Patents Issued in September 11, 2007
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Patent number: 7268809Abstract: A digital imaging system uses a high density, high speed analog/multi-level memory to temporarily store image data at high rates for extended periods of time. A portion of the stored data is transmitted for image processing and compression. When image processing and compression on the data are completed, another portion of the stored data is transmitted for processing. As a result, high speed image capture for extended periods is possible because the processing speed of the image processing and compression no longer limit the time required between high speed bursts or the length of a high speed burst.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1998Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: San Disk CorporationInventors: Sau C. Wong, Leo Petropoulos
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Patent number: 7268810Abstract: The present invention provides a digital camera that prevents photographing errors attributed to an increase in sensitivity effected by reducing the recordable image size. In a digital camera that allows a high sensitivity to be set by pixel mixture, a display is provided to prevent photographing errors caused by restrictions or the like resulting from setting of a high sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Masanori Yoshida
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Patent number: 7268811Abstract: A zoom lens system is disclosed which includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit, a second lens unit, a third lens unit and a fourth lens unit which have a positive, negative, positive and positive optical power, respectively, and at least the first, third and fourth lens units move during zooming so that the distance between the first and second lens units increases, the distance between the second and third lens units decreases and the distance between the third and fourth lens units decreases at the telephoto end compared to the wide-angle end. Then, by appropriately setting lens elements constituting each lens unit and focal lengths of the lens units which move during zooming, the present invention realizes high optical performance over the entire zooming range and entire image area while achieving a desired zoom ratio.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takashi Shirasuna
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Patent number: 7268812Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device and a pixel defect testing method thereof are disclosed. A solid-state image pickup device including: a pixel unit having a plurality of unit pixels that perform photoelectric conversion; a driving circuit for driving the pixel unit to control output of a pixel output signal; an output signal processing circuit for subjecting the pixel output signal outputted from the pixel unit according to the driving of the driving circuit to predetermined signal processing, and outputting a resulting pixel output signal; a pixel defect determining circuit for capturing the pixel output signal outputted from the pixel unit according to the driving of the driving circuit, and determining a pixel defect by comparing the pixel output signal with a predetermined reference signal; and a timing generator for supplying a predetermined operating pulse to the driving circuit, the output signal processing circuit, and the pixel defect determining circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hiroki Sato, Nobuo Nakamura, Keiji Mabuchi, Takashi Abe, Tomoyuki Umeda, Hiroaki Fujita, Eiichi Funatsu
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Patent number: 7268813Abstract: A solid state imaging apparatus includes a plurality of pixels two-dimensionally arranged in the row direction and the column direction, and every two of the plurality of pixels that are adjacent to each other in the row direction or the column direction include color filters of different colors, respectively. A signal mixture circuit is provided in each same-row and same-color pixel group. Each said same-row and same-color pixel group consisting of ones of the plurality of pixels which are included in a pixel mixture unit to be a subject of pixel signal mixture, which are located in the same row, and which include color filters of the same color. The signal mixture circuit includes a combination of a capacitor and a transmission switch, stores pixel signals from pixels included in a same-row and same-color pixel group and mixes the signals together.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiko Murata, Takumi Yamaguchi, Toshiya Fujii
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Patent number: 7268814Abstract: Imaging techniques and devices for performing time-delayed integration based on active pixel sensors. An integrator array is integrated on the chip with the active pixel sensors to perform correlated double sampling and the signal summing based switching capacitor banks.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Bedabrata Pain, Thomas J. Cunningham, Guang Yang, Monico Ortiz
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Differential readout of a pixel array with elimination of pixel- and column-wise fixed pattern noise
Patent number: 7268815Abstract: The present invention discloses an amplifying circuit, comprising an amplifying element with at least an input terminal and an output terminal. A signal input node is provided, the signal levels of which at least two moments in time are to be amplified by the amplifying element. At least two connecting lines are provided between the signal input node and the amplifying element, for transferring a signal from the signal input node to the input terminal of the amplifying element. A memory element is located on at least one of the connecting lines, for storing a signal level of the signal input node at a moment in time, and a switching element is disposed on each connecting line, between the memory element and the input terminal of the amplifying element if a memory element is provided on the connecting line, for consecutively connecting signal levels of the signal input node at different moments in time to the same amplifying element.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation (Belgium) BVBAInventor: Guy Meynants -
Patent number: 7268816Abstract: Electrode substrates, a movable element which can freely move reciprocally by being guided by the electrode substrates, and in which electrodes are formed on a pair of surfaces thereof facing one another, and which has a lens, an image pickup element imaging an image which was image-formed by the lens, a control unit controlling a position of the movable element, and a stopper regulating movement of the movable element within the movable range thereof. The control unit positions the movable element at a predetermined position by making the movable element abut the stopper.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Mitsunobu Yoshida, Akihiro Koga
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Patent number: 7268817Abstract: A method of automatically focusing a camera determines a position of a focus lens where an amount of a high frequency in an image signal is a maximum. The amount of a high frequency included in an image signal is measured at intervals of multiple focus motor steps. Three of the measured positions (x1, x2, x3) and their corresponding measured high frequency amounts (y1, y2, y3) are identified, where y2 is the largest of the measured high frequency amounts, and x1 and x3 are the nearest measured positions on either side of x2. A quadratic function f(x) is determined for the high frequency amount with respect to the focus lens position x. A position at which a derivative ? f ? ( x ) ? x of the quadratic function f(x) is zero, is determined to be the position corresponding to maximum high frequency amount. Thus, the driving time of the focus motor can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byung-kwon Lee, Soon-hac Hong
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Patent number: 7268818Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed which provides good usability and operability. The optical apparatus comprises a first memory storing a default setting data set for controlling functions of the apparatus and a second memory storing a user setting data set for controlling the functions. The default setting values included in the default setting data set are non-rewritable, and the user setting values included in the user setting data set are rewritable based on the default setting values.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Katsumi Karasawa
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Patent number: 7268819Abstract: A scanning camera includes an imaging device for capturing an image of an object with a photoelectric-conversion imaging element; a support shaft for supporting the imaging device to change a photographing direction of the imaging device; a frame for supporting the imaging device through the support shaft; a driver fixed to the frame for rotating the imaging device; and a flexible connector electrically connected to the imaging element and extending to the frame from the imaging device. The flexible connector extends from at least two positions at both sides relative to an axis of the support shaft such that the two portions are parallel to the axis of the support shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Nisca CorporationInventor: Yuuki Horigome
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Patent number: 7268820Abstract: A video signal conversion apparatus which can enhance display qualities for video signals of both film source and video source. The conversion apparatus includes an input signal discrimination unit which discriminates the sort and signal supply source of an input video signal, and an operation mode setting unit which sets the operation modes of the individual sorts of video signals for each of a plurality of signal supply sources. The operation mode which corresponds to the sort and signal supply source of the input video signal as discriminated by the input signal discrimination unit is obtained from the operation mode setting unit, and the operation of at least one of a film source discrimination unit, an interlace/progressive conversion unit and a frame rate conversion unit is controlled in accordance with the obtained operation mode.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Pioneer CorporationInventors: Hirofumi Honda, Tetsuya Shigeta, Tetsuro Nagakubo
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Patent number: 7268821Abstract: A method of interpolating a given output pixel value when upconverting interlaced video to progressive video includes the step of determining averages for vertically adjacent pixels, left diagonally adjacent pixels, and right diagonally adjacent pixels respectively for the given output pixel and the step of determining differences between the vertically adjacent pixels, the left diagonally adjacent pixels, and the right diagonally adjacent pixels respectively. The method further selects as an interpolated value for the given output pixel among the averages based on a minimal difference of an absolute value among the differences respectively and further constrains the interpolated value to the value of the average of the vertically adjacent pixels if a value of the given output pixel is not between a range of values defined by adjacent pixels above and below the given output pixel or if the selected minimal difference is not unique.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventor: John Kimball Lufkin
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Patent number: 7268822Abstract: There is provided a de-interlacing method including: receiving first and third image lines; selecting an upper vector having an N number of pixels among the first image lines, and selecting a lower vector having an N number of pixels among the third image lines; obtaining a weighted value on the basis of a relation between the pixels within the upper vector and a relation between the pixels within the lower vector; selecting an edge direction from the selected upper vector, the selected lower vector, and the obtained weighted value; and interpolating a pixel belonging to a second image line between the first and third image lines on the basis of the selected edge direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Moon Gi Kang, Min Kyu Park
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Patent number: 7268823Abstract: There is provided a system for the automatic collection and conditioning of closed caption texts originating from multiple geographic locations, comprising: (1) at least one remote capture client means having a tuner to receive one or more television signals, a decoder to decode closed caption text stream in the television signals, and means to write the closed caption text stream to a text file, (2) central server means operatively connected to the remote capture client means for storing the text files and making the text files available to a user, and (3) an inquiry client means operatively connected to the central server means for searching the text files. The central server is adapted to automatically process search requests from the inquiry client and notify the inquiry client via any suitable communications means, even when the inquiry client is not in active communication with the central server.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2001Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Medialink Worldwide IncorporatedInventors: Jeremy Mitts, Joe Dulin Taylor, Jr.
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Patent number: 7268824Abstract: A jitter canceling apparatus is provided for canceling jitter in a video signal. For processing a video signal, using as a reference an internal synchronization signal and an external synchronization signal different from the internal synchronization signal in the jitter canceling apparatus, an external synchronization signal generator generates the external synchronization signal from an external reference signal. A jitter detector detects time difference jitter, which is jitter in a time difference between the internal and external synchronization signals. The external synchronization signal generator controls the external synchronization signal generating operation in response to the detected time difference jitter to reduce the time difference jitter.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Leader Electronics CorporationInventor: Noriyuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 7268825Abstract: A sync generator (genlock) (10) for frequency and phase locking an incoming video signal to a system clock (12) includes a digitizer (16, 22) for digitizing the incoming video signal to yield a digitized color sub-carrier burst component. A numerically controlled oscillator (15) clocked by the system clock generates a phase lock reference signal for locking to the incoming video signal. Phase detection means logic unit (42, 74) sense a static phase offset magnitude from an ideal 90° phase offset between the digitized color sub-carrier burst component and the numerically controlled oscillator output signal. In accordance with the sensed static offset, a static phase error nulling circuit (70) generates a compensating offset in accordance for input to the system clock (27) to drive the static offset to zero, thus achieving frequency and phase locking.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Thomson Licensing LLCInventor: John Joseph Ciardi
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Patent number: 7268826Abstract: A system receives a transport stream containing video data and audio data. A determination is made regarding the time required to process the video data contained in the transport stream and the time required to process the audio data contained in the transport stream. The system then determines a difference in time to process the video contained in the transport stream as compared to the audio data contained in the transport stream. Presentation of the audio data is delayed by this difference in time to synchronize presentation of the audio data with presentation of the video data.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: James Lundblad, Ramaneek Khanna
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Patent number: 7268827Abstract: A timing signal transferring circuit (10) that may be arranged to stably transfer a timing signal (S1) between two video signal processing circuits that may operate at different clock frequencies has been disclosed. A first timing signal (S1) may be received from a pre-stage video processing circuit (13). The first timing signal (S1) may be synchronous with a pre-stage system clock (C1) and may be set to the vicinity of a center of a screen by a video signal. A second timing signal (S2) may be generated on the basis of first timing signal (S1) and transferred to a post-stage video signal processing circuit (14). Second timing signal (S2) may be synchronous with a post-stage system clock (C2). In this way, a disturbance or distortion of a video on a screen due to a difference in system clock frequency affecting a video signal in the post-stage circuit may be reduced or eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2002Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: NEC Electronics CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Fukumori, Eifuu Nezu, Kenji Suzuki
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Patent number: 7268828Abstract: A television receiver includes a switching portion which receives each of a video signal received and obtained by an antenna and a video signal read from a storage medium, and selectively outputs one of the video signals in response to an instruction signal for output selection, a detection portion which detects a mode of a video signal, a selection/control portion which supplies the instruction signal for output selection to the switching portion, and outputs a detection result corresponding to a preset specific mode from the detection portion, a signal processing portion which applies sequential scanning conversion processing to the video signal selected and output by the switching portion, and a display portion which displays the video signal subjected to the sequential scanning conversion processing.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Yasuhiko Mutoh
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Patent number: 7268829Abstract: A display apparatus including a display to display a picture; a signal processor to format a video signal to be output to the display; and a controller to output a control signal to the signal processor on the basis of a picture display state controlled through a control screen; wherein the picture display state is set by a user through the control screen, which is displayed concurrently with a plurality of reference screens displaying different values of the picture display state.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jin-bog Kim
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Patent number: 7268830Abstract: Disclosed are a video display appliance having a function of varying a screen ratio of a main picture to a sub-picture depending upon a position of a user when a twin picture function is provided, and a control method thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sang Seok Lee
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Patent number: 7268831Abstract: A method and apparatus for isolating a noise intolerant device, e.g., a phase-lock loop of a tuner within a television receiver, from source of noise. In one embodiment, the apparatus isolates a phase-lock loop integrated circuit (IC) from the bus, by providing an isolation buffer that allows the receiver to only pass data to the tuner's phase-lock loop IC when a tune command is issued by a processor. When not being tuned, the IIC lines to the tuner are held HIGH by a buffer until needed again to perform the tuning function. This allows the demodulation circuitry to use a setting for a carrier tracking-loop that optimizes bit error rate performance.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: David Glen White, Matthew Thomas Mayer
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Patent number: 7268832Abstract: A key signal control unit for controlling the level of a key signal corresponding to an arbitrary position within a frame area to a level corresponding to a minimum distance from an inner edge of the frame area on the basis of the level of a key signal on the inner edge of the frame area as a reference value so that the frame area appears along an outer circumference of an image corresponding to a video signal. A totally new image special effect is thus made on the video signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Toshiaki Ouchi
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Patent number: 7268833Abstract: A display control method includes the steps of: dividing a screen into a first display region, on which a first broadcast signal is displayed, and a second display region having a plurality of sub screens, on which a second broadcast signal is displayed, in which the second broadcast signal is received in response to a channel searching command; and controlling a position of display region on which the second broadcast signal is displayed according to the viewer's control command. Broadcast signals of channels that a viewer wants to watch can be simply searched, thus maximizing the viewer's convenience.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Tae Jin Park, Ho Jun Nam
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Patent number: 7268834Abstract: Method and apparatus for combining a first video signal and a second video signal. The method comprising the act of replacing data in the second video signal with corresponding, in respect of a position within an image, data from the first video signal when said data in the second video signal represent a predefined repetitive pattern.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Axis, ABInventors: Stefan Lundberg, Gunnar Dahlgren
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Patent number: 7268835Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device and to a method for noise reduction of a video signal. The device is comprised of the following components. A motion-compensated interpolation means, a recursive filter intended to receive the output of the recursive filter motion-compensated by the interpolation means at a first input, and the video signal at a second input; means for calculating the difference between the video signal and the output of the recursive filter motion-compensated by the interpolation means; wherein the device includes means for providing the first input of the recursive filter either with the video signal if the difference is greater than a predetermined noise level threshold, or the motion-compensated output of the recursive filter, if the difference is less than the said predetermined noise level threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Jean-Yves Babonneau, Olivier Le Meur, Jacky Dieumegard
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Patent number: 7268836Abstract: A television tuner device includes a metal frame, including a shielding plate which separates the space defined by the metal frame into a first chamber at a first side plate and a second chamber at a second side plate opposite to the first side plate; a distribution unit may be disposed in the first chamber; a tuning unit disposed in the second chamber includes a mixer circuit converting a television signal into an intermediate-frequency signal, an oscillator provides the mixer circuit with an oscillated signal, and a phase-locked-loop (PLL) circuit controls the oscillation frequency of the oscillator; and a crystal oscillator disposed in the first chamber provides the PLL circuit with a reference signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masaki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7268837Abstract: A method and system that objectively measures the convergence and focus of a 2 or 3 spatial light modulator (SLM) projection display. The system uses five (5) CCD cameras and a frame grabber to store red, green, and blue (R-G-B) data from selected pixels located in the corners and center of the projector's field-of-view. The horizontal and vertical locations for the R-G-B pixels at each of the five locations is determined and the delta (?) displacement of the green and blue pixels, relative to the reference red pixel, is calculated and used to converge the image. The optical focus of the system is also determined using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The FFT is performed on this same data and a power spectrum summation beyond the first mimima is determined. The focus is then adjusted to maximize this value.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Randall Melton
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Patent number: 7268838Abstract: An array substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of gate lines formed of a first material and a plurality of data lines formed of a second material on a substrate, the plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines crossing each other, a plurality of thin film transistors electrically connected to the plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines, a plurality of pixel electrodes connected to the plurality of thin film transistors, a plurality of gate pads connected to the plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data pads connected to the plurality of data lines, a first shorting bar electrically connected to odd-numbered gate pads, the first shorting bar made of the first material, a second shorting bar electrically connected to even-numbered gate pads, the second shorting bar made of the second material, a third shorting bar electrically connected to odd-numbered data pads, the third shorting bar made of the first material, a fourth shorting bar electrically connType: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.Inventor: Byoung-Ho Lim
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Patent number: 7268839Abstract: An array substrate for a liquid crystal display device including a substrate, a gate electrode on the substrate, a first insulating layer on the gate electrode, an active layer on the first insulating layer and corresponding to the gate electrode, a source electrode over the active layer and overlapping an edge of the active layer, a drain electrode over the active layer and having an island shape, wherein the drain electrode entirely overlaps the gate electrode, a second insulating layer on the source and drain electrodes, and including a drain contact hole exposing the drain electrode, and a pixel electrode over the second insulating layer and connected to the drain electrode.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.Inventors: So-Haeng Cho, Dong-Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 7268840Abstract: A liquid crystal is sealed with a sealing member between first and second transparent substrates, whereby a liquid crystal cell capable of transmitting ultraviolet light is produced. The liquid crystal cell is inserted into a mould into which an ultraviolet-setting resin is dropped and which is used to produce a light control member. The ultraviolet-setting resin is pressed to be bonded to the liquid crystal cell. In this state, ultraviolet light is irradiated to the liquid crystal cell in the mould from outside the mould. Thus, the ultraviolet-setting resin is set while bonding to the liquid crystal cell. Thereafter, the liquid crystal cell is removed from the mould. Consequently, the light control member is directly formed on the liquid crystal cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Akiyama, Katsuo Matsuyama
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Patent number: 7268841Abstract: A display device 100 has a display unit 110 and a display switching unit 120. The display switching unit 120 is provided with a reflective polarizing plate 121, a liquid crystal panel 122, and a polarizing plate 123 arranged in this order from the side of the display unit 110 to the observation side. By controlling the liquid crystal panel 122, the display switching unit can be switched between a light transmissive state and a light reflective state. The display unit 110 and the display switching unit 120 are optically adhered to each other by an adhesive layer 131. Thus, deterioration of the contrast by boundary reflection can be restrained, and the flatness and the rigidity of the device can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Yasushi Kasajima, Toshihiko Tsuchihashi, Saori Eisaki, Takeyoshi Ushiki, Hiroshi Wada, Tsuyoshi Maeda
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Patent number: 7268842Abstract: The generation of residues or flakes of a color filter is suppressed to eliminate conduction failures on an LCD substrate having a color filter on an array substrate. A passivation film formed between a pixel electrode formed in each of a plurality of pixel regions and a TFT for driving the pixel electrode has a multi-layer structure constituted by SiN layers and a SiO layers, and the SiO layer is located at the top of the film. A resin CF layer is formed on the passivation film having such a multi-layer structure. Since the resin CF layer is formed directly on the SiO layer, reduction of the adhesion of the same is suppressed. As a result, the color filter is unlikely to come off when the resin CF layer is formed, and residues of the color filter is unlikely to be generated when a contact hole is formed in the resin CF layer. This suppresses conduction failures and makes it possible to provide a reliable TFT substrate and LCD having high display characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Manabu Sawasaki, Tomonori Tanose, Katsunori Misaki
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Patent number: 7268843Abstract: There is provided an electro-optical device including, above a substrate, data lines extending in a first direction, scanning lines extending in a second direction and intersecting the data lines, pixel electrodes and thin film transistors disposed so as to correspond to intersection regions of the data lines and the scanning lines; and storage capacitors electrically connected to the thin film transistors and the pixel electrodes, the thin film transistors including semiconductor layers having channel regions which extend in a longitudinal direction and channel adjacent regions which extend further from the channel regions in the longitudinal direction, and the scanning lines including light-shielding parts disposed at sides of the channel regions.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Hidenori Kawata, Yoshifumi Tsunekawa, Tomohiko Hayashi
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Patent number: 7268844Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel, a light source for providing light beams to irradiate the liquid crystal display panel, and an optical sheet positioned between the liquid crystal display panel and the light source and having a first surface facing the light source. Additionally, the first surface has a plurality of prisms for totally reflecting portions of ambient light beams that have passed through the liquid crystal display panel to irradiate the liquid crystal display panel.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignees: Innocom Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Innolux Display Corp.Inventor: Chuan-Pei Yu
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Patent number: 7268845Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal cell having a pair of transparent substrates opposite to each other and a liquid crystal layer provided between the pair of substrates; first and second retardation plates and a first polarizing plate that are sequentially formed on an outer surface of one of the pair of substrates; and third and fourth retardation plates and a second polarizing plate that are sequentially formed on an outer surface of the other substrate of the pair of substrates. Optical characteristics of the liquid crystal cell, the first to fourth retardation plates, and the first and second polarizing plates are set in predetermined ranges.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mitsuo Oizumi
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Patent number: 7268846Abstract: Alignment films for use within a liquid crystal display (LCD) and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention generally relate to process conditions that are selected to improve certain properties of the alignment films. The alignment films include a deposited layer of amorphous carbon, a hydrogenated amorphous carbon film or a hydrogenated diamond-like carbon (DLC) film.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Ying-Siang Hwang, Soo Young Choi
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Patent number: 7268847Abstract: An LCD device (2) includes two substrates (21, 22), a liquid crystal layer (27) therebetween, and gate lines (24) and data lines (23) formed on one of the substrates thereby defining pixel regions. A set of pixel electrodes (26) and a set of common electrodes (25) are provided in each pixel region. The pixel and common electrodes are shaped as hollow rectangles, and are alternately nested one within the other. When a voltage is applied, a horizontal electric field in two different directions (281, 282) is established. Liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are twisted according to the two directions, thereby reducing color shift.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Innolux Display Corp.Inventors: Tsau-Hua Hsieh, Jia-Pang Pang, Chueh-Ju Chen
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Patent number: 7268848Abstract: A multi-domain IPS (in-plane switching) liquid crystal display (20) includes a first substrate (201), a second substrate (202), liquid crystal molecules (203) filled between the first and second substrates, and gate lines (211) and data lines (212) formed on the first substrate. The gate lines and data lines define pixel regions arranged in a matrix. Each pixel region includes pixel electrodes (233), common electrodes (243), and a TFT (thin film transistor) (220). The pixel electrodes and the common electrodes have a same curved shape, and are uniformly spaced apart from each other. Therefore the electric field generated by them is a smooth continuum of multiple domains, and the visual performance at various different viewing angles is equally good. Because the pixel and common electrodes do not have sharp bends, disclination is avoided. Therefore the IPS liquid crystal display has a high contrast ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Innolux Display Corp.Inventors: Chueh-Ju Chen, Jia-Pang Pang, Chiu-Lien Yang
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Patent number: 7268849Abstract: A spatial light modulator has a transmissive window with a transparent conductive film forming a ground plane and a direct drive backplane with a plurality of voltage gradient pixels. Each of the voltage gradient pixels has (a) resistive film, (b) resistive metal conductor frame on a boundary of the resistive film, and (c) conductive metal leads between a substrate of the direct drive backplane and the resistive metal frame. Differential voltages applied to the metal frame via the conductive metal leads generate a selective two-dimensional linear voltage gradient across the resistive film. A layer of liquid crystal material is disposed between the transmissive window and the voltage gradient pixels. Liquid crystal material of each voltage gradient pixel is responsive to an electric field generated by the voltage gradient to two-dimensionally alter phase of a wavefront incident thereon.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Teledyne Licensing, LLCInventors: Dong-Feng Gu, Bruce K. Winker
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Patent number: 7268850Abstract: A panel with a blocker comprising: an upper plate, a lower plate opposite to said upper plate, a liquid crystal layer, with which a gap between the upper plate and lower plate is filled, a blocker formed on the edge of said lower plate; and a sealant formed next to said blocker, wherein the blocker separates the sealant from the liquid crystal layer. The panel of the present invention can be a LCD panel or a LCOS panel.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Himax Technologies LimitedInventor: Bing-Jei Liao
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Patent number: 7268851Abstract: A height difference under a sealant is reduced in a case where lines are present under the sealant. There is provided a substrate having an active matrix display circuit and peripheral driving circuits, a counter substrate having a counter electrode provided on the substrate in a face-to-face relationship therewith, a sealant provided between the substrate and the counter substrate such that it surrounds the active matrix display circuit and peripheral driving circuits, a liquid crystal material provided inside the sealant, a plurality of external connection lines provided on the substrate under the sealant with a resin inter-layer film interposed therebetween for electrically connecting the active matrix display circuit and peripheral driving circuits to circuits present outside the sealant and an adjustment layer provided in the same layer as the plurality of external connection lines.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2003Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiharu Hirakata, Shunpei Yamazaki
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Patent number: 7268852Abstract: An LCOS panel has a back plane, a plurality of pixel electrodes positioned on a surface of the back plane, a light absorbent layer positioned on the pixel electrodes, a micro dichroic layer positioned on the light absorbent layer, and a liquid crystal layer filled between the micro dichroic layer and the front plane.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: United Microdisplay Optronics Corp.Inventors: Ta-Shuang Kuan, Anthony Joseph Whitehead, Jr., Chia-Te Lin, Chia-Tsung Chan
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Patent number: 7268853Abstract: A system for photolithography may include an exposure chamber providing a first isolated environment, an exposure stage in the exposure chamber, a radiation source, an interface chamber providing a second isolated environment, a port, a post exposure bake heater in the interface chamber, and a wafer handler. The exposure stage may be configured to receive a wafer having photoresist thereon to be exposed, and the radiation source may be configured to provide exposing radiation to the wafer being exposed. The port may be configured to allow wafer transport between the first and second isolated environments of the exposure and interface chambers, and the post exposure bake heater may be configured to bake the wafer after exposure.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sung-Jae Ryu, Sang-Kap Kim, Young-Kyou Park, Yoon-Ho Eo
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Patent number: 7268854Abstract: An exposure apparatus EX exposes a substrate P by projecting an image of a predetermined pattern through a liquid 1 onto the substrate. The exposure apparatus includes a projection optical system which performs the projection, and a liquid supply mechanism 10 which supplies the liquid onto the substrate to form a liquid immersion area AR2 on a part of the substrate. The liquid supply mechanism supplies the liquid 1 onto the substrate P simultaneously from a plurality of positions which are apart, in a plurality of different directions, from the projection area AR1. The exposure apparatus is capable of forming the liquid immersion area stably and recovering the liquid satisfactorily. It is possible to perform the exposure process accurately while avoiding, for example, the outflow of the liquid to the surroundings.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Hiroyuki Nagasaka
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Patent number: 7268855Abstract: Disclosed is a projection optical system for projecting a pattern of a mask placed on an object plane, onto a substrate placed on an image plane. The projection optical system is arranged so that an intermediate image of the pattern formed on the mask, is formed between a third reflection surface and a fourth reflection surface. In accordance with a particular shape of the third reflection surface or with particular disposition, high-precision projection is ensured without enlargement in size of the whole system.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takahiro Sasaki, Masayuki Susuki
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Patent number: 7268856Abstract: A pattern writing apparatus comprises a DMD for spatially modulating light from a light source and directing modulated light beams to a plurality of irradiation regions, respectively, which are arranged on a substrate two-dimensionally. A pattern is written by controlling the DMD while scanning the plurality of irradiation regions. The plurality of irradiation regions form a plurality of irradiation blocks arranged in a column direction, in each of which irradiation regions are arranged in a row direction. In DMD, writing signal is sequentially inputted to mirror blocks to be used out of a plurality of mirror blocks corresponding to the plurality of irradiation blocks, respectively. When writing a pattern, an operation part determines the number of mirror blocks to be used where scan speed can be maximized, in consideration of required time for input of the writing signal to the DMD and light amount applied on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Shirota, Katsuyuki Hisaoka
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Patent number: 7268857Abstract: An optical system for a laser range finder comprises a laser emitter (5), a collimating lens (4) positioned in front of the laser emitter an optical receiver (3), a light receiving aspheric lens (1) for converging reflected light from a target object to be measured on the optical receiver, and a polygonal prism (2) disposed between the light receiving aspheric lens and the optical receiver. The light receiving aspheric lens defines a cutout in a position corresponding to a laser light beam emitted by the laser emitter for allowing passage of the laser light beam therethrough. The polygonal prism consists of a first portion and a second portion refracting the reflected light at different refraction angles for light path compensating purposes.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.Inventors: Liu Hua-Tang, Chen Hui-Qing, Chen Hai Hua
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Patent number: 7268858Abstract: A method for measuring time of flight of radiation includes emitting modulated radiation in response to a first modulation signal, projecting the modulated radiation onto a scene, receiving radiation, the received radiation comprising a first portion being the modulated radiation reflected by the scene and a second portion being background radiation, converting the received radiation into a signal on a conversion node, the signal on the conversion node having a first and second signal component, the first signal component being indicative of the background radiation and the second signal component being dependent on the reflected modulated radiation, and determining the time of light of the radiation based on the second signal component. A corresponding device is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Vrije Universiteit BrusselInventors: Maarten Kuijk, Daniƫl Van Nieuwenhove