Visual Indication Patents (Class 340/815.4)
  • Patent number: 8077052
    Abstract: An illuminated wind indicator that provides visual indication of wind motion even at night. One or more chime members and a pendulum assembly are suspended from a support of housing, and arranged so that the chime members and the pendulum assembly may more relative to each other. In addition, a light source is situated such that a portion of the pendulum emits light. The light source is powered by a solar cell and a rechargeable battery. A light source may be used to detect ambient light and switch the battery from accumulating charge to powering the light source. The light source may include a luminescent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Simon Nicholas Richmond
  • Patent number: 8072344
    Abstract: An apparatus and method thereof wherein a portable computer system or personal digital assistant generates a visual signal in response to an occurrence of a programmed event. For example, the portable computer system can use a light emitting diode to visually signal an alarm at a specified time. The visual signal can be varied in order to indicate the type of event associated with the alarm. In one implementation, the visual signal blinks at a particular rate depending on the type of event. In another implementation, the visual signal blinks a prescribed number of times or according to a particular pattern depending on the type of event. When enabled, the visual signal is generated in lieu of an audible signal, thus providing to the user a silent alarm that does not disturb other people in proximity, such as in a meeting, a theater, or some other gathering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Cortopassi, Eric Fuhs, Wayne Hile, Thomas Robinson, Edward Endejan
  • Publication number: 20110295659
    Abstract: A system for delivering advertisements is provided. The system comprises a server, an active device, and an inactive device. The server is configured to store an advertising message. The active device is coupled to the server and configured to receive the advertising message. The active device receives the advertising message from the server upon occurrence of an event. The inactive device is coupled to the server. The inactive device is substantially similar to the active device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: MARCUS KRIETER
  • Patent number: 8068124
    Abstract: A computing device entertainment mode system comprises a computing device comprising at least one indicator element disposed thereon, the computing device configured to be placed into an entertainment mode of operation such that, in response to being placed in the entertainment mode of operation, an illumination intensity level associated with the at least one indicator element is automatically decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Cameron C. Duncan, Brittany Davis, Kevin L. Massaro
  • Patent number: 8068942
    Abstract: Heads-up display systems for vehicles which generate a virtual display in a field of view of an occupant of the vehicle when facing outward of the vehicle. A control system is coupled to the heads-up display system and detects an action by the occupant and controls the content of the virtual display being generated by the heads-up display system based on the detected action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Patent number: 8068035
    Abstract: A weather and bullet proof display system includes a casing that is nested within a headstone and has an opening formed therein. Solar panels are mounted on the headstone. A bullet proof shield is conjoined to the casing within the opening. A display screen is disposed behind the shield. A mechanism for converting solar energy to electrical energy is coupled to the solar panels and housed within the casing. A 12-volt rechargeable battery is coupled to the energy converting mechanism. A mechanism is included for converting a first DC voltage input level to a second DC voltage level, which is coupled to the solar energy converting mechanism. A system board is coupled to the DC voltage level converting mechanism and includes a mechanism for contemporaneously emitting a prerecorded audio and video output. Speakers are nested within the headstone and are coupled to the DC voltage level converting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventors: Bronson Salcedo, Kenneth Oliver
  • Patent number: 8063791
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes: an indicator configured to indicate an operation status of a device; a switch configured to receive an input; a time determination module configured to determine whether an input time during which the input is continually received by the switch exceeds a predetermined first time; a lighting controller, when the time determination module determines that the input time passes the first time, configured to control the indicator so as to be turned on in a first lighting pattern; a detector configured to detect an end of the input received by the switch; and a processor, when the time determination module determines that the input time is greater than or equal to the first time and the detector detects the end of the input received by the switch, configured to perform predetermined first processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Akihito Shibahara
  • Publication number: 20110270622
    Abstract: A scheduling and time management system and method including a central processing assembly, remote informational modules placed at critical locations within a facility, and portable data input modules via which users may interact with the system. The system may be entirely self-contained, or may interact with and be implemented in addition to an organization's existing computing infrastructure. Illumination of lamps and/or voice prompts from a speaker mounted on the informational modules indicate system status and may be used to confidentially relay information between staff members or provide system-wide information as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Maxenia Bowers
  • Publication number: 20110270494
    Abstract: An agricultural combine with draper header includes left and right conveyors, and a microprocessor-based controller coupled to the conveyors to determine whether one of the conveyors is overloaded or slipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Crystal Imhof, Corwin Marcus Raymond Puryk
  • Patent number: 8049640
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element having a glass substrate with first and second surfaces and a circumferential edge along the periphery of the glass substrate. The mirror reflective element includes a mirror reflector established at a surface of the mirror reflective element other than the first surface of the glass substrate. The mirror assembly includes a plastic molding circumferentially disposed about the circumferential edge of the glass substrate without overlapping onto the first surface of the glass substrate. The plastic molding includes a portion that (a) abuts the circumferential edge of the glass substrate and (b) has an outer curved surface that extends from generally adjacent to the first surface of the glass substrate and that lacks a sharp edge. The plane of the first surface of the glass substrate may be generally flush with the outermost part of the plastic molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8049632
    Abstract: An alarm system notification device that comprises a single strobe, an input selector, and a controller is disclosed. The single strobe may be configured to operate at a first wavelength band in a first configuration and at a second wavelength band in a second configuration, the first wavelength band being different from the second wavelength band. The configuration of the single strobe (either in the first or second configuration) is determined based on a command that is input by the input selector. In response to receiving the command, the controller may control the single strobe so that the single strobe is configured to operate at one of the first wavelength band in the first configuration or the second wavelength band in the second configuration as indicated in the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Savage, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8044777
    Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having an interior electrochromic reflective element that assumes an interior mirror partial reflectance level in response to an interior mirror electrochromic reflective element drive signal. The mirror assembly includes a control that has circuitry operable to provide the drive signal to the reflective element. The control includes a bus interface that interfaces with a vehicle bus of the equipped vehicle. The control is in communication with at least one other vehicle accessory via the vehicle bus. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a forward-facing camera. The control may control at least two of (a) dimming of the interior electrochromic reflective element, (b) operation of a video display, (c) operation of the forward-facing camera and (d) operation of a headlight control for controlling a headlight of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: John P. Drummond, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8035585
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a screen and a plurality of lights. A plurality of image frames may be provided with each image frame defining an image for display on the screen. Illumination instructions may be provided for the plurality of lights, wherein different illumination instructions are associated with different image frames and wherein each illumination instruction defines a respective illumination pattern for the plurality of lights. The images defined by the respective image frames may be displayed on the screen. While displaying a first image defined by a first image frame on the screen, a first illumination pattern for the plurality of lights may be provided with the first illumination pattern being defined by a first illumination instruction associated with the first image frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Paul H. Nichols, Kamal A. Khan, Iman G. Ali
  • Patent number: 8031066
    Abstract: System and method for playing game based on coin toss, may utilize a system and method for graphically displaying coin toss using sensors to detect physical movement of coin or instrumented coin, communicate sensor-derived data to remote graphical display system, display virtual coin that represents movement and orientation of tossed coin. May utilize sensor, communication, display, game systems and optional message gateway. Sensor system and part of wireless communication system may be external or embedded in coin. Graphical coin movement and orientation may mimic the actual coin being tossed or may be represented as any avatar or other graphical object that represents the coin including celebrity pictures, videos, faces, logos or any other object that may represent a “head” or “tail”. May generate a random number that allows viewers to win a prize. Viewers may guess result of coin toss before toss and win prize if they guess the result correctly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel V. LaRue
  • Patent number: 8032264
    Abstract: Heads-up display systems for vehicles which generate a virtual display in a field of view of an occupant of the vehicle when facing outward of the vehicle. A control system is coupled to the heads-up display system and detects an action by the occupant, e.g., touching of a touch pad, and controls the content of the virtual display being generated by the heads-up display system based on the detected action. The touch pad may include a surface acoustical wave (SAW) device whereby touching causes a particular returned signal from the SAW substrate, with this particular returned signal being processable into an activation of the manner in which the touch pad was touched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Patent number: 8026827
    Abstract: A user interface display system can include at least one user responsive element. The user responsive element can include an optical mechanism. A pulsed light source can produce a light beam. Apparatus are provided for causing the light beam to repeatedly scan across the activity field. A controller can be arranged to repeatedly turn the light source on at one or more predetermined scan positions to illuminate the user responsive element. The controller can also be programed to act upon a signal regarding the status of the element. A photo detector can send the signal to the controller. The optical mechanism acts upon the light beam differently based upon the status of the user responsive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Boyd, Kang Li
  • Patent number: 8022836
    Abstract: An in-vehicle image display apparatus for use in a vehicle is provided which includes a state detecting device that detects a state of surroundings of the vehicle; a shape detecting device that detects a three-dimensional shape of an object to be detected in the surroundings of the vehicle; a display device that is provided at least in front window section of the vehicle and capable of displaying information over the window section; an image generating device that generates image data for displaying a three-dimensional image representing the state of the surroundings of the vehicle on the display device based on detection results from the state detecting device and the shape detecting device; and a display control device that makes the display device display a three-dimensional image represented by the image data generated by the image generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: ADC Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Kaoru Kido
  • Publication number: 20110216444
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer-program product for indicating progress status of a mid-tape or data recovery operation in a tape drive. The method includes visually indicating that a recovery operation has started, periodically determining the remaining recovery time based on the remaining tape spool, and displaying the determined remaining recovery time to show progress status of the operation. The determination of the remaining recovery time includes determining the length of the tape being processed based on an estimated radius of the remaining tape spool and system parameters. The remaining recovery time is displayed with a moving track to show progress toward completion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shawn Owen Brume, Kevin Dale Butt, Randy Clark Inch, Hirokazu Nakayama, Eiji Ogura
  • Publication number: 20110217946
    Abstract: A personal security device for a cell phone or other portable electronic device is attached and removed by a clamp configured to fit the device. A non-lethal chemical, electrical, acoustic or other deterrent can be quickly directed at an attacker using the portable electronic device as a carrier for the personal security device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Steven J. DeAngeles
  • Patent number: 8004418
    Abstract: A system includes a number of electrical switching apparatus having separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts, a test circuit structured to test the trip mechanism and determine a failure to protect condition thereof, and a communication circuit structured to communicate the failure to protect condition. The system also includes an electrical distribution panel having a housing housing the number of electrical switching apparatus, and a communication interface structured to receive the failure to protect condition from the communication circuit and annunciate the failure to protect condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Engelbert Hetzmannseder, William J. Murphy, Robert T. Elms
  • Patent number: 8004392
    Abstract: A voice acquisition system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly. The mirror assembly may include a microphone for receiving audio signals within a cabin of the vehicle and generating an output indicative of these audio signals. The microphone may provide sound capture for a hands free cell phone system, an audio recording system and/or an emergency communication system. The system may include a control that is responsive to the output from the microphone and that distinguishes vocal signals from non-vocal signals present in the output. The microphone may provide sound capture for at least one accessory of the equipped vehicle, and the accessory may be responsive to a vocal signal captured by the microphone. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include at least one accessory, such as an antenna, a video device, a security system status indicator, a tire pressure indicator display and/or a loudspeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. DeLine, Niall R. Lynam, Ralph A. Spooner, Phillip A. March
  • Patent number: 8004420
    Abstract: A security lighting system and method are intended to dispel and/or affect unwanted humans or animals by providing lighting that varies with a suitable switching frequency, such as between 5 and 70 Hz. The lighting of a light source of the system may be varied by a control unit as to intensity, color, pattern etc., with a preferred switching frequency being between about 15 and 20 Hz for humans. A proximity detector may be provided to activate the system when an unwanted presence is detected. Such varying lighting causes feelings of physical and psychological discomfort, which have found to be effective in chasing away animals and dispelling or disorienting humans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Frederik Laurens Maria Hoeben, Ronald Edwin Lavooi, Petrus Johannes Mathijs Van Der Burgt
  • Patent number: 8004527
    Abstract: A self-centering zoom system includes a display device to indicate a measured quantity, and first and second bar graphs displayed on the display device. The first bar graph displays both a current value and a peak value of the measured quantity. The second bar graph displays an automatically zoomed range generally centered about one of the peak value, the current value, and a point lying between the peak and current values of the measured quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Newport Corporation
    Inventors: William Culpi, William E. Bryant, John M. Rickman
  • Publication number: 20110199226
    Abstract: A control indication assembly. A first control mounted on a surface of a computer is coupled to a first sensor, to a first sensing circuit to send an electrical signal to the first control when a user-touch occurs to the first sensor, and to a first indicator to indicate an occurrence of said user-touch. A second control mounted on a surface of a display which is coupled to the computer is coupled to a second sensor, to a second sensing circuit to send an electrical signal to said second control when said user-touch occurs to the display, and to a second indicator to indicate an occurrence of the user-touch. The first and second control are configured such that the first and second indicator are synchronized to exhibit identical behaviors when the user-touch occurs to either the first control or the second control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew Gong, Brian Q. Huppi, Christoph H. Krah, Richard D. Cappels, Duncan R. Kerr, Michael Culbert
  • Patent number: 7999694
    Abstract: An electronic sensor module for us in an interactive system, such as an interactive sports training device, for accurately detecting a projectile brought within close proximity of a target. The sensor module includes a plurality of light sources arranged in a housing such that the light sources are visible through a surface of the housing when activated. A plurality of sensors are also arranged in the housing for detecting the presence of a projectile. In one aspect, the sensors are arranged in a polar array about a center of housing with spaces between adjacent sensors, and with a light source positioned in each space between adjacent sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Arthur L. Martin, Mark Simonds, Mark Weber
  • Patent number: 7999693
    Abstract: A warning light is provided for optically displaying at least one and preferably a number of different operating states, of a technical device such as a machine, an installation, a vehicle or the like. The warning light has at least one luminous element for emitting a sequence of illumination pulses within a specific time interval for the display of a specific operating state, in which the illumination characteristic of the illumination pulses are determined by at least one illumination parameter (P) such as brightness, illumination duration, frequency, color, direction of emission or the like to substantially improve perception of the optical display especially for a particularly critical operating state. This is achieved according to the invention by providing an aperiodic change in at least one of the illumination parameters (P) in a specific time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: WERMA Holding GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Höhler
  • Publication number: 20110193779
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating social networking is contemplated. The system may be used in a venue such as a restaurant, cafeteria or nightclub. The contemplated system includes one or more social networking devices capable of providing non-verbal indicators to other users of the system. The non-verbal indicators may be color-coded visual indicators such as lights (e.g. LEDs). By way of example, the color-coded visual indicators may be placed on or around tables and may be configured to indicate a level of participation by an individual or group in the social networking system. The visual indicators may also be integrated into apparel such as a wristband, belt, headband, lightweight vest or arm band and worn by a user that wishes to participate in the social networking system at such a venue that supports the social networking system. The system may also provide simultaneous conveyance of multiple non-verbal indicators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Herbert Williams
  • Patent number: 7994931
    Abstract: A wind gauge display apparatus comprising a control device and a reconfigurable display for displaying a first visual representation of a wind gauge if a wind angle is within a first range and displaying a second visual representation of the wind gauge if the wind angle is within a second range. The angles displayed on the reconfigurable display may be determined by input from a user. On the reconfigurable display, a location of a visual indicator of wind speed may be different in the first visual representation of the wind gauge than in the second visual representation of the wind gauge. The wind gauge display apparatus may also comprise a sensor for determining wind angle and wind speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Garmin Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Nathan L. Karstens, Brian K. Feller, Jon Josephson
  • Publication number: 20110187551
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a doorbell comprising: a pushbutton illuminated by a first light source; and a front cover illuminated by a second light source. The first light source and second light source may be positioned within a main body of a doorbell in a manner that ensures that the first light source and the second light source do not mix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Pasquale ARROTTA
  • Publication number: 20110190693
    Abstract: A computer controlled electric syringe includes: a piston unit including a piston being configured to press and move a rubber plug of a cartridge by a second end to discharge a medicinal solution from a cartridge through an injection needle; a ball screw having a screw shaft and a nut portion that is screwed into the screw shaft, the screw shaft being loosely inserted into the hollow portion of the piston through the opening, the nut portion being coupled to the piston; a screw shaft supporting portion rotatably supporting the screw shaft of the ball screw; a rotation preventing portion configured to prevent the nut portion of the ball screw from being rotated; and a piston supporting portion supporting the piston to be movable in an axial direction of the screw shaft along with the nut portion by the rotation of the screw shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: NIPPON SHIKA YAKUHIN KK.
    Inventors: Minoru TAKATSUKA, Kenichi NAKAZATO
  • Publication number: 20110187550
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display device for emission parameters of an internal combustion engine with a linear representation of a value range, wherein a first and a second part region are provided for the display of difference values with differing sign relative to a given set value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Joffrey Ringenwald
  • Publication number: 20110181435
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus including: a first device that includes a first display portion, the first display portion displaying information concerning the operation of the first device; and a second device that includes a second display portion, the second display portion displaying the information which the first display portion has displayed, depending on at least one of the second device having been attached to the first device, the first device having supplied an electric power to the second device, and the first device and the second device having communicated mutually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Yoshinori Sata, Naoyuki Nagao, Mitsuru Kobayashi, Shinichi Katayama
  • Publication number: 20110179369
    Abstract: A management hub is disclosed. The management hub comprises an interface; a master hub controller coupled to the interface; a plurality of ports coupled to the master hub controller; a microcontroller coupled to the master hub controller; and hub setting switch and a slave hub controller coupled to the microcontroller and the plurality of ports. The management hub also includes a memory device coupled to the microcontroller, the memory device including a hidden drive information partition and a hidden drive organizer partition for managing and identifying information in various drives coupled to the plurality of ports, wherein when the management hub is first connected to a host system the drives are displayed in an inactive state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: KINGSTON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Choon-Tak TANG, Chin-Tang YEN, Ngoc LE, David SUN
  • Patent number: 7982630
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital united information instrument panel for vehicle. The digital united information instrument panel for vehicle of the present invention includes a graduation unit indicating a velocity information of vehicle; and an united information display window indicating a driving status information of vehicle with a number and a character, while the united information display window forms a segment and a dot matrix together in a single panel and forms a black mask in the surrounding area of the segment and the dot matrix to concentrate an illumination on the segment and the dot matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Ju Hyun Kim
  • Publication number: 20110172812
    Abstract: A portable, medication dispensing device which dispenses prepackaged pill strands of medication from a secure, storage compartment through a mechanism which physically limits the quantity dispensed per a pre-programmed protocol. The device has a detachable storage component which can be filled by trained clinical or pharmacy staff, which can be locked. The device has a dispensing mechanism, which employs a user-powered, hub to advance a pill strand of pre-packaged medications, when appropriate. This advancing hub is secured from advancing inappropriately by a locking mechanism where a sturdy piston is moved into and out of recesses in the rounded surface of the hub. The device also contains standard electronic components, including a power source, central processing unit (CPU), visual and auditory outputs, and communications ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew I. Joslyn
  • Patent number: 7978159
    Abstract: An organic light emitting diode display device for changing a gamma reference voltage step by step in accordance with an image brightness of a current frame to reduce damage with which the organic light emitting diode and the driving transistor thereof are applied is disclosed. In the organic light emitting diode display device, a brightness detector calculates a maximum brightness value of each pixel using inputted image data of current frame. An adder adds all maximum brightness values of each pixel which are detected by the brightness detector. An average value calculator calculates an average brightness value of a current frame using an added value of maximum brightness values which are added by the adder. A gamma weight calculator calculates a gamma reference voltage weight which is set to correspond to the calculated average brightness value among predetermined gamma reference voltage weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In Hwan Kim, Seung Chan Byun, Jin Hyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 7978055
    Abstract: A table designed for use in a restaurant. The table enables a patron of such restaurant to communicate with at least one of a hostess, waiter, waitress, chef and manager at such restaurant. The said table includes at least one leg member. A table top, having a predetermined configuration, is secured to the at least one leg member. Such table top includes at least one screen formed in a top surface thereof to enable viewing pre-selected information. A terminal control panel engages with the table top for at least indicating at least one of the table is in use, the table is being cleaned and the table is ready for seating a patron. Finally, there is a computer device that includes a server connected to the table for communicating with at least one of a hostess, waiter, waitress, chef and manager at such restaurant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Alien Garcia
  • Patent number: 7978094
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element assembly portion and at least one cap portion adapted to attach to the reflective element assembly portion. The reflective element assembly portion includes a reflective element. The reflective element assembly portion comprises a first molding that encompasses at least a perimeter portion of the reflective element. The first molding is formed by molding a first resinous material having a tool shrinkage factor equal to or greater than about 1%. The cap portion comprises at least one second molding formed by molding a second resinous material having a tool shrinkage factor of less than or equal to about 1%. The cap portion preferably includes internal structure for supporting at least one accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 7973779
    Abstract: The detection of ambient light on an optical touch-sensitive device is disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment comprises capturing an image of at least a portion of a display screen with a camera located within the display device, and determined if ambient light in the image is at an acceptable level for display screen operation. Then, a visual representation is displayed representing whether the ambient light level is acceptable for display screen operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Prafulla Masalkar
  • Publication number: 20110156923
    Abstract: A lighting system comprising a lamp arranged to transform electricity into a light beam having properties such as intensity, colour, colour temperature, direction and beam cone angle; a light control means arranged to adjust said light beam properties; a processing means arranged to send control signals to said light control means; a user control interface arranged to transform user control input into electronic input signals and to send those electronic input signals to said processing means; wherein said processing means is arranged to send a user feedback signal to said light control means such that said lamp properties either alternate in time or are different in adjacent locations, such that a user can recognize said alternating or adjacent different light properties as a feed back signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: LITE-ON IT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tony Petrus Van Endert
  • Publication number: 20110159931
    Abstract: A method, programmed medium and system are disclosed which provide for user-controlled management of power requirements for mobile devices. The system dynamically adjusts power settings according to goals set by the end user. The end user specifies a time-to-live goal in hours, minutes or a predetermined date/time and the power management function continuously monitors and adjusts power components to meet that goal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Jensen Boss, Srinivas Chidurala, Andrew R. Jones, Kevin C. McConnell, Simeon D. Monov, Jose I. Vargas
  • Patent number: 7969322
    Abstract: A processing apparatus that is connected with another processing apparatus via a network, receives a request for a processing from the other processing apparatus, executes the requested processing while not performing an originally intended process of the processing apparatus, and indicates that the processing apparatus is executing the requested processing, by causing an indicator to blink on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Nonaka, Kazuhiko Yamauchi, Yoshiaki Iwata
  • Publication number: 20110152655
    Abstract: A system for testing a blood glucose measurement engine includes a host device emulator having a measurement engine port communicatively coupled to a communications port and electrically coupled to a power supply. A diagnostic computer may be communicatively coupled to the communications port of the host device emulator. The diagnostic computer may include a processor and a memory having computer readable and executable instructions. When the blood glucose measurement engine is communicatively coupled to the measurement engine port, the host device emulator simulates connection to a host device by facilitating the communication of signals between the diagnostic computer and the blood glucose measurement engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Nathan Manlove
  • Publication number: 20110140905
    Abstract: A system comprising a clock board comprising a clock generator, a first board comprising an indicator and coupled to said clock board. The clock generator generates a clock signal, and the first board is configured to receive said clock signal. The first board further comprises a clock synchronizing unit that synchronizes a reference signal with said clock signal and generates a blink cadence signal based on said reference signal. The blink cadence signal is configured to drive the indicator of said first board. A failure by said first board to receive said clock signal causes the clock synchronizing unit of said first board to maintain the reference signal and generate said blink cadence signal based on said reference signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: David MACIOROWSKI
  • Publication number: 20110144933
    Abstract: A system for sensing current, comprising: a processor; a current sensor coupled to the processor and including a sensor threshold value; and a current generator coupled to the current sensor; wherein the current generator is operable to generate a test current signal defined by a time-varying linear function, the current sensor is operable to be coupled to an external current source, the current sensor is operable to output a sensor output signal based on a detected current to the processor, and the processor is operable to determine a magnitude of the sensor threshold value based on the sensor output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: INVENSYS RAIL CORPORATION
    Inventor: James R. HOELSCHER
  • Publication number: 20110134054
    Abstract: The present invention features an input device for a touch panel type for a vehicle, wherein, by replacing the conventional switch of a tact type into a touch panel using an electric field sensor, it is able to change an analog input method according to an operation of the conventional switch of the tact type into a digital input method according to electric signals, and also, by a touch panel of a button-integrated type that senses a change of an electric field, it is able to improve utilization of the inner space in the vehicle, and for unifies the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sung Il Woo, Dong Ok Kim
  • Patent number: 7956765
    Abstract: There is provided a message image display device enabling a user to grasp a content of each massage image when a plurality of message images are displayed. A display control unit (76) causes a display unit (82) to display a screen containing a plurality of message images. A judging unit (78) judges whether display of at least a part of a message image is limited by one or more other message images. A display-time determining unit (84) determines a display time of each of message images according to the judgment result of the judging unit (78). The display control unit (76) displays each of the message images over the display time of the message image determined by the display-time determining unit (84).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Arai
  • Publication number: 20110128158
    Abstract: A network device includes: a memory unit including a buffer memory and a read-only memory that has a device firmware stored therein for execution by the network device; a transmission interface unit for establishing connection to a host device via a network; a status-indicating unit; and a firmware-update control unit configured to retrieve firmware-update data from the host device through the network via the transmission interface unit, configured to store the firmware-update data thus retrieved in the buffer memory, and configured to update the device firmware in the read-only memory based on the firmware-update data in the buffer memory, the firmware-update control unit being further configured to control the status-indicating unit for generating a firmware-update-status output corresponding to a state of a firmware update process performed by the firmware-update control unit for user notification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: inXtron, Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Chien Chou
  • Publication number: 20110128159
    Abstract: Provided is an elevator evacuation supporting system which can appropriately guide people living in a building to the hall of an elevator in the case of occurrence of a disaster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shiro Hikita, Kiyoji Kawai, Masahiko Konishi, Masafumi Iwata
  • Patent number: RE42723
    Abstract: A mobile telephone or cellular telephone unit and a rear view mirror housing of an automobile are combined to provide an improved telephone apparatus that enables a hands-free use by a driver while operating the vehicle, the improved telephone apparatus includes a rear view mirror housing, the housing including a rear view mirror, telephone and SIM card for sending and receiving telephone calls and instant video image, the image display and SIM card are removably connected thereto. A telephone key pad is cooperatively connected to the telephone for dialing the telephone. An attachment bracket attaches the mirror housing to the vehicle. The housing has the electronic circuitry incorporated therewith to which a telephone and video assembly is connectable. A remote device, and computer process to communicate with the motor vehicle without the need for an automated hub, or Network Operating Center (NOC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Akihabara Limited LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Baratono, Mosad Abbas