With A Permanent Magnet Placed On Movable Display Elements Patents (Class 345/111)
  • Patent number: 11378249
    Abstract: A head lamp for a vehicle includes: a lamp housing; a light source disposed in the lamp housing and configured to emit light to a forward area of a vehicle; a bezel disposed on the lamp housing, spaced apart from the light source, and shaped to cover the light source; and a plurality of flip-dot units disposed in the bezel. Each flip-dot unit among the plurality of flip-dot units includes: a housing having an opening formed on one side the housing, and a space formed in the housing; and a flip disk rotatably installed in the housing and configured to selectively open and close the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Do Hyung Kim, Tae Kyoung Jin, Moo Kwan Kim
  • Patent number: 10690906
    Abstract: A magnetic actuator includes: a plate having a main plane of extent and mounted rotatably about at least one first axis of rotation which is parallel to the main plane of extent, the plate having at least one conductor loop parallel to the main plane of extent; a magnetic bracket situated beneath the plate and having a U-shaped magnetic flux conducting rail and a hard magnet whose magnetization is perpendicular to the U-shaped opening, the magnetic bracket and the plate being aligned with one another in such a way that the opening in the magnetic bracket points toward the main plane of extent of the plate, the U-shaped magnetic flux conducting rail having a main direction of extent parallel to the first axis of rotation, and the plate being deflectable about the at least one axis of rotation by energizing the at least one conductor loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Pinter, Joerg Muchow, Frank Schatz
  • Patent number: 10642078
    Abstract: A magnetochromatic display including a first substrate, first magnetic field modulating devices, a second substrate, and a magnetochromatic layer is provided. The first substrate has first pixel regions. The first magnetic field modulating devices are respectively disposed on the first pixel regions. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate. The magnetochromatic layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corporation
    Inventor: Chih-Che Kuo
  • Patent number: 10282755
    Abstract: A method for mobile advertising conversion attribution can include receiving, for example, at a conversion tracking server, a signal from a user device indicating that a conversion tag has been received. The signal can include a segment identifier, and a user agent (UA) and/or an internet protocol (IP) address of the user device. A conversion identifier can be defined that is associated with the segment identifier, the UA, and/or the IP address. The conversion identifier can be stored in a first database along with an indication of when the conversion identifier was received. A second database can be searched for an advertisement identifier that matches the conversion identifier and was received within a predetermined period of time before the conversion identifier. If a match between the conversion identifier and an advertisement identifier is located, a signal indicating that an advertisement was converted can be sent to an advertiser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Dstillery, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas O'Reilly
  • Patent number: 10275028
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a body. At least a portion of the body includes one or more instances of magnetic material. The apparatus includes a moveable element coupled to the body and separated by a distance in a first dimension from the portion of the body. The moveable element includes one or more instances of magnetic material, and is configured to move in at least a second dimension perpendicular to the first dimension while the distance between the moveable element and the portion of the body remains fixed by the apparatus. At least one instance of the magnetic material in the moveable element repels or attracts at least one instance of the magnetic material in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Pranav Mistry, Sajid Sadi, Curtis Aumiller, Chengyuan Wei, Iliya Tsvetomirov Tsekov, Steven Manuel
  • Patent number: 10007477
    Abstract: A method for displaying content displayed on one or more first devices on a second device is provided. The method includes receiving a request to display content currently displayed on a first device on a second device, the request including a gesture made on a screen of the first device, and pairing the first device to the second device. The method further includes transmitting instructions to the second device to display the content currently displayed on the first device, and transmitting the content currently displayed on the first device to the second device for display thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: EBAY INC.
    Inventors: Marc Peter Hosein, Steve Yankovich
  • Patent number: 9552590
    Abstract: A method for mobile advertising conversion attribution can include receiving, for example, at a conversion tracking server, a signal from a user device indicating that a conversion tag has been received. The signal can include a segment identifier, and a user agent (UA) and/or an internet protocol (IP) address of the user device. A conversion identifier can be defined that is associated with the segment identifier, the UA, and/or the IP address. The conversion identifier can be stored in a first database along with an indication of when the conversion identifier was received. A second database can be searched for an advertisement identifier that matches the conversion identifier and was received within a predetermined period of time before the conversion identifier. If a match between the conversion identifier and an advertisement identifier is located, a signal indicating that an advertisement was converted can be sent to an advertiser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Dstillery, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas O'Reilly
  • Patent number: 9367281
    Abstract: A method for displaying content displayed on one or more first devices on a second device is provided. The method includes receiving a request to display content currently displayed on a first device on a second device, the request including a gesture made on a screen of the first device, and pairing the first device to the second device. The method further includes transmitting instructions to the second device to display the content currently displayed on the first device, and transmitting the content currently displayed on the first device to the second device for display thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: EBAY INC.
    Inventors: Marc Peter Hosein, Steve Yankovich
  • Patent number: 9324117
    Abstract: A system and method for transacting retrieval of inventory data, such as real estate property listing(s), over an information network and dynamically transmitting the listing(s), in near or real time, to one or more subwindows of a web browser window. The listings contain customized rendering instructions that are encoded into an inventory data string and sent to an ad server that renders the listings in the subwindow according to the customized rendering instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Inoventive (Canada) Corp.
    Inventor: John Marshall
  • Patent number: 8975991
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lauder, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Daniel J. Coster, Christopher J. Stringer, Florence W. Ow, Jiang Ai, Jonathan P. Ive, Elvis M. Kibiti, John P. Ternus, Sean D. Lubner
  • Patent number: 8941557
    Abstract: An electronic display apparatus comprising a control device and an electronic display panel that can be turned off by the control device. In order to support an energy-saving state in which information can continue to be displayed at least to a certain extent, an electrochromic display is additionally provided that is switchable into different display states by the control device. The invention furthermore relates to an installation appertaining to automation technology, and to a method for operating an electronic display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Edgar Frank, Benjamin Kohler, Jörg Middel, Wolfgang Riedl, Christian Strömsdörfer, Frank Volkmann, Michael Wieczorek, Sebastian Wittig
  • Patent number: 8935617
    Abstract: A system is described that includes a media management application for automatically scanning messages in a message inbox and new messages that are sent from or received by the message inbox to identify content, such as pictures, songs, etc., for tagging each message based on content attributes, and for storing the messages and content in a “shoebox” relative to the content attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Cellco Partnership
    Inventors: Amir Mayblum, Kim M. Gutierrez, Chunkwok Lee
  • Patent number: 8928437
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew Lauder, Matthew D. Rohrbach, Daniel J. Coster, Christopher J. Stringer, Florence W. Ow, Jiang Ai, Jonathan P. Ive, Elvis M. Kibiti, John P. Ternus, Sean D. Lubner
  • Patent number: 8907752
    Abstract: Accurate and reliable techniques for wirelessly powering a tablet device are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventors: Justin Richard Wodrich, Stephen Robert McClure
  • Patent number: 8884730
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew Lauder, Matthew D. Rohrbach, Daniel J. Coster, Christopher J. Stringer, Florence W. Ow, Jiang Ai, Jonathan P. Ive, Elvis M. Kibiti, John P. Ternus, Sean D. Lubner
  • Patent number: 8878637
    Abstract: A cover is described that is magnetically attached to a tablet device. The cover includes at least as flap. In the described embodiment, the flap includes a plurality of segments where the first segment includes a first plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a first edge of the flap and where a second segment includes a second plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a second edge of the flap opposite the first edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Jared A. Sartee, Samuel G. Smith, Santhana K. Balaji, Florence W. Ow
  • Patent number: 8869038
    Abstract: A geospatial platform for building applications involving location and time is disclosed. The applications allow users to analyze and make sense of the location and time-based data generated by a wide variety of devices in real time, as it is generated. The platform in one example features a dashboard for associating code statements with a variety of data visualizations. The code statements access real-time and/or location based data and generate a result set that is optimized for displaying a selected data visualization in the dashboard. The code statements are ideally executed on a server so that large quantities of data can be manipulated as it is generated by various devices in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: VisTracks, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Gregory Eick
  • Patent number: 8839146
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a user interface for a wireless device are described. In one embodiment, a wireless device may include a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and a display coupled to the processor. The processor presents a navigation bar on the display. The navigation bar comprises multiple selectable tabs. The processor detects an input corresponding to a selection of any one of the multiple tabs and presents a user interface view associated with the any one of the multiple tabs on the display when the input is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Tina L. Tseng, Rob Haitani, Pamela Mead
  • Patent number: 8766887
    Abstract: Described is a device comprising: an array of light modulating elements; and one or more processing elements for controlling each of the light modulating elements, wherein the light modulating elements are arranged in a two-dimensional array, and wherein the one or more processing elements are adapted to skip some bit locations and use other bit locations of bit values when performing multiple bit logical and/or arithmetic operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Syndiant, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl M. Guttag
  • Patent number: 8671343
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and other implementations for a configurable pie menu are described herein. A pie menu has sectors of which at least one sector is both associated with a currently assigned menu item and at least one configuration menu. The operation of the pie menu is started by a pie menu activation input. Subsequent user input may then be interpreted as a pie menu selection input or a pie menu configuration invocation input. A pie menu configuration invocation input ascertains a pie sector and invokes the at least one configuration menu associated with the ascertained pie sector. The configuration menus provide a larger set of menu items, one of which is the menu item currently assigned to the pie sector. A menu item selected from the invoked configuration menu is assigned to the pie sector to which the configuration menu is associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Tobias Gregor Oberstein
  • Patent number: 8665045
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lauder, Matthew D. Rohrbach, Daniel J. Coster, Christopher J. Stringer, Florence W. Ow, Jiang Ai, Jonathan P. Ive, Elvis M. Kibiti, John P. Ternus, Sean D. Lubner
  • Patent number: 8665228
    Abstract: An electronic device including an interactive display having an interactive mode and a non-interactive mode. The interactive display includes an image display device that displays a user-interactive imaged keypad in at least a portion of the image display device when the interactive display is in the interactive mode and that displays other image data in the at least a portion of the image display device when the interactive display is in the non-interactive mode, a substantially transparent physical keypad that provides tactile feedback to a user indicating location of keys within the imaged keypad, one or more permanent magnets disposed within the physical keypad, and one or more charged electrical circuit elements oriented so that movement of the one or more permanent magnets relative to the one or more charged electrical circuit elements results in generation of electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Tactile Displays, LLC
    Inventor: R. O'Neal Gray
  • Patent number: 8665044
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lauder, Matthew D. Rohrbach, Daniel J. Coster, Christopher J. Stringer, Florence W. Ow, Jiang Ai, Jonathan P. Ive, Elvis M. Kibiti, John P. Ternus, Sean D. Lubner
  • Patent number: 8649824
    Abstract: A terminal and method of controlling the same are disclosed, by which user's convenience for photography using a terminal can be further enhanced. The terminal includes a camera, a display, a user input having a camera shutter key, and a controller for controlling at least one of more menu icons displayed in a standby mode to be displayed by being overlapped with a camera preview image. A see-through image seen through a transparent display can become a camera preview image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kyung Dong Choi
  • Patent number: 8648679
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lauder, Matthew D. Rohrbach, Daniel J. Coster, Christopher J. Stringer, Florence W. Ow, Jiang Ai, Jonathan P. Ive, Elvis M. Kibiti, John P. Ternus, Sean D. Lubner
  • Patent number: 8576031
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lauder, Matthew D. Rohrbach, Daniel J. Coster, Christopher J. Stringer, Florence W. Ow, Jiang Ai, Jonathan P. Ive, Elvis M. Kibiti, John P. Ternus, Sean D. Lubner
  • Patent number: 8514170
    Abstract: A smaller sized flip dot display utilizes a magnetically actuated pixel that rotates between two orientations. The orientations display two different optical states. A simulated dot matrix design improves the aesthetics and consumer appeal, and also permits a flip dot display capable of producing a positive contrast display image with darker colored “ON” pixels contrasting with brighter background and “OFF” pixels by reducing the visibility of the spacing gap between each rotating pixel and the surrounding background. An interwoven configuration of magnetic actuators with a coil around each arm of a U-shaped core may result in lower power consumption, low production cost, and small size required for use in consumer and small mobile devices such as watches and mobile phones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Art Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, David B. Cope, Andrew M. Wright, Christopher J. Corcoran
  • Patent number: 8395465
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lauder, Matthew D. Rohrbach, Daniel J. Coster, Christopher J. Stringer, Florence W. Ow, Jiang Ai, Jonathan P. Ive, Elvis M. Kibiti, John P. Ternus, Sean D. Lubner
  • Patent number: 8390411
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lauder, Matthew D. Rohrbach, Daniel J. Coster, Christopher J. Stringer, Florence W. Ow, Jiang Ai, Jonathan P. Ive, Elvis M. Kibiti, John P. Ternus, Sean D. Lubner
  • Patent number: 8390412
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lauder, Matthew D. Rohrbach, Daniel J. Coster, Christopher J. Stringer, Florence W. Ow, Jiang Ai, Jonathan P. Ive, Elvis M. Kibiti, John P. Ternus, Sean D. Lubner
  • Patent number: 8390413
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lauder, Matthew D. Rohrbach, Daniel J. Coster, Christopher J. Stringer, Florence W. Ow, Jiang Al, Jonathan P. Ive, Elvis M. Kibiti, John P. Ternus, Sean D. Lubner
  • Patent number: 8344836
    Abstract: A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasable attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Lauder, Matthew D. Rohrbach, Daniel J. Coster, Christopher J. Stringer, Florence W. Ow, Jiang Ai, Jonathan P. Ive, Elvis M. Kibiti, John P. Ternus, Sean D. Lubner
  • Patent number: 8330713
    Abstract: The invention relates to a touch-sensitive display device with an integrated mechanical operating part for motor vehicles, in which a mechanical operating part (2) and a holding magnet (3) are provided. The operating part (2) is held by magnetic force on the surface of a touch-sensitive display device (1), whereby sensor elements (5) are provided under the surface of the display device (1), and that the switching positions of the operating part (2) can be determined by the sensor elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bertrand Stelandre, Thomas Sulzbach
  • Patent number: 8319729
    Abstract: A display device capable of simplifying the structure and improving the reliability is disclosed. The display device includes an LCD module having a top case formed of metal, a glass substrate arranged on the LCD module, an infrared ray emitting module arranged to face three side surfaces of the LCD module and having a first magnet for first fixing to the top case, and a pair of infrared ray detection units arranged at corner ends of a side surface of the LCD module where the infrared ray emitting module is not arranged and having a second magnet for the first fixing to the top case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Seong Choi, Hyung Uk Jang, Sang Rae Lee, Sang Hyuck Bae, Byung Chun Yu
  • Patent number: 8194056
    Abstract: Another embodiment has a method of driving a display device including an array of MEMS elements is disclosed. The MEMS elements are characterized by a preferred set of drive potential differences including preferred positive and preferred negative actuation potential differences, preferred positive and preferred negative hold potential differences, and a preferred release potential difference, where the preferred set of drive potential differences is symmetric about a voltage differing from 0V by an offset ?V. Another embodiment has a reduced set of supply voltages are used, while maintaining the charge balancing effects of applying potential differences of opposite polarity without visible artifacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Manish Kothari
  • Patent number: 8184095
    Abstract: A control device includes a housing, a control module having a movable member mounted in the housing and movable by the user and having a magnet located on each of the two distal ends thereof, and a circuit module that includes a microprocessor, a rotation sensor module electrically connected to the microprocessor and adapted for sensing rotation of the movable member or a sleeve on the movable member and producing a respective control signal, and a magnetic sensor module electrically connected to the microprocessor and adapted for sensing the strength of the magnetic field emitted by each magnet indicative of the direction and amount of a linear displacement of the movable member and producing a respective control signal. Subject to non-contact sensing design, the control device avoids any mechanical fatigue or contact failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventors: Tian-Fu Pan, Chung-Yueh Nien, Shiau-Chung Kao
  • Patent number: 8077141
    Abstract: A backplane for an electro-optic display comprises a pixel electrode (104), a voltage supply line (C) arranged to supply a voltage to the pixel electrode (104), and a micromechanical switch (106, 112) disposed between the voltage supply line (C) and the pixel electrode (104), the micromechanical switch (106, 112) having an open state, in which the voltage supply line (C) is not electrically connected to the pixel electrode (104), and a closed state, in which the voltage supply line (C) is electrically connected to the pixel electrode (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: E Ink Corporation
    Inventors: Gregg M. Duthaler, Robert W. Zehner, Charles Howie Honeyman, Kevin L. Denis, Matthew A. King, Jianna Wang
  • Patent number: 8077142
    Abstract: Reflective, low-cost display pixels and displays incorporating magneto-optical elements wherein an externally applied magnetic field is perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the magneto-optical elements and parallel to a viewing plane of a display made from these elements. The display elements have a restricted rotation about their long axis which can be actuated by an external magnetic field to produce a bistable, electronically writable image. In addition, architectural modifications to this arrangement can be made such that the power required to write the image to such a display is decreased, overall display efficiency is increased and cross-talk between pixels is nearly eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Tred Displays Corporation
    Inventors: Charles O. Edwards, James Caruso
  • Patent number: 7962860
    Abstract: There is described a method, to a program and to a system for graphically displaying and projecting at least one network of devices of an automation system, a high density of information usually occurring at the user interface. To allow a user to selectively display devices in a network, in addition to a large quantity of overview information, a solution is proposed in which a user can display individual devices in more detail in an overview. The user can therefore select a device, the instantaneously non-visible details of which he wishes to access, and change the appearance of the device from a not very detailed display to a very detailed display by way of further interaction. This applies to any desired number of devices which can be simultaneously displayed in detail. One advantage is that the network interfaces of devices may also be displayed which cannot be displayed with all network interfaces in the overview without the user being forced to have to change to a different, detail-oriented view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ingo Eichner
  • Patent number: 7950009
    Abstract: A method of displaying contents on a mobile terminal. The method includes displaying a plurality of contents on a display of the mobile terminal, selecting a content from the plurality of displayed contents, and displaying the selected content and similar contents having a similar type as the selected content to be discriminated from other displayed contents that do not have the similar type as the selected content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jong Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7847756
    Abstract: A three-dimensional image display apparatus which displays a three-dimensional image as a set of two-dimensional images by switching and displaying the two-dimensional images on a rotating self-luminous two-dimensional display panel while synchronizing with the rotation angle of the two-dimensional display panel. This three-dimensional image display apparatus comprises a rotation body for rotating the two-dimensional display panel while fixing and supporting, a support body for rotatably supporting the rotation body, compressing image data on the support body to display the two-dimensional image on the two-dimensional display panel, transmitting the compressed image data from the support body to the rotation body side, receiving the transmitted compression image data on the rotation body, and expanding the received compression image data on the rotation body so as to restore an original image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihito Ishibashi, Masayuki Takada, Shinya Saito
  • Patent number: 7626581
    Abstract: Embodiments of an exemplary MEMS interferometric modulator comprise a movable layer and a fixed layer separated by an air gap. A driving scheme employs row/column actuation protocols which maintain voltages to the MEMS interferometric modulator that are above or below the voltage range necessary to place the MEMS interferometric modulator within a “hysteresis window” or “stability window.” Stable operation of the MEMS interferometric modulator is achieved by selecting mechanical design features that optimize the actuation and release times of the interferometric modulator. Some of the features affecting the release and actuation times include altering post spacing, altering internal stress or tension of the movable layer, altering the thickness or composition of the movable layer, altering the bulkiness of the tethers, perforating the movable layer and providing vias in the fixed layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: IDC, LLC
    Inventors: Clarence Chui, Manish Kothari
  • Patent number: 7439950
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for securing a pin within a raised display system. A washer surrounds the pin. A washer recess comprises a contact surface configured as to bring the washer into a tilted position relative to the pin, such that the washer is brought into physical communication with the pin. A reset mechanism moves at least a portion of the washer to force the washer into a position substantially level relative to the pin, such that the pin can move freely through the washer. An electromagnet holds the washer in the substantially level position when the electromagnet is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Christian Carlberg
  • Patent number: 7382306
    Abstract: An AD converter includes: a reference voltage generator circuit having a plurality of resistors connected in series with predetermined reference voltage applied to both ends thereof, the reference voltage being divided at connecting points between the individual resistors to generate a plurality of reference voltages; a voltage comparator circuit configured to compare the plurality of reference voltages and analog input signals for conversion into predetermined comparison output signals; and a variable voltage circuit connected to the connecting points of the reference voltage generator circuit and provided with a control signal input terminal inputted with control signals, configured to set an output voltage to be outputted to the connecting points at a predetermined value based on the control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Ken Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7199773
    Abstract: A magnetic display panel includes strips of first electrodes arranged in a first direction on an inner surface of a rear plate. Strips of second electrodes are arranged in a second direction, perpendicular to the first electrodes, and insulated from the first electrodes. Pixel electrodes are installed on each of the intersections of the first and second electrodes, and each has a spiral magnetic field producing unit electrically connected to the first and second electrodes. A magnetic film on the pixel electrodes has a magnetic gap through which a magnetic field produced by the pixel electrodes leaks. A magnetic fluid has a predetermined thickness on the inner surface of the rear plate. Such a display panel can provide moving pictures because of its improved responsivity, and, particularly, is easily fabricated at a low cost in large quantities because of its simple structure. Furthermore, the display panel is advantageous in building super-large display devices based on multiple integration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Hongik University Industry-Academia Cooperation Foundation
    Inventor: Jong Wook Seo
  • Patent number: 7133183
    Abstract: Due to an ever growing shortage of conventional energy sources, there is an increasingly intense interest in harnessing solar energy. The instant invention can contribute to the goal of achieving environmentally clean solar energy to be competitive with conventional energy sources. Method and apparatus are presented for coupling to a transparent sheet with an embedded array of preformed or formable mirrored micro-balls for use in a solar energy concentrator, and functionally similar applications such as optical switches and solar rocket assist. Mirrored micro-balls and particulate formable mirrors in cells are covered with a thin spherical shell of lubricating liquid so that they are free to rotate in an almost frictionless encapsulation in the sheet. Induced polarization electric or magnetic dipoles in the mirrors provide a method of controlling the alignment of the mirrored balls. Electrophoretically and magnetophoretically forming mirrors in situ on a rigid surface in a rotatable cell are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Mario Rabinowitz
  • Patent number: 7130102
    Abstract: This invention deals with the broad general concept for dynamic reflection, illumination and direct image projection. A mini-optics reflection and focussing system is presented that ranges from interior illumination, to exterior illumination, to large scale space based illumination, to ordinary and to telescopic image formation. It can be used both as a source of illumination, and to project images, figures, and the written word. This system has broad applications such as dynamic full color displays. Its use of a novel induced dipole coupling for rotation of planar mirrors lets it operate with greater simplicity and efficiency than other display devices. Furthermore in its capacity as a high altitude active reflector of solar radiation, it can be utilized to supply illumination, energy, and provide climate control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Mario Rabinowitz
  • Patent number: 6950089
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes a fader controller comprised of a longitudinally extending track having a portion thereof extending over an image area of an electronic display, and a fader cap joined to the track for longitudinal sliding translation therealong. A plurality of permanent magnets are spaced along the track, and the fader cap includes at least one electromagnet. Conductive rails extend longitudinally on the track, and the fader cap includes contacts that electrically engage the conductive rails. The electromagnets are actuated to translate the fader cap distally or proximally along the track. In another aspect, the invention provides a magnetic arrangement for removably joining one or more controller device to a flat panel electronic display, whereby controllers such as switches, knobs, and faders (slide controllers) may be superposed on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: NBOR Corporation
    Inventor: Denny Jaeger
  • Patent number: 6781745
    Abstract: An electrophoretic display comprising at least one in-plane gating electrode. The gating electrode(s) provide a gating effect, which raises the effective threshold voltage to prevent the undesired movement of the charged particles in the cells. The design of the invention can be manufactured using low cost materials by efficient processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Sipix Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Chung, David Chen
  • Publication number: 20040150614
    Abstract: A magnetic display panel is provided, including strips of first electrodes arranged in the first direction on the inner surface of a rear plate. Strips of second electrodes are arranged in the second direction perpendicular to the first electrodes while being insulated from the first electrodes. Pixel electrodes are each installed on the intersection of a first electrode and a second electrode, and each has a spiraled magnetic field producing unit electrically connected to the first and second electrodes. A magnetic film is formed on the pixel electrodes, and has a magnetic gap through which a magnetic field produced by the pixel electrodes leaks. Magnetic fluid is formed to a predetermined thickness on the inner surface of the rear plate. Such a display panel can provide moving pictures because of its improved responsivity, and, particularly, is easily fabricated at a low cost in large quantities because of its simple structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Jong-Wook Seo