Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of characterizing a urine sample from a subject.

Abstract: Testing apparatuses and their methods of use for testing core samples with treatment fluids, such as reactive fluids, such as acidic fluids, are provided. The testing apparatuses include a top and a base housing coupled together having a sample recess, a viewing window, and a primary distribution hole. Within the sample recess a core sample assembly is secured and immobilized. The core sample assembly in the testing apparatus is viewable through the viewing window and fluidly accessible through the primary distribution hole. Optionally, a light connector coupled to the testing apparatus provides light into the core sample assembly. Methods of using the testing apparatus include providing a testing apparatus with a core sample assembly secured and immobilized within the sample recess of the testing apparatus, introducing a treatment fluid to the core sample, and detecting the interaction within the testing apparatus of the core sample with the treatment fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the efficient use of application agents in the cultivation of crop plants. Based on application-agent-specific information and information on a partial-area-specific requirement of a field for the application agent, a partial-area-specific and application-agent-specific application map is prepared that indicates for individual partial areas of the field whether and how the application agent is to be used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light sensor with dark current elimination. A dark current from a covered photodiode and a sensed current from a photodiode are respectively transformed to a dark voltage and a sensed voltage by a controlled integration circuit. A reverse capacitor receives the dark voltage and the sensed voltage to cancel out for each other, and outputs a corrected sensing voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a cognitive system using an autonomous vehicle includes a plurality of sensors configured to obtain the weather forecast for a pollution detectable area; a cognitive input to determine the pollution detectable area having highest sensitivity of pollution; a light detecting and ranging system configured to spatially probe pollution levels distributed in the pollution detectable area; an evaluation system to evaluate the probed pollution levels in the pollution detectable area; and a recommendation system for recommending an action to be taken based on evaluation system results of the probed pollution levels in the pollution detectable area, wherein the pollution levels are detected based light emitted by the light detecting and ranging system.

Abstract: An approach to noninvasively and remotely detect the presence, location, and/or quantity of a target substance in a scene via a spectral imaging system comprising a spectral filter array and image capture array. For a chosen target substance, a spectral filter array is provided that is sensitive to selected wavelengths characterizing the electromagnetic spectrum of the target substance. Elements of the image capture array are optically aligned with elements of the spectral filter array to simultaneously capture spectrally filtered images. These filtered images identify the spectrum of the target substance. Program instructions analyze the acquired images to compute information about the target substance throughout the scene. A color-coded output image may be displayed on a smartphone or computing device to indicate spatial and quantitative information about the detected target substance.

Abstract: A method and device for detection of bone in meat identifies fragments larger than about 1 mm using spectral optical imaging and ultrasound. Spectral imaging can detect foreign material proximate to the surface and ultrasound can detect material within the sample. The sample is irradiated by light and reflected light or Raman scattered light measured. The sample is similarly irradiated by ultrasound and reflected or transmitted sound waves give a set of amplitude data points, which include temporal delay. These data points are then processed by statistical methods to derive a set of vectors in n-dimensional space, which are compared to a calibrated data set of derived vectors which have distinct identifying loci for each type of surface, are indicative of the presence or absence of defects.

Abstract: A passive infra-red guidance system and method for augmenting operation of a vehicle on a roadway includes at least one forward-looking infra-red imaging sensor mounted on the vehicle in operative communication with an image processor tied into the vehicle's operational system. The system identifies the presence of one or more melting agents arranged on the roadway using thermal imaging to detect a thermal contrast between the portion(s) of the roadway surface treated with the one or more melting agents and the untreated portion(s) of the roadway surface, and then determines the centerline of the travel lane in which the vehicle is travelling based on the identified melting agent(s). The system then compares the determined centerline of the travel lane with the actual position of the vehicle and identifies any adjustment needed for the vehicle's position based on the comparison.

Abstract: A spectroscopic inspection method is a spectroscopic inspection method of performing an inspection using a spectral image, including an imaging step of executing imaging processing of imaging an object within an imaging range of a spectral camera using the spectral camera and acquiring the spectral image, an inspection step of executing inspection processing of executing imaging processing on the spectral image and outputting a result of the image processing as an inspection result, a signal transmission step of executing transmission processing of transmitting a signal for operation of the object based on the inspection result, and a setting step of setting a work procedure of the imaging processing, the inspection processing, and the signal transmission processing, wherein the setting step sets the work procedure to execute the inspection step after the imaging step ends and execute the signal transmission step after the imaging step ends and before the inspection step ends.

Abstract: An approach to noninvasively and remotely detect the presence, location, and/or quantity of a target substance in a scene via a spectral imaging system comprising a spectral filter array and image capture array. For a chosen target substance, a spectral filter array is provided that is sensitive to selected wavelengths characterizing the electromagnetic spectrum of the target substance. Elements of the image capture array are optically aligned with elements of the spectral filter array to simultaneously capture spectrally filtered images. These filtered images identify the spectrum of the target substance. Program instructions analyze the acquired images to compute information about the target substance throughout the scene. A color-coded output image may be displayed on a smartphone or computing device to indicate spatial and quantitative information about the detected target substance.

Abstract: A spectral reflectometer includes a first substrate, a first light emitting element and a second light emitting element in which a height of a first light emitting portion which is the height from the first substrate to a first light emitting portion of the first light emitting element, which is installed on the first substrate and a height of a second light emitting portion which is the height from the first substrate to a second light emitting portion of the second light emitting element are different, and a light receiver that receives light, in which the second light emitting element having a high height of the second light emitting portion is installed at a position close to an optical axis of the light received by the light receiver from the first light emitting element having a low height of the first light emitting portion.

Abstract: An approach to noninvasively and remotely detect the presence, location, and/or quantity of a target substance in a scene via a spectral imaging system comprising a spectral filter array and image capture array. For a chosen target substance, a spectral filter array is provided that is sensitive to selected wavelengths characterizing the electromagnetic spectrum of the target substance. Elements of the image capture array are optically aligned with elements of the spectral filter array to simultaneously capture spectrally filtered images. These filtered images identify the spectrum of the target substance. Program instructions analyze the acquired images to compute information about the target substance throughout the scene. A color-coded output image may be displayed on a smartphone or computing device to indicate spatial and quantitative information about the detected target substance.

Abstract: A waveguide having a gradient-index (GRIN) waveguide lateral coupler is provided. In an example embodiment, the waveguide comprises an active region. The refractive index profile of the active region is non-constant.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of characterizing a urine sample from a subject.

Abstract: Two or more Integrated Computational Element (“ICE”) structures are designed and utilized in an optical computing device to combinatorily reconstruct spectral patterns of a sample. To design the ICE structures, principal component analysis (“PCA”) loading vectors are derived from training spectra. Thereafter, two or more ICE structures having spectral patterns that match the PCA loading vectors are selected. The selected ICE structures may then be fabricated and integrated into an optical computing device. During operation, the ICE structures are used to reconstruct high resolution spectral data of the samples which is utilized to determine a variety of sample characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for sensing an analyte.

Abstract: An approach to noninvasively and remotely detect the presence, location, and/or quantity of a target substance in a scene via a spectral imaging system comprising a spectral filter array and image capture array. For a chosen target substance, a spectral filter array is provided that is sensitive to selected wavelengths characterizing the electromagnetic spectrum of the target substance. Elements of the image capture array are optically aligned with elements of the spectral filter array to simultaneously capture spectrally filtered images. These filtered images identify the spectrum of the target substance. Program instructions analyze the acquired images to compute information about the target substance throughout the scene. A color-coded output image may be displayed on a smartphone or computing device to indicate spatial and quantitative information about the detected target substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a color sensor having at least one photosensitive element, in front of which a layer stack of dielectric layers and structured metal layers is constructed, and at least one color filter, through which optical radiation incident on a light input side of the color sensor is filtered before it reaches a photosensitive surface of the photosensitive element. In the suggested color sensor, an array of angle-selective passageways is provided for the optical radiation between the light input side and the photosensitive surface, and each passageway only allows parts of the optical radiation incident on the light input side of the color sensor within a limited angle of incidence range relative to an axis extending perpendicularly to the colour filter to pass through to the photosensitive surface. When the color sensor is manufactured with semiconductor technology, it enables the angle-selective structures to be integrated in the CMOS layer stack.

Abstract: A mirror plate (100) for a Fabry-Perot interferometer (300) includes a substrate (50), which includes silicon (Si), a semi-transparent reflective coating (110) implemented on the substrate (50), a de-coupling structure (DC1) formed on the substrate (50), a first sensor electrode (G1a) formed on top of the de-coupling structure (DC1), and a second sensor electrode (G1b), wherein the de-coupling structure (DC1) includes an electrically insulating layer (60a), and a first stabilizing electrode (G0a), which is located between the first sensor electrode (G1a) and the substrate (50).

Abstract: An optical measurement device includes a light source, first and second beam splitters, and first and second photodetectors. The light source that generates an emitted light beam. The first beam splitter that divides the emitted light beam into a compensation light beam and a measurement light beam. The first beam splitter directs the measurement light beam to a target. The second beam splitter that redirects the compensation light beam from the first beam splitter. A part of wavelength dependent characteristics of the first beam splitter and the second beam splitter are the same. The first photodetector that detects the compensation light beam redirected from the second beam splitter. The second photodetector that detects the measurement light beam reflected by the target and redirected by the first beam splitter. Another optical measurement device and an optical measurement method are also provided.

Abstract: A hand-held laser based biosensor including modular components, combining absorption spectrophotometry and molecular fluorescence spectrophotometry, and including a sample cell module having an improved absorption path length.

Abstract: An optical sensor includes an array of pixels configured to convert photons into electrons for forming an image or to measure spectral content without forming an image. A filter assembly is operatively associated with the array of pixels for passing predetermined bandwidths of photons to the array of pixels. A mask is operatively associated with the array of pixels and the filter assembly. The mask includes a plurality of apertures each for limiting photons passing through the filter assembly to a respective pixel in the array of pixels.

Abstract: A detector arrangement is disclosed for a blood culture bottle incorporating a colorimetric sensor which is subject to change of color due to change in pH or CO2 of a sample medium within the blood culture bottle. The detector arrangement includes a sensor LED illuminating the colorimetric sensor, a reference LED illuminating the colorimetric sensor, a control circuit for selectively and alternately activating the sensor LED and the reference LED, and a photodetector. The photodetector measures reflectance from the colorimetric sensor during the selective and alternating illumination of the colorimetric sensor with the sensor LED and the reference LED and generates intensity signals. The reference LED is selected to have a peak wavelength of illumination such that the intensity signals of the photodetector from illumination by the reference LED are not substantially affected by changes in the color of the colorimetric sensor.

Abstract: A camera that has an optical unit includes: a base plate; a plurality of openings which is provided on the base plate and each of which has a substantially rectangular opening shape having long sides and short sides; and a plurality of optical components each of which covers any of the plurality of openings. The plurality of openings is disposed to be cyclically placed in one optical path through rotation of the base plate, and is disposed such that a part of a long side of each opening thereof faces a part of a short side of another opening thereof adjacent thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fiber optic measuring apparatus and a related method which includes a number of sensors which are integrated in a cable and detect a mechanical load, a temperature and/or corrosive gases, characterized in that the sensors are supplied with light from a source and the sensors form a fiber optic network.

Abstract: A system for measuring flatness and base edge bevel of skis or snowboards includes a true bar calibrated for straightness having a sharp micro-edge for contacting the ski or snowboard, a light source arranged on one side of the true bar providing a line of light between the true bar and the base of the ski or board, a tool carrier for stabilizing and raising or lowering the true bar, an edge bevel gauge arranged on the base of the ski or board under the true bar for measuring the angle of the base edge bevel, and a mechanism for observing the line of light from the side of the true bar opposite the light source. The system provides reliable means for measuring and interpreting the surface dimensions and other physical properties of skis and boards and the causes and effects of changes to the running surfaces.

Abstract: To make miniaturization of a laser module easier. In the laser block of a laser module, multiple semiconductor laser elements that each emit a beam of laser light are disposed. A collimating lens receives and collimates the individual beams of laser light emitted from the laser block, and emits collimated light. Photodiodes detect the individual beams of collimated light emitted from the collimating lens, and output signals corresponding to the intensities of the individual beams of collimated light. Additionally, the photodiodes are disposed on the propagation paths of collimated light emitted from the collimating lens, and in addition, are disposed at positions that receive a portion of collimated light for all the individual beams of collimated light which are emitted.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting analytes using a conformal filter. A conformal filter, which may comprise a tunable filter, is configured to filter interacted photons conforming to a spectral shape correlated with an analyte of interest. Conformal filter configurations may be selected by consulting a modified look-up table associated with an analyte. An iterative methodology may be used to calibrate a conformal design for an analyte of interest, refine a previous conformal filter design for an analyte of interest, and/or generate a new conformal filter design for an analyte of interest.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an optical signal of a spectrometer using sparse nature of a signal spectrum is provided including an optical filter array configured to filter an incident light, an optical sensor array configured to convert the filtered light into charges and a digital signal processing unit configured to perform a digital signal processing on an output from the optical sensor array on the basis of an L1 norm minimization algorithm using sparse nature of a signal spectrum and recover spectrum information of the incident light.

Abstract: Tunable light source systems and methods with wavelength reference capability are disclosed. A method includes reference filtering a portion of a tunable light beam while the tunable center wavelength ?C is tuned over a range by adjusting a wavelength tuning parameter x. The method also includes detecting the reference-filtered tunable light beam and generating therefrom at least one detected light spectrum as a function of the tunable center wavelength ?C. The method further includes determining a reference wavelength tuning parameter xCR corresponding to a reference tunable center wavelength ?CR based on a maximum value of the at least one detected light spectrum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: In a measuring probe (40) according to the present invention, measuring light is split into a two or more through a split optical system (12), and, when each split light is received by a light-receiving sensor (13B, 13B, 15B) through an interference filter (13A, 14A, 15A) serving as a color filter, the split light is introduced into the interference filter (13A, 14A, 15A) through a collecting lens group (123C, 14C, 15C) formed as a substantially bilateral telecentric system. The interference filter (13A, 14A, 15A) is formed to obtain a transmittance characteristic corresponding to a measurement parameter, depending on a condition of an intensity distribution with respect to incidents angles of light incident on the interference filter (13A, 14A, 15A). Thus, the measuring probe (40) according to the present invention can reduce an influence of a deviation in the transmittance characteristic due to incident angles, even using the interference filter (13A, 14A, 15A).

Abstract: An optical sensor includes a light receiving element (for example a photodiode) and an angle limiting filter that limits the incidence angle of incidence light with respect to the light receiving area of the light receiving element. When a wavelength of the incidence light is denoted by ?, a height of the angle limiting filter is denoted by R, and a width of an opening of the angle limiting filter is denoted by d, “d2/?R?2” is satisfied.

Abstract: A method for multispectral imaging that includes positioning a continuously graded color filter in front of a plurality of detectors. Wavelengths of energy passed by the filter vary smoothly along the filter length and the detectors are configured in a pattern having a plurality of rows each having a plurality of detectors. Each of the plurality of rows is oriented across the length of the filter. The method also includes measuring outputs of the detectors in response to moving an image along the length of the filter and generating a spectrum response function for the image based on the outputs of two or more rows of the detectors using a time delayed integration method.

Abstract: The transmittance of a filter periodically varies with respect to the incident light frequency. Provided that fk is the sum of Fk and ?k, or the difference obtained by subtracting Fk from ?k, depending on the kth light source among multiple light sources, an incidence guide causes light from the plurality of light sources to be incident on the filter such that the propagation angle of light when light from the kth light source propagates through the interior of the filter equals ?k obtained by computation using fk. The incidence guide causes light to be incident on the filter, taking fk to be the sum of ?k and Fk for at least one of the light sources, and taking fk to be the difference between ?k and Fk for at least one other of the light sources. A detector detects the intensity of transmitted light that transmits through the filter.

Abstract: A light measurement device comprising an optical sensor that includes a tunable interference filter and a detecting section detecting light passed through the tunable filter, a storing section that stores a first correlation data and a second correlation data, and a CPU that obtains amount of the light by controlling the optical sensor based on the first correlation data and a second correlation data.

Abstract: A contactless dental device for determining tooth colors includes illuminating means for illuminating with ambient illumination light a tooth to be examined. At least one color sensor for acquisition and spectral examination of light reflected by the tooth is inventively provided, wherein filtering means are associated with the color sensor for at least partial separation of a signal component originating from the illumination light from the signal component originating from the ambient light. Evaluating means for determining the tooth color based on the signal component originating from the illumination light are disposed downstream of the filtering means.

Abstract: A holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) tunable filter exhibits switching times of no more than 20 microseconds. The HPDLC tunable filter can be utilized in a variety of applications. An HPDLC tunable filter stack can be utilized in a hyperspectral imaging system capable of spectrally multiplexing hyperspectral imaging data acquired while the hyperspectral imaging system is airborne. HPDLC tunable filter stacks can be utilized in high speed switchable optical shielding systems, for example as a coating for a visor or an aircraft canopy. These HPDLC tunable filter stacks can be fabricated using a spin coating apparatus and associated fabrication methods.

Abstract: A spectroscopic sensor that applies lights in a wavelength band containing plural wavelengths to an object and spectroscopically separates reflected lights or transmitted lights from the object using plural light band-pass filters that transmit the respective specific wavelengths and plural photosensor parts to which corresponding transmitted lights are input based on output results of independent photosensors. The spectroscopic sensor may be integrated in a semiconductor device or module by integration using a semiconductor process and downsizing may be realized.

Abstract: The leak detection device comprises a plurality of measuring cells (10) in whose interior the absorption of a laser beam (17) is influenced by the presence of tracer gas. All of said measuring cells (10) are connected to a host unit (25) via light-conducting fibers (28,34). In the host unit (25), a laser (26) designed for modulation and a photodetector (37) are arranged. Modulation of the laser radiation is preferably performed by two-tone frequency modulation. This has the effect that the fiber length cannot significantly skew the result of the measurement.

Abstract: A compact spectrometer is disclosed that is suitable for use in mobile devices such as cellular telephones. In preferred embodiments, the spectrometer comprises a filter, at least one Fourier transform focusing element, a micro-lens array, and a detector, but does not use any dispersive elements. Methods for using the spectrometer as an end-user device for performing on-site determinations of food quality, in particular, by comparison with an updatable database accessible by all users of the device, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes security screening systems and methods for identifying a suspect material in a sample. In general terms, the system and method disclosed herein provide collection optics configured to collect a first plurality of interacted photons from an illuminated sample and generating a first optical signal. The first optical signal is separated into a plurality of optical components where the plurality of optical components are filtered by a plurality of filters. Each filter of the plurality of filters is configured to filter the plurality of optical components into a passband wavelength to generate a plurality of filtered components. The plurality of filtered components are detected by one or more detectors and one or more wavelength specific spectral images are generated. A processor is configured to analyze the one or more wavelength specific spectral images in order to identify the suspect material in the sample.

Abstract: A spectroscopic sensor that applies lights in a wavelength band containing plural wavelengths to an object and spectroscopically separates reflected lights or transmitted lights from the object using plural light band-pass filters that transmit the respective specific wavelengths and plural photosensor parts to which corresponding transmitted lights are input based on output results of independent photosensors. The spectroscopic sensor may be integrated in a semiconductor device or module by integration using a semiconductor process and downsizing may be realized.

Abstract: The transmittance of a filter periodically varies with respect to the incident light frequency. Provided that fk is the sum of Fk and vk, or the difference obtained by subtracting Fk from vk, depending on the kth light source among multiple light sources, an incidence guide causes light from the plurality of light sources to be incident on the filter such that the propagation angle of light when light from the kth light source propagates through the interior of the filter equals ?k obtained by computation using fk. The incidence guide causes light to be incident on the filter, taking fk to be the sum of vk and Fk for at least one of the light sources, and taking fk to be the difference between vk and Fk for at least one other of the light sources. A detector detects the intensity of transmitted light that transmits through the filter.

Abstract: A wavelength interrogator is coupled to a circulator which couples optical energy from a broadband source to an optical fiber having a plurality of sensors, each sensor reflecting optical energy at a unique wavelength and directing the reflected optical energy to an AWG. The AWG has a detector coupled to each output, and the reflected optical energy from each grating is coupled to the skirt edge response of the AWG such that the adjacent channel responses form a complementary pair response. The complementary pair response is used to convert an AWG skirt response to a wavelength.

Abstract: A spectral radiation detector employs at least one lenslet with a circular blazed grating for diffraction of radiation at a wavelength at nth order to a focal plane A detector is mounted at the focal plane receiving radiation passing through the at least one lenslet for detection at a predetermined order. At least one order filter associated with the at least one lenslet passes radiation at wavelengths corresponding to the predetermined order. In additional embodiments a polarizing filter is associated with the lenslet for additional discrimination of the radiation.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement including a light source, a first optical element, a second optical element, a first photo detector, and a second photo detector. The light source is optically coupled to the first optical element that is optically coupled to the second optical element. The first photo detector is optically coupled to the first optical element for detecting a first component of the part of the light which is not transmitted by the second optical element, and the second photo detector is optically coupled to the second optical element for detecting a second component of the part of the light which is transmitted by the second optical element. One of the first and the second optical elements is an optical filter and the other is a sensor element, where the sensor element or the filter is tunable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spectroscopic system having a first tunable filter module, a second tunable filter module, an optical detector and a signal processing unit. The first tunable filter module includes a first tunable filter and corresponding control unit. The second tunable filter module includes a second tunable filter and corresponding control unit. The second tunable filter is configured in series with the first tunable filter, and the second tunable filter is selected so that the free spectral range of the second tunable filter matches the half-peak width of the first tunable filter. The optical detector is configured to receive wide wavelength bands of electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the first tunable filter and the second tunable filter and to generate one or more electrical signals indicative of electromagnetic radiation intensity as a function of wavelength.

Abstract: A spectrometry device includes a wavelength-tunable interference filter that is provided with a stationary reflection film, a movable reflection film and an electrostatic actuator which changes a gap dimension between the stationary reflection film and the movable reflection film; a detector that receives incident light; a filter control unit that sets the gap dimension between the stationary reflection film and the movable reflection film to be a first dimension corresponding to light having a first wavelength which is smaller than that of a measurement target wavelength region; a cutoff filter that cuts off the light having a wavelength which is smaller than that of the measurement target wavelength region; and a light quantity acquisition unit that acquires the light quantity of stray light received by the detector when the gap dimension is changed to be the first dimension.

Abstract: A detection device is described for measuring the vaporization-melt ratio, the device including a light source, a first and second optical lens group, a slit, a first and second steering mirror, a first and second primary mirror, a glass container, a colored blade, and a high-speed recording analyzer. The first primary mirror and the second primary mirror are symmetrically placed at both ends of the glass container. The first optical lens group is located between the light source and the slit. The second optical lens group is located between the colored blade and the high-speed recording analyzer. The first steering mirror is installed behind the slit, passing the light from the slit to the first primary mirror. The light reflected by the second primary mirror is passed to the colored blade from the second steering mirror located between the second primary mirror and the colored blade.