Abstract: A control method and related apparatus are disclosed for controlling actuation voltages applied to array elements of an element array on an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device, wherein test metrics are determined and employed for optimizing subsequent droplet manipulation operations. The control method includes the steps of: receiving a liquid droplet onto the element array; applying an electrowetting actuation pattern of actuation voltages to actuate the droplet to modify a footprint of the droplet from a first state having an initial footprint to a second state having a modified footprint; sensing the modified footprint with a sensor; determining a test metric from sensing the modified footprint indicative of one or more droplet properties based on a droplet response of the liquid droplet to the electrowetting actuation pattern; and controlling actuation voltages applied to the array elements based on the test metric.

Abstract: A pixel circuit acts as a sensing element in a sensing device. The pixel circuit includes a sensing electrode, a first gate electrically connected to the sensing electrode, a second gate in electrical communication with the first gate, and a readout device that is electrically connected to the second gate. An input voltage applied to the sensing electrode is amplified between the first gate and the second gate, the amplification being measured as an output signal from the readout device to perform a sensing operation. For example, the output signal may be relatable to pH, analyte measurements, or other properties of sample liquids analyzed by the sensing device. A sensing device may include multiple pixels disposed on a substrate, each pixel including said pixel circuit. Driver circuits controlled by control electronics are configured to generate signals that selectively address the pixels and to read out voltages at the sensing electrodes.

Abstract: A control method and related apparatus are disclosed for controlling actuation voltages applied to array elements of an element array on an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device, wherein test metrics are determined and employed for optimizing subsequent droplet manipulation operations. The control method includes the steps of: receiving a liquid droplet onto the element array; applying an electrowetting actuation pattern of actuation voltages to actuate the droplet to modify a footprint of the droplet from a first state having an initial footprint to a second state having a modified footprint; sensing the modified footprint with a sensor; determining a test metric from sensing the modified footprint indicative of one or more droplet properties based on a droplet response of the liquid droplet to the electrowetting actuation pattern; and controlling actuation voltages applied to the array elements based on the test metric.

Abstract: A pixel circuit acts as a sensing element in a sensing device. The pixel circuit includes a sensing electrode, a first gate electrically connected to the sensing electrode, a second gate in electrical communication with the first gate, and a readout device that is electrically connected to the second gate. An input voltage applied to the sensing electrode is amplified between the first gate and the second gate, the amplification being measured as an output signal from the readout device to perform a sensing operation. For example, the output signal may be relatable to pH, analyte measurements, or other properties of sample liquids analyzed by the sensing device. A sensing device may include multiple pixels disposed on a substrate, each pixel including said pixel circuit. Driver circuits controlled by control electronics are configured to generate signals that selectively address the pixels and to read out voltages at the sensing electrodes.

Abstract: A pixel circuit acts as a sensing element in a sensing device. The pixel circuit includes a sensing electrode, a first gate electrically connected to the sensing electrode, a second gate in electrical communication with the first gate, and a readout device that is electrically connected to the second gate. An input voltage applied to the sensing electrode is amplified between the first gate and the second gate, the amplification being measured as an output signal from the readout device to perform a sensing operation. For example, the output signal may be relatable to pH, analyte measurements, or other properties of sample liquids analyzed by the sensing device. A sensing device may include multiple pixels disposed on a substrate, each pixel including said pixel circuit. Driver circuits controlled by control electronics are configured to generate signals that selectively address the pixels and to read out voltages at the sensing electrodes.

Abstract: A pixel circuit acts as a sensing element in a sensing device. The pixel circuit includes a sensing electrode, a first gate electrically connected to the sensing electrode, a second gate in electrical communication with the first gate, and a readout device that is electrically connected to the second gate. An input voltage applied to the sensing electrode is amplified between the first gate and the second gate, the amplification being measured as an output signal from the readout device to perform a sensing operation. For example, the output signal may be relatable to pH, analyte measurements, or other properties of sample liquids analyzed by the sensing device. A sensing device may include multiple pixels disposed on a substrate, each pixel including said pixel circuit. Driver circuits controlled by control electronics are configured to generate signals that selectively address the pixels and to read out voltages at the sensing electrodes.

Abstract: A multiple depth display provided for displaying images at different depths comprises a single display device (61), for displaying all of the images. An optical system (62, 63, 64) is disposed in front of the display device (61). The optical system comprises first and second spaced-apart partial reflectors (62, 63) and polarization optics (64) for providing first and second light paths for first and second images or sequences of images displayed by the device (61). The first light path (65) comprises partial transmission through the first reflector (62), partial reflection from the second reflector (63), partial reflection from the first reflector (62), and partial transmission through the second reflector (65) towards a viewing region.

Abstract: An optical system is provided, for example for use with a display device, for varying the shape of a surface in which an image displayed by the display device is perceived. The optical system comprises first and second spaced-apart partial reflectors, at least one of which is switchable between a first non-flat shape and a second different shape, which may be flat or non-flat. The reflectors, together with polarisation optics, provide a light path such that light from the display is at least partially transmitted by the first reflector, partially reflected by the second reflector, partially reflected by the first reflector and partially transmitted by the second reflector. Light which does not follow the light path is prevented from leaving the optical system.

Abstract: An optical system is provided for use with a display device to convert a flat image from the display device to a non-flat image. The optical system comprises first and second spaced-apart partial reflectors, at least one of which is non-flat. The reflectors, together with polarization optics, provide a light path such that light from the display is at least partially transmitted by the first reflector, partially reflected by the second reflector, partially reflected by the first reflector and partially transmitted by the second reflector so that a viewer perceives a non-flat, for example curved, image. Light which does not follow the light path is prevented from leaving the optical system.

Abstract: A multiple depth display provided for displaying images at different depths comprises a single display device (61), for displaying all of the images. An optical system (62, 63, 64) is disposed in front of the display device (61). The optical system comprises first and second spaced-apart partial reflectors (62, 63) and polarization optics (64) for providing first and second light paths for first and second images or sequences of images displayed by the device (61). The first light path (65) comprises partial transmission through the first reflector (62), partial reflection from the second reflector (63), partial reflection from the first reflector (62), and partial transmission through the second reflector (65) towards a viewing region.

Abstract: An optical system is provided, for example for use with a display device, for varying the shape of a surface in which an image displayed by the display device is perceived. The optical system comprises first and second spaced-apart partial reflectors, at least one of which is switchable between a first non-flat shape and a second different shape, which may be flat or non-flat. The reflectors, together with polarisation optics, provide a light path such that light from the display is at least partially transmitted by the first reflector, partially reflected by the second reflector, partially reflected by the first reflector and partially transmitted by the second reflector. Light which does not follow the light path is prevented from leaving the optical system.

Abstract: An optical system is provided, for example for use with a display device (1) to convert a flat image from the display device (1) to a non-flat image. The optical system comprises first and second spaced-apart partial reflectors (3, 5), at least one of which is non-flat. The reflectors (3, 5), together with polarisation optics (2, 4), provide a light path (6) such that light from the display (1) is at least partially transmitted by the first reflector (3), partially reflected by the second reflector (5), partially reflected by the first reflector (3) and partially transmitted by the second reflector (5) so that a viewer (8) perceives a non-flat, for example curved, image. Light which does not follow the light path (6) is prevented from leaving the optical system.

Abstract: A multiple depth display provided for displaying images at different depths comprises a single display device (61), for displaying all of the images. An optical system (62, 63, 64) is disposed in front of the display device (61). The optical system comprises first and second spaced-apart partial reflectors (62, 63) and polarization optics (64) for providing first and second light paths for first and second images or sequences of images displayed by the device (61). The first light path (65) comprises partial transmission through the first reflector (62), partial reflection from the second reflector (63), partial reflection from the first reflector (62), and partial transmission through the second reflector (65) towards a viewing region.

Abstract: A cycle rack is provided for securing and transporting cycles particularly motorcycles. The rack includes a base and an upward support. In addition, the rack includes a pair of partially circular clamping members which are sized and positioned to engage the sidewalls of a cycle's tire. Preferably, the clamping members extend circumferentially at least 90 degrees about a circle. Even more preferably, the clamping members extend 180 degrees or more about a circle. To move the clamping members relative to one another, the rack preferably includes a pair of fulcrum assemblies. Each of the fulcrum assemblies include a lever arm which is moved downwardly to force the clamping members towards each other, while the lever arms are moved upwardly to force the clamping members away from one another.

Abstract: A safety/security system that includes a central control station and a plurality of remote stations suitable for installation in residential and business buildings. The central control station receives public emergency warnings, notifications and advisories and transmits alert messages to select remote stations based on geographic or other criteria. Each remote station includes an identifier, a visual display, a user interface, and electronics for receiving the alert message from the central control center, processing the alert message to determine if the remote station is an intended recipient of the message by ascertaining if the alert message includes the remote station identifier and, if the remote station is an intended recipient of the alert message, utilizing the display to display information related to the alert message.