1249 results about "Infra-red color" patented technology

A touch panel is described which uses at least one infrared source and an array of infrared sensors to detect objects which are in contact with, or close to, the touchable surface of the panel. The panel may be operated in both reflective and shadow modes, in arbirary per-pixel combinations which change over time. For example, if the level of ambient infrared is detected and if that level exceeds a threshold, shadow mode is used for detection of touch events over some or all of the display. If the threshold is not exceeded, reflective mode is used to detect touch events. The touch panel includes an infrared source and an array of infrared sensors.

The present invention is directed toward a device for biometric authentication. The device comprises an infra red signal transmitter, signal receiver, memory module, and processing module. The signal transmitter transmits infrared energy toward a user. The infrared energy is partly absorbed and partly reflected by the user's body. The infra red signal receiver collects partly reflected infrared energy. The memory module stores the data, and the processing module processes and compares the reflected infrared energy and stored data for use in biometric authentication.

A light-based touch screen, including a housing for a display screen, a plurality of infra-red light emitting diodes (LEDs), fastened on the housing, for generating light beams, at least one LED selector, fastened on the housing and connected with the plurality of LEDs, for controllably selecting and deselecting one or more of the plurality of LEDs, a plurality of photodiode (PD) receivers, fastened on the housing, for measuring light intensity, at least one PD selector, fastened on the housing and connected with the plurality of PD receivers, for controllably selecting and deselecting one or more of the plurality of PD receivers, an optical assembly, fastened on the housing, for projecting light beams emitted by the plurality of LEDs in substantially parallel planes over the housing, and a controller, fastened on the housing and coupled with the plurality of PD receivers, (i) for controlling the at least one LED selector, (ii) for controlling the at least one PD selector, and (iii) for determining therefrom position and velocity of an object crossing at least one of the substantially parallel planes, based on output currents of the plurality of PD receivers.

The methods of manufacturing molds from shape memory materials and molds made thereby, in accordance with the present invention, provide numerous advantages for molding castable composite parts. The initial mold cost is low enough to accommodate economical production of as few as a single part incorporating high surface definition and intricate three dimensional detail. The preferred methods and molds made thereby are transparent, thereby, curing of the corresponding part by ultra-violet and infra-red light is made possible, as well as, visual inspection during injection and curing of the given resin. Removal of the cured part from within the mold is simplified.

A universal remote controller having a radio frequency (RF) control mode for generating RF signals for controlling an RF based home automation system and having an infrared (IR) control mode for controlling an infrared based electronic device using IR control signals. Control information input via a user interface is used to generate the IR control signals in the IR mode of operation and is used to generate the RF signals in the RF mode of operation. A control unit controls overall operation of the universal remote controller including the generation of IR signals to control electronic devices with the IR signals. A home automation module is connected to the control unit via a communication interface to generate RF signals to control the RF based home automation system. A display displays feedback information to the user regarding operations for controlling the home automation system.

Systems, methods and structures for combining virtual reality and real-time environment by combining captured real-time video data and real-time 3D environment renderings to create a fused, that is, combined environment, including capturing video imagery in RGB or HSV / HSV color coordinate systems and processing it to determine which areas should be made transparent, or have other color modifications made, based on sensed cultural features, electromagnetic spectrum values, and / or sensor line-of-sight, wherein the sensed features can also include electromagnetic radiation characteristics such as color, infra-red, ultra-violet light values, cultural features can include patterns of these characteristics, such as object recognition using edge detection, and whereby the processed image is then overlaid on, and fused into a 3D environment to combine the two data sources into a single scene to thereby create an effect whereby a user can look through predesignated areas or “windows” in the video image to see into a 3D simulated world, and / or see other enhanced or reprocessed features of the captured image.

A remote camera relay method and apparatus for remotely operating a self-contained, unattended digital camera over a communications link. Format conversion means are included for transparently relaying control signals and remote image data between a local host processor and the remotely located digital camera, independently of specific camera command and image protocols. It thereby functions as a universal remote image transmission adapter, operable as an attachment for use with self-contained digital cameras. A portable enclosure is provided for accommodating the remote relay communications and control electronics and for attaching a hand-held digital camera thereto. Further means are included for remotely actuating the pan and tilt orientation of the camera in accordance with field-of-view selection commands. Data rate conversion and error correction coding are included for providing reliable, low power image forwarding. The communications channel could be a dial-up telephone system, a network connection, modem, an infra-red link or a wireless RF link, for example. Additional control means are provided for remotely selecting the camera field of view for image capture, and includes the ability to access only those subsets of image scenes for which viewing permissions are authorized. A further mode of operation includes protocol training whereby host photographing commands are captured by the remote relay invention during on-line operation, then replayed at programmed times resulting in automatic scheduled remote image capture. Power management is provided for maximizing operating time when used in low power, portable, battery operation.

The present invention concerns a method and a kit, for the treatment of a selected area of the skin and / or subcutaneous tissue, and in particular for the cosmetic treatment of skin conditions such as regional fat deposits including cellulite. The method comprises heating the selected area to a sustained skin temperature of about 32 to about 50° C. for a desired period of time, using a device comprising either a heat source capable of conductively heating the selected area or, alternatively, an infra-red source for emitting infra-red with a wavelength from about 700 nm to about 15000 nm. The method also comprises administering, simultaneously or sequentially in either order, a composition containing an active agent selected from the group comprising a skin active, a nutrient absorption suppressant or a thermogenic agent, preferably a metabolic stimulating agent, more preferably a lipolytic agent, or a mixture thereof, the composition being either a topical composition for application to the selected area, or an area adjacent thereto, or an oral composition.

A safety indicator monitors environment conditions detrimental to humans e.g., hazardous gases, air pollutants, low oxygen, radiation levels of EMF or RF and microwave, temperature, humidity and air pressure retaining a three month history to upload to a PC via infra red data interface or phone link. Contaminants are analyzed and compared to stored profiles to determine its classification and notify user of an adversity by stored voice messages from, via alarm tones and associated flashing LED, via vibrator for silent operation or via LCD. Environmental radiation sources are monitored and auto-scaled. Instantaneous radiation exposure level and exposure duration data are stored for later readout as a detector and dosimeter. Scans for EMF allow detection with auto scaling of radiation levels and exposure durations are stored for subsequent readout. Electronic bugs can be found with a high sensitivity EMF range setting. Ambient temperature measurements or humidity and barometric pressure can be made over time to predict weather changes. A PCS RF link provides wireless remote communications in a first responder military use by upload of alarm conditions, field measurements and with download of command instructions. The link supports reception of telemetry data for real time remote monitoring of personnel via the wrist band for blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate and blood oxygen levels are transmitted. Commercial uses include remote environmental data collection and employee assignment tasking. GPS locates personnel and reporting coordinates associated with alarm occurrences and associated environmental measurements.

A game apparatus is capable of controlling infrared radiation means for radiating infrared light. The game apparatus executes game processing using imaging information on the infrared light obtained from an input device. The input device takes an image of the infrared light radiated by the infrared radiation means, and also receives an input from a user. The game apparatus comprises pattern storage means; selection means; and radiation control means. The pattern storage means stores at least one signal pattern of an infrared signal usable by a control target device. The selection means selects at least one of the at least one signal pattern stored by the pattern storage means, using the input received by the input device. The radiation control means causes the infrared radiation means to output an infrared signal of the signal pattern selected by the selection means.

An apparatus for controlling the temperature of a part of a human or animal body 2 during a cryosurgical procedure is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a radiative energy transmitter 26 for radiating energy to a zone of the body 2 to be protected from excessive cooling. There is also provided a means 12 for controlling the energy radiated by said radiative energy transmitter 26. Preferably the radiative energy transmitter comprises an infra-red laser diode coupled to a diffuser 34 by an optical fibre 40.

A system and method for a programmable communicator is described which can provide an improved child communication device, a telecommunications platform for a smart clothes application, as well as a programmable remote data communicator to report the status of a technical apparatus such as a vending machine. The programmable communicator can be programmed remotely by a mobile phone or any Personal Data Assistant (PDA) type device using any data transmission technology such as BlueTooth, Infra red light or any wireless radio communication either directly at close range, or via a mobile telecommunications network connection from a hand-held device or computer terminal connected to a data or IP transmission network such as the Internet.

Systems for highly efficient, in-vivo collection of modulated infra-red light are presented. Specifically, these devices are arranged in an important format with a view to integration with a wristwatch or other wearable device. An optical aperture of large surface area, specially distributed in an annular ring, receives radiation having been modulated in a tissue test site by blood flow. Radiation received about the annular aperture is redirected by a blazed grating or similar optical element at near perpendicular angles, into a radially distributed, condensing light pipe array and further toward a common axis. Radiation converges on the axis, thus increasing the energy density of the collected signal, before it is further directed via a conic element to a detector such as a photodiode. In some versions, these highly specialized optical paths may be formed into a single element of inexpensive plastic or other rigid substrate.

Pushbroom and flash lidar operations outside the visible spectrum, most preferably in near-IR but also in IR and UV, are enabled by inserting—ahead of a generally conventional lidar receiver front end—a device that receives light scattered from objects and in response forms corresponding light of a different wavelength from the scattered light. Detailed implementations using arrays of discrete COTS components—most preferably PIN diodes and VCSELs, with intervening semicustom amplifiers—are discussed, as is use of a known monolithic converter. Differential and ratioing multispectral measurements, particularly including UV data, are enabled through either spatial-sharing (e. g. plural-slit) or time-sharing.

A lightwave oven for cooking with light having wavelengths in the visible, near visible, and infra-red spectral ranges uses one or more quartz halogen tungsten lamps or quartz arc bulbs positioned above and below the food item and delivers light energy in select ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum during select portions of the cooking cycle.

A high-speed wireless LAN system is disclosed. The system includes a mobile station for transmitting / receiving data encrypted by a predetermined encryption method, communicating the data to associated access points by an ultra wide-band (UWB) communication method, and communicating an encryption key according to the encryption method to said associated access points by an optical or infra-red (IR) communication method; the plurality of access points, installed in a plurality of predetermined service areas, for relaying between the mobile station and a gateway of a remote place by communicating the data and the encryption key with the mobile station located in the corresponding service area by the UWB and the optical or IR communication methods and transmitting / receiving the data and the encryption key to / from the gateway by an optical communication method; and the gateway for providing an optical interface between an internal network and an external network, being provided with a plurality of gateway sub-modules for transmitting / receiving the data and the encryption key by communicating with the plurality of access points by the optical communication method, and transmitting a subscriber service transmitted from the external network to the corresponding access point.

This invention provides an infrared illuminator and camera system for imaging of auto vehicle license plates. The system works in ambient light conditions, ranging from bright sunlight, to dim light, to dark, to zero ambient light. It yields high-contrast imaging of the letters and numbers on retro-reflective license plates. The images of the license letter and number combinations can be read manually by a remote operator. They can be converted to text format with optical character recognition computer hardware and software. The text data can then be compared to data files listing license numbers to provide further data about the owner of a licensed vehicle. A decision can be made quickly about whether to allow a vehicle to proceed through a gate, or whether to take other action. The system uses a mono camera that is enhanced for infrared sensitivity and combined with a high power infrared illuminator to maximize range at night, and with shutter speeds set up to capture clear license plate pictures even with fast moving vehicles and even with their headlights on and interfering with human observation of the license plates. Optical filtering to pass infrared in the range of the illuminator and to reduce light outside this range, combines with a lens set up, to avoid vertical smear and sensor overload caused by headlights at night and by highlight reflected glare from the sun in daytime.

The present invention provides a means to add electronic control of temperature and flow rate for fluids in standard faucets. The device is self powered by means of the fluid flowing through it and generates sufficient power to operate the control electronics. Elimination of an external power source or internal battery, is important for simple retrofit installations as well as maintenance free operation for many years. The invention consists of two components that communicate with each other via either an RF (radio frequency), IR (infra red) or a wired link. The Mixing Unit serves to mix the incoming hot and cold fluids (typically water but any fluid can be mixed) to a desired temperature under control of the Main Control Unit. The Main Control Unit provides a means by which the user can adjust the temperature as well as automatically turn on and off the fluid flow.

A smart card device is provided which may be directly hooked to a network or Internet via a phone or other communication interfaces. The smart card device includes a smart card reader and a communications interface, such as a MODEM, (54) an infra-red interface, RF, tone, or an Ethernet interface, and a minimal device controller. (52) A system and method for remotely verifying the identification (authentication) of the user of a smart card are also provided, and for completing the remote transaction. The invention supports two key functions (remote authentication and remote secure transaction) which can be carried out while the communication is not interrupted, and specifically (in the case of the telephone) while the call is in progress.

A tracking system for monitoring cleaning frequency has a home unit mounted where a broom or other cleaning device is stored, at least one track recording device mounted on any normal cleaning or sweeping device, a series of beacons which comprise infra red or radio frequency emitters located throughout an area to be monitored such that they illuminate the area, and a data collection unit for storing sweep track data and producing risk management reports based on the stored data. The track recording device has a receiver for detecting each beacon and storing the identification of the beacon along with a time stamp as the cleaning device is moved through the area. The stored information is transmitted to the home unit each time the cleaning device is returned to the storage area, and the cleaning history is provided to the data collection unit.

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for combining virtual reality and real-time environment. The present invention provides a system that combines captured real-time video data and real-time 3D environment rendering to create a fused (combined) environment. The system captures video imagery and processes it to determine which areas should be made transparent (or have other color modifications made), based on sensed cultural features and / or sensor line-of-sight. Sensed features can include electromagnetic radiation characteristics (i.e. color, infra-red, ultra-violet light). Cultural features can include patterns of these characteristics (i.e. object recognition using edge detection). This processed image is then overlaid on a 3D environment to combine the two data sources into a single scene. This creates an effect where a user can look through ‘windows’ in the video image into a 3D simulated world, and / or see other enhanced or reprocessed features of the captured image.

This device is a thin notebook computer with dual connected touch-screen monitors that fold open to be used like a book, or opened in the flat position, also like a book. The keyboard is operated by software on one of the touch screen monitors, or is an accessory that uses infra red or Bluetooth technology for input into the device. Use of this device, in the same manner as holding, reading and using a book, is a primary function and feature that distinguishes it from other computers and e-books.

A process for producing a low-visibility retroreflective visual tag, which can be used to identify and / or determine the position of an object. This process involves placing an infra-red-blocking material over a retroreflective substrate to form the low-visibility retroreflective visual tag. This infra-red-blocking material is placed so as to form a pattern, which becomes visible to an infrared sensor when the low-visibility retroreflective visual tag is illuminated by an infra-red light source.

A welding accessory and a system for detecting thermal and / or UV radiation exposure during welding operations are disclosed. The welding accessory may have a surface exposed to thermal and / or UV radiation generated by electric arc welding, a first image visible without exposure to the thermal and / or UV radiation, and a second image formed from either a UV activated dye that is visible only after exposure to UV radiation generated by the electric welding arc or a thermochromic dye that is visible only after exposure to a predetermined level of thermal radiation generated by the welding arc. A system may include either a thermal or UV exposure indicator with a first state and at least a second state, and include either a thermochromic or UV activated dye adapted to provide a reversible or persistent visual indication upon exposure to radiation. The visual indication may include any combination of symbols, logos, images, text, or other decorative or informational designs as desired.

The present invention relates to a device for observing the meibomian glands enables a ready observation necessary for examination without a direct contact of an examination probe to the eyelid and an observation of all of the upper and lower meibomian glands in a relatively short time. A device for observing the meibomian glands, comprising: a light source radiating light containing infrared rays, a visible light-cutting filter that is opaque to visible light but passes at least a portion of infrared rays, an optical system for transmitting light from the light source that has passed through the visible light-cutting filter to the site being observed, an optical system for transmitting light from the site being observed to an infrared camera, an infrared camera, and a display for converting an image picked up by the infrared camera to a visible image and displaying the visible image; wherein the site being observed is a portion comprising the meibomian glands of an eyelid turned inside out, light from the light source is irradiated onto the site being observed, and light reflecting off the site being observed is picked up by the infrared camera.

Disclosed is an optical member in the form of a film or a thin plate. The optical member contains near infrared absorbing particles comprising crystallites of an oxide containing at least Cu and P and having a number average aggregated particle size of at least 20 nm and at most 200 nm. Further, a near infrared cut filter, a solid-state imaging element, a lens for an imaging device and an imaging / display device are disclosed. They comprise a near infrared absorbing layer containing near infrared absorbing particles comprising crystallites of an oxide containing at least Cu and P and having a number average aggregated particle size of at least 20 nm and at most 200 nm.

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for combining virtual reality and real-time environment. The present invention provides a system that combines captured real-time video data and real-time 3D environment rendering to create a fused (combined) environment. The system captures video imagery and processes it to determine which areas should be made transparent (or have other color modifications made), based on sensed cultural features and / or sensor line-of-sight. Sensed features can include electromagnetic radiation characteristics (i.e. color, infra-red, ultra-violet light). Cultural features can include patterns of these characteristics (i.e. object recognition using edge detection). This processed image is then overlaid on a 3D environment to combine the two data sources into a single scene. This creates an effect where a user can look through ‘windows’ in the video image into a 3D simulated world, and / or see other enhanced or reprocessed features of the captured image.

An imaging system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an imaging sensor having a two-dimensional array of photosensing elements, an image processor for processing image data captured by the imaging sensor, and a display for displaying images responsive to the image processor. The array has a plurality of sub-arrays, with each of the sub-arrays having a first pixel sensing primarily a first color, a second pixel sensing primarily a second color, a third pixel sensing primarily a third color and a fourth pixel sensing primarily infrared radiation. The image processor processes the output of the fourth pixel to determine an infrared component of the imaged scene and subtracts the infrared component from the outputs of the first, second and third pixels to obtain a more accurate or true color response for the pixels and to limit or avoid infrared color wash-out.