Patents Issued in January 8, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040004545
    Abstract: A fluid management system having a central communications station and at least one probe having at least one sensor in which the sensor measures a level of a fluid and detects contaminants. A fluid management system having a central communications station and at least one substantially buoyant probe having at least one sensor for measuring a level of a fluid in which at least a first portion of the probe rests above a surface of the fluid and at least a second portion of the probe rests below the surface of the fluid. A fluid management system having a central communications station and at least one probe having a sensor for detecting contaminants in a fluid. In all three management systems, the probe contains circuitry for transmitting data collected by the sensor to the central communications station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Gay M. Early
  • Publication number: 20040004546
    Abstract: When an anomaly occurs in a monitor area, careless entry of the user into the monitor area is blocked reliably and simply. In a monitoring system for monitoring a house as a monitor area, sensors are placed at appropriate points in the house, and a door open hindrance unit for hindering opening of a front door placed at the entrance of the house is placed. Upon detection of an anomaly in the house based on a detection signal from each sensor, a management unit instructs the door open hindrance unit to hinder opening of the front door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tanichi Ando, Atsushi Shimizu, Yasuhiro Yamaguchi, Hiroya Ueda
  • Publication number: 20040004547
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for identifying monitoring and evaluating hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions. The system may be worn by safety personnel to detect equipment conditions such as low power supply, environmental conditions such as ambient temperature and/or physiological conditions such as heart rate of a wearer. The system further includes a control unit having electronics operable to communicate signals associated with equipment, environmental and physiological conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: FireEye Development Incorporated
    Inventors: Daren R. Appelt, Kevin K. Brunson, James D. Hibbs
  • Publication number: 20040004548
    Abstract: An electronic diaper includes a diaper, a sensor a controller, an LED lamp or a horn. The sensor senses dampness of a diaper and give a signal to the controller, which has a control circuit for calculating and converting the signal and gives out a warning signal to the LED lamp or the horn to give out light or sound for indicating that the diaper has become wet and needs to be replaced with a new one. And a timer may be further added to show the time of wetting of the diaper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Chien-Tung Huang
  • Publication number: 20040004549
    Abstract: A tire monitoring device includes a sensor adapted to detect airborne molecules generated when tire components are overheated. The sensor may be positioned in a reader that is proximate the exterior of the tire. The sensor may also be exposed to the air inside the pressurized tire chamber. The sensor may be tuned to detect any of a variety of molecules or components that are generated when tire materials are overheated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Paul B. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20040004550
    Abstract: A fluid management probe in which the probe includes at least one sensor that can measure a level of a fluid and detect contaminants. The fluid management probe also has circuitry for transmitting data collected by the sensor to a central communications station. A fluid management probe in which the probe has a housing and at least one sensor contained within the housing for measuring a level of a fluid. The fluid management probe is substantially buoyant such that at least a first portion of the probe rests above a surface of the fluid and at least a second portion of the probe rests below the surface of the fluid. The fluid management probe also has circuitry for transmitting data collected by the sensor to a central communications station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Gay M. Early
  • Publication number: 20040004551
    Abstract: A fluid management system having a central communications station and at least one probe having at least one sensor in which the sensor measures a level of a fluid and detects contaminants. A fluid management system having a central communications station and at least one substantially buoyant probe having at least one sensor for measuring a level of a fluid in which at least a first portion of the probe rests above a surface of the fluid and at least a second portion of the probe rests below the surface of the fluid. A fluid management system having a central communications station and at least one probe having a sensor for detecting contaminants in a fluid. In all three management systems, the probe contains circuitry for transmitting data collected by the sensor to the central communications station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Gay M. Early
  • Publication number: 20040004552
    Abstract: An autonomous and universal remote control system and scheme is disclosed. The autonomous and universal remote control system comprises at least one generic embedded controller (GEC) respectively installed on at least one controlled target, such as appliances, robots and equipment, etc.; and a generic remote controller (GRC), wherein the at least one GEC matches with the GRC. The autonomous and universal remote control scheme utilizes the GRC to sense the type of the at least one controlled target automatically, and then to download the context of controlled target dynamically, thereby autonomously controlling the controlled targets of various types with one single GRC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Yu-Chung Yang, Fan-Tien Cheng
  • Publication number: 20040004553
    Abstract: A downhole electromagnetic telemetry system with an increased data rate is disclosed. In one embodiment, a PSK data transmission system is used to transmit data in a downhole electromagnetic telemetry system for Measure While Drilling (MWD) applications. MWD applications suffer from data rates that are not well suited for the ever-increasing amount of data that needs to be transmitted. One method of increasing the data rate includes increasing the carrier frequency, but this can cause undesirable signal attenuation and distortion. Conversely, decreasing the carrier frequency provides the reward of a stronger signal at the risk of aliasing, especially with wide bandwidth signals. A derivation is disclosed predicting that the frequency may actually be decreased while increasing the number of phase states to achieve a higher data rate, without affecting the bandwidth. The system and method disclosed may advantageously provide a robust, low-power electromagnetic telemetry system with an increased data rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul F. Rodney
  • Publication number: 20040004554
    Abstract: A multi-functional sensor system for simultaneously monitoring various parameters such as the structural, chemical and environmental conditions associated with a medium to be monitored, e.g., bridges, high-rise buildings, pollution zones, is provided wherein the system includes at least a plurality of wireless multi-functional sensor platforms embedded in the medium in which an interrogation unit transmits power and receives responses. Each wireless multi-functional sensor platform includes multiple channels for accommodating a plurality of sensor types to simultaneously monitor the parameters associated with the medium. Thus, the wireless sensor platforms are formed to include those sensor types which are considered germane to the intended medium to be monitored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Regaswamy Srinivasan, Robert Osiander, Jane W. Spicer, Francis B. Weiskopf Jr, Kenneth R. Grossmann, Russell P. Cain, Bliss G. Carkhuff
  • Publication number: 20040004555
    Abstract: A utility meter and corresponding communication board comprises an installation channel, a processor, software selection lines, and at least one network interface element. Types of communication networks with which a utility meter is to be interfaced are inputted as information through an installation channel such as a modem, optical port, or other communication channel. This information is processed and software selection lines are provided to respective network interface elements. Each programmed network interface element can be configured to connect to a selected one of existing standard networks RS232, RS485, RS422 or other communication network. Since a single communication board in accordance with the disclosed technology interfaces with a variety of communication networks, a more efficient and cost effective network selection and implementation mechanism is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: SchlumbergerSema Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Martin
  • Publication number: 20040004556
    Abstract: A method of localizing the location of a received signal from a tire pressure sensor includes sending an AM identification signal. The AM signal is adjusted for speed such that the frequency of the signal equals a constant multiplied by the speed of the vehicle. Each of the tire locations on a vehicle have an expected sequence of black-out points in the signal received by a receiver at any point on the vehicle. That is, given a particular vehicle design, the AM signal described above would be received at a receiver with an expected sequence of received peaks and black-out points. Since the frequency of the signal is adjusted for speed, the received signal will accurately allow the location of black-out points to be utilized to identify the tire location for a particular signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Tejas B. Desai
  • Publication number: 20040004557
    Abstract: A method and system for displaying aircraft engine information. In one embodiment, the method includes directing the display of an icon that represents a qualitative, overall operational state of an aircraft engine, with the overall operational state being determined from a plurality of engine operating parameters. The method can further include directing a change in the display of the icon when the overall operational state of the aircraft engine changes from a first overall operational state to a second operational state. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the change in the characteristic of the icon can include a change in the color or other visual characteristic of the icon, and the color or other visual characteristic of the icon can correspond directly to instructions to the pilot for actions suggested or required as a result of the current engine operational state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph A. Sikora
  • Publication number: 20040004558
    Abstract: Systems and methods for input of text symbols into an electronic device comprising a reduced keyboard having keys representing a plurality of characters are disclosed. Possible symbol variants are identified based on character inputs received from the reduced keyboard. Each identified symbol variant is grouped into one of a plurality of groups of symbol variants, each group having an associated priority, according to a type of the symbol variant. Within at least one of the groups, the symbol variants are ranked in decreasing order of frequencies of use of the symbol variants. A list of symbol variants comprising the plurality of groups of symbol variants in order of decreasing priority is then displayed, and an input symbol is selected from the list of symbol variants. The symbol variants of the at least one of the groups of symbol variants are thereby sorted by both priority and frequency of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Vadim Fux
  • Publication number: 20040004559
    Abstract: A system allowing persons to operate their computer comfortably while lying in bed. The system has a user friendly keyboard, that provides preselection feedback indicating prior to a keystroke being entered, thus allowing the individual to verify the correct key before pressing down the key. Additional aspects of the system include the user of display goggles with panning control, and a see-through mode. Numerous additional system and methods are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Rodger H. Rast
  • Publication number: 20040004560
    Abstract: An identifier adding circuit adds an identifier specifying the channel of each PES packet output from a TS decoder to a header of each PES packet; an identifier selecting circuit reads PID information corresponding to the identifier added to each PES packet from an identifier table, and then stores PES packets for respective channels into respective storage regions CH1 to CHn in a bank memory instructed for the read PID information by a controller; and a decoding circuit decodes the stored PES packets for the respective channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Satoshi Okamoto, Toshiaki Tsuji, Hiroyuki Morishita, Makoto Hirai, Tokuzou Kiyohara
  • Publication number: 20040004561
    Abstract: There is disclosed an information recording apparatus including: an information reproduction unit for reading data recorded in a recording/reproducing medium; a decoder for decoding the data recorded in the recording/reproducing medium based on a signal from the information reproduction unit; a digital video compression unit for encoding the signal decoded by the decoder; and an information recording unit for recording the data encoded by the digital video compression unit into a recording/reproducing medium. The decoder is controlled to continuously decode the data recorded in the recording/reproducing medium including a portion erased by edition, and the digital video compression unit is controlled to discontinue the encoding of the signal in accordance with the portion erased by the edition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Umehara
  • Publication number: 20040004562
    Abstract: A stream conversion apparatus 10 receives an MPEG2 transport stream as an input stream 21. To each packet contained in this stream, a time stamp assignment section 11 assigns the input time of that packet as a time stamp. A packet reduction section 12 deletes NULL packets which appear in the stream with a predetermined repetition pattern. Based on a proportions of the NULL packet in the stream, a time stamp replacement section 13 replaces the time stamp assigned to the packets which have not been deleted by the packet reduction section 12. The packets which have under gone the selective time stamp replacement are temporarily stored in the buffer 14, and outputted by the packet reading section 15 and the output section 16, such that each packet is outputted at a time indicated by the time stamp assigned to that packet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Kouichi Kita, Shouichi Gotoh, Mikihiko Yamada
  • Publication number: 20040004563
    Abstract: A system and method for decompressing data read from a storage medium include a multiple stage pipeline process for substantially simultaneously processing at least two bytes of data in parallel. The process includes a first stage for receiving literal reference data and history reference data converted from history references to corresponding addresses, and directing data to subsequent stages. A second stage in communication with the first stage has multiple parallel buffers for selectively storing data and/or addresses provided from the first stage. A third stage in communication with the first and second stages has parallel literal buffers and parallel history buffers for selectively storing literal references and a predetermined number of bytes of previously processed uncompressed data, respectively. A fourth stage in communication with the third stage stores uncompressed data and provides the uncompressed data to an output channel in addition to updating the history buffers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Larry D. Jones, Doug Solfermoser
  • Publication number: 20040004564
    Abstract: A parallel/serial conversion circuit is provided, which comprises a parallel/serial conversion section for converting first parallel data to first serial data and converting second parallel data to second serial data, and a shift clock signal generation section for generating a shift clock signal. The parallel/serial conversion section converts the first parallel data to the first serial data by shifting the first parallel data in response to the shift clock signal. The parallel/serial conversion section converts the second parallel data to the second serial data by shifting the second parallel data in response to the shift clock signal. A combination of the first serial data and the second serial data indicates bit separation, a logic value ‘0’, or a logic value ‘1’. The shift clock signal generation section generates the shift clock signal by combining the first serial data and the second serial data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Shinji Hattori
  • Publication number: 20040004565
    Abstract: A noise shaper including a filter system for generating a first set of poles and zeros characterizing noise attenuation in a signal baseband of a noise transfer function and at least one additional set of at least one pole and one zero characterizing noise attenuation in at least one additional band outside the baseband of the noise transfer function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventor: John Laurence Melanson
  • Publication number: 20040004566
    Abstract: A switched capacitor digital/analog converter is provided for performing non-linear conversion. An input receives an n bit digital word for conversion. The individual bits of the input word control electronic switches which switch the plates of n capacitors between upper and lower reference voltages. The capacitors have values C0, . . . Cn−1 such that Cx<Cx+1 for each integer x greater than −1 and less than (n−1) and such that Cy+1 is different from 2·Cy for at least one integer y greater than −1 and less than (n−1). The other electrodes of the capacitors are connected together and to the output of the converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Harry Garth Walton, Mike James Brownlow, Graham Andrew Cairns
  • Publication number: 20040004567
    Abstract: Radar systems are used for ascertaining the range to at least one reflecting object present in an observation area and/or for ascertaining the speed of the at least one reflecting object. Such a radar system emits into the observation area successive transmitter pulses having a determined pulse duration, with a determined pulse-repetition frequency as a transmitted signal. The system receives transmitted pulses reflected by the at least one reflecting object of the transmitted signal as a received signal. The disadvantage thereby is, that the method has high signal dynamics, which has an unfavorable effect on the price of the circuit components required for the signal processing. The new method for operating a radar system shall be performable with cost effective means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Jens Kroeger, Ralph Mende, Karsten Schumann
  • Publication number: 20040004568
    Abstract: A microwave h lographic measuring method is disclosed. A first electrical signal S f microwave frequency is provided. A first part S1 of the first signal S is directed t a first antenna (101). Predetermined changes of phase and amplitude are applied to a second part S2 of the first signal S to produce a second electrical signal S4 which is coherent with the first part S1 of the first signal S. Microwave radiati n is detected a t plurality of locations by means of a second antenna (107) to generate a third electrical signal S5 at each location. The second S4 and third S5 electrical signals are combined t produce a fourth electrical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: David Smith
  • Publication number: 20040004569
    Abstract: Method and system for synthetic aperture radiometry not limited by the Van Cittert-Zernike theorem and the quasi-monochromatic assumption. A radiometer system (300) for imaging the emissions from a distribution of incoherent emission sources located within a target area comprising a first antenna (322) configured to receive a first signal (326) emitted primarily from a target area, and a second antenna (324) configured to receive a second signal (327) emitted primarily from the target area. The first and second antennas may be located at approximately the same distance from the target area (310) or at substantially different distances from the target area (310). The radiometer system (300) is configured to allow the second antenna (324) to move faster than the first antenna (322) with respect to the target area (310), with the second antenna (324) moving along a pre-determined trajectory corresponding to a synthetic aperture (430).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Larry K. Lam
  • Publication number: 20040004570
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and apparatus for reducing interference in a positioning system. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the receiver in a conventional positioning system is configured to communicate with a terrestrial broadcast station. The terrestrial broadcast station transmits assistance signals to the receiver and may be another receiver. The assistance signals enable the receiver to locate very weak signals being transmitted from the satellites in the positioning system. In one embodiment, the assistance signals include Doppler frequencies for the satellites. In another embodiment, the assistance signals include Ephemeris data. In another embodiment, the assistance signals include almanac data. In other embodiments of the present invention, the assistance signal includes navigation bits demodulated from the carrier phase inversion signal of the satellite, time synchronization signals, and pseudo range differential corrections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Todd V. Townsend, Sergey Lyusin
  • Publication number: 20040004571
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple-resonant surface-mounted antenna used for a radio device for mobile communication in a microwave band. A high frequency and a low frequency patch antenna electrodes are arranged apart from each other on one main surface of a dielectric block and a feeding line electrode is electromagnetically connected to the respective patch antenna electrodes. Each feeding line electrode is connected to each feeding terminal electrode and connected to each input/output line in every frequency band of a substrate, thereby realizing the multiple-resonant surface-mounted antenna capable of coping with two frequency bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Naoki Adachi, Junji Sato
  • Publication number: 20040004572
    Abstract: A PCB antenna for receiving distinct polarization signal is disclosed, which is formed a plurality of circular electrodes printed on a substrate. There are pluralities of metal splices between the circular electrodes so that each circular electrode is short in order to obtain the best sensitivity for receiving the different polarization signal. The PCB antenna is connected with a signal processing unit via the coaxial fed or the microstrip fed for transmitting the signal the PCB antenna received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Tatung Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Chen Ma
  • Publication number: 20040004573
    Abstract: Body-worn antennas operate in combination with a direction finding processor to be able to detect the presence of electromagnetic radiation involved in communication as well as the direction of the source of the electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment, a number of wide bandwidth antennas, 2 MHz to 40 GHz, are incorporated into a body-worn vest or garment such that an individual wearing the vest is being provided with a wearable system for indicating the direction of the source of incoming signals. If the orientation and geographic location of the individual are known via the use of a compass and/or by GPS receiver, the source of the radiation can be pinpointed by triangulation with inputs from other body-worn units. For omni-directional detection, pairs of antennas are provided with feed points or spigots which are fed in phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: John T. Apostolos
  • Publication number: 20040004574
    Abstract: A multiple-element antenna is provided that includes a monopole portion and a dipole portion. The monopole portion has a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section. The middle section defines a recess between the top and bottom sections, and the bottom section includes a monopole feeding port configured to couple the monopole portion of the multiple-element antenna to communications circuitry in a mobile communication device. The dipole portion has at least one dipole feeding port configured to couple the dipole portion of the multiple-element antenna to communications circuitry in the mobile communications device. The dipole portion of the multiple-element antenna is positioned within the recess defined by the monopole portion of the multiple-element antenna in order to electromagnetically couple the monopole portion with the dipole portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Geyi Wen, Yihong Qi, Krystyna Bandurska, Perry Jarmuszewski
  • Publication number: 20040004575
    Abstract: A radar antenna system comprises a wheel, cone or frustum having an axis. The wheel, cone or frustum has a circumferential portion adapted to engage at least one path disposed on a platform for revolving the radar array about the platform. A radar array is mounted on the wheel, cone or frustum, with the axis normal to a face of the radar array. The wheel, cone or frustum rotates about the platform as the radar array revolves around the platform during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Byron W. Tietjen
  • Publication number: 20040004576
    Abstract: An antenna element (20) comprising a first conductive plane (22), a second conductive plane (24), and one or more dielectric layers (26, 28, 30) separating the first and second conductive planes (22 and 24). A resonant cavity (48) is formed by a portion of the first conductive plane (22), a portion of the second conductive plane (24) and electrical connections (e.g., plated vias(40)) extending therebetween. A slot (32) is formed in the portion of the second conductive plane (24) forming one side of the resonant cavity (48) and the feedline (34) extends into the cavity (48).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20040004577
    Abstract: A flexible curtain antenna comprised of one or more panels containing at least one conductor antenna. The conductors in the panels are coupled to a transmission device, such as an interrogation reader, to form an antenna. The panels are attached to a mounting structure. The curtain antenna is designed so that objects can pass through the panels. As objects containing wireless communication devices pass through the panels, the panels come into close proximity to the wireless communication devices on the objects. The interrogation reader uses the panels as antennas to establish communication with the wireless communication devices on the objects to retrieve information about the objects. This information can be further communicated to a reporting system and/or a remote system using either a wired or wireless connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ian J. Forster
  • Publication number: 20040004578
    Abstract: An antenna mast is disclosed that has N faces, N corners that are intermediate adjacent faces, and N fins that each include a plurality of bars that extend between a first side and a second side of each fin in a direction opposite to an adjacent one of the plurality of bars. The antenna mast disclosed is lightweight, easy to maneuver and utilizes minimal raw material, while maintaining its structural integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Steinkamp
  • Publication number: 20040004579
    Abstract: A multiple band antenna (and an array of such antennas) includes a first radiating element that radiates at a first band, at least one second radiating element that radiates at a second band, and a frame to hold the radiating elements. The frame disposes the first and second radiating elements in different planes so that cross-band interference is substantially avoided. Alternatively, a multiple band array antenna includes a first array of radiating elements in a first plane and a second array of radiating elements in a second plane. The first plane overlays the second plane. As a result, individual radiating elements in the first array are substantially interspersed with individual radiating elements in the second array. But the first array and the second array are arranged so that individual radiating elements in the first array substantially do not overlap individual radiating elements in the second array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Louis Thomas Manzione, Carsten Metz, Richard Alan Warncke
  • Publication number: 20040004580
    Abstract: An antenna array (10) comprises a plurality of antenna elements (20-32) creating a plurality of radio frequency waves. The central portion (185) of opposed edges of the waves are guided with conductive material. The waves are isolated from each other by non-conductive (cir or dielectric) spaces (189). The waves are guided by tapered surfaces (140, 141) having a predetermined thickness and emitted through a mouth having a mouth length (M). The ratio of the predetermined thickness to the mouth length is increased until there is no substantial increase in the high frequency limit of the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Brent T. Toland, Kwok-Kee Chan
  • Publication number: 20040004581
    Abstract: A helical antenna is provided that simultaneously resonates at a plurality of frequencies. This antenna comprises a first coil having a first end for termination in a transmission line feed port. A second coil has a first end connected to the first coil second end, and an unterminated second end. In some aspects, a third coil is used, connected to the second coil second end, with an unterminated end. The coils have axial lengths, a wire gauge, and a coil diameter. The axial lengths are approximately equal to a number of turns times a spacing between turns. In addition, the antenna further comprises a first dielectric encompassed by the first and second coils and a second dielectric that encompasses the first and second coils. The antenna resonates at a first frequency and a second frequency, non-harmonically related to the first frequency, in response to the first and second coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jatupum Jenwatanavet
  • Publication number: 20040004582
    Abstract: A collar (10, 110) is placed around the neck of a user (14) and is rested on the user's shoulders (16) with forward end portions (18, 20, 122, 124) of said collar (10, 110) resting on an upper part of a user's chest. Riser arms (22, 24 or 138, 140, 134 and 142, 146, 150) extend from front end portions (18, 20 or 122, 124) of the collar (10, 100) to a video viewer (34, 130) that is positioned in front of the user's eyes. The riser arms may extend substantially straight upwardly from the front end portions (18, 20) of the collar (10, 110). Or, a lower portion (138, 140) of each arm may extend upwardly and rearwardly from the end portions (18, 20 or 122, 124) to about the level of the user's ears, and then an upper portion may extend forwardly and upwardly from that level to the video viewer (130). The collar (10, 110) and riser (12, 112) portions of the unit are foldable into a compact configuration for stowage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: John W. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20040004583
    Abstract: According to a mixed reality realizing system of the present invention, when a viewer wears a head mount display (HMD) including a video display and a CCD camera, and views an exhibit using an optical see-through type system, identification signals and position signals transmitted from infrared LEDs located around the exhibit are received to determine a position of the exhibit, and to superimpose contents such as explanations of the exhibit, which have been stored in advance in a portable computer, on a predetermined position on the video display where the exhibit is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Kenji Ogawa, Toshiro Saeki, Haruyo Tamura
  • Publication number: 20040004584
    Abstract: The present invention provides a head-mounted display system that is compact and provides a wide field of view yet reduces or eliminates eyestrain. The system includes a biocular on-axis objective lens assembly that relays an image from a display device through a split-field exit aperture onto binocular optical paths. Intermediate image planes are formed within each optical path with each intermediate image plane having an associated microstructure that enhances the exit pupil of each left and right optical path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Raymond Hebert
  • Publication number: 20040004585
    Abstract: A scan assembly of an image generator sweeps an image beam in a first dimension at a first rate and bi-directionally in a second dimension at a slower rate. Sweeping the beam bi-directionally in the vertical dimension (generally the dimension of the lower sweep rate) can reduce the scanning power by eliminating the flyback period, and, where the scan assembly includes a mechanical reflector, can reduce the error in the beam position without a feedback loop by reducing the number of harmonics in the vertical sweep function. Furthermore, because the image beam is “on” longer due to the elimination of the flyback period, the scanned image is often brighter for a given beam intensity. The scan assembly may also sweep the image beam non-linearly in the vertical dimension, and this sweep may be bi-directional or uni-directional. Sweeping the beam non-linearly can also reduce the error in the beam position by reducing the number of harmonics in the vertical sweep function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Margaret Brown, Mark Freeman, John R. Lewis, Jim Bovee, Randy Sprague
  • Publication number: 20040004586
    Abstract: An image display apparatus has: a display element for displaying an image; a light source section for supplying an illumination light to the display element; a reflection type hologram for diffracting and reflecting the illumination light so as to guide the illumination light to the display element; and an eyepiece optical system for guiding an image light from the display element to an eye of a viewer so as to provide an enlarged virtual image of the image. The reflection type hologram has diffusing properties. Since the reflection type hologram diffuses the illumination light, an incident angle of the illumination light with respect to the display element is widened to a certain extent. Since the display element does not change a propagating direction of a light ray, a propagating direction of the image light is widened similarly to widening of the incident angle, thereby enlarging the observation pupil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: MINOLTA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Endo, Tetsuya Noda, Yasushi Tanijiri
  • Publication number: 20040004587
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for improving the gray-scale linearity of a plasma display. At least two types of gray-scale allocations are mixed for forming the original gray scale, or different gray scales are mixed to derive the original gray scale, so as to obtain the required brightness. Therefore, by using multiple combinations to adjust the original gray scale, the required brightness is obtained, and the gray scale linearity for all the gray scales is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: CHUN-HSU LIN, HUI-CHEN LIN, CHING-HUI LIN, KUANG-LANG CHEN
  • Publication number: 20040004588
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a driving method and a driving apparatus for a field emission device that controls emission current with stability regardless of how long the device is driven. The field emission device driving method and driving apparatus of the present invention set the actual emission current at a reference level by adjusting the amount of current which is supplied to the emitter to a reference level. The amount of current supplied to the emitter is adjusted to the reference level by increasing the driving voltage in response to driving time elapsing in a state in which the electron emission performance is sustained above the reference level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Toru Kawase, Keisuke Koga
  • Publication number: 20040004589
    Abstract: A driving circuit of display. Two more thin film transistors is added to the original driving circuit of display so that the driving circuit now includes four thin film transistors such that the gate terminal of the thin film transistor's voltage level increases as the threshold voltage of the driving thin film transistor increases. The driving current of the thin film transistor is able to maintain a constant value so that the initial luminance of the display remains unchanged. Therefore, the present invention can effectively increase the average working life of the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Li-Wei Shih
  • Publication number: 20040004590
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a voltage used for precharging current-driven elements in a matrix, and a method of manufacturing a device to perform this function. Elements are driven during successive scan cycles, each having a precharge period and an exposure period. The elements conduct current during conduction periods, which typically have variable length within exposure periods. Conduction voltages are sensed at earlier times (e.g., near the beginning) and later times (e.g., near the end) within conduction periods. A precharge voltage is adapted based on a comparison of the earlier and later sensed conduction voltages, typically so as to reduce any average difference and thereby cause the voltage during exposure to be consistent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Robert LeChevalier
  • Publication number: 20040004591
    Abstract: In a light emitting display apparatus requiring power supply lines, excellent uniformity in display luminance is provided over a relatively large screen by disposing at least one of input terminals for the power supply lines between input terminals for signal lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Hajime Akimoto, Toshihiro Sato, Yoshirou Mikami, Hiroshi Kageyama
  • Publication number: 20040004592
    Abstract: A MEMS element is constituted as a light modulation element for constituting a GLV device, and has the same constitution as a conventional MEMS element except for differing in the structure of a bridge member of a membrane. The membrane comprises the bridge member comprising an SiO2 film of 20 nm in thickness as a lower layer and an SiN film of, for example, 100 nm in thickness laminated thereon, and a combined light reflective film and membrane-side electrode composed of an Al film of 100 nm in thickness provided on the bridge member. The SiO2 film may be an SiO2 film formed by thermal oxidation of a sacrificing layer formed of polysilicon or may be an SiO2 film formed by CVD method or PVD method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Koichi Ikeda, Takashi Shimada
  • Publication number: 20040004593
    Abstract: A level converter circuit includes an input terminal adapted to be supplied with a signal swinging from a first voltage to a second voltage lower than the first voltage; a first transistor having a gate electrode connected to the input terminal, and a source electrode connected to ground potential; a second transistor having a gate electrode connected to a drain electrode of the first transistor, a source electrode connected to a supply voltage, and a drain electrode connected to an output terminal; a load circuit connected between the gate electrode of the second transistor and the supply voltage; a third transistor having a source electrode connected to the input terminal, a drain electrode connected to the output terminal, and a gate electrode supplied with a DC voltage higher than the second voltage and lower than the first voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicants: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Device Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhisa Okumura, Yukihide Ode
  • Publication number: 20040004594
    Abstract: A lighting system and a display are capable of efficiently using light emitted by a light emitting element. The lighting system and the display according to the present invention include prisms located in an electroluminescent layer, which functions as the light emitting element. Each prism reflects or refracts light incident to the prism such that light emitted by the electroluminescent layer reaches an interface between the electroluminescent layer and a transparent electrode at an angle that is less than the critical angle at the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Kato, Kazuto Noritake