Patents Issued in July 3, 2008
-
Publication number: 20080158128Abstract: An exemplary method for driving a liquid crystal display (200) includes: (a) providing a liquid crystal panel (20) including a plurality of pixels (205) arranged in a matrix to define sub-matrices of pixels, each sub-matrix including a plurality of pixel blocks; (b) providing a predetermined polarity pattern for each pixel block for a first frame period, such that each pixel has a predetermined polarity; (c) reversing the polarity of one of the pixels of each pixel block of each sub-matrix in each successive frame period, wherein a different pixel of each pixel block has its polarity reversed with each succeeding frame period, such that in one cycle of frame periods the polarities of all the pixels in each pixel block are reversed once only, and after each pixel block has its polarity reversed, the polarity of the pixel block is maintained for at least four successive frames periods.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventor: Sha Feng
-
Publication number: 20080158129Abstract: In an embodiment, a sampling signal to each data signal line is generated by using an output signal outputted from each flip-flop, and a precharge signal by which the data signal line to which the sampling signal is to be outputted is precharged is generated by using an output signal outputted from an output terminal of the flip-flop. Further, by providing a NOR circuit, an active period of the precharge signal and an active period of the sampling signal are prevented from overlapping each other. With this, in an embodiment of a display device driving circuit, including a precharge circuit, which causes a precharge power supply to precharge signal supply lines, the number of shift registers and the size of a circuit can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2005Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuhichiroh Murakami, Hajime Washio
-
Publication number: 20080158130Abstract: A plurality of driving circuits are arranged along a liquid crystal panel and drive it. A signal generation circuit supplies a signal to one of the plurality of driving circuits. A level-shift circuit is provided in the driving circuit to receive the signal and expands the logic level of the signal. An interconnection connects the output terminal of the level-shift circuit to the plurality of driving circuits except the driving circuit to receive the signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Akira Masuko, Satoshi Suzuki
-
Publication number: 20080158131Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) includes associated pairs of amplifiers used in an output buffer of a data driver to implement dot inversion driving of the LCD. The data driver includes a first amplifier having an output terminal connected to a first data line and outputting a positive polarity voltage, a second amplifier having an output terminal connected to a second data line and outputting a negative polarity voltage, and a switching unit connected between the output terminals of the two amplifiers and the two data lines and operative in response to a switching signal to interchange the amplifier output signals respectively applied to the data lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Keun-Woo Park, Pil-Mo Choi, Ho-Suk Maeng, Kook-Chul Moon, Chul-Ho Kim, Sang-Hoon Lee, Kyung-Hoon Kim
-
Publication number: 20080158132Abstract: An exemplary shift register (20) includes a plurality of shift register units (200) connected one by one. Each of the shift register units includes a first switch unit (201), a second switch unit (202), a third switch unit (203), a fourth switch unit (204), and a fifth switch unit (205). A signal input terminal of each shift register unit is coupled to an output terminal of a rear-stage shift register unit. A first clock input terminal receives a first clock signal to turn on/off the first and second switch units. The third switch unit receives a second clock signal. The fourth switch unit pulls up the output voltage of the output terminal according to a controlling signal from the first switch unit. The fifth switch unit pulls down the output voltage of the output terminal according to controlling signals from the second and third switch units.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Chien-Hsueh Chiang, Sz-Hsiao Chen
-
Publication number: 20080158133Abstract: An exemplary shift register (20) includes shift register units (S1˜Sn). The shift register units receive a clock signal and an inverse clock signal and output a plurality of shift register signals in sequence. An output of previous adjacent one of the shift register units is an input of the shift register unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Man-Fai Ieong, Sz-Hsiao Chen
-
Publication number: 20080158134Abstract: The invention concerns a display device comprising: at least one so-called upstream filter bearing a message to be displayed, a light source adapted to illuminate each said filter through backlighting, a partly reflecting element located downstream of at least one upstream filter such that, when the light source is switched off, the message borne by each upstream filter, masked by the partly reflecting element, is not visible and, when the light source is switched on, a message borne by an upstream filter is visible. In some embodiments, the partly reflecting element is integrated in the second filter or located upstream of the second filter such that, when the light source is switched off, the message borne by the second filter is visible and, when the light source is switched on, a message borne by an upstream filter is visible.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventor: David Luo
-
Publication number: 20080158135Abstract: A backlight assembly, a method of driving the same, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) having the same includes a backlight assembly having first and second lamps, a power source for providing power, a sensor for outputting a sensing signal in accordance with the ambient luminance, a power controller for changing the level of the output power of the power source to provide the changed output power to the second lamp in response to the sensing signal, a feedback signal generator for generating a feedback signal as the power of the power source is supplied to the second lamp, and a power converter for providing the power of the power source to the first lamp or changing the level of the output power of the power source to provide the changed output power to the first lamp.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Sang Jun Lee, Sung Hee Lee
-
Publication number: 20080158136Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal display panel, a backlight configured to illuminate the liquid crystal display panel, and a control unit configured to control the liquid crystal display panel and the backlight, wherein the control unit controls the backlight to shift to a predetermined luminance after a lighting state is stable after the turning-on of the power, and controls the liquid crystal display panel to perform a black display until the shift to the predetermined luminance is completed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventor: Harutoshi KANEDA
-
Publication number: 20080158137Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes a light detection circuit which includes an optical sensor to output a current signal corresponding to illuminance and a current-voltage conversion circuit to convert the current signal output from the optical sensor into a voltage signal; an amplifier to amplify the voltage signal output from the light detection circuit; a comparison circuit to compare voltage output from the amplifier and reference voltage and output the result to a control circuit; and the control circuit to determine an illuminance range to be detected depending on the output from the comparison circuit and output a control signal to the light detection circuit. The current-voltage conversion circuit has a function of changing a resistance value in accordance with the control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasunori Yoshida
-
Publication number: 20080158138Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a small-size and highly precise liquid crystal display device which has a function of adjusting luminance by using an optical sensor. Another object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display with high image quality and low power consumption by function of adjusting luminance. A photoelectric conversion device is provided between a liquid crystal display panel and a backlight device. The photoelectric conversion device (also referred to as a photo IC) has a sensor for detecting light and the driver portion for the driving the sensor. The intensity of light from the backlight device can be controlled by detecting the external light which enters the liquid crystal panel and affects the display with the sensor, and by feeding back the data to the backlight device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Atsushi Umezaki
-
Publication number: 20080158139Abstract: Provided is a liquid crystal display device that can improve the image quality of a moving image. The liquid crystal display device includes a driver, a backlight unit, a first lamp driver, a second lamp driver, and a lamp driving controller. The liquid crystal panel divided is into at least three regions, and has a plurality of lamps arranged to correspond to each of the divided regions. Lamps of the lamps arranged in upper and lower regions of the liquid crystal panel are connected to each other. The first lamp driver controls on/off times of the lamps in the upper and lower regions of the liquid crystal panel. The second lamp driver controls on/off times of the lamps in the region excluding the upper and lower regions of the liquid crystal panel. The lamp driving controller controls the first and second lamp drivers using signals supplied from the driver.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventor: Ki Duk Kim
-
Publication number: 20080158140Abstract: A liquid crystal display device of the invention has data drive circuits provided along both of two opposite sides of a rectangular display region, and gate drive circuits provided along the other two opposite sides. With the liquid crystal display section, the gate drive circuits are formed severally divided, and each data line group respectively extending from each of the data drive circuits is electrically separated respectively by the severally divided gate drive circuits. Moreover, the liquid crystal display section comprises a color/time division incident optical system arranged so as to sequentially shine light with different chromaticity onto the display region, and a synchronizing section for synchronizing the liquid crystal display section and the color/time division incident optical system under predetermined conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: NEC CORPORATIONInventors: Ken-ichi TAKATORI, Masao IMAI, Kazunori KIMURA, Hideki ASADA
-
Publication number: 20080158141Abstract: In a field sequential display method the light emission intensities of the luminous colors are controlled to realize a plurality of color reproduction regions having different areas and make the color purity variable. In the case of high-resolution image display, a first control method is adopted in which in synchronism with the input of the pixel data of one of the luminous colors, the light of the one of the luminous colors is emitted and the lights of the other luminous colors are not emitted. In the case of coarse image display, a second control method is adopted in which in synchronism with the input of the pixel data of one of the luminous colors, the light of the one of the luminous colors and the lights of the other luminous colors are emitted. By the second method, the color purity is slightly decreased to suppress the visual irritation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2008Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Toshiaki Yoshihara, Tetsuya Makino, Shinji Tadaki, Hironori Shiroto, Yoshinori Kiyota, Keiichi Betsui
-
Publication number: 20080158142Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophoretic display device (1) and a method of controlling gray level transitions in an electrophoretic display device. The idea of the invention is that, in an electrophoretic device where drive signals (Dr) are applied to display device electrodes (5, 5?) to effect movement of the display particles (8, 9), such that the particles correspond to image information to be displayed, a second electric signal (Ne) is applied to the display device electrodes. This second signal is arranged to decrease the ability of the particles to respond to the drive signal. By employing the second signal in accordance with the invention, more distinct optical states can be attained and the accuracy of the states becomes higher. Thus, the optical states are easier to reproduce due to a more well-defined particle control by means of the drive waveform according to the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2005Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.Inventors: Guofu Zhou, Eduard Matheus Johannes Niessen, Mark Thomas Johnson
-
Publication number: 20080158143Abstract: An electrophoretic display apparatus with reduced malfunction of a gate circuit part caused by external light and enhanced view is presented. The electrophoretic display apparatus includes an array substrate and an electrophoretic layer. The array substrate includes a display area having a thin film transistor (TFT) electrically connected to a gate line and a source line, and a pixel electrode electrically connected to the TFT, and a peripheral area surrounding the display area. The peripheral area has a blocking electrode to block an external light. The electrophoretic layer is attached to the array substrate and has an electrophoretic layer. The view of the displayed image is enhanced by displaying the peripheral area in a black gray scale.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Yeon-Ju Kim, Kyoung-Ju Shin
-
Publication number: 20080158144Abstract: A scanning display apparatus (10) is described. The apparatus (10) includes a display (70) operable: (I) to receive driver signals and generate corresponding visual information for presentation on the display (70); and (ii) to sense radiation received at the display (70) and generating corresponding sensing signals corresponding to a region proximate to the display. The apparatus (10) also includes computer hardware (80) coupled to the display (70) for generating the one or more driver signals for the display (70) and for receiving the one or more sensing signals from the display (70), the computer hardware (80) being operable to provide an interactive user interface (ULI) at the display (70). The display (70) comprises an array of pixel devices (150), each such device (150) integrally being operable to emit radiation therefrom or transmit radiation therethrough, and also to sense radiation incident thereupon. Preferably, the pixel devices (150) are implemented in polyLEDs and/or LCD/TFT technologies.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2005Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.Inventors: Daniel Willem Elisabeth Schobben, Murray Fulton Gillies, Declan Patrick Kelly, Elmo Marcus Attila Diederiks, Jurgen Jean Louis Hoppenbrouwers, Nicolas De Jong, Johannes Henricus Maria Korst, Thomas Caspar Kraan, Adrianus Sempel, Rogier Winters
-
Publication number: 20080158145Abstract: Techniques for identifying and discriminating between different input patterns to a multi-touch touch-screen device are described. By way of example, large objects hovering a short distance from the touch-surface (e.g., a cheek, thigh or chest) may be identified and distinguished from physical contacts to the surface. In addition, rough contacts due to, for example, ears and earlobes, may be similarly identified and distinguished from contacts due to fingers, thumbs, palms and finger clasps.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventor: Wayne Carl Westerman
-
Publication number: 20080158146Abstract: Techniques for identifying irregular objects in contact with, or in close proximity to, a touch-surface are described. An irregularity measure is determined based on the regions intrinsic characteristics (e.g., energy content) rather than on the shape (or pattern) of the pixels within the region.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventor: Wayne Carl Westerman
-
Publication number: 20080158147Abstract: Techniques for identifying and discriminating between different input patterns to a multi-touch touch-screen device are described. By way of example, large objects hovering a short distance from the touch-surface (e.g., a cheek, thigh or chest) may be identified and distinguished from physical contacts to the surface. In addition, rough contacts due to, for example, ears and earlobes, may be similarly identified and distinguished from contacts due to fingers, thumbs, palms and finger clasps. In one implementation, a unique technique to reduce the noise in segmented image peripheral pixels.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Carl Westerman, Steve Hotelling
-
Publication number: 20080158148Abstract: Both an on screen display and a physical programmable remote control have buttons whose functionality may be dynamically reassigned in accordance with a user's navigation through menu levels, states or across different services. The physical programmable remote control, in conjunction with a TV or other video display, provides an intuitive, heads up experience for the user and eliminates the need for multiple physical remote controls. User profiles and zones may be used to customize a user's remote control functionality based on preferences, access controls, location and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Robert P. Madonna, Kevin C. Kicklighter, Gerald W. Shields, Michael C. Silva, Michael E. Noonan
-
Publication number: 20080158149Abstract: Systems and methods for virtual detents through vibrotactile feedback are described. One described method includes receiving an input signal comprising information associated with the manipulation of an input device and generating a signal configured to cause an actuator to provide a vibrotactile effect to the input device, the vibrotactile effect comprising a virtual detent.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Immersion CorporationInventor: Michael D. Levin
-
Publication number: 20080158150Abstract: A self-service terminal (SST) interacts with a human operator by accessing one or more documents that include: (1) text-based content formatted for display on a text-only display device, and (2) instructions for rendering the text-based content with graphical enhancements on multimedia display device. The SST uses the instructions in the one or more documents to render the text-based content with graphical enhancements on a multimedia display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Wolf D. Rossman, Andrew D. Monaghan
-
Publication number: 20080158151Abstract: An input method is used for an electronic device having a touch-sensitive element and a display unit. Firstly, a contact on a specific zone of the touch-sensitive element is detected. Then, it is determined whether the contact remains. When the contact remains and slides to a specific position of the touch-sensitive element, a specific number corresponding to the specific zone is selected for input.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Yi-Shen Wang, Hsi-Kun Chen, Te-Chuan Liu
-
Publication number: 20080158152Abstract: A method and structure for positioning the cursor on a computer which uses a touch pad for cursor control wherein a cursor jumps from one point to another point on the screen without being in between, and wherein a cursor is displayed and a touchpad is connected to the screen, comprising the steps of: associating a coordinate system on the touchpad with a coordinate system on said screen to generate locations on the screen corresponding to given locations on the touchpad; causing the setting of time and pressure on the touchpad for a valid response; causing the determination of an average point with reference to a finger on the touchpad and, thus, a point on the screen for movement of the cursor to the point responsive to the set pressure and time on a given location on the touchpad.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.Inventor: Joseph R. Parker
-
Publication number: 20080158153Abstract: An apparatus, method and medium converting a motion signal, which is capable of controlling the motion of the pointer according to a user's intention by removing noise using a filter for the detected motion signal of the pointer in accordance with the moving speed of the pointer. The apparatus includes, a motion detecting unit to detect a motion, a determining unit to determine a type of motion signal according to the detected motion, and a filter unit including at least one filter to convert the motion signal using a filter that corresponds to the type of motion signal, the filter being selected from among the at least one filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTDInventors: Jun-il Sohn, Won-chul Bang, Eun-seok Chol
-
Publication number: 20080158154Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention address these needs and others by providing a handheld device, e.g., a 3D pointing device, which uses at least one sensor to detect motion of the handheld device. The detected motion can then be mapped into a desired output, e.g., cursor movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Hillcrest Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Matthew G. Liberty, Daniel S. Simpkins, Charles W.K. Gritton, Mark Turner, Frank A. Hunleth
-
Publication number: 20080158155Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention address these needs and others by providing a handheld device, e.g., a 3D pointing device, which uses hand tremor as an input. One or more sensors within the handheld device detect a user's hand tremor and identify the user based on the detected tremor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Hillcrest Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Matthew G. Liberty, Christopher D. Roller, Daniel S. Simpkins, Charles W.K. Gritton
-
Publication number: 20080158156Abstract: A system for enabling user interaction with computer software which includes a printer for receiving print data, printing a form, using the print data, by printing information related to at least one text field coincident with coded data indicative of the text field, receiving indicating data from a sensing device and transferring the indicating data to a computer system to allow the interaction to be interpreted. The sensing device when moved relative to the text field senses the coded data and generates the indicating data using the sensed coded data to be indicative of the relative movement of the sensing device. The computer system determines a handwritten signature using the movement, determines a predetermined signature using a user identity, and verifies the user by comparing the signatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2008Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Paul Lapstun, Kia Silverbrook
-
Publication number: 20080158157Abstract: A self-powered wireless computer mouse utilizes the direct piezoelectric effect to generate electricity. When a user uses the mouse, a flexible flat portion and a piezoelectric element may be deformed or pressed against and the piezoelectric element may convert such mechanical stress into voltage. In addition, the computer mouse can eliminate the need for battery or other power supply means and can supply electricity by itself; therefore, the computer mouse can bring about the advancement of the computer mouse manufacturing industry.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Hsu-Yang Chang, Shuo-Heng Tsai, Tia-Sheng Yang, Ming-Chiah Yeh
-
Publication number: 20080158158Abstract: An optical navigation device, such an optical mouse, includes a housing, an illumination system, a tracking engine, and multiple height-specific imaging systems located within the housing. The height-specific imaging systems generate image information in response to reflected light from a navigation surface and each one the height-specific imaging systems is positioned to detect the largest portion of reflected light at a different separation distance between the housing and the navigation surface. An integrated circuit (IC) device for optical navigation includes an aperture plate having height-specific apertures and height-specific navigation sensor arrays aligned in one-to-one correspondence with the height-specific apertures and configured to generate image information in response to light that passes through the corresponding height-specific apertures. An optical element for use in an optical navigation system includes an illumination source lens and multiple height-specific focal lenses.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Chiang Sun Cheah, Chin Heong Yeoh, Chiang Mei Teo
-
Publication number: 20080158159Abstract: A handheld communication device and method for affecting movement of a highlighting cursor amongst a lighted display capable of displaying a webpage is described. The webpage has a native form including a number of user-actuable links related in series. The webpage displayable on the handheld communication device is modified from its native form so as to be displayed on the lighted display. The modified webpage retains the series relationship between the user-actuable links. A non-directionally limited auxiliary user input is located essentially between the lighted display and the keyboard and is capable of affecting non-serial movement of the highlighting cursor amongst the user-actuable links.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Matthew Richard LEE, Fahd Sohail BUTT, Taneem TALUKDAR
-
Publication number: 20080158160Abstract: A method for filing out electronic forms comprising Identifying data fields in an electronic form, receiving input from a user for at least one data field of the electronic form, retrieving or selecting from a database candidates for data field entries for the electronic from, based on the received input from the user and a user identification, and proposing a data field entry based on the selection.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventor: Christof Engel
-
Publication number: 20080158161Abstract: A method for filing out electronic forms comprising Identifying data fields in an electronic form, receiving input from a user for at least one data field of the electronic form, retrieving or selecting from a database candidates for data field entries for the electronic from, based on the received input from the user, and proposing a data field entry based on the selection.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventor: Christof Engel
-
Publication number: 20080158162Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for inputting characters through a direction input unit such as a joystick. The method of inputting characters corresponding to keys arranged on a 4-by-3 keypad by means of a direction input unit having direction buttons indicating up, down, left, and right movements, the method including: (a) assigning two direction buttons of the direction input unit to each of the keys and selecting one of the keys by pressing the direction buttons of the direction input unit; and (b) outputting a character corresponding to the selected key according to a current character mode, and sequentially changing characters corresponding to the selected key one by one and outputting a selected character other than a previous character when the key is re-selected within a predetermined time, when a supplemental button other than the direction buttons is input within a predetermined time after the key is selected, or when one of the two direction buttons being pressed is released and re-pressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventor: Jaewoo Ahn
-
Publication number: 20080158163Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device has a display and a keypad, with the keypad being movable among a number of configurations that enable the “real estate” occupied by the keypad to be increased or decreased, and to correspondingly enable the viewable area of the display to be relatively decreased and increased, respectively. In one aspect, a first keypad portion and a second keypad portion can be disposed substantially coplanar when the keypad is in a first position and disposed noncoplanar when in a second position. In another aspect, a device can include a keypad and a flexible sheet-like piece of covering material structured to overlie a display, with the keypad and the piece of covering material being connected together.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2008Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Norman M. Ladouceur, Jason T. Griffin
-
Publication number: 20080158164Abstract: A portable media storage/playback device (“PMSPD”) is disclosed comprising a body, a screen, a horizontal touchpad, and a vertical touchpad. The PMSPD may also include test preparation software, soft-keys, a dictionary, a smart algorithm, a headphone jack, speakers, an encyclopedia, a program for playing audio files, a program for viewing picture files, a camera, a program for recognizing words in a picture, a communication interface, and/or a wireless communication device. The PMSPD may also be limited in size to increase portability while maintaining usability.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventor: Pang Lee
-
Publication number: 20080158165Abstract: Systems and methods provide for adaptive drive signal adjustment to improve reception of a stylus signal at a location sensor. A location sensing system includes an untethered stylus comprising circuitry configured to receive a drive signal and transmit a stylus signal. The circuitry is configured to be energized by the received drive signal and includes frequency-sensitive circuitry. A location sensor includes a controller and a sensing array. The location sensor is configured to generate the drive signal and receive the stylus signal. The controller is configured to adjust a parameter of the drive signal that improves receptivity of the stylus signal by the location sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Bernard O. Geaghan, Albert H. Libbey
-
Publication number: 20080158166Abstract: Some aspects of the invention provide an interactive, touch-sensitive user interface device. A user interface device for a data processing system is provided, which includes a sensor having a surface configured to contactingly receive a pointing device and further configured to detect physical contact by a living human and to differentiate between said physical contact and movement of the pointing device when the pointing device is engaged with the surface. The user interface device is operable to transmit information corresponding to said physical contact to the data processing system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Dwayne R. James, William G. O'Farrell, Alexander S. Ross
-
Publication number: 20080158167Abstract: Multi-touch touch-sensing devices and methods are described herein. The touch sensing devices can include multiple sense points, each located at a crossing of a drive line and a sense line. In some embodiments, multiple drive lines may be simultaneously or nearly simultaneously stimulated with drive signals having unique characteristics, such as phase or frequency. A sense signal can occur on each sense line that can be related to the drive signals by an amount of touch present at sense points corresponding to the stimulated drive lines and the sense line. By using processing techniques based on the unique drive signals, an amount of touch corresponding to each sense point can be extracted from the sense signal. The touch sensing methods and devices can be incorporated into interfaces for a variety of electronic devices such as a desktop, tablet, notebook, and handheld computers, personal digital assistants, media players, and mobile telephones.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: APPLE COMPUTER, INC.Inventors: Steven P. Hotelling, John Greer Elias, Kapil Vinod Sakariya
-
Publication number: 20080158168Abstract: Techniques for identifying an object in close proximity to, but not in contact with, a multi-touch touch-screen device are described. By way of example, a cheek or ear hovering a short distance from the touch-surface (e.g., approximately 1 to 3 centimeters) may be identified and distinguished from physical contacts to the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Wayne Carl Westerman, Steve Hotelling
-
Publication number: 20080158169Abstract: Multi-touch touch-sensing devices and methods are described herein. The touch sensing devices can include multiple sense points, each of which can be stimulated with a plurality of periodic waveforms having different frequencies to measure a touch value at the sense point. Noise at one or more of the frequencies can interfere with this measurement. Therefore, various noise detection (and rejection) techniques are described. The noise detection techniques include two-clean-frequency noise detection, one-clean-frequency noise rejection, and combined two-clean-frequency/one-clean-frequency noise detection. Each of the noise detection techniques can include statistical analyses of the sample values obtained. The touch sensing methods and devices can be incorporated into interfaces for a variety of electronic devices such as a desktop, tablet, notebook, and handheld computers, personal digital assistants, media players, and mobile telephones.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: APPLE COMPUTER, INC.Inventors: Sean Erik O'Connor, Wayne Carl Westerman
-
Publication number: 20080158170Abstract: Multi-event input systems, methods, and devices for use in connection with touch-sensitive electronic devices are disclosed. In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a third state called “hover” can be achieved on a touch-base user interface device in addition to the states of pointer down and pointer up. In an embodiment involving a capacitive touch-sensing surface, one way to achieve the third state is for the user to contact the touchpad or touch screen with a non-flesh part of a finger, such as a fingernail, rather than the fleshy part of a finger. In other embodiments, the non-flesh part may comprise an electrically insulative layer covering a portion of a finger. The third state enables an adjunct system's user interface to achieve active navigation around the screen in a pointer-up (or left-up) input tool condition. One result is that mouseover pop-ups can be used on touch screen devices. Another result is that tooltips can be used on touch screen devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: APPLE COMPUTER, INC.Inventors: SCOTT M. HERZ, Roberto G. Yepez, Wayne Carl Westerman
-
Publication number: 20080158171Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide a digitizer for a flexible display are described. In one embodiment, a pressure sensitive sensor array may be coupled to a flexible display to detect touch input data. Also, a storage device to store data that is to be displayed on the flexible display may be provided in a housing that is coupled to the flexible display. Other embodiments are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Hong W. Wong, Wah Yiu Kwong
-
Publication number: 20080158172Abstract: The use of one or more proximity sensors in combination with one or more touch sensors in a multi-touch panel to detect the presence of a finger, body part or other object and control or trigger one or more functions in accordance with an “image” of touch provided by the sensor outputs is disclosed. In some embodiments, one or more infrared (IR) proximity sensors can be driven with a specific stimulation frequency and emit IR light from one or more areas, which can in some embodiments correspond to one or more multi-touch sensor “pixel” locations. The reflected IR signal, if any, can be demodulated using synchronous demodulation. In some embodiments, both physical interfaces (touch and proximity sensors) can be connected to analog channels in the same electrical core.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Steve Porter Hotelling, Christoph Horst Krah
-
Publication number: 20080158173Abstract: A multi-layer cover for an electronic device having one or more of a sensor panel, a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, and a display device can include an outer hardcoat, a structural layer, an IR transmissive ink layer, a mask layer, and a backside hardcoat. The backside hardcoat can reduce cover warpage, enable full surface lamination of the cover to the sensor panel, prevent bubbles from forming in transparent windows in the cover, enable a wider range of functional inks to be applied in various layering orders to allow certain types of light to pass through while blocking others, and hide the sensors to provide a seamless, uncluttered visual appearance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Mark Arthur Hamblin, Richard Hung Minh Dinh
-
Publication number: 20080158174Abstract: Pre-stored no-touch or no-hover (no-event) sensor output values can initially be used when a sensor panel subsystem is first booted up to establish an initial baseline of sensor output values unaffected by fingers or other objects touching or hovering over the sensor panel during boot-up. This initial baseline can then be normalized so that each sensor generates the same output value for a given amount of touch or hover, providing a uniform response across the sensor panel and enabling subsequent touch or hover events to be more easily detected. After the initial normalization process is complete, the pre-stored baseline can be discarded in favor of a newly captured no-event baseline that may be more accurate than the pre-stored baseline due to temperature or other variations.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Brian Richards Land, Wayne Carl Westerman, Steve Porter Hotelling
-
Publication number: 20080158175Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing mismatch effects between a compensation signal and an output signal generated by a touch surface device is disclosed. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a touch-sensitive panel having a sense node for providing an output signal indicative of a touch or no-touch condition on the panel; a drive circuit for generating a sinusoidal drive signal provided to the sense node of the touch-sensitive panel; at least one non-touch-sensitive node within the touch-sensitive panel, for generating a sinusoidal compensation signal, wherein the sinusoidal compensation signal is summed with the output signal to provide a sinusoidal compensated output signal; and a sensing circuit for receiving the sinusoidal compensated output signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Steve Porter Hotelling, Brian Richards Land
-
Publication number: 20080158176Abstract: Normalization of regions of a sensor panel capable of detecting multi-touch events, or a sensor panel capable of detecting multi-hover events, is disclosed to enable each sensor in the sensor panel to trigger a virtual button in a similar manner, given the same amount of touch or hover. Each sensor produces an output value proportional to the level or amount of touch or hover. However, due to processing, manufacturing and physical design differences, the sensor output values can vary from region to region or panel to panel for a given amount of touch or hover. To normalize the sensor output values across regions, gain and offset information can be obtained in advance, stored in nonvolatile memory, and later used to normalize the sensor output values so that all regions in the sensor panel can trigger virtual buttons similarly, providing a uniform “response function” at any location on the sensor panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Brian Richards Land, Steven Porter Hotelling, Richard Wei Kwang Lim
-
Publication number: 20080158177Abstract: A computer system having two or more controllers operating in a Master/Slave configuration is disclosed. In one embodiment, the computer system includes: a sensor panel having a first portion for generating a first set of sense signals indicative of a touch or no-touch condition on the first portion, and a second portion for generating a second set of sense signals indicative of a touch or no-touch condition on the second portion; a first device for receiving and processing the first set of output signals from the first portion of the panel; and a second device for receiving and processing the second set of output signals from the second portion of the panel, wherein the first and second devices operate cooperatively in a Master/Slave configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Thomas James Wilson, Minh-Dieu Thi Vu, Yutaka Hori