Patents Issued in January 30, 2007
  • Patent number: 7170443
    Abstract: A method for the evaluation of radar data for fully automatic creation of a map of regions with interference, in which undesirable reflections frequently occur includes the following method steps. The region to be mapped is divided up into cells. The short-lived target tracks that occur in these cells are counted. Statistics are kept, in such a manner that the short-lived target tracks are counted only within a predetermined period of time, while all older short-lived target tracks are left out of consideration. At least one threshold value is predetermined, in such a manner that a cell is considered to have been marked if the short-lived target tracks that are counted in the previous time period exceed the threshold value or values. The map of the current regions with interference results as the totality of the marked cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Liebscher, Juergen Altmann, Ulrich Lode, Christoph Schenk
  • Patent number: 7170444
    Abstract: A non-linear dispersive pulse generator for producing pulsed radio frequency electrical signals includes a non-linear dispersive electrical circuit (1) incorporating at least one non-linear element (2) made of a material sensitive to low power signals and a means (5) of producing a variable power control signal (6) and applying it to the element (2) to modify the extent of the non linearity of the element (2) and thereby vary the output frequency of the radio frequency electrical signal generated by the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Bae Systems plc
    Inventors: Nigel Seddon, Christopher R. Spikings
  • Patent number: 7170445
    Abstract: For allowing positioning of a GPS receiver within a building, GPS primary positioning signals received by an outdoor receive antenna are up-converted to different carrier frequencies in the 2.4 GHz ISM band and the converted signals are transmitted each by a transmit antenna inside the building, the transmit antennas serving at the same time as access points of a WLAN which is used for transmitting additional positioning data like the positions of the transmit antennas and the signal delay times associated with them. By cycling through the secondary positioning signals received from the transmit antennas, i.e., down-converting each of them during an assigned time slot, and determining clock bias differences in the receiver, the position of the latter is determined using TDOA algorithms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: U-Blox AG
    Inventors: Andreas Thiel, Heinz Mathis, Etienne Favey
  • Patent number: 7170446
    Abstract: A phased array antenna is provided having a plurality of phase shifter devices for phase shifting and beam steering a radiated beam of the phased array antenna. The plurality of phase shifter devices are interconnected with an interconnect structure comprising a plurality of linear array substrate slats. Each linear array substrate slat includes a plurality of radiating elements formed using first and second metal layers of the substrate slat, a plurality of phase shifter devices and a common RF feed conductor for the plurality of radiating elements. The common RF feed conductor is formed on a third metal layer of the substrate slat that is disposed between the first and second metal layers. The common RF feed conductor is configured to include a single location for electrical connections to receive RF signals for the plurality of radiating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. West, John C. Mather
  • Patent number: 7170447
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the processing of false alarms in position determination. At least one embodiment of the present invention estimates and uses measurement false alarm probabilities in the position determination process. In one embodiment, the estimated measurement false alarm probabilities are combined to determine the reliability of the determined position solution or the reliability of the set of measurements as a collection. In one embodiment, the estimated measurement false alarm probabilities are used in the isolation and elimination of faulty measurements. For example, the traditional geometry based metric for identifying a faulty measurement is further weighted according to the measurement false alarm probabilities in order to determine the faulty measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Wyatt T. Riley, Christopher Patrick
  • Patent number: 7170448
    Abstract: An omnidirectional resonant antenna in a half-plane or in the whole plane comprises a single radiating electric conductor (26) having at least three abutted wires (28, 30, 32), the length of each wire and the orientation of the wires relative to one another determining the global orientation of the electric conductor. The wires are oriented along at least three different spatial directions and the lengths of the wires are designed to obtain an omnidirectional global radiation of the electric conductor in a half-plane or in the whole plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.)
    Inventors: Bernard Jecko, Francois Torres, Guillaume Villemaud
  • Patent number: 7170449
    Abstract: An antenna system for ground penetrating radar, comprising at least two orthogonally mounted transmitter antenna elements (1, 2) and at least two orthogonally mounted receiver antenna elements (3, 4), in which the antenna elements consist of triangular monopoles formed by adding metal surfaces to a plate carrier (6), made of fiberglass substrate, that is mounted on the bottom side of a layer of radar absorbing material (7), wherein the upper side of the absorber is covered by a metallic ground plane (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: 3D-Radar AS
    Inventor: Egil Eide
  • Patent number: 7170450
    Abstract: An antenna comprises a first metal element, a second metal element, a third metal element, a ground element and a cable. The first metal element and the second metal element are connected to the ground element. The third metal element is disposed on the first metal element. The cable is coupled to the first metal element. The antenna has three different resonant frequencies (a first resonant frequency, a second resonant frequency and a third resonant frequency) for transmitting three signals in different frequency bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Wistron NeWeb Corp.
    Inventors: Yuan-Li Chang, Chih-Ming Wang
  • Patent number: 7170451
    Abstract: An antenna device having ultra wide bandwidth characteristics includes: a dielectric substrate having first and second surfaces that are opposite to each other in a normal direction; a radiating element formed on the first surface of the dielectric substrate and defining an axis perpendicular to the normal direction; and a grounding element formed on the second surface of the dielectric substrate and cooperating with the radiating element to define first and second imaginary slots in the dielectric substrate. The first and second imaginary slots extend in the normal direction from the first surface to the second surface of the dielectric substrate, and are respectively disposed at two opposite sides of the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Universal Scientific Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fideric Hsu
  • Patent number: 7170452
    Abstract: A portable computer having: a main body; and a monitor in which a planar inverted F antenna (PIFA) is installed. The planar inverted F antenna has: a ground plane; a first radiator connected to the ground plane, spaced from the ground plane; and a second radiator connected to the first radiator, spaced from the first radiator, and with an end connected to an antenna cable. Thus, with only one planar inverted F antenna (PIFA), a multi-band function is performed, and frequency characteristics of a portable computer are improved, since to connect the antenna cable to an end of a planar inverted F antenna enables a frequency band to be broadened, compared with a conventional connection. Also, improvement of an installation structure of the planar inverted F antenna enables assembly and maintenance to be simplified, and manufacturing and repair costs to be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chee-hwan Yang
  • Patent number: 7170453
    Abstract: An antenna apparatus includes a plurality of antennas having different resonance frequencies and a feeding section for supplying common power to feeding terminals of the plurality of antennas. Open terminals of the plurality of antennas are separate. As at least one of the plurality of antennas is implemented as a helical antenna having a helical conductor section trimmed, the transmission-reception band can be put into a wide band. Further, an antenna apparatus includes a plurality of antennas, a connection conductor provided between the antennas for connecting the antennas in series, a feeding section provided in one of terminal sections to which the connection conductor is not connected in the plurality of antennas connected in series, and an additional conductor provided in the other terminal section to which the connection conductor is not connected, wherein the additional conductor is an open end part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Noguchi, Munenori Fujimura, Hiromi Tokunaga, Kenichi Kozaki, Shigefumi Akagi, Shuichiro Yamaguchi, Keisuke Maruyama
  • Patent number: 7170454
    Abstract: An antenna arrangement including a first matching circuit; a second matching circuit; a first antenna connected to the first matching circuit; a second antenna, moveable with respect to the first antenna, between an extended position in which it is connected to the first matching circuit and a non-extended position in which it forms a couple between the first antenna and the second matching circuit, wherein the second antenna has an impedance that is brought towards a first impedance at a first operational frequency band when the second antenna is moved into the extended position and the first antenna has an impedance which is brought towards the first impedance at a first operational frequency band when the second antenna is moved into the non-extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Faton Tefiku
  • Patent number: 7170455
    Abstract: An attachment structure for an antenna which assures a good performance of the antenna and an electronic apparatus which can be miniaturized while assuring a good performance of an antenna are disclosed. The includes a display block capable of displaying various display screens thereon, and an attachment base made of a metal and having the display block attached thereto. The attachment base is positioned at least on the rear face side of the display block. The electronic apparatus further includes an antenna for performing radio communication therethrough. Each of the attachment base and the antenna has a positioning element provided thereon such that the positioning element of the antenna is positioned on and with respect to the positioning element of the attachment base to attach the antenna to the attachment base positioned on the rear face side of the display block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Nozomi Ozaki, Katsuyoshi Onishi, Hiroki Tamai
  • Patent number: 7170456
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dielectric chip antenna structure using a metal conductor formed at the lateral side of the antenna along the longitudinal direction of the antenna. The dielectric chip antenna structure forms the metal conductor at the long side of the antenna to induce antenna resonance through coupling effect between the antenna and the ground. Furthermore, the dielectric chip antenna structure minimizes the space occupied by the antenna and modifies the theoretical feeding structures of the reverse F type antenna and monopole antenna to meet user's various demands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Information and Communications University Research and Industrial Cooperation Group
    Inventors: Won Il Kwak, Seong Ook Park
  • Patent number: 7170457
    Abstract: A laboratory has a mobile housing, a testing apparatus, a shielding unit and a first/second testing set. The housing has a top, an interior space and a shielding baffle formed inside the interior space to divide the interior space into a first room and a second room having a top, four sides and a bottom. The testing apparatus is mounted inside the first room. The shielding unit is mounted inside the second room. The first testing set is mounted inside the second room and enclosed inside the shielding unit. The testing set includes a table and a receiver. The table is attached to the bottom of the second room. The receiver is separable from the table and is electrically connected to the testing apparatus in the first room. In such an arrangement, the mobile laboratory can be transported to any desired location conveniently and is versatile in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventors: Yao-Ming Tsai, Orsan Huang
  • Patent number: 7170458
    Abstract: The present invention involves an inflatable antenna system including an inflatable antenna and a mounting plate. The inflatable antenna includes an inflatable cone or cylinder and a plurality of conductors integrated therein. The mounting plate can be incorporated into a protective enclosure that holds and protects the inflatable antenna during transport, supports it during use, and provides a means for mounting it to a mast. The mounting plate serves as a mounting surface for the inflatable antenna, a radio frequency (RF) connector, an air intake valve, and an impedance matching network. Selected surfaces of the protective enclosure can be coated with conductive materials. An air intake valve allows for inflation and deflation of the inflatable antenna. Inflatable support members can be used in conjunction with a stabilizing portion comprised of a vertical member and attached weight, to allow the inflatable antenna system to be deployed in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: AvalonRF, Inc.
    Inventor: Eliahu Weinstein
  • Patent number: 7170459
    Abstract: An antenna assembly for mounting on a backstay of a sailboat. An insulative support apparatus includes a slotted center tube that can be forced over the backstay for mounting thereon. First and second outer tubes are attached on opposite sides of the center tube for holding first and second elongated radiators. Proximal ends of the radiators are electrically joined together and to a lead in-wire for connection to a receiver and/or transmitter. Distal ends of the radiators are secured at distal ends of the outer tubes by attachment to eyelets on the bottoms of plugs inserted into the distal ends of the outer tubes, which serve additionally to prevent water from entering the tubes. The outer tubes each include a water drainage channel to allow moisture accumulating to run out a bottom, proximal end of each tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Michael McKim
  • Patent number: 7170460
    Abstract: A polarized wave separator includes a tubular waveguide, and a partition extending in the waveguide along the longitudinal direction thereof. The end of the partition facing the longitudinal direction is a step-graded end taking a stepped configuration when viewed from the side. A dielectric portion is disposed so as to cover at least the portion of the step-graded end when viewed in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jiro Miyahara
  • Patent number: 7170461
    Abstract: The dipole antenna includes a first antenna element assembly and a second antenna element assembly arranged in a dipole antenna configuration. The first antenna element assembly has one or more conical antenna elements, and the second antenna element assembly has a series of conical antenna elements with each successive conical antenna element at least partially within a prior conical antenna element. Each of the first and second antenna dipole assemblies may also include a respective disk antenna element and a filament antenna element. The antenna has a stable beamwidth and broad bandwidth over a range of frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Francis Eugene Parsche
  • Patent number: 7170462
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an antenna structure having high reception performance and having neither material limitations nor design limitations, and to provide a radio controlled wristwatch utilizing the antenna structure as mentioned above, and further wherein the present invention relates to an antenna structure to be used inside a metal outer casing and having a configuration which receives radio wave, the antenna structure being characterized by having a structure wherein a coil is wound about a magnetic core and being able to receive a magnetic flux from outside the metal outer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Ihara, Shigeyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7170463
    Abstract: Broadband omnidirectional, vertically polarized communications antenna systems are disclosed. The antenna systems comprises a plurality of center-fed stacked dipole radiating elements disposed along a central axis, a coaxial feed line coupled between each of the stacked radiating elements. In certain embodiments, a two-wire balun is coupled to a feed point of each radiating element and a shunt inductor and capacitor are coupled to each radiating element. Other embodiments do not require the use of the balun. Certain embodiments use a printed-circuit dipole having a flat shape. Other embodiments use a metal dipole having a cylindrical shape. The array antenna systems may be stacked vertically in separate bays each with its independent RF port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Antenna Research Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Seavey
  • Patent number: 7170464
    Abstract: An integrated antenna for mobile communications. A short-circuiting metal cylinder is provided in the antenna for arranging other functional modules such that the antenna and related circuits may have better integration. The provided antenna includes a ground with a via-hole; a radiating member arranged on the ground and having a feeding portion for receiving signals via electrical connection through the via-hole; and a short-circuiting member having a space, a first end of which is electrically connected to the ground substantially vertically, and the other end of which is electrically connected to the radiating member. The radiating member further includes a first sub-radiating member, a second sub-radiating member and a third sub-radiating member. The first sub-radiating member is substantially triangular, and the second sub-radiating portion is substantially parallel to the ground. The third sub-radiating member is substantially parallel to the first sub-radiating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chia-Lun Tang, Shih-Huang Yeh, Kin-Lu Wong, Shao-Lun Chien
  • Patent number: 7170465
    Abstract: AN RF diversity antenna coupling structure includes a differential low noise amplifier, a differential power amplifier, a first switch coupled to a first antenna, a second switch coupled to a second antenna, a first transformer, a second transformer, a transformer balun. The first transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein the primary winding of the first transformer is operably coupled to a differential output of the power amplifier, and wherein the secondary winding of the first transformer has a desired output impedance. The second transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein the primary winding of the second transformer is operably coupled to a differential input of the low noise amplifier, and wherein the secondary winding of the second transformer has a desired output impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza (Reza) Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 7170466
    Abstract: A wiper-type phase shifter with a cantilever shoe that ensures that the electrical contact on the wiper arm remains in electrical communication with the transmission trace located on the antenna backplane without relying to an element, such as a spring-loaded set screw, that passes through the backplane. The cantilever shoe thus provides a wiper hold-down mechanism without requiring holes or slots through the backplane, which could allow rain or other elements to get inside the antenna enclosure. A dual-polarization antenna that includes a wiper-type phase shifter for each polarization. The wiper arms define gear portions that engage each other, which allows a single actuator, typically located on the rear of the backplane opposite the location of the wiper arms, to drive both wiper arms in a coordinated manner. The antenna is suitable for use as a wireless base station antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: EMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Darin M. Janoschka
  • Patent number: 7170467
    Abstract: A method of producing an antenna coupler for placement on an antenna under test (AUT) having an aperture. This method includes the steps of constructing a probe from a section of RF hard-line stock having a center conductor and an outer conductor. The outer conductor is removed to expose a portion of the center conductor having a length equal to or less than ¼ wavelength of the AUT. The probe is embedded within a fiberglass shell and has an exposed RF connector for connection to equipment for performing tests on the AUT. The probe is then positioned across the aperture of the Antenna Under Test (AUT).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Graham D. Town
  • Patent number: 7170468
    Abstract: A section of a housing on a portable computing device is removed or folded away, thereby exposing a free edge of an LCD screen as well as electrical (data and power) connectors and structural connectors. Connectors are placed symmetrically across the exposed edge whereby a male connector on one side mates with a female connector on the other device. Two such devices are physically pushed together, with locking catches securing the two devices together. Upon docking, the two devices recognize the new configuration and re-map the desktop area of the display into a single display for the combined device. In a preferred embodiment, either a top edge or a side edge is selectively exposed independently on the same device, to mate two devices in either a portrait or landscape orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Andrew Knopf
  • Patent number: 7170469
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a source frame signal received at a first frame rate to a destination frame signal output at a second frame rate. By adjusting the number of pixel data in the destination frame signal, the second frame rate is made to be the same as the first frame rate. Adjusting the amount of non-visible porch signals for at least one horizontal line of the destination frame signal prevents overflow and underflow conditions. The number of non-visible porch signals is increased to prevent underflow or decreased to prevent overflow. The number of non-visible porch signals in the last horizontal line is adjusted to comply with some display devices having a maximum time constraint from a last horizontal sync signal to a vertical sync signal in the destination frame signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Jin-Sheng Gong, Issac Chen
  • Patent number: 7170470
    Abstract: The invention includes providing a display by moving a colorant particle, having an electric charge, inside a channel of a body in a direction that is substantially parallel to a direction of extension of the channel and a direction of incoming illumination rays. The colorant particle can be moved between a position at a bottom of the channel and at a top of the channel by the force of an electric field generated by a charge at the bottom of the channel. The invention can be applied to an analog dot display as well as a digital dot display. The invention covers methods of manufacturing the displays discussed above. The invention is also not limited to covering displays, and also covers at least print media, wherein colorant particles are locked at appropriate locations within the channels, either temporarily or permanently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Brother International Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Darty
  • Patent number: 7170471
    Abstract: An interlace-type PDP is driven by an improved driving method so as to achieve a greater operating margin, higher resolution, and higher brightness. The interlace-type PDP is driven using odd and even frames in such a manner that the cells are grouped into cell groups such that each cell group includes two or three cells which are adjacent in a direction crossing the electrode pairs, and the cells are driven in units of cell groups. The grouping of cells is performed differently for even and odd frames such that, in one type of frame, locations of two or three cells grouped into each group are shifted by one cell, in the direction crossing the electrode pairs, from the locations of cells grouped together in the other type of frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunobu Hashimoto, Hajime Inoue, Yoshiho Seo, Naoki Itokawa
  • Patent number: 7170472
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for driving a plasma display panel wherein an initializing discharge can be weakened to lower a dark room brightness and an initialization time can be shortened to permit a single scanning. In the apparatus, a sensing device senses an electrical signal with an initialization waveform applied from a voltage source to a display panel. A controlling device controls said electrical signal with an initialization waveform applied from the voltage source to the display panel by the sensed electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chung Hoo Park, Dong Hyun Kim, Sung Hyun Lee, Young Kee Kim, Jeong Eun Heo, Joong Hong Shin, Ho Jun Lee, Eung Kwan Lee
  • Patent number: 7170473
    Abstract: A device for driving a PDP for arranging scan electrodes and sustain electrodes in parallel for each display line, and arranging address electrodes to be crossed with the scan electrodes and the sustain electrodes. The device has a first switch and a second switch that are coupled in series between a first voltage and a second voltage, a capacitor coupled between a contact point of the first switch and the second switch and a third voltage. A rising ramp switch for forming a constant current is coupled to the third voltage at a first end of the rising ramp switch; and a main path switch is coupled between the contact point of the first and second switches and another end of the rising ramp switch, for forming a constant current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joo-Yul Lee
  • Patent number: 7170474
    Abstract: In an address driving circuit including a power recovery circuit, an energy charged in an external capacitor is established to be greater than an energy discharged from the external capacitor. As a result, a voltage of the external capacitor is increased to an address voltage to automatically stop a power recovery operation in the case of displaying a full white pattern. Further, to perform the power recovery operation in the cases of the dot on/off pattern and the line on/off pattern, the voltage of the external capacitor reaches an equilibrium state between the half the address voltage and the address voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-Young Lee, Byung-Nam An, Nam-Sung Jung
  • Patent number: 7170475
    Abstract: A display device is provided with a display screen (30) for displaying image information, having a predetermined number of luminescent picture elements (35). In operation, an electron beam (45) is generated by an electron gun (40) and entered into a two-dimensional slalom guide (10), wherein the beam is guided in two mutually perpendicular directions by means of slalom focusing. Subsequently, the electron beam (45) is extracted from a selected cell (56) of the slalom guide (10) towards a corresponding picture element (35). The path of the electron beam (45) in the slalom guide (10) can be fully customized within the guidance plane. Preferably, the guidance plane extends substantially parallel to the display screen (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Michel Cornelis Josephus Marie Vissenberg
  • Patent number: 7170476
    Abstract: A method for producing a fixed display panel using a matrix display panel. In the method, the holding state of memory elements of a plurality of pixels of the matrix display panel is changed to one of two values, in accordance with the predetermined fixed pattern, m driving lines are jointly connected as a first electrode and n scanning lines are jointly connected as a second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Sakamoto, Hideo Ochi, Masami Tsuchida
  • Patent number: 7170477
    Abstract: When reproducing an image by a display apparatus having a plurality of pixels, in an average signal level operation circuit is performed an operation to obtain an average signal level which is an average level of all the pixel signals in a picture signal including a pixel signal representing information of a pixel, then, according to this average signal level, in an input signal-output brightness property setting circuit is set an input signal-output brightness property representing variations in brightness of a pixel with respect to a level of the pixel signal, then, the compensation of the picture signal is performed either to satisfy the input signal-output brightness property thus set in a signal compensation section or to allow variations in maximum output brightness of a pixel of the display apparatus according to the average signal level in a maximum output brightness adjustment circuit, so as to output the picture signal subject to compensation to the display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigetsugu Okamoto, Michiyuki Sugino
  • Patent number: 7170478
    Abstract: Degradations in light emitting elements occur with the passage of time. The invention provides a method of driving a light-emitting device provided with a plurality of pixels, which includes a light-emitting means with a first and a second electrodes, a drive means for supplying the light-emitting means with a current in response to an analog video signal, and a setting means for setting a sustaining period and an off time period within a frame period. The method of driving a light-emitting device is characterized by including the steps of: supplying the light-emitting means with the current in response to the analog video signal during the sustaining period; and turning the drive means off thereby to make the light-emitting means nonluminous or making the first and the second electrodes identical in potential thereby to make the light-emitting means nonluminous during the off time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Osame, Aya Anzai, Yu Yamazaki, Tomoyuki Iwabuchi
  • Patent number: 7170479
    Abstract: This invention provides a display device in which it is possible to have a light emitting element emitted light with constant luminance without coming under the influence of deterioration over time, and it is possible to realize accurate gray scale express, and yet, it is possible to speed up writing of a signal current to each pixel, and influence of noise of a leak current etc. is suppressed, and a driving method thereof. A plurality of pairs of switch portions and current source circuits are disposed in each pixel. Switching of each of a plurality of the switch portions is controlled by a digital video signal. When the switch portion is turned on, by a current supplied from the current source circuit making a pair with the switch portion, the light emitting element emits light. A current which is supplied from one current source circuit to the light emitting element is constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Kimura
  • Patent number: 7170480
    Abstract: A color video display apparatus comprises a pixel array with each pixel containing one or more LEDs for generating each of the selected colors and a diffractive optical element positioned in front of the array to form the transmitted light into a substantially elliptical pattern. Improved uniformity for the apparatus is achieved by measuring the intensity of each separate color generating LED in each pixel, recording each intensity and varying the current to each separate color LED or LEDs so that every LED or LEDs responsible for each color to provide a suitable color output. A feature of the apparatus is that a number of separate modules, each having a pixel array, can be combined to construct a video image board. These boards have applications in such areas as billboards along roadways and as signs in stadiums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Visioneered Image Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Norton K. Boldt, Jr., Curt K. Deckert
  • Patent number: 7170481
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a display film that may be transferred by lamination or otherwise onto a substrate. The display film is formed of a stack of layers that can include different types, arrangements, and functionality within the stack depending upon factors including the characteristics of the substrate (e.g., upper or lower, transparent or opaque, substrates) and addressing of the display (e.g., active or passive matrix, electrical or optical addressing). The layers of the stacked display film include one or more electrode layers and one or more liquid crystal layers and, in addition, may include various combinations of an adhesive layer, preparation layer, casting layer, light absorbing layer, insulation layers, and protective layers. The liquid crystal layer can include cholesteric or other liquid crystal material. The liquid crystal layer can be a dispersion of liquid crystal in a polymer matrix formed by a variety of techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Kent Displays Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph W. Doane, Asad A. Khan, Irina Shiyanovskaya, Tod Schneider, Oleg Pishnyak, Seth E. Green, Forrest N. Nicholson, Liang-Chy Chien
  • Patent number: 7170482
    Abstract: The color display according to the invention relates to a color display device and a color display method for color display by monochromatic display of data of respective colors in synchronism with sequential ON/OFF switching of three light sources for red, green and blue, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the red, green and blue light sources are controlled to turn on and off in the order of red, green, blue and green in each unit period and to repeat the unit period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Masaya Okita
  • Patent number: 7170483
    Abstract: A system for producing spatially modulated monochrome or color light having gray scale includes an active matrix liquid crystal spatial light modulator having light modulating means including (i) a layer of ferroelectric liquid crystal material which is designed to switch between ON and OFF states and (ii) active matrix means including VLSI circuitry for dividing the layer of liquid crystal material into an array of individual liquid crystal pixels and for causing each of the pixels of liquid crystal material to modulate light individually by switching between the ON and OFF states in a way that depends upon the data which the VLSI circuitry is written. The system also includes illumination means having a light source for directing light from the source into the pixel-divided layer of ferroelectric liquid crystal material in a specific way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Displaytech, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Handschy, Michael R. Meadows
  • Patent number: 7170484
    Abstract: A circuit configuration is simplified to enable a color display of a high aperture ratio and multiple gradations to have no malfunction A first transistor pair composing a first inverter and a second transistor pair composing a second inverter, while bridging alternating power sources ?p and ?n, are caused to act as an output circuit to a pixel electrode. Diodes D1 and D2 having the same forward direction as the conduction direction of the first transistors are inserted into the series circuit of the first transistor pair, and the common node of the diodes is connected with the output of a switching transistor. A capacitor is connected between a common node of control electrodes of the second transistor pair and a series connection intermediate node of the second transistor pair so that the written state of data is controlled by making use of charges stored in the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Displays, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshio Miyazawa
  • Patent number: 7170485
    Abstract: A method includes providing a capacitor to maintain a terminal voltage of a pixel cell near a predetermined voltage. A memory is provided to store a digital indication of the predetermined voltage, and during a refresh operation, the digital indication is converter into an analog voltage to update a charge on the capacitor. A light modulator cell includes a pixel cell, a capacitor, a memory and a digital-to-analog converter. The capacitor maintains a terminal voltage of the pixel cell near a predetermined voltage, and the memory stores a digital indication of the predetermined voltage. The digital-to-analog converter converts the digital indication into an analog voltage to update a charge on the capacitor during a refresh operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Samson Huang
  • Patent number: 7170486
    Abstract: A system for the secure access of individuals belonging to a community to Internet resources, comprising a dedicated keyboard provided with an identification means suitable to identify it when accessing a web site, and an automatic URL calling means suitable to force a browser coupled with said keyboard to open a web page the URL of which is supplied by said keyboard, the system further comprise one or more web pages the access from which is limited to specific predetermined web pages, the access to the World Wide Web from such pages being precluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Comfyware Ltd.
    Inventors: Gil Lemel, Ety Gofer
  • Patent number: 7170487
    Abstract: A pointing device includes an elastic plate is provided with a perforation or notch through which a pin can be inserted. Terminal electrodes are formed, and then strain resistant elements are formed in the state in which the pin is inserted through the perforation or notch. Thus, variations in the positional relationship between the terminal electrodes and the strain resistant elements are eliminated. A base plate may be provided with a perforation or notch which can receive the pin. The pin is inserted through the notch of the elastic plate. The elastic plate is mounted on the base plate using the pin as a guide. The elastic plate may be made of yttrium-stabilized zirconia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Endo, Teruyoshi Mukaihira
  • Patent number: 7170488
    Abstract: A solid-state roller on a pointing device with enhanced features. The solid-state design described herein allows the sensor to be placed on any shape of surface, such as one that has curvature in two directions. In one embodiment, a trench or downward curve contains sensors for detecting finger movement. The user's finger can thus bend about a knuckle in a curved motion to activate the sensor, requiring little or no movement of the finger up and down. The solid-state sensors can be of one of a number of designs. In one embodiment, multiple electrodes are contacted by a finger as it moves. Each electrode is coupled to a capacitive detection circuit, for detecting the change in capacitance as the electrode is contacted by the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Florian Max Kehlstadt, Berni Joss, Julien Piot, Marc Bidiville, Laurent Plancherel, Baptiste Merminod, Jean-Luc Dupraz, Maxime Marini, Chiu Yu
  • Patent number: 7170489
    Abstract: A computer system comprises a keyboard (11), a display screen (13), a first pair of position-sensing electrodes (18.1, 18.2), a second pair of position-sensing electrodes (20.1, 20.2), a signal injection electrode (22), and an oscillator (27). The oscillator injects a signal via the signal injection electrode and the operator's left hand (L) into the operator's body, and this creates a field around the operator's right hand (R). The position-sensing electrodes are arranged underneath the keyboard and sense the strength of the field. This enables the position of the operator's right hand (R) in an X-Y plane above the keyboard to be determined. To this end the position-sensitive electrodes are connected via synchronous detectors (34, 44) and an analogue-to-digital converter (36) to a microprocessor (46), which operates to control the position of a cursor on the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Ethertouch Limited
    Inventor: Hans Rudolf Sterling
  • Patent number: 7170490
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for finding a pointing element within a digital image. A digitized image is received including a background and an object to be tracked. The background and the object have a different color. A rectangle is defined within the image including at least a portion of the object. The defined rectangle is searched to determine the X and Y coordinates of the pointing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Weather Central, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexis Wilke
  • Patent number: 7170491
    Abstract: A system and method for accelerating scrolling of a display is disclosed. When a wheel of a wheeled pointing device is actuated by a user at a first rotational rate, the display in a window scrolls up or down one line at a time. When the wheel is rotated at a second rotational rate, the display in the window scrolls up or down multiple lines at a time. In additional embodiments, the scrolling technique shifts from one line at a time/multiple lines at a time to a page or pages at a time when the wheel is rotated for at a rotational rate for a minimum period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Alessandro Levi Montalcini
  • Patent number: 7170492
    Abstract: An interactive video display system. A display screen is for displaying a visual image for presentation to a user. A camera is for detecting an object in an interactive area located in front of the display screen, the camera operable to capture three-dimensional information about the object. A computer system is for directing the display screen to change the visual image in response to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Reactrix Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Bell