Patents by Inventor Ian French

Ian French has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20210256919
    Abstract: A method of driving an active matrix electrowetting on dielectric device including thin-film-transistors to increase the switching frequency of the propulsion electrodes beyond what is typical for line-by-line active matrix driving. By grouping gate lines and simultaneously driving those gate lines as a gate block, a frame update can be completed much faster and, as a consequence, the overall drive frequency at the propulsion electrodes can be increased substantially. The faster drive frequency improves the performance of electrowetting devices, especially when used with aqueous droplets having a high ionic strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventor: Ian FRENCH
  • Publication number: 20210170413
    Abstract: A digital microfluidic device including a substrate and a controller. The substrate includes: a first high-resolution area and a second low-resolution area, and a hydrophobic layer. The first area includes a first plurality of electrodes having a first density D1, and a first set of thin-film-transistors coupled to the first plurality of electrodes. The second area includes a second plurality of electrodes having a second density D2, where D2<D1, and a second set of thin-film-transistors coupled to the second plurality of electrodes. The hydrophobic layer covers both the first and second pluralities of electrodes and the first and second sets of thin-film-transistors. The controller is operatively coupled to the first set and second set of thin-film-transistors and configured to provide a propulsion voltage to at least a portion of the first plurality of electrodes and at least a portion of the second plurality of electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: David ZHITOMIRSKY, Richard J. PAOLINI, Jr., Ian FRENCH, Timothy J. O'MALLEY
  • Publication number: 20210129150
    Abstract: An active matrix electrowetting on dielectric (AM-EWoD) device including a top substrate with driving electrodes and capacitive sensing. As depicted herein the bottom substrate includes a first plurality of electrodes to propel various droplets through a microfluidic region, while the top substrate includes a second plurality of electrodes that are configured to interrogate the droplets with capacitive sensing. In some embodiments, the top substrate has zones of high-resolution sensing and zones of low-resolution sensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Ian FRENCH
  • Patent number: 10882042
    Abstract: An active matrix electrowetting on dielectric (AM-EWoD) device including dual substrates with thin-film transistors (TFT) and capacitive sensing. As depicted herein the bottom substrate includes a first plurality of electrodes to propel various droplets through a microfluidic region, while the top substrate includes a second plurality of electrodes that are configured to interrogate the droplets with capacitive sensing. In some embodiments, the top substrate has zones of high-resolution sensing and zones of low-resolution sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: E Ink Corporation
    Inventor: Ian French
  • Patent number: 10879275
    Abstract: A pixel structure includes a pixel electrode, a data selection line and an isolation line. The isolation line is disposed along the pixel electrode. The pixel electrode is configured to store a pixel voltage. The data selection line is configured to transmit a data signal. The isolation line is configured to reduce an influence of an electric field of the data signal on the pixel voltage of the pixel electrode. A projection area of the isolation line is overlapped with a projection area of the pixel electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Ji-Yuan Li, Ian French, San-Long Lin, Kuang-Heng Liang, Shu-Fen Tsai, Jia-Hung Chen
  • Publication number: 20200381461
    Abstract: An active array substrate includes a substrate and a plurality of pixel structure disposed on the substrate. Each of the pixel structure includes a scan line, a data line, and a pixel electrode. The scan line is disposed on the substrate and extending along a first direction. The data line is disposed on the substrate and extending along a second direction. The first direction crosses the second direction. The data line and the scan line define a pixel region and a first cutting clearance region. The pixel electrode is disposed on the substrate and includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is on the pixel region. The second portion is on the first cutting clearance region. A normal projection of the second portion onto the substrate does not overlap a normal projection of the data line onto the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Chien-Hung LIN, Ian FRENCH, Sheng-Long LIN, Xian-Teng CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20200371393
    Abstract: A tiling display device includes a support element, plural thin film transistor (TFT) substrates, a front panel laminate (FPL), and a protection sheet. The TFT substrates are located on the support element and are adjacent to each other. The front panel laminate is located on the TFT substrates and has a light transmissive film, a transparent conductive layer, and a display medium layer. The transparent conductive layer is located on a bottom surface of the light transmissive film. The display medium layer is located between the transparent conductive layer and the TFT substrates. The protection sheet is located on a top surface of the front panel laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Chen-Yun MA, Sheng-Long LIN, Ian FRENCH
  • Patent number: 10672323
    Abstract: A display device includes a selection line, a data line and plural pixel units. Each of the pixel units includes a first subpixel and a second subpixel. The second subpixel is disposed around the first subpixel and surrounds the first subpixel. The first subpixel includes a first capacitor, and the second subpixel includes a second capacitor. The selection line is configured to provide a selection signal. The data line is configured to provide a data signal. The first subpixel is configured to transmit the data signal to the first capacitor according to the selection signal, and the second subpixel is configured to transmit the data signal to the second capacitor according to the selection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Chien-Hung Lin, Shu-Fen Tsai, Yi-Lung Wen, Ian French, Ji-Yuan Li, San-Long Lin, Kuang-Heng Liang, Jia-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 10657853
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an identifiable element, includes: providing or receiving a display layer, which includes an bistable layer, an electrode layer, an conductive transparent layer, and a light-trigger electric change layer, in which the electrode layer and the conductive transparent layer are disposed at opposite sides of the electrophoretic layer, and the light-trigger electric change layer is disposed between the electrophoretic layer and the conductive transparent layer; applying a voltage bias across the electrode layer and the conductive transparent layer; and providing a light illuminating a portion of the light-trigger electric change layer through the conductive transparent layer to change a display status of a region of the bistable layer corresponding to the illuminated portion, whereby forming a display pattern in the display layer. An identifiable element is provided herein as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Ian French, Chun-Wei Chu
  • Publication number: 20200089035
    Abstract: Active matrix backplanes including an array of hexagonal electrodes or an array of triangular electrodes. Because the backplane designs route the gate lines along the periphery of the electrodes there is less cross talk with the surface of the electrode. The disclosed designs simplify construction and control of the electrodes and improve the regularity of the electric field above the electrode. Such backplane electrode designs may be particularly useful in electrowetting on dielectric (EWoD) devices and electrophoretic displays (EPD).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Annie Tsai, Ian French, Cristina Visani, David Zhitomirsky, Richard J. Paolini, JR.
  • Patent number: 10593246
    Abstract: A pixel array substrate includes a substrate, first and second scan lines, data lines, and pixel structures. The first and second scan lines are disposed alternately and are enabled for different time durations in the same frame time. The data lines intersect with the first and second scan lines. Each of the pixel structures includes first and second active devices, and a pixel electrode. The first and second active devices are turned on and off by the first and second scan lines, respectively. The pixel electrode is connected to the first active device which is connected to one of the data lines by being connected to the second active device. A distance between the first and second scan lines adjacent to each other is a third to a half of a pitch of the pixel structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Shu-Fen Tsai, Jia-Hung Chen, Kuang-Heng Liang, Chih-Ching Wang, Ian French
  • Publication number: 20190267403
    Abstract: A pixel structure includes a pixel electrode, a data selection line and an isolation line. The isolation line is disposed along the pixel electrode. The pixel electrode is configured to store a pixel voltage. The data selection line is configured to transmit a data signal. The isolation line is configured to reduce an influence of an electric field of the data signal on the pixel voltage of the pixel electrode. A projection area of the isolation line is overlapped with a projection area of the pixel electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Ji-Yuan LI, Ian FRENCH, San-Long LIN, Kuang-Heng LIANG, Shu-Fen TSAI, Jia-Hung CHEN
  • Publication number: 20190139476
    Abstract: A pixel array substrate includes a substrate, first and second scan lines, data lines, and pixel structures. The first and second scan lines are disposed alternately and are enabled for different time durations in the same frame time. The data lines intersect with the first and second scan lines. Each of the pixel structures includes first and second active devices, and a pixel electrode. The first and second active devices are turned on and off by the first and second scan lines, respectively. The pixel electrode is connected to the first active device which is connected to one of the data lines by being connected to the second active device. A distance between the first and second scan lines adjacent to each other is a third to a half of a pitch of the pixel structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Shu-Fen Tsai, Jia-Hung Chen, Kuang-Heng Liang, Chih-Ching Wang, Ian French
  • Publication number: 20190122603
    Abstract: A display device includes a selection line, a data line and plural pixel units. Each of the pixel units includes a first subpixel and a second subpixel. The second subpixel is disposed around the first subpixel and surrounds the first subpixel. The first subpixel includes a first capacitor, and the second subpixel includes a second capacitor. The selection line is configured to provide a selection signal. The data line is configured to provide a data signal. The first subpixel is configured to transmit the data signal to the first capacitor according to the selection signal, and the second subpixel is configured to transmit the data signal to the second capacitor according to the selection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Chien-Hung LIN, Shu-Fen TSAI, Yi-Lung WEN, Ian FRENCH, Ji-Yuan LI, San-Long LIN, Kuang-Heng LIANG, Jia-Hung CHEN
  • Publication number: 20190111433
    Abstract: An active matrix electrowetting on dielectric (AM-EWoD) device including dual substrates with thin-film transistors (TFT) and capacitive sensing. As depicted herein the bottom substrate includes a first plurality of electrodes to propel various droplets through a microfluidic region, while the top substrate includes a second plurality of electrodes that are configured to interrogate the droplets with capacitive sensing. In some embodiments, the top substrate has zones of high-resolution sensing and zones of low-resolution sensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventor: Ian FRENCH
  • Patent number: 10256257
    Abstract: A line array structure is provided, including long wirings, short wirings, first dummy wirings and connection lines. The substrate has an elongated region, a protruding region and a drive connection region. The elongated region has first sides and second sides that respectively extend along a long-side and short-side directions. The protruding region protrudes out from the first side and is connected to the elongated region. The drive connection region is connected to the second side of the elongated region. The long wirings are disposed in the elongated region and extend to the drive connection region. The short wirings are disposed in the protruding region and are parallel with the long wirings. The first dummy wirings are disposed in the elongated region and extend to the drive connection region. Each of the short wirings is electrically connected to a corresponding first dummy wiring through one first connection lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Ian French, Chi-Ming Wu, Kuang-Heng Liang, Shu-Fen Tsai, Jia-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 10114267
    Abstract: A display device includes a cover plate, a display, a frame, a flexible circuit board and a water-proof glue. The display is disposed on the cover plate. The frame is disposed on a periphery area of the cover plate and surrounds the display to form a trench. The flexible circuit board includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is attached to the front surface of the active array substrate, and the second portion is fastened to the cover plate in the trench. The water-proof glue fills the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Wu, Ian French
  • Patent number: 10068514
    Abstract: An electronic paper display apparatus including a display driving unit, an electronic paper display panel and a detection circuit unit is provided. The display driving unit generates at least one driving signal. The electronic paper display panel is coupled to the display driving unit. The display driving unit drives the electronic paper display panel to display an image by the at least one driving signal, and the electronic paper display panel outputs the at least one driving signal. The detection circuit unit is coupled to the electronic paper display panel to receive the at least one driving signal outputted by the electronic paper display panel, and detect a display status of the electronic paper display panel according to the at least one driving signal. Besides, a detection method of an electronic paper display apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Sheng-Long Lin, Yao-Te Tseng, Ian French, Pei-Sheng Lee, Feng-Chuan Yeh, Po-Sen Chen
  • Publication number: 20180130824
    Abstract: A line array structure is provided, including long wirings, short wirings, first dummy wirings and connection lines. The substrate has an elongated region, a protruding region and a drive connection region. The elongated region has first sides and second sides that respectively extend along a long-side and short-side directions. The protruding region protrudes out from the first side and is connected to the elongated region. The drive connection region is connected to the second side of the elongated region. The long wirings are disposed in the elongated region and extend to the drive connection region. The short wirings are disposed in the protruding region and are parallel with the long wirings. The first dummy wirings are disposed in the elongated region and extend to the drive connection region. Each of the short wirings is electrically connected to a corresponding first dummy wiring through one first connection lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Ian French, Chi-Ming Wu, Kuang-Heng Liang, Shu-Fen Tsai, Jia-Hung Chen
  • Publication number: 20180122274
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an identifiable element, includes: providing or receiving a display layer, which includes an bistable layer, an electrode layer, an conductive transparent layer, and a light-trigger electric change layer, in which the electrode layer and the conductive transparent layer are disposed at opposite sides of the electrophoretic layer, and the light-trigger electric change layer is disposed between the electrophoretic layer and the conductive transparent layer; applying a voltage bias across the electrode layer and the conductive transparent layer; and providing a light illuminating a portion of the light-trigger electric change layer through the conductive transparent layer to change a display status of a region of the bistable layer corresponding to the illuminated portion, whereby forming a display pattern in the display layer. An identifiable element is provided herein as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Ian French, Chun-Wei CHU