Liquid Crystal System Patents (Class 349/1)
  • Patent number: 9768216
    Abstract: An image sensor device may include an interconnect layer, an image sensor IC on the interconnect layer, and a barrel adjacent the interconnect layer and having first electrically conductive traces. The image sensor device may include a liquid crystal focus cell carried by the barrel and having cell layers, and second electrically conductive contacts. A pair of adjacent cell layers may have different widths. The image sensor device may include an electrically conductive adhesive body coupling at least one of the second electrically conductive contacts to a corresponding one of the first electrically conductive traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS PTE LTD
    Inventors: Dave Alexis Delacruz, David Gani
  • Patent number: 9763292
    Abstract: A backlight unit includes: a light source configured to emit light based on a driving current; and a backlight controller receiving a digital dimming signal that defines a length of an output period of the driving current from a pulse width modulator and configured to, when a duty ratio of the driving current is less than a reference duty ratio, modulates the duty ratio of the driving current so that the duty ratio of the driving current is equal to or greater than the reference duty ratio and decrease a duty ratio of the digital dimming signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wonhyoung Kang, Mingyu Kim, Taegon Im, Songyi Han, Jintaek Hong
  • Patent number: 9751794
    Abstract: Provided is a frit sealing system for attaching a first substrate and a second substrate by using a frit. The frit sealing system includes a laser irradiation member configured to irradiate a laser on the frit between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a pressurization member on the second substrate, the pressurization member being configured to apply pressure to the second substrate during the irradiation of the laser, the pressurization member including base, and an elastic portion connected to the base and contacting the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jeong-Won Han
  • Patent number: 9733792
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for providing an end user with a digital pen embedded with a spatially-aware miniature projector for use in a design environment. Paper documents are augmented to allow a user to access additional information and computational tools through projected interfaces. Virtual ink may be managed in single and multi-user environments to enhance collaboration and data management. The spatially-aware projector pen provides end-users with dynamic visual feedback and improved interaction capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Hyunyoung Song, Tovi Grossman, George Fitzmaurice, Francois V. Guimbretiere, Azam Khan, Ramtin Attar, Gordon Kurtenbach
  • Patent number: 9733673
    Abstract: A display module includes an image display panel, a touch screen, a first FPC substrate, and a second FPC substrate. The first and second FPC substrates are disposed so as not to overlap with each other. The image display panel has a first curved portion in its first peripheral area. The touch screen has a second curved portion in its second peripheral area. The first and second FPC substrates each extend toward the opposite side of the image display panel from the touch screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Japan Display Inc.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Fukuma, Norio Oku
  • Patent number: 9733573
    Abstract: A spatial light modulator imaging system is disclosed. The system comprises an illumination module configured to provide illumination light representing data patterns to be imaged by the spatial light modulator imaging system, a projection module configured to project the illumination light to a substrate, and an illumination-projection beam separator coupled between the illumination module and the projection module, where the illumination-projection beam separator is configured to receive the illumination light along an illumination optical axis and transmit the illumination light received to the projection module along a projection optical axis, and where the illumination optical axis and the projection optical axis are substantially parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: David Markle, Thomas Laidig, Jeffrey Kaskey, Jang Fung Chen
  • Patent number: 9715048
    Abstract: Optical systems for controlling with propagation of light beams in lateral and angular space, and through optical apertures. The light beams include laser beams as well as beams with wide spectrum of wavelengths and large divergence angles. The optical systems are based on combination of diffractive waveplates with diffractive properties that can be controlled with the aid of external stimuli such as electrical fields, temperature, optical beams and mechanical means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignees: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army, Beam Engineering for Advanced Measurements Co.
    Inventors: Nelson V. Tabirian, Sarik R. Nersisyan, Brian R. Kimball, Diane M. Steeves
  • Patent number: 9715144
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a photoalignment composition comprising a) 0.001 to 20%, by weight, preferably, 1 to 10% by weight, more preferably 1 to 9% by weight of at least one photoreactive compound (I) that comprises a photoalignment group and b) 80 to 99.999% by weight, preferably, 90 to 99% by weight, more preferably 91 to 99% by weight of at least one compound (II) that does not comprise a photoalignment group, and c) optionally at least one reactive or non reactive additives, and d) optionally at least one solvent. Further the present invention relates to the use of this photoalignment composition for the alignment of liquid crystals or liquid crystal polymers, in electro—optical and optical elements, systems and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: ROLIC AG
    Inventors: Izabela Bury, Fabien Xavier Delbaere, Olivier Muller, Joachim Reichardt, Hubert Seiberle, Peggy Studer, Satish Palika
  • Patent number: 9638851
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wire grid polarizer includes: preparing a stamp having a nanostructure body at one surface and forming a mask layer with anisotropic vapor deposition at the one surface; forming a metal film on a substrate; transferring a mask layer of an upper portion of a nanostructure body in the mask layer onto the metal film; and patterning the metal film into metal lines by removing a portion that is not covered with the mask layer in the metal film with dry etching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF MACHINERY & MATERIALS
    Inventors: Jun-Ho Jeong, Junhyuk Choi, Dae-Guen Choi, So Hee Jeon, Ji Hye Lee, Joo Yun Jung, Soon-Hyoung Hwang, Sang Keun Sung
  • Patent number: 9606654
    Abstract: An actuated display may involve a first sensor disposed so as to sense a surface of a body, the first sensor configured to detect a tensing of the body. A second sensor configured to determine an orientation of the body may also be involved. A flexible display screen configured to be hidden in a stored configuration and visible so as to expose a visible screen display area of the flexible display screen in an un-stored configuration, and an actuator configured to cause the flexible display screen to transition between the stored configuration and the un-stored configuration based on signals from the first sensor and second sensor may also be involved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Yongqiang Li
  • Patent number: 9592116
    Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some examples, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a cycloidally dependent manner. The patterning may allow for a polarization dependent lens in some examples. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some examples, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control optical characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Luciano De Sio, Frederick A. Flitsch, Praveen Pandojirao-S, Randall Braxton Pugh, Svetlana Serak, Nelson V. Tabirian, Adam Toner, Olena Uskova, James Daniel Riall
  • Patent number: 9581746
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wire grid polarizer includes: preparing a stamp having a nanostructure body at one surface and forming a mask layer with anisotropic vapor deposition at the one surface; forming a metal film on a substrate; transferring a mask layer of an upper portion of a nanostructure body in the mask layer onto the metal film; and patterning the metal film into metal lines by removing a portion that is not covered with the mask layer in the metal film with dry etching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF MACHINERY & MATERIALS
    Inventors: Jun-Ho Jeong, Junhyuk Choi, Dae-Guen Choi, So Hee Jeon, Ji Hye Lee, Joo Yun Jung, Soon-Hyoung Hwang, Sang Keun Sung
  • Patent number: 9574946
    Abstract: A spatiotemporally resolved far-field pulse contrast measuring device includes a plano-convex cylindrical lens, a nonlinear correlation crystal, a plano-convex imaging lens and a signal-receiving system. The signal-receiving system includes a fiber array, a photomultiplier and a digital oscilloscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SHANGHAI JIAO TONG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Liejia Qian, Jingui Ma, Peng Yuan, Jing Wang, Yongzhi Wang, Guoqiang Xie, Dianyuan Fan
  • Patent number: 9557456
    Abstract: Pointing and positioning system of light beams and images including a plurality of cycloidal diffractive waveplates, each waveplate capable of deviating a generally broadband light beam over a predetermined angle. The lateral translation and deviation angles of the light beams are controlled by controlling the relative distance, rotational position, and the diffractive efficiency of a least one in the plurality of waveplates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army, Beam Engineering for Advanced Measurements Co.
    Inventors: Nelson V. Tabirian, Sarik R. Nersisyan, Brian R. Kimball, Diane M. Steeves
  • Patent number: 9535282
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed employing a dielectric mirror layer, highly reflective at wavelengths below a cut off but highly transparent at wavelengths above the cut off, is placed within a display assembly. This dielectric mirror layer creates a very efficient reflecting cavity for a portion of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) pumping spectrum. Accurate dielectric filter tuning allows an increased portion of the pumping spectrum to be converted to desired wavelength spectrum and also raise the luminance ratio of the display to a useful value for display applications. Variable and active tuning of the cut off wavelength value functions to optimize system performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert N. Stuppi, Tracy J. Barnidge
  • Patent number: 9513724
    Abstract: A method for adjusting object illumination with a mobile device having a display device is described. The method includes detecting illumination of an object and generating illumination data information; and adjusting a luminance of the display device in dependence on the object illumination data to adjust image lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Alexander Samson Hirsch
  • Patent number: 9507138
    Abstract: A microscope system as an optical microscope system for observing a specimen includes: an imaging optical system that forms an image of transmitted light or reflected light from the specimen; an illumination light source that illuminates illumination light on the specimen; an illumination optical system that has a first spatial light modulation element, which changes intensity distribution of the illumination light at a conjugate position of a pupil of the imaging optical system, and illuminates light, which is originated from the illumination light source, on the specimen; an image sensor that detects light through the imaging optical system; and a calculation section that calculates the intensity distribution of the illumination light appropriate for observation of the specimen on the basis of the intensity distribution of the illumination light formed by the first spatial light modulation element and output data detected by the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ohki
  • Patent number: 9477029
    Abstract: A lighting assembly includes a light guide having opposed major surfaces between which light propagates by total internal reflection, a light input edge, and two light output regions of different optical characteristics and at least one of which is associated with a corresponding one of the major surfaces. The lighting assembly also includes a light source located adjacent the light input edge. The light source and the light guide variably positionable relative to one another to vary a location on the light input edge at which the light is input to the light guide such that the light is emitted from the light guide selectively apportioned between the light output regions so that a characteristic of the light output from the lighting assembly is modified based on the optical characteristics associated with the light output regions and the relative positioning of the light source and the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Rambus Delaware LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery R Parker, Timothy A McCollum, Fumitomo Hide, Alexey Titov, Ian Hardcastle
  • Patent number: 9448414
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display device that may include a display panel; a polarization control unit on the display panel, the polarization control unit including: a first substrate; a second substrate opposite the first substrate; a first electrode on a surface of the first substrate opposing the second substrate; a second electrode on a surface of the second substrate opposing the first substrate; and a partition wall and a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer between the first and second electrodes, wherein liquid crystal molecules of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer are arranged in a space defined by the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ara Yoon, Youngbok Lee
  • Patent number: 9395573
    Abstract: Provided is an edge light illumination device, in which a light modulation layer includes: a first region having optical anisotropy and a relatively high responsiveness to an electrical field; and a second region having optical anisotropy and a relatively low responsiveness to the electrical field. When denoting dispersal, the light modulation layer satisfies the formulae A>B>C and A1/C1<A2/C2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Ebisui, Harumi Sato, Kentaro Okuyama, Shogo Shinkai
  • Patent number: 9336729
    Abstract: A display apparatus including a screen layer for displaying a unified image to a viewer and an illumination layer having an array of light sources. Each light source emits a light beam. An array of optical elements, each coupled to a corresponding light source in the array of light sources, is disposed between the screen layer and the illumination layer. The display layer includes a matrix of pixlets and a spacing region disposed between the pixlets in the matrix, wherein the array of light sources emit their light beams through the array of optical elements, wherein each optical element is configured to shape the received light beam into a divergent projection beam having a limited angular spread to project sub-images displayed by the pixlets as magnified sub-images on the backside of the screen layer, the magnified sub-images to combine to form the unified image that is substantially seamless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Lou Jepsen, Adam E. Norton
  • Patent number: 9323422
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for providing an end user with a digital pen embedded with a spatially-aware miniature projector for use in a design environment. Paper documents are augmented to allow a user to access additional information and computational tools through projected interfaces. Virtual ink may be managed in single and multi-user environments to enhance collaboration and data management. The spatially-aware projector pen provides end-users with dynamic visual feedback and improved interaction capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Hyunyoung Song, Tovi Grossman, George Fitzmaurice, Francois V. Guimbretiere, Azam Khan, Ramtin Attar, Gordon Kurtenbach
  • Patent number: 9303958
    Abstract: A laser-weapon module (12) as may be used in a laser weapon (10), such a portable laser gun is provided. A first mount assembly (18) includes recesses (20) distributed in mount assembly (18). Laser beamlet assemblies (22), such as may include laser diodes, are disposed in recesses (20). A second mount assembly (24) is disposed forwardly from mount assembly (18) and includes recesses (26) distributed in mount assembly (24). Laser beamlet assemblies (28) are disposed in the recesses (26) in mount assembly (24), which includes a plurality of beamlet-transmissive portions (30) positioned to pass laser beamlets from laser beamlet assemblies (22). A focusing lens (32) is positioned forwardly of mount assemblies (18, 24) to focus respective laser beamlets (34) emitted from either of laser beamlet assemblies (22, 28) to form a beam (36) of laser energy to be directed to a target (38). The power level of beam 36 may be scalable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: ADVANCED LASER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Donald Craig Conemac
  • Patent number: 9290128
    Abstract: A multi-functional vehicle rearview mirror that includes a cover, a glass reflecting mirror face, a large sized liquid crystal display device which includes a large sized display screen and a large sized display driver board, wherein the large sized display screen includes a large sized displaying liquid crystal glass and a large sized display device backlight module, wherein the large sized liquid crystal display device is provided with a retention frame and a high obscuration media, wherein a small window with a small sized backlight module and a control circuit is provided. The rearview mirror automatically shifts between multiple cameras via signals from vehicle lamps. The RF modules with little power consumption are embedded into the circuits of the rearview mirror and the cameras for providing the video shift and information communication of the whole system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Lei Pan
  • Patent number: 9291867
    Abstract: A double layer LC FP filter display device includes a backlight module (4) and a double layer LC FP filter module (2) arranged above the backlight module. The double layer LC FP filter module (2) includes a plurality of main pixels (402) arranged in a matrix. Each of the main pixels (402) comprises two sub-pixels (204). Each of the sub-pixels (204) includes one up-layer LC FP filter units (220) and one down-layer LC FP filter units (240) stacked together. The two sub-pixels (204) of the main pixels (402) are independently driven such that transmission light having two chromaticity is obtained when the white transmission light having the continuous spectrum provided by the backlight module (4) passes through the two sub-pixels (204). The chromaticity of the main pixels (402) is obtained by mixing the transmission light having two chromaticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yuan Xiong
  • Patent number: 9250756
    Abstract: A touch sensor integrated type display device includes gate lines, a gate insulating film, data lines formed to cross over the gate lines, thin film transistors formed in pixel regions, a first passivation layer that covers the thin film transistors, first electrodes disposed on the first passivation layer along the data lines with the gate lines interposed therebetween, a second passivation layer covering the first electrodes, pixel electrodes that are formed in the pixel regions to partially overlap the first electrodes, and second electrodes formed on the second passivation layer in parallel with the gate lines, each of the plurality of second electrodes is disposed between neighboring pixel electrodes with the gate lines interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinseong Kim, Juhan Kim, Manhyeop Han
  • Patent number: 9235232
    Abstract: A lightweight, weatherproof, protective enclosure for flat panel displays comprising a containing element in the form of an open, shallow rectangular prism with a regular network of shallow reinforcing depressions formed in its outer surface and a substantially transparent planar viewing element hingedly connected to the containing element such that when the viewing element is closed over, and sealed to, the containing element the protective enclosure forms a lightweight, monocoque structure with enhanced structural rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventor: Justin King
  • Patent number: 9195275
    Abstract: A portable computer device includes a host having a target member, a display device pivoted to the host, a pivot member pivoted to the display device, an optical device connected to the pivot member, and a driving device. The driving device is disposed on the display device and includes a circuit board electrically connected to the host and the optical device, an angle obtaining unit and a driving unit installed on the circuit board, and a processing unit installed on the circuit board and electrically connected to the driving unit and the angle obtaining unit. The angle obtaining unit is for obtaining an included-angle information of the display device relative to the host. The driving unit is for driving the pivot member to rotate the optical device to point to the target member or a user's face according to the included-angle information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Lun Liu, Hung-Li Chen
  • Patent number: 9164479
    Abstract: An embodiment of the disclosed DHM system includes a light source configured to emit coherent optical waves, a first optical Fourier element configured to Fourier transform the optical waves from the object area, wherein the Fourier transform occurs at a Fourier plane and the optical waves from the object area includes directly transmitted waves and diffracted waves, a phase modulator at the Fourier plane configured to introduce a phase delay between the directly transmitted waves and the diffracted waves, a second optical Fourier element configured to receive the directly transmitted waves and the diffracted waves from the phase modulator and to inversely Fourier transform the directly transmitted waves and the diffracted waves to provide interfered optical waves, and at least one imaging device configured to record the interfered optical waves at two image planes to generate a first interferogram and a second interferogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Bhargab Das, Chandra S. Yelleswarapu, Devulapalli V. G. L. N. Rao
  • Patent number: 9157599
    Abstract: Disclosed is an LED lighting system comprising a housing equipped with a transparent substrate as an illuminating side, an LED light source located in the housing, and a haze-changeable film attached to the transparent substrate, wherein the transparency of the haze-changeable film changes depending on the application of electric power and the haze-changeable film has a haze on light varying with the intensity of an applied voltage/current. The LED lighting system may be useful for interior emotional lighting because a direct/indirect lighting and a mixed lighting thereof can be provided with a single system and various correlated color temperatures can be produced with a single LED light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: SKC DISPLAY FILMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Seok Cho, Hyung Joon Paik, Hyo Gil Cha, Chang Ho Kang, Hyun Cheol Nam
  • Patent number: 9128294
    Abstract: A liquid crystal material is driven in a twisted nematic mode so that while liquid crystal molecules lose, on a stripe electrode, rotary power toward a direction along an electric field by a voltage applied between the stripe electrode and a second electrode and form, in a region between the adjacent stripe electrodes, refractive index distribution of a lenticular lens that includes a cylindrical lens in which a cylindrical axis is arranged in a first direction. The cylindrical lens faces at least two rows of pixels, and has an effective refractive index for causing light from the at least two rows of pixels to advance in separating directions from each other after emission from a second polarizing plate. A distance d of a cell gap and an interval s between the adjacent stripe electrodes satisfy the relation of 3.5?s/d?7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: JAPAN DISPLAY INC.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Sugita, Tomohiko Naganuma, Shinichiro Oka, Toshio Miyazawa, Terunori Saitou
  • Patent number: 9086591
    Abstract: A high quality liquid crystal display device has an alignment film with a photoconductive characteristic. Since a region having gate lines situated therebelow does not undergo irradiation of a backlight, no photoconductive effect can be obtained. A photoresist is disposed below the alignment film situated over the gate lines in order to transfer the charges in the region to an opening portion of the alignment film in an early stage. Since the photoresist has a thickness of about 1.5 ?m, which is 20 times or more the 70 nm thickness of the alignment film, the resistance in the lateral direction is low in a portion where the photoresist is present. Accordingly, since the charges on the alignment film present over the gate line transfer to the opening portion of the alignment film and are eliminated in an early stage, the residual image is eliminated in the early stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Japan Display Inc.
    Inventors: Chikae Matsui, Noboru Kunimatsu, Hidehiro Sonoda
  • Patent number: 9081186
    Abstract: A microscope device according to the present disclosure (the present microscope device) includes: a light source configured to oscillate coherent illuminating light, the illuminating light being applied on a specimen; a detecting unit configured to detect fluorescent light from the specimen as feedback light, the specimen being irradiated with the illuminating light; a phase distribution control unit disposed in an optical path of the illuminating light, the phase distribution control unit being configured to control phase distribution of the illuminating light; a controller configured to control the phase distribution control unit to vary the phase distribution; and an image generating unit configured to operate a difference of the feedback light between before and after the phase distribution varies, to generate an image of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Sangu
  • Patent number: 9025111
    Abstract: A display panel for use with a multi-panel display includes an array of display pixels to emit pixel light. A fiber bundle including an array of fibers is disposed over the array of display pixels. The fiber bundle includes a first end of the array of fibers rigidly fixed adjacent to the array of display pixels and optically aligned with the array of display pixels and a loose fiber portion that permits a second end of the array of fibers opposite the first end to slump-over and move. The fiber bundle receives the pixel light emitted from the array of display pixels into the first end of the array of fibers and emits the pixel light out the second end of the array of fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Teller, Johnny Lee
  • Publication number: 20150098027
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system may include a housing, one or more lenses, and a scanning system. The housing has an interior region. A lens is disposed within the interior region and transmits a light beam. The scanning system is disposed within the interior region and comprises a number of scanning cells, where each scanning cell comprises an electro-optical (EO) material. The scanning system performs the following for a number of iterations to yield a spot pattern: receive one or more voltages and electrically steer the light beam with the EO material from a current direction to a next direction in response to the voltages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald T. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150085200
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus for detecting a defect of a substrate is provided. The inspection apparatus includes a liquid crystal modulator, a light emitting unit, a beam splitter, and a measurement unit. The liquid crystal modulator includes a reflection layer, a liquid crystal layer, an electrode, and a polarizer. The reflection layer reflects a light. The sensor layer includes a hybrid aligned nematic liquid crystal. The electrode is provided on the liquid crystal layer. The polarizer is provided on the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicants: Samsung Display Co., Ltd., SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION FOUNDATION CHONBUK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Suk Choi, Sung-Mo Gu, Youngjin Noh, Youngwon Kim, Changhyun Ryu, Chi Youn Chung, Seunghee Lee, Young Eun Choi
  • Patent number: 8982313
    Abstract: A beam steering apparatus includes a first beam steering stage and at least a second beam steering stage arranged in-line with the first beam steering stage. The first beam steering stage includes a first polarization grating comprising a uniaxial birefringent material having a first periodic director pattern, and the second beam steering stage includes a second polarization grating comprising a uniaxial birefringent material having a second periodic director pattern. In nonmechanical embodiments, a polarization selector may be arranged to provide a circularly polarized input beam incident on the first polarization grating. In mechanical embodiments, at least one of the first polarization grating and the second polarization grating may be operable to be independently rotated about an azimuth thereof. Related methods of operation are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: North Carolina State University, Boulder Nonlinear Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Escuti, Jihwan Kim, Chulwoo Oh, Steven Serati
  • Patent number: 8976322
    Abstract: An Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) display and a method of controlling a display thereof are provided. The AMOLED display includes an input unit, a controller, a display unit for displaying a low power mode screen, by enabling the controller to turn off an AMOLED and to turn on a cholesteric Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) in a low power mode, and for displaying a high picture quality mode screen, by enabling the controller to turn on the AMOLED and to turn off the cholesteric LCD in a high picture quality mode. When used in an indoor environment, the AMOLED display can operate in the high picture quality mode, and when used in an outdoor environment or as an e-book reader, the AMOLED display can operate in the low power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung Hyun Kim, Dong Sub Kim
  • Publication number: 20150062447
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for transmitted light illumination for light microscopes having changing effective entrance pupil of an objective. The apparatus has a light source for emitting an illuminating light beam, and a holding device for holding a sample to be examined, and at least one diaphragm edge for trimming the illuminating light beam bundle, wherein the diaphragm edge is arranged between the holding device and the light source and extends transversely to an optical axis, wherein a beam path of the illuminating light between the diaphragm edge and a sample held by the holding device is free from beam focussing components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Detlef Hein, Axel Laschke
  • Patent number: 8962108
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel includes a liquid crystal cell, a first polarizing plate placed on one side of the liquid crystal cell, a second polarizing plate placed on the other side of the liquid crystal cell, a retardation film placed between the liquid crystal cell and the first polarizing plate, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer placed between the liquid crystal cell and the retardation film, wherein the first and second polarizing plates have absorption axes whose directions are substantially orthogonal to each other, the retardation film is a norbornene resin-containing stretched film and has a refractive index ellipsoid satisfying the relation nx?nz>ny, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive that may be produced by crosslinking a composition including a (meth)acrylate (co)polymer and a crosslinking agent including a peroxide as a main component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Yuusuke Toyama, Masayuki Satake, Kenji Yoda, Kentarou Kobayashi, Shuuji Yano
  • Patent number: 8958050
    Abstract: A tunable terahertz (THz) metamaterial (MTM) filter including: a first wire grid and a second wire grid that are arranged parallel to each other; a dielectric substrate and a liquid crystal layer that are sequentially disposed between the first wire grid and the second wire grid; a plurality of metal strips that are disposed between the dielectric substrate and the liquid crystal layer; and a first control electrode electrically connected to the first wire grid and a second control electrode electrically connected to the second wire grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dmitry Viktorovich Kholodnyak, Dmitry Sergeevich Kozlov, Irina Borisovna Vendik, Mikhail Aleksandrovich Odit
  • Patent number: 8891034
    Abstract: A liquid crystal optical element having a crystal liquid optical element adapted to positively function as a diffraction element and an optical pickup apparatus including the liquid crystal optical element are disclosed. A transparent electrode having a diffraction pattern is arranged on one of a pair of transparent substrates. A liquid crystal panel has a transparent opposed electrode arranged on the other one of the pair of the transparent substrates. A driving unit generates a phase difference distribution in the liquid crystal layer by generating a potential difference between the transparent electrode and the transparent opposed electrode and causes the liquid crystal panel to function as a diffraction element for diffracting the incoming light beam transmitted therethrough. The diffraction pattern or the transparent opposed electrode is divided into a plurality of regions. The driving unit adjusts the potential difference for each of the regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Takane, Shinya Sato, Nobuhiro Sato
  • Patent number: 8891032
    Abstract: A multi-view display is arranged to display views directed to respective viewing zones, comprising pluralities of imaging units and color filters, each of said color filters is associated with one of said imaging units, the color filters being arranged according to a first pitch and in a first sequence of colors, and a barrier including a plurality of color portions comprising color filter material, the color portions being arranged according to a second pitch that is substantially equal to twice the first pitch and in a second sequence of colors that corresponds to the first sequence of colors when reversed in order, the barrier is positioned so that light exits the display panel after passing through one color portion and one color filter and the color portions of the barrier are configured to cooperate with the color filters to selectively direct said light to the first and second viewing zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Willem L. Ijzerman, Hugo J. Cornelissen, Tim Dekker, Gerardus P. Karman
  • Patent number: 8885111
    Abstract: An optical node device includes a light receiving/emitting portion having an input port into which a signal beam is incident and an output port that emits a signal beam of a selected wavelength, a chromatic dispersion device that scatters spatially the signal beam depending on the wavelength of the signal beam, an optical coupler that focuses, onto a two-dimensional plane, beams dispersed by the chromatic dispersion device, a spatial light modulating element arranged so as to receive incident light deployed on an xy plane made up of an x-axis direction deployed according to wavelength and a y-axis direction orthogonal to the x-axis direction, and having numerous pixels arranged in a lattice on the xy plane, and a spatial light modulating element driving portion that drives electrodes of the individual pixels arranged in the xy axial directions in the spatial light modulating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Santec Corporation
    Inventors: Noboru Uehara, Yuji Hotta
  • Patent number: 8854576
    Abstract: A semitransparent electronic device includes a glassy sheath having an internal cavity and a display unit disposed in the internal cavity. The display unit has an inner display area and an outer display area circumscribing the inner display area. A transparent display device included in the display unit provides at least the outer display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus Jerome Haynes, Matthew McGowan, Timothy James Morton, Paul Jay Tompkins, Donnell Thaddeus Walton
  • Publication number: 20140293141
    Abstract: A display device for displaying an image on a display surface includes a liquid crystal panel having the display surface, the liquid crystal panel with a first through hole formed in the display surface, a backlight disposed oppositely to the liquid crystal panel, the backlight with a second through hole formed at a position overlapping with the first through hole, and a cap inserted into the first through hole and the second through hole. The cap includes a tube portion with a third through hole formed, the third through hole parallel to the first through hole and the second through hole, and a flange portion formed at least one end of the tube portion, the flange portion having an outer diameter larger than a diameter of the first through hole, and larger than a diameter of the second through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Japan Display Inc.
    Inventors: Nobuo TSUBOKURA, Isao HASHIMOTO
  • Patent number: 8815117
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mixture for liquid crystal medium and a liquid crystal display using the same. The mixture for liquid crystal medium comprises: at least one anisotropic liquid crystal material and a polymerizable monomer which will polymerize under UV irradiation. The weight percentage of the polymerizable monomer accounts for 0.1% to 1% of the total mixture for liquid crystal medium. In the mixture for liquid crystal medium and a liquid crystal display using the same according to the present invention, by using a polymerizable monomer which will polymerize under UV irradiation and the appropriate content ratio, the polymer bump with small size and good uniformity can be obtained within the mixture for liquid crystal medium after the polymerization, which avoids the bad liquid crystal alignment and the light spot occurred at the dark state of the liquid crystal panel, and then increases the response rapid of the liquid crystal panel to obtain high contrast ratio and stable mass production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Xing Feng, Xinhui Zhong
  • Patent number: 8785891
    Abstract: An observation window is provided for use with a spray booth during a spray coating process where the observation window is located in a position to permit an operator to observe the spray coating process. The observation window is controlled to provide light transmission in the window suitable for the specific spray process being performed. The control can be automatic or operator controlled. The window is adapted to have a different light transmission during different spray processes such as plasma spray and HVOF spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Markowski
  • Patent number: 8778466
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid-crystal display of the PSA (polymer sustained alignment) type, and to novel liquid-crystal media and novel polymerizable compounds for use in PSA displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Bernatz, Andreas Taugerbeck
  • Patent number: 8766263
    Abstract: In an IPS type liquid crystal display device having a reduced number of layers and formed through a reduced number of photolithography steps, an off current of a TFT is prevented from increasing due to photocurrent. A drain line, a TFT drain electrode, and a source electrode each have a multilayer structure including metal and a semiconductor layer. The drain line and the semiconductor layer formed thereunder are separated from the drain electrode and the semiconductor layer formed thereunder with the drain line and the drain electrode connected by a blocking conductive film formed of ITO of which the pixel electrode is also formed. Photocurrent generated by backlight is blocked by the blocking conductive film without flowing into the TFT. Therefore, the number of photomasks required in the production process can be decreased without an increase of causing the off current of the TFT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: Japan Display Inc., Panasonic Liquid Crystal Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Nagami