Abstract: Dark spots in LED displays and illumination devices are prevented by adding redundancy in a LED display (illumination devices) by sub-pixelation and providing (a layer of) fuses for each sub-pixel.

Abstract: To provide a cold cathode element, which has a high practicability and is capable of emitting electrons sufficiently even at a low voltage applied. The cold cathode element emits electrons by application of an electric field to the element and is formed of an amorphous carbon film, the refractive index n of a surface of the film being equal to or larger than 2.5.

Abstract: This invention relates to a supply device for discharge lamps, which comprises, for each lamp: a first module or current injection circuit comprising, inter alia, a high-frequency inverter delivering a current adapted to ensure stabilization of the discharge in the lamp, a high-frequency transformer providing galvanic insulation of this current with respect to a supply network, then a rectifier and a filter adapted to produce a direct current, a second module or starter-converter circuit, installed near the lamp and adapted to generate, by periodic inversions of the sign of the direct current at the output of the first module or current injection circuit, an alternating current in square-wave form for supplying the lamp, and a bifilar electrical connection between the first module and the second module.

Abstract: Grey scal linearity and power efficiently in activ matrix (O) LEDs are enhanced by operating the display in a switched mode.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus to obtain accurate gradation by obtaining an accurate ratio of light emitting parts in a display device which implements gradation by forming a plurality of TFTs and a plurality of OELDs in each pixel, directly connecting the TFTs and OELDs, and switching an on and off state of the TFTs, and controlling a light emitting area of the OELDs. A plurality of OELDs have the same shape, and gradation can be implemented by controlling the number of OELDs that emit light. A plurality of OELDs have a round shape. A plurality of OELDs are arranged at the same interval in a vertical and/or horizontal direction. According to this structure, because the light emitting areas of the plurality of OELDs become equal to each other, by controlling the number of OELDs, a ratio of the light emitting areas can be accurately obtained.

Abstract: A fluorescent display device includes a first substrate, an insulating layer formed on the first substrate, n columns of m anodes, each anode having a fluorescent layer thereon, Q anode lead wires provided for each column of the m anodes, every Qth anodes being connected to a same anode lead wire, and m/Q grids, formed on the insulating layer, each grid being arranged across the n columns of m anodes, each grid being provided with openings for each column of m anodes, each opening exposing a portion of the first substrate and one anode being formed on the exposed portion of the first substrate.

Abstract: A display has a cathode 1 and an anode 2. These are in plate form and held spaced apart by a peripheral frame 3, to which they are both sealed. The cathode has an emission layer 11 deposited on a front ceramic layer 12 with vias 14 to the emission layer. The foundation layer is fired, ground flat and has via apertures cut through it and filled 17 prior to lamination of the front layer. Onto the back face of the substrate, preferably prior to deposition of the emission layer, is spun on a dielectric layer 21, which is developed with the aid of a temporary mask (not shown) to provide etchable tracks. These are etched to leave grooves 22 corresponding to metallic interconnections 23 from the foundation layer vias 17 to vias 24 in the next dielectric layer 25, typically thicker than the previous one 21. The metallic interconnections 23 are formed by screen printing and firing.

Abstract: An alternating current driven type plasma display device comprising a first panel and a second panel, said first panel having sustain electrodes formed on a first substrate and a dielectric material layer formed on the first substrate and the sustain electrodes, wherein the first panel and the second panel are bonded to each other in their circumferential portions, characterized in that the dielectric material layer has a thickness of 1.5×10−5 m or less.

Abstract: An alternating current thin-film lectroluminescent device includes a plurality of pixel electrodes. An electroluminescent phosphor material is located between a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer. A transparent electrode layer, wherein at least a portion 10 of the electroluminescent phosphor material and the first and second dielectric layers are located between the pixel electrodes and the transparent electrode layer. The first dielectric layer is closer to the transparent electrode layer than the second dielectric layer. A non-uniform substantially non-conductive light absorbing material is located between the transparent electrode layer and the first dielectric layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a luminescent apparatus having a bright, high-quality image. A reflecting surface-including electrode, and an EL element formed of an organic EL layer and a transparent electrode are provided on an insulator. As shown in FIG. 1, an auxiliary electrode 107 formed of a transparent conductive film is connected to the transparent electrode via a conductor. This structure enables a resistance value of the transparent electrode 104 to be substantially lowered, and a uniform voltage to be applied to the organic EL layer.

Abstract: A plasma display panel prevents electrostatic force between upper and lower substrates and noise and error discharge due to non-uniformity. The plasma display panel includes a lower substrate, a plurality of barriers formed on the lower substrate, an upper substrate, a dielectric layer formed on the upper substrate to have grooves of a predetermined depth along regions adjoining the barriers, and a plurality of ground electrodes formed between the barriers and the grooves of the dielectric layer, having both ends commonly connected to one another. Thus, it is possible to prevent noise of the product resulting from vibration of the upper and lower substrates from occurring and optimize the operation conditions, thereby improving quality of the product.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to suppress power consumption of an EL display. In accordance with the brightness of an image to be displayed in a pixel portion, the contrast of the image is determined whether to be inverted or not, and the number of bits of the digital video signal to be input into the pixel portion is reduced, and the magnitude of a current to flow through the EL element is allowed to be maintained at a constant level even when a temperature of an EL layer changes by providing the EL display with another EL element to be used for monitoring a temperature.

Abstract: A method for driving a plasma display panel is provided which is capable of making stable a discharge occurring when sustaining discharge starts and, when same gray shades are displayed, the discharge can be started with exactly same timing to perform the display of same gray shades.

Abstract: A light emission device includes organic light emission element arrays for red, green and blue, each of which has a plurality of microscopic organic light emission elements arranged in line. Three-color recording light beams of one line emitted from said organic light emission element arrays are applied to an instant photo film through corresponding condenser lenses and graded-index type optical fiber. The condenser lenses are formed integrally with a surface of a transparent plate, on the other side of which the organic light emission element arrays for red, green and blue are stacked. In order to correct axial chromatic aberration, radius of curvature of each condenser lens is varied in accordance with the color of light beam emitted from corresponding organic light emission element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a circuit and method of reducing unwanted coupled noise in an OLED video display device. Input analog data are magnified to a range of about +3.3 V (for minimum pixel current) to about +0.8 V (for maximum pixel current). The magnified input analog data are then fed to the data line (230). A pair of capacitors (200, 210) bring the data back to the original range of about 0 V to about 0.7 V. The attenuated data are fed by a pixel driver (130) to the pixel (100). The pair of capacitors functions as a voltage divider, and as a result, the coupled noise constitutes a smaller percentage of the input data, and the display image is cleaner.

Abstract: A backlighting element 13 includes an EL panel for illuminating the back of a display unit 11, to thereby provide a good viewing. A control unit 16 sends an instruction to a backlight driver 14, and intermittently drives the backlighting element 13 at appropriate timings, or temporarily stops the driving of the backlighting element 13 in synchronism with operation timings of a radio processing unit 17. The radio processing unit is adversely affected by noise generated when the backlighting element is operated. A light storage member is provided on the backlighting element 13 or in its vicinity. With provision of the light storage member, the lighting time of the backlighting element is reduced. When the backlighting element is lit off, the user is not put to inconvenience.

Abstract: A power supply circuit includes a reference voltage generation circuit to generate reference voltages, an operational amplifier to receive a first reference voltage and an intermediate voltage, an operational amplifier to receive a second reference voltage and the intermediate voltage, an output buffer which includes a pair of transistors controlled to turn on/off according to outputs of the two operational amplifiers and generates the intermediate voltage, and a through current prevention circuit to prevent a through current supplied to the pair of transistors in the output buffer. The through current prevention circuit operates to turn off one of the pair of transistors when the other turns on. Thus, the through current in the pair of transistors can be prevented.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for an electronic thermostat includes a half wave rectifier, at least one voltage dropping resistor and a gated rectifier. The gated rectifier preferably conducts only when the voltage at its output drops below the voltage at its gate. The voltage at the gate is defined by gating circuitry downstream of the voltage dropping resistors. The intermittent conduction of the silicon controlled rectifier produces less current flow through voltage dropping resistors within the power supply circuit. This causes less heat dissipation by these resistors within the thermostat.

Abstract: A driving circuit and a driving method capable of uniformly outputting an electron beam at high speed from a multi-electron-beam source (50) having a plurality of cold cathode devices wired in a matrix, to provide a display apparatus having a characteristic of less unevenness in display luminance, a superior linearity in grayscale, and fast response. The electron-beam generating apparatus includes a multi-electron-beam source (50) having a plurality of cold cathode devices wired with row wiring and column wiring and arranged in a matrix form, a scanning circuit (2) connected to the row wiring, and modulation circuits (10, 20, 30) connected to the column wiring.

Abstract: An inverter circuit for a battery operated devices includes an EL device that is driven by the inverter circuit. The inverter circuit preserves battery power by recycling battery current stored in the EL device. A charging circuit charges the EL device to a first voltage level during a charge cycle. A discharge circuit subsequently discharges the battery current stored in the EL device back into the battery.

Abstract: A thin diamond electron beam amplifier. The illumination side of a thin diamond is illuminated by a seed electron beam creating electron-hole pairs in the diamond. A voltage potential provides an electric field between the illumination side of the diamond and an acceleration grid opposite the emission side of the diamond. Electrons released in the diamond are accelerated through the emission side of the diamond toward the acceleration grid creating an amplified electron beam. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are useful to provide flat panel displays and replacements for thermionic cathodes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying emergency power to a lighting device, in particular, an HID lamp, when a failure occurs in a main power supply. The apparatus can include a rectifier circuit for converting an AC voltage signal provided by the main power supply to a DC voltage signal. A capacitive element can be coupled across the DC output terminals of the rectifier circuit and across a DC coil of a DC relay circuit. The amount of energy stored by the capacitor controls the DC relay to provide the voltage of the main power supply to the lamp circuit under normal conditions, and the voltage of an emergency power supply to the lamp circuit when the voltage of the main power supply falls below a predetermined level. Alternatively, an AC relay can be coupled directly to the main AC voltage power supply or emergency power supply and configured to perform a similar operation.

Abstract: In order to operate a discharge apparatus, a first voltage having a first frequency is applied to electrodes. Moreover, a second voltage having a second frequency higher than the first frequency is applied to the first voltage. The waveform of the voltage having the second frequency may be an attenuated one which is synchronized with the first frequency. As a result of this voltage superposition, the electrons, ions, or plasma in the already established discharge fluctuate with the change in the electric field. If the second frequency is selected to be equal or close to the resonance frequency of the electrons, ions, or plasma existing in the already established discharge, there occurs the resonance phenomenon of the electrons, ions, or plasma. This phenomenon raises the temperature of those particles. As a result, the electron temperature approaches to a value preferable for emission of visible light or ultraviolet rays so that the luminous efficiency is improved.

Abstract: Start and operation of high pressure discharge lamps, in which a high-frequency starting voltage U.sub.HF and an operating voltage U.sub.B are furnished to the lamp electrodes includes the steps of: 1) turning on the high-frequency starting voltage U.sub.HF at a starting time t.sub.0 to ionize the lamp filling and preheat the electrodes; 2) turning on the operating voltage U.sub.B after a preheating interval .DELTA.t.sub.H, that is, at time t.sub.1 =t.sub.0 +.DELTA.t.sub.H ; and 3) turning off the starting voltage U.sub.HF at time t.sub.2 .gtoreq.t.sub.1, as a result of which the lamp is then operated solely by means of the operating voltage U.sub.B. As a result, the transfer phase for the development of the arc is shortened. Advantageously, the frequency of the starting voltage is selected such that the product of the frequency f of the starting voltage U.sub.HF and the spacing d between the electrodes meets the condition f.multidot.d.gtoreq.50 kHz.multidot.cm.

Abstract: An engine-driven alternator assembly includes an output winding having an internal impedance characteristic similar to a separate stationary ballast for high intensity discharge lamps. The output winding is direct connected to lamps in a mobile light tower application having four HID lamps. The alternator assembly includes four separate alternator units each having an output winding wound to establish the inherent internal impedance to provide a ballast source for the connected lamp. Each alternator unit has its rotor mounted on a common shaft connected to the shaft of the engine. Each alternator unit establishes an open circuit voltage to strike an arc across the HID lamp and then a sustaining voltage to maintain current flow as well as limiting the current to the lamp. The alternator unit has a high frequency output, preferably within 200 to 600 hertz. The alternator unit is a permanent magnet alternator, a switched reluctance alternator, an induction alternator, or a wound synchronous alternator.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting device includes first voltage source of a high voltage capable of increasing lamp current, the voltage value of which being sequentially variable, and second voltage source of a low voltage capable of decreasing the lamp current, the voltage value of which being sequentially variable, lighting connection of the first and second voltages sources to a discharge lamp being alternately changed over for its stable lighting, whereby the stable lighting of the lamp can be made with any current limiting element minimized and a response to variation in outputs over a wide range as well as any radiant noise can be effectively improved.

Abstract: A high pressure gas discharge lamp is operated with normal output by at least predominantly low frequency energy supplied from a conventional power supply unit, and is operated at lower than 25 percent of the normal output by at least predominantly high frequency energy supplied from an electronic power supply unit. The electric output fed to the lamp is controlled. At any level of operation, a steady burning of the lamp for saving service life of the lamp is guaranteed. The switching arrangement, in addition to a conventional power supply unit, has an electronic power supply unit. The electronic power supply unit feeds the lamp with energy at a frequency which is higher than that of the energy supplied from the conventional power supply unit.

Abstract: A plurality of LEDs are divided into multiple groups with the LEDs in each group being connected in series and being driven by a single current source. A region to be illuminated is divided into many areas with no spacing between adjacent ones of the areas. The LEDs in each group are positioned in different areas such that each area includes many LEDs from different groups. If one of the current sources and/or one of the LEDs of one group breaks down, the broken current source and/or LED does not affect the current sources and/or LEDs of the other groups.

Abstract: A circuit for operating a discharge lamp includes input terminals for connection to a supply voltage source and a first apparatus coupled to the input terminals for generating a low-frequency alternating current from a supply voltage delivered by the supply voltage source. A second apparatus is coupled to the input terminals for generating from the supply voltage a further current which is superimposed on the low-frequency alternating current. The polarity of the further current is the same as that of the low-frequency alternating current. As a result, instabilities do not arise in the discharge arc of a high-pressure discharge lamp operated by the circuit.

Abstract: An electroluminescence (EL) element lighting device for an EL element, includes a first circuit for self-oscillating to generate a first signal having a first frequency, and for gradually charging up said EL element in response to the first signal, and a second circuit for self-oscillating to generate a second signal having a second frequency, and for discharging the charge stored in said EL element in response to the second signal. The first frequency of the first signal is greater than the second frequency of the second signal, and the second signal is active only during a time interval less than 50% of each period of the second signal.

Abstract: Electrical activation of an arc lamp is accomplished by a plurality of circuits, each of which has a boost topology including a capacitor and a charging circuit for charging the capacitor by a series of current pulses. One of the circuits is an igniter circuit and includes a transformer to convert voltage from a relatively low voltage supply to a relatively high voltage for striking an arc within the lamp. A second of the circuits provides for a steady flow of current to maintain the arc after completion of ignition of the arc. The second circuit is protected from the high voltage of the first circuit by a saturable reactor connected in series between the second circuit and the arc lamp.

Abstract: The invention is a source of illumination including a lighting tube requiring converted electrical energy in order to provide the illumination. First and second electrical connectors are provided for receiving low voltage DC energy. An energy convertor receives the low voltage DC energy from the first and second electrical connectors and converts it to the converted electrical energy. Electrical leads are coupled to the energy convertor and to the lighting tube for applying the converted electrical energy from the energy converter to the lighting tube. The first and second connectors are electrically coupled in parallel with each other for selectably applying the low voltage DC energy to the energy converter by way of either of the first and second converters. The lighting tube is a gas discharge tube and the first and second electrical connectors are disposed at opposite end regions of the lighting tube.

Abstract: In an electronic ballast, a half-bridge inverter drives a series-connected LC circuit near the LC circuit's natural resonance frequency. A relatively high-magnitude substantially sinusoidal 30 kHz output voltage develops across the tank-capacitor of the LC circuit. Each of several instant-start fluorescent lamps is series-connected with a current-limiting capacitor, thereby resulting in several lamp-capacitor series-combinations, each of which is connected across the tank-capacitor. The ballast is powered from ordinary 120 Volt/60 Hz power line voltage by way of a full-wave rectifier. At the DC output terminals of this rectifier exists a DC voltage having an instantaneous absolute magnitude equal to that of the power line voltage. Within the ballast, the inverter is powered from a DC supply voltage of constant magnitude about equal to the peak magnitude of the power line voltage.

Abstract: A system for illuminating a light emitting panel for backlighting a visual display positions the panel behind the visual display at a front wall of a processor cabinet. The light emitting panel has at least one layer of optical fibers which extend from the panel and are bundled and terminated in one or more receptors which are mounted in the cabinet remote from the panel and visual display. A cover is hinged to the cabinet and mounts a light source in operative alignment with the receptors when the cover is closed to illuminate the panel and display. The cover can be swung open to position the light source in a maintenance position in which light bulbs of the source can be removed and replaced.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus employs a liquid crystal display and a fluorescent lamp for backlighting the screen of the liquid crystal display. A lighting circuit for supplying alternating current lighting power to the fluorescent lamp receives input power from either a commercial alternating current power source or from a direct current battery. The level of the lighting power supplied to the fluorescent lamp is determined based upon a determination of whether the input power is being supplied from the commercial power source or from the battery.

Abstract: A power supply for an electroluminescent lamp includes a pair of inverters for alternately powering the EL lamp from a low voltage DC source. A first inverter is connected to a first electrode of the EL lamp and a transistor is connected between the first electrode and electrical ground. A second inverter is connected to a second electrode of the EL lamp and a second transistor is connected between the second electrode and electrical ground. A pulse generator connected to the inverters and the transistors operates the inverters and transistors to power the EL lamp alternately from one inverter and then the other. In one embodiment of the invention, the voltage across the EL lamp is referenced to ground and, in another embodiment, the voltage across the EL lamp is referenced to the voltage of the DC source.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the circadian rhythm of a subject in a space by producing a variable light intensity level on a continuous basis in which there is a light source and the light output from the source made available to the subject in the space is controlled in response to a control signal which varies in a manner corresponding to the solar and lunar altitude of a predetermined geographical location and the passage of time over a selected time interval of the day at predetermined geographical location.

Abstract: A pair of transistors (110 and 112) configured with their channels connected in series. The gate of the "upper" transistor (110) is coupled to a relatively low-voltage, DC power supply voltage by a voltage-clamping and current-steering diode (144); to a relatively high-voltage, DC power supply voltage by the series combination of a current-steering diode (152) and one voltage-clamping zener diode (154 and 156) and coupled to the source of the "upper" transistor by a charge-removing resistor (162).

Abstract: A supply unit for a tube of the type requiring both a cathode supply and a collector supply, notably for a travelling wave tube. The tube features a collector biasing device, working essentially as a voltage source, delivering a weakly regulated or unregulated and weakly filtered or unfiltered voltage between the collector and the cathode, and having one of its terminals connected to the cathode and the other terminal connected to the collector. Also, a cathode biasing device is featured for delivering a highly regulated and highly filtered voltage to the cathode so as to keep the potential of the cathode constant at its chosen point of operation. A charge storage capacitor, one armature of which is connected to the cathode and the other to ground, is also included.

Abstract: A control circuit for a laser system having a first and second power supply connected in parallel. A mode selector is available to the laser operator to change the operational mode of the laser system from continuous to pulse mode or vice versa, and any combination of the modes. In the pulse mode, a series of short-time voltage pulses is superimposed on a low power level laser mode by using the circuit control characteristic of the thyratron tube and shunting the ballast resistors to sharply increase the laser output power for the duration of the individual pulses.

Abstract: A DC discharge lamp lighting device includes a main discharge means providing a main discharge-lamp current to a DC discharge lamp including a filament and at least one anode to form between them a discharge path. The main discharge means comprises means for switching an applied voltage between a main discharge starting voltage in synchronism with a luminance control signal and a main discharge maintaining voltage. Any contribution of a current limiting resistance element to power consumption in circuit operation upon lighting of the discharge lamp can be reduced, thereby reducing heat generation.

Abstract: A thin-film EL display panel drive circuit capable of varying the drive voltage according to changes in the number of emitting picture elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling several radiation-emitting elements. The invention consists in the compensation of differences in the emission power of the individual elements due to variations in the efficiency of the elements or to differing operating conditions by operating each radiation-emitting element with an individual pulse length determining the overall emission time. In this way, the energy emitted by all elements triggered is substantially identical.

Abstract: A circuit system for igniting and lighting a high-pressure discharge lamp, particularly a sodium vapor lamp, comprising a pulse generator for generating signals of at least 1 kHz frequency being a high-frequency DC/AC converter connected to a direct current source and an ignition circuit coupled with the pulse generator including a high-pressure discharge lamp, a condenser connected in parallel to the high-pressure discharge lamp and an inductive member connected to the condenser and the high-pressure discharge lamp and forming a series member with the condenser the ignition circuit is provided with a transformer having a secondary winding connected in series with the inductive member for ensuring high reliability of igniting and for improving the conditions of lighting.

Abstract: A laser flash lamp triggering circuit is connected in parallel with the flash lamp and between the flash lamp and the flash lamp power supply. A impedance element is connected between the parallel trigger circuit network and the pulse forming network in the power supply. The impedance element preferably in the form of a saturable reactor has a high impedance to the high voltage trigger pulse and a low impedance to the current flow from the storage capacitor forming part of the pulse forming network. This invention relates to a laser flash lamp power supply and, more particularly, a triggering circuit for the flash lamp which has low power dissipation.

Abstract: The arrangement of the invention enables control of a light emitting element comprising at least one discharge tube. Firing of the tube is effected by a generator which provides voltage pulses at predetermined periodic intervals (T.sub.r). The luminous intensity of the tube is controlled by a D.C. source which enables application of a discharge maintenance current to the tube, the duration of application (T.sub.c) of which depends on an instruction signal. A circuit is provided to assure synchronism between the application of the voltage pulse and the maintenance current. The arrangement may be applied in matrix displays.

Abstract: A power supply unit for electronic flash includes a plurality of charging units connected to a main capacitor of an electronic flash through diodes which prevent a reverse current flow. Each charging unit includes a d.c. source and a booster converter. An efficient utilization of the source battery is attained by reducing loading upon each source. The use of components of reduced capacity enables a reduction in the size of the overall unit. A single power switch enables a simultaneous initiation of the charging of the main capacitor by all of the charging units. When the main capacitor is charged to a given value, disable means are simultaneously operated in response to an output from charging voltage detecting means, thus simultaneously ceasing the charging operation of the charging units.

Abstract: A delayed starting circuit for an electronic ballast system that includes an inverter coupled to a secondary voltage source. The starting circuit includes a voltage divider having an input coupled to a charge storage capacitance in the voltage source and an output coupled through a semiconductor switching device to an input of the inverter. The switching device remains non-conductive until the capacitance has been substantially charged, thereby protecting the inverter from transients encountered as a surge of charge is delivered to the capacitance subsequent to the initial energization of the ballast circuit.

Abstract: A resistor is provided in parallel with a first coil. By suspending the supply of a DC current to the first coil while the DC current is flowing through the first coil, a high DC voltage is generated across the resistor and the high DC voltage is applied to a second coil to allow a fast-rise current to flow therethrough. Reverse current blocking means is provided between the first and second coils to prevent a DC current from flowing back via the first coil when the second coil is supplied with a DC current. Currents flowing through the first and second coils can be controlled independently.