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).

  • Patent number: 10176396
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: William K. Smyth, Richard J. Moore, Benjamin D. Zimmer, Brian J. Stankiewicz
  • Publication number: 20160132749
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: William K. Smyth, Richard J. Moore, Benjamin D. Zimmer, Brian J. Stankiewicz
  • Patent number: 7351470
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Erica J. Draheim, Bettie C. Fong, Bruce D. Kluge, Junkang J. Liu, Pradnya V. Nagarkar, William K. Smyth
  • Patent number: 7303809
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Hyung-Chul Choi, Yi Zhi Chu, Linda S. Heath, William K. Smyth
  • Patent number: 7251075
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Giorgio Trapani, William K. Smyth, Pradnya V. Nagarkar
  • Patent number: 7110178
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Giorgio Trapani, William K. Smyth, Pradnya V. Nagarkar
  • Patent number: 6815056
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Hyung-Chul Choi, Robert L. Jones, Pradnya V. Nagarkar, William K. Smyth, Xiaojia Z. Wang
  • Publication number: 20040188150
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James T. Richard, William K. Smyth
  • Patent number: 6632513
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Hyung Chul Choi, Edward P. Lindholm, William K. Smyth, Pradnya V. Nagarkar
  • Patent number: 6630970
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Giorgio Trapani, William K. Smyth, Philip Ralli, James Gordon, John Cael, John C. Branca, David M. Foresyth, Atsushi Suzuki, William Pugh
  • Publication number: 20030021972
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Hyung-Chul Choi, Robert L. Jones, Pradnya V. Nagarkar, William K. Smyth, Xiaojia Z. Wang
  • Publication number: 20030012936
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Erica J. Draheim, Bettie C. Fong, Bruce D. Kluge, Junkang J. Liu, Pradnya V. Nagarkar, William K. Smyth
  • Publication number: 20030002154
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Giorgio Trapani, William K. Smyth, Pradnya V. Nagarkar
  • Publication number: 20030001987
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Giorgio Trapani, William K. Smyth, Philip Ralli, James Gordon, John Cael, John C. Branca, David M. Foresyth, Atsushi Suzuki, William Pugh
  • Publication number: 20020155265
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: HYUNG-CHUL CHOI, ROBERT L. JONES, PRADNYA V NAGARKAR, WILLIAM K SMYTH, XIAOJIA Z WANG, YEE HO CHIA
  • Patent number: 6464822
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Hyung-Chul Choi, Robert L. Jones, Pradnya V. Nagarkar, William K. Smyth, Xiaojia Z. Wang, Yee Ho Chia
  • Publication number: 20020114901
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Hyung-Chul Choi, Yi Zhi Chu, Linda S. Heath, William K. Smyth
  • Patent number: 6379788
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Hyung-Chul Choi, Robert L. Jones, Pradnya V. Nagarkar, William K. Smyth
  • Patent number: 6379509
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Hyung-Chul Choi, Yi Zhu Chu, Linda S. Heath, William K. Smyth
  • Publication number: 20010050222
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: HYUNG-CHUL CHOI, YI ZHI CHU, LINDA S HEATH, WILLIAM K SMYTH