Abstract: A touch screen for LCDs which uses a plurality of shockwave detectors disposed around the periphery of the viewing area to detect the location of a touch or tap which is the point of origin of an expanding shockwave.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling light emitted by a group of independent strings of LEDs in an LED backlight for a flat panel LCD display, in which optical feedback is used to increase a light output of remaining strings of LEDs when a string fails.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp controller for fluorescent lamps, the controller being responsive to the instantaneous power applied to the filaments and further generating a computed temperature signal to drive a filament as a function of the thermal characteristics of time versus temperature of the filament where the controller further controls application of arc power to the fluorescent lamp based upon the computed temperature signal.

Abstract: A multi-contact LCD heater system which include several contacts disposed around the periphery of a resistive film deposited on a substrate in which each contact is dynamically controlled in response to input from various temperature sensors. The control allows for each contact to be connected to a high potential or a low potential source or remain isolated. Spatial, temporal and amplitude modulation of the heat applied to the LCD is achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for driving a fluorescent lamp is described wherein the fluorescent lamp is operated in the phanotronic, or hot-cathode, mode. The filament preheat current is decoupled from the arc current through synchronization of the filament voltage and arc voltage waveforms to provide sense windows during which the filament condition may be precisely and accurately determined. Sensing circuits provide correctional feedback to the filament voltage signal to provide optimal filament heating.

Abstract: An active matrix thin film transistor liquid crystal display having two thin film transistors for use in driving each of the liquid crystal pixels making up the matrix of the display. The first thin film transistor associated with each pixel is used in driving the pixel to capture data off of data lines in response to gate drive signals. The second thin film transistor associated with each pixel is used in compensating for the parasitic capacitances associated with the first thin film transistor and is driven by special compensating pulses.

Abstract: A non-uniform heating system is provided for liquid crystal displays. The system includes structure for applying a greater concentration of heat to the periphery of LCDs. Because mounting structures produce large heat sinks around the edges of LCDs, providing greater heat to the edges results in a more uniform distribution of heat across the LCDs. In another aspect of the heating system, rapid warming may be provided for preselected critical areas of a display to reduce warm-up time, reduce power consumption, and provide mission critical displays in situations such as scrambles of military aircraft on cold weather alert.