Patents Examined by Doom Chow
-
Patent number: 5923306Abstract: A video game/communications system is disclosed which permits guest room guests to actively participate in video game play or to use other data processing/communication services. A multi-tasking master host computer stores video games and other application programs on its hard disk, downloads programs to an array of SNES game playing engines in response to guest selections. Each guest room guest room includes a terminal device which is coupled to the guest's color television and to a game controller. By pressing a game controller menu key, the guest room guest initiates the downloading of applications software by the host computer to the array of SNES engines located within the guest room. A downloaded applications program generate a display menu which appears on the guest's television.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Nintendo Co. Ltd.Inventors: Darren C. Smith, Kenji Nishizawa, David J. McCarten, Ramin Ravanpey, Russell G. Braun
-
Patent number: 5844542Abstract: A state transition display window displays a hue circle and a number of setting points corresponding to respective color adjustment levels. As the user makes color adjustments, a history of the color adjustments is displayed in the form of arrows connecting related setting points. If the user specifies two setting points, images corresponding to setting point located on the line connecting the two specified setting points are displayed on an image display subwindow. A current image and six images adjacent thereto are displayed in a 6 near images display window.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahide Inoue, Tomoyasu Matsuzaki, Yoshiharu Hibi, Noriyuki Kurabayashi, Shinji Kita
-
Patent number: 5798750Abstract: An image display apparatus is provided with a memory for storing electrically converted image information therein, a monitor having an image display area for displaying the image information and at least one display orientation designating area for designating an orientaion of the image, an orientation designating unit for designating the display designating area, a detecting unit for detecting the orientation designated by the designating unit, and an orientation converting unit for converting the image information so that the image information displayed on the image display area may be rotated by a predetermined amount in a direction associated with the orientation detected by the detecting unit, and causing the converted information to be displayed on the image display area of the monitor.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1997Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignees: Nikon Corporation, Nikon Systems, Inc.Inventor: Kazuchika Ozaki
-
Patent number: 5796373Abstract: A computerized stereoscopic image system and a method of using two-dimensional images with multi-layer for providing a view having a visual depth are disclosed. The stereoscopic image system includes a computer, a main memory unit, a VGA graphic card, a monitor, an external shutter synchronizer, and a LCD shutter eye-glasses. The method of using two-dimensional images with multi-layer for providing a view having visual depth is done by using a binocular shift and sequential displays of stereoscopic images on a monitor in such a manner that, as soon as the user puts on a pair of LCD-shutter eye-glasses, he or she will see a stereoscopic image.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Artificial Parallax Electronics Corp.Inventor: Lin Ming-Yen
-
Patent number: 5793347Abstract: A method of addressing FLCDs produces one or more gray levels by switching part of the pixel. This is achieved by applying a waveform which changes between a voltage level which switches the entire pixel and a voltage level which does not switch any part of the pixel, such that the data signal requires only two voltage levels.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1995Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Central Research Laboratories LimitedInventor: Robin Mugridge
-
Patent number: 5790449Abstract: A liquid crystal apparatus includes a liquid crystal device having a group of scanning electrodes and a group of signal electrodes intersecting each other to form an electrode matrix, and a chiral smectic liquid crystal having a threshold voltage varying depending on a voltage pulse width disposed so as to form a picture element at each intersection of the scanning electrodes and the signal electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Junichiro Kanbe, Kazuharu Katagiri, Syuzo Kaneko
-
Patent number: 5790100Abstract: A general-purpose computer has a compartment for storing a pointer, device such as a mouse or a trackball, such that the may be removed from the compartment and deployed for use. The device may be a mouse, a trackball, or other type, and may communicate with the host computer by a cable, an infra-red system, ar by an inductively coupled system. In one embodiment the computer has a broadcast pointer system, and the device includes any conventional writing instrument or stylus, fitted with an echo device encapsulated in a body having an engagement element for mounting the echo device to the conventional writing instrument or stylus.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1995Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Elonex I. P. Holdings, Ltd.Inventor: Dan Kikinis
-
Patent number: 5784037Abstract: A display system using a display panel in which scan signal electrodes and information signal electrodes are arranged like a matrix and a liquid crystal having a memory characteristic is sandwiched between both of the electrodes. Scan signals and information signals are respectively applied to the scan signal electrodes and the information signal electrodes to thereby drive said electrodes. The display system includes a memory for storing image data to be displayed by the display panel, a display mode memory for storing the driving condition defining a display mode with respect to the image data to be displayed by the display panel, and a display controller for reading out the image data to be displayed from the memory, for controlling a drive controller in accordance with the memory stored display mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1994Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Inoue
-
Patent number: 5774107Abstract: A display apparatus with input-functions which includes touch-panel spacers placed overlapping the area other than the pixels, to thereby enhance its contrast and to increase its input position-detection precision.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ippei Inou
-
Patent number: 5774096Abstract: A head mounted display comprising: a display device 2 at the front; a front frame 12 surrounding the forehead; a back frame 14 surrounding the back portion of the head; connecting devices 30A and 30B for connecting the front frame 12 and the back frame 14 in a manner freely movable toward the back and front of the head; belts 16A and 16B placed on the inner surface of both the front frame 12 and the back frame 14 and around the temples; and a belt fastening and loosening device 20 for fastening the belts 16A and 16B and for releasing the fastened belts.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1995Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega EnterprisesInventors: Yoshinao Usuki, Masaki Matsuno, Futoshi Ito, Kenji Tosaki
-
Patent number: 5734358Abstract: An information display device comprises a housing installed in an instrument panel of a motor vehicle. The housing has a window opening facing toward the vehicle cabin. A first display device is installed in the housing and has a screen on which a first image is displayed. A second display device is installed in the housing and has a screen on which a second image is displayed. A half mirror is installed and inclined in the housing in a manner to cover the screens of both the first and second display devices, so that the image forming light beams from the screens are reflected backward by the half mirror. A concave mirror is installed in the housing behind the half mirror, so that the image forming light beams from the half mirror are reflected forward by the concave mirror.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Kansei CorporationInventor: Kenjiro Sumiyoshi
-
Patent number: 5731805Abstract: Apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products are disclosed that automatically expands the computer displayed information that interests a computer user. Thus making the information easier for the user to see. The computer detects which area on a display device has the user's interest by using a gaze-tracking device to monitor where the user looks on the display. After determining which area interests the user the invention expands the display of the information in that area.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Tognazzini, Jakob Nielsen, Robert Glass
-
Patent number: 5726685Abstract: An input unit for a computer has a housing with a transparent plate at one side thereof over which an input element is movable. The housing contains a camera which identifies the position of the input element and converts this position into a position output signal. An evaluation unit converts the position output signal into control signals for the computer according to a mouse protocol. The input unit can thus be used to control the computer in a manner which mimics the control of a computer using a conventional mouse, but avoids the disadvantages associated with conventional mouse control. The input element may be an element specifically dedicated for that purpose, or may be a tool which the user happens to have available, or may simply be the finger of a user.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1995Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Rainer Kuth, Wolfgang Pritzel
-
Patent number: 5704037Abstract: A cursor control device for controlling the movement and positioning of a cursor on a computer includes a finger controllable member formed on the cursor positioning device. The cursor on the display is controllable either in X-axis or Y-axis direction by means of sliding the finger controllable member on the device. The cursor positioning device includes a displacement detecting structure for detecting the movement of the finger controllable member, and photo encoder detectors for detecting the operating situation of the X-axis and Y-axis photo encoders which are arranged in 90 degrees phase deference in space. In such an arrangement, the displacement of the finger controllable member in X-axis and Y-axis direction may be detected as coordinate date. The detected coordinate data is transmitted to a control circuit for further processes and then sent to a computer device.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1996Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Inventor: Mei Yun Chen
-
Patent number: 5696526Abstract: A liquid crystal apparatus comprises a liquid crystal device including scanning electrodes and signal electrodes intersecting each other, and a chiral smectic liquid crystal disposed therebetween. The chiral smectic liquid crystal assumes a first orientation state when supplied with a pulse voltage of one polarity exceeding a first threshold voltage, a second orientation state when supplied with a pulse voltage of the other polarity exceeding a second threshold voltage, and a third orientation state when released from application of the pulse voltage of one or the other polarity.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Junichiro Kanbe, Kazuharu Katagiri, Syuzo Kaneko
-
Patent number: 5644334Abstract: An improved graphical user interface comprises novel status indicators pertaining to state attributes associated with objects displayed on a display screen of a computer system. These status indicators are preferably portrayed on a window pane of a display screen as distinct visual cues and are located adjacent to their associated objects to provide a customizable browser framework to a user. A dynamically-adjustable side bar panel provides a designated area within each pane for displaying the status indicators.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1996Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy A. Jones, Neil L. Mayle, Paige K. Parsons, Andrew L. M. Shalit, Steven H. Strassmann
-
Patent number: 5635948Abstract: The present invention concerns a display apparatus, which comprises a display device for displaying image information for the both eyes of an observer, a use-state detecting device for detecting a use state and a non-use state about whether or not the observer is observing the display device, a power supply device for supplying power to each element in the display apparatus, and a device for controlling the power supply device, based on a signal from the use-state detecting device.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1995Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Satoshi Tonosaki
-
Patent number: 5621427Abstract: A driving method for an optical modulation device is applicable to driving of an optical modulation device, e.g. a liquid crystal device having a matrix electrode arrangement comprising a group of scanning electrodes, a group of signal electrodes oppositely spaced from the group of scanning electrodes, and an optical modulation material (e.g. a liquid crystal) showing histability with respect to an electric field applied thereto disposed between the groups of scanning electrodes and signal electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Junichiro Kanbe, Kazuharu Katagiri, Syuzo Kaneko
-
Patent number: 5596348Abstract: An input apparatus has a selection key for inputting a signal on the basis of an operation, a timer which is reset by an input of a signal from the selection key and which measures a predetermined time period, and a controller for inputting first conditions such as a menu selection on the basis of an input of a signal from the selection key, and for inputting second conditions such as a menu decision on the basis of an output of the timer. The first conditions are input on the basis of an input of a signal from the selection key, so that an operation such as a menu selection is done. When the selection key is not operated for a time period longer than the predetermined time period set in the timer, the second conditions are input, so that an operation such as a menu decision is done.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1995Date of Patent: January 21, 1997Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masaharu Hayakawa
-
Patent number: 5570104Abstract: A discharge chamber wherein the allowability for positional displacement of electrodes is increased to facilitate manufacture of the discharge chamber and a method of manufacturing the discharge chamber are disclosed. The discharge chamber has a flat panel structure wherein a first substrate and a second substrate are adhered to each other with a predetermined gap left therebetween. Striped anodes and cathodes are arranged alternately on the first substrate. Barrier ribs are interposed between the two substrates and arranged in a stripe pattern to partition the gap to form discharge channels. The anodes are arranged just below the barrier ribs and have a width dimension smaller than the width dimension of the barrier ribs. Meanwhile, each of the cathodes is arranged intermediately between each adjacent ones of the cathodes. Even if the barrier ribs suffer from relative positional displacement, the exposed surface area of the cathodes by which plasma discharge is dominated is kept fixed.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1995Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Masatake Hayashi