Patents by Inventor William K. Smyth
William K. Smyth has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10176396Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present disclosure feature systems and methods for assessing the impact of visual features within a region of a scene. With the input of a visual representation of a scene and at least one selected region within the scene, the system applies a visual attention model to the visual representation to determine visual conspicuity of the at least one selected region. The system computes feature-related data associated with a plurality of features of the at least one selected region. Based on the visual conspicuity and the feature-related data, the system assesses an impact that at least one of the features within the at least one selected region have on the visual conspicuity.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: William K. Smyth, Richard J. Moore, Benjamin D. Zimmer, Brian J. Stankiewicz
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Publication number: 20160132749Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present disclosure feature systems and methods for assessing the impact of visual features within a region of a scene. With the input of a visual representation of a scene and at least one selected region within the scene, the system applies a visual attention model to the visual representation to determine visual conspicuity of the at least one selected region. The system computes feature-related data associated with a plurality of features of the at least one selected region. Based on the visual conspicuity and the feature-related data, the system assesses an impact that at least one of the features within the at least one selected region have on the visual conspicuity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2014Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: William K. Smyth, Richard J. Moore, Benjamin D. Zimmer, Brian J. Stankiewicz
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Patent number: 7351470Abstract: An antireflection film and method of making same includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, an inorganic layer deposited on the first surface of the substrate, and an optically active polymer layer formed by curing a curable composition in situ on the inorganic layer, the polymer layer having a refractive index not greater than about 1.53 over the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm and a thickness of from about 20 nm to about 200 nm, and an adhesive layer deposited on the second surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Erica J. Draheim, Bettie C. Fong, Bruce D. Kluge, Junkang J. Liu, Pradnya V. Nagarkar, William K. Smyth
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Patent number: 7303809Abstract: Substantially transparent electrodes are formed upon a substrate by forming on the substrate, in order, a high index layer, a metallic conductive layer, and a conductive or semi-conductive top layer; and patterning the top layer and the conductive layer, preferably by laser ablation, to form a plurality of discrete electrodes from the metallic conductive layer. Conductors can be attached directly to the top layer, without requiring removal of this layer to expose the metallic conductive layer. The high index layer, conductive layer and top layer can all be formed by sputtering or similar processes which do not require high temperatures, so that plastic substrates can be used. The electrodes can be used, for example, in flat panel displays and in touch screen displays.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2001Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Hyung-Chul Choi, Yi Zhi Chu, Linda S. Heath, William K. Smyth
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Patent number: 7251075Abstract: An optical stack includes an intrinsic polarizer, such as a K-type or thin KE polarizer sheet. Optically functional coatings are disposed on one or both of the surfaces of the intrinsic polarizer. The optically functional coatings include a hardcoat, a transflector coating, a reflector coating, an antireflection film, a liquid crystal polymer retarder coating, a diffusion coating, an antiglare film, a wide view film, and an electrode. An optical stack including an intrinsic polarizer and an optically functional coating may have a thickness of less than 25 microns.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Giorgio Trapani, William K. Smyth, Pradnya V. Nagarkar
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Patent number: 7110178Abstract: An optical stack includes an intrinsic polarizer, such as a K-type or thin KE polarizer sheet. Optically functional coatings are disposed on one or both of the surfaces of the intrinsic polarizer. The optically functional coatings include a hardcoat, a transflector coating, a reflector coating, an antireflection film, a liquid crystal polymer retarder coating, a diffusion coating, an antiglare film, a wide view film, and an electrode. An optical stack including an intrinsic polarizer and an optically functional coating may have a thickness of less than 25 microns.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Giorgio Trapani, William K. Smyth, Pradnya V. Nagarkar
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Patent number: 6815056Abstract: An antireflection coating comprises one or more inorganic antireflection layers (typically metal oxide or silica layers) and a polymer layer cured in situ, the polymer layer having a refractive index not greater than about 1.53 over the wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm and a thickness of from about 20 to about 200 nm. The polymer layer provides good scratch and fingerprint protection, and also enables the thicknesses of the inorganic antireflection layers to be reduced, thereby reducing the cost of the coating.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Hyung-Chul Choi, Robert L. Jones, Pradnya V. Nagarkar, William K. Smyth, Xiaojia Z. Wang
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Publication number: 20040188150Abstract: A touch sensor employs one or more transparent conductors incorporating a random pattern of voids. The voids are arranged according to a random pattern that maintains the electrical continuity of the transparent conductive layer. The touch sensor is manufactured by depositing a layer of a transparent conductor and forming voids in the transparent conductor. Formation of the voids may be used to achieve a selected sheet resistance of the conductive layer as well as to improve optical transmission through the touch sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James T. Richard, William K. Smyth
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Patent number: 6632513Abstract: An article includes an antireflection composite material, a substrate, and an inorganic layer deposited onto the substrate. The inorganic layer has a thickness of from about 1 nm to about 10 nm. The article includes a polymer layer in contact with the inorganic layer to form an outer surface of the antireflection composite material. The polymer layer has a thickness of from about 70 nm to about 120 nm.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2000Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Hyung Chul Choi, Edward P. Lindholm, William K. Smyth, Pradnya V. Nagarkar
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Patent number: 6630970Abstract: A liquid crystal display structure includes a liquid crystal display cell having a front surface and a back surface. One or more intrinsic polarizers lacking protective coatings thereon, such as K-type polarizers and thin KE polarizer sheets, are disposed adjacent to the front and back surfaces of the liquid crystal display cell. Alternatively, thinly cladded or encased iodine polarizers are disposed adjacent to the front and back surfaces of the liquid crystal display cell. The liquid crystal display structure may be used in conjunction with other optical display elements to enhance the brightness and contrast of the liquid crystal display.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Giorgio Trapani, William K. Smyth, Philip Ralli, James Gordon, John Cael, John C. Branca, David M. Foresyth, Atsushi Suzuki, William Pugh
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Publication number: 20030021972Abstract: An antireflection coating comprises one or more inorganic antireflection layers (typically metal oxide or silica layers) and a polymer layer cured in situ, the polymer layer having a refractive index not greater than about 1.53 over the wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm and a thickness of from about 20 to about 200 nm. The polymer layer provides good scratch and fingerprint protection, and also enables the thicknesses of the inorganic antireflection layers to be reduced, thereby reducing the cost of the coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: Hyung-Chul Choi, Robert L. Jones, Pradnya V. Nagarkar, William K. Smyth, Xiaojia Z. Wang
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Publication number: 20030012936Abstract: An antireflection film and method of making same includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, an inorganic layer deposited on the first surface of the substrate, and an optically active polymer layer formed by curing a curable composition in situ on the inorganic layer, the polymer layer having a refractive index not greater than about 1.53 over the wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm and a thickness of from about 20 nm to about 200 nm, and an adhesive layer deposited on the second surface of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventors: Erica J. Draheim, Bettie C. Fong, Bruce D. Kluge, Junkang J. Liu, Pradnya V. Nagarkar, William K. Smyth
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Publication number: 20030002154Abstract: An optical stack includes an intrinsic polarizer, such as a K-type or thin KE polarizer sheet. Optically functional coatings are disposed on one or both of the surfaces of the intrinsic polarizer. The optically functional coatings include a hardcoat, a transflector coating, a reflector coating, an antireflection film, a liquid crystal polymer retarder coating, a diffusion coating, an antiglare film, a wide view film, and an electrode. An optical stack including an intrinsic polarizer and an optically functional coating may have a thickness of less than 25 microns.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Giorgio Trapani, William K. Smyth, Pradnya V. Nagarkar
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Publication number: 20030001987Abstract: A liquid crystal display structure includes a liquid crystal display cell having a front surface and a back surface. One or more intrinsic polarizers lacking protective coatings thereon, such as K-type polarizers and thin KE polarizer sheets, are disposed adjacent to the front and back surfaces of the liquid crystal display cell. Alternatively, thinly cladded or encased iodine polarizers are disposed adjacent to the front and back surfaces of the liquid crystal display cell. The liquid crystal display structure may be used in conjunction with other optical display elements to enhance the brightness and contrast of the liquid crystal display.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Giorgio Trapani, William K. Smyth, Philip Ralli, James Gordon, John Cael, John C. Branca, David M. Foresyth, Atsushi Suzuki, William Pugh
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Publication number: 20020155265Abstract: An antireflection coating comprises one or more inorganic antireflection layers (typically metal oxide or silica layers) and a polymer layer cured in situ, the polymer layer having a refractive index not greater than about 1.53 over the wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm and a thickness of from about 20 to about 200 nm. The polymer layer provides good scratch and fingerprint protection, and also enables the thicknesses of the inorganic antireflection layers to be reduced, thereby reducing the cost of the coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 1998Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: HYUNG-CHUL CHOI, ROBERT L. JONES, PRADNYA V NAGARKAR, WILLIAM K SMYTH, XIAOJIA Z WANG, YEE HO CHIA
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Patent number: 6464822Abstract: An antireflection coating includes one or more inorganic antireflection layers (typically metal oxide or silica layers) and a polymer layer cured in situ, the polymer layer having a refractive index not greater than about 1.53 over the wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm and a thickness of from about 20 to about 200 nm. The polymer layer provides good scratch and fingerprint protection, and also enables the thicknesses of the inorganic antireflection layers to be reduced, thereby reducing the cost of the coating.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1998Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Hyung-Chul Choi, Robert L. Jones, Pradnya V. Nagarkar, William K. Smyth, Xiaojia Z. Wang, Yee Ho Chia
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Publication number: 20020114901Abstract: Substantially transparent electrodes are formed upon a substrate by forming on the substrate, in order, a high index layer, a metallic conductive layer, and a conductive or semi-conductive top layer; and patterning the top layer and the conductive layer, preferably by laser ablation, to form a plurality of discrete electrodes from the metallic conductive layer. Conductors can be attached directly to the top layer, without requiring removal of this layer to expose the metallic conductive layer. The high index layer, conductive layer and top layer can all be formed by sputtering or similar processes which do not require high temperatures, so that plastic substrates can be used. The electrodes can be used, for example, in flat panel displays and in touch screen displays.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Hyung-Chul Choi, Yi Zhi Chu, Linda S. Heath, William K. Smyth
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Patent number: 6379788Abstract: An antireflection film comprises a transparent substrate carrying on one surface a polymeric antireflection layer, this antireflection layer having a refractive index at least about 0.02 lower than that of the substrate and being formed from a cured polymer comprising repeating units derived from a fluoroalkene, an alkyl acrylate or methacrylate and a polyfunctional acrylate monomer. No inorganic antireflection layer is present between the substrate and the polymeric antireflection layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1998Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Hyung-Chul Choi, Robert L. Jones, Pradnya V. Nagarkar, William K. Smyth
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Patent number: 6379509Abstract: Substantially transparent electrodes are formed upon a substrate by forming on the substrate, in order, a high index layer, a metallic conductive layer, and a conductive or semi-conductive top layer; and patterning the top layer and the conductive layer, preferably by laser ablation, to form a plurality of discrete electrodes from the metallic conductive layer. Conductors can be attached directly to the top layer, without requiring removal of this layer to expose the metallic conductive layer. The high index layer, conductive layer and top layer can all be formed by sputtering or similar processes which do not require high temperatures, so that plastic substrates can be used. The electrodes can be used, for example, in flat panel displays and in touch screen displays.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1998Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Hyung-Chul Choi, Yi Zhu Chu, Linda S. Heath, William K. Smyth
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Publication number: 20010050222Abstract: Substantially transparent electrodes are formed upon a substrate by forming on the substrate, in order, a high index layer, a metallic conductive layer, and a conductive or semi-conductive top layer; and patterning the top layer and the conductive layer, preferably by laser ablation, to form a plurality of discrete electrodes from the metallic conductive layer. Conductors can be attached directly to the top layer, without requiring removal of this layer to expose the metallic conductive layer. The high index layer, conductive layer and top layer can all be formed by sputtering or similar processes which do not require high temperatures, so that plastic substrates can be used. The electrodes can be used, for example, in flat panel displays and in touch screen displays.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 1998Publication date: December 13, 2001Inventors: HYUNG-CHUL CHOI, YI ZHI CHU, LINDA S HEATH, WILLIAM K SMYTH