Abstract: Gray scale modulation of a field emission display is provided by sampling the video data portion of an NTSC signal to obtain a plurality of samples corresponding in time to the position of the emitters in each row of the display. The samples are used to generate respective pulses having a width corresponding to the magnitudes of the samples. The pulses drive the respective emitters low during the horizontal retrace portion of the NTSC signal. The extraction grids in a selected row are driven high during the horizontal retrace portion to cause the emitter in the selected row and column to emit electrons. The extraction grids in the selected row are then driven low at the end of the horizontal retrace period to terminate the emission of electrons.

Abstract: An electronic data collection device configured in a substantially two-dimensional arrangement is disclosed. The data collection device uses inexpensive flexible sheet materials to provide a flat framework in which to situate an interconnected combination of electronic components. The components provide an interactive function to supply input-output, control, and power functions. Components can include an information display, switches for responding to questions displayed on the information display, memory for storing responses to the questions, and a controller for controlling the operation of the data collection device. In addition, the device is provided with a data transfer interface that permits stored responses to be gathered by a response data accumulation device, such as a computer, having a corresponding interface.

Abstract: A mouse unit is used as input means for personal computers and work stations. The mouse unit is used and operated on a broad and plane surface. A proposal has been made that when a mouse is separated from a plane surface, the mouse can continue to output the data at a certain speed. Such a proposal requires a particular device for detecting the state of the mouse contacting the plane surface. The invention provides a mouse unit which can improve the operation of the mouse without the need of any particular device. The mouse unit outputs movement data which is received by a reception buffer. A processing portion estimates time when the speed of the moving mouse becomes zero from a characteristic value inherent in the mouse held in a characteristics holding portion the movement data from the reception buffer.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a computer display cursor includes an arena having a predefined optical grid. A puck handle is configured to move a puck on the optical grid and to reflect optical signals to the grid regarding the position of the puck on optical grid. The optical grid defines the resolution of the puck movements and positions that can be ascertained. Gratings formed by undulations in transparent walls provide an optical puck position signal in response to the puck position. A processor is coupled to the optical grid and is configured to receive the puck position signal and to generate a cursor position signal. To generate the cursor position signal, the processor may perform a conversion function based on predetermined criteria. The processor transmits the cursor position signal to a computer having a predefined display size, which displays the cursor at a respective position.

Abstract: A system and method for producing spatially modulated monochrome or color light having gray scale during a given period of time includes a spatial light modulator having a light modulating arrangement switchable between different states so as to act on light in different ways. A switching arrangement switches the modulating arrangement between different states in a controlled way during the period. The system also includes an illumination arrangement for selectively and alternately directing light of constant intensity and varying intensity into the modulating arrangement during predetermined subperiods of the period. In a color version of the system, the illumination arrangement directs light of different colors into the modulating arrangement during predetermined subperiods of the period, thereby providing a system for producing modulated colored light having color gray scale during a given period.

Abstract: A plasma addressed liquid crystal display device which includes a flat panel composed of a liquid crystal cell having signal electrodes in a column superposed on a plasma cell having discharge channels in a row.

Abstract: A vehicular navigation system includes a display screen mounted on a vehicle, a run/stop detector for detecting whether the vehicle is running or stopped, a display color controller for changing the colors of the individual picture elements of the displayed picture in accordance with whether the vehicle is running or stopped; an input device for inputting the selection of and instructions for the picture; a picture transition controller for controlling the transition of the picture in accordance with the input instructions and a picture drawing processor for drawing the picture, which is controlled by the picture transition controller, in the colors of the picture elements dictated by the display color controller. The colors of the pictured elements on the display are selectively chosen in accordance with either a detected stop or detected running. A daytime/nighttime decider distinguishes between daytime and nighttime.

Abstract: A pen input device recognizes the fact that an input pen is located at a near position with respect to an input screen, and changes displayed images on a display screen on the basis of the recognition, so that complicated operation can be omitted and pen input is allowed with a feeling similar to that of writing on paper.

Abstract: A device for selectively manipulating movement of a cursor on a computer display, as with the user's foot. The device comprising a housing, an elongated control stick member protruding through an opening defined in the top wall of the housing, and sensors for detecting movements of the bottom end of the control stick member. An annular guide member supports the control stick member in the housing for pivotable and longitudinally reciprocated motion under selective user control. A helical coil spring resiliently urges the control stick member longitudinally upward from the housing top wall to reposition the stick member after a user-initiated inward displacement.

Abstract: A touchpad (50) having multiple regions that may be linked to various commands or functions within a graphical user interface (GUI). Preferably, a cursor control region (54), a scroll control region (56), and a pan control region (58) are defined on the touchpad. Movement of a contact point in the cursor control region causes movement of a cursor in the GUI. Movement of a contact point in the scroll control region or the pan control region causes scrolling or panning, respectively, of the workspace in the GUI. The multiple regions may be mapped onto a single touchpad member (80) or each region identified with a separate touchpad member.

Abstract: A display device performs sampling of an input image signal for displaying by a dot matrix display element, and includes a selection unit for, in consonance with types of information to be displayed, selecting either to supply a predetermined pixel group with a signal that is obtained by sampling at a first timing, or to supply the predetermined pixel group with a signal that is obtained by sampling at a second, different timing. In addition, the display device, which performs sampling of input image signals and displays the resultant signal by using a dot matrix display element, includes a detection circuit for detecting character information that is included in the input image signal, and a unit for altering a method for processing the input image signal in consonance with an output of the detection circuit.

Abstract: A system for producing spatially modulated monochrome or color light having gray scale includes an active matrix liquid crystal spatial light modulator having light modulating means including (i) a layer of ferroelectric liquid crystal material which is designed to switch between ON and OFF states and (ii) active matrix means including VLSI circuitry for dividing the layer of liquid crystal material into an array of individual liquid crystal pixels and for causing each of the pixels of liquid crystal material to modulate light individually by switching between the ON and OFF states in a way that depends upon the data which the VLSI circuitry is written. The system also includes illumination means having a light source for directing light from the source into the pixel-divided layer of ferroelectric liquid crystal material in a specific way.

Abstract: An image display device has a control electrode which comprises an X-Y grid assembly composed of planar two-layer conductive grids which define electron passage holes at junctions thereof. The control electrode have capacitive bodies disposed at the junctions for storing a control voltage to control electrons emitted from a planar cathode and having passed through the electron passage holes. A high-voltage electrode applies a high voltage to a planar light emitting layer to attract the electrons that have passed through the electron passage holes and have been controlled by the control voltage, to the planar light emitting layer for emitting light in response to bombardment of the electrons thereon. The electrons are supplied at all times by the control electrode for continuous emission of light from the planar light emitting layer. Since the cathode and the electrodes are of a planar structure, the image display device is lightweight and of a low profile.

Abstract: A display device comprises an indicator for displaying informations concerning vehicles, a photographing unit for photographing a driver, an image processing unit for detecting a position of the driver from the pictures photographed by the photographing unit and an adjusting mechanism for adjusting an angle of reflecting means which reflects a display light emitted by the indicator on the basis of the position of the driver's eyes detected by the image processing unit.

Abstract: A CRT display system includes a CRT with a lenticular material placed upon the outward face of the CRT. The system further includes a sensing device in the field of view of the CRT and control circuitry connected between the sensing device and the CRT. The control circuitry is responsive to signals received from the sensing device to control the synchronization and formation of a composite of strips of visual input from four different perspective views of a scene to be presented on the CRT through the lenticular material such that a viewer perceives depth in the composite scene displayed on the CRT.

Abstract: A display driving apparatus includes a matrix display device for displaying an image. The matrix display device has switching elements and data written elements connected to the switching elements. The switching elements and the data written elements are arranged in rows and columns to form a matrix. A plurality of scan lines are arranged in a predetermined number of rows, with each row of the plurality of scan lines being connected to respective ones of the switching elements arranged along a corresponding row of the matrix. A plurality of data lines are connected to the switching elements for supplying lines of display data to be displayed on successive rows of the scan lines, and a data line driver circuit is connected to the switching elements via the data lines for supplying the switching elements connected to successive rows of the scan lines with the lines of display data.

Abstract: A human/machine interface system that presents information in a three-dimensional and visual form and is optionally capable of receiving input.The Three-Dimensional Display comprises a display shape with visual displays that is movable to provide visual and three-dimensional representative imagery. An optional method for sensing input can be added to allow user interaction with the display.A number of these displays could be arrayed together and driven by appropriate circuitry to present to the user visual and physical representation upon which the user can act to communicate back to the machine.

Abstract: A picture display device (W) includes a display unit (1) having a vacuum envelope which is provided with a transparent face plate (3), having a luminescent screen, and a rear plate (4). The display unit has a plurality of juxtaposed sources (5) for emitting electrons, a plurality of electron transport ducts (6, 6', 6") cooperating with the sources for transporting the electrons in the form of electron currents, and selection means (611) for withdrawing each electron current at predetermined locations from its transport duct and for directing the withdrawn current toward desired pixels of the luminescent screen. In order to direct the correct quantity of electrons into the electron transport ducts for relevant video information, the voltages applied to the grids are modulated with a video signal and a uniformity correction signal. One of these signals controls a pulse-duration and the other signal controls a pulse-height of the drive signals.