Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a backlight module and a heat dissipation device. The backlight module includes a frame, a reflector and several light sources. The reflector is disposed on the frame. The light sources disposed above the reflector. The heat dissipation device includes a fan, a sensor and a controller. The sensor is for sensing internal temperature of the LCD. The controller is connected to the fan and is for controlling the rotating speed of the fan according to the internal temperature of the LCD.

Abstract: An electrophoretic display device includes M×N numbers (M, and N are integers more than two) of pixels. The M×N numbers of pixels include M numbers of pixel groups having N numbers of pixels. Further, an image on the electrophoretic display device is displayed by making some of the M×N numbers of pixels switched at least from a bright display to a dark display, and vice versa. A period for displaying one piece of an image on the electrophoretic display is defined as period for forming an image and a period for introducing an image signal to each of the M×N numbers of pixels with sequentially selecting each of the pixels is defined as a frame period. Then, the time for forming an image includes a plurality of frame periods (a numbers of L: L is integers more than two.

Abstract: The present invention allows an efficient test as to the presence of line defects in data lines and gate lines in a liquid crystal display. A logic circuit for a test is provided according to the interconnect layout structure on a semiconductor substrate of a liquid crystal display, and ends of data lines are coupled to inputs of the logic circuit. At the time of the test, test drive signals corresponding to a certain logical value are applied to the data lines, and a determination is made as to defects in the data lines based on the output from the logic circuit, obtained in response to the signal application. This way means that determinations can be made as to defects in the data lines based on a logical value as the output from the logic circuit, i.e., binary values. Such a configuration is also applied to gate lines.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an interface which users can intuitively operate. A control signal input system includes a display device which displays a graphical user interface including plural control items for controlling a device, the control items being displayed in a predetermined layout; and an input device having an input unit operable to make a selection from control items displayed on the display device, the input unit having a shape, wherein the shape of the input unit corresponds to the layout of the control items.

Abstract: An input device having a movable puck and display screen is disclosed. The puck is confined to move on a puck surface having a puck field of motion defined thereon. The puck field of motion is divided into a pointing region and a function region. A controller determines a position for the puck within the field of motion. The display screen displays a two-dimensional scene and a cursor that moves within the scene in a manner controlled by the position of the puck when the puck is in the pointing region. The controller causes the scene to change when the puck is in the function region. A deformable barrier that inhibits the movement of the puck into the function region can be used to prevent inadvertent changing of the display scene. The inhibition is overcome by a user applying additional force to the puck in a direction parallel to the surface.

Abstract: Infrared light is emitted towards a surface. The infrared light is redirected by an object positioned on the surface. The infrared light as redirected by the objected is detected. A position of the object on the surface is determined based on the infrared light detected.

Abstract: A computer mouse with capability to control an electronic therapy device. In one embodiment, the computer mouse includes a main body, a power circuit, and a cursor control circuit electrically coupled to the power circuit. The computer mouse further includes a function module electrically coupled to the power circuit for generating a series of electronic pulses, and an electronic therapy device having a plurality of electrodes, and pullably plugged into the computer mouse main body such that when activated, the electronic therapy device is electrically coupled to the function module, and a series of electronic pulses is transmitted from the at least one output port of the function module to at least one of the plurality of electrodes of the electronic therapy device so as to cause massage stimuli to a target of interest on which the electronic therapy device is placed.

Abstract: A receiver accommodative wireless input equipment includes a main input unit, such as a mouse, a magnetic element, a magnetic inductor, and a receiver. The main input unit has an accommodation cavity in which the built-in magnetic element and the receiver are accommodated. The magnetic inductor is attached to one side of the receiver. With this structure the receiver can be settled statically in the accommodation cavity by the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic element exerted to the magnetic inductor attached to the receiver.

Abstract: The present invention describes a wireless mouse-based method for remote control. The method detects whether the wireless mouse receives a signal indicative of the wireless mouse being away from a mask plane. A touch panel of the wireless mouse is activated. One type of wireless mouse-based remote control is chosen. The function of the chosen type of wireless mouse-based remote control is executed.

Abstract: A scroll wheel assembly includes a rotatable member. Encoded rotation of the rotating member causes scrolling of an image on a display screen along an axis. An actuator is located within the rotational member. Pressure on different parts of the actuator causes scrolling of the image in opposing directions along a second axis. Pressure upon additional parts of the actuator can provide additional screen functions. Functions and commands caused by manipulation of the rotatable member or actuator may also be programmable.

Abstract: An interface device providing haptic feedback to a user is in communication with a host computer. The device includes a housing, at least one sensor for detecting user input, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a grounded flexure suspension coupled to an inertial mass which moves when the actuator assembly is energized to cause inertial sensations. The inertial mass includes a pole piece surrounding a magnet, and a grounded coil between magnet and pole piece causes the motion of the inertial mass when current is flowed therethrough. Another embodiment provides directional haptic feedback to a user and includes at least two actuator assemblies oriented such that the inertial masses oscillate substantially orthogonally, and can be controlled to output the inertial sensations approximately along a single axis having a desired orientation.

Abstract: An optical computer mouse has a support structure that can be moved across a surface. An illumination source that illuminates a region of the surface is coupled to the support structure. An imaging system in the mouse includes an optical sensor array that receives light from the illuminated region of the work surface and an image processor that receives data from the optical sensor array. The optical computer mouse may be switched between a navigation mode of operation, in which the image processor detects motion of the optical computer mouse over the work surface, and a barcode reading mode of operation, in which the image processor senses a barcode as the optical computer mouse is moved across a barcode.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an input device includes a multi-function optical input device including, for example, traditional mouse functions, barcode reading functions, and/or optical character reading functions. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A virtual input apparatus uses an array of transducers in contact with a sounding surface to detect a location of a sound or vibration transmitted by the sounding surface. A signal processor connected to an output of the transducer array provides data corresponding to a determined location of the vibration detected by the array. An electronic device includes a virtual keyboard that includes the array of transducers and device electronics. A method of entering data for the electronic device using the virtual keyboard includes creating a sound with a sounding surface that represents data to be entered into the electronic device by a user. The method further includes determining a point of origin of the created sound and mapping the determined point of origin into the data.

Abstract: An ergonomic pointing device receives user commands for controlling an electronic device. Typically a switching assembly is provided underneath a navigation wheel. The switching assembly comprises switches for generating and/or modulating signals in response to the received commands. Locating the switches in the switching assembly allows, for example, increased manufacturing tolerances. Additionally, the switching assembly can be secured to a device base such as a printed circuit board of the electronic device using, for example, a solder reflow process. Attaching the wheel assembly to the base permits, for example, the use of materials (such as rubber) and colors for the wheel that would otherwise be incompatible with a high temperature process.

Abstract: A Chinese character auxiliary input method and device applicable to Chinese input operation of electronic equipment is proposed. When a Chinese character is inputted by a user, an auxiliary input module serves to recognize the content of the Chinese character outputted on a display installed in the electronic equipment. Subsequently, light emission of a key marked with characters that may possibly follow the previously outputted Chinese character to form a pronunciation of a word is activated according to the recognized outputted content. Thus, the user is able to rapidly select a desired key to input a plurality of Chinese character combinations, so as to output a Chinese word on the display. Therefore, the present invention is capable of shortening time consumed for searching positions of keys and improving user's input speed of Chinese characters.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus according to the present invention includes a pixel array unit 1 having signal lines and scanning lines respectively arranged side by side, a signal line drive circuit 2 which drives the signal lines, a scanning line drive circuit 3 which drives the scanning lines, a signal processing output circuit 4 which serially outputs the picked-up image data supplied from the sensors, and a sync signal generation circuit 5. A black-white change obtained in the picked-up image data when a finger is brought close to or brought into contact with the pixel array unit 1 is detected, and the coordinate position of the finger is identified taking the ambient brightness into consideration. Regardless of whether the surroundings are bright or dark, therefore, the coordinate position can be detected with high precision.

Abstract: A transparent touch panel comprises a transparent first substrate (110) and a second substrate (130) that each has a transparent electro-conductive layer (111, 131) on one surface and that are arranged with a predetermined interval between each other such that the transparent electro-conductive layers (111, 131) are facing each other. Each of the transparent electro-conductive layers (111, 131) has a pair of electrodes (112, 112) and (132, 132) disposed on each end. Lead-out terminals (114, 114) and (134, 134) are connected to each electrode (112, 132) through surrounding circuits (113, 133) formed on the peripheral edges of the transparent first substrate (110) and the second substrate (130). Lead-out terminals (114, 134) are arranged on each of the opposing surfaces of the transparent first substrate (110) and of the transparent second substrate (130), and a plurality of holding members (80, 80), (81, 81) for holding the edges of the transparent first substrate (110) is provided.

Abstract: A remote control device with a touch function and a method for processing the same are proposed which are used for controlling the operation of an electronic device equipped with a receiving unit to receive commands from the remote control device and a displaying unit to communicate with a user.

Abstract: A navigation device programmed with a map database and software that enables a route to be planned between two user-defined places. The device may be further programmed to be able to display on a touch sensitive display a main navigation mode screen showing a map and to allow the user to task away from that screen by touching the navigation mode screen. The device is especially advantageous for an in-car navigation device since it allows the user to easily and reliably task away, for example to the main menu, by simply touching the main navigation mode screen anywhere.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus comprises a touch switch which inputs data in the main body according to a change in electrostatic capacity, and touch switch is arranged at the upper face of the main body, a display unit is supported on the main body, and the display unit is rotated between a closed position at which the upper face of the main body is covered and an open position at which the upper face of the main body is exposed, a detector is used to detect whether or not an angle formed between the front face of the display unit and the upper face of the main body is less than a predetermined value, and a controller which prohibits data input operation by the touch switch when it is detected that the angle is less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A haptic feedback planar touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that inputs a position signal to a processor of the computer based on a location of user contact on the touch surface. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position signal, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user contacting the touch surface. The touch input device can be a touchpad separate from the computer's display screen, or can be a touch screen. Output haptic sensations on the touch input device can include pulses, vibrations, and spatial textures. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.

Abstract: A pen-like pointing device with data transfer capability is disclosed. The pen device functions as a pointing and writing device in a traditional manner. In addition, it has onboard memory and a wireless receiver, so that data and files can be transferred wirelessly from the computer to the pen device and, thereafter, transferred from the pen device to another device via a connector. The connector for transferring the data/files stored in the device memory may either be a wireless transmitter or a physical connector, such as a USB port. The pen-like pointing device may have a indicator, such as an LED, which alerts the user when data or files are stored in memory, and may also have a unique identifier and other security features. Using buttons on the pen device, a used can implement cut, copy and paste functions between a computer and another device, which may be a second computer.

Abstract: A method is provided to display a plurality of signals, on a display screen with an intuitive graphical interface, wherein a user has ability to monitor overall data from a single view. A plurality of signals having different frequencies and remaining in a complex relationship with each other may be visualized. Each signal may be displayed by using a symbol, wherein a quasi static signal is graphically depicted using a limit symbol while the dynamic signals are visualized using bar symbols. The symbols may be arranged horizontally, on multiple image planes, in close proximity to each other. A limit symbol may be positioned on the topmost image plane in such a way that if one bar reaches the limit symbol, the bar symbol is at least partially covered. The spatial relationship among the symbols is such that the user can easily determine if an actual signal output matches planned or scheduled output or if it does not exceed the total available capacity.

Abstract: A switching power supply circuit ready for a wide range and including a power factor improving function is disclosed which can achieve reduction in cost, reduction in size and weight of the circuit and reduction of the power loss by reducing the number of converter sections with respect to the number of stages in a starting order of secondary side DC output voltages. A plurality of switching converters (101), (102) are of the composite resonance type wherein a partial resonance voltage circuit is combined with a switching converter of the current resonance type according to a half-bridge connection system. Changeover control is performed such that a rectification circuit serves as a voltage doubler rectification circuit at an AC voltage equal to or lower than 150 V, but serves as a full-wave rectification circuit at another AC voltage equal to or higher than 150 V.

Abstract: Described is a method and system that uses visual cues from a computer camera (e.g., webcam) based on presence detection, pose detection and/or gaze detection, to improve a user's computing experience. For example, by determining whether a user is looking at the display or not, better power management is achieved, such as by reducing power consumed by the display when the user is not looking. Voice recognition such as for command and control may be turned on and off based on where the use is looking when speaking. Visual cues may be used alone or in conjunction with other criteria, such as mouse or keyboard input, the current operating context and possibly other data, to make an operating state decision. Interaction detection is improved by determining when the user is interacting by viewing the display, even when not physically interacting via an input device.

Abstract: An image signal composed of sequential frames is input to a 3-dimensional image creating apparatus, frame by frame. A controller (102) designates the presence/absence of reduction, the presence/absence of joining and 2D select. An image converter (101) creates image data in the format designated by the presence/absence of reduction and the presence/absence of joining. A 3D information creator (103) creates 3D information necessary for displaying the image as a 3-dimensional image by formatting the presence/absence of reduction, the presence/absence of joining and 2D select. A multiplexer (104) converts image data and 3D information in a predetermined format and outputs them to the outside. In this way, it is possible to make the image data for 3-dimensional display versatile and select an arbitrary viewpoint image efficiently.

Abstract: A three-dimensional video display method includes a first step of causing a first optical pulse to enter a fluorescent space from a predetermined direction, and a second step of causing a second optical pulse, into which cross-sectional information is written, to enter the fluorescent space from a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, to induce fluorescence at a position in the fluorescent space where the first optical pulse and the second optical pulse overlap each other.

Abstract: In order to output print data representative of an image to be printed by a printer, first image data representative of a first image of an object is generated based on first polygon data representative of a three-dimensional shape of the object with coordinates of apexes of each of first polygons constituting a surface of the object and having a first size. The first image is displayed. When a print instruction for the first image is detected, at least one of the first image data and the first polygon data is acquired to generate second image data representative of a second image of the object which includes second polygon data representative of the three-dimensional shape of the object with coordinates of apexes of each of second polygons constituting the surface of the object and having a second size smaller than the first size. Plural sets of the print data each of which includes a prescribed amount of the second image data are generated. Each of the sets of the print data is sequentially outputted.

Abstract: A hidden line processing method includes the steps of obtaining the maximum value PZmax of the Z-axis direction component of each vertex in a viewpoint coordinate system for each of the plurality of polygons; sorting the plurality of polygons in a descending order based on the obtained maximum values PZmax; obtaining a value LZmin that is the smaller of the Z-axis direction components in the viewpoint coordinate system of two end points of an arbitrary line obtained from the plurality of polygons; and comparing the maximum value PZmax of the Z-axis direction component of the plurality of polygons with the value LZmin that is the smaller of the above obtained Z-axis direction components of the arbitrary line, in the sorted order, wherein at the time when LZmin?PZmax, determination of whether or not the lines are hidden lines is avoided for polygons subsequent to the plurality of polygons sorted.

Abstract: A method for generating a stereoscopic presentation of a region-of-interest in a monoscopic information representation. The method includes the steps of: (a) selecting first and second viewpoints for the region-of-interest; (b) creating a lens surface having a predetermined lens surface shape for the region-of-interest, the lens surface having a plurality of polygonal surfaces constructed from a plurality of points sampled from the lens surface shape; (c) creating first and second transformed presentations by overlaying the representation on the lens surface and perspectively projecting the lens surface with the overlaid representation onto a plane spaced from the first and second viewpoints, respectively; and, (d) displaying the first and second transformed presentations on a display screen to generate the stereoscopic presentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a character image generating apparatus. The apparatus comprises a plurality of types of partial base line generating units, a vector font data storing unit, a partial base line length calculating unit for calculating a line length of a partial base line of a character, a partial base line generating unit selecting unit for selecting one of the plurality of types of partial base line generating units on the basis of threshold information and the calculated partial base line length, a character form generating unit for generating a character form of the character image, and a character image generating unit for generating the character image on the basis of the generated character form. This can shorten the processing time needed for the generation of the vector font character image.

Abstract: In one implementation, a first captured image is accessed. The first captured image includes (1) a first display produced at a first point in time, and (2) a user interacting with the first display and not part of the first display. A second captured image is accessed. The second captured image includes (1) a second display produced at a second point in time, and (2) the user interacting with the second display and not part of the second display. The first captured image and the second captured image are compared. The motion of the user is determined based on a result of the comparing of the first captured image and the second captured image. The determined motion of the user is related to a portion of one or more of the first and second captured images.

Abstract: Animation techniques for producing physically-realistic animation while providing the interactivity and control desired by animators. Techniques are provided specifying animation for motion problems that give rise to quadratic optimization functions solvable with linear systems of equations. The resultant splines generalize traditional splines to encompass oscillatory solutions. These problems can be solved at full frame rates, giving animators a keyframe animation tool. Such a formulation is able to address a wide range of oscillatory phenomena while retaining the interactive performance and predictability of traditional splines. The splines may be complex-valued.

Abstract: When a slide show in which a plurality of still images is reproduced and displayed in sequence is executed, the number of subjects captured in each still image is determined. Display time of each still image is calculated based on the determined number of the subjects. The number of the subjects is determined from the number of faces detected in the still image. The faces smaller in size than a predetermined value are eliminated from the number of the subjects. The display time is obtained by multiplying the number of the subjects by a predetermined coefficient. When the number of the subjects is larger than a criterion subject number M, the coefficient is set small. Accordingly, it is prevented that the display time is set unduly long.

Abstract: The illustrated and described embodiments describe techniques for capturing data that describes 3-dimensional (3-D) aspects of a face, transforming facial motion from one individual to another in a realistic manner, and modeling skin reflectance.

Abstract: Disclosed here is an image signal processing method and apparatus. In the image signal processing, with the use of characteristically different low-pass filters disposed in parallel, a current-field image signal undergoes low-pass filtering process, and the outputs from the low-pass filters are mixed to produce an extended image signal including a pseudo afterglow signal. The pseudo afterglow signal is added to an area as required.

Abstract: The invention concerns a portable digital image display device having a scanner for generating digital images, a disc media drive for reading digital images from a disc medium and writing digital images onto the disc medium and a display device for displaying digital images. Also, the invention concerns a digital image display device having a scanner for generating digital images, a multi-unit disc media storage wheel for storing a plurality of disc media and a disc media drive for reading digital images from at least one of the disc media stored on the storage wheel and writing digital images onto at least one of the disc media. The disc media drive can be an optical disc media drive, and the disc medium can be an optical disc medium.

Abstract: Blending colors of source and destination primitives by a graphics processing unit is disclosed. The graphics processing unit executes a blending program that blends the primitives. The graphics processing unit receives the blending program from a central processing unit or a graphics application program. For example, the graphics processing unit draws a source primitive in a source texture map and a destination primitive in a destination texture map. The blending program (e.g., a pixel shader) is set to be applied to the primitives, and the graphics processing unit applies the blend mode to each pixel of the primitives, rendering a composite primitive in a destination render target.

Abstract: A method and system for preparing data to be used by a patterning device. The method including the following steps: a first set of graytones for a set of pixels is calculated, the first set of graytones corresponding to a center of a pattern being located at a first grid position, and a second set of graytones for the set of pixels is calculated, the second set of graytones corresponding to the center of the pattern being located at a second grid position. A plurality of sets of graytones for the set of pixels is linearly interpolated with constraints, from the first and second set of graytones, the plurality of sets of graytones corresponding to the pattern being shifted by a continuous shift-amount between the first grid position and the second grid position.

Abstract: A remote control system in which an instruction from a remote terminal is transmitted to a controlled device through a remote control device. Device unique data which is information specific to the controlled device is stored in the remote control device or the controlled device. The remote control device generates WEB display data to be displayed on the remote terminal based on a device type of the controlled device and the device unique data. Alternatively, the remote control device generates WEB display data based on the device unique data stored in the controlled device. Thus, even when a new type of controlled device is developed, or even when the function for the controlled device is extended, it does not need to modify programs for achieving functions of the remote control device. Accordingly, it facilitates a change of an operational screen of the terminal in response to those changes.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a digital photo album is disclosed. Digital photo albums may be created on the storage media by a method that includes the steps of displaying a group of images, receiving instructions to select a subset of those images and save the subset as an album, compressing the files corresponding to those images and saving the compressed files to the storage medium.

Abstract: In an image display method for providing display in a predetermined color order using a plurality of color signals of image data for an electro-optical modulation device which modulates light emitted from a light source in accordance with signals, color distribution ratios for the plural color signals are established such that errors caused due to response delays of the electro-optical modulation device from the color signals can be reduced to the minimum value or almost the minimum value at the time of display in the predetermined color order.

Abstract: A display control device of the present invention includes a gamma circuit producing and outputting a gray scale voltage and a selection drive circuit selecting the gray scale voltage on the basis of a pixel data displayed on a display device and outputting the selected gray scale voltage as a pixel driving signal to the display device. The selection drive circuit includes an analog memory and holds the selected gray scale voltage in the analog memory.

Abstract: Methods of using control data to control a display of an image by a display device include encoding the control data as a line of video data, including the line of encoded control data in a video signal having a number of lines of image video data, transmitting the video signal to the display device, and using the control data to process the video signal and display the image.

Abstract: A printer operable to print on a multi-layer print media includes a non-impact printhead, an impact printhead, and a controller operable to control the non-impact printhead to produce an image on a first layer of the print media and to control the impact printhead to produce a corresponding image on a second layer of the print media.

Abstract: In a digital image printing system, an external device capable of storing digital image data, and a printing apparatus capable of printing the digital image data are mutually connectable, and capable of exchanging data. The printing apparatus includes a paper feeding unit having a multi-tray structure. The external device sends parameters, that is, paper size, paper type, page layout of the digital image data, and at least one digital image data to the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus selects a tray from the paper feeding unit based on the parameters, and an aspect ratio of the digital image data, and prints the digital image data.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head includes a nozzle formation face formed with a nozzle orifice; a pressure chamber communicated with the nozzle orifice and adapted to contain liquid therein; and a pressure generator operable to cause pressure change in the pressure chamber so as to eject the liquid in the pressure chamber from the nozzle orifice to a target medium as a liquid droplet. An adjuster is operable to adjust a distance between the nozzle formation face and the target medium so as to be at least a first distance and a second distance that is longer than the first distance.

Abstract: A printer for printing a pattern, design, etc. on fabric comprises a vertical driving unit and a fabric thickness detecting mechanism. The vertical driving unit moves a printing unit including a print head in the vertical direction to let the print head move toward and away from the fabric held by a fabric holding frame. The fabric thickness detecting mechanism includes an idle roller which is attached to the printing unit to be on the preceding side of the printing unit in the printing direction of the print head to rotate freely while contacting the print surface of the fabric. The fabric thickness detecting mechanism detects the height of the print surface of the fabric based on the position of the idle roller. The vertical driving unit is controlled to drive the printing unit vertically according to the height of the print surface detected by the fabric thickness detecting mechanism.

Abstract: In a method of printing a plurality of pages during a print job, a page-wide-array printing device having redundant dot-forming elements is used. Print masks distribute dot-forming-element activity between the redundant dot-forming elements in a manner taking into account known malfunctions of dot-forming elements to hide such malfunctions, or reduce a visible effect of such malfunctions in the pages printed. The method includes generating a plurality of print masks which are different, as they distribute the dot-forming-element activity in different ways, but are equivalent, since they are based on the same knowledge of dot-forming-element malfunctions; dividing the print job into page-sets of at least one page; and printing the different page-sets of the print job using different equivalent print masks, thereby distributing the dot-forming-element activity in different ways from page-set to page-set.