Patents Assigned to Planar Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11177793
    Abstract: A clock synthesis circuit and method provides for precision controlling and programming a selected number of clock pulses (or simply “clocks”) fitted within time periods between two consecutive pulses of a so-called system heartbeat (SHB) timing signal. The disclosed embodiments have applicability in light emitting diode (LED) display driver integrated circuits (ICs) and, more generally, digital circuits including computer processors, microcontrollers, logic devices such as field-programmable gate arrays (FP-GA), and other logic circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: PLANAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Shahnad Nadershahi
  • Patent number: 11170698
    Abstract: Active discharge circuitry for fast discharging of charge on an LED display matrix includes a mechanism to effectuate circuit path switching so as to electrically connect a charged node to a discharge circuit for controlled discharging of unwanted charge until it reaches a desired (e.g., programmable) value. The active discharge circuitry includes a control circuit generating appropriate timing and digital control signals for starting and stopping (e.g., actuating a switch) the discharge activities. The disclosed techniques accommodate variations in channel-to-channel start times for mitigating ghosting effects that would otherwise be presented from the LED display matrix due to residual (i.e., unwanted) charges remaining electrically loaded on display elements via, for example, charged parasitic capacitance or other such transients, after a current driver of a specific channel has stopped driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Shahnad Nadershahi
  • Patent number: 10891893
    Abstract: A current controller for an output stage of light emitting diode (LED) driver circuitry includes a current source establishing a nominal amount of current available for each member of the set of channels. The nominal amount of current is based on, e.g., a desired brightness level. Pulse width modulation (PWM) circuitry is electrically coupled to the current source and is configured to control durations in which adjusted amounts of current are applied to corresponding members the set of LEDs. Compensation circuitry is electrically coupled to the current source and the PWM circuitry. The compensation circuitry includes a set of switching elements to adjust, for each corresponding member of the set of LEDs, the nominal amount of current and thereby provide to the PWM circuitry the adjusted amounts of current based on feedback representing one or both load impedance variations and parasitic conditions (LIVPC) and process, voltage and temperature (PVT) conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Shahnad Nadershahi
  • Patent number: 10878742
    Abstract: A direct view light emitting diode (DV LED) display (296), includes (i) one or more DV LED modules (200) each containing at least one circuit board (300) having an array of surface mount device LEDs (100) defining a display surface (304), and (ii) a protective transparent polymeric film (302, 390) covering at least a portion of the display surface. The transparent polymeric film includes a polymer material layer (400), and an adhesive layer (402) laminated to the polymer material layer and directly attached to the display surface of the DV LED module. The transparent polymeric film may facilitate the use of touch screen technology with a DV LED display, and may be removable to allow repair or disassembly/reassembly of the DV LED display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Green, Todd E. Loewy, Jennifer Davis, Samantha Phenix, Eric Schuettke
  • Patent number: 10495255
    Abstract: A mounting and leveling system for an electronic image display device (10) formed of an array of multiple display sections (12) facilitates adjustment of the alignment of adjacent display sections to minimize visible seams between display sections. Some embodiments include one or more magnetically actuated fasteners (220) that facilitate front-access-only installation and adjustment without requiring access to the rear, top, bottom, or sides of the array. Tools (300, 410) for installation and removal of display modules (50) from a front side of the display device are also disclosed. Fasteners (220) for providing a hidden adjustable connection between first and second objects are also disclosed. One such fastener includes a screw (226) having a magnetic head (222) that presents a magnetic moment perpendicular to its axis of rotation (234).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Brashnyk, Todd Loewy, Eric Schuettke
  • Patent number: 10395584
    Abstract: A circuit for driving at least one light emitting diode (LED) of a display based on a greyscale vector. The circuit includes brightness scale detection circuitry to determine a brightness value based on the greyscale vector and refresh cycle selection circuitry to output an indication of a subset of refresh cycles, referred to as dithered refresh cycles. The circuit also includes pulse width determination circuitry to define a pulse width based on the greyscale vector. Pulse adjustment control circuitry, for each dithered refresh cycle, determines a dithered pulse width by adjusting the pulse width by a width adjustment amount, and outputs a dithered pulse width modulation signal including a series of pulses including a pulse having the pulse width determined by the pulse width determination circuitry non-dithered refresh cycles and a pulse having the dithered pulse width for the dithered refresh cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Shahnad Nadershahi
  • Patent number: 9845816
    Abstract: A mounting and leveling system for an electronic image display device (10) formed of an array of multiple display sections (12) facilitates adjustment of the alignment of adjacent display sections to minimize visible seams between display sections. Some embodiments include one or more magnetically actuated fasteners (220) that facilitate front-access-only installation and adjustment without requiring access to the rear, top, bottom, or sides of the array. Tools (300, 410) for installation and removal of display modules (50) from a front side of the display device are also disclosed. Fasteners (220) for providing a hidden adjustable connection between first and second objects are also disclosed. One such fastener includes a screw (226) having a magnetic head (222) that presents a magnetic moment perpendicular to its axis of rotation (234).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Brashnyk, Todd Loewy, Eric Schuettke
  • Publication number: 20140078407
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electronic display apparatus for installation on a display case merchandiser having a door with a transparent front panel is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a bezel, a transparent electronic image display panel, and a light source. The bezel is configured to attach to the door of the merchandiser so a portion of the transparent front panel of the door is viewable through an opening of the bezel. The display overlays at least a portion of the bezel opening and a portion of the transparent front panel of the door when the apparatus is installed. The light source fits in a gap formed between the bezel and the door when the apparatus is installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Green, Benjamin Robert Clifton, Kurt R. Munson, Allen R. Gard, Adiel Abileah, Cris Derr, Adam R. Aschenbach
  • Patent number: 8230626
    Abstract: A flame simulating apparatus (100) includes a transparent electronic display device (116) for displaying images of flickering flames. The electronic display (116) may be positioned in front of at least a portion of a simulated fuel bed (124) or other fireplace objects, so that the simulated fuel bed (124) or other fireplace object is visible through the display device (116). A backlight (118) may be spaced apart from the display device (116) to accommodate a portion of the simulated fuel bed (124) between the display device (116) and the backlight (118) to generate depth perception. To facilitate viewing of side margins of the display device (116), side reflectors (150) may be provided or the backlight (118) may be made wider than the display device (116).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Adiel Abileah, Allen Gard
  • Patent number: 7408598
    Abstract: A liquid crystal device comprises a front electrode layer, a rear electrode layer, and a liquid crystal material located between the front electrode layer and the rear electrode layer. The electrical potential is changed between the rear electrode layer and the front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of the liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon. A plurality of light sensitive elements located together with the rear electrode layer and a processor that determines at least one of the plurality of light sensitive elements that has been inhibited from sensing ambient light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Willem den Boer, Adiel Abileah
  • Patent number: 7372510
    Abstract: A flexible, non-birefringent cover and a polarizer on the front of a resistive touch panel reduce touch screen image distortion and obscuration resulting from the reflection of ambient light. Reduced reflection of ambient light is also obtained by touch screens of alternative construction incorporating combinations anti-reflection panels and polarizers located behind the touch panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Adiel Abileah
  • Publication number: 20080063802
    Abstract: A micro-optical element is produced through vapor deposition techniques, such as atomic layer deposition. An optical structure having a surface with uneven structures is exposed to one or more precursor vapors to create a self-limiting film growth on the surface of the optical structure. The film thickness may be increased and controlled by subsequent exposures. The resulting film conforms to surface structures having varying complex dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarmo Maula, Runar Törnqvist
  • Patent number: 7307675
    Abstract: A backlighting structure for use with a display comprises a light source, an illumination area, a permanently reflecting material, and a selectively reflecting material. The illumination area is bounded by a back side, a front plane on a front side, and lateral sides. The permanently reflecting material lies along a first subset of the back side, and the selectively reflecting material lies on a second subset of the back side. The selectively transparent material can controllably change between a reflecting state and a non-reflecting (e.g., transmitting) state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Adiel Abileah
  • Patent number: 7294360
    Abstract: A micro-optical element is produced through vapor deposition techniques, such as atomic layer deposition. An optical structure having a surface with uneven structures is exposed to one or more precursor vapors to create a self-limiting film growth on the surface of the optical structure. The film thickness may be increased and controlled by subsequent exposures. The resulting film conforms to surface structures having varying complex dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarmo Ilmari Maula, Runar Olof Ivar Törnqvist
  • Patent number: 7280102
    Abstract: A light sensitive display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Adiel Abileah, Willem den Boer
  • Publication number: 20070224348
    Abstract: Systems and methods for atomic layer deposition (ALD) on a flexible substrate involve guiding the substrate back and forth between spaced-apart first and second precursor zones, so that the substrate transits through each of the precursor zones multiple times. Systems may include a series of turning guides, such as rollers, spaced apart along the precursor zones for supporting the substrate along an undulating transport path. As the substrate traverses back and forth between precursor zones, it passes through a series of flow-restricting passageways of an isolation zone into which an inert gas is injected to inhibit migration of precursor gases out of the precursor zones. Also disclosed are systems and methods for utilizing more than two precursor chemicals and for recycling precursor gases exhausted from the precursor zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Dickey, William Barrow
  • Publication number: 20070117383
    Abstract: A precursor delivery system includes a flow path from a precursor container to a reaction space of a thin film deposition system, such as an atomic layer deposition (ALD) reactor. A staging volume is preferably established between the precursor container and the reaction space for receiving at least one dose of the precursor material from the precursor container, and from which pulses are released toward the reaction space. A pulse control device is preferably interposed between the staging volume and the reaction space. A sensor may sense a physical condition in the staging volume for providing feedback to a controller of the precursor delivery system, for performance monitoring and control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Aitchison, Jarmo Maula, Hannu Leskinen, Teemu Lang, Pekka Kuosmanen, Kari Harkonen, Martti Sonninen, Tommy Turkulainen
  • Publication number: 20070089674
    Abstract: A precursor delivery system includes a flow path from a precursor container to a reaction space of a thin film deposition system, such as an atomic layer deposition (ALD) reactor. At least a portion of the flow path may be formed in one or more blocks of thermally conductive material forming an elongate thermally conductive body extending from the precursor container toward the reaction space. In some embodiments, a heater is thermally associated with the thermally conductive body to inhibit condensation of precursor vapor in the flow path. A high conductivity particle filter having inertial traps is preferably included for filtering particles from the precursor material. The particle filter preferably include a filter passage including turns and inertial traps adjacent the turns. In some embodiments, the filter passage and the inertial traps may be formed in the thermally conductive body between the precursor container and the reaction space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Applicant: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Aitchison, Jarmo Maula, Hannu Leskinen, Teemu Lang, Pekka Kuosmanen, Kari Harkonen, Martti Sonninen, Tommy Turkulainen
  • Patent number: 7198820
    Abstract: A process depositing a carbon- and transition metal-containing thin film on a substrate involves placing a substrate within a reaction space and sequentially pulsing into the reaction space a transition metal chemical and an organometallic chemical. Following each chemical pulse, the reaction space is purged, and the pulse and purge sequence is repeated until a desired film thickness is obtained. A preferred deposition process uses atomic layer deposition techniques and may result in an electrically conductive thin carbide film having uniform thickness over a large substrate area and excellent adhesion and step coverage properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kari Härkönen, Mark Doczy, Teemu Lang, Nathan E. Baxter
  • Patent number: 7191793
    Abstract: A shut-off type diaphragm valve adapted for use in an atomic layer deposition system includes a flexible diaphragm operable to flex between an open position whereby a valve passage is at least partially open and a closed position whereby a substantial portion of a first side of the diaphragm is pressed against a valve seat to thereby block the valve passage and facilitate heat transfer between the valve seat and the diaphragm. In some embodiments, a heating body thermally contacts the valve body and extends proximal to a second side of the diaphragm opposite the first side thereof to form a thermally conductive pathway that facilitates maintaining an operating temperature at the diaphragm. A thermally resistive member may be interposed between the valve passage and an actuator, such as a solenoid, for attenuating heat transfer between the valve passage and the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Planar Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarmo Ilmari Maula, Hannu Leskinen, Teemu Lang, Pekka Kuosmanen, Kari Härkönen, Bradley J. Aitchison