Abstract: A device and method for scanning an image of an object are disclosed. The device includes a controlled transparency film (5) and a set of light detectors (80). A backlight (50) may be used for scanning the object. The controlled transparency film is modulated to apply a series of filters on the backlight as it bounces off the object, back toward the detectors. The light detectors are sampled while each filter is being applied. The resultant measurements correspond to coefficients of a two-dimensional image transform. These coefficients may be collected as a bitstream to be inserted into an image file. This allows the image data to be compressed as it is being captured, thereby reducing processor overhead.

Abstract: A device for distributing light may comprise a plurality of liquid optical lenses comprising at least one liquid. Each liquid optical lens may have a configuration that is based on a pressure associated with the at least one liquid and the pressure may be selectively modulatable so as to selectively alter the configuration of each lens and alter a distribution pattern of transmitted light relative to incident light. A method for distributing light may comprise transmitting incident light through a plurality of liquid optical lenses comprising at least one liquid. The method may further comprise selectively modulating a pressure associated with the at least one liquid in the plurality of liquid optical lenses so as to alter a configuration of each lens and a distribution pattern of the transmitted light.

Abstract: Displays and methods are used to direct light. A display panel (150) includes an array of light deflectors (220) having multiple operable states for deflecting light to different observing positions. A control unit (145) controls the light deflectors to switch between the different operable states. The display panel displays different images when the light deflectors are in the different operable states. The timing of the light deflectors may be designed such that the different images are displayed substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device (100) having pen tablet functionality is described. An input device (200) contains a light emitter (210) at its tip. Further, a light sensing device (80) is implemented within the LCD stack to sense light passing through the liquid crystal (LC) layer (20) from the input device. As a user touches the display surface with the input device, in order to designate a particular location on the display surface, the designated location may be determined by dividing the LC layer 20 into translucent and opaque regions, as the light sensing device detects emissions from the input device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are used for segmenting a viewing environment of an image display device (80) into angular regions based on the current positioning of viewers. Image data of the viewing environment may be captured and analyzed to detect possible regions (400) exhibiting the red-eye effect. These regions may be paired off, and each pair may be verified as corresponding to a viewer's eyes based on whether they exhibit the characteristics of blinking.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) based communication device (100) is designed to transmit and/or receive data via optical communication signals passing through the liquid crystal (LC) layer (20). To perform data transmission, one or more optical transmitter light sources (80) may be implemented within the LCD stack (e.g., in the backlight cavity) of the device, for transmitting data-encoded optical communication signals through the LC layer. To operate as a data receiver, one or more light sensing devices (90) may be implemented in the LCD stack to sense optical communication signals entering the device through the LC layer.

Abstract: A lens for use in a lighting arrangement, such as an LCD backlight, includes a light guiding region and a lens surface. The light guiding region is shaped to focus light from a light source toward a region of the lens located on its periphery. The lens surface has reflection regions for reflecting light from the light source back into the lens and transmission regions for transmitting light from the light source outside the lens. A characteristic of the transmissions regions, such as width, varies as a function of the location of the light source so as to create substantially uniform average light distribution for areas of the lens positioned at various distances with respect to the light source.

Abstract: An imaging system for generating multiple images includes a first imaging device and a second imaging device. The first imaging device includes a sensor and has a first optical path from an object to the sensor for generating a first object image. The second imaging device includes a sensor and has a first optical path from an object to the sensor for generating a second object image. At least one of the first imaging device and the second imaging device includes a second optical path from an external reference marker to its sensor for generating a reference image. The reference image indicates positioning of the first imaging device or the second imaging device.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are systems for electronic paper, apparatus for electrophoretic display, and methods of making an electrophoretic display. The apparatus for electrophoretic can include an electret substrate and a plurality of capsules disposed in the electret substrate, wherein each of the plurality of capsules can include a first plurality of charged pigments with a first color and a first charge, a second plurality of charged pigments with a second color and a second charge greater than the first charge, a third plurality of charged pigments with a third color and a third charge greater than the second charge, and a fluid, wherein the plurality of charged pigments are subjected to a non-uniform electric field.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are systems for electronic paper, apparatus for electrophoretic display, and methods of making an electrophoretic display. The system for electronic paper can comprise an electret substrate wherein the electret substrate comprises an inhomogeneous distribution of charges and a plurality of capsules disposed in the electret substrate, wherein each of the plurality of capsules comprises a first plurality of charged pigments having a first color and a first charge, wherein the first charge has a polarity opposite to that of the charges in the electret substrate, a fluid having a second color contrasting to the first color, and a housing configured to house the plurality of charged pigments and the fluid.

Abstract: A multiband camera system includes: a first sensor for generating a first object image and a first alignment image in a first frequency band; a second sensor for generating a second object image and a second alignment image in a second frequency band; and an internal alignment assembly. A splitter directs radiation in the first frequency band from the object to the first sensor to form the first object image, directs radiation in the second frequency band from the object to the second sensor to form the second object image, directs radiation in the first frequency band from the internal alignment assembly to the first sensor to form the first alignment image, and directs radiation in the second frequency band from the internal alignment assembly to the second sensor to form the second alignment image. The first alignment image and the second alignment image establish a reference for aligning the first and second object images.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device (100) has the dual functionality of image display and environment scanning. Specifically, during environment scanning mode, the LCD device searches for targets, i.e., markers (700) in the environment. To enable such scanning, the LC layer (20) is configured to provide a scanning optical path allowing passage of a directional marker signal. The scanning optical path is controlled according to one or more transparent openings programmed to scan at least part of the LC layer. As a marker (700) is detected, based on the marker signal, a positional coordinate (e.g., relative angular position) is determinable based on the current scan position of the transparent opening(s).

Abstract: A cooling apparatus (100) for transferring heat away from a hot system (30) includes: a frame (125) having a plurality of channels (102) formed therein, the frame (125) extending between a thermally conductive hot element (105) and a thermally conductive cooling element (107); and a liquid coolant (113) contained within the channels (102) of the frame (125). Bubbles form as a result of the liquid coolant (113) reaching its vaporization temperature during operation of the hot system (30). The apparatus (100) creates a force that moves the bubbles away from the hot element (105) toward the cooling element (107).

Abstract: A projection-type imaging array comprising a plurality of microfluidic devices (1, 1?) are provided, each microfluidic device having a reservoir (30) containing first and second fluids (10 and 20) that are immiscible with respect to teach other. A drive unit (40) is provided for each microfluidic device to selectively displace the surface formed at the interface between the first and second fluids. Accordingly, when a particular microfluidic device is turned OFF according to the drive unit, the interface surface is positioned to redirect incoming light (via reflection/refraction) away from a display surface (80). Conversely, when the microfluidic device is turned ON, the interface surface is positioned so that the incoming light is directed toward the display surface.

Abstract: A projection-type imaging array comprising a plurality of microfluidic devices are provided, each microfluidic device having a reservoir containing first and second fluids that are immiscible with respect to teach other. A drive unit is provided for each microfluidic device to selectively displace the surface formed at the interface between the first and second fluids. Accordingly, when a particular microfluidic device is turned OFF according to the drive unit, the interface surface is positioned to redirect incoming light (via reflection/refraction) toward an absorptive surface. Conversely, when the microfluidic device is turned ON, the interface surface is positioned so that the incoming light is directed toward the display surface.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device (100) includes a strobing backlight source (50). The operation of the backlight source (50) and the liquid crystal (LC) layer are synchronized in such a manner that, when each LC cell is updated, the updated cell is at a specified level of transmissivity before the corresponding backlight pulse is emitted. Also, the duration and intensity of the corresponding backlight pulse are set based in order to enhance image quality and efficiency, based on the transmissivity response of the updated cell.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device (5) having an integrated touchscreen includes a probe light source (80) behind the liquid crystal (LC) layer (20) for transmitting a probe signal. The device further includes a probe light sensor (90) behind the LC layer for sensing the probe signal. An external optical path is provided whereby the probe signal traverses from the probe light source, across the touchscreen surface (1), and toward the probe light sensor. By sensing interruptions in the probe signal traversing the external optical path, using the probe light sensor, the LCD device is capable of detecting user contact with the touchscreen surface.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device (100) having an integrated touchscreen, includes a touchscreen surface and LC layer (20) that are partitioned according to the touchscreen keys (200). A corresponding probe light source (82) and sensor (92) positioned behind each partition is assigned to the corresponding touchscreen key. Each probe light sensor is configured to detect user contact on the touchscreen surface by sensing a reflection of the probe light. To further distinguish between different keys, each key may be made active according to a scanning or timesharing process. In this process, when a particular key is active, the neighboring keys are inactive. The scanning/timesharing process may be performed during a touchscreen mode of operation, which is interleaved with a normal display mode.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device (100) having an integrated touchscreen includes a built-in probe signal source behind the liquid crystal (LC) layer (20). The probe signal source may include a pair of light sources (82 and 84) modulated at first and second frequencies (f1 and f2), respectively. A pair of probe light sensing devices (92 and 94) may also be implemented behind the LC layer, each configured to measure the intensities of the first and second frequencies, respectively. The probe light sensing devices are designed to detect user contact with the touchscreen surface by sensing a reflection of the probe light signals from the touchscreen surface. Using the multiple intensity measurements from each probe light sensing device, the location of the point of contact on the touchscreen surface is determined.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device (100) having an integrated touchscreen, includes a touchscreen surface and liquid crystal (LC) layer (20) that are partitioned according to the touchscreen keys (200). A probe signal source (82) is disposed within the device for transmitting a probe signal through an opening in the LC layer, toward the touchscreen surface. The device further includes a probe signal sensor (92, 92?) configured to sense reflections of the probe signal from the touchscreen surface, in order to detect user contact. In order to determine which particular touchscreen key is being touched, the probe signal opening scans through the set of keys one at a time.