STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160037105 | PIXEL ARRAY AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A PIXEL ARRAY - A pixel array includes pixels arranged in columns. A pair of column lines is provided for each column of pixels. A current source circuit is coupled to each pair of column lines. The current source circuit provides current to the pair of column lines in a first mode of operation such that when one column line in a pair of column lines is being provided with a first current the other column line in the pair of column lines is being provided with a second current which is less than the first current. | 02-04-2016 |
20150180480 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPENSATING A FREQUENCY GENERATOR SUCH AS AN OSCILLATOR FOR FREQUENCY INACCURACIES - An input receives a generated frequency having a first frequency component and a second frequency component. A filter block includes filter coefficients describing a relationship between the second frequency component and an environmental characteristic. The filter block predicts the first frequency component based on the environmental characteristic, and updates the filter coefficients based on an offset between the predicted first frequency component and a received frequency corresponding to the first frequency component. | 06-25-2015 |
20150154093 | DEBUG CIRCUITRY - A debug circuitry includes a first interface configured to receive at least one operational transaction. The debug circuitry further includes a second interface configured to provide an output. Transaction manipulation circuitry operates to manipulate the at least one operational transaction to provide a manipulated operational transaction output passed to the second interface as the output. | 06-04-2015 |
20150154034 | CIRCUITRY FOR CONFIGURING ENTITIES - A configuration arrangement includes a first interface configured to receive configuration information from a master configuration function and a second interface configured to provide at least one output to one or more entities to be configured. Configuration circuitry operates responsive to the configuration information to provide the at least one output, wherein that output controls the configuration of the one or more entities. | 06-04-2015 |
20150083900 | PROXIMITY SENSOR INCLUDING REFERENCE DETECTOR FOR STRAY RADIATION DETECTION - A proximity sensor includes a radiation source configured to emit a primary radiation beam and a primary detector configured to pick up a reflected primary radiation beam. The radiation source is further configured to emit stray radiation. The sensor further includes a reference detector arranged to receive the stray radiation. The stray radiation may, for example, be emitted from either a side of the radiation source or a bottom of the radiation source. | 03-26-2015 |
20150041865 | PIXEL CIRCUIT - A pixel arrangement includes a photodiode, a reset transistor configured to be controlled by a reset signal and coupled to a reset input voltage, a transfer gate transistor configured to transfer charge from the photodiode to a node, wherein the transfer gate transistor is controlled by a transfer gate voltage, and a source follower transistor controlled by the voltage on the node and coupled to a source follower voltage. A capacitor is coupled between the node and an input voltage. During a read operation the input voltage is increased to boost the voltage at the node. The increased input voltage may, for example, be one the reset input voltage, said source follower voltage, said transfer gate voltage and a boosting voltage. | 02-12-2015 |
20150041625 | TIME TO DIGITAL CONVERTER AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF - A time to digital converter includes a sample module operable to sample an input signal at multiple different instances of time. A transition detection module, formed of comparison elements, processes the sampled input signal at successive time instances so as to detect transitions in the input signal in terms of time. An output module generates detected transitions in the input signal on multiple parallel outputs. | 02-12-2015 |
20140368463 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SENSOR AND IMAGE PROCESSING - A sensor for a touch screen operates to detect a touch and any associated movement thereof on the screen and determine a required control function for a device on which the touch screen is mounted. The sensor includes integrated control logic. The sensor operates to identify the existence of a feature associated with the touch and movement on the screen. The feature is processed by the logic to determine the location of the touch and any associated movement thereof on the touch screen. The feature location and any associated movement are converted by the logic into an output from which the control function can be derived by the device. | 12-18-2014 |
20140353471 | DARK CURRENT CALIBRATION FOR A PHOTOSENSITIVE DEVICE - An imaging circuit includes at least one photosensitive device that provides an output in response to at least one photon and a compensation circuit configured to provide dark current compensation for the output of said photosensitive device. The applied compensation uses temperature information and temperature dependent calibration information. | 12-04-2014 |
20140285472 | SENSOR AND INPUT DEVICE SUCH AS A TOUCH SCREEN INCLUDING SUCH A SENSOR, DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD - A sensor includes a linear array of sensitive photodetectors each forming part of an associated pixel circuit. The pixel circuits accumulate photo-generated charge from their photodetectors simultaneously but with different gains for different pixels. Each pixel circuit comprises an operational amplifier arranged to integrate a photocurrent received from the photodetector over a sampling interval that is substantially the same for all pixels. The gain of each pixel circuit is made variable over time by switching one or more capacitors in and out of the integrating circuit. In one embodiment a gain selection signal is written into each pixel circuit during a data read-out cycle. In another embodiment, the gain of each pixel varies automatically in response to data obtained from the pixel in a previous cycle. Several similar sensors are used to detect touch positions in a touch screen input device. | 09-25-2014 |
20140241402 | MULTI-PATH DETECTION - A method for detecting multi-path interference in a spread-spectrum signal. A variation of a first signal and a variation of a second signal is compared. The variation of the first signal corresponds to a correlation of the spread-spectrum signal and a spreading code having a first offset. The variation of the second signal corresponds to a correlation of the spread-spectrum signal and the spreading code having a second offset. Multi-path interference is detected in dependence on the comparison. | 08-28-2014 |
20140231633 | PROXIMITY SENSOR - A device including a photon emitter, a photon receiver, and a screen opaque to photons following a direct path from the outside of the device to the photon receiver. | 08-21-2014 |
20140231631 | APPARATUS FOR PULSE SHAPING - An array of photon sensitive devices is configured to provide outputs. Pulse shaping circuits operate to shape a respective output of the array in a normal mode of operation and shape a calibration signal in a calibration mode of operation. | 08-21-2014 |
20140231630 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMAGE SENSOR CALIBRATION - A photon sensitive device is provided with a voltage. A controller is configured to control a voltage source so as to cause at least one calibration voltage to be applied to the photon sensitive device in a calibration mode in order to determine the voltage to be provided by the voltage source in a normal mode of operation. | 08-21-2014 |
20140191115 | SPAD SENSOR CIRCUIT WITH BIASING CIRCUIT - A deep SPAD structure uses the substrate as the anode terminal of its multiplication p-n junction. A bias voltage for the SPAD (in excess of the SPAD's breakdown voltage) is coupled to the SPAD's cathode terminal. The bias voltage is generated by a charge pump circuit which is also integrated on the substrate. The charge pump circuit is configured to isolate the bias voltage on the cathode terminal. A triple well CMOS process is used to isolate the transistors of the charge pump circuit from the substrate. | 07-10-2014 |
20140140159 | SHORT ASYNCHRONOUS GLITCH - A circuit receives a parameter signal at a set or reset input, a clock signal at a clock input and a constant digital value at a data input. A synchronous signal is output from the circuit: wherein when the parameter signal is in a first state, then the output synchronous signal has the digital value; wherein when the parameter signal transitions to a second state, then the output synchronous signal transitions to an inverse of the digital value at substantially the same time; and wherein when the parameter signal transitions back to the first state, then the output synchronous signal transitions to the digital value on a next clock edge. | 05-22-2014 |
20140124653 | PIXEL CIRCUIT WITH CAPACITOR DISCHARGE INDICATIVE OF NUMBER OF EVENTS - A pixel circuit includes a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) and a measurement circuit including a capacitance. The circuit is operable to discharge a known portion of the charge on the capacitance upon each detection of a SPAD event within a time period, such that the charge remaining on the capacitance at the end of the time period corresponds to the number of SPAD events detected within the time period. A time resolved imaging apparatus includes an array of such pixel circuits. A method of counting photon detection includes sensing photons with a SPAD device and discharging a known portion of the charge on a capacitance upon each detection of a SPAD event within a time period. | 05-08-2014 |
20140124652 | PIXEL CIRCUIT WITH CONTROLLED CAPACITOR DISCHARGE TIME OF FLIGHT MEASUREMENT - A pixel circuit includes a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) and a measurement circuit including a capacitance. The SPAD detects an incident photon and the measurement circuit discharges the capacitance at a known rate during a discharge time period. The length of the discharge time period is determined by the time of detection of the photon, such that the final amount of charge on the capacitance corresponds to the time of flight of the photon. The pixel circuit may be included in a time resolved imaging apparatus. A method of measuring the time of flight of a photon includes responding to an incident photon detection by discharging a capacitance at a known rate and correlating final capacitance charge to time of flight. | 05-08-2014 |
20140110564 | OPTICAL NAVIGATION DEVICE - An optical navigation device for use with mobile telephones and the like is disclosed, which has a reduced height as compared with current designs. The navigation device comprises a laser such as a VCSEL laser, an exposed user surface and two other surfaces that provide for total internal reflection of the incident laser beam. The surfaces are constructed with shallower than normal angles, preserving the basic functionality of the device while reducing the height. | 04-24-2014 |
20140100778 | SIGNAL VERIFICATION - A first position of a satellite is calculated at a first time in dependence on received orbit data corresponding to an orbit path of the satellite. An orbit path of the satellite is modeled from the first position at the first time to a second time to determine a second position of the satellite at the second time. A third position of the satellite is then calculated at the second time in dependence on the received orbit data. The second position and third position are compared to determine a validity of the orbit data. | 04-10-2014 |
20140098617 | PACKAGE - A package includes a first die and a second die. An interface connects the first die and the second die. At least one of the first and second dies includes a memory. The interface is configured to transport both control signals and memory transactions. A multiplexing circuit multiplexes the control signals and the memory transactions onto the interface such that connections of the interface are shared by the control signals and the memory transactions. | 04-10-2014 |
20140070867 | CIRCUIT FOR COMBINING SIGNALS - Signals generated by an array of photodiodes are applied to the inputs of corresponding edge detection circuits. Each edge detection circuit generates an output that changes state in response to a detected edge of the photodiode generated signal. The edge detection circuits may be formed by toggle flip-flop circuits. The outputs of the edge detection circuits are logically combined using exclusive OR logic to generate an output. The exclusive OR logic may be formed by a cascaded tree of exclusive OR circuits. | 03-13-2014 |
20140061447 | RADIATION SENSOR - A sensor package includes a radiation source and a radiation detector provided on a substrate. A cover member is mounted on or affixed to the substrate over the source and detector. The cover member includes an opaque housing, a first transparent portion provided over the source, a second transparent portion provided over the detector and a transparent insert within the housing and positioned at one of said transparent portions. An opaque protrusion is provided on the housing separating a region associate with the first transparent portion (and radiation source) from a region associated with the second transparent portion (and detector), the protrusion attached to a surface of the substrate. | 03-06-2014 |
20140043064 | DETECTION OF BAD CLOCK CONDITIONS - There is provided a circuit and method for detecting a bad clock condition on a clock signal that includes sampling the value of the clock signal at a first plurality of time delays following a rising edge on the clock signal. This method also includes sampling the value of the clock signal at a second plurality of time delays following a falling edge on the clock signal. | 02-13-2014 |
20140027606 | MODULE FOR PROXIMITY AND GESTURE SENSING - A module operates in a proximity detection mode and a gesture detection mode. The module includes an illumination source, radiation sensors and a controller. When in proximity detection mode, the illumination source emits radiation, the radiation sensors measure the radiation level, and the controller adjusts the measured radiation level to substantially cancel the contribution attributable to ambient radiation to determine the presence of a proximate object by. When in the gesture recognition mode, the level of radiation incident on the sensors is individually sampled, and the controller determines object movement by comparing the changes in the measured radiation levels over a plurality of the samples. Ambient radiation contribution is not removed from the sampled radiation levels during the gesture recognition mode. | 01-30-2014 |
20130342750 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING AUTO-FOCUS PROCESS - The method includes changing a focal length of a camera device while capturing one or more frames of sensor data from a sensor array of the camera device by sequentially reading signals from different areas of the sensor array, such that different sections of each of the one or more frames corresponds to sensor data captured at different focal lengths of the camera device. The method further includes deriving focus statistics from the one or more captured frames, each focus statistic providing a measure of an extent to which a section of a frame to which the focus statistic relates is in focus at a given focal length; identifying from the focus statistics an optimal focal length at which an optimally focused image can be captured; and adapting the focal length of the camera device in accordance with the optimal focal length. | 12-26-2013 |
20130271649 | CAMERA MODULE, METHOD OF ASSEMBLY AND IMAGING DEVICE - A camera module has a lens module mounted on a substrate. The image sensor is located in a cavity in the substrate and is connected to the substrate by a bridge member, the infra-red filter. The image sensor is attached to the infra-red filter by a ring of adhesive surrounding the imaging area of the image sensor. The adhesive attaching the image sensor to the infra-red filter comprises spacers. The infra-red filter is attached to the substrate by adhesive. The cavity may extend through the substrate. The image sensor is further connected to the substrate by a sheet member, which may be made of metal. The sheet member is affixed to the bottom of the substrate and covers the hole in the substrate formed by the extension of the cavity through the substrate. A method of assembly of the camera module includes: providing a substrate with a cavity; locating the image sensor in the cavity; connecting the infra-red filter to the image sensor and the substrate; and mounting the lens module on the substrate. | 10-17-2013 |
20130194482 | SOLID STATE IMAGE SENSOR AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - An image sensor is formed by a pixel array and a microlens array. One microlens is associated with each pixel. The microlens is positioned in a manner that is offset from a center of its associated pixel. The positioning offset for the microlens is a combination of a first offset determined as a function of the pixel's position relative to a center of the image sensor and a second offset that is randomly selected (both in terms of distance and radial direction). The random offset provides the effect that the spatial frequency information from the shifted microlens array is randomly distributed so as to provide different spatial frequencies and effectively cancel out Moiré interference. | 08-01-2013 |
20130182164 | COMPARATOR IMPLEMENTATION FOR PROCESSING SIGNALS OUTPUT FROM AN IMAGE SENSOR - An image sensor includes an analog-to-digital converter receiving a pixel signal output. The converter includes a first inverting amplifier circuit having an input and an output, the first inverting amplifier circuit including a first bias circuit having a control node and configured to source current for first inverting amplifier circuit operation. The converter further includes a second inverting amplifier circuit having an input and an output, the second inverting amplifier circuit including a second bias circuit having a control node and configured to source current for second inverting amplifier circuit operation. The output of the first inverting amplifier circuit is coupled to the input of the second inverting amplifier circuit. A positive feedback circuit couples the output of the second inverting amplifier circuit to the control node of the first bias circuit. | 07-18-2013 |
20130166890 | APPARATUS COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNITS - An arrangement of at least two arithmetic logic units carries out an operation defined by a decoded instruction including at least one operand and more than one operation code. The operation codes and at least one operand are received and corresponding executions are performed by the arithmetic logic units on a single clock cycle. The result of the execution from one arithmetic logic unit is used as an operand by a further arithmetic logic unit. The decoding of the instruction is performed in an immediately preceding single clock cycle. | 06-27-2013 |
20130155302 | DIGITAL IMAGE SENSOR - A digital imaging sensor includes an array of pixels. A subset of the pixels in the array has reduced photosensitivity in comparison to other pixels in said array. A controller operates to control an integration time of the array of pixels such that a first integration time of the subset of pixels is longer than a second integration time of the other pixels in the array. Such an image sensor is particularly useful for sensing light sources that are not illuminated continuously. | 06-20-2013 |
20130097343 | ARRANGEMENT, METHOD, INTEGRATED CIRCUIT AND DEVICE FOR ROUTING REQUESTS - A request routing circuit includes m inputs for receiving m input request signals and n outputs for outputting a set of n output request signals. A routing subsystem within the request routing circuit is provided between the m inputs and the n outputs and comprises k inputs and n outputs, where m is greater than k, and where the routing subsystem is configured to operate over a plurality (m/k, rounded up to the next integer) of cycles to provide the set of n output request signals based on the m inputs to the n outputs. | 04-18-2013 |
20130063349 | OPTICAL NAGIVATION DEVICE - An optical navigation device may have an adaptive sleep mode for preventing unwanted scrolling inputs. A motion indicator may move a device between a sleep mode and an active mode. According to the sleep mode, a number of different sleep states are defined which have further reduced frame rates. The device may be only woken from the deeper sleep modes once repeated motion events are detected. This may prevent the device from being woken accidentally, while preserving the user experience. | 03-14-2013 |
20130061666 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING VIBRATION ISOLATORS - A system may monitor a vibration isolating connection between a first part and a second part. The system may include a light source, an optical sensor mounted to receive light from the light source, and a processing unit for providing an output indicative of the deformation of the vibration isolating connection based on the output of the optical sensor. | 03-14-2013 |
20130016243 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMAGE QUALITY LEARNING WITH SOLID STATE IMAGE SENSORSAANM Foote; WilliamAACI EdinburghAACO GBAAGP Foote; William Edinburgh GB - The present disclosure relates to solid state image sensors in digital imaging systems, more particularly to an image quality learning method and system for solid state image sensors. One of the advantages of the method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is to allow the implementation of a digital machine vision system with a faster convergence of an Image Quality algorithm, which results in a shorter delay for the user. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method is performed as a recursive algorithm which tends to converge to an Image Quality setting satisfying image quality criteria. | 01-17-2013 |
20120210288 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERFACING MULTIPLE DIES WITH MAPPING FOR SOURCE IDENTIFIER ALLOCATION - A package includes a die and at least one further die. The die has an interface configured to receive a transaction request from the further die via an interconnect and to transmit a response to the transaction request to said further die via the interconnect. The die also has mapping circuitry which is configured to allocate to the received transaction a local source identity information as source identity information, the local source identity information comprising one of a set of reusable local source identity information. This ensures the order of transactions tagged with a same original source identity and target and allows transactions tagged with different source identifiers to be processed out of order. | 08-16-2012 |
20120206620 | MULTI-CHANNEL IMAGE SENSORS - An image sensor includes a pixel array and an image sensor objective optical element. The element is formed by a lenslet array. Each lenslet in the array directs incoming radiation onto a different specific pixel or sub-array of pixels in the pixel array. The lenslets in the array are shaped such that fields of view of next-but-one neighboring ones of the lenslets (i.e., two lenslets spaced from each other by another lenslet) do not overlap until a certain object distance away from the lenslet array. | 08-16-2012 |
20120205731 | SINGLE PHOTON AVALANCHE DIODES - A CMOS single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) design uses conventional, or at least known, CMOS processes to produce a device having a breakdown region in which the main p-n junction is formed of a deep n-well layer, and optionally on the other side, a p-add layer. The SPAD may also have a guard ring region which comprises the p-epi layer without any implant. The SPAD may have curved or circular perimeters. A CMOS chip comprises SPADs as described and other NMOS devices all sharing the same deep n-well. | 08-16-2012 |
20120205522 | MULTI-MODE PHOTODETECTOR - A photodetector includes a photodiode and output circuitry coupled to the photodiode. The photodetector is configurable for operation in at least two modes. A first configurable mode operates the photodetector as an integrating sensor. In this first mode, a bias voltage across the photodiode is set below the breakdown voltage of the photodiode and the output circuitry is configured to read an analog integration output voltage from the photodiode. A second configurable mode operates the photodetector as a single photon avalanche detector. In this second mode, the bias voltage across the photodiode is set above the breakdown voltage of the photodiode and the output circuitry is configured to read an avalanche output voltage. | 08-16-2012 |
20120194479 | INPUT DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - An input device for an electronic device includes a proximity detector and a light source. The light source transmits light to a sensing area, which is reflected back to the proximity detector in the presence of an object in the vicinity of the sensing area, such that the proximity detector can produce an output indicative of a distance of the object from the proximity detector to give rise to a control signal for controlling the device. | 08-02-2012 |
20120162632 | Real-Time Processing Method and System - An optical range finder includes a light source adapted to produce illumination which impinges on a target. A detector receives a reflection of the illumination from the target, and a range code generator generates from the detected reflection a range code indicative of the range of the target from the range finder for each pulse. A signal processor receive plural range codes over a predetermined interval. A content addressable memory is used to count how many identical range codes are received during the predetermined interval. An identification is then made of the range code with the highest count, and that range code with the highest count is output as indicative of the range of the target from the range finder. | 06-28-2012 |
20120162081 | KEYBOARD - A keyboard may include a plurality of optical keys. Each optical key may include an optical module and an interaction surface. The optical key may be configured to be activated based on movement of an object on or adjacent the interaction surface. Each movement may produce a different output from the optical module to thereby generate a predetermined input for a device. | 06-28-2012 |
20120154541 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING 3D IMAGES - A camera module includes a single lens system, a sensor and an image enhancer. The image enhancer is operable to enhance a single image captured by the sensor via the single lens system. The image enhancer performs opto-algorithmic processing to extend the depth of field of the single lens system, a mapping to derive a depth map from the captured single image; and image processing to calculate suitable offsets from the depth map as is required to produce a 3-dimensional image. The calculated offsets are applied to appropriate image channels so as to obtain the 3-dimensional image from the single image capture. | 06-21-2012 |
20120154187 | Error Correction in Thermometer Codes - A thermometer coded line is configured to convert a time interval to a digital code for subsequent processing in order to output a value representative of said time interval. A digital peak detector is coupled to receive output from the thermometer coded line, the detector operating for correction of an undesired code of said digital code in order to ensure a valid output of said value. A majority logic circuit is coupled between the thermometer coded line and the digital peak detector, the logic circuit operating for correction of undesired code of said digital code in order to ensure the valid output of said value. The detector functions to correct any undesired code not corrected by, or introduced by, the logic circuit. | 06-21-2012 |
20120153120 | PROXIMITY SENSOR AND ASSOCIATED METHOD, COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM AND FIRMWARE - A proximity detector may include an array of single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) and an illumination source. Illumination from the illumination source may be reflected by a target to the array of single photon avalanche diodes. The SPADs may be operable to detect events. A number of events detected may be dependent on a level of illumination incident on the SPADs. The proximity detector may then determine a quality metric and calculate an output when the quality metric is at a predetermined level. A related method may include regulating the quality of the data on which such a proximity detector apparatus calculates its output. | 06-21-2012 |
20120148047 | DETECTING KEY CORRUPTION - Corruption in a key stored in a memory is detected by reading a key from a key memory and determining if detection bits of the key read from the key memory correspond to an expected value. The expected value is a value of the detection bits of the key when the key is written to the key memory. | 06-14-2012 |
20120144225 | VERIFICATION - A circuit simulator includes at least one clock generator. The at least one clock generator is configured to generate at least one root clock signal for an associated clock domain part of the circuit under simulation. The circuit simulator also includes a clock modifier configured to generate at least one delay to be applied to at least one of the at least one root clock signal. | 06-07-2012 |
20120138778 | OPTICAL NAVIGATION DEVICE - An optical navigation device may include an image sensor with an imaging surface, a laser, and an optical waveguide layer having an exposed user surface and a total internal reflection (TIR) surface on the underside of the exposed user surface. The waveguide layer, the laser, and the image sensor may be together arranged to direct radiation emitted by the laser onto the imaging surface at least partly by total internal reflection by the TIR surface. | 06-07-2012 |
20120138222 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING GLUE FLOW - A method for controlling a contact angle between a glue and a surface of a substrate during manufacture of microchip packages is disclosed. The method includes applying a glue to a surface of a substrate, and placing an electrode in electrical connection with the glue. A potential difference is applied between the electrode and the substrate. The potential difference is applied across the glue and causes a contact angle between the glue and the surface of the substrate to be altered. | 06-07-2012 |
20120133956 | Proximity Sensor - The internal propagation of radiation between a radiation source and radiation detector mounted within a sensor package is prevented by the use of an optical isolator. The optical isolator is formed by the combination of a baffle mounted between the source and detector and a groove formed in an upper surface of the sensor package between the source and detector. A bottom of the groove is positioned adjacent to an upper edge of the baffle. | 05-31-2012 |
20120133955 | APPLICATION USING A SINGLE PHOTON AVALANCHE DIODE (SPAD) - An electronic device may include a housing having a mousing surface, and a navigation device carried by the housing and comprising a proximity detector. The proximity detector may include a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) configured to detect movement of an activator adjacent the mousing surface. For example, the proximity detector may detect movement along three axes. | 05-31-2012 |
20120133921 | APPLICATION USING A SINGLE PHOTON AVALANCHE DIODE (SPAD) - A sporting device may include a proximity detector, and a housing for carrying the proximity detector. The proximity detector may comprise a single photon avalanche diode for measuring the speed of an object struck by the housing. For example, the housing may define a tennis racket. | 05-31-2012 |
20120133799 | RADIATION SENSOR - A radiation sensor includes first and second pixels with a radiation absorption filter positioned over the first pixel and an interference filter positioned over both the first and second pixels. The combined spectral response of the absorption filter and the first pixel has a first pixel pass-band and a first pixel stop-band. The interference filter has a first interference filter pass-band substantially within the first pixel pass-band and a second interference filter pass-band substantially within the first pixel stop-band. | 05-31-2012 |
20120133617 | APPLICATION USING A SINGLE PHOTON AVALANCHE DIODE (SPAD) - An control device may control an associated electronic device and parameter for the same. The control device may include a proximity detector. The proximity detector may include a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD). The proximity detector may be configured to control the electronic device and change the parameter. | 05-31-2012 |
20120132809 | RADIATION SENSOR - A radiation sensor includes first and second pixels with a radiation absorption filter positioned over the first pixel and an interference filter positioned over both the first and second pixels. The combined spectral response of the absorption filter and the first pixel has a first pixel pass-band and a first pixel stop-band. The spectral response of the interference filter has an interference filter pass-band which is substantially within the first pixel pass-band for radiation incident on the interference filter at a first angle of incidence, and substantially within the first pixel stop-band for radiation incident on the interference filter at a second angle of incidence greater than the first angle of incidence. | 05-31-2012 |
20120132806 | SENSOR ARRAY MICROCHIP - A sensor array microchip apparatus includes a substrate and a lens positioned over the substrate. A plurality of radiation sensor elements are formed on the substrate in an array format and spatially separated from each other. The substrate further includes power supply circuitry (generating power for the radiation sensor elements) and processing circuitry (operable to control and process information from the radiation sensor elements). The power supply circuitry and said processing circuitry are positioned on the substrate within the array between two or more of the radiation sensor elements. The lens, in combination with the spatial separation of the radiation sensor elements in the array format, defines a relatively wide (30-80 degrees) field of regard for the sensor. | 05-31-2012 |
20120132793 | PROXIMITY SENSOR - A proximity sensor includes a sensor package having an attachment pad with a radiation source and a radiation detector housed within the sensor package. The source and the detector are held in a fixed relation to the attachment pad, and are mounted by one of a direct or indirect attachment to the attachment pad. A portion of the attachment pad is adapted to form a baffle which forms at least part of an optical isolator. The optical isolator is adapted to substantially prevent the internal propagation of radiation between the source and the detector within the sensor package. | 05-31-2012 |
20120132636 | APPLICATION USING A SINGLE PHOTON AVALANCHE DIODE (SPAD) - An oven may include a housing having a cooking receptacle configured to hold content therein, a heating element carried by the housing and configured to heat the content, and a proximity detector carried by the housing in the cooking receptacle and configured to detect surface movement of the content. The proximity detector may include at least one SPAD. | 05-31-2012 |
20120075451 | MULTIMODE OPTICAL DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - An optical device for use in an apparatus wherein the optical device is configured for use in a navigation mode and a fingerprint detection mode. By having the capability to operate in two modes, the optical device provides a cost effective approach for navigation and security. Using the same sensor for both functions reduces cost and space requirements, while satisfying functional objectives. | 03-29-2012 |
20120019676 | AUTOFOCUS APPARATUS AND METHOD - In automatically focusing on a subject in the field of view of a camera device, the camera device sets a focal length successively at one or more focal positions with an angle of the focus plane tilted so as not to be orthogonal to a normal optical path through the camera device. An image is taken at each of the focal positions. A comparison of data from each image is made so as to determine best focus. This comparison includes comparing data from at least two different locations along the tilted focus plane of at least one of the images. | 01-26-2012 |
20120019663 | AUTOMATIC CONTROL MODULE FOR ELECTRONIC APPARATUS - A module is configured to control an electronic device equipped with an optical receiver for wireless remote control. The module includes a face detection circuit that detects the presence of a face within an area proximate to the electronic device. An optical transmission circuit operates to transmit an optical control signal to the electronic device in response a detected change in face detection status made by the face detection circuit. To assist operation of the face detection circuit, the optical transmission circuit is further configured to illuminate an area proximate to the electronic device. | 01-26-2012 |
20120013760 | CHARACTERIZATION OF IMAGE SENSORS - A camera module characterization method is presented. An object is imaged with the camera module. The object may be a test chart including a pattern that defines edges and markers. A resolution metric is measured from the obtained image, and at least one point where the resolution metric is maximized is identified (indicative of a measured in-focus position). The measured in-focus position is then used to derive optical aberration parameters. With respect to the test chart, the markers in the image are located and compared with known theoretical marker positions. A difference between the theoretical and actual marker positions is calculated and used to determine edge locations. A measurement of a resolution metric is then made from the obtained image at the determined edge locations. | 01-19-2012 |
20120006973 | IMAGE SENSOR WITH SAMPLE AND HOLD CIRCUITRY FOR ADDRESSING TIME VARIANT NOISE - An image sensor includes an array of pixels. Each pixel has at least one photo-sensitive element. Readout circuitry receives an analog signal from each pixel at a first time and at a second time, between which the analog signal changes. The image sensor further includes associated support circuitry which is a source of time variant noise. The signal level at both first and second times includes pixel noise. Sample and hold circuitry is provided to maintain substantially level at least a proportion of this support circuitry noise time invariant at the sensor output between the first time and the second time. | 01-12-2012 |
20110316736 | LOCATING SATELLITES - A system and method of locating the position of a satellite or a user using a satellite positioning system. The system and method includes receiving, at a terminal, satellite positioning data for at least one specified time period over a communications channel. In addition, the system includes storing, at the terminal, the satellite positioning data for the at least one specified time period. Responsive to an event at a later time, the system generally calculates, at the terminal, the satellite position at the later time based only on the satellite positioning data for the at least one specified time period. | 12-29-2011 |
20110298530 | REMOTE TESTING SYSTEM - An apparatus is provided that comprises a test circuit; a first receiver unit arranged to receive test commands and to provide the test commands to the test circuit; a power supply unit arranged to supply power to the test circuit and to the first receiver unit; a second receiver unit arranged to receive power commands. The second receiver is arranged to control the operation of the power supply unit in response to the power commands received by the second receiver unit. | 12-08-2011 |
20110261177 | SAMPLE AND HOLD CIRCUIT - A sample and hold circuit includes a plurality of capacitors, a network of switches and a control circuit. The control circuit is operable to control the network of switches so as to sample an incoming signal onto at least some of the plurality of capacitors. In such an operation, each capacitor takes a sample of the incoming signal at a different time. The sample and hold circuit outputs a signal corresponding to an average of the samples. | 10-27-2011 |
20110254761 | OPTICAL NAVIGATION DEVICES - An optical navigation device, such as that used on a computer or mobile communications device, includes a radiation source capable of producing a beam of radiation. A sensor receives an image. An optical element identifies movement of an elastic object on a first surface to thereby enable a control action to be carried out. The device further determines the relative pressure on a first surface by an elastic object based upon the value of an optical parameter, such as the average radiation intensity of the image received at the sensor. The device may be arranged to operate as a push button or a linear pressure sensor. | 10-20-2011 |
20110249162 | ANALOG TO DIGITAL CONVERSION IN IMAGE SENSORS - An image sensor has a pixel array and an input circuit. The input circuit includes a first input, a second input and two coupling capacitors. The first input receives an analog signal from a pixel of the pixel array which has a first level during a first calibration period and a second level during a second read period. The second input receives a reference ramp signal. A comparator circuit compares the ramp signal and the analog signal. The analog signal and the ramp signal are constantly read onto the coupling capacitors during both the first calibration period and the second read period. The ramp circuit begins providing the ramp signal during the second read period so as to determine the change in magnitude of the analog signal between the first calibration period and the second read period, the ramp circuit also begins providing the ramp signal during the first calibration period so as to compensate for any delay in the ramp circuit providing the ramp signal during the second read period. | 10-13-2011 |
20110234544 | SOLID STATE IMAGE SENSOR SUITABLE FOR TOUCH SCREENS - Disclosed is a sensor apparatus comprising a plurality of pixels, a digital to analog converter for providing a ramp signal, A comparator for comparing the output level of each pixel to said ramp signal, and memory for storing the digital value that corresponds to said output level for each pixel, the sensor apparatus thereby converting the analog output level of each pixel to a digital value. The apparatus operates by providing an analog output that is sourced from the digital to analog converter used to provide said ramp signal. | 09-29-2011 |
20110234541 | OPTICAL NAVIGATION DEVICES - An imaging device may have an imaging surface and a sensor. The imaging surface may be illuminated by a first source and reflect at least some of the illumination to the sensor to detect an image. The imaging device may have a predetermined width and an optical path passing therethrough. The imaging device may be illuminated by a second source, and the illumination of the second source may be directed to one or more predetermined regions on or near the imaging surface to produce an optical effect associated with the imaging surface. | 09-29-2011 |
20110216000 | IMAGE SENSORS - In a fingermouse image sensor, an array of radiation sensitive pixels is formed on an image sensing die at a position where the array of radiation sensitive pixels is formed off-center within the image sensing die. More specifically, the array of radiation sensitive pixels is formed as close as possible to an edge of the image sensing die. That image sensing die is mounted to a substrate at a position offset from a center of the substrate. More specifically, the image sensing die is positioned such that the edge of the image sensing die (where the array of radiation sensitive pixels is positioned) is adjacent an edge of the substrate. | 09-08-2011 |
20110169971 | OPTICAL NAVIGATION DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - The imaging device has an imaging surface and a sensor, wherein the imaging surface is illuminated and reflects at least some of the illumination to the sensor to detect an image. The imaging device has a width and an optical path passing therethrough, wherein the optical path exhibits distortion as a result of the width of the device and the nature of the optical path. The imaging device includes an optical element which in use compensates for the distortion by generating a magnification profile across a tangential plane of the device at the sensor. | 07-14-2011 |
20110169739 | OPTICAL NAVIGATION DEVICES - An assembly is adapted for being employed in an optical navigation device, such as that used on a computer or mobile communications device. The assembly includes a housing device and an optical device, wherein the housing device includes a receiving section for receiving the optical device. The receiving section has a first and a second opening. The housing device has first and second vertical registration features for aligning the optical device with the housing device. The first and second vertical registration features are spatially associated with the first and second opening respectively. | 07-14-2011 |
20110169738 | OPTICAL NAVIGATION DEVICES - An imaging device may have illumination paths directed to an imaging area to thereby illuminate the whole of the imaging surface. The imaging area may be adapted to generate frustrated total internal reflection of the illumination from the imaging surface, in the presence of an element in contact with some or all of the imaging surface. | 07-14-2011 |
20110163736 | METHOD TO DETECT CLOCK TAMPERING - This invention relates to a method of receiving a first potentially unreliable clock signal having a first frequency; receiving a second reliable clock signal having a second frequency; wherein the first frequency and the second frequency have an expected relationship; determining whether the first potentially unreliable clock signal has changed with respect to the second reliable clock signal by: determining an actual relationship between the first potentially unreliable frequency and the second reliable frequency; and generating an alarm signal if the actual relationship is different to the expected relationship. | 07-07-2011 |
20110157418 | IMAGE SENSOR ARRAYS - An array of image sensors are connected in a daisy chained arrangement. The sensors in the array are addressed on the basis of the number of pixels each of them processes. | 06-30-2011 |
20110148760 | SCROLLING INPUT DEVICE - An input device may include an image sensor having an imaging surface comprising an array of pixels, and an optical waveguide layer carried by the imaging surface and having an exposed user surface and a first refractive index associated therewith. The input device may also include a substrate between the optical waveguide layer and the image sensor and having a second refractive index associated therewith that is lower than first refractive index. A collimation layer may be between the image sensor and the substrate. A light source may be configured to transmit light into the optical waveguide so that the light therein undergoes a total internal reflection. The optical waveguide may be being adjacent the imaging surface so that an object brought into contact with the exposed user surface disturbs the total internal reflection results in an image pattern on the imaging surface. | 06-23-2011 |
20110141487 | OR RELATING TO OPTICAL NAVIGATION DEVICES - An optical navigation device includes a navigation radiation source capable of producing a beam of radiation, and an optical element. The optical navigation device is for identifying movement of an object to thereby enable a control action to be carried out. A sensor is for receiving an image based upon reflected radiation from the navigation radiation source, and at least one illumination radiation source is for illuminating the optical navigation device. The device is operable, in recurrent cycles of at least reset, expose, and readout phases, to activate the at least one illumination radiation source during the reset phase. The reset phase may have the longest duration of the phases. | 06-16-2011 |
20110141021 | HIGH PRECISION OPTICAL NAVIGATION DEVICE - A handheld optical navigation device may include a first radiation source configured to produce a first beam of radiation onto a surface below the device, a first sensor configured to receive a first image based upon reflected radiation from the surface below the device, and to identify movement of the device based upon the first image for providing a first control action, and a second sensor configured to receive a second image based upon reflected radiation from an object different from the surface below the device, and to identify movement of the object based upon the second image for providing a second control action. | 06-16-2011 |
20110141020 | OPTICAL NAVIGATION DEVICE - A pointing device includes a light source which is detected to determine the motion of the pointing device. The pointing device further includes a sensor which is adapted to detect light from the light source in one type of operation to thereby determine the motion and which is adapted to detect ambient light in a second type of operation. | 06-16-2011 |
20110140613 | COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS - An ambient light sensor integrated in a compact fluorescent lamp that, in turn, may include a controller and a radiation source. The ambient light sensor may include a radiation receiver to receive and filter incident radiation to obtain a value of the level of infrared radiation, and an electronic module to determine if the value is above a reference threshold value to enable the controller to switch the state of the radiation source. | 06-16-2011 |
20110138124 | TRACE MODE FOR CACHE MEMORY SYSTEM - A cache, including a cache memory, is configurable to operate in a cache mode and a trace mode. When the cache is operating in the cache mode, the cache memory stores a copy of a portion of data that is stored in another memory external to the cache, and a received data access request is processed by retrieving a copy of a portion of data identified in the received data access request from the cache memory (if the cache memory stores a copy of the portion of data), or by forwarding the data access request to a data access request processing means external to the cache (if the cache memory does not store a copy of the portion of data). When the cache is operating in the trace mode, data access requests received by the cache are monitored and information relating to a received data access request is captured and stored in the cache memory. | 06-09-2011 |
20110135218 | IMAGE PROCESSING - An image processor includes a readout arranged to read out an M-bit image data word from an image sensor pixel array and an adder arranged to add a noise contribution to the image data word to obtain a dithered M-bit word. A dither processor is arranged to derive correction data having a word size of M+1 bits from a combination of a plurality of M-bit reference words. The noise contribution are derived from said correction data, wherein different correction data are derived for different groups of pixels, each different group of pixels is associated with a specific pixel value DC shift. | 06-09-2011 |
20110134079 | TOUCH SCREEN DEVICE - A radiation source emits radiation, with respect to a touch sensitive surface, which is detected by a corresponding sensor. By sensing radiation levels in a sensing plane substantially parallel with said surface, a determination is made as to an instance of at least one touch of the surface by a touching object. Furthermore, the sensed radiation levels are processed to determine a relative pressure applied to the surface by the at least one touch based upon a parameter related to an approaching speed of the touching object. | 06-09-2011 |
20110134033 | ELECTRONIC DEVICES - A mobile communications device includes a radiofrequency antenna, a navigation pad and a signal processor. The radiofrequency antenna, navigation pad, and signal processor cooperate to encode and transmit motion signals from the navigation pad to a computer so that the mobile communications device functions as a pointing device therefore. | 06-09-2011 |
20110130177 | ELECTROMAGNETIC SHIELDING FOR CAMERA MODULES - A camera module may include a substrate, and an image sensor mounted on the substrate. The camera module may also include a housing, and an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield provided around the image sensor and within the module. The camera module may be particularly suited for use in a mobile telephone, for example. | 06-02-2011 |
20110128420 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REPEATED FIXED PATTERN NOISE CORRECTION - Repeated Fixed Pattern Noise (FPN) in solid state image sensors for a digitally encoded image captured with a sensor is corrected by exploits the periodicity of FPN pattern. In this way FPN is compensated by using a repeating pattern that is associated with repeating blocks of layout. | 06-02-2011 |
20110128419 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR X-DROOP CORRECTION IN SOLID STATE IMAGE SENSOR - A method and system is for limiting the x-droop effect in the digital image captured with solid state image sensors with a correction mechanism which instead of using only correction values from the same column to which the correction is applied, also takes the neighboring pixels into account to provide an averaged value to aid in the reduction of temporal and fixed noise contributions associated with the readout of a single pixel. | 06-02-2011 |
20110115926 | OPTICAL IMAGE STABILIZATION - An optical image stabilization (OIS) system may be used in a camera having an optical system which includes a motion compensating optical element driven by an actuator. The system may include a motion sensor providing a motion signal, a frequency detector for detecting a dominant frequency being that frequency within the motion signal which may produce the most significant motion blurring in the image produced by the camera, and a tunable high-pass filter for filtering the motion signal and supplying the filtered motion signal as an actuator control signal. The tunable high pass filter may be tuned based upon the dominant frequency to a filter characteristic which provides a phase lead substantially canceling a phase lag of the actuator at that frequency. | 05-19-2011 |
20110105181 | CAMERA IMAGE STABILIZATION - A method of motion compensation in a camera may include deriving a motion signal representative of a motion of the camera, processing video frames of a video signal from an image sensor of the camera during a viewfinder mode to derive motion vectors between pairs of frames, and processing the motion signal with a number of combinations of gain and offset factors during the viewfinder mode. The method may also include determining combinations for producing threshold motion vectors, and applying the combination producing the threshold motion vectors for processing the motion signal during a still capture mode to produce a control signal for a motion compensating element for optics of the camera. | 05-05-2011 |
20110060919 | ENCRYPTION KEYS - A system is provided which includes a key memory storing a group of keys for use in decryption and a programmable memory configured to store a set of rules governing access to the key memory and a first engine for deriving a first key using a second key from the key group. The engine is configured to transmit a request for access to the second key from the key memory. The system further includes logic connected between the engine and the key memory and further connected to the programmable memory. The logic is configured to receive the request from the engine and to use the set of rules to control the access to the second key in the key memory. The programmable memory is writeable in situ to replace the set of rules with an alternative set of rules. | 03-10-2011 |
20110057906 | POINTING DEVICES - A touch pad uses a plurality of optical mouse type sensors. The sensors are optimized for detection of motion along the predominant direction of a user's finger as the finger is moved around the touch pad. A first one of the sensors functions to optically sense motion in a first direction, while a second one of the sensors functions to optically sense motion in a second, different, direction. The first and second directions are oriented a closed, for example, circular, path. | 03-10-2011 |
20110057284 | CMOS IMAGE SENSOR HAVING A CURVED SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP - A digital image sensor includes a planar substrate with one or more bonding pads on one side and a silicon chip with one or more bonding pads. The silicon chip is attached on the planar substrate through the one or more bonding pads. The attachment of the silicon chip to the planar substrate is performed in a manner such that the silicon chip, when attached, has a curved shape. | 03-10-2011 |
20110057281 | WAFER LEVEL PACKAGED INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A wafer level packaged integrated circuit includes an array of contacts, a silicon layer and a glass layer. The silicon and glass layers are bonded together to form a bonding material layer therebetween. The bonding material layer includes gaps between the silicon layer and the glass layer at areas where no bonding material is present. An array of contacts is adjacent the semiconductor layer on a side thereof opposite the bonding layer. The wafer level packaged integrated circuit is provided with additional bonding material layer portions within the gaps and aligned with at least some of the contacts. When the wafer level packaged integrated circuit is configured as an image sensor or display having a pixel array, the additional bonding material layer portions are not used in an area of the pixel array. | 03-10-2011 |
20110042767 | FILTERS IN AN IMAGE SENSOR - A method of forming an image sensor having a sensor, a cover, and a filter, that may include applying a filter layer to a cover layer by masking the cover layer with a predetermined pattern and applying the filter layer by a deposition process. The method may also include bonding the cover layer to a sensor layer including a plurality of sensors. The predetermined pattern may result in a filter layer which is aligned with each sensor. There may be gaps in the filter layer around each sensor. | 02-24-2011 |
20110019247 | IMAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An imaging system for a scanner includes a sensor and a rod lens. The sensor has a linear array of photosensitive elements arranged in three rows and disposed at an angle such that the rows are at different distances from the lens and the object being scanned. When changes in focus occur, for example in scanning a book or a 3D object, the photosensitive elements giving the sharpest image are selected. The angle is achieved by mounting the sensor to a PCB via solder bumps arranged along one side of the sensor. | 01-27-2011 |
20110012785 | LOCATING SATELLITES - A system and method of locating the position of a satellite or a user using a satellite positioning system. The system and method includes receiving, at a terminal, satellite positioning data for at least one specified time period over a communications channel. In addition, the system includes storing, at the terminal, the satellite positioning data for the at least one specified time period. Responsive to an event at a later time, the system generally calculates, at the terminal, the satellite position at the later time based only on the satellite positioning data for the at least one specified time period. | 01-20-2011 |
20110008038 | LENS ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING LENS ELEMENTS IN A LENS MOUNTING - A lens assembly includes a lens mount, an image sensor, and an optical filter. An optical filter holder is secured to the lens mount and has an upper contact surface which abuts the optical filter and a lower contact surface which abuts the image sensor to thereby align the optical filter and the image sensor with an optical axis. | 01-13-2011 |
20110004807 | LOADING SECURE CODE INTO A MEMORY - A method of verifying the integrity of code in a programmable memory, the method including: receiving the code from an insecure memory; generating error detection bits for the code as it is received from the insecure memory; storing the code and the error detection bits in the programmable memory; and verifying the integrity of the code stored in the programmable memory by performing an authentication check on the code and the error detection bits stored in the programmable memory. | 01-06-2011 |
20100328526 | MODULAR CAMERA SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A camera module includes a substrate with a cavity therein. A processor is located in the cavity, and wire bonding is for connecting the processor to the substrate. An imaging module is adapted to overlay the processor in the cavity and rest on at least part of the edge of the cavity. Wire bonding is for connecting the imaging module to the substrate and the processor. The cavity includes a longitudinal cutout section adapted to accommodate at least some wire bonding for connecting the processor to the substrate or associated surface mount components. | 12-30-2010 |
20100327840 | SUPPLY VOLTAGE INDEPENDENT QUICK RECOVERY REGULATOR CLAMP - Disclosed is an output stage, and associated apparatus, for a voltage regulator that includes a clamp circuit that is operable to ensure that the output voltage recovers quickly, i.e. that the perturbation of this voltage is limited and remains within a given specification, when entering a standby mode and which is controlled in a supply independent manner. | 12-30-2010 |
20100318822 | ENERGY SAVING IN SYSTEMS-ON-CHIP - A System-on-Chip may include initiators, targets exchanging information with the initiators, and a control module. The control module may be configured to selectively set to one of different reduced power consumption modes each of the initiators and each of the targets based upon external reduced power consumption instructions, and selectively wake-up from the reduced power consumption mode each initiator and each target. | 12-16-2010 |
20100315622 | LENS MOUNTING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF ALIGNING LENSES IN A MOUNTING ASSEMBLY - A lens mounting assembly includes a lens barrel with a first lens assembly. A lens mount includes an image sensor, and the lens barrel matingly connects with the lens mount in a manner which allows the first lens assembly to be moved along an optical axis to adjust a focus on the image sensor. A second lens assembly is provided for adjusting the focus on the image sensor during use of the lens. An alignment projection is provided on at least one of the first or second lens assemblies, the alignment projection being adapted to mate with a portion of the other of the first or second lens assemblies in order to directly optically align the first and second lens assemblies with the image sensor | 12-16-2010 |
20100302160 | OPTICAL NAVIGATION DEVICE - An optical navigation device for a computer application includes a radiation source capable of producing a beam of radiation, a sensor for receiving an image, and an optical element for identifying movement of the feature to thereby enable a computer action to be carried out. The optical element is formed from a single piece and includes at least one frustrated total internal reflection (F-TIR) surface capable of affecting frustrated total internal reflection of the beam of radiation in the presence of the feature to thereby generate the image. | 12-02-2010 |
20100302159 | OPTICAL NAVIGATION DEVICE - An optical navigation device includes an optical transmission element, operable in use to transmit light from an illumination source to a sensor via a mousing surface, and a housing unit. The optical transmission element may have an alignment shaft. Ideally the optical transmission element and housing unit are assembled to a substrate by snap-fit. The alignment shaft ensures that the optics are properly aligned to the substrate and the light source and sensor thereon. | 12-02-2010 |
20100225660 | PROCESSING UNIT - A processing unit comprising a memory configured to hold a plurality of colour stops. The processing unit configured to receive a reference offset and to select two of the colour stops in dependence on the reference offset. The processing unit further configured to calculate an interpolated colour in dependence on the selected colour stops and the reference offset. | 09-09-2010 |
20100188653 | OPTICAL COMPONENT FOCUS TESTING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An optical component focus testing apparatus includes a plurality of test pattern displays. One or more illuminators are configured to selectively illuminate different test pattern displays at different times. Light directors are provided to direct light from at least one of the illuminated test pattern displays towards an optical component under test. The light directors and test pattern displays are arranged such that, in use, light directed from different illuminated test pattern displays travel different distances to reach the optical component under test. | 07-29-2010 |
20100186087 | PROCESSING PACKET STREAMS - Systems and methods are disclosed that includes a data-bus, system memory, a first processor arranged to receive an input stream, and a second processor programmed to apply one or more security algorithms to secure packets of the input stream to generate at least partially security-processed packets. | 07-22-2010 |
20100180114 | PROCESSING PACKET STREAMS - Systems and methods are disclosed that include a data-bus, system memory, a first processor arranged to receive an input stream, and a second processor programmed to apply one or more security algorithms to secure packets of the input stream to generate at least partially security-processed packets. | 07-15-2010 |
20100157035 | ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERSION IN IMAGE SENSORS - An image sensor has a per-column ADC arrangement including first and second capacitors allowing a comparator circuit to perform correlated double sampling. The capacitors are continuously connected to, respectively, the analog pixel signal and a ramp signal without use of a hold operation. The comparator circuit comprises a differential input being connected to the junction of the two capacitors and being biased by a reference signal. The reference signal is preferably sampled and held from a reference voltage. The use of a differential input as first stage of the comparator addresses problems arising from ground voltage bounce when a large pixel array images a scene with low contrast. Connectivity of the differential input stage allows the ramp signal to see a constant capacitive load thus reduce image artifacts referred to as smear. | 06-24-2010 |
20100133636 | SINGLE PHOTON DETECTOR AND ASSOCIATED METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a photon avalanche detector in the semiconductor substrate. The photon avalanche detector includes an anode of a first conductivity type and a cathode of a second conductivity type. A guard ring is in the semiconductor substrate and at least partially surrounds the photon avalanche detector. A passivation layer of the first conductivity type is in contact with the guard ring to reduce an electric field at an edge of the photon avalanche detector. | 06-03-2010 |
20100128350 | IMAGING ASSEMBLY - An image assembly may include a substrate having a face, a first optical layer and at least one spacer member. The imaging assembly may also include an anti-reflection structure. The at least one spacer member may be arranged between the substrate and the first optical layer to define an air gap therebetween. The anti-reflection structure may be coupled to at least part of the face and at least one of the first optical layer and the at least one spacer member. The anti-reflection structure may also include a plurality of projections having dimensions smaller than a wavelength of radiation to be imaged by the imaging assembly. | 05-27-2010 |
20100061139 | RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY CIRCUIT - A random access memory circuit includes a plurality of pixels, each having a light sensitive area and a light blocking layer arranged over at least each of the light sensitive areas. In an alternative embodiment, the circuit includes a plurality of memory elements for storing data. Each memory element may comprise a bit node formed between a photodiode, having a light arranged over the photodiode, and a switching element, where data may be stored. The circuit may also include a plurality of reading and writing circuits for reading and writing data to and from the memory cells. | 03-11-2010 |
20100037084 | METHOD FOR RECOVERING A POSITION AND CLOCK PERIOD FROM AN INPUT DIGITAL SIGNAL - A method for recovering a position and clock period from an input bi-phase encoded digital signal such as an SPDIF signal counts the intervals between phase changes of the input digital signal to derive the longest interval between the phase changes. The longest interval indicates the position and period length of a preamble portion of sub-frames of the signal and is stored, and a signal indicating the position of the longest interval between phase changes and an indication of the clock period of the input digital signal is provided. | 02-11-2010 |
20100019295 | SINGLE PHOTON AVALANCHE DIODES - A CMOS single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) design uses conventional, or at least known, CMOS processes to produce a device having a breakdown region in which the main p-n junction is formed of a deep n-well layer, and optionally on the other side, a p-add layer. The SPAD may also have a guard ring region which comprises the p-epi layer without any implant. The SPAD may have curved or circular perimeters. A CMOS chip comprises SPADs as described and other NMOS devices all sharing the same deep n-well. | 01-28-2010 |
20100008597 | ARTIFACT REMOVAL FROM PHASE ENCODED IMAGES - PSF coding has become well known in recent years. Although it enables significant increases in the depth of field, defocus introduces artifacts in images that are a major detraction from the final image quality. A method is described that enables the deduction or defocus and consequently the removal of these artifacts. The principle of the disclosed techniques involves iteratively adjusting the restoration algorithm according to a chosen image or artifact metric and choosing the defocus parameter that yields the image the lowest level of artifact. | 01-14-2010 |
20090307433 | Cache memory system - Systems and methods for pre-fetching data are disclosed that use a cache memory for storing a copy of data stored in a system memory and mechanism to initiate a pre-fetch of data from the system memory into the cache memory. The system further comprises an event monitor for monitoring events that is connected to a path on which signals representing an event are transmitted between one or more event generating modules and a processor. In some embodiments, the event monitor initiates a pre-fetch of a portion of data in response to the event monitor detecting an event indicating the availability of the portion of data in the system memory. | 12-10-2009 |
20090273692 | REFERENCE DATA ENCODING IN IMAGE SENSORS - Data is encoded on an image sensor that has a plurality of pixels including one or more bio-sensing pixels and one or more data encoding pixels. The method includes applying a covering material selectively to the data encoding pixels depending on the data to be encoded, the covering material having a detectable difference in opacity relative to having no covering material present. The method includes reading the data encoding pixels, in the presence of light, and decoding data according to a pre-determined scheme depending on the presence of the covering material on the data encoding pixel. As bio-reagents are typically applied after manufacture of the image sensor, the image sensor can have information encoded for electronic detection subsequent to manufacture. | 11-05-2009 |
20090268317 | ADJUSTABLE LENS MOUNTING ASSEMBLY - An adjustable lens mounting assembly has a detent system which provides a defined vertical movement of a lens per detent index. A calibration of a lens during assembly of an image sensor is therefore achieved with no moving parts, and generation of foreign material is minimized. Furthermore, gluing of the components can be dispensed with. | 10-29-2009 |
20090262221 | COMPACT OPTICAL ZOOM - A zoom lens system includes a variator lens group, a compensator lens group and a third lens group. The compensator lens group is arranged to only partially compensate for movement of the variator group. In order to provide further compensation for the zoom lens, an image enhancer implement wavefront coding and artifact reduction techniques. The compensator group may be fixed or alternatively, its movement relative to the variator may be effected by a simple cam mechanism. | 10-22-2009 |
20090237536 | ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERSION IN IMAGE SENSORS - An image sensor has a per-column ADC arrangement including first and second capacitors for correlated double sampling, and a comparator circuit. The capacitors are continuously connected to, respectively, the analog pixel signal and a ramp signal without use of a hold operation. The comparator circuit comprises a differential amplifier having one input connected to the junction of the two capacitors and another input connected to a reference signal. The reference signal is preferably sampled and held from a reference voltage. The use of a differential amplifier as first stage of the comparator addresses problems arising from ground voltage bounce when a large pixel array images a scene with low contrast. | 09-24-2009 |
20090190912 | LENS ASSEMBLY - A lens assembly for an imaging device may include a lens member for focusing external radiation towards an image sensor of the imaging device, and a screen member adjacent the lens member. A transparent portion may be positioned between the lens member and the external radiation and may have first and second surfaces. A first mask member may be positioned at the first surface of the transparent portion and may have an inlet therein. A second mask member may be positioned at the second surface of the transparent portion and may have an outlet therein. The outlet may be smaller than the inlet. | 07-30-2009 |
20090132768 | Cache memory system - Systems and methods are disclosed that comprise a cache memory for storing a copy of a portion of data stored in a system memory and a cache load circuit capable of retrieving the portion of data from the system memory. The systems and methods further comprise a status memory for identifying whether or not a region of the cache memory contains data that has been accessed from the cache memory by an external device. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132750 | Cache memory system - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for a cache memory and a cache load circuit. The cache load circuit is capable of retrieving a portion of data from the system memory and of storing a copy of the retrieved portion of data in the cache memory. In addition, the systems and methods comprise a monitoring circuit for monitoring accesses to data in the system memory. | 05-21-2009 |
20090132749 | Cache memory system - Systems and methods are disclosed for pre-fetching data into a cache memory system. These systems and methods comprise retrieving a portion of data from a system memory and storing a copy of the retrieved portion of data in a cache memory. These systems and methods further comprise monitoring data that has been placed into pre-fetch memory. | 05-21-2009 |
20090109554 | ADJUSTABLE LENS MOUNTING ASSEMBLY - A lens barrel is mated with a lens mount through use of a screw thread whereby relative rotation adjusts lens focus. The lens barrel and lens mount are additionally provided with an interengaging formation that is interposed between an optical axis of the lens barrel and the screw thread. This formation provides a cylindrical sliding contact which isolates any particles produced by operation of the screw thread from reaching the optical components at or near the optical axis. | 04-30-2009 |
20090057544 | CAMERA MODULE LENS CAP - A camera module lens cap is provided to protect a camera module in a mobile device where the camera module is exposed. The camera module lens cap includes an optically transparent member for positioning adjacent a camera lens, and a housing for carrying the optically transparent member. The housing includes an overhanging lip for engaging a base of the camera module. | 03-05-2009 |
20090013132 | Cache memory - A cache memory comprises a first set of storage locations for holding syllables and addressable by a first group of addresses; a second set of storage locations for holding syllables and addressable by a second group of addresses; addressing circuitry operable to provide in each addressing cycle a pair of addresses comprising one from the first group and one from the second group, thereby accessing a plurality of syllables from each set of storage locations; and selection circuitry operable to select from said plurality of syllables to output to a processor lane based on whether a required syllable is addressable by an address in the first or second group. | 01-08-2009 |
20090010805 | ASSAYING DEVICE AND METHOD OF TRANSPORTING A FLUID IN AN ASSAYING DEVICE - An assaying device includes one or more detectors, a transporter and inlet that is connected to the one or more detectors by a one or more channels. The transporter includes one or more sealed, vacuum-containing chambers being connected to the channels, wherein each of the chambers includes an electrically activated puncture. The puncture is configured to puncture a wall of a chamber and cause a differential pressure in the one ore more channels, and thereby transport a fluid from the inlet to the one or more detectors. | 01-08-2009 |
20080310571 | Pulsed Serial Link Transmitting Data and Timing Information on a Single Line - A method of encoding data and timing information on a single line comprising: asserting a first edge on the single line to encode said timing information; asserting a second edge on the single line a selectable time period after said first edge, said selectable time period representing said data, characterised in that: said step of asserting said first edge comprises supplying a clock signal to a clock input of a flip-flop; and the step of asserting the second edge comprises supplying the output of the flip-flop to an input of a programmable delay line having a data input connected to receive said data and an output connected to a reset input of the flip-flop, whereby an output of the flip-flop provides said encoded data and timing information on the single line. | 12-18-2008 |
20080309392 | Programmable Digital Delay - A method of delaying successive first and second input signals by first and second different selectable time periods using a programmable delay line comprising a sequence of delay elements, each introducing a delay, the method comprising the steps of: providing a control signal to each delay element, the control signal selectively being in a first logic state or a second logic state wherein in a first logic state the delay element selects an input from an adjacent delay element thereby to select the delay elements as part of a set of delay elements introducing said selectable time period and in a second logic state the delay element is not selected in the set; setting the control signals for a first number of adjacent delay elements to the first logic state to introduce the first selectable time period wherein the control signals for the delay elements in the sequence not in the first number are set to the second logic state; and setting the control signals of a second number of adjacent delay elements to the first logic state to introduce a second selectable time period, wherein the control signals for the delay elements in the sequence not in the second number are set to the second logic state; whereby the reconfiguration time between the first and second input signals is less than the maximum delay introduced by the sequence of delay elements. | 12-18-2008 |
20080273768 | BIOMETRIC SENSOR APPARATUS AND METHOD - A biometric sensor apparatus uses an infra red light source and a CMOS image sensor. A platen receives a body part and the image sensor receives light transmitted through the body part. A processor determines from the detected through-transmitted light whether the body part is live or is a spoof body part. This determination is based upon a detected variation of the opacity of the body part due to blood flow through the body part. Digital processing of the collected image signal data is performed, such as by smoothing. The sensor may further function as a pattern (such as a fingerprint) sensor for detecting surface patterns on the presented body part and identifying an individual from those sensed patterns. | 11-06-2008 |
20080272453 | OPTICAL DEVICE COOLING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An optical device cooling apparatus includes an image sensor array and a MEMS fan. The MEMS fan is formed integrally with the image sensor array, and cools the image sensor array. | 11-06-2008 |
20080258950 | Switching circuitry and switching system - Switching circuitry comprising a bank of actuatable switches connected in parallel between a supply terminal and a decoding terminal, each switch being connected in series with a component which, when the switch is actuated, applies to the second terminal an analog signal having a value unique to that switch. | 10-23-2008 |
20080231760 | Control device - A control device including a means for capturing an image of a display; means for determining from said captured image, information defining a desired position on said display; and means for sending a signal having the determined information. Embodiments of the present disclosure have many applications such as with television to for example select stations or control settings of the televisions, computers, DVDs, videos, MPEG players or the like. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used with video players or recorders. It should be noted that video player/recorders can deal with video data stored or to be recorded on tape, discs such as DVDs or CDs, removable memory such as a memory stick or a memory internal to the device. | 09-25-2008 |
20080225140 | IMAGE SENSORS - A pixel structure includes two different photosensitive portions. One portion is shielded from incident light and the signals from both are fed into an op amp so that the differential signal is output as the pixel output, thereby cancelling dark current. | 09-18-2008 |
20080210848 | COLUMN CURRENT SOURCE - A column current source for an image sensor includes an array of pixels arranged in rows and columns, a reference current source, a transistor connected as a source follower to the reference current source and forming one half of a current mirror, and a plurality of current sources each connected to a column of pixels and with each current source forming the other half of the current mirror, thereby mirroring the reference current source. The current sources are connected to a first common node. A resistor is connected between the first common node and a second common node. One or more resistors are connected in series between the second common node and the transistor drain, and two or more switches are selectively operable to short circuit the resistors allowing the current sources to provide more than two current levels, thereby optimizing the image sensor current consumption for mobile devices. | 09-04-2008 |
20080198240 | ERROR REDUCTION IN IMAGE SENSORS - A vignetting-type chromatic error, particularly found in image sensors having pixel dimensions of a few microns, may be corrected by applying to each color channel a gain factor which increases with the radial position of the pixel. The gain factor may be also controlled based upon ambient color temperature | 08-21-2008 |