Including Multicolor Filters Patents (Class 356/419)
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Patent number: 9383258Abstract: A spectrometer comprises a plurality of isolated optical channels comprising a plurality of isolated optical paths. The isolated optical paths decrease cross-talk among the optical paths and allow the spectrometer to have a decreased length with increased resolution. In many embodiments, the isolated optical paths comprise isolated parallel optical paths that allow the length of the device to be decreased substantially. In many embodiments, each isolated optical path extends from a filter of a filter array, through a lens of a lens array, through a channel of a support array, to a region of a sensor array. Each region of the sensor array comprises a plurality of sensor elements in which a location of the sensor element corresponds to the wavelength of light received based on an angle of light received at the location, the focal length of the lens and the central wavelength of the filter.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2015Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: VERIFOOD, LTD.Inventors: Damian Goldring, Dror Sharon, Guy Brodetzki, Amit Ruf, Menahem Kaplan, Sagee Rosen, Omer Keilaf, Uri Kinrot, Kai Engelhardt, Ittai Nir
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Patent number: 9366573Abstract: A spectral camera having an objective lens, an array of lenses for producing optical copies of segments of the image, an array of filters for the different optical channels and having an interleaved spatial pattern, and a sensor array to detect the copies of the image segments is disclosed. Further, detected segment copies of spatially adjacent optical channels have different passbands and represent overlapping segments of the image, and detected segment copies of the same passband on spatially non-adjacent optical channels represent adjacent segments of the image which fit together. Having segments of the image copied can help enable better optical quality for a given cost. Having an interleaved pattern of the filter bands with overlapping segments enables each point of the image to be sensed at different bands to obtain the spectral output for many bands simultaneously to provide better temporal resolution.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: IMEC LeuvenInventors: Bert Geelen, Andy Lambrechts, Klaas Tack
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Patent number: 9354117Abstract: A spectrometer comprises a plurality of isolated optical channels comprising a plurality of isolated optical paths. The isolated optical paths decrease cross-talk among the optical paths and allow the spectrometer to have a decreased length with increased resolution. In many embodiments, the isolated optical paths comprise isolated parallel optical paths that allow the length of the device to be decreased substantially. In many embodiments, each isolated optical path extends from a filter of a filter array, through a lens of a lens array, through a channel of a support array, to a region of a sensor array. Each region of the sensor array comprises a plurality of sensor elements in which a location of the sensor element corresponds to the wavelength of light received based on an angle of light received at the location, the focal length of the lens and the central wavelength of the filter.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2015Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: CONSUMER PHYSICS, INC.Inventors: Damian Goldring, Dror Sharon, Guy Brodetzki, Amit Ruf, Menahem Kaplan, Sagee Rosen, Omer Keilaf, Uri Kinrot, Kai Engelhardt, Ittai Nir
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Patent number: 9347829Abstract: An on-chip integrated nanobeam cavity array spectrometer (INAS) having an array of waveguide-coupled nanobeam cavities. Waveguide splitters are used to bring the signal from the input waveguide into each cavity. The spectrum of unknown input signal is obtained by collecting signal from each nanobeam cavity in the array.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2011Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard CollegeInventors: Marko Loncar, Qimin Quan, Parag B. Deotare
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Patent number: 9336570Abstract: A computer-implemented demosaicking system and method that can receive an image (or many images that represent individual frames of a video) at a demosaicking processor from a multi-spectral band camera. The image can include four or more band images that each correspond to an unique spectral band obtained by the multi-spectral band camera. A clustering module can perform spectral clustering of the four or more band images to identify multiple clusters. For each of the plurality of clusters, a weights module can determine a cluster weight by computing correlations between each of the unique spectral bands in each cluster. A super-resolution module can perform super-resolution for each of the unique spectral bands by utilizing the cluster weights from the weights module. The super-resolution module can iteratively apply the super-resolution for each of the unique spectral bands and a value for each unique spectral band can be updated after each iteration.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Andrey V. Kanaev
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Patent number: 9307169Abstract: A multiband camera comprises: a band-pass filter having four or more optical filters; a microlens array having arrayed microlenses; a photoelectric conversion element including a plurality of pixels; and a measurement unit for measuring spectral intensity. The multiband camera satisfies the expression below, where Pl is a pitch between the microlenses, Ps is a pitch between the pixels, n is a number of pixels corresponding to one microlens, u is an effective dimension in a prescribed direction of the pixels, t is a dimension in the prescribed direction of a real image that the band-pass filter forms on a plurality of two-dimensionally arrayed pixels, Na is a number of microlenses arrayed in the prescribed direction, L is a distance from an exit pupil to the microlens, and f is a focal length of the microlens.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Kenichi Kodama
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Patent number: 9291504Abstract: A spectrometer comprises a plurality of isolated optical channels comprising a plurality of isolated optical paths. The isolated optical paths decrease cross-talk among the optical paths and allow the spectrometer to have a decreased length with increased resolution. In many embodiments, the isolated optical paths comprise isolated parallel optical paths that allow the length of the device to be decreased substantially. In many embodiments, each isolated optical path extends from a filter of a filter array, through a lens of a lens array, through a channel of a support array, to a region of a sensor array. Each region of the sensor array comprises a plurality of sensor elements in which a location of the sensor element corresponds to the wavelength of light received based on an angle of light received at the location, the focal length of the lens and the central wavelength of the filter.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: VERIFOOD, LTD.Inventors: Damian Goldring, Dror Sharon, Guy Brodetzki, Amit Ruf, Menahem Kaplan, Sagee Rosen, Omer Keilaf, Uri Kinrot, Kai Engelhardt, Ittai Nir
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Patent number: 9261634Abstract: A variable optical filter is disclosed including a bandpass filter and a blocking filter. The bandpass filter includes a stack of alternating first and second layers, and the blocking filter includes a stack of alternating third and fourth layers. The first, second and fourth materials each comprise different materials, so that a refractive index of the first material is smaller than a refractive index of the second material, which is smaller than a refractive index of the fourth material; while an absorption coefficient of the second material is smaller than an absorption coefficient of the fourth material. The materials can be selected to ensure high index contrast in the blocking filter and low optical losses in the bandpass filter. The first to fourth layers can be deposited directly on a photodetector array.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: VIAVI SOLUTIONS INC.Inventors: Karen Denise Hendrix, Charles A. Hulse, Richard A. Bradley, Jeffrey James Kuna
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Patent number: 9250131Abstract: A multi-imaging device includes a multiplexed optical system and a filter fixture. The multiplexed optical system forms multiple optical images of an object. These multiple optical images are interleaved at the sensor plane. The filter fixture is configured to allow a user to change filter assemblies. The filter assemblies can include different filter regions, which apply different filtering to the optical images.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2011Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kathrin Berkner, Keith Bennett
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Patent number: 9247241Abstract: A method for obtaining an image of tooth tissue directs incident light toward a tooth, wherein the incident light excites a fluorescent emission from the tooth tissue. Fluorescence image data is obtained from the fluorescent emission. Back-scattered reflectance image data is obtained from back-scattered light from the tooth tissue. The fluorescence and back-scattered reflectance image data are combined to form an enhanced image of the tooth tissue for caries detection.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.Inventors: Victor C. Wong, Rongguang Liang, Donna K. Rankin-Parobek
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Patent number: 9233507Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a 3D printing apparatus with a sensor device. The apparatus comprises a base platform, a support frame mounted on the base platform and a print head mounted on the support frame. The print head is aligned with a working surface on which the 3D object to be printed is placed. A sensor device is configured to determine and adjust a spatial parameter between the working surface and a print head. The sensor device is mounted on the print head and detects misalignment in the position of the working surface with the print head. The sensor device employs photo detection method for determining a desired orientation of the working surface. The printing apparatus comprises a controller unit for receiving the input from the sensor device to correct the orientation of the working surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Inventor: Charles Bibas
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Patent number: 9185358Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging optical system that obtains an optical image of a photographic subject; a plurality of image sensor elements that output image data based on the optical image of the photographic subject obtained by the imaging optical system; an electric power supply controller that controls electric power supply to the plurality of image sensor elements; and a distance metering device that includes the plurality of image sensor elements and the electric power supply controller, and measures a distance to the photographic subject based on an output of the image sensor elements, wherein the plurality of image sensor elements are aligned in line and formed on one semiconductor wafer, and the electric power supply controller performs electric power supply to the plurality of image sensor elements in accordance with operating conditions set to the imaging apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2011Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Tatsutoshi Kitajima, Shigeru Oouchida
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Patent number: 9163990Abstract: In a calibrating method for a filter color measuring device that includes at least three color channels, a calibration matrix for transforming output signals of the color channels into tristimulus color values is formed. The calibration is performed spectrally, wherein the spectral sensitivities of the color channels of the color measuring device and the spectral emission properties of typical light sources are measured and stored, and the calibration matrix is calculated from the spectral sensitivities and the spectral emission properties of the light sources and the spectral evaluation functions of the standard observer, e.g., according to CIE 1931.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: X-Rite Switzerland GmbHInventors: Thomas A. Lianza, Andrew Masia, Wang Long Zhou, Richard Federico, Beat Frick
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Patent number: 9071721Abstract: A camera system includes an array of image pixels disposed in or on a substrate and laid out in a multi-ring pattern. The array of image pixels is coupled to acquire image data of a color image in response to light incident on the array of image pixels. A color filter array (“CFA”) is positioned to color filter the light incident on the array of image pixels and includes at least two different color filter types that filter different color bands of the light. An actuator is coupled to the CFA to adjust the CFA in a sequence and a controller is coupled to the actuator to control the sequence such that each image pixel in the array of image pixels is temporarily optically subtended by each of the at least two different color filter types in the CFA while acquiring the image data associated with the color image.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Samuel R. D'Amico, Xiaoyu Miao
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Patent number: 9041930Abstract: The present invention may include an illumination source; a TDI sensor having a plurality of rows of TDI pixels, wherein each of the TDI pixels have a 1:1 aspect ratio; a multicolor filter contacted to the surface of the TDI sensor, wherein the multicolor filter has alternating sections of a first color filter, a second color filter, and at least a third color, wherein adjacent rows of TDI pixels are grouped in order to form a plurality of rows of integrated multicolor pixels; an objective having a first end positioned proximate to the specimen; a second lens configured to focus light from the image path onto the TDI sensor; and an anamorphic optics element configured to magnify an image of the one or more specimens such that the image is magnified by a factor of three along a direction orthogonal to an integrating direction of the TDI sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: KLA-Tencor CorporationInventors: Scott Young, Eliezer Rosengaus, Ashok Kulkarni
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Patent number: 9019501Abstract: Optical computing devices are disclosed. One exemplary optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source configured to optically interact with a sample and first and second integrated computational elements arranged in primary and reference channels, respectively, the first and second computational elements are configured to be either positively or negatively correlated to the characteristic of the sample. The first and second integrated computational elements produce first and second modified electromagnetic radiations, and a detector is arranged to receive the first and second modified electromagnetic radiations and generate an output signal corresponding to the characteristic of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Robert Freese, Christopher Michael Jones, David Perkins, Michael Simcock, William Soltmann
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Patent number: 8982349Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Konica Minolta Optics, Inc.Inventor: Katsutoshi Tsurutani
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Patent number: 8982350Abstract: An optical filter includes a first variable wavelength bandpass filter that extracts light of a first wavelength band and has first and second spectral bands and a second variable wavelength bandpass filter that extracts light of a second wavelength band adjacent to the first wavelength band and has third and fourth spectral bands. Part of the period during which the light of the first spectral band is extracted overlaps with the period during which the light of the third spectral band is extracted, and part of the period during which the light of the second spectral band is extracted overlaps with the period during which the light of the fourth spectral band is extracted.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Takeshi Nozawa
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Patent number: 8941046Abstract: Optical computing devices are disclosed. One exemplary optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source configured to optically interact with a sample and first and second integrated computational elements arranged in primary and reference channels, respectively. The first and second integrated computational elements produce first and second modified electromagnetic radiations, and a detector is arranged to receive the first and second modified electromagnetic radiations and generate an output signal corresponding to the characteristic of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Robert Freese, Christopher Michael Jones, David Perkins, Michael Simcock, William Soltmann
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Patent number: 8941834Abstract: The invention relates to an interference filter (100) for receiving an incident light (135) and selecting a light component of the incident light to be transmitted (115). The interference filter (100) includes a metal mirror (110), a dielectric mirror (130), and a spacer (120) placed between the metal mirror (110) and the dielectric mirror (130). The metal mirror (110) and the dielectric mirror (130) are configured to enable optical interference in the spacer (120) to select the light component of the incident light to be transmitted (115). Using one metal mirror and one dielectric mirror allows achieving a spectral response with high finesse and large rejection band while reducing the total number of layers in the filter and reducing the number of additional filters necessary for removing transmitted side bands, relative to prior art approaches.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2010Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Koninklijkle Philips N.V.Inventors: Eduard Johannes Meijer, Eugene Timmering
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Patent number: 8937720Abstract: A filter wheel and a spectrometer including the filter wheel are disclosed. The filter wheel has a first support structure on which a first plurality of filters are mounted and a second support structure on which at least one filter is provided. A radiation source generates a radiation beam, and a beam splitter splits the radiation beam into a first detection path and a second detection path. The first plurality of filters are selectively movable into the first detection path. The at least one filter on the second support structure is arranged to be disposed in the second detection path. The spectrometer includes a first radiation detector that detects radiation that passes through the selected filter in the first detection path, and a second radiation detector that detects radiation passing through the filter in the second detection path.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2013Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Koninklijkle Philips N.V.Inventor: James Torrance Russell
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Patent number: 8902413Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for measuring and managing plant growth with cell phones or similar devices are described.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventors: Morrison Ulman, James M Janky
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Patent number: 8902426Abstract: A densitometer includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and at least one sensor. The LEDs are activated one at a time in a sequential, repeatable order. Photonic energy from each LED is reflected off an entity and is incident upon the sensor(s). Circuitry samples or acquires signaling from the sensor(s) in accordance with the respective LED activations. Signaling from the densitometer can be used in controlling ink-jetting printers or other apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Javier Gonzalez Bruno, Marti Rius Rossell, Jordi Ferran Cases
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Patent number: 8873056Abstract: A spectroscopic sensor 1 comprises a plurality of interference filter units 20A, 20B, 20C, having a cavity layer 21 and first and second mirror layers 22, 23 opposing each other through the layer 21, for selectively transmitting therethrough light in a predetermined wavelength range according to an incident position thereof; a light-transmitting substrate 3, arranged on the first mirror layer 22 side, for transmitting therethrough the light incident on the units 20A, 20B, 20C; and a light detection substrate 4, arranged on the second mirror layer 23 side, for detecting the light transmitted through the units 20A, 20B, 20C. The second mirror layers 23 are separated for the respective units 20A, 20B, 20C. The cavity layer 21 is formed integrally over the units 20A, 20B, 20C, while a part of the layer 21 enters a region between the second mirror layers 23, 23 adjacent to each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventors: Katsumi Shibayama, Masaomi Takasaka
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Patent number: 8860942Abstract: A multi-spectral system characterizes point events and other rapidly-occurring events by filtering spectral bands from a point event to form spectral diagrams of the event.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: William S. Ewing, Mohammad I. Vakil
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Patent number: 8792097Abstract: Systems for applying pigment to a substrate has a spectrophotometer integral to the system and supplies light to the substrate and receives light from the substrate. One or more pigment dischargers integral to the system apply one or more pigments to the substrate. A spectrometer spectrally analyzes the one or more pigments applied to the substrate. The spectrometer includes an optical sensing circuit having plurality of optical sensors and one or more processing elements and a plurality of filter elements fixedly positioned with respect to at least a first group of the optical sensors. An optical implement is fixedly positioned with respect to the plurality of filter elements and has a plurality of outputs and at least one entrance. The spectrometer is fabricated in a unitary manner.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: 511 Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Wayne D. Jung, Russell W. Jung, Alan R. Loudermilk
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Publication number: 20140192359Abstract: A filter arrangement can transmit and/or reflect light emanating from a moving object so that the emanating light has time variation, and the time variation can include information about the object, such as its type. For example, emanating light from segments of a path can be transmitted/reflected through positions of a filter assembly, and the transmission functions of the positions can be sufficiently different that time variation occurs in the emanating light between segments. Or emanating light from a segment can be transmitted/reflected through a filter component in which simpler transmission functions are superimposed, so that time variation occurs in the emanating light in accordance with superposition of two simpler non-uniform transmission functions. Many filter arrangements could be used, e.g. the filter component could include the filter assembly, which can have one of the simpler non-uniform transmission functions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Inventors: Joerg Martini, Peter Kiesel, Malte Huck, Marshall W. Bern, Noble M. Johnson, Michael Bassler, Markus Beck
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Patent number: 8760637Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary optical sensing system including at least one light source for emitting light in a first wavelength range and light in a second wavelength. An image sensor is provided for detecting light emitted from the at least one light source. The optical sensing system also includes a first optical filter disposed in a first optical path extending between the light source and the image sensor, the first optical filter configured to pass light emitted in the first wavelength range, and to substantially block light emitted in the second wavelength range. A second optical filter is disposed in a second optical path extending between the light source and the image sensor, the second optical filter configured to pass light emitted from the at least one light source in the second wavelength range, and to substantially block light emitted in the first wavelength range.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.Inventor: Alexander N. Artsyukhovich
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Publication number: 20140151575Abstract: An optical filter array includes a substrate permeable to an electromagnetic radiation to be detected, a first DBR mirror arranged on the substrate, a second DBR minor arranged above the first DBR mirror, and a plurality of cavity sections. The cavity sections have different respective optical lengths, and are arranged so as to be spatially separated from each other between the first DBR minor and the second DBR mirror. Each of the first DBR minor, the second DBR mirror, and the plurality of cavity sections with different optical lengths form filter elements of a filter. The filter reflects in a stopband determined by the first DBR mirror and the second DBR mirror. Each filter element has at least one narrow transmission band determined by the optical length of its respective cavity section located inside the stopband. A different thicknesses of the cavity sections is provided via a nanoimprint process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: Biozoom Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hartmut Hillmer, Wolfgang Koecher, Juergen Krieg, Carl Sandhagen, Hardy Hoheisel, Winfried Willemer
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Patent number: 8743201Abstract: The present invention discloses a time-sequential multi-spectrum image acquiring device structure which uses a single camera module to achieve multi-spectrum image acquiring in a time-sequential architecture, thereby providing a simple, lightweight telemetry system and reducing the development and operation costs thereof. For example, a visible and near infrared (VNIR) imaging system reduces the use of four camera modules (each including an optical lens, filter, sensor, and image signal processing unit) to single camera module, the VNIR imaging system acquires multi-spectrum images having the same image geometric parameters for image calibration and can simplify the calibration process. The present invention is implemented by introducing a multi-spectrum filter wheel capable of rotating in high speed in the camera module and controlling the image acquiring frequency of the sensor and the synchronicity of the wheel rotating speed for multi-spectrum image acquiring.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: National Applied Research LaboratoriesInventors: Po-Hsuan Huang, Ming-Fu Chen
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Publication number: 20140132946Abstract: A multispectral staring array comprises, amongst other things, at least two sensors where each sensor is adapted to detect an image in a different predetermined spectral sensitivity; a first lens to focus capture spectral bands; a spectral filter between the lens and the sensors to subdivide the incident spectral bands; and a second lens to direct and focus the subdivided incident spectral bands on each of the sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LLCInventors: Thomas Baby Sebastian, Sarah Christine Maas Stotz, Eric Daniel Buehler, Benjamin Thomas Occhipinti
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Patent number: 8692912Abstract: This disclosure describes an apparatus and method of multi-spectral imaging to obtain and analyze information contained in the spectral distribution (reflection, absorption, or emission) of components within the image. The spectral information is captured in a series of images from differing spectral regions. This series of images are then combined into a composite image using re-colorization and image stabilization algorithms for display in real time. The process can be repeated continuously allowing spectral changes over time to be captured and analyzed. In the alternative one sequence of images can be captured for use as a still image.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Pixelteq, Inc.Inventors: David E. Fish, Jason M. Eichenholz
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Patent number: 8687068Abstract: A pattern includes a spatial configuration of color codes. Each color code is a unique configuration of colors selected from a number of basis colors. The color codes each include the same number of colors.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Nelson Liang An Chang, Suk Hwan Lim
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Patent number: 8665440Abstract: A spectral imaging system comprises a plurality of spectral units arranged in an array, each spectral unit of the plurality of spectral units comprising: a microlens having an optical axis; a spectral filter having a center wavelength and aligned with the optical axis; a fiber optic bundle, the fiber optic bundle having a curved light receiving surface and a planar light output surface, wherein the curved light receiving surface is aligned with the optical axis; and a plurality of pixel sensors configured to receive light from the planar light output surface of the fiber optic taper portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Physical Optics CorporationInventors: Iouri V. Kompaniets, Tomasz Jannson, Ranjit Pradhan
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Patent number: 8659762Abstract: An optical measuring element measures forces in at least one direction. The measuring element has a single-piece structure. There is an outside wall with notches introduced therein. Each notch defines parallel edges, and the notches define more or less elastically flexible zones in the structure and constitute the only connection between a first region and a second region of the structure. For optical distance measurements between the two regions of the structure, one or more optical fibers are each attached with one end thereof to a region of the structure such that reflective surfaces are located close to the ends. The reflective surfaces are firmly connected to another region. The optical fibers are disposed on the outside wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Sensoptic SAInventors: Axel Bertholds, Pere Llosas, Simon Henein
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Patent number: 8652409Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Valencell, Inc.Inventors: Steven Francis LeBoeuf, Jesse Berkley Tucker, Michael Edward Aumer
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Publication number: 20130342845Abstract: A method of multispectral decomposition for the removal of out-of-band effects. A band of a multispectral radiance is measured using at least one optical filter, upon scanning a plurality of original radiances. A spectral range of an integral is partitioned between a maximum cut-off wavelength of the band and a minimum cut-off wavelength of the band into a plurality of sub-ranges. A multispectral radiance vector is generated from the measured band-averaged spectral radiances. The pre-calculated multispectral decomposition transform matrix corresponding to the optical filter and the measured multispectral radiance vector are matrix-multiplied to generate a band-averaged spectral radiances image vector representing a plurality of recovered band-averaged spectral radiances. The plurality of recovered band-averaged spectral radiances is outputted, for example to a display, thereby generating a plurality of recovered radiances free of out-of-band effects and which approximate the plurality of original radiances.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Inventor: Wei Chen
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Patent number: 8603772Abstract: This invention provides a novel methods and devices for measurement of particle concentration or changes in particle concentration over a wide linear range. The invention comprises one or more radiation sources and one or more detectors contained in a housing which is interfaced to a medium containing particulate matter. The one or more radiation sources are directed into the medium, scattered or transmitted by the particulate matter, and then some portion of the radiation is detected by the one or more detectors. Methods for confining the measurement to a specific volume within the medium are described. Algorithms are provided for combining the signals generated by multiple source-detector pairs in a manner that results in a wide linear range of response to changes in particle concentration. In one embodiment the sensor provides non-invasive measurements of biomass in a bioreactor. In another embodiment an immersible probe design is described, which may be suited for one-time use.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2008Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Bug Lab LLCInventors: Martin P. Debreczeny, Jaime Romero, Ethan Petersen
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Publication number: 20130278933Abstract: An optical filter includes a first variable wavelength bandpass filter that extracts light of a first wavelength band and has first and second spectral bands and a second variable wavelength bandpass filter that extracts light of a second wavelength band adjacent to the first wavelength band and has third and fourth spectral bands. Part of the period during which the light of the first spectral band is extracted overlaps with the period during which the light of the third spectral band is extracted, and part of the period during which the light of the second spectral band is extracted overlaps with the period during which the light of the fourth spectral band is extracted.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventor: Takeshi NOZAWA
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Patent number: 8542359Abstract: A spectrum sensing method includes (a) receiving an incident radiation simultaneously through a filter array composed of multiple bandpass filters, (b) digitizing spectral responses of the filter array, and (c) generating an estimate of spectral profile of the incident radiation based on digitized spectral responses of the filter array.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: NanoLambda, Inc.Inventors: Byung Il Choi, Byounghee Lee
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Patent number: 8521312Abstract: A method includes moving a wireless device into communication range of a process control instrument in an industrial process system. The method also includes presenting to a user, at the wireless device, a graphical user interface associated with the process control instrument. The method further includes receiving from the user one or more configuration settings associated with the process control instrument. In addition, the method includes transmitting information identifying the one or more configuration settings to the process control instrument in order to reconfigure the process control instrument. The method could optionally include presenting to the user, at the wireless device, a second graphical user interface when the wireless device is used to perform a function unrelated to interacting with the process control instrument.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Mukund D. Dongare
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Patent number: 8497990Abstract: An optical filter includes a first variable wavelength bandpass filter that extracts light of a first wavelength band and has first and second spectral bands and a second variable wavelength bandpass filter that extracts light of a second wavelength band adjacent to the first wavelength band and has third and fourth spectral bands. Part of the period during which the light of the first spectral band is extracted overlaps with the period during which the light of the third spectral band is extracted, and part of the period during which the light of the second spectral band is extracted overlaps with the period during which the light of the fourth spectral band is extracted.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Takeshi Nozawa
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Patent number: 8477311Abstract: A filter wheel and a spectrometer including the filter wheel are disclosed. The filter wheel has a first support structure on which a first plurality of filters are mounted and a second support structure on which at least one filter is provided. A radiation source generates a radiation beam, and a beam splitter splits the radiation beam into a first detection path and a second detection path. The first plurality of filters are selectively movable into the first detection path. The at least one filter on the second support structure is arranged to be disposed in the second detection path. The spectrometer includes a first radiation detector that detects radiation that passes through the selected filter in the first detection path, and a second radiation detector that detects radiation passing through the filter in the second detection path.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: James T. Russell
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Patent number: 8472012Abstract: An apparatus measuring optical characteristics including position detection is disclosed. A processor is coupled to a display. A first optical sensor makes a first measurement, and a second optical sensor makes a second measurement. A source of illumination and the first optical sensor determine a minimal distance between the apparatus and an external object such that illumination emitted by the source is not received by the first optical sensor when the apparatus is less than the minimal distance from the external object. A position of the apparatus with respect to an object and an optical property of light received by the apparatus are determined. A transparent member with a thickness less than the minimal distance may provide illumination external to the apparatus and receive light from external to the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: JJL Technologies LLCInventors: Wayne D. Jung, Russell W. Jung, Alan R. Loudermilk
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Patent number: 8467060Abstract: A test apparatus comprising a self illuminated light source and second moveable element having spectrophotometrically neutral gray and color patches of predetermined hues and saturations. A digital software file provides identical spectrophotometrically neutral grayscale and color data which, when reproduced on a monitor or projection system, should match the grayscale and test colors provided by the apparatus. When the apparatus is placed in front of the monitor image or projected image, the neutral grays and color patches reproduced on the monitor image or projected image are compared against the image of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Inventor: Ferrand D. E. Corley
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Patent number: 8467040Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for a sorting flow cytometer include an objective lens having an optical axis coaxially aligned with the flow path at the focal point. A controllable energy source selectively alters an analyte according to a determination of whether the analyte is in a desired sub-population. In various embodiments, one or both of the emission from the controllable energy source and/or the emission from an illumination energy source passes through the objective lens. In some embodiments in which the emission from the controllable energy source passes through the objective lens, the objective lens may focus the emission from the controllable energy source at a different point than the focal point of a signal detected from the analyte and, in particular, at a point closer to the objective lens.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Microbix Biosystems, Inc.Inventor: Mark Luscher
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Publication number: 20130148125Abstract: A spectroscopic sensor 1 comprises a plurality of interference filter units 20A, 20B, 20C, having a cavity layer 21 and first and second mirror layers 22, 23 opposing each other through the layer 21, for selectively transmitting therethrough light in a predetermined wavelength range according to an incident position thereof; a light-transmitting substrate 3, arranged on the first mirror layer 22 side, for transmitting therethrough the light incident on the units 20A, 20B, 20C; and a light detection substrate 4, arranged on the second mirror layer 23 side, for detecting the light transmitted through the units 20A, 20B, 20C. The second mirror layers 23 are separated for the respective units 20A, 20B, 20C. The cavity layer 21 is formed integrally over the units 20A, 20B, 20C, while a part of the layer 21 enters a region between the second mirror layers 23, 23 adjacent to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.Inventors: Katsumi Shibayama, Masaomi Takasaka
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Patent number: 8456633Abstract: Spectrometric apparatus that include an array of detector elements and exhibits a number of capabilities is disclosed. The elements can be responsive to incident radiation to produce an output signal that includes information from the incident radiation. A spectrally selective element can be located in an optical path between the radiation source and the array, with an analysis module responsive to the output signal operative to analyze spatial distribution of spectral information received by the array. The apparatus can also correct for differences in intensity and spectral variability for spectral image signals and/or compare the spectral image signals with a pattern in spatial-spectral coordinate space. Detector elements can be responsive to scattering, and spatial information in their output can be analyzed.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Malvern Instruments IncorporatedInventors: E. Neil Lewis, Kenneth S. Haber
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Patent number: 8416414Abstract: A system (10) for multispectral imaging includes a first optical filter (24, 20) having at least two passbands disposed in different spatial positions on the first optical filter, a second optical filter (20, 24) having another at least two passbands, and processor (32) adapted to identify an intensity of light in the at least two passband of the second optical filter.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Inventor: George Themelis
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Publication number: 20130083315Abstract: Devices, systems and methods facilitate analyzing, identifying and sorting particles in fluids, including cytometry devices and techniques. The described techniques can be used in a variety of applications such as in chemical or biological testing and diagnostic measurements. One exemplary flow cytometry device includes a channel that is capable of conducting a fluid containing at least one particle and also capable of allowing light be transmitted to and from the channel. The flow cytometry device also includes a lens that is positioned between the channel and a color filter. The lens directs at least a portion of light transmitted from the channel to the color filter. The color filter includes a plurality of zones, where each zone is adapted to allow transmission of only a particular spectral range of light. The flow cytometry device further includes a detector configured to receive the light that is transmitted through the color filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Inventors: Yu-Hwa Lo, Sung Hwan Cho, Jose Morachis, Will Alaynick, Kendall Chuang, Nam Kim