Abstract:
An image sensor which may maximize the optical integrity by maximizing the amount of incident light through a microlens layer and a method for manufacturing an image sensor. An image sensor may include a pixel region, a microlens layer, and at least one microlens. The microlens layer may include a plurality of microlenses on the pixel region. At least one microlens has a shape different from the rest of the microlenses.
Abstract:
An optical module includes: a light emitting element; an optical member having a first lens surface that focuses light emitted from the light emitting element, a reflection surface that reflects a part of the light and passes another part of the light focused by the first lens surface, and a refracting surface that refracts the light reflected by the reflection surface; and a photodetector element that receives the light passed through the refracting surface, wherein the first lens surface and the refracting surface are defined by a coaxial surface of revolution, the first lens surface has a protruded section at a center section thereof, and the refracting surface is formed in a region that surrounds the first lens surface in a plan view.
Abstract:
A sensor includes a light detector for dividing light in an environment into optical zones and detecting light from the optical zones. The sensor also includes a processor coupled to the light detector; and a memory coupled to the processor for storing the detected light as historic light readings.
Abstract:
A cost-effective FPA includes a plurality of detectors per pixel, wherein radiation is directed by a microlens array into respective focal regions that are covered by the union of the detectors' collections regions within each pixel and any defective detectors are de-selected in the ROIC. The operability of each pixel is evaluated, and a map generated specifying detector de-selection for each pixel. This map is read into memory in the ROIC to de-select bad detectors. Bad detectors are preferably allowed to float to a photovoltage and re-emit some of their accumulated photo charge to neighboring detectors to improve collection efficiency. The radiation levels are preferably read out on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Accordingly, the signals from the selected detectors are combined within each pixel.
Abstract:
A lens assembly for use with an ambient light sensor includes a housing having a top surface and including an aperture. An ambient light sensor is mounted within the housing adjacent to the housing aperture. A lens is mounted within the housing aperture for collecting ambient light impinging on the housing and for transmitting the collected light to the ambient light sensor, such that the transmitted light is directed over an area on the ambient light sensor that is greater than the area of the housing aperture.
Abstract:
The invention provides a sensor element formed in a first substrate and having a thermal barrier disposed between the sensor element and a heat source provided elsewhere on the first substrate. The thermal barrier includes at least one pair of trenches formed within the first substrate, individual trenches of the pair being separated by a cavity.
Abstract:
A light source die of an optical input device is mounted on a detecting die of the optical input device in order to reduce the size of the optical input device. The light source die emits light to a reflective surface, and light sensing elements formed on the detecting die sense the reflected light from the reflective surface. A control circuit of the optical input device generates corresponding navigation signals according to the output signals of the light sensing elements.
Abstract:
A light source die of an optical input device is mounted on a detecting die of the optical input device in order to reduce the size of the optical input device. The light source die emits light to a reflective surface, and light sensing elements formed on the detecting die sense the reflected light from the reflective surface. A control circuit of the optical input device generates corresponding navigation signals according to the output signals of thelight sensing elements.
Abstract:
An imaging system for use in a vehicle headlamp control system includes an opening, an image sensor, a red lens blocking red complement light between the opening and the image sensor, and a red complement lens blocking red light between the opening and the image sensor. Each lens focuses light onto a different subwindow of the image sensor. The imaging system allows processing and control logic to detect the presence of headlamps on oncoming vehicles and tail lights on vehicles approached from the rear for the purpose of controlling headlamps. A light sampling lens may be used to redirect light rays from an arc spanning above the vehicle to in front of the vehicle into substantially horizontal rays. The light sampling lens is imaged by the image sensor to produce an indication of light intensity at various elevations. The processing and control logic uses the light intensity to determine whether headlamps should be turned on or off. A shutter may be used to protect elements of the imaging system from excessive light exposure.
Abstract:
The inventive sensor device includes a support structure, a sensing element mounted on the support substrate for sensing optical radiation and generating an electrical output signal in response thereto, and an encapsulant encapsulating the sensing element on the support structure. The encapsulant being configured to define a lens portion for focusing incident optical radiation onto an active surface of the sensing element, and an optical radiation collector portion surrounding the lens portion for collecting and redirecting optical radiation that is not incident the lens portion onto the active surface of the sensing element. The collector portion may be a parabolic reflector that reflects incident light by total internal reflection. The sensor device may be incorporated into an assembly including a diffuser positioned across an aperture, and/or may be incorporated into a vehicle accessory such as a rearview mirror assembly.