公开(公告)号：US08649690B2

公开(公告)日：2014-02-11

申请号：US13483950

申请日：2012-05-30

Applicant: Soren Gehrke ,  Theodor Kupfer ,  James Whiteaway

Inventor： Soren Gehrke ,  Theodor Kupfer ,  James Whiteaway

IPC: H04B10/06

CPC classification number: G01J1/0418 ,  G01J1/18 ,  H04B10/07955 ,  H04B10/0799 ,  H04B10/61

Abstract: A system configured to maintain a consistent local-oscillator-power-to-primary-signal-power ratio (LO/SIG ratio). The system may be configured to: receive the voltages for a plurality of optical signal components split from a combined SIG and LO signal; determine individual factors for the plurality of optical signal components; average the individual factors; determine whether the averaged output is less than a minimum reference value for a variable optical attenuator; determine whether the averaged output is greater than a maximum reference value for the variable optical attenuator; change a value associated with the averaged output to the minimum reference value, due to determining that the averaged output is less than the minimum reference value; change a value associated with the averaged output to the maximum reference value, due to determining that the averaged output is greater than the maximum reference value; and change a new value associated with the averaged output to be transmitted to the variable optical attenuator.

Abstract translation: 一种被配置为保持本地振荡器一致信号功率比（LO / SIG比率）一致的系统。 该系统可以被配置为：接收从组合的SIG和LO信号分离的多个光信号分量的电压; 确定所述多个光信号分量的各个因素; 平均个别因素; 确定平均输出是否小于可变光衰减器的最小参考值; 确定平均输出是否大于可变光衰减器的最大参考值; 由于确定平均输出小于最小参考值，将与平均输出相关联的值改变为最小参考值; 由于确定平均输出大于最大参考值，将与平均输出相关联的值改变为最大参考值; 并且将与要发送的平均输出相关联的新值改变为可变光衰减器。

公开(公告)号：US08552357B2

公开(公告)日：2013-10-08

申请号：US13040172

申请日：2011-03-03

Applicant: Hideo Kobayashi

Inventor： Hideo Kobayashi

IPC: H01J40/14

CPC classification number: G01J1/42 ,  G01J1/18 ,  G01J1/44 ,  H01L31/02019 ,  H01L31/035272 ,  H01L31/103 ,  H03F3/08

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first photoelectric conversion element configured to convert light into a current by a photoelectric conversion, a first current amplification unit configured to amplify the current, a first current monitoring unit configured to monitor the amplified current amplified and output a monitor signal, and a first bias voltage setting unit configured to gain the monitor signal by a factor less than 1 and apply a reverse bias voltage to the first photoelectric conversion element according to the gained monitor signal.

Abstract translation: 一种装置，包括被配置为通过光电转换将光转换为电流的第一光电转换元件，被配置为放大电流的第一电流放大单元，被配置为监视放大的放大电流并输出监视信号的第一电流监视单元，以及 第一偏置电压设定单元，被配置为以小于1的因子获得所述监视信号，并且根据所获得的监视信号向所述第一光电转换元件施加反向偏置电压。

公开(公告)号：US08541727B1

公开(公告)日：2013-09-24

申请号：US12286584

申请日：2008-09-30

Applicant: Yansun Xu ,  Steven Sanders ,  Jahja Trisnadi

Inventor： Yansun Xu ,  Steven Sanders ,  Jahja Trisnadi

IPC: G01J1/32

CPC classification number: G01J1/18 ,  G01J1/4228 ,  G06F3/0416

Abstract: A circuit and method are provided to control the strength of signals from an array of photo-detectors (PDs) in an optical navigation sensor. The circuit includes a number of transimpedance-amplifiers (TIAs) each coupled to an output of at least one PD to receive a current signal therefrom and generate a signal in response thereto. A controller coupled to outputs of the TIAs receives the signals and executes an algorithm to adjust gain of a signal processor coupled to the array. In one embodiment, the signal processor includes differential transimpedance-amplifiers (DIFF-TIAs) each including inputs coupled to receive current signals from the array, and the controller outputs a control signal to adjust a time over which the DIFF-TIAs and the TIAs integrate the current signals. Optionally, the signal processor includes gain-amplifiers coupled to the DIFF-TIAs and TIAs, and the controller outputs a signal to adjust gain thereof.

Abstract translation: 提供电路和方法来控制来自光学导航传感器中的光电检测器（PD）阵列的信号的强度。 电路包括多个互阻抗放大器（TIAs），每个跨阻放大器耦合到至少一个PD的输出端以从其接收电流信号并响应于此产生信号。 耦合到TIA的输出的控制器接收信号并执行算法来调整耦合到阵列的信号处理器的增益。 在一个实施例中，信号处理器包括差分跨阻放大器（DIFF-TIA），每个差分跨阻放大器包括耦合以从阵列接收电流信号的输入，并且控制器输出控制信号以调整DIFF-TIA和TIA集成的时间 当前信号。 可选地，信号处理器包括耦合到DIFF-TIA和TIA的增益放大器，并且控制器输出信号以调整其增益。

公开(公告)号：US20130153753A1

公开(公告)日：2013-06-20

申请号：US13714652

申请日：2012-12-14

Applicant: AU OPTRONICS CORP.

Inventor： Chun-Lung HUNG ,  Chang-Hung YANG ,  Chun-Wei YANG ,  Chien-Ming KO

IPC: G01J1/46 ,  G01J1/18

CPC classification number: G01J1/46 ,  G01J1/18 ,  G01J1/4228 ,  G06F3/0412 ,  G06F3/0416 ,  G06F3/0421

Abstract: A light sensing apparatus includes a light sensing module, a signal conversion module and a processing module. The light sensing module is configured to output a first and second sense signals according to a light intensity emitting thereon. The signal conversion module is electrically coupled to the light sensing module and configured to receive the first and second sense signals and output a sense value according to a relative difference between the first and second sense signals, The comparison module is electrically coupled to the signal conversion module and configured to adjust a light sensing characteristic of the light sensing module according to the sense value so as to adjust a light sensing characteristic of the light sensing module. An adjustment method for a light sensing apparatus is also provided.

Abstract translation: 光感测装置包括光感测模块，信号转换模块和处理模块。 光感测模块被配置为根据在其上发射的光强度输出第一和第二感测信号。 信号转换模块电耦合到光感测模块并且被配置为接收第一和第二感测信号，并根据第一和第二感测信号之间的相对差输出感测值。比较模块电耦合到信号转换 模块，并且被配置为根据感测值调整光感测模块的光感测特性，以便调节光感测模块的光感测特性。 还提供了一种用于光感测装置的调节方法。

公开(公告)号：US08461528B2

公开(公告)日：2013-06-11

申请号：US12497899

申请日：2009-07-06

Applicant: Yen-Chao Chen ,  Jung-Ching Wang

Inventor： Yen-Chao Chen ,  Jung-Ching Wang

IPC: H01L31/00 ,  G01J5/00

CPC classification number: G01J1/18 ,  G01J5/0022 ,  G01J5/0025 ,  G01J2005/0081

Abstract: Disclosed is an image recording apparatus comprising a temperature sensing module, a detecting module, an image capture module and a control unit. The control unit acquires an appropriate high threshold and an appropriate low threshold corresponding to an ambient temperature sensed by a temperature sensing module. The control unit outputs a high threshold voltage and a low threshold voltage to the detecting module for adjusting the sensitivity of the image recording apparatus to suit a variable ambient temperature properly.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种图像记录装置，包括温度感测模块，检测模块，图像捕获模块和控制单元。 控制单元获取对应于由温度感测模块感测的环境温度的适当的高阈值和适当的低阈值。 控制单元向检测模块输出高阈值电压和低阈值电压，以适当地调整图像记录装置的灵敏度以适应可变环境温度。

公开(公告)号：US20130015331A1

公开(公告)日：2013-01-17

申请号：US13545999

申请日：2012-07-11

Applicant: Holger Birk ,  Volker Seyfried

Inventor： Holger Birk ,  Volker Seyfried

IPC: G01J1/44

CPC classification number: G01J3/027 ,  G01J1/0228 ,  G01J1/18 ,  G01J1/44 ,  G01J3/2803 ,  G01J3/36

Abstract: A device for detecting light includes at least one silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) having an array of a plurality of single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs), the array being larger in area than an incident light. The device is configured so as to at least one of activate and analyze only the SPADs upon which a specific minimum intensity of light impinges.

Abstract translation: 用于检测光的装置包括具有多个单光子雪崩二极管（SPAD）的阵列的至少一个硅光电倍增管（SiPM），该阵列的面积大于入射光。 该设备被配置为仅激活和分析仅具有特定的最小光强度的SPAD的至少一个。

公开(公告)号：US08350205B2

公开(公告)日：2013-01-08

申请号：US12787696

申请日：2010-05-26

Applicant: Ketan Mukund Patel ,  Mark Allen Itzler

Inventor： Ketan Mukund Patel ,  Mark Allen Itzler

IPC: G01J1/42

CPC classification number: H01L31/02027 ,  G01J1/18 ,  G01J1/4228 ,  G01J1/44

Abstract: The present invention enables the detection of light using an APD that has high gain and/or a wide range of operating temperature. A first APD is biased with a voltage bias that is controlled based on the breakdown voltage of a second APD, which is thermally coupled with the first APD. Changes in the breakdown voltage of the second APD due to aging, temperature chances, and the like, are reflective of changes in the breakdown voltage of the first APD. As a result, the first APD can be operated with greater stability and reliability at high gain and over larger temperature excursions than APDs known in the prior art.

Abstract translation: 本发明能够使用具有高增益和/或宽范围的工作温度的APD来检测光。 基于与第一APD热耦合的第二APD的击穿电压来控制第一APD的偏置电压。 由于老化，温度机会等引起的第二APD的击穿电压的变化反映了第一APD的击穿电压的变化。 结果，与现有技术中已知的APD相比，第一APD可以在高增益和超过较大温度漂移的情况下以更高的稳定性和可靠性操作。

公开(公告)号：US20120241285A1

公开(公告)日：2012-09-27

申请号：US13052162

申请日：2011-03-21

Applicant: MICHAEL J. LORELLO ,  Gary S. Jacobson ,  George J. Doutney

Inventor： MICHAEL J. LORELLO ,  Gary S. Jacobson ,  George J. Doutney

IPC: B65G43/00 ,  G01J1/44

CPC classification number: G01J1/46 ,  G01J1/18 ,  G01J1/4204

Abstract: Circuitry to control reflective optical sensors is provided that reduces false detections due to ambient light without compromising the performance of the optical sensors to detect dark materials. A reflective optical sensor includes an emitter LED and photo-detector arranged to receive light from the LED that is reflected by an object being detected. A first input of a comparator is coupled to the output of the photo-detector. A second input of the comparator is coupled to the output of the photo-detector through a filtering circuit. The filtering circuit operates to filter the detector's output and adaptively adjust the trigger threshold of the comparator, thereby enabling the photo-detector to be sensitive enough to detect dark mail pieces, i.e., those mail pieces that are minimally reflective, while being immune to repeated false triggers due to excessive ambient light.

Abstract translation: 提供了控制反射光学传感器的电路，其减少了由环境光引起的错误检测，而不会影响光学传感器检测暗材料的性能。 反射型光学传感器包括发射器LED和光电检测器，其布置成接收来自被检测物体反射的LED的光。 比较器的第一输入耦合到光检测器的输出端。 比较器的第二输入端通过滤波电路耦合到光电检测器的输出端。 滤波电路用于对检测器的输出进行滤波并自适应地调整比较器的触发阈值，从而使得光检测器足够灵敏以检测黑色邮件，即那些最小反射的邮件，同时不受重复的影响 由于过度的环境光引起的假触发。

公开(公告)号：US08242934B2

公开(公告)日：2012-08-14

申请号：US12589107

申请日：2009-10-16

Applicant: Takahiro Kamioka

Inventor： Takahiro Kamioka

IPC: G08G1/04

CPC classification number: G01J1/4228 ,  G01J1/18 ,  G01J2001/4247 ,  G06K9/00825 ,  G06K9/6212

Abstract: A light control system identifies in the processing that discriminates light sources in the acquired image as either luminous objects or reflective objects, each pixel obtained that constitutes the acquired image being classified into a plurality of groups according to the brightness of each pixel, and generates a histogram showing the relation of the brightness and the number of pixels of each group that are matched with each group. Then, when the number of pixels corresponding to the brightest group is less than the number of pixels corresponding to the other groups, the existence of the luminous object in the acquired image is determined, and when the number of pixels corresponding to the brighter group is more than the number of pixels corresponding to the other groups, the existence of the reflective object in the acquired image is determined.

Abstract translation: 光控制系统将处理中的光源识别为发光对象或反射物体，将获得的构成拍摄图像的像素根据每个像素的亮度分类为多个组，并且生成 直方图显示亮度和与每组相匹配的每个组的像素数的关系。 然后，当与最亮组对应的像素数小于与其他组对应的像素数时，确定获取图像中的发光体的存在，并且当与较亮组对应的像素数为 大于与其他组对应的像素的数量，则确定所获取的图像中的反射对象的存在。

公开(公告)号：US08227731B2

公开(公告)日：2012-07-24

申请号：US12562068

申请日：2009-09-17

Applicant: Robert L. Hick ,  Richard A. Leinen

Inventor： Robert L. Hick ,  Richard A. Leinen

IPC: G01J1/32 ,  G01J1/44 ,  H05B37/02

CPC classification number: G01J1/18 ,  G01J1/4204 ,  H05B37/0218 ,  H05B39/042 ,  H05B39/081 ,  Y02B20/46

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling an automatic calibration sequence for a light control system having a daylight harvesting scheme is disclosed herein. An ambient light sensor connects to a detection circuit for detecting the amount of ambient light within a given zone. A microprocessor connects between the detection circuit and a dimming circuit for providing control to initiate dimming and to start the auto-calibration sequence. Responsive to the amount of ambient light detected, the dimming circuit controls the power supplied to a plurality of electrical loads. A storage unit connects to the microprocessor for storing minimum light levels assessed during the auto-calibration sequence wherein the ambient light levels are monitored for a predetermined amount of time to determine the lowest level of ambient light generated for the purpose of setting and storing a target voltage level associated with such.

Abstract translation: 本文公开了一种能够实现具有日光采集方案的光控制系统的自动校准序列的装置和方法。 环境光传感器连接到用于检测给定区域内的环境光量的检测电路。 微处理器连接在检测电路和调光电路之间，用于提供控制以启动调光并启动自动校准序列。 响应于检测到的环境光的量，调光电路控制提供给多个电负载的功率。 存储单元连接到微处理器，用于存储在自动校准序列期间评估的最小光照水平，其中环境光水平被监测预定的时间量，以确定为了设置和存储目标而产生的最低水平的光 与此相关的电压电平。