Abstract:
A human safe wireless charging system using a circularly polarized source antenna that can radiate in either a hemispherical pattern or directional cardiod-like patterns at a 40-50, 150, or 200 MHz frequencies to a receiving loop antenna which is coupled to a parasitic receive element.
Abstract:
A touch screen, now incorporated in most smart phones, presents an effective and transparent method to incorporate continuous active user verification schemes. The projected capacitive grid structure can be used to capture information, such as from the user's fingerprint. This information may be used to verify the user, or that a valid user currently has possession of the mobile device, even while the user is not consciously engaged in an active verification interface. Further processing, such as habitual gesture recognition, can augment the process.
Abstract:
Techniques for implementing series-fed antenna arrays with a variable dielectric waveguide. In one implementation, coupling elements with optional controlled phase shifters are placed adjacent each radiating element of the array. To avoid frequency sensitivity of the resulting array, one or more waveguides have a variable propagation constant. The variable waveguide may use certain materials exhibiting this phenomenon, or may have configurable gaps between layers. Plated-through holes and pins can control the gaps; and/or a 2-D circular or a rectangular travelling wave array of scattering elements can be used as well.
Abstract:
A Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance detection system with features that include: a) slab radiating structure for the transmit path; b) reduced impedance transmit radiator; c) portal-embedded stripline couplers for receive path; d) wideband chirps each encompassing multiple simultaneous resonances; e) chirp sequencing enabling three channel architecture; f) magnetic amplification effect of ferrite-based directional couplers; g) determining position of substance within portal.
Abstract:
Techniques for implementing series-fed antenna arrays with a variable dielectric waveguide. In one implementation, coupling elements with optional controlled phase shifters are placed adjacent each radiating element of the array. To avoid frequency sensitivity of the resulting array, one or more waveguides have a variable propagation constant. The variable waveguide may use certain materials exhibiting this phenomenon, or may have configurable gaps between layers. Plated-through holes and pins can control the gaps; and/or a 2-D circular or a rectangular travelling wave array of scattering elements can be used as well.
Abstract:
A solar energy collector includes a prism coupled waveguide and a cladding material layer coextensive with the waveguide core. Photovoltaics (PVs) are disposed within the cladding layer, with the PVs active in at least two wavelength ranges. The PVs are further spaced apart depending upon their active wavelength range. The cladding layer may include two or more material layers of at least two different dielectric constants. In that arrangement, the PVs are further grouped such that the PVs disposed in a first one of the cladding layers has a different active wavelength range than an active wavelength range of the PVs disposed in a second cladding layer.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for detecting body vital signs through the use of a Bioelectric Impedance Spectroscopy (BIS), either by (a) direct contact with the person (such as through one or more of their fingers) or (b) measurement of reflections from a field projected into the person's body. The techniques may be implemented using the projected capacitive touch array in a device such as the screen of a smartphone or tablet computer, or the touchpad of a laptop computer.
Abstract:
A scanning Dielectric Travelling Wave Array (DTWA) device suitable for use as a wideband, tunable, two-dimensional beamformer. The device is formed from a set of planar waveguides, elongated waveguide sections and/or progressive delay layers. By controlling the index of refraction (ε) of the waveguides, waveguide sections, and/or progressive delay layers, the device to aim at a particular angle of incidence of energy arriving on the top face, in both azimuth and elevation. These indi(cies) of refraction may be controlled with a set of varactors. By observing a constraint on the size of the waveguides as related to the bandwidth of the signals of interest, the waveguide can to receive from or transmit to different directions at the same time. The varactors may be provided by continuous strips of material disposed along the top and bottom of each waveguide section, or as a set of discrete controllable sections distributed along the primary axis of each waveguide section. Pairs of adjacent waveguide sections may be fed to provide complementary propagation modes, such as TE1 and TM1 modes. The pair of waveguide sections may be driven in quadrature to provide greater control over the axial ratio.
Abstract:
Orientation-independent antennas and associated beamforming circuits, to provide polarization-independent determination of position. An Indoor Positioning System (IPS) may utilize beacon or tag devices equipped with orientation-independent antennas to determine the location of nearby objects. The system can exist in many different customizable configurations, sometimes utilizing orientation-independent antennas embedded in smartphones that serve as beacon or tag devices. The devices, systems and methods described herein may be used for an IPS in a residential setting, a commercial setting (like a department store), an event or workplace, or an industrial setting.