Research Expertise:

• Bio-Inspired Analog Visual Systems: The main goal of my research is to develop novel methods for improving visual processing for autonomous systems (robots, planetary explorers, etc). To achieve this, we feel that the best approach is to use nature for our model; animal visual systems are able to perform extremely well under the constraints of limited power (food for energy) and space (eye and brain size). Thus, my group is creating biologically-inspired silicon vision chips. The research combines analog chip design, optoelectronics, and neural networks. The modular aspect is the key to developing different types of processing components with interchangeable parts that can simplify reconfiguration.
• Bioinstrumentation: Bioinstrumentation is the application of novel devices to detect biological signals from the human body. This can be done remotely, using various electromagnetic energy sources (such as X-ray or optical wavelength signals), or it can be done directly on the body, such as using electrodes to measure EKG. We are working on new sensors for measuring signals from the body for diagnostic and early detection of diseases, and for disease management. We have also worked on developing new imaging systems - specifically high resolution x-ray imaging using solid-state devices
• Integrated Sensors: My original work on visual processing uses on-chip optical detectors as the means for converting light to electrical signals. One of the most exciting aspects of research is that our activity often leads us into new areas, and this is the case with my sensors-related work. We have grown a new research area that is an off-shoot of the vision work, in which our detector chips are used as part of novel sensor systems, including biochemical sensing. The process of detecting chemical agents requires many parts: a sensor to produce a signal indicating something of interest is present, a stimulator to activate the sensor, a transducer to convert the signal into another, more easily manipulated signal, and a processor to make that signal understandable and usable.
• Neuromorphic Visual Processing Systems

Patents:

• Microfabricated Calorimeter for RF Power Measurements (2019)
• Microfabricated Calorimeter for RF Power Measurements (2018)
• Temporally addressable detection array A detection device and a method of detection are disclosed. The device may have a sensor array, a detector array, and a sensor controller. The sensor array may have a plurality of sensors, each sensor being responsive to a different analyte of interest. Each sensor may also be able to emit electromagnetic energy. For example, one or more of the sensors may include an LED. One or more of the sensors may include a sensing compound within a xerogel, which is responsive to an analyte of interest. In the method, one of the sensors is turned on, and one or more of the detectors are activated to receive electromagnetic energy emitted from the sensor. (2013)
• Sensor and Method of sensing Having an Energy source and Detector on the sa A sensor has a sensor substance, an electromagnetic energy source, and a detector. The sensor substance may be able to emit electromagnetic energy different than that provided by the energy source when an analyte of interest is in contact with the sensor substance and electromagnetic energy is received by the sensor substance. The energy source and the detector may be provided on the same side of the sensor substance. In a method according to the invention, a determination may be made as to whether an analyte is present in a sample. Such a method may provide a sensor, such as that described above. Electromagnetic energy may be provided to the sensor substance using the energy source, and the sensor substance may be contacted with a sample. Electromagnetic energy may be emitted from the sensor substance and received at the detector. The detector may provide a signal indicating the type of electromagnetic energy emitted from the sensor substance. The signal from the detector may be analyzed to determine whether the analyte was detected. (2011)
• pH-change sensor and method pH-change sensors and related methods are disclosed. One such sensor may have a first ion-sensitive transistor-operational-transconductance-amplifier (the "first IOTA") and a second ion-sensitive transistor-operational-transconductance-amplifier (the "second IOTA"). Each IOTA may have an ion-sensitive transistor, a load transistor, and an output. In each IOTA, the drain region of the ion-sensitive transistor may be connected to the drain region of the load transistor. A differential sensor may be connected to the IOTAs, and an output from the differential sensor may indicate a voltage difference between the IOTA outputs. The output from the differential sensor may be used to provide an indication of a change in pH. (2010)
• Low Power Glare Sensor The invention may be embodied as a glare detection system or as a method of detecting glare. In a system according to the invention, there may be a light receiving surface, a first input channel, a second input channel, a glare signaling circuit and a glare reducing circuit. The first input channel may provide an indication of the amount of light impinging on a first portion of the light receiving surface. The second input channel may provide an indication of the amount of light impinging on a second portion of the light receiving surface. The glare signaling circuit ("GSC") may have a first input port in communication with the first input channel, a second input port in communication with the second input channel, a logic-or gate capable of producing an output signal when the logic-or gate detects that the first input channel or the second input channel indicates glare on the light receiving surface. The glare reducing circuit ("GRC") may be in communication with the logic-or gate, and may be capable of reacting when the logic-or gate produces the output signal. For example, the GRC may react by determining where on the light receiving surface glare exists. (2009)
• A Method and Apparatus for Correcting a Phase Shift Between a Transmitter a A method and apparatus for correcting for a phase shift between a transmitter and receiver comprising the steps of: a) transmitting a signal from a transmitter (14); b) receiving the transmitted signal (16) at a receiver (20); c) comparing the received signal (17) to a reference signal; d) if a difference between the reference signal and the received signal (17) is greater than a predetermined value go to step e), if not go to step g); e) adjusting a frequency of the transmitted signal (16); f) go to step a); and g) calibration complete. (2005)
• A Method and Apparatus for Multiple Document Detection Using Ultrasonic Pha According to one aspect of the present invention an apparatus for multiple document detection includes an ultrasonic transmitter (14) for transmitting an ultrasonic signal (16). An ultrasonic receiver (20) receives the ultrasonic signal (17), after it passes through the at least one of the multiple documents (18). A phase comparator (24) compares the transmitted ultrasonic signal (16) and the received ultrasonic signal (17), and an amplitude measurement circuit (26) compares the received ultrasonic signal (17) to a reference. A microprocessor (32) compares an information signal (28) from the phase comparator (24) and an information signal (30) from the amplitude measurement circuit (26) to a predetermined threshold to determine if multiple documents are present. (2003)