A light source and photosensor combine for effective, reliable, non-contact proximity detection of nearby objects. Part 1 of this article looked at the principles and three basic approaches to optical proximity sensing, also called photoelectric sensing. This part looks at physical implementations of the system, input/output specifics, and other considerations. Q: Is this a relatively […]
Optics
Flexible artificial intelligence optoelectronic sensors towards health monitoring
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science (TUS) have developed a flexible paper-based sensor composed of nanocellulose and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles that operate like the human eyes and brain. The sensor is energy-efficient, responds to optical input in real-time, and is both flexible and easy to dispose of, making it ideal for health monitoring applications. […]
How do you accurately measure skin color? Part 1
While discrimination based on skin color is against the law in the U.S., changes in skin color provide important information in healthcare regarding disease progression or treatment response, so accurately measuring and distinguishing skin color is essential. Skin color is also a predictor of skin cancer risk. Also, accurately measuring and matching skin color is […]
How can mature sensors create new sensing opportunities?
Pulse oximetry (blood oxygen saturation level in %SpO2) and pulse rate (in beats per minute) have been performed with clamp on the finger measurements for many years. With their built-in display, they are intended for either a health care professional or even the user reading of the measurements. In some instances, these devices even provide […]
What are the different types of fingerprint scanners?
Fingerprint scanners, which were once reserved for biometric logging systems and attendance systems, are now part of regular smartphones and much more. Fingerprints have been a trusted method of personal identity. Combined with face id or other biometric identification systems like retina scanning, fingerprints offer an impeccable way to recognize any person. With a blast […]
Laser module addresses applications in industrial sensing and measurement
EMCORE has introduced its Model 1790 1550 nm High-Power Laser Module for LiDAR and Optical Sensing. The 1790 was developed for use as a CW coherent optical source for next-generation FMCW LiDAR systems in autonomous vehicles and other optical sensing applications. A custom version of this product is being adopted by a major provider of […]
Medical RGB-IR Image Sensor helps cut endoscope size
OmniVision Technologies, Inc. announced the OH02A1S—the world’s first RGB-IR medical image sensor, which provides simultaneous white-light RGB captures and infrared monochrome captures in a single CMOS sensor. While endoscopic precancer and cancer detection procedures are performed using IR light, surgeons also need RGB light to confirm any abnormalities detected using infrared. Previously, this could only be accomplished […]
How is MEMS involved in coronavirus testing?
Testing for the presence or absence of coronavirus (COVID-19) is one of the major issues during the current pandemic. On March 21, 2020, Cepheid, a company that designs and manufacturers molecular testing systems and products announced that it received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for its Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 […]
Baumer LX VisualApplets industrial cameras with image preprocessing
Baumer is pleased to announce series production of LX VisualApplets cameras with integrated image preprocessing. These cameras are capable of image preprocessing in the camera’s FPGA without the need for expensive and complex VHDL programming. They utilize the graphical programming environment VisualApplets by Silicon Software, thanks to which even non-expert users without extensive programming experience […]
1.2-Mpixel CMOS Image Sensor features super low-noise operation
ON Semiconductor (Nasdaq: ON) introduces another major advance in image sensing technology with the AR0135 global shutter CMOS image sensor. This 1/3-inch format, 1.2 MP imaging device has been designed to address the challenging requirements of automotive imaging as well as high-speed barcode scanning, and emerging applications like virtual reality and 3D depth sensing. The […]
