Data Transmitted Or Received At Surface Of Display Patents (Class 345/1.2)
  • Patent number: 6970145
    Abstract: An image-transmitting device connected to image-display devices through a bus cable is provided. The image-transmitting device includes a memory unit storing a set of screen data whose correspondence to each of the image-display devices and a displaying order of the screen data to be displayed on the image-display devices are predetermined; a transmission-data-generating unit selecting specific screen data from among the set of the screen data by following the correspondence and the displaying order, and generating transmission data that each of the image-display devices is to display based on the selected specific screen data; a bus interface connected to the image-display devices through the bus cable; and a transmission unit transmitting the transmission data from the bus interface through the bus cable to each of the image-display devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin Aoki
  • Patent number: 6963334
    Abstract: A system and method is discloses for remotely displaying and creating handwritten information in real time. A first writing/display surface is used in conjunction with a stylus to scribe graphical images as well as text onto the surface for sharing the scribed information with other users. Once the handwritten information is created by touching the stylus to the first writing/display surface it is immediately sent to a remote second writing/display surface. A user of the second writing/display surface receives and views the transmitted handwritten information and then can transmit information by touching the stylus to the writing/display surface. The present invention, allows users to view the same workspace and make modifications to the displayed texts and graphics in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: MediaOne Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarke Stevens, Anne P. McClard
  • Patent number: 6961752
    Abstract: A method and implementing computer system are provided in which a user is enabled to create a virtual history file by selecting a favorites routing sequence (FRS) or preferred sequence of favorite web sites to be visited during a browser session. During a browser session, the user is enabled to change from one site to the next sequential site on the list using only a single point-and-click operation or keystroke combination within the user's browser program. The user is further enabled to selectively modify the FRS to include new individual or groups of sites and/or delete existing individual or groups of sites from the listing, and also to change the particular order of sites to be visited on the FRS. Further, existing individual or groups of virtual history files may also be embedded into other virtual history files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Jones, Nicole Muirhead, Bryan Benjamin Peace, Leland James Wiesehuegel
  • Patent number: 6944480
    Abstract: An image display device has a serial port as data input and output port for the system, and input and output data converting element for mutually converting the data format of input and output data for wireless communication. A data processing device has input and output processing virtual element for processing data input and output virtually as if the data input and output port are connected directly. The input data of the serial port is converted by the input and output converting element, and is transmitted to the data processing device through a wireless unit, and is processed through the input and output processing virtual element. The output data of the data processing device is transmitted to the image display device in the wireless unit by way of the input and output processing virtual element, and is converted by the input and output data converting element, and is issued to the serial port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Tanaka, Osamu Kamo, Masaki Mukai, Osamu Sameshima
  • Patent number: 6943762
    Abstract: An alphanumeric and graphic symbol display device in which an LED array is rotated and controlled to project a display onto a translucent surface. The electrical power for the array is provided by way of a rotating contactless transformer independently of the control data for the array which is provided by infrared data transmission through a tubular shaft driven by a DC brushless, three-phase motor to rotate the array at a predetermined rate independent of the electrical power for the array and the control data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Newscanner, PLC
    Inventor: Frank Leja
  • Patent number: 6906686
    Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a stereoscopic two-dimensional picture includes a display unit having a flat image display screen for displaying a two-dimensional picture containing a stereoscopic image and an image transmitting panel placed parallel to and apart from the image display screen. The image transmitting panel has a microlens array of a plurality of lenses and an effective area larger than that of the stereoscopic image contained in the two-dimensional picture, and a lens frame area surrounding a perimeter of the effective area of the microlens array. The image transmitting panel generates an image-formation plane for displaying a real image of the two-dimensional picture in a space located on an opposite side to the display unit with respect to the microlens array. The apparatus also includes a stereoscopic frame for defining a space for accommodating the image-formation plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Masaru Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6894662
    Abstract: A multifunctional photoelectric switch comprises a display section for displaying a first display information and a second display information. The first display information includes a plurality of items concerning a threshold value and the second display information includes a plurality of items concerning functions of the photoelectric switch. A switch is provided for switching information to be displayed on the display section between each type of display information. A selection menu for the user to select either “Easy” or “Pro” is displayed in the progress of making a transition from a “light reception amount and/or threshold value display” mode of the basic display information to an “operation function setting” mode of the second display information. The user selects and sets either “Easy” or “Pro” on the selection screen. In the “Pro” mode, the set items concerning all functions are displayed; in the “Easy” mode, only the basic items are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Fukumura
  • Patent number: 6873306
    Abstract: A dual display mode portable computer is disclosed. The portable computer includes a flat-panel display, and a display controller for outputting an internal video signal to the flat panel display. The portable computer further includes means for receiving an external video signal, and a multiplexer for outputting the internal video signal to the flat-panel display during a first display mode, and for outputting the external video signal to the flat-panel display during a second display mode, thereby enabling the portable computer to act as a display device for an external computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jill Ann Hansen, Marco Michael Rengan, Robert Russell Wolford, Richard Joseph Zabelicky, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6864860
    Abstract: A system for synchronizing data between two devices. A first device displays a data stream as a sequence of one or more two-dimensional frames on a video screen attached thereto, wherein each of the two-dimensional frames is comprised of at least one two-dimensional shape of varying color that represents at least one data element within the data stream. A second device having an image sensing device coupled thereto captures images from the displayed sequence of two-dimensional frames and for decodes the data elements from the captured images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Jason Yeong Zien
  • Patent number: 6859134
    Abstract: Simplified data message terminals and data communicating voice terminals are described for providing additional functionality in a facility using a wireless data communication system. The simplified data message terminals provide message and paging communication to employees or customers in a simplified terminal configuration using the existing data communication system. By performing voice to data and data to voice conversions, the same system provides voice communication without interruption of data communication services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Heiman, Joseph Katz, Robert Beach, Andrew R. Werback
  • Patent number: 6859219
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for multiple display devices are described. A display apparatus includes a primary display device for a computer. The display apparatus also includes at least one secondary display device for the computer with the at least one secondary display device being operatively coupled to the primary display device. Moreover, the at least one secondary display device is stored in a housing behind the primary display device, such that the at least one secondary display device can be extended from the housing and used to display information for the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Susan R. Sall
  • Patent number: 6847334
    Abstract: A mobile telecommunication unit (20) provides two-way remote viewing of images and real time audio. The self-contained, portable unit (20) communicates directly with a similar unit at a remote location across POTS lines, cellular, ISDN, T-1, and satellite communication links. The unit (20) includes mass storage for archiving images. Input devices (25) for each unit include a digital camera (36) through a PCMCIA card, electronic stethoscope, telephone handset, speakerphone, external microphone, and serial and parallel ports. The output devices include a full color screen (22) for viewing local and received images and a speaker for audio output. A hard copy of images can be made by a video printer or desktop printer (42). Images can be uploaded to a PC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventors: Bill Hayhurst, Frederick H. Ward, James H. Dabney
  • Patent number: 6816130
    Abstract: A compact portable athletic data display apparatus, comprising a generally rectangular flat display section 3 which is rotatably connected at the lower end thereof with a generally rectangular flat control section 2 by means of hinges, so that the display section 3 may be held at upright position to display the data when it is used but folded onto the control section otherwise. In operation, an operator stands up the display section 3 at the upright position, enter data to be displayed on the display section using data input keys. A monitor may be provided on the control section so that he may check on the monitor the data he has entered for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Molten Corporation
    Inventors: Hideomi Shishido, Yukinori Nagao, Masayuki Tanaka, Katsumi Kobayashi, Mitsuo Koyama, Norihiro Yuki
  • Patent number: 6809704
    Abstract: A system for reducing blind spots in various situations, such as in an automobile. The invention uses display screen surfaces to cover objects that are opaque, or objects which it is difficult to see through. Small cameras are used to generate images on the display screens that correspond to images that a viewer would see in the absence of the objects. For example, where the left windshield post of a car is covered with a display screen, the invention uses a camera that receives image information from the left-front of the car. The image information is used by a processor to compute what the driver would see if the door post were not there. A preferred embodiment uses the driver's viewpoint to generate a more accurate screen display. The screen display approximates images that the driver would see so that the images mesh, or are coherent with, other images presented to the driver such as the views through the front windshield and driver's side window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Charles J. Kulas
  • Patent number: 6799095
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying FMS information to a pilot with a map segment and a configurable window of textual information which is configurable both in size and content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventors: Gary L. Owen, Sarah Barber, George W. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6784855
    Abstract: A portable, interactive display device is disclosed. The device presents to a user the graphical interface of a host computer. The host is separate from the display device and sits in a fixed location. The invention allows a user to carry with him the user interface capability of the host, limited only by the capabilities of a wireless communications channel to the host. The host provides processing, storage, and access to its own peripheral devices. The display device need only provide the amount of processing necessary to communicate with the host, to run the client side of the hosting software, and to provide security functions. The host provides a docking station that accommodates the display device. When in the docking station, the display device continues to operate but communicates with the host through the docking station rather than through the wireless channel. This allows for a higher quality video connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph H. Matthews, Richard W. Stoakley
  • Patent number: 6750830
    Abstract: In a user device which permits access to a server, an image suitable for the user device is displayed. Various user devices such as a portable telephone set, a personal digital assistant, a notebook personal computer, and a personal computer permit access to the server. The server stores data representing an image suitable for each of the devices. The data representing the image suitable for the user device which has accessed the server is read out of the server. Data representing the image read out is transmitted to the user device from the server. In the user device, the data is received, and an image suitable for the user device is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Teshima, Norihisa Haneda
  • Publication number: 20040108970
    Abstract: The present invention features a graphical message display system for vehicles. A visual display system having an array of light sources adapted for textual, graphical message displays. This system has three major components: the visual display device, and interfacing module, and a power adapter. The visual display device is capable of displaying alphanumerical and/or graphical messages in a stationary, flashing, or scrolling manner. The display device is comprised of an array of light sources in conjunction with microlenses emitting radiation in visual spectrum. The visual display device is adapted to fit into windows and/or windshields of vehicles for a wide variety of lighted signage applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Brian Clark Nealon
  • Patent number: 6741222
    Abstract: Panelized/modular electronic display having reinforced modular face panel assemblies for use in areas where high wind loading may be encountered. Laminated and reinforced junctions between modular face panel assemblies are incorporated to maintain structural integrity of the mutually attached reinforced modular face panel assemblies aligned along and about a large clear span area in the frontal region of the panelized/modular electronic display. Modular display components are accessible from the rear for easily accomplished maintenance. Other features enhance viewability in bright sunlight and other environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne R. Tucker
  • Patent number: 6738802
    Abstract: A method for transmitting data among various memory units of one or more position measuring devices, specific data pertaining to the position measuring device being stored in the memory units. Data are transmitted via a data transmission line, from a first memory unit into a second memory unit, so that once the data are transmitted, the identical, specific data are at least partially contained in both memory units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Strasser, Rudi Mittmann
  • Patent number: 6714172
    Abstract: The presence/absence of an image information request signal HSYNC output from each of a plurality of display devices is monitored. Based on the monitoring result, image information stored in an image memory of a display controller incorporated in a host computer is distributed to each display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiichi Matsuzaki, Akio Saito, Takashi Yamamoto, Hajime Morimoto, Yuichi Matsumoto, Kenji Inoue, Nobuharu Ichihashi
  • Patent number: 6710754
    Abstract: A display system is disclosed. The display system includes a processor. The display system also includes a first display device having a first display surface and receiving display data from the processor. The display system also includes a second displayed device having a display area smaller then the first display device and moveable over the surface of the first display device. The display system also includes a sensor in communication with the processor and communicating location data to the processor. The location data is representative of the relative location of the first display to the second display. Further still, the display system includes a program running on the processor and providing display data to the first and second display devices. The display data is provided to the second display device based on the location data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: William Robert Hanson, Shawn R. Gettemy, Sherridythe A. Fraser, Yoon Kean Wong, Mark W. Oliver
  • Patent number: 6710781
    Abstract: When an image having an aspect ratio of 16:9 is compressed in a vertical direction to be displayed on a display screen having an aspect ratio of 4:3, a gray scale signal is inserted into a top and a bottom of an image signal and a brightness level of the inserted gray scale signal is made to correspond to an average brightness level of the image signal. In addition, when an image having an aspect ratio of 4:3 is compressed in a horizontal direction to be displayed on a display screen having an aspect ratio of 16:9, a gray scale signal is inserted into a right edge and a left edge of an image signal and a brightness level of the inserted gray scale signal is made to correspond to an average brightness level of the image signal. Accordingly, a boundary line between a video image area and a non-video image area due to the difference in luminous characteristics of phosphors becomes hardly recognizable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Seiji Saito
  • Patent number: 6674426
    Abstract: A method and system designed to augment, rather than replace, the work habits of its users. These work habits include practices such as drawing on Post-it™ notes using a symbolic language. The system observes and understands the language used on the Post-it notes and the system assigns meaning simultaneously to objects in both the physical and virtual worlds. Since the data is preserved in physical form, the physical documents serve as a back-up in the case of electronic system failure. With the present invention users can rollout a primary paper document such as a map, register it, and place secondary physical documents on the map. The secondary physical documents can be moved from one place to another on the primary document. Once an object is augmented, users can modify the meaning represented by it, ask questions about that representation, view it in virtual reality, or give directions to it, all with speech and gestures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Oregon Health & Science University
    Inventors: David R. McGee, Philip R. Cohen, Lizhong Wu
  • Patent number: 6670950
    Abstract: A portable computer includes a main LCD panel hingedly coupled to a system body, and an auxiliary LCD panel mounted upon the system body. A video image is identically displayed on both the main LCD panel and the auxiliary LCD panel. Alternatively, a definition of the auxiliary LCD panel is lower than that of the main LCD panel. Although a user cannot look at a screen of the main LCD panel, the user can confirm a position of a pointer through a screen of the auxiliary LCD panel. Therefore, the user can precisely control the pointer using a touch screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae-Je Chin, Du-Il Kim
  • Patent number: 6661425
    Abstract: An information input/output device having an intuitive operating feeling and improved information viewing and discriminating properties. The device comprises an superposing image extraction unit 101 extracting a portion for superpositional display from an image to output the extracted image portion as an superposing image, a mask pattern generating unit 102 generating a mask pattern, effectors 113, 114 processing the superposing image, and the mask pattern based on the effect designation information, and a base image generating unit 115 synthesizing the mask pattern image and the original image to generate a base image. The device also comprises a switcher 116, brightness/contrast controllers 117, 118 adjusting the brightness or contrast of the display image switching means 112, a control unit 111, superpositional image display unit 124 for superposed demonstration of display image planes of the displays 122, 123 and a display position adjustment mechanism 121.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiko Hiroaki
  • Patent number: 6642919
    Abstract: One or more controls producing control signals for electrical apparatus are disposed at the face of an electronic display screen which display graphics pertinent to the operation of the controls. Controls having a cap which is slidable along a track include a tongue in the track connecting with signal producing components at an off screen location thereby enabling use of a track of minimal bulk. Controls having slidable caps or turnable knobs and controls such as joysticks and switches snap engage at the face of the screen enabling easy replacement and movement to different locations on the screen. Control signals may be transmitted to an off screen location without use of conductors extending along the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Intertactile Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Denny Jaeger, Kenneth M. Twain
  • Patent number: 6630937
    Abstract: A workstation-user interface for evaluating computer assisted diagnosis (CAD) methods for digital mammography is disclosed. Implementation of such an interface enables multiple, large-size images to be handled at high speeds. Furthermore, controls such as contrast, pan, and zoom, and tools such as reporting forms, case information, and analysis of results are included. The software and hardware used to develop such a workstation and interface were based on Sun platforms and the Unix operating system. The software is user friendly, and comparable to standard mammography film reading in terms of display layout and speed. The software, as designed, will work on entry-level workstations as well as high-end workstations with specialized hardware, thus being usable in an educational, training, or clinical environment for annotation purposes using CAD techniques as well as primary diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Maria Kallergi, Laurence P. Clarke, Himanshu J. Gohel, Michal Vossberg
  • Publication number: 20030184498
    Abstract: Remote, non-verbal interpersonal communication is facilitated between communication stations located remotely from each other. A first communication station registers proximity of a user thereto and communicates to a second communication station a signal indicative of the registered proximity. The first communication station also registers a physical gesture and communicates a signal indicative of the gesture to the second communication station. The second communication station, in turn, receives the signals and, in response thereto, produces a visual output indicative of proximity and of the gestural input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Bruce Blumberg, Angela Chang, Hiroshi Ishii, Brad Koerner, Benjamin Resner, XingChen Wang
  • Patent number: 6624757
    Abstract: An electronic display strip is attached to the shelf front of retail shelves, each shelf having an address code assigned through a control computer. Display fields of variable locations and lengths within each display strip are assigned to each product on a shelf through the control computer. Shelf and display field address codes, product information and product price information are transmitted on a continuous or intermittent basis by the control computer through a communications link to signal processors at each display strip. A control circuit for the display strip stores the information in a display memory and energizes the display field matching the display field address code for the product, thereby displaying the product information and product price in the display field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Neldon P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6624797
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining a control signal and a video signal on a standard video cable is disclosed. The video cable is connected to a display monitor in order to provide access and control functions to the monitor. In a particular implementation, a USB signal is transmitted with a digital video signal across a standard digital video connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: ATI International Srl
    Inventors: Peter Wheeler, Vijay Sharma, Richard W. Ledrew
  • Patent number: 6587034
    Abstract: Simplified data message terminals and data communicating voice terminals are described for providing additional functionality in a facility using a wireless data communication system. The simplified data message terminals provide message and paging communication to employees or customers in a simplified terminal configuration using the existing data communication system. By performing voice to data and data to voice conversions, the same system provides voice communication without interruption of data communication services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Heiman, Joseph Katz, Robert Beach, Andrew R. Werback
  • Patent number: 6583770
    Abstract: A display arrangement displays in two different directions and includes a first display (D1) displaying in a first direction and a second display (D2) displaying in a second, essentially opposite direction. The display arrangement comprises a component common to the first (D1) and second (D2) display, which component comprises a display material layer (2′, 2″, 8′, 8″, 14) of a certain size which determines the type of the display, and a first part (2′, 8′, 14) of the display material layer forms a part of the first display (D1) and a second part (2″, 8″, 14) of the display material layer forms a part of the second display (D2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd.
    Inventors: Mika Antila, Risto Rönkkä
  • Patent number: 6573884
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel dispenser which is located in a fueling environment that includes a convenience store or a quick serve restaurant. The fueling dispenser includes a display providing menu options and input devices for a user to select various goods and services available at the location. The display includes a first display having user selectable options and input devices positioned on the fueling dispenser. The display further includes a second display having user selectable options within a handicapped accessible range to provide access for disabled users. Upon receipt of a signal indicating a handicapped user, the second display is provided to allow access for handicapped users to insure they can adequately input their selections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Kinzie
  • Patent number: 6556724
    Abstract: An image collaboration system conducts resolution independent image collaboration among a host computer and participating client computers. The subject of the image collaboration involves at least one source image. The source image is transformed into a hierarchical representation, such that each level of the hierarchical representation is sufficient to reconstruct the source image at a given resolution. The host computer displays, at a first resolution, an image based on one or more of the source images. To conduct the resolution independent image collaboration, the host computer generates a resolution independent description of the image, which describes the first display image relative to the source image, and broadcasts the resolution independent description of the image to the participating clients. In response, the participating clients generate an image from the resolution independent description of the image at the host computer at a resolution sufficient for display at the participating clients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignees: Stentor Inc., University of Pittsburgh
    Inventors: Paul Joseph Chang, John C. Huffman, Bradford V. Hebert
  • Patent number: 6545669
    Abstract: Apparatus and process are provided for dragging or manipulating an object across a non-touch sensitive discontinuity between touch-sensitive screens of a computer. The object is selected and its parameters are stored in a buffer. The user activates means to trigger manipulation of the object from the source screen to the target screen. In one embodiment, a pointer is manipulated continuously on the source screen to effect the transfer. The object can be latched in a buffer for release on when the pointer contacts the target screen, preferably before a timer expires. Alternatively, the object is dragged in a gesture or to impinge a hot switch which, directs the computer to release the object on the target screen. In a hardware embodiment, buttons on a wireless pointer can be invoked to specify cut, copy or menu options and hold the object in the buffer despite a pointer lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventors: Husam Kinawi, Kevin W. Nielson, Todd G. Simpson, James A. Malcolm
  • Patent number: 6525698
    Abstract: The invention provides a data display device and a system which display a sales amount or number of coins inserted into, for example, a game machine in a form not directly comprehensible to a person in order to prevent reading by an unauthorized person. This prevents dishonest acts or pilfering by the unauthorized person. This form, not directly comprehensible, can be a bar code. The unauthorized person can read the sales data only by a bar code reader, so he will have no way to know the sales amount to match with the actual collected amount of the coins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Omrom Corporation
    Inventors: Morimasa Takechi, Kazuaki Morita
  • Patent number: 6501441
    Abstract: An apparatus for partitioning, scaling and displaying video and/or graphics across several display devices includes a video source, a master device and multiple display devices arranged into a multiple display configuration. Preferably, the master device partitions the video stream into image sections and assigns each display device a corresponding image section based on its position within the multiple display configuration. Each display device then preferably receives the video stream and separates the data representing the corresponding image section. Preferably, once the data for the corresponding image section is separated, the display devices then scale their respective image sections to a full screen size image and display the scaled image simultaneously with the display of the entire frame on all display devices within the multiple display configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Aaron Ludtke, Scott D. Smyers, Mark Kenneth Eyer
  • Patent number: 6473058
    Abstract: An information display device can be structured as an electronic book which has a first screen and a second screen made of liquid crystal with a memory effect. A dry battery can be used as its power source section. The remaining electric power of the battery is detected by measuring the voltage, and immediately before the remaining electric power becomes a minimum voltage necessary for erasure of the screens, the first and second screens are reset so that the images displayed thereon can be erased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Hotomi, Takashi Kondo, Isao Hayami, Katsuyuki Nanba, Sadafusa Tsuji
  • Patent number: 6445459
    Abstract: In an communication system comprising a transmitter unit for digitally converting an input image signal and for outputting the converted image signal, and a receiver unit for entering thereinto the image signal derived from the transmitter unit and for displaying this entered image signal, the receiver unit outputs to the transmitter unit, an end signal for indicating that a display process of the image signal entered from the transmitter unit is accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeo Kawaura, Ryuta Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6441802
    Abstract: An interactive control system with plural displays comprising a plurality of first interactive control apparatus having input device and output device and a second interactive control apparatus connected to the first interactive control apparatus, characterized in having a registering device for registering an attribute of the first interactive control apparatus, a process executing device for executing an input process from the input device of the first interactive control apparatus to the second interactive control apparatus based on the attribute, and an output selecting device for outputting an executing result of the input process by said process executing device to the output device of the first interactive control apparatus corresponding to the attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Tani, Kimiya Yamaashi, Koichiro Tanikoshi, Masato Horita, Masayasu Futakawa, Harumi Uchigasaki, Atsuhiko Nishikawa, Atsuhiko Hirota
  • Publication number: 20020109646
    Abstract: In order to further improve the known customer identification systems, so that the respective customer transactions may be processed even faster and with greater precision than was possible to-date, particularly in the customer-oriented service sector, the invention proposes that the customer account or the customer file stored in a computer installed for use by the customer advisor/customer counselor/sales personnel, in addition to the visual representation of the name and/or photos of the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Werner Brauweiler
  • Patent number: 6392619
    Abstract: In a data transfer circuit, a hold signal generating circuit generates and outputs a hold signal Hold when transmission data is equal to transmission data one cycle before, and sets a 3-state output buffer for transmission data to high-impedance state, while, in a data reception circuit, when the hold signal Hold is valid, a data reception circuit outputs the reception data held, thereby power consumption in a data bus which is terminated with a terminal resistor is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Video and Information System, Inc., Hitachi Device Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nitta, Atsuhiro Higa, Masashi Nakamura, Satoru Tsunekawa, Hirobumi Koshi
  • Patent number: 6388654
    Abstract: The application discloses an apparatus and method of processing images, hand-drawn or written on a suitable Writing Surface, viewed by an Image Sensor such as a video camera, and captured by an image sensing circuit (i.e., frame grabber or similar) used for acquisition of image frames by a computer. More particularly, this invention discriminates among changes detected in these Viewed Images in order to identify and disregard non-informational, transient and/or redundant content. Removal of such content, a writer's arm for example, from the captured image facilitates isolating meaningful changes, specifically intentional new Writings and Erasures appearing on the Writing Surface. Preserving only meaningful changes on the surface promotes optimized: “video image” storage and compressed transmission of a subset of the visual data, when used in conjunction with digital computers at remote locations optionally equipped with projected image and/or conventional computer display systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Tegrity, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Platzker, Tsakhi Segal, Liel Biran, Gilad Halevy
  • Patent number: 6366262
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for supporting multiple display sessions through a single address on a non-programmable-terminal (NPT) attached to a host computer by a work station controller (WSC). The WSC enables shared addressing of multiple display sessions on the NPT. The WSC changes focus to a selected one of the multiple display sessions responsive to receiving from the host computer a data stream for a requested display session not having the focus and responsive to receiving a change focus request from the NPT. The NPT may have one display session active for the user interface and a different display session having the focus communicating with the host computer, which is transparent to the user and to the host computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Joseph Amell, Harvey Gene Kiel, Raymond Francis Romon, Shoji Okimoto, Toshio Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6362813
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a control and programming means (1) for a manipulator (2) with a manipulator control (3), a computer (4) with a graphics unit and with a portable programming device (10), which connected to the computing unit (4) by remote data transmission. The programming device (10) has a display screen (12) without a graphics card of its own, which is connected to the graphics unit (5) of the computer (4) by remote data transmission means and receives the graphic information from the said graphics unit. The graphics unit (5) preferably has a graphics card (6) with a converter (9) and an integrated serial interface (7) for remote data transmission for this purpose. The programming device (10) has a serial interface (7) for remote data transmission. The programming device (10) has a serial interface (7), which is connected to the display screen (12) via a converter (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Wörn, Erwin Hajdu
  • Patent number: 6344836
    Abstract: An information browsing system has one system device and a plurality of displays connected to the system device by a general-purpose serial interface. Drawing data is transmitted through the general-purpose serial interface to the displays in a form of general-purpose serial interface so that different information is displayed on each of the displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6326934
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel dispenser which is located in a fueling environment that includes a convenience store or a quick serve restaurant. The fueling dispenser includes a display providing menu options and input devices for a user to select various goods and services available at the location. The display includes a first display having user selectable options and input devices positioned on the fueling dispenser. The display further includes a second display having user selectable options within a handicapped accessible range to provide access for disabled users. Upon receipt of a signal indicating a handicapped user, the second display is provided to allow access for handicapped users to insure they can adequately input their selections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Marconi Commerce Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Kinzie
  • Publication number: 20010030649
    Abstract: An image display system includes a host system for executing an application program, a display connected to this host system, and an interface for connecting the host system to the display and used to display an image on the display. This interface enables packetized data including ID information to be transferred from the host system to the display. The interface is composed of a first interface for transferring packetized data together with packet order information and a second interface for enabling less data than the capacity of the first interface to be transferred from the display to the host system together with information of a packet transfer error recognized according to the order information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Johji Mamiya, Kazushi Yamauchi, Takatoshi Tomooka
  • Publication number: 20010013843
    Abstract: A technique to adjust each projector of a multi-projector system by simple operations when an identical image is projected on a screen by a plurality of projectors. A communication control unit controls serial communications with an external device through a serial communication port P1 or P2. When receiving a stack definition packet through the serial communication port P1, a control unit stores ID information into a memory based on number information that represents a number of working projectors included in the input stack definition packet, increments the number information in the stack definition packet, and transmits the updated stack definition packet through the serial communication port P2. In response to a command input through the serial communication port P1, the control unit determines whether or not an address of the input command designates itself as the projector of interest, based on address information included in the command and the ID information stored in the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Shuichi Fujiwara, Shoichi Akaiwa