Patents Examined by Jeffrey Steinberg
  • Patent number: 9904501
    Abstract: A handheld communication device includes first and second screens, a hinge to rotate the first and second screens between open and closed positions, and a position sensor to determine the relative position of the first and second screens. The position sensor can be a Hall-Effect sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Z124
    Inventor: Charles Becze
  • Patent number: 9874972
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide devices and methods that facilitate improved input device resistance to the effects of errors that may be caused by the motion of detected objects on such input devices, and in particular, to the effect of blurring and/or fragmenting. The devices and methods provide improved resistance to the effects of such errors by decoupling the image generating interval from the reporting interval. Specifically, the devices and methods enable the determination of the reporting rate independently of the period over which images of sensor values are generated. The devices and methods enable independent determination of the reporting rate by facilitating the setting of a second period, where images of sensor values are generated over a first period and the reporting interval is determined to include at least the sum of the first period and the second period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventor: Tom R. Vandermeijden
  • Patent number: 9218027
    Abstract: An apparatus and method provide logic for processing information. In one implementation, an information processing device includes a housing and a display unit configured to display at least a portion of a first content to a user. A projection unit is configured to project at least a portion of a second content onto a projection surface. A detection unit configured to detect a displacement between the projection surface and a portion of the housing, the housing being configured to support the display unit, the projection unit, and the detection unit. The detection unit is further configured to determine whether the displacement falls within a threshold distance. The projection unit is further configured to project the second portion of the content onto the projection surface, when the displacement falls within the threshold distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Miyashita, Shunichi Kasahara, Ikuo Yamano, Kazuyuki Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Mizunuma
  • Patent number: 9148141
    Abstract: A layout structure of a capacitive touch panel including a conductive layer, an insulation layer, and a plurality of electric bridges is provided. The conductive layer disposed on a substrate includes a plurality of first touch units and a plurality of second touch units. The first touch units are electrically connected with each other through a plurality of connecting sections to form a plurality of first touch series extended along a first direction. The insulation layer is disposed on the conductive layer. Each electric bridge includes a compensation portion, a first crossover portion, and a second crossover portion. The compensation portions are respectively disposed on the connecting sections. The first and second crossover portions are disposed on the insulation layer. The second touch units are electrically connected with each other through the first and second crossover portions to form a plurality of second touch series extended along a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Chih-Chang Lai
  • Patent number: 9129569
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device (100A) according to the present invention includes a plurality of pixels (10) which are arranged in columns and rows to form a matrix pattern. Each of the plurality of pixels (10) includes first and second subpixels (10a, 10b), which are arranged in a column direction, one of which is a bright subpixel that exhibits a higher luminance than the other at least at a particular grayscale, and the other of which is a dark subpixel. The plurality of pixels define a plurality of color display pixels, each of which includes an even number of pixels including first, second, third and fourth pixels (Y, R, G, B) that are arranged in a row direction. In an arbitrary row of pixels, a row of subpixels including the bright subpixels includes the respective bright subpixels of all of the first, second, third and fourth pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masae Kitayama, Fumikazu Shimoshikiryoh
  • Patent number: 9104244
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe systems and methods for using a combined (or All-In-One) Chinese input method to enter Chinese characters in documents and forms on computers or on web sites. The combined Chinese input method includes a number of Chinese input methods that are frequently used by users. Chinese characters that match the strings of symbols typed by users are displayed under each of the Chinese input methods for users to select the correct characters under the desired Chinese input methods. The combined Chinese input method allows users to enter (or input) Chinese characters without specifying the Chinese input methods being used, which reduces the time used in switching input methods. Further, the combined Chinese input method can also be personalized to include Chinese input methods frequently used by or specified by users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventor: Clement Lee
  • Patent number: 9106878
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the color point of a lighting unit including semiconductor-based lasers for generating an RGB signal. The method may include supplying at least one component of the RGB signal to a sensor via a filter; and actuating at least one of the semiconductor-based lasers by means of a signal detected by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: OSRAM Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter Haftung
    Inventors: Jan Oliver Drumm, Jens Richter, Claus Seibert
  • Patent number: 9098231
    Abstract: An image transform apparatus for displaying image characteristics of a second display on a first display includes a first transform unit, for transforming a first image signal of the first display to a first output signal according to a second gamma value associated with the second display; a second transform unit, for transforming the first output signal to a second output signal according to a transform gain function associated with the first display and the second display; and a third transform unit, for transforming the second output signal to a second image signal according to a first gamma value associated with the first display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Chuan Shen
  • Patent number: 9086760
    Abstract: A purpose is to enable detection of an object in a display device including a display panel provided with photosensors when the object touches the display panel and when the object does not touch the display panel. A display device includes a display panel provided with photosensors. The display device has a function of detecting an object with the photosensor when the object touches the display panel and when the object does not touch thereto. The display device has a function of changing the sensitivity of the photosensor varies depending on whether the object touches the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 9058099
    Abstract: A touch screen device and an operating method are provided in which only a specific position on a touch screen is activated to receive signals. The touch screen device includes a screen including a display configured to display menu images thereon and a detector configured to detect a screen touch, and a controller configured to control operations of the device according to the screen touch detected by the detector. The controller may cause the detector to be divided into an execution area configured to execute a menu when the menu placed on the execution area is touched, and a selection area configured to sequentially move the menu images to the execution area when the selection area is touched. Alternatively, the controller may cause the detector to be divided into a moving area configured to move a menu from a touch point along a drag line while the menu is dragged, and an execution area configured to execute the relevant menu when the touch on the execution area is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Ho Joo Park, Ji Suk Chae, Young Ho Ham, Kyung Hee Yoo, Ji Ae Kim, Yu Mi Kim, Sang Hyun Shin, Seung Jun Bae, Yoon Hee Koo, Seong Cheol Kang
  • Patent number: 9041658
    Abstract: A touch screen device and an operating method are provided in which only a specific position on a touch screen is activated to receive signals. The touch screen device includes a screen including a display configured to display menu images thereon and a detector configured to detect a screen touch, and a controller configured to control operations of the device according to the screen touch detected by the detector. The controller may cause the detector to be divided into an execution area configured to execute a menu when the menu placed on the execution area is touched, and a selection area configured to sequentially move the menu images to the execution area when the selection area is touched. Alternatively, the controller may cause the detector to be divided into a moving area configured to move a menu from a touch point along a drag line while the menu is dragged, and an execution area configured to execute the relevant menu when the touch on the execution area is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC
    Inventors: Ho Joo Park, Ji Suk Chae, Young Ho Ham, Kyung Hee Yoo, Ji Ae Kim, Yu Mi Kim, Sang Hyun Shin, Seung Jun Bae, Yoon Hee Koo, Seong Cheol Kang
  • Patent number: 9035871
    Abstract: An apparatus, and an associated method, forms a user interface permitting input of input instructions to an electronic device. Input commands are evidence by tactile input forces applied to a force receiving surface. Force sensing elements are positioned to sense indications of the tactile input force. The force sensing element is caused to exhibit a selected input parameter value through application of a selected force thereto by application of a tightening torque to a fastener positioned in proximity to the force sensing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Patrick Clement Strittmatter, Marc Edward Holbein, Rene Pierre Marchand, Angela Dawn Usiski
  • Patent number: 8994635
    Abstract: The invention provides an image display device capable of reducing the transmission delay of a scanning signal. A plurality of scanning signal lines are wired in one pixel circuit row. Pixel circuits of the pixel circuit row are connected to any of the plurality of scanning signal lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Japan Display Inc., Panasonic Liquid Crystal Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenta Kajiyama, Takeshi Izumida, Norihiro Nakamura, Naoki Tokuda
  • Patent number: 8970541
    Abstract: A sensing device is provided. First to third receiving electrodes extend in a first direction. First and third receiving electrodes are respectively disposed on two sides of the second receiving electrode. The first to fourth transmitting electrodes are disposed on a row extending in a second direction. The first and second transmitting electrodes are respectively disposed on two sides of the first receiving electrode, the third and fourth transmitting electrodes are respectively disposed on two sides of the third receiving electrode, and the second and third transmitting electrode are respectively disposed on two sides of the second receiving electrode. The first, second third and fourth transmitting electrodes are independently controlled by a transmitter. A receiver generates a sensing signal according to a signal level is at least one of the first, second, and third receiving electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Innolux Corporation
    Inventor: Martin John Edwards
  • Patent number: 8970477
    Abstract: A exemplary key assembly for a handheld device includes one or more L-shaped key structures each having a first member configured to receive an input keystroke and a second member substantially orthogonal to the first member; and a frame configured to receive the one or more L-shaped key structures, the frame having a wall aligned with the second member of the key structure, with the wall further comprising a switch for each of the one or more L-shaped key structures associated with an inner surface of the wall, wherein each switch is associated with an actuator associated with the second member of the corresponding key structure such that depression of a given key structure causes the actuator of the second member of the key structure to engage the switch of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Norman Miner Ladouceur, Jason Tyler Griffin, Martin Riddiford, Daniel Jordan Kayser, Tracy Christina Sharp, Rachael Elizabeth Roberts
  • Patent number: 8963895
    Abstract: A ubiquitously mountable image display system includes a shape-reconfigurable display screen component to which is attached a plurality of circuit modules each having at least one light source. The shape-reconfigurable display screen component is formed of a material that accommodates flexing of the display screen component without creating a perceivable aberration in separation distance between two or more picture elements of an image that is rendered upon a viewing plane of the display screen component when light from the plurality of light sources is directed towards the viewing plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nano Lumens Acquisition Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Cope, Aris Silzars
  • Patent number: 8957330
    Abstract: A modular remote with touchscreen including a first member having a first sensor diposed on an anterior end and a first connection port disposed on a rear end; a second member having a touchscreen display disposed upon a top surface, a first connector disposed on a front side, a second sensor disposed on the front side, a second connection port disposed on a rear side; and a third member having a second connector disposed on a forward side; wherein the first connector interconnects with the first connection port and the second connector interconnects with alternately both the first connection port and the second connection port; whereby the first and third members interconnect to operatively communicate remotely with a plurality of household devices, and the second member separates from said first and third members to operatively communicate remotely with a plurality of household devices via interaction with a Graphic User Interface displayed by the touchscreen display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Omar Knight
  • Patent number: 8957849
    Abstract: An optical scrolling module includes a prism, a light source, an image sensor and a first condenser. The prism is disposed at an opening of an upper shell of a mouse and has a light incident surface, a reflective surface, a contact surface and a light emitting surface. The contact and light incident surfaces are respectively connected between the reflective and light emitting surfaces. The contact surface is exposed by the opening. A light beam from the light source is transmitted to the contact surface via the light incident and reflective surfaces. When an object with a pattern structure puts on the contact surface, the light beam is scattered and a portion of the light beam is transmitted to the image sensor via the first condenser. When the object is removed from the contact surface, the light beam is reflected to the light emitting surface by the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Pixart Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Hui-Hsuan Chen, Hung-Ching Lai, Tien-Chia Liu
  • Patent number: 8872761
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pointing device and a method for processing signals from such a pointing device, said device comprising a base and an actuator movable with respect to the base, and a detector, said detector adapted for providing at least first and second positional signals indicating a position of the actuator with respect to the base along corresponding first and second axes, wherein said signal processing method comprises the steps of converting the at least two positional signals into a polar coordinate signal comprising a magnitude signal, and thresholding the magnitude signal of the polar coordinate signal to provide a thresholded magnitude signal. In an embodiment the method further comprising the step of applying a conversion curve to the thresholded magnitude signal to produce a velocity magnitude signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: NXP, B.V.
    Inventor: Kim Le Phan
  • Patent number: 8780040
    Abstract: A handwriting input device includes a housing and a nib selectively exposed from a bottom side of the housing or hidden in the housing. The device further includes a pressure sensor, a motion sensor, and a microcontroller. The pressure sensor generates pressure signals when the nib is depressed. The motion sensor senses movement of the device. The microcontroller records the sensed movement upon receiving the pressure signals, and processes the recorded movement to obtain track signals of handwritten information when the duration of not receiving the pressure signals exceeds a predetermined time interval. The track signals of handwritten information are then transmitted to an external electronic device communicating with the device to become handwriting shown on a display of the external electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping-Yang Chuang, Ying-Chuan Yu