Abstract: A liquid crystal display driver has a system of driving a plurality of segments with 1/n duty binary voltages. In the system, one frame period has the following three sub-periods; the first sub-period, where the line sequential driving is performed, the second sub-period, where adjustment is made on the segment voltage dispersion which occurs depending on display patterns, and the third sub-period, which is at the other time span than the first and the second sub-periods in the same frame period, where the potentials of the common signals and those of the segment signals are identical. With this driving method, constant Von/Voff ratio is obtained, and the contrast dispersion and crosstalk, which occur depending on a display pattern, are mostly eliminated. Then a good display quality is obtainable, and also the effective values of the voltages applied to the liquid crystal, are adjustable irrespective to the power source voltage.

Abstract: A data display radio pager of the present invention is capable of displaying data received from a base station and consisting of a message signal and an address signal on an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) either in a complete form or in a n incomplete form, i.c., partly omitted form or rearranged form. The pager allows the user to select desired one of the complete and incomplete forms and thereby protects important or private messages from illicit access.

Abstract: In a field-sequential type color display system comprising a light source unit (1) composed of a plurality of color light sources, a light source driving circuit (8) for driving the light source unit, a liquid crystal shutter unit (2) for controlling transmittivity of light rays emitted by the light source unit, a shutter control circuit (9) for controlling the liquid crystal shutter unit, and a synchronous circuit (10) for synchronizing the light source driving circuit (8) with the shutter control circuit (9), a field is composed of a plurality of sub-fields corresponding to the plurality of color light sources of the light source unit (1), and multicolor display is effected by energizing the color light sources for specific colors against the respective sub-fields while controlling the liquid crystal shutter unit (2) according to the respective sub-fields.

Abstract: A display 10 for an electronic apparatus e.g. a portable radio telephone comprises a two row by eight column array of character display elements 12 for displaying characters 13. The character display elements 12 in the first seven columns comprise a conventional LCD 7.times.5 pixel matrix with the character display elements 16 of the last column comprising a single column of pixels. Data input into the electronic apparatus is shown on the display 10 as it is input with the next character display element 12,16 to be filled being indicated by a vertical cursor 21. When the top row 26 of the display 10 is full i.e. when the conventional character display elements 12 are all used up, the vertical cursor 21 is still displayed in the additional, single column, character display element 16. This extra character display element 16 adds very little length to the display but allows text editors to act in a more logical way.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the updating of a random access memory (RAM) that stores data for coding the activation of segments of one or more alphanmeric characters of a liquid crystal display (LCD), to maintain substantially a direct current (DC) voltage value of zero across transparent conductive plates of the LCD, is performed or provided in a microcontroller having internal LCD control capabilities. A type B waveform is employed for activating the LCD, the waveform being of a type in which data is transmitted over two frames, the data in the second frame of which is the inverse of data in the first frame thereof to maintain an average DC voltage value over each two-frame portion of the waveform at substantially zero volt. The RAM is allowed to be written to for updating the data therein only after completion of an entire two-frame portion of the waveform and before commencement of a new two-frame portion, to avoid a non-zero average DC voltage across the LCD glass during a two-frame portion.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device comprises a first substrate, plural pixel electrodes arranged in rows and columns on the first substrate, plural switching elements, an end of the conduction path of each of the switching elements being connected to a corresponding one of the pixel electrodes, a second substrate that is opposed to the first substrate, a common electrode formed on the second substrate and opposed to the pixel electrodes, a liquid crystal material with spontaneous polarization sandwiched between the first and second substrates, plural signal line bundles arranged on the first substrate substantially parallel with one another along the columns, each of the signal line bundles comprising a predetermined number of signal lines and each of the signal lines being connected to the other end of the conduction path of each of selected switching elements arranged along a corresponding one of the columns, plural scanning lines arranged on the first substrate substantially parallel with one another along th

Abstract: The invention is directed to simultaneously implement display by using the first and second liquid crystal display sections. While a voltage (1/2 V.sub.L) which is a half of a drive voltage V.sub.L supplied from the second drive power supply by the second liquid crystal driver is taken as a virtual ground, a voltage (1/4 V.sub.L) resulting from positively and negatively dividing by 4 the drive voltage V.sub.L is applied to each of electrodes of the second liquid crystal display section defined in the liquid crystal display panel. In a selected waveform, by applying a voltage which exceeds the saturation voltage of liquid crystals, to selected portions of the waveform, the liquid crystals are turned on. In a non-selected waveform, such a voltage is not applied. In the second liquid crystal display section, direct current component of the waveform of a signal supplied by the second liquid crystal driver is cut off by the direct current cutoff circuit. A bias voltage (1/2 V.sub.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing multiple of discrete voltage levels to drive a liquid crystal display (LCD) from an LCD module on board a microcontroller chip includes a charge pump with a switched-capacitor that develops the discrete voltages as multiples of the value of a base voltage that remains substantially without change irrespective of change in the supply voltage. A switched-capacitor charging circuit selectively charges a capacitor to produce successive additive charges individually retrievable from the capacitor. An LCD drive selectively transmits the discrete voltage levels to activate the LCD according to status of an external system under the control of the microcontroller. Voltage losses that may occur during the switched-capacitor charging are compensated to maintain the levels of the discrete voltages free of decay.

Abstract: With confidential information being composed of authenticating signs which belong to a first series, a second series of signs or designating symbols is defined, the first and second series of signs are displayed in a relatively random position, and this placement in correspondence is used to enter the confidential information in such a way that a third party who observes the entry operations cannot determine the confidential information. The invention also relates to the terminal associated with this process.

Abstract: A shelf tag comprising a liquid crystal display having optical states which are stable without power and an interface that allows for each character element to be programmed easily by sweeping a programming device across the character element contacts with all power and signal requirements being supplied to the shelf tag by the programming device. The programming device can be integrated with a portable transaction computer equipped with a bar code reader or can be embodied in a stand-alone apparatus capable of receiving user input, displaying information and interfacing to the shelf tags. A method of using the shelf tags, the programming device and a radio frequency computer local area network are presented which automates many typical business applications such as inventory updating and simultaneously changing prices advertised on the shelf tags.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying filename information on a floppy disk is disclosed. The apparatus utilizes a modified floppy disk housing and a modified floppy disk drive to automatically label the floppy disk with the filenames being copied to or deleted from the disk. The modified floppy disk housing includes an apparatus for visually displaying information indicative of the data stored on the floppy disk when the floppy disk is not inserted in a floppy disk drive.

Abstract: The 16 bit program counter of an 8 bit microprocessor within a camera is used to provide a 16 character display on the camera, such that messages with a 16 bit address are accessed. When the message for display is invoked, the address of the message is placed in the program counter, and a software interrupt is caused. Due to the software interrupt, the upper and lower bytes of the address in the program counter are pushed onto the stack, popped off the stack and stored in adjacent memory locations. The address may then be read from the adjacent memory locations, the message displayed and a return from interrupt effected.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a first diode is connected between two elements of a seven-segment display character. A second diode is also connected between two elements of the seven-segment display character. With the diodes so connected, the seven-segment display character can display the characters "1" through "9", and can do so with only six of the seven segments coupled to display driver circuitry. Electronic resources are thus saved in the control of the seven-segment display character.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of detecting errors in an electro-optic display of a type comprising one or more capacitive display elements. Each display element is connected to drive circuitry. The apparatus includes an isolator for electrically isolating the first electrode of a display element to be tested from the drive circuitry. A comparator compares a voltage on the first electrode of the element being tested with a reference voltage, and an error signal generator generates an error signal if the voltage on the first electrode crosses the reference voltage within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The data selection circuit of 1/n Duty-1/m Bias activating scheme of the present invention includes (m+1) selectors which are independently provided. Each selector includes 2.sup.n decoder sections for subjecting n-bit select data supplied from the exterior to different decoding processes, and 2.sup.n inverter sections respectively connected in series with the decoder sections, outputs of the inverter sections being connected in a wired OR connection configuration. The 2.sup.n .times.(m+1) inverter sections are supplied with different preset input signals determined by integers m, n (m.gtoreq.2, n.gtoreq.2) and the logic of the corresponding decoding sections from the exterior. Thus, the data selection circuit of 1/n Duty-1/m Bias scheme in which the number of necessary transistors is significantly reduced can be provided.

Abstract: A spatial light modulation device, in which at least a photoconductor structure and a light modulator have a multilayer structure. In this spatial light modulation device, the photoconductor structure has a plurality of pixel portions and avalanche multiplication of charges generated by light incident on each of the pixel portions is performed therein and charges obtained as a result of the avalanche multiplication are stored in the pixel portions. Thus, this spatial light modulation device has high sensibility.

Abstract: A liquid-crystal display according to this invention which incorporates timing signal generation circuit 13 which turns on switches 10 to 12 when interval control signal P from the liquid-crystal power supply circuit is in active status, and which turns switches 10 to 12 off when interval control signal P is in inactive status. By turning switches 10 to 12 off when no display is required, current flow from power supply 3 to ground (GND) is cut and power consumption is reduced.

Abstract: A solid state depth locator comprises an LCD display having a plurality of LCD segments for providing a real time output indicative of the depth of targets in a body of water. A drive circuit drives each segment of the plurality of LCD segments. A transducer, transmitter and receiver operate together to provide a real time data signal to the drive circuit for driving each segment of the plurality of LCD segments, the real time data signal having a time period and being representative of the presence of targets in the body of water. A clock provides a clock signal to the drive circuit for clocking the real time data signal serially into the LCD drivers. The clock signal has a plurality of clock pulses within the time period of the real time data signal corresponding to the number of LCD segments. A grey scale circuit is provided for varying the intensity of each segment of the LCD display in relation to the strength of the real time data signal.

Abstract: A display apparatus used in an electronic calculator with a fraction calculating function is constructed by arranging 8-shaped display members made of 7 segments at upper, intermediate and lower stages, while commonly using some of these display segments. A numerator of a fraction is displayed on the upper-staged display member, a denominator of this fraction is displayed on the lower-staged display member, and a bar thereof is displayed utilizing the intermediate display member, so that the fraction may be displayed in the normal mathematic expression form.

Abstract: A camera comprising various arrangements for employing optical elements in association with photosensitive elements are described. In some of the arrangements, the optical elements are formed integrally with a substrate containing the photosensitive elements. In other arrangements, an optical element is mounted to a package, or the like, containing the substrate and photosensitive elements. In other arrangements, two or more optical elements are employed, including conventional refractive elements, refractive focusing elements, and refractive beam splitting elements. Utility as solid state image sensors is discussed. Utility for monochromatic and color imaging is discussed. Various devices based on such camera arrangements and methods of making same are discussed.

Abstract: An LCD display with a high resolution moveable pointer has a first image pane (10) with slanted conductive first segments (12) on a surface thereof. A second image pane (16) has second segments (18) and a surface thereof. The second segments are slanted opposite of the first segments. The LCD has the image panes mounted parallel to one another with the surfaces with the segments thereon facing one another with a dichroic liquid crystal material in between. A first set (26) of segments on the first image pane and a third set (30) of segments on the second pane are driven by first electrical signals of fixed amplitude and frequency. A second set of segments (28) on the first pane and a fourth set (32) on a second pane are driven by second signals 180.degree. out of phase with the first signals. A pointer is formed at an area (38) where the dichroic material is subject to an electrical potential sufficient to make the dichroic material transparent.

Abstract: An LCD panel monitor having a LCD panel which displays a video image simulating a photographic print which is to be created by the photographic printer. The LCD panel is mounted on a panel frame which is held by a holding portion to permit inclining the panel frame at an appropriate angle. The LCD panel monitor is provided with a sight member and a target mark used for determining a normal eye position of a viewer relative to the LCD panel. In the normal eye position, the viewer can view the video image displayed on the LCD panel in a direction perpendicular to the LCD panel and the image will not be dim or blurred.

Abstract: A camera comprising various arrangements for employing optical elements in association with photosensitive elements are described. In some of the arrangements, the optical elements are formed integrally with a substrate containing the photosensitive elements. In other arrangements, an optical element is mounted to a package, or the like, containing the substrate and photosensitive elements. In other arrangements, two or more optical elements are employed, including conventional refractive elements, refractive focusing elements, and refractive beam splitting elements. Utility as solid state image sensors is discussed. Utility for monochromatic and color imaging is discussed. Various devices based on such camera arrangements and methods of making same are discussed.

Abstract: A liquid crystal panel, and a device and a method using the panel for displaying alphanumeric characters. The inventive liquid crystal panel has a structure that groups of display segments are arranged as display units; each of the groups including twenty-two display segments: four segments located in four corners of a rough quadrilateral, two oblong segments located on a left side area of the quadrilateral, two oblong segments located in a right side area of the quadrilateral, three segments located on a lower side area of the quadrilateral, nine segments in three columns in three rows located inside of the quadrilateral outlined by the above thirteen segments, and two segments located on an upper side area of the quadrilateral and having a width larger than those of the above nine segments inside the quadrilateral. In the inventive liquid crystal panel, a predetermined character data is displayed by actuating predetermined segments among the twenty-two segments on the panel.

Abstract: A liquid crystal panel positioning device by which a liquid crystal panel and a light emitting panel are positioned in a liquid crystal panel holding frame. Stoppers with which the liquid crystal panel is engaged are formed at both ends of each of the side walls of the holding frame. Stoppers with which the light emitting panel is engaged are formed near the liquid crystal panel stoppers, and slightly outside of the liquid crystal panel stoppers. The liquid crystal panel and the light emitting panel are positioned by these stoppers.

Abstract: A bi-directional shift register capable of transferring bit data in either a forward or reverse direction. The shift register includes multiple transfer elements (e.g., flip-flop circuits) cascaded together which provide synchronous transfer of the bit data from one stage to an adjacent stage in either direction. The shift register further includes two switching circuits for electrically connecting an input terminal of one transfer element to an output terminal of the adjacent transfer element. The first switching circuit is enabled to cause the transfer of the bit data in the forward direction, and the second switching circuit is enabled to cause the transfer of the bit data in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A driving circuit which can drive an LCD apparatus without causing the residual image phenomenon is disclosed. The driving circuit has a polarity-inverting circuit for converting input video signals into polarity-alternating signals. The polarity-inverting circuit has input-output characteristics which are at least partially non-linear. The input-output characteristics are linear in the positive region, and non-linear in the negative region, or non-linear in the positive region, and linear in the negative region.

Abstract: In an alpha-numerical display the segments are split up into (interconnected) sub-segments in such a way that characters can always be displayed in a manner analogous to that for a conventional matrix display. This provides the advantages of a great freedom of choice of characters with a drive mode (1:n multiplexing, n.ltoreq.4) yielding a large viewing angle and a high contrast.