a body, and a lightmeter, exposure controller, and transmitter disposed in the body. The exposure controller can be selectively actuated to set aperture, exposure time, and gain parameters of the camera and to set output parameters of each of the photolamps. The transmitter operatively and wirelessly connects the camera and photolamps with the exposure controller. The lightmeter-remote can have a plurality of lighting models, each providing user instructions defining a lighting setup and requiring one or more light measurements.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Willy C. Shih, Stephen A. Noble, Kenneth A. Parulski
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Patent number: 7027139Abstract: A photosensor apparatus includes a light receiving element that receives reflection light of light which is illuminated onto a reference pattern image formed on a moving member, a first illuminating unit that enters regular reflection light to the light receiving element, a second illuminating unit that enters diffuse reflection light to the light receiving element, and a light receiving optical system that conducts the regular reflection light and the diffuse reflection light to the light receiving element. Preferably, the light receiving optical system includes a lens, constitutes an image forming optical system that forms the reference pattern image on a light receiving plane of the light receiving element with respect to the diffuse reflection light, and enters to the light receiving plane of the light receiving element only a part of regular reflection light, which is reflected from substantially the same region where the diffuse reflection light is received.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Ogihara, Kunio Yamada
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Patent number: 7006942Abstract: Pluralities of sensor blocks are provided to one system. A photoelectric sensor management system is connected selectively to a communication unit of one sensor block via a cable. A photoelectric sensor management program in the photoelectric sensor management system displays a set window and a monitor window on a screen. The set window is displayed to set the information such as set values of amplifiers included in a plurality of sensor blocks. The monitor window is displayed to monitor the information such as current set values, current values, etc. of respective amplifiers included in the sensor block that is connected currently.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2002Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Keyence CorporationInventor: Koji Fukumura
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Patent number: 6992757Abstract: A level transmitter can generate a level measurement signal according to the position of a float that follows fluid level in a tank. The transmitter can comprise an optical encoder with a patterned disk that is linked to the float so that fluid level change produces disk rotation. An array of optical sensors positioned on one side of the disk can read reflective and absorptive patches attached to the disk's surface to identify disk position and disk rotation. One or more of the sensors can collect a signal from a reference area of the disk. Circuitry can compare the signals output by each data sensor to the reference signal to enhance binary classification of each acquired data signal. The transmitter can operate in multiple encoding modes, each of which can provide a level of redundancy.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Varec, Inc.Inventors: Dirk Holcomb, Steven Jackson
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Patent number: 6985073Abstract: The invention provides traffic safety apparatus including light-to-frequency converters for monitoring the status of traffic signals and tail lights of same lane close proximity preceding vehicles and when dangerous or potentially dangerous conditions are detected, visually and/or audibly providing an alert signal to the driver. The monitored information can be real-time recorded in the drivers vehicle and if desired, transmitted by wireless to off-vehicle receivers. Recording the information in the vehicle establishes an operational history that can be important for such uses as accident reconstruction, whereas information transmitted by wireless can be recorded by entities such as law enforcement, thereby adding an additional measure of traffic safety as well as providing documentation of driving infractions.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Inventor: Duc Doan
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Patent number: 6975390Abstract: A motor vehicle optoelectronic monitoring device includes a sensor, imaging systems, a shutter, and a controller. Each sensor element outputs a sensor element signal based on the intensity of a light signal received by the sensor element. Each imaging system is associated with a sensor region and illuminates an object to monitor the object. Two sensor regions associated with two respective imaging systems partially overlap one another. Each imaging system illuminates the sensor elements of the associated sensor region with a light signal indicative of the object being monitored. The controller controls the shutter unit to selectively enable and disable illumination of the sensor by the imaging systems. The controller processes the sensor element electric signals output by the sensor elements in response to illumination by an imaging system to determine conditions of the object being monitored by the imaging system.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Anton Mindl, Frank Bläsing, Thomas Weber
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Patent number: 6950181Abstract: A wafer presence optical sensor system comprises a transfer chamber adapted to receive a wafer, an optical sensor comprising means emitting a sensing beam and means receiving a beam reflected from the wafer to ascertain wafer presence in the chamber, and means to reflect away the sensing beam when reaching a chamber bottom. The reflecting means includes an oblique area made in an inner surface of the chamber bottom or, alternatively, a body with an oblique area placed on the inner surface. Reflecting away the sensing beam when no wafer is present in the transfer chamber prevents the receiving means from receiving the beam reflected from the chamber bottom and thus thwarts the misinterpretation of wafer presence.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ho-Jen Chen, Ton-Lee Lee, Ko-Chin Chung, Fan-Lin Lu
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Patent number: 6947127Abstract: An arrangement for the optical detection of light radiation which is excited and/or backscattered in a specimen in a microscope, wherein the specimen illumination is focused in and/or in the vicinity of pupil plane of the beam path between the specimen plane and detection plane and apparatus is provided in this plane for spatially separating the illumination light from the detection light, wherein fluorescent light and/or luminescent light and/or phosphorescent light and/or diffusely scattered illumination light coming from the specimen is detected, and the apparatus for spatial separation comprises at least a reflecting first portion and at least a transmitting second portion, wherein the reflecting portion serves to couple in the illumination light and the transmitting portion serves to pass the detection light in the detection direction or the transmitting portion serves to couple in the illumination light and the reflecting portion serves to couple out the detection light.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2002Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Carl Zeiss Jena GmbHInventors: Ralf Wolleschensky, Michael Kempe
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Patent number: 6947131Abstract: A blood leak detector is disclosed having a light source projecting a beam along an optical path, wherein the beam has a wavelength in a range of about 800 nm to 930 nm; a light detector receiving the beam; a housing with a slot to receive a transparent tube between the light source and light detector and aligned with the optical path.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: CHF Solutions, Inc.Inventors: John J. O'Mahony, Edwin B. Merrick, Sonny Behan
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Patent number: 6940590Abstract: An optical sensor device for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte, contains a waveguide disposed over a light source and a light detector mounted on a surface of a substrate and separated by an internal baffle, wherein the waveguide has a thickness corresponding to a far field emission point of the light source as determined by a light shielding baffle between the light source and light detector. An analyte indicator matrix is disposed on the outer surface of the waveguide. The sensor device geometry takes advantage of only direct illumination of the indicator matrix, and direct collection of indicator matrix illumination, without any significant reflection by said waveguide. Undesirable light noise generated by the light source passes directly out of the device through the waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Sensors for Medicine and Science, Inc.Inventors: Arthur E. Colvin, Jr., Steven J. Walters
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Patent number: 6900887Abstract: A method and system for measuring stray light for use in an exposure apparatus uses an image sensor to be disposed at a wafer level in the exposure apparatus. The stray light is measured by preparing a reference pattern and a measuring pattern on a reticle. The reference pattern includes a light shielding region having first open regions for transmitting light to a center of an active region of the image sensor. The measuring pattern includes a light shielding region having second open regions for transmitting light to a periphery of the active region. A first intensity of light reaching the active region after being filtered by the reference pattern and a second intensity of light reaching the image sensor after being filtered by the measuring pattern are measured. The intensity of the stray light is evaluated by a difference between the first and second light intensities.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ho-chul Kim
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Patent number: 6900886Abstract: A photometric apparatus includes an exposure value calculator for calculating an exposure value based on light data from a photo sensor and an inputted photosensitivity; an exposure value difference calculator for calculating a difference between a calculated exposure value and a reference exposure value; a gamma characteristic provider, which provides a gamma characteristic concerning a relationship between the exposure value difference and a gradation value of digital data; a gradation calculator for calculating, based on the exposure value difference and the gamma characteristic, a gradation value of digital data in connection with an object having the calculated exposure value when the object is photographed at the reference exposure value; and an indicator for indicating the calculated gradation value of digital data in connection with the object.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshio Yuasa
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Patent number: 6885443Abstract: A drive device for a light emitting component includes a reference source for generating a power stipulation signal that stipulates a desired power. A correction device compensates for a temperature-dictated measurement error of the photodetector by modifying, in a temperature-dependent manner, the power stipulation signal generated by the reference source. A regulating device is connected to the reference source and generates a regulating signal that regulates the light power of the light emitting component to minimize the deviation between the actual light power and the desired light power. This configuration avoids monitor tracking errors of a monitor diode used to measure the actual light power.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Karl Schrödinger
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Patent number: 6849842Abstract: A pyranometer for measuring solar irradiance at a selected site comprises a light detector adapted to produce an output signal in response to incident solar radiation, a reversible motor having a curved shadowband attached to its output shaft, means for mounting the light detector and motor so that the shadowband is at a fixed distance from the light detector; and a motor controller that is adapted to periodically cause the motor to rotate the shadowband from one to the other of two limit positions, with the shadowband acting to momentarily shadow the light detector during its movement between its two limit positions. A datalogger stores and processes the light detector's signal output to provide a measure of total horizontal, direct normal and horizontal diffuse solar irradiance.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: RWE Schott Solar, Inc.Inventor: Ruel D. Little
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Patent number: 6806950Abstract: An apparatus for determining the light power level of a light beam (7), having a beam splitter (1) and a detector (11) associated with the beam splitter (1), is disclosed. The apparatus is characterized in that the beam splitter (1) splits measuring light (23) out of the light beam and conveys it to the detector (11), and that the ratio between the light power level of the light beam (7) and the light power level of the measuring light (23) measured at the detector (11) is constant over time.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Leica Microsystems Heidelberg GmbHInventors: Heinrich Ulrich, Holger Birk, William C. Hay, Holger Nissle
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Publication number: 20040189986Abstract: A wafer presence optical sensor system comprises a transfer chamber adapted to receive a wafer, an optical sensor comprising means emitting a sensing beam and means receiving a beam reflected from the wafer to ascertain wafer presence in the chamber, and means to reflect away the sensing beam when reaching a chamber bottom. The reflecting means includes an oblique area made in an inner surface of the chamber bottom or, alternatively, a body with an oblique area placed on the inner surface. Reflecting away the sensing beam when no wafer is present in the transfer chamber prevents the receiving means from receiving the beam reflected from the chamber bottom and thus thwarts the misinterpretation of wafer presence.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ho-Jen Chen, Ton-Lee Lee, Ko-Chin Chung, Fan-Lin Lu
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Publication number: 20040189980Abstract: In a distance measurement and photometry sensor device in which sensors are arranged on the same plane to be formed in the form of a semiconductor chip, a photometry sensor is arranged such that its sensor center is deviated by a predetermined distance in a direction perpendicular to a base length direction in which sensor centers of a pair of first and second line sensors are connected with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventor: Hidenori Taniguchi
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Publication number: 20040189985Abstract: This unit is a self contained light measuring and recording apparatus. It measures the intensity of sunlight over a specified period of time. The meter may be placed in any area of any choosing. The light meter will record the different intensity of light for that location. The recorded data is separated and stored into its respective readings. Readings are then output to the LCD viewing screen. The data is out put to the LCD in a percentage format indicating full-sun, partial sun and shade.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventor: michael jules lavergne
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Publication number: 20040160598Abstract: In the measuring method for determining the effective light intensity of a pulsed LED light source, considering the physiology of the human eye, a light-sensitive detector measures a multiple pulse light signal emitted by the LED light source. Subsequently, the measured multiple pulse light signal is subjected to integration. The integration is effected on the basis of the form factor method.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2004Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventor: Dirk Tedeschi