Abstract: A system and an apparatus for improving image quality of an object in video telephony are described. The apparatus comprises an image detection unit, an image alignment unit and an image fusion unit. A near infrared light source in the image detection unit illuminates the object, such that the object is front illuminated. An image sensor alongside the near infrared light source generates a near infrared image and a visible image. An image alignment unit aligns the near infrared image and the visible image. An image fusion unit fuses the aligned near infrared image and aligned visible image pair to form a composite image of the object. The composite image of the object has improved image quality, image detail, and a reduction in shadows.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus for improving image quality of an object in video telephony are described. The apparatus comprises an image detection unit, an image alignment unit and an image fusion unit. A near infrared light source in the image detection unit illuminates the object, such that the object is front illuminated. An image sensor alongside the near infrared light source generates a near infrared image and a visible image. An image alignment unit aligns the near infrared image and the visible image. An image fusion unit fuses the aligned near infrared image and aligned visible image pair to form a composite image of the object. The composite image of the object has improved image quality, image detail, and a reduction in shadows.

Abstract: A photodiode structure (300) includes a first plurality of co-located light band detectors that generate analog detector signals, a first multiplexing circuit (440) coupled to the first plurality of analog detector signals, which sequentially generates each of the first plurality of analog detector signals at a first multiplexed output (444), a second multiplexing circuit (445) coupled to a first plurality of reference signals, which sequentially generates at a second multiplexed output (449) each of the first plurality of reference signals in synchronism with the first multiplexed output (444); and a single digital pixel sensor circuit (315) having inputs coupled to the first and second multiplexed outputs, which sequentially generates a series of digital outputs based on the first and second multiplexed outputs (444. 449).

Abstract: Displays such as liquid crystal displays (10), organic light emitting diode displays, and touch sensitive displays (41) are stacked with one or more solar cells (15) such that light passing through the displays will illuminate the light receiving active surface of the solar cells (15). No reflector or polarizer need be used when the liquid crystal display (10) uses cholesteric or polymer dispersed liquid crystals. When using supertwist nematic or twisted nematic liquid crystals, a reflector (21) can be used that comprises a selective color reflector. The resultant display/solar cell can be utilized in combination with a device such as a wireless communications device (62) with the solar cell (15) providing electricity to the display (61), the wireless communications device (62), or both. A mask (71) can be used to occlude surface features on the solar cell (15) as appropriate to provide a substantially uniformly colored appearance.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for telepresence communications at a virtual location between two or more participants at multiple locations (100, 200). First perspective data descriptive of the perspective of the virtual location environment experienced by a first participant at a first location and feature data extracted from features of a second participant at a second location (210, 220) are processed to generate a first virtual representation of the second participant in the virtual environment from the perspective of the first participant (250). Likewise, second perspective data descriptive of the perspective of the virtual location environment experienced by the second participant and feature data extracted from features of the first participant (230, 240) are processed to generate a second virtual representation of the first participant in the virtual environment from the perspective of the second participant (260).

Abstract: A photodiode structure (300) includes a first plurality of co-located light band detectors that generate analog detector signals, a first multiplexing circuit (440) coupled to the first plurality of analog detector signals, which sequentially generates each of the first plurality of analog detector signals at a first multiplexed output (444), a second multiplexing circuit (445) coupled to a first plurality of reference signals, which sequentially generates at a second multiplexed output (449) each of the first plurality of reference signals in synchronism with the first multiplexed output (444); and a single digital pixel sensor circuit (315) having inputs coupled to the first and second multiplexed outputs, which sequentially generates a series of digital outputs based on the first and second multiplexed outputs (444. 449).

Abstract: A passive multi-indicia visual position indicator (30) is used to visually indicate to a user (11) when the user occupies a position that comprises a predetermined desired position with respect to a given object (10). The indicator can be comprised of a single integral structure or can be comprised of a plurality portions. The indicator can comprise any of a wide variety of color and/or graphics related imagery. In one embodiment, the indicator has an annularly-shaped form factor. In one embodiment, the indicator comprises an applique that can be provided in a retrofitting kit that includes appropriate corresponding instructions.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for telepresence communications at a virtual location between two or more participants at multiple locations (100, 200). First perspective data descriptive of the perspective of the virtual location environment experienced by a first participant at a first location and feature data extracted from features of a second participant at a second location (210, 220) are processed to generate a first virtual representation of the second participant in the virtual environment from the perspective of the first participant (250). Likewise, second perspective data descriptive of the perspective of the virtual location environment experienced by the second participant and feature data extracted from features of the first participant (230, 240) are processed to generate a second virtual representation of the first participant in the virtual environment from the perspective of the second participant (260).

Abstract: Displays such as liquid crystal displays (10), organic light emitting diode displays, and touch sensitive displays (41) are stacked with one or more solar cells (15) such that light passing through the displays will illuminate the light receiving active surface of the solar cells (15). No reflector or polarizer need be used when the liquid crystal display (10) uses cholesteric or polymer dispersed liquid crystals. When using supertwist nematic or twisted nematic liquid crystals, a reflector (21) can be used that comprises a selective color reflector. The resultant display/solar cell can be utilized in combination with a device such as a wireless communications device (62) with the solar cell (15) providing electricity to the display (61), the wireless communications device (62), or both. A mask (71) can be used to occlude surface features on the solar cell (15) as appropriate to provide a substantially uniformly colored appearance.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device (10) includes a front polarizer (12), a liquid crystal cell (14), a retardation film (16), a back polarizer (18), and a reflective holographic optical element (20). Diffuse ambient light illuminates the front polarizer (12), which polarizes the ambient light and transmits the polarized light to the liquid crystal cell (14). The liquid crystal cell (14) receives the polarized light and transmits polarized light derived from the incident polarized light to the retardation film (16). The retardation film (16) receives the polarized light and transmits polarized light, including light within a selected spectral band. The back polarizer (18) receives the polarized light from the retardation film (16) and selectively transmits polarized light derived from the incident polarized light.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device (10) for forming a display includes a liquid crystal panel (12), a switchable holographic optical element (14), and a reflective holographic optical element (16). Ambient light illuminates a front polarizer (18), which polarizes the ambient light and transmits the polarized light to the liquid crystal cell (20). The liquid crystal cell (20) receives the polarized light and transmits polarized light derived from the incident polarized light to a back polarizer (22). The back polarizer (22) polarizes the light and transmits the light to the switchable holographic optical element (14). While in a first mode, the switchable holographic optical element (14) redirects the light back toward the liquid crystal panel (12) within a first viewing cone (34) to form the display. In a second mode, the switchable holographic optical element (14) is transparent and transmits the light to the reflective holographic optical element (16).

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device (30) that is illuminatable by diffuse ambient light comprises a liquid crystal panel (32) and a reflective holographic optical element (34). Diffuse ambient light illuminating the front side (36) of the liquid crystal panel and traversing the liquid crystal panel is received at a reflection site (66) and is redirected with a reflection pattern (68) to retraverse the liquid crystal panel to form a bright pixel for a display. By concentrating diffuse light within a preferential reflection pattern, the reflective holographic optical element provides enhanced brightness for viewing the display under ambient light conditions. In one aspect, the reflective holographic optical element is a transflector (158, 208) and is combined with an internal light source (170, 220) for illuminating the display using either reflected ambient light or backlighting.

Abstract: A display device comprises a polymer dispersed liquid crystal film that includes one or more translucent regions and one or more transparent regions. The back side of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal film is illuminated by collimated light. The front side of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal film is optically coupled to an asymmetric optical diffuser. The asymmetric optical diffuser comprises a plurality of light paths that transmit collimated light emanating through a transparent region of the film, but excludes diffuse light emanating from a translucent region. A preferred asymmetric optical diffuser comprises glass microspheres in a black matrix. In this manner, the asymmetric diffuser substantially improves contrast between a transparent region and a translucent region of a display.

Abstract: A display device (10) includes a display panel, such as a liquid crystal panel (12), in combination with a reflective holographic optical element (14) that redirects ambient light for illuminating the display. The light redirected by the holographic element is limited to a predetermined spectral band. Fluorescent film (16) is included for absorbing light outside the spectral band of the holographic element and re-emitting light within the spectral band to increase the light redirected by the holographic element and thus increase the apparent brightness of the display.

Abstract: A light diffuser (100) for illuminating a display (304) comprises a rectangular light distributor (108) which is coupled to a light director (208) located along an edge normal to a major axis (110) of the light distributor (108). The light director (208) directs light received from a lamp (14) into the light distributor (108). The light distributor (108) has a polished, planar top surface (210) and a bottom surface (112) comprising a predetermined serration pattern oriented normal to the major axis (110) of the rectangular light distributor (108). The predetermined serration pattern comprises a plurality of grooves (116, 118, 120) having a predetermined pitch gradient corresponding thereto. The plurality of grooves (116, 118, 120) further have roughened surfaces for diffusing light impinging thereon toward the polished, planar top surface (210) of the light distributor (108).

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device, (10 in FIG. 1) comprises a liquid crystal panel (12) and a backside illuminator (14). The liquid crystal includes pixels (36) separated by a matrix area (37). The backside illuminator comprises a waveguide (40) having a face (44) facing the backside (18) of the liquid crystal panel and including light-emitting sites (48) disposed in registration with the pixels and separated by non-emitting surface (46). During operation, light received from a suitable source (52, 54, 56) is transmitted within the waveguide to the sites and emitted to illuminate the corresponding pixels.

Abstract: An optical reflector for a polymeric waveguide mounted on a generally planar substrate is formed by a method that includes sequentially irradiating overlapping zones of a polymeric ridge using a series of intermittent laser beam flashes directed normal to the substrate. Each flash is selected to be effective to remove a layer of the ridge to a predetermined depth. Each zone has a linear leading edge and is displaced relative to the leading edge of the immediately preceding zone by a distance corresponding to the predetermined depth. Furthermore, each succeeding zone overlaps the leading edge of the preceding zone. It is surprisingly found that flashes cooperate at the leading edges to form a smooth, oblique surface that, when coated with a reflective metal film, is suited for reflecting a light signal between a path normal to the substrate and a waveguide path parallel to the substrate.

Abstract: A wireless binary coded optical data receiver receives the binary encoded data via a photodiode. The binary encoded data is then supplied to the primary winding of a transformer and thus coupled to the secondary winding of the transformer. The secondary winding is coupled to a transimpedance amplifier wherein the transimpedance amplifier buffers the received binary encoded data. The buffered binary encoded data is then amplitude limited by a limiting circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of a gas in an ambient atmosphere comprises a multiple quantum well structure; a thin mesh of a transition metal formed on the multiple quantum well structure; and an arrangement for monitoring transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the mesh and the multiple quantum well structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of a gas in an ambient atmosphere comprises a multiple quantum well structure; a thin mesh of a transition metal formed on the multiple quantum well structure; and an arrangement for monitoring transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the mesh and the multiple quantum well structure.