Patents Examined by Steven J. Saras
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Patent number: 6288700Abstract: In relation to a light emitting flat panel device used as a back light for monocolor or multicolor image display, or for illunmination or decoration uses, a very thin and low power consumed light emitting flat panel device (including uniform light emitting flat panel device) which able to emit monocolor or multicolor light from numerous dot type or line type light emission parts is offered in cheap price. It is composed of an exterior board 1 integrated with multi or single light source (LED, etc.), light guide routes 2, light deviding routes 3, and dot type or line type light emittig parts 8, with optical scattered film 12 on front face of the light emitting flat panel of the said exterior board 1.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1995Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventor: Hiroki Mori
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Patent number: 6281861Abstract: A spatial light modulator for displaying M interlaced fields of image data per frame, where M is an integer greater than one, includes a plurality of picture elements and a controller for controlling the supply of image data to the picture elements. In each ith field where 1≦i≦M, image data are supplied to a plurality of ith sets of picture elements forming composite color picture elements. For each jth field where 1≦j≦M and i≠j, the image data are supplied to a plurality of jth sets of picture elements forming a composite color picture elements. Each ith set is different from each jth set and each ith set has at least one picture element belonging to a jth set.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1997Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Jonathan Harrold
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Patent number: 6229529Abstract: A coordinate input device that selects actual write points from coordinates that can be combined in different ways to define a greater number of potential write points. In the example of detecting X-coordinates and Y-coordinates that can be combined into X,Y pairs defining potential write points, the device identifies as X,Y pairs for actual write pairs the X,Y combinations that are most likely to correspond to actual write points, based on factors such as the time of detection of an X-coordinate relative to the times of detection of Y-coordinates (or vice versa), or the distances between actual points found in a preceding time period and the potential points of a current time period, or the distances between coordinates of actual points found in a preceding time period and corresponding coordinates of potential write points identified in a current time period.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1998Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Yano, Makoto Tanaka, Kunikazu Tsuda
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Patent number: 6219032Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing force feedback to a user operating a human/computer interface device in conjunction with a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed by a host computer system. A physical object, such as a joystick or a mouse, controls a graphical object, such as a cursor, within the GUI. The GUI allows the user to interface with operating system functions implemented by the computer system. A signal is output from the host computer to the interface device to apply a force sensation to the physical object using one or more actuators. This desired force sensation is associated with at least one of the graphical objects and operating system functions of the graphical user interface and is determined by a location of the cursor in the GUI with respect to targets that are associated with the graphical objects. The graphical objects include icons, windows, pull-down menus and menu items, scroll bars (“sliders”), and buttons.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1995Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Louis B. Rosenberg, Scott B. Brave
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Patent number: 6215461Abstract: The object is to provide an image viewing system that allows easy image viewing with reduced eyestrain, whether for wide-angle or enlarged viewing. The rotation of the viewer's head is detected by means of piezo-electric vibration gyroscopes 405 and 406, and the coefficient for setting the amount of change in the camera system's image shooting direction with reference to the detected direction is changed in accordance with the focal length of the camera system's zoom lens systems. Moreover, the amount of change in the image shooting direction may be changed manually by means of sensitivity setting lever 213 mounted on HMD 2.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1997Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Ishibashi, Yasushi Kobayashi, Yasumasa Sugihara, Yasushi Tanijiri, Hideki Nagata
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Patent number: 6208332Abstract: In a resistance film tablet system which includes a pair of resistance films superposed on each other and spaced by a predetermined distance therebetween, a value measured at the previous detection is stored in a memory beforehand and is read out for being converted into an analog voltage, then, a capacitance portion of the resistance films is charged with the voltage. The capacitance portion is converged to its convergent value faster, thereby a faster sampling can be operated. It is therefore possible to scan a resistance film tablet system faster by shortening a waiting time after a necessary mode setting, when measuring a voltage at a contact point in X-detection or Y-detection mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1998Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Yoshikazu Ikegami
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Patent number: 6204833Abstract: A display device comprising a display panel, a plasma driving circuit, a correcting circuit and a display driving circuit. The display panel has a laminated structure consisting of a display cell with signal electrodes arrayed in columns, a plasma cell with discharge channels arrayed in rows, and a dielectric sheet interposed therebetween. The plasma driving circuit sequentially drives the discharge channels to address the display cell line-sequentially via the dielectric sheet, and the correcting circuit processes picture signals through a corrective arithmetic operation. And the display driving circuit supplies the processed picture signals to the signal electrodes in synchronism with the line-sequential addressing, and then writes the picture signals in pixels prescribed at the intersections of the signal electrodes and the discharge channels. The correcting circuit executes such a process as to emphasize the difference between the picture signals supplied to mutually adjacent signal electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1995Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Masatake Hayashi, Tomoaki Kichimi
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Patent number: 6201520Abstract: When a forward bias is applied between a selected unit electrode of scanning electrodes and a selected unit electrode of data electrodes to cause a selected pixel concerning both of the selected unit electrodes to emit light, and a reverse bias is applied between nonselected unit electrodes of the scanning electrodes and nonselected unit electrodes of the data electrodes, thereby preventing crosstalk caused by a semi-excited state of the nonselected pixels, all of the scanning electrodes and all of the data electrodes are short-circuited once, immediately before a predetermined unit electrode of the data electrode, which should be selected in accordance with selection of each of the unit electrodes of the scanning electrodes, is selected, to set all of the pixels at a zero bias.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1998Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Yuichi Iketsu, Yuji Kondo
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Patent number: 6198474Abstract: A compact electronic keyboard having full-size keys arranged in the standard QWERTY or DVORAK pattern but with a reduced width of the keyboard due to the elimination of the standard modifier keys normally positioned at opposite sides of the alphanumeric keys. The function of such modifier keys are incorporated into some of the alphanumeric keys, or modifiable character keys, the function of which is controlled by means of separate portions of a split, thumb-operable spacebar below the lower row of alphanumeric keys. Such portions are the space key and the special key. The space key incorporates the standard shift function and can control the function of the modifiable character keys by simultaneous pressing of the space key and the desired modifiable character key. The special key can control the function of the modifiable character keys in a similar manner, but which can remain activated for a preset period of time such that simultaneous pressing of a modifiable character key is not necessary.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: William H. Roylance
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Patent number: 6195085Abstract: A hand held pointing device for use with a computer system having a graphic interface. The pointing device includes a body, and a communications device within the body for communicating movement signals to the computer system. The pointing device further includes a movement detection device within the body, coupled to the communications device, for detecting movement of the body by a computer user. The pointing device additionally includes a pliant outer shell having at least a portion of the body which dynamically conforms to a computer user's hand when the pointing device is held and manipulated by a computer user, such that the portion of the body which conforms to the computer user's hand provides comfort and efficient ergonomic cushioning to the computer user during computer system pointing device activities. The pointing device further includes at least one user input device for transferring data to the computer system via the pointing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1998Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Craig Henry Becker, Michael David Hocker, Gregory Tad Kishi, James Gordon McLean, Clifford Alan Pickover, Daniel James Winarski
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Patent number: 6195071Abstract: Disclosed is a timing circuit which produces control signals by which a data interfacing section can simultaneously implement input and output operations of a video data from a frame memory to an address electrode driving section, respectively. A first pulse signal whose pulse duration corresponds to a whole horizontal line time, a second pulse signal which is identical to a delayed first pulse signal by one horizontal line time and a third pulse signal whose pulse duration is one horizontal line time longer than that of the first pulse signal are produced by using a system clock signal of a 2 MHz frequency. During the pulse duration of the first and second pulse signals, first and second clock signals which contains 480 numbers of clock pulses with a period of one horizontal line time are produced by counting another system clock signal of a 25 MHz frequency.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Se-Yong Kim
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Patent number: 6195082Abstract: A computer pointing device on a single, small printed wiring board includes all electronics necessary for providing a standard mouse-type output signal. The pointing device uses a balanced bridge strain gauge isometric sensor having a manipulation lever for user input. The computer pointing device includes a receiving space for accepting one of a large-size strain gauge sensor and a small-size strain gauge sensor, depending upon the specific application. The computer pointing device includes internal power regulation and has input for up to two momentary switches and two of the pointing devices can be daisy chained with a single, composite output signal. The small-size strain gauge sensor permits use of the pointing device in ultra thin keyboard applications.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1998Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kim Wesley May, Edwin Joseph Selker, Barton Allen Smith
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Patent number: 6191762Abstract: Disclosed is a timing circuit which produces control signals by which a data interfacing section can simultaneously implement input and output operations of a video data from a frame memory and to an address electrode driving section, respectively. A first pulse signal whose pulse duration corresponds to a whole horizontal line time, a second pulse signal which is identical to a delayed first pulse signal by one horizontal line time and a third pulse signal whose pulse duration is the one horizontal line time longer than that of the first pulse signal are produced by using a system clock signal of 2 MHz. During the pulse duration of the third pulse signal, a first clock signal which contains pulse signals whose numbers are one number larger than the numbers of whole horizontal lines (480) by using a system clock signal of 25 MHz. The first clock signal is provided to the data interfacing section to control the input and output operations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Se-Yong Kim
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Patent number: 6191776Abstract: A compact key structure comprises a base plate, a conductive membrane, an elastic member, a frame and a cap wherein said key structure is characterized in that the conductive membrane is single-film structure and has a contact corresponding to each key and with meshed-hook shape . An aperture is provided at the center of the contact for venting air. The elastic member and the cap are attached by a non-reactive type paste such that the elastic member and the cap can be attached and separated repeatedly. The surface of said elastic member attached to said cap is of staircase shape and has venting holes formed on the lateral side to facilitating the restoring of the elastic member after being pressed. Moreover, a conductive bump is provided within the elastic member and corresponding to the conductive membrane. A conductive layer is formed on the conductive layer and corresponding to the contact of the conductive membrane.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Silitek CorporationInventor: Gino Hu
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Patent number: 6191770Abstract: A driving circuit testing method that can quickly perform a test of a driving circuit in a liquid crystal display and a repair of defects thereof. In the method, a test signal is applied in parallel to all a plurality of gate lines and a start signal is applied to a first gate driving cell. The start signal and the test signals on a plurality of gate lines is latched into the plurality of gate driving cells. Signals latched into the plurality of gate driving cells, instead of the test signal being applied to the plurality of gate lines, are applied to the plurality of gate lines. Then, an enable state in each gate line is detected.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: LG. Philips LCD Co., Ltd.Inventor: Seong Gyun Kim
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Patent number: 6188379Abstract: A field-sequential type color display system comprises a light source unit composed of a plurality of color light sources which emit light rays of different wavelengths, respectively, and which can be controlled independently of one another, a light source driving circuit for driving the light source unit, a shutter unit for controlling transmittivity of light rays emitted by the light source unit, and a shutter control circuit for controlling the shutter unit in synchronization with the light source driving circuit, wherein a visual field is composed of a plurality of sub-fields corresponding to the plurality of color light sources of the light source unit, and multicolor display is effected by lighting the color light sources for specific colors, respectively, for each of the sub-fields, and by controlling the shutter unit according to the sub-field.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1997Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasushi Kaneko
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Patent number: 6188382Abstract: An image display apparatus including a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) constituting an image display plane composed of a plurality of pixels arranged with a pixel pitch, a LCD driver circuit which receives an input image signal S1 and displays an image on a substantially whole image display plane of the LCD as well as a part of the image on a selected region C of the image display plane by selectively shifting image display positions of the image with respect to inherent positions on said image display plane in a given direction by an integer multiple or an inverse of an integer multiple of the pixel pitch of the LCD, and a pixel shift driver circuit which effectively and selectively shifts, in synchronism with the operation of said LCD driver circuit, said image display plane in a direction opposite to said given direction in which said image display position shifting is carried out.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1997Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiro Okamura, Seiichiro Tabata
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Patent number: 6184855Abstract: An analog driver for a liquid crystal display has sample hold circuits and buffer amplifiers divided into one group for positive inputs and the other groups for negative inputs which buffer amplifiers are selected in accordance with a first and second control signals thereby reducing the power consumption by the driver of buffer amplifiers. Furthermore, when none of the buffer amplifiers are selected, the data lines are held at common voltage to reduce the consumed power by the buffer amplifiers.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1997Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: International Business Machines CorportionInventors: Yoshinao Kobayashi, Akihiro Kuroda, Yoshitami Sakaguchi
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Patent number: 6184856Abstract: A transmissive electrophoretic color display is comprised of a plurality of color pixels; each uniformly illuminated from the rear by a backlight and each comprised of at least two electrophoretic cells. Each cell is comprised of a suspension of charged, black or colored light-absorbing pigment particles in a light-transmissive fluid. Each cell is also comprised of a light-transmissive front and rear window, at least one non-obstructing counter electrode, at least one non-obstructing collecting electrode, and a color filter medium. The cells of different colors are in a laterally adjacent relationship to each other and the charged pigment particles are responsive to the electrodes. The filter medium in each cell can be a light-transmissive color filter element or the pigment suspension fluid can be colored and serve as the filter medium.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1998Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Joseph Grover Gordon, II, Mark Whitney Hart, Sally Ann Swanson
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Patent number: RE37069Abstract: The present invention relates to An apparatus for converting cathode ray tube (CRT) data to a dual panel data stream to be utilized. The present invention includes a frame buffer system for displaying data on a dual panel display, which comprises an upper and lower panel. The frame buffer system receives CRT data and displays panel refresh data in which one CRT frame generates one panel refresh frame four panel refresh frames. Through the use of this system, An increased number of gray level patterns can be provided, thereby increasing image resolution and quality.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1995Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Chips & Technologies, LLCInventors: Ignatius B. Tjandrasuwita, James E. Margeson, III