Abstract:
A computer navigation device comprising a movement sensing means and a triggering means activated by a timing means to periodically transmit to a host computer a pre-defined signal corresponding with the signal that would otherwise be generated by the movement sensing means on detection of specific movements of the computer navigation device.
Abstract:
A solid state image sensor comprises an array of pixels and a corresponding array of microlenses. The positions of the microlenses relative to their corresponding pixels vary according to the distances of the pixels from a central optical axis of the image sensor, so as to substantially eliminate vignetting of light collected by the microlenses. The array of microlenses is divided into blocks each comprising a plurality of microlenses. Within a particular block of microlenses, the positions of the microlenses relative to their corresponding pixels are varied by an equal amount. The microlenses within each of said blocks may be substantially equally spaced apart by a first distance and adjacent blocks of microlenses may be spaced apart by a second distance which is less than said first distance. Alternatively, the microlenses may be substantially equally spaced throughout said array of microlenses and selected microlenses at the edges of said blocks may be made smaller in at least one direction than the remainder of the microlenses of said blocks. The blocks may be rectangular or may have irregular edges configured such that said blocks are tessellated to form a substantially continuous array of microlenses. The pixel array and the light sensitive parts of the individual pixels preferably have substantially equal aspect ratios.
Abstract:
A method for attaching a sensor (14) and a housing (24) to opposite sides of a stratum (10) is provided. The sensor (14) comprises a sensing face (16) with a sensitive area, and at least one signal output contact; the stratum (10) comprises a circuitry face (12), at least one signal input contact, and an aperture (22). According to the method, the sensing face (16) of the sensor (14) is placed over the aperture (22) so that the at least one signal output contact of the sensor (14) makes contact with the at least one signal input contact of the stratum (10), and the stratum (10) is adapted to receive the housing (24); such that the housing (24) and the sensor (14) are in alignment.
Abstract:
A solid state image sensor comprises an array of pixels and a corresponding array of microlenses. The positions of the microlenses relative to their corresponding pixels vary according to the distances of the pixels from a central optical axis of the image sensor, so as to substantially eliminate vignetting of light collected by the microlenses. The array of microlenses is divided into blocks each comprising a plurality of microlenses. Within a particular block of microlenses, the positions of the microlenses relative to their corresponding pixels are varied by an equal amount. The microlenses within each of said blocks may be substantially equally spaced apart by a first distance and adjacent blocks of microlenses may be spaced apart by a second distance which is less than said first distance. Alternatively, the microlenses may be substantially equally spaced throughout said array of microlenses and selected microlenses at the edges of said blocks may be made smaller in at least one direction than the remainder of the microlenses of said blocks. The blocks may be rectangular or may have irregular edges configured such that said blocks are tessellated to form a substantially continuous array of microlenses. The pixel array and the light sensitive parts of the individual pixels preferably have substantially equal aspect ratios.
Abstract:
A solid state image sensor has an array of pixels formed on an epitaxial layer (10) on a substrate (12). The pixel is large, 40-60 µm, for high light collecting ability, but the pixel photodiode (14') is small, 4-6 µm, for low capacitance. Active elements of the pixel are formed in wells (16) which are spaced away from the photodiode (14') so that the latter is surrounded by epitaxial material.
Abstract:
A key, for use in generating a digital authentication signature, is generated from the fixed pattern noise (FPN) of a CMOS image sensor. The key is generated by temporarily disabling the FPN cancellation circuit conventionally included in the system and generating a substantially "black" image, to produce a digitised FPN signal. The key is then generated from characteristics of the FPN, in the preferred embodiment by comparing pairs of pixels.
Abstract:
An endoscopic device(30,34) with a tubular casing (22) which defines a conduit for receiving an imaging device. The casing is constructed of a light-transmissive material such as a transparent rigid plastic. This allows illumination coupled into the casing (22) at one or more locations away from its distal end to be transmitted through the casing (20) and to exit its distal end. This provides illumination for an imaging device when positioned at the distal end of the casing (20) and removes the need to provide a separate light source un the housing of an endoscopic device (3).