Physically Movable Array Patents (Class 345/31)
  • Publication number: 20100103079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for presentation of content-rich information portions and content-poor information portions, such as list type information on a display. The method performs obtaining of information for presentation on an information presentation unit, monitors a rotational motion around an axis of rotation of an information presentation device, monitors the position of a seam of the information presentation unit, and presents information on the information presentation unit in dependence of the monitored rotational motion and in dependence of the monitored position of the first and second ends, such that content-rich information is presented on the information presentation unit and that content-poor information is presented across the first and second ends of the information presentation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventors: Martijn KUIKEN, Erwin WEINANS, Dick de JONG
  • Publication number: 20100103080
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for presentation of information on a display. The method performs obtaining information to be presented on an information presentation unit, presenting information on the information presentation unit, presenting a selection area on the information presentation unit, determining mode for updating information on information presentation unit, in dependence of user input, detecting a rotational motion around an axis of rotation of an information presentation device, and providing either the selected area at an updated position on the information presentation unit or the presented information at an updated position on the information presentation unit, in dependence of the detection of rotational motion and in dependence of obtained user input, enabling the selection area or the information to rotate according to detected rotational motion around an axis of rotation of the information presentation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventors: Martijn KUIKEN, Erwin WEINANS, Dick de JONG
  • Publication number: 20100097448
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system which integrates unique lighting technologies, switching systems, mounting systems, information delivery systems and power supply systems within a support such as vehicular wheel to provide an advanced, high quality visual display apparatus in various surfaces of rotation. A displayed image may be three dimensional. These technologies, and their many unique applications, provide for a novel and useful series of video display devices that are small, lightweight, efficient and can have the capability of producing a clear, bright, high definition image that is equivalent to that of a modern day TV or high quality computer monitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Mark D. Gilbert, Paul Chen, Lawrence Moens
  • Publication number: 20100073333
    Abstract: A method for one or more portions of one or more regions of an electronic paper assembly having one or more display layers includes, but is not limited to:one or more conformation sensor modules configured to direct obtaining information associated with one or more sequences of two or more conformations of one or more portions of one or more regions of the electronic paper assembly and one or more coordination modules configured to direct coordinating the one or more sequences of two or more conformations of one or more portions of one or more regions of the electronic paper assembly with one or more commands. In addition to the foregoing, other related method/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, JR.
  • Patent number: 7683857
    Abstract: The invention provides a projection display device capable of appropriate light control depending on the kind of the image, the ambient brightness and so on, a method for driving the same, and an illuminator used in the same. The light flux of illumination can be adjusted on the basis of image information. The allowable light control range (dimming control) can be optimally set depending on the information (usage information) on the kind of viewed content, the brightness of viewing environment, the gain of a screen and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shohei Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7684106
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a display device includes forming a switch and forming a plurality of display elements in parallel electrical communication with the switch. The switch includes an electrode, a first contact, and a second contact. The switch is responsive to voltages applied to the electrode to selectively place the first contact and the second contact in communication with one another. Forming the switch includes a first set of patterning steps. Forming the plurality of display elements includes a second set of patterning steps. The second set of patterning steps includes the first set of patterning steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Sampsell
  • Publication number: 20100053122
    Abstract: A system includes, but is not limited to one or more conformation sensor modules configured to direct acquisition of first information associated with one or more changes in one or more conformations of one or more portions of one or more regions of a flexible interface containing electronic device and one or more display control modules configured to direct control of display of one or more portions of the flexible interface containing electronic device regarding display of second information having one or more classifications in response to the first information associated with the one or more changes in the one or more conformations of the one or more portions of the one or more regions of the flexible interface containing electronic device. In addition to the foregoing, other related method/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Alexander J. Cohen, Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Richard T. Lord, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, JR.
  • Patent number: 7657097
    Abstract: A system and method of producing an image using a plurality of independent pixel devices, each of which includes one or more light emitting or polarizing elements. The pixel devices are fixed (e.g. on the side of a building) or are moving (e.g. on water or falling in air) within an image space in which an image is to be formed. A controller determines, based upon the locations of the pixel devices within the image space, what portion of the image each pixel device is to reproduce, and then commands the pixel devices to use the emitting devices to reproduce the corresponding portion of the image. As the pixel devices move, the new locations of the pixel devices are mapped onto the image, and the control of the pixel devices is modified accordingly so that the image produced by the pixel devices is not distorted by their movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Silicon Constellations, Inc.
    Inventor: Bojan Silic
  • Publication number: 20100019993
    Abstract: A composite display is disclosed. In some embodiments, a composite display includes a paddle configured to sweep out an area, a plurality of pixel elements mounted on the paddle, and one or more optical sensors mounted on the paddle and configured to measure luminance values of the plurality of pixel elements. Selectively activating one or more of the plurality of pixel elements while the paddle sweeps the area causes at least a portion of an image to be rendered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • Publication number: 20100013738
    Abstract: A method for coordinating presentation of multiple perspective content data for a subject scene receives separate display perspective signals, each corresponding to one of a plurality of display segments and processes each of the separate display perspective signals to generate a corresponding content configuration data request. At least one image-content generating device is configured according to the corresponding content configuration data request. Image data content of the subject scene is obtained from the at least one image-content generating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Edward Covannon, Amy D. Enge, John R. Fredlund
  • Patent number: 7646358
    Abstract: In an image display device which has an image display panel, in which two or more groups of particles or liquid powders having different colors and different charge characteristics are sealed between opposed two substrates, at least one of two substrates being transparent, and, in which the particles or the liquid powders, to which an electrostatic field produced by a pair of electrodes provided on one substrate or both substrates respectively is applied, are made to move so as to display an image, a chip for transmitting a drive signal to the image display panel is arranged in the substrate (first aspect of the invention), or, the two substrates are constructed by a transparent substrate and the pair of electrodes are constructed by a transparent electrode (second aspect of the invention).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Reiji Hattori, Itsuo Tanuma, Yoshitomo Masuda, Norio Nihei, Ryou Sakurai, Hajime Tamura, Hirotaka Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20090315810
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for presentation of list type information on a display. The method controls the information to be presented on the display, and comprises obtaining information to be presented on the display, presenting information on the display, and detecting a rotational motion around an axis of rotation of an information presentation device, providing the presented information on the display in dependence of the detected rotational motion, such that information can be shifted out from the display and shifted in to the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventor: Martijn KUIKEN
  • Patent number: 7602351
    Abstract: An assembly for displaying three-dimensional images includes a base portion forming a housing adapted to house electronics and mechanics, and having a planar surface, a projection member disposed in a position removed from the base portion planar surface, drive rods extending from the base portion and connected to the projection member covered by a layer to mask/reveal selectable pixels, the drive rods being movable by electronics and mechanics disposed in the base portion to move the projection member through planes parallel to the base portion planar surface, and a transparent envelope enclosing the base portion planar surface, the drive rods, and the projection member, the envelope being adapted to contain a near vacuum therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Charles Philip Amidon
  • Patent number: 7587747
    Abstract: A telepresence server is for connection to a telecommunications network for providing access to a reality engine for a plurality of passive users. The reality engine can be controlled by an active user or a professional director through the network or by a local professional director. Active/passive mode displays can be used by the passive users in a passive mode and an active/passive mode display can be used by the active user in an active mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Francis J. Maguire, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7572111
    Abstract: A rotating assembly for electric fan in one embodiment includes a rotating member provided on an end of the rotating shaft for fastening the fan blades and including a protrusion extended oppositely the rotating shaft, and a coil formed around the protrusion; a stationary magnetic mechanism formed around an end of the protrusion and including at least one pair of magnetic poles on its inner surface spaced from the coil, and a counterweight formed externally; and a load radially extended from the protrusion, a plurality of light emitting elements, a circuit electrically connected to both the magnetic poles and the coil, and a controller electrically connected to the circuit for controlling an activation of the light emitting elements. Activating the electric fan will cause the light emitting elements to emit light. In another embodiment, negative ions are generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Sam Hsu
  • Publication number: 20090109131
    Abstract: A display device includes a body including a stationary portion and an extendible portion movable relative to the stationary portion, an expandable display portion having a display area, an adjustable resistor, and a controlling unit. The first end of the expandable display is engaged in the stationary portion, and an opposite second end of the expandable display is engaged in the extendible portion. The adjustable resistor has a resistance varying with a distance between the stationary portion and the extendible portion. The controlling unit is configured for adjusting a size of the display area according to the resistance of the adjustable resistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: WEI-JEN WANG, SHIH-PAO CHENG
  • Publication number: 20090109130
    Abstract: In embodiments, methods and systems are presented for physical interaction with computer-mediated information. A movable display module (including a touch screen monitor, CPU, absolute encoder and other sensors, and wireless network connection) is mounted on and can be moved along rails. The rails serve four purposes relating to the movable display module: 1) to provide DC power and/or data through the rails to the equipment; 2) to act as a rack gear for absolute encoding of physical position; 3) to provide physical support; 4) to act as guide tracks. As the display module slides along the rails, a computer program receives positional and other sensor data. The program maps the sensor data to programmatic content, and presents said content on the display module or on other displays or in external effects such as lights or robotics. The entire system is designed for reliability, affordability, and ease of mass production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Terence J. Murphy, Matthew C. Browning
  • Patent number: 7525541
    Abstract: Generating a three-dimensional image of a three-dimensional scene by generating projection data and projecting light rays based on the projection data to generate the three-dimensional image. Sampling of the data is based on at least one physical parameter associated with the projection of light rays by a projection system used to project the light rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Actuality Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Won Chun, Oliver Strider Cossairt
  • Patent number: 7521279
    Abstract: An image projection module within a housing is operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern to be illuminated to produce an image at different image planes of VGA quality. A movable component on the housing causes the image to be formed at a selected image plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alistair R. Hamilton, Ron Goldman, Shane MacGregor, Emmanuel Tanghal
  • Patent number: 7518570
    Abstract: A digital light processing display system is provided with fewer major moving parts and a smaller form factor. A high-intensity, high-frequency strobe light is used to direct a pulse of light through colored filters. The colored pulses of light are passed through separate prisms, each with a high index of refraction. The index of refraction and the length of the path through the prism result in a delay for each color. For each pixel with a component of the color for each colored pulse, a controller activates the corresponding mirror in an array of mirrors. The timing of the activation of the mirrors is coordinated with the timing of the colored pulses of light to form a full color image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Gordon Leslie Arnold, II
  • Patent number: 7498648
    Abstract: A projection system is disclosed herein. The projection system employs a spatial light modulator comprising an array of individually addressable pixels for modulating the incident light based on image data. The modulated light is projected on a screen for viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter Richards, Andrew Huibers, Satyadev Patel
  • Patent number: 7482997
    Abstract: Provided is a voltage/current driven active matrix organic electroluminescent (EL) pixel circuit. In particular, a voltage/current driven active matrix organic EL pixel circuit capable of driving organic ELs by a voltage programming method and a current programming method using one pixel circuit and an organic EL display device that uses such a pixel circuit are provided. The voltage/current driven active matrix organic EL pixel circuit can be used for a voltage driven active matrix organic EL and a current driven active matrix organic EL by programming such that the flexibility and applicability of the pixel circuit and the driving circuit are excellent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Yil Suk Yang, Dae Woo Lee, Jong Dae Kim
  • Patent number: 7477219
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention a method of reflecting light is disclosed including providing an element having a surface having an edge on which the element is capable of rolling and selectively reflecting light by rolling the surface such that a reflective element associated with the surface selectively reflects light to a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard L. Knipe
  • Patent number: 7477252
    Abstract: A three dimensional image is displayed by providing initial data corresponding to the three dimensional image, generating a plurality of sets of data from the initial data, each set of data corresponding to an intersection of the three dimensional image with a surface, and displaying the three dimensional image using a three dimensional display based on the sets of data. A data processor is used to operate on the sets of data to re-center the three dimensional image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Actuality Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Won Chun
  • Patent number: 7477208
    Abstract: A rotational light emitting display apparatus is provided. The rotational light emitting apparatus device allows static and animated images and instruments to be displayed on dynamic screen. The display is refreshed repeatedly to take advantage of the persistence of vision property of the human eye. The illuminating element of the apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a line. Display refreshing is accomplished by mounting the apparatus on a rotating object, so that the line of light emitting elements lies along a radial direction. In this way, each of the light emitting elements traverse a circular path, while being flashed on and off to produce the desired display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventors: Dan Matlock, Peter Matlock
  • Publication number: 20090002269
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a floating display without moving electronics is provided. The mechanisms include a stationary array of light emitting elements and a moving reflective element. As the reflective element rotates, oscillates, or otherwise moves in a path relative to the array of light emitting elements, a controller controls the illumination, i.e. the pulsing on and off, of the light emitting elements based on a timing of the movement of the reflective element so as to achieve a desired image, alphanumeric message, graphical display, animated display, or the like. In this way, the electronics used to generate the floating display are kept stationary while the reflective element is moved along a path of motion to generate the floating image. This reduces the complexity and cost of the electronics needed to generate a floating image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Randall R Heisch
  • Publication number: 20090002272
    Abstract: A composite display is disclosed. In some embodiments, a composite display comprises a compound paddle comprising a plurality of components and configured to sweep out an area. A plurality of pixel elements is mounted on at least one component of the plurality of components. Selectively activating one or more of the plurality of pixel elements while the compound paddle sweeps the area causes at least a portion of an image to be rendered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • Publication number: 20090002273
    Abstract: A system for generating a display is disclosed. The system includes a base on which one or more paddles are mounted, wherein each paddle includes a plurality of pixel elements and is configured to sweep out an area during a paddle cycle, a processor configured to generate a script based at least in part on a pixel map and an image, and a pixel element driver configured to receive at least a portion of the script and activate a pixel element on a paddle when the pixel element coincides with an image pixel of the image. At least a portion of the image is represented on the display by activating the pixel element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • Publication number: 20090002270
    Abstract: A composite display is disclosed. A first paddle has a first plurality of pixel elements wherein the first paddle is arranged to sweep out a first area during a first paddle cycle. A second paddle has a second plurality of pixel elements wherein the second paddle is arranged to sweep out a second area during a second paddle cycle and wherein the first and second areas include first and second nonoverlapping portions. A first pixel element on the first paddle is configured to be activated when the first pixel element coincides with a first image pixel. A second pixel element on the second paddle is configured to be activated when the second pixel element coincides with a second image pixel. An image corresponding to the first and second image pixels is represented on the composite display by activating the first and second pixel elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • Publication number: 20090002271
    Abstract: A composite display is disclosed. In some embodiments, a composite display comprises a set of one or more paddles, a plurality of pixel elements installed on each paddle, and an optic configured to substantially collimate light attached to a surface of each pixel element. In some embodiments, a diffuser film is mounted in front of the set of paddles, wherein the diffuser film diffuses incident collimated light from the pixel elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • Patent number: 7459333
    Abstract: A projection system is disclosed herein. The projection system employs a spatial light modulator comprising an array of individually addressable pixels for modulating the incident light based on image data. The modulated light is projected on a screen for viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Peter Richards, Andrew Huibers, Satyadev Patel
  • Patent number: 7443364
    Abstract: A method of displaying an image with a display system includes receiving image data for the image. The method includes generating a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame corresponding to the image data based on a geometric relationship between a hypothetical reference projector and each of a first and a second projector. The method includes projecting the first sub-frame with the first projector onto a target surface. The method includes projecting the second sub-frame with the second projector onto the target surface, wherein the first and the second sub-frames at least partially overlap on the target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Niranjan Damera-Venkata, Nelson Liang An Chang, William J. Allen
  • Publication number: 20080204548
    Abstract: The present invention is directed a switchable optical imaging system and a 3D/2D image switchable apparatus having high functional flexibility in a number of aspects and adaptability to various applications. The present invention is based on generating directional optical beams, transforming these optical beams and projecting transformed optical beams in a field of view to thereby divide the field of view into one or more adjustable viewing zones and to form 2-dimensional (2D) images or perspective views of a 3-dimensional (3D) image of an object or scene therein. The present invention is embodied in the switchable optical imaging system and the 3D/2D image switchable apparatus using the same system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Emine Goulanian, Abdelmounaime Faouzi Zerrouk, Nikolai Kostrov, Pavel Trochtchanovitch
  • Patent number: 7409246
    Abstract: When an input unit of the equipment operability evaluating apparatus selects the human body type of the human body model and a scenario, the posture calculation unit calculates an appropriate operating posture of the human body model having the physique of the selected human body type for each of the supposed operations set by the supposed operation setting unit, and the simulation unit arranges an equipment model and a human body model having the calculated operating posture in the three-dimensional virtual space, and displays the view image as an image of the three-dimensional virtual space viewed from the point of view of the human body model. The operation recording unit records the operation result of the equipment model on the view image, and the operability evaluation unit evaluates the operability of the equipment based on the recorded operation result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Koji Demizu, Naoyuki Nozaki, Masayuki Kidera
  • Patent number: 7397387
    Abstract: A moving, pulsed-light-source light sculpture display with communication between a stationary portion, i.e. the knobs and buttons and their corresponding electronics, and rotating and illuminated PCBs. An optical data link is implemented with an IR LED in the stationary base unit and an IR receiver on the rotating PCB. A user interface allows the user to easily draw in the 3D volume of the display in real time. The portion of the user interface used to create sculptures in the 3D volume of voxels includes multiple physical elements including knobs, pushbuttons, and a multi-position slide switch. Another element of the user interface is a movable blinking cursor in the display volume that indicates the current voxel being manipulated. User interface controls also provide functions for data in memory for saving/recalling user sculptures and animation. Animations are facilitated in which 3D volumes of the volumetric display move in synchronization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Suzuki, Vim Venture
  • Publication number: 20080136789
    Abstract: Cosmetic enhancement mirror methods and related systems
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Paul G. Allen, Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo
  • Patent number: 7355782
    Abstract: An interference modulator (Imod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or micro-fabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for the modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on a continuous web fed process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: IDC, LLC
    Inventor: Mark W. Miles
  • Patent number: 7352339
    Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to sources of diffuse illumination for providing substantially uniform illumination to a surface. The diffuse illumination arises from varying the diffusion angle of light generated by an LED system. To vary the diffusion angle, a translucent member is placed between the LED system and the surface. Light emitted from the LED system across the translucent member can subsequently can uniformly cover the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions
    Inventors: Frederick Marshall Morgan, Ihor Lys
  • Patent number: 7338705
    Abstract: An optically transparent conductive material is disposed directly or indirectly on an inside surface of a cover material for static dissipation in an optical switching device. The optically transparent conductive material forms an electrically continuous film. The optically transparent conductive material can also be used for anti-reflection. An additional coating may be disposed directly or indirectly on an outside surface of the cover material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Martin, Maurice Karpman, Lawrence E. Felton
  • Patent number: 7306463
    Abstract: This is an entirely new type of tactile display based upon cuneiform writing concepts which is an alternative to Braille. This invention uses electromechanical components to display a tactile coding of letters, numbers and symbols using rotating linear components and pointer variations of these. These pointer parts rotate on the surface of the device. A user places fingers or skin on the surface and by feeling the direction in which the components are pointing determines the coded symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Paul Hanley
  • Patent number: 7248232
    Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus which occupies a small space and which is capable of supplying image information having high definition and high resolution. An information processing apparatus of the invention employs a head mount display (HMD) utilizing compact flat panel displays as a display device for displaying information. The use of a head mount display as the display device of the information processing apparatus prevents any reduction in a work space. It also makes it possible to change the size of a virtual display screen freely. In addition, the information processing apparatus of the invention is capable of displaying a plurality of pieces of information on the virtual display screen at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Jun Koyama, Yoshiharu Hirakata
  • Patent number: 7236146
    Abstract: A display device comprising a first body and a second body, the second body connected to the first body at a rotary connection. A display element, which may include one or more light-emitting diodes, is disposed on the second body. A controller is electrically connected to the first display element so as to vary the state of the display element in response to relative movement between the first body and second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Axxion Group Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Smedley, Po W. Hu, Leon W. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7230599
    Abstract: A display device adopted for use on data processing equipment includes a hollow case for housing a turnable axle and an elastic element, a pliable LCD screen wound around the peripheral surface of the axle, and a retaining member fastening to one side of the pliable LCD screen to receive a force from users to pull and turn the axle so that the LCD screen may be stretched outside the case to a use position, and receive image signals from the data processing equipment through a connection port located on one side of the case to generate and display pictures. The elastic element provides a stretch returning elastic force to drive the axle to turn in a reverse direction to wind the LCD screen in a retraction position in the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Yaz-Tzung Wu, Ming-Yuan Liu, Tien-Ming Chan
  • Patent number: 7226291
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for refreshable tactile output of information from a computer, includes using a movement actuator to move in unison along a first dimension a plurality of tactile elements that can be touched by a user of the tactile output. Based on data received from a computer processor, a particular tactile element of the plurality of tactile elements is locked with a corresponding lock actuator of a corresponding plurality of lock actuators different from the movement actuator. The method and apparatus allow a low cost, highly reliable movement actuator to be employed that does not substantially exceed the size of the tactile output area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventor: Janet A. Spedden
  • Patent number: 7212839
    Abstract: A wireless mobile phone is provided with the capability to visually convey audio to users, using a number of light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), in accordance with one or more attributes of the audio. The attributes may include different volume, spectrum, treble, bass, and so forth. The visualization may animate dance steps. In various embodiments, the implementations may include a visualization controller to selectively activate and deactivate the LEDs. The LEDs may be disposed on a side surface or underneath an array of input keys. In various embodiments, all or selected combinations of the elements may be part of the base unit of the wireless mobile phone, while the remaining elements, if any, may be part of an interchangeable cover. The cover may be a housing cover or an accessory cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Wildseed Limited
    Inventors: G. Eric Engstrom, Tyrol R. Graham
  • Patent number: 7193729
    Abstract: An automotive instrument cluster containing a grouping of display fields representing measured automotive operating quantities such as speed, temperature and pressure. Illumination markers which are analogs of pointers are created within the display fields from a single beam-type light source by means of a multi-faceted rotating mirror and a controller which correlates measured signal quantities representing the vehicle operating quantities to mirror angle in turning the light source on so as to create an illumination marker at a strategic position within each of the display fields. The display is refreshed 50 times per second so as to create the appearance of a continuous marker in each of the display fields. Calibration is provided by means of a separate diode sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc
    Inventor: Kang Li
  • Patent number: 7170481
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a display film that may be transferred by lamination or otherwise onto a substrate. The display film is formed of a stack of layers that can include different types, arrangements, and functionality within the stack depending upon factors including the characteristics of the substrate (e.g., upper or lower, transparent or opaque, substrates) and addressing of the display (e.g., active or passive matrix, electrical or optical addressing). The layers of the stacked display film include one or more electrode layers and one or more liquid crystal layers and, in addition, may include various combinations of an adhesive layer, preparation layer, casting layer, light absorbing layer, insulation layers, and protective layers. The liquid crystal layer can include cholesteric or other liquid crystal material. The liquid crystal layer can be a dispersion of liquid crystal in a polymer matrix formed by a variety of techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph W. Doane, Asad A. Khan, Irina Shiyanovskaya, Tod Schneider, Oleg Pishnyak, Seth E. Green, Forrest N. Nicholson, Liang-Chy Chien
  • Patent number: 7164393
    Abstract: A first pattern is created by providing an image and its enantiomorph on opposite sides of an axis of bilateral symmetry and selectively removing elements from the image and its enantiomorph without removing any element from both the image and its enantiomorph. A second pattern is created, being an enantiomorph of the first pattern. The patterns are rotated relative to each other about a common axis with both patterns visible to a viewer, whereby an intelligible pattern having at least one axis of bilateral symmetry is formed by a combination of the patterns at at least one position of the first pattern relative to the second pattern. At other positions the intelligible pattern is present only in an encoded fashion. The encoding is done by ensuring that elements are missing from the first pattern so that it is unable in itself to constitute an intelligible design, the missing elements being supplied when the first pattern is appropriately combined with the second pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: John Andrew Leslie
  • Patent number: 7142173
    Abstract: A visual display device is constructed which uses the “persistence of vision” effect of human vision and responds to kinetic motions of the user as the device is held and swung by an operator. Displays may consist of alphanumeric and graphic data with image symmetry not required. A microcontroller adjusts the display to conform to the speed and width of the users swing, synchronizing the display to the users motions. Both the user and viewers of the device are enabled to see the displayed images correctly oriented and stable within the path of the swinging device. The user is provided with visual and or audio feedback, which helps in coordinating a steady swing, and gives an indication of the orientation of the displayed data. The device is fabricated in such a way that costs are at a minimum, allowing this technology to be used in widespread disposable or reusable applications. The technology is expanded to displays in which the viewer provides the kinetic motion and the device is held stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Arthur Lane Bentley
  • Patent number: 7136030
    Abstract: A display system (12) for attachment to a sill (14) of a window structure (26) has been provided. The display system (12) includes a mounting device (28) for attaching the display system (12) to the sill (14) of the window structure (26) and a display device (18) for attachment to the mounting device (26). The display device (18) is intended to communicate various information to the viewer of the display device and preserve or create more available space surrounding the window structure (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Steed, John R. Cowin, Timothy M. Mitchell, Wayne Cavanaugh, Craig A. Larson, David L. Allen, Tuong Q. Nguyen, Ronald C. Doty, Son T. Nguyen, Kevin L. Gosling, Taji Shafaat