Patents by Inventor Mark T. Johnson

Mark T. Johnson 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: 20090146988
    Abstract: Driver circuitry of each pixel provides pixel drive currents to respective LED display elements of the pixels of a display. An output transistor arrangement for each column drive circuit within a pixel has a plurality of output transistors (70, 72, 74) in parallel, and one or more of these are selected in order to provide desired output characteristics. Thus, the output of each column drive circuit can be tuned to provide desired output characteristics. In order to select an output transistor, fusible links of non selected transistors may be broken, or further transistors may connect selected transistors to a gate control line while non-selected transistors are connected to a de-select line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONIC, N.V.
    Inventors: Mark T. Johnson, Adrianus Sempel, William A. Steer
  • Publication number: 20090135622
    Abstract: A flexible display device comprises a top, user-deformable layer, a bottom substrate layer, a spacing element spacing the top layer from the bottom layer, and a light source for supplying light to at least one of the bottom layer or the top layer, the display device emitting light when the top layer is deformed towards the bottom layer. The display device also includes a voltage source for applying a potential difference across a first electrode on the top user-deformable layer and a second electrode on the bottom substrate layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Mark T. JOHNSON, Hugo J. CORNELISSEN, Mark H.F. OVERWIJK
  • Patent number: 7538757
    Abstract: A display device (1) has electrophoretic particles (8, 9), a display element including electrodes (5, 6), between which a portion of the electrophoretic particles (8, 9) is present, a temperature sensor (25) and a processor (15) for supplying a driving pulse (32) to the electrodes (5, 6) to bring the display element to a predetermined black, gray or white state, corresponding to the image information to be displayed. For improved grayscale accuracy and optimal picture and text quality, the processor (15) is further arranged to supply pre-pulses (31) preceding the driving pulses (32). The energy of the pre-pulses (31) is increased with increased temperature measured by the temperature sensor (25) and is sufficient to release the electrophoretic particles at a first position near one of the two electrodes (5, 6), but too low to enable the particles to reach a second position near the other electrode (5 or 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Guofu Zhou, Mark T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7492377
    Abstract: A display device, for example a liquid crystal display device (1), and driving method are provided that avoid the need to provide the display device with display data (e.g. video) containing individual display settings for each pixel. The display device comprises an array of pixels (21-36, 71a-79d, 121-136) and an array of processing elements (41-48, 71-79, 141-148), each processing element being associated with a respective pixel or group of pixels. The processing elements (41-48, 71-79, 141-148) perform processing of compressed input display data at pixel level. The processing elements (41-48, 71-79, 141-148) decompress the input data to determine individual pixel settings for their associated pixel or pixels. The processing elements (41-48, 71-79, 141-148) then drive the pixels (21-36, 71a-79d, 121-136) at the individual settings. A processing element may interpolate pixel settings from input data allocated to itself and one or more neighbouring processing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corporation
    Inventors: Martin J. Edwards, Iain M. Hunter, Nigel D. Young, Mark T. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080304135
    Abstract: A pixel having an upper substrate and a base carrier disposed opposite each other; a dielectric fluid with dispersed electrophoretic particles filled in a gap between the upper substrate and the base carrier; a wall disposed on at least one of the upper substrate and the base carrier between adjacent pixels, preventing migration of the electrophoretic particles between the adjacent pixels; a surrounding electrode disposed in proximity to the wall and extending substantially parallel to an interior surface of the wall; and a facilitating structure positioned along an inner surface of the surrounding electrode, and having a curved inner surface, wherein the facilitating structure is electrically floating relative to the surrounding electrode. The pixels may be used with particles that are colored, black white, and/or reflective. The pixels may incorporate color filters therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Martinus H.W.M. Van Delden, Roland M. Schuurbiers, Mark T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7463251
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display device (6;6?) comprising a display (2) having a plurality of display pixels (3;3?) with light emitting elements (LED) and at least a first drive element (T1) and a second drive element (T2) for driving said light emitting elements (LED) in accordance with an analogue data signal, representing at least one frame in a range from low to high overall light emission states for said display (2). The display device (6;6?) further comprises a display controller (10) having a data input (9) for the analogue data signal, a sensing unit (16) adapted to evaluate the overall light emission state of said frame and an output (13) for generating at least one sparkling signal for the one or more display pixels (3;3?) having a high light emission state (18) exceeding a sensed low overall light emission state of said frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: TPO Displays Corp.
    Inventors: Andrea Giraldo, Mark T. Johnson, David A. Fish
  • Publication number: 20080238868
    Abstract: A drive method is provided for a display device using the movement of charged particles with a pixel area, with each pixel having first and second drive electrodes (20,23; 22) and a pixel electrode (26). The method comprises a reset phase to move the particles in each pixel towards the first drive electrode (20,23), a pixel data loading phase, to cause selected particles either to stay in the vicinity of the first drive electrode (20,23) or move towards the pixel electrode (26), and a drive phase to distribute the particles which have moved towards the pixel electrode over the pixel electrode (26). The address phase is line-by-line but can be made short, and the other phases can be carried out in parallel for all pixels, saving time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Mark T. Johnson, Alwin R.M. Verschueren, Martinus H.W.M. Van Delden, Sander J. Roosendaal, Kars-Michiel M. Lenssen
  • Publication number: 20080228044
    Abstract: An apparatus for managing and monitoring a sensing device encapsulated in a compartment formed within a medium is disclosed. The medium compartment includes a release mechanism (210) suitable for exposing the sensing device (310). The apparatus comprises an active component (510) connected to the encapsulated sensing device, the active component providing a measurement from the sensing device to a sensing measurement device. In one aspect of the invention a second active device (420) connected to an electrode associated with the release mechanism, the second active component (420) selectively providing an electrical signal to the electrode for activating the release mechanism (210) and exposing the encapsulated sensing device (310).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Ralph Kurt, Mark T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7314132
    Abstract: A unitary modular link or link section for use in forming a rodless conveyor belt or a section thereof is provided. The link section includes a plurality of laterally-repeating link-shaped portions, each including an apex portion and a pair of leg portions. Each apex portion includes a receiver for receiving an integral first connector extending between the leg portions of a next-adjacent link or link section, preferably in snap-fit engagement, such that relative pivoting movement is established. A second integral connector maybe provided between the leg portion of each adjacent apex portion to create an engagement surface for a tooth of a drive or idler sprocket. The underside surface of each link section may also be specially contoured or curved to facilitate smooth passage over a guide structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Span Tech LLC
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Otto Jorgen Draebel, Mark T. Johnson, Michael D. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7224352
    Abstract: An active matrix display includes a display element for producing a visual output when the display element is driven with a constant current, and drive circuitry for controllably driving a substantially constant current through the display element. The drive circuitry includes a two-transistor inverter having an inverter input and a common node output, and the common node output of the inverter is connected, directly or indirectly, to supply or control the current passing through the corresponding display element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Elelctronics N.V.
    Inventors: Herbert Lifka, Mark J. Childs, Mark T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7006183
    Abstract: In a display device comprising a first substrate having at least one transparent, first picture electrode of a first material, a second substrate comprising at least one second picture electrode of a second material which, jointly with the picture electrode on the first substrate and an intermediate opto-electronic material, defines a pixel, and means for supplying electric voltages to the picture electrodes, the work function between the two picture electrodes is decreased in that at least one of the picture electrodes is coated with at least one layer of conducting material, or a layer of a material comprising a dipole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Mark T. Johnson, Adrianus A. Van Der Put, Gerard Cnossen, Michael Buchel, Josephus P. A. Deeben, Tom Marshall, Kevin W. Haberern
  • Patent number: 6900786
    Abstract: A display device, operable both for private view and more viewers. Switching between the two functions is obtained by switching between different voltage ranges, for example, normal voltage swing (curve 1) and shifted voltage swing (curve 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Mark T. Johnson, Sjoerd Stallinga
  • Patent number: 6585110
    Abstract: A modular link conveyor system (10) for transporting articles is provided having a plurality of modular link sections (15) providing a support surface for the articles and wherein one or more rollers (30) are positioned in the underside of selected link sections (12) to provide support by rolling on a guide rail (25, 26) of the conveyor system (10). Each link section (12) includes at least one interengaging apex (13) and leg portion (14) having a matching hole (22) and slot (21) for receiving a transverse rod (20) to permit side flexing action. An enclosure (36, 37) for each roller (30) provides protective encapsulation along at least the two sides and substantially around the rolling face to prevent debris build up. Advantageously, at least one roller (30) is mounted in each side link section (13, 14) that also provides a depending arm (28) and transverse tab (29) for lateral guiding action. The link sections (15) are combined to form a composite link and a cover plate provides an extended support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Span Tech LLC
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Michael D. McDaniel, Mark T. Johnson, Wendell S. Bell
  • Publication number: 20030103021
    Abstract: A display device comprises an array of display pixels, each pixel comprising a first and second display elements (12, 14). The first element I(12) s drivable between at least two transmission states, for example an LC cell. The first display element (12) overlyies the second display element (14) which is an electroluminescent display element. The first display element (12) can be used when the ambient light conditions are sufficient, and enables an electroluminescent (EL) element to be used when the light conditions are not sufficient. By providing the display element over each other, the resolution of each is not impaired. The first display element (12) can then be driven to a transparent state when using the EL element beneath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Nigel D. Young, Mark T. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030098828
    Abstract: An EL display device is operable in analogue and digital modes. In the analogue mode a current is supplied to the EL display elements (2) in dependence on a data signal (6) supplied to the pixel, and in the digital mode one of two voltages is provided across the EL display elements in dependence on the data signal supplied to the pixel. This enables the display to have a low power standby mode in which a digital drive scheme is implemented. This is particularly appropriate for static images and preferably for images without grey scales. The first mode is the normal current addressing mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Iain M. Hunter, Mark T. Johnson, Mark J. Childs
  • Publication number: 20030075419
    Abstract: A modular link conveyor system (10) for transporting articles is provided having a plurality of modular link sections (15) providing a support surface for the articles and wherein one or more rollers (30) are positioned in the underside of selected link sections (12) to provide support by rolling on a guide rail (25, 26) of the conveyor system (10). Each link section (12) includes at least one interengaging apex (13) and leg portion (14) having a matching hole (22) and slot (21) for receiving a transverse rod (20) to permit side flexing action. An enclosure (36, 37) for each roller (30) provides protective encapsulation along at least the two sides and substantially around the rolling face to prevent debris build up. Advantageously, at least one roller (30) is mounted in each side link section (13, 14) that also provides a depending arm (28) and transverse tab (29) for lateral guiding action. The link sections (15) are combined to form a composite link and a cover plate provides an extended support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Michael D. McDaniel, Mark T. Johnson, Wendell S. Bell
  • Publication number: 20020175882
    Abstract: A display device, for example a liquid crystal display device (1), and driving method are provided that avoid the need to provide the display device with display data (e.g. video) containing individual display settings for each pixel. The display device comprises an array of pixels (21-36, 71a-79d, 121-136) and an array of processing elements (41-48, 71-79, 141-148), each processing element being associated with a respective pixel or group of pixels. The processing elements (41-48, 71-79, 141-148) perform processing of compressed input display data at pixel level. The processing elements (41-48, 71-79, 141-148) decompress the input data to determine individual pixel settings for their associated pixel or pixels. The processing elements (41-48, 71-79, 141-148) then drive the pixels (21-36, 71a-79d ,121-136) at the individual settings. A processing element may interpolate pixel settings from input data allocated to itself and one or more neighbouring processing elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Martin J. Edwards, Iain M. Hunter, Nigel D. Young, Mark T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6471046
    Abstract: A modular conveyor system having an improved side flexing conveyor belt and improved active guide rail is provided. One or more roller assemblies replace the passive inside or outside guide rails in a curved section of the conveyor system for reducing the drag force on the conveyor belt as it negotiates the curve. Pairs of articulated members interconnect roller assemblies and allow the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted. The improved side flexing conveyor belt includes side links having a curved skirt which bridges the gap between the side links, thereby providing a continuous bearing surface for smooth operation. The skirts of adjacent links engage each other in edge-to-edge contact to prevent the tendency to sag, as well as assisting the conveyor belt in ramping up and down and the retention of the conveyor belt along a return run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Span Tech LLC
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Wendell S. Bell, Michael D. McDaniel, Mark T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6424330
    Abstract: A display device has a measuring circuit (14) to detect flicker due to the presence of a DC voltage by monitoring the pixel voltage and, if necessary, modifying driving signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Mark T. Johnson
  • Patent number: D528259
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Span Tech LLC
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Otto Jorgen Draebel, Mark T. Johnson, Michael D. McDaniel