Electrochromic Elements Patents (Class 345/105)
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Patent number: 7847996Abstract: An exemplary electro-wetting display (EWD) device (30) includes a first substrate (31), a second substrate (39) facing the first substrate, a hydrophobic insulator (36) provided between the first and second substrates, a first fluid (33), a second fluid (32) and colored layers (38). The first fluid and the second fluid are immiscible and disposed between the hydrophobic insulator and the first substrate. The second fluid is electro-conductive or polar. The first fluid is located between the hydrophobic insulator and the second fluid. Colored layers may be located between the hydrophobic insulator and the second substrate.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Chimei Innolux CorporationInventors: Sung-Yen Chen, Chien-Wen Wang
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Patent number: 7843404Abstract: The present invention provides a smart mirror apparatus using an LCD panel. The smart mirror of the present invention includes a reflective mirror, which is provided in the vehicle, and an LCD panel, which is placed in a light path between the reflective mirror and eyes of the driver and has one or two polarizing sheets. The smart mirror further includes an incident light detecting unit, which detects both the brightness of the incident light transmitted from the rear to the LCD panel and the brightness around the LCD panel, and calculates a difference value therebetween. The smart mirror further includes a voltage determination unit, which receives the calculated difference value and determines the drive voltage depending on the difference value, and a voltage apply and supply unit which applies the drive voltage, determined by the voltage determination unit, to the LCD panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: SodyInventor: Jong Cheon Lee
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Patent number: 7777697Abstract: An electron emission display and a driving method thereof, where a brightness is adjusted differently according to a brightness of a frame in order to reduce power consumption and prevent a brazing fire from occurring, and to easily recognize a change of the brightness.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong Hyup Jeon, Chul Ho Lee
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Patent number: 7773069Abstract: An electrophoretic display device includes M×N numbers (M, and N are integers more than two) of pixels. The M×N numbers of pixels include M numbers of pixel groups having N numbers of pixels. Further, an image on the electrophoretic display device is displayed by making some of the M×N numbers of pixels switched at least from a bright display to a dark display, and vice versa. A period for displaying one piece of an image on the electrophoretic display is defined as period for forming an image and a period for introducing an image signal to each of the M×N numbers of pixels with sequentially selecting each of the pixels is defined as a frame period. Then, the time for forming an image includes a plurality of frame periods (a numbers of L: L is integers more than two).Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Mitsutoshi Miyasaka, Atsushi Miyazaki, Hideyuki Kawai
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Patent number: 7755599Abstract: An electrophoretic display device including a first substrate, a second substrate, an electrophoretic material interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the electrophoretic material including a positively charged particle and a negatively charged particle, a common electrode provided on the second substrate, a pixel provided at an intersection of a signal line and a scan line, the pixel provided in a plural number and arranged in matrix on the first substrate.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Mitsutoshi Miyasaka
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Patent number: 7746533Abstract: Disclosed herein are electrochromic devices using a very low band-gap conjugated polymer having a band gap (Eg) of less than or equal to about 1.5 eV, and having little or no electrochromism in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: The University of ConnecticutInventors: Gregory A. Sotzing, Venkataramanan Seshadri
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Publication number: 20100127965Abstract: A merchandise display device comprising: an electro-optic display member having an effective display area capable of displaying colors or images; a first means for displaying merchandise on or near said effective display area; a second means for providing physical support to said electro-optic display member; and a controller device for driving said electro-optic display member. The merchandise display device is capable of showing dynamic colors, images, or both on its surface, and an article of merchandise may be displayed on or near said surface, with said dynamic colors, images, or both being the display background.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: FEO DisplayInventor: Jaesang Park
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Patent number: 7724416Abstract: An electrically programmable reticle is made using at least one electrochromatic layer that changes its optical transmissibility in response to applied voltages. Transparent conductor layers are configured to the desired patterns. The electrically programmable reticles are either patterned in continuous forms that have separately applied voltages or in a matrix of rows and columns that are addressed by row and column selects such that desired patterns are formed with the application of a first voltage level and reset with the application of a second voltage level.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventor: Keith Randolph Miller
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Patent number: 7719748Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for providing switching optical filter. The switching optical filter provides several functionalities at the same time. For example, the filter can be used to remove photons of undesirable wavelength, such as ultraviolet or infrared, while simultaneously switching from and between one mode to another in order to accommodate changing ambient light conditions. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for forming an optical filter, the method comprising: forming a first electrode layer on a substrate; forming an ion conductor layer to at least partially cover the first electrode layer; forming an optically transparent layer over the ion conductor layer, the optically transparent layer preventing transmission of photons having a first wavelength while transmitting photons of a second wavelength; and forming a second electrode layer to at least partially cover the optically transparent layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Teledyne Scientific & Imaging LLCInventors: Randolph L. Hall, Rand D. Dannenberg
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Patent number: 7715086Abstract: The invention provides a display method, and a display medium and a display device using the method thereof. The display method displays an image through a process for depositing fine metal particles, in which fine metal particles are deposited on a solid surface from an electrolyte by giving one stimulus to the electrolyte, wherein the particle size distribution of the fine metal particles that are deposited on the specific area of the solid surface, has one or more maximum peaks, and at least one of the maximum peaks satisfies the following formula (1): Pp(±30)/Pp(T)?0.5??(1) where, Pp(T) means the height of the highest peak among the maximum peaks, and Pp(±30) means the height of the distribution curve at the particle size that is ±30% from the particle size of the fine metal particles at the height of the highest peak.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuo Yamamoto, Jun Kawahara, Takayuki Takeuchi, Hiroaki Moriyama, Rie Ishii
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Patent number: 7715082Abstract: An electrochromic switching device comprises a counter electrode, an active electrode and an electrolyte layer disposed between the counter electrode and the active electrode. The active electrode comprises at least one of an oxide, a nitride, an oxynitrides, a partial oxide, a partial nitride and a partial oxynitride of at least one of Sb, Bi, Si, Ge, Sn, Te, N, P, As, Ga, In, Al, C, Pb and I. Upon application of a current to the electrochromic switching device, a compound comprising at least one of the alkali and the alkaline earth metal ion and an element of the active electrode is formed as part of the active electrode.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Soladigm, Inc.Inventors: Zhongchun Wang, Paul P. Nguyen
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Patent number: 7688497Abstract: A multi-layer film (300), useful as a barrier film in electro-optic displays, comprises a light-transmissive adhesive layer (316), a light-transmissive first protective layer (312), a light-transmissive first moisture barrier layer (308B), an intermediate layer (typically an adhesive layer) (310), a light-transmissive second moisture barrier layer (308A) and a light-transmissive second protective layer (306). The second protective layer may be covered by a hard coat (304) and/or a masking film (302).Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Guy M. Danner, Matthew Joseph Kayal, Henry Ware Gale
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Patent number: 7684103Abstract: An electrochromic device including a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material, wherein the first and second substrates are substantially uniformly spaced apart by a spacing member comprising a non-polymeric material which substantially dissolves upon association with the at least one solvent.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Kevin L. Ash, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Steven J. Veenman, Michelle M. Carroll
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Patent number: 7679810Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of an electrochromic device comprises a tantalum-nitride ion-blocking layer formed between a transparent conductive layer and an electrochromic layer. Another exemplary embodiment of an electrochromic device comprises a tantalum-nitride ion-blocking layer formed between a transparent conductive layer and a counter electrode. Yet another exemplary embodiment of an electrochromic device comprises a type-2 ion-blocking layer formed on a transparent conductive layer as an ion diffusion barrier overlayer. Still another exemplary embodiment of an electrochromic device comprises a transparent conductive layer formed from tantalum nitride.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Soladigm, Inc.Inventors: Eugene Anthony Fuss, Roger W. Phillips, Paul P. Nguyen
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Patent number: 7675511Abstract: An electronic notebook includes a case; a sheet-like display medium provided in the case, containing charged particles, and having a first surface and a second surface; a first electrode disposed on the case; and a second electrode disposed on the case. By changing a positional relationship between the display medium and the first electrode and the second electrode, the display medium and the first electrode and the second electrode take on either an arranged state in which the display medium is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the first surface of the display medium opposes the first electrode and the second surface of the display medium opposes the second electrode, or a non-arranged state that is a state other than the arranged state.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuhiro Hattori
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Patent number: 7652812Abstract: A method of supplying an electrically controllable system having variable optical/energy properties in transmission or in reflection, including at least one carrier substrate with a multilayer that allows migration of active species, including at least two active layers separated by an electrolyte, the multilayer being placed between two electrodes connected respectively to upper and lower current leads respectively. In addition to a constant first energy potential, a time-varying second energy potential is applied between the current leads, the first and second energy potentials being designed to ensure switching between two states having different optical/energy properties in transmission or reflection.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass FranceInventors: Erwan Mahe, Fabien Beteille, Carinne Fleury, Emmanuel Valentin, Xavier Fanton
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Patent number: 7649668Abstract: A transparent glazing, and a control method thereof, with a field of view that can be darkened over a portion of its surface by electrically controlling at least one functional element incorporated into a multilayer composite, the light transmission of which glazing can be varied reversibly. The functional element, for example a solid-state electrochromic multilayer system, includes at least one electrochromic functional layer enclosed between two surface electrodes. The surface electrodes and their leads are matched to one another and spaced spatially with respect to one another such that darkening starts at one edge of the functional element and, with a remaining voltage applied between the surface electrodes, propagates continuously over the surface of the functional element until it is completely and uniformly colored. The glazing can be used as an electrically controllable sunshield for windshields of vehicles or the like.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass FranceInventors: Xavier Fanton, Laurent Claude, Samuel Dubrenat, Juergen Schuett
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Patent number: 7646525Abstract: An electro-wetting display panel including a first substrate, an insulator layer, a second substrate, partitioning structures, and electro-wetting display mediums. The first substrate has a plurality of first electrodes. The insulator layer is disposed on the first substrate to cover the first electrodes. The second substrate located above the first substrate and has a plurality of second electrodes. The partitioning structures are disposed on the insulator layer and each defines a pixel region, respectively. At least one of the partitioning structures has a flow channel surrounding the pixel regions, and the flow channel is connected to one of the pixel regions correspondingly. The electro-wetting display mediums are disposed within the pixel regions and the flow channels. When the electro-wetting display mediums are driven by the electric charge between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, the electro-wetting display mediums move between the pixel regions and the flow channels.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chao-Kai Cheng, Wan-Wen Chiu, Wei-Yuan Cheng, Chung-Wei Wang, Jhih-Ping Lu
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Patent number: 7646526Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of an electrochromic thin-film material comprises an alloy of antimony and one or more base metals; and/or an alloy of antimony, one or more base metals, and lithium; and/or an alloy of antimony, one or more base metals, lithium, and one or more noble metals. Another exemplary embodiment of an electrochromic thin-film material comprises a multilayer stack, the multilayer stack comprising at least one layer comprising one of antimony, antimony-lithium alloy, antimony-one or more base metals alloy, antimony-one or more base metals-lithium alloy, antimony-one or more base metals-one or more noble metals alloy, and antimony-one or more base metals-one or more noble metals-lithium alloy; and at least one alternating layer comprising one of a base metal and a base-metal alloy. One or more of the base metals comprise Co, Mn, Ni, Fe, Zn, Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W, Cd, Mg, Al, Ga, In, Sn, Pb, and Bi, and alloys thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Soladigm, Inc.Inventors: Zhongchun Wang, Paul P. Nguyen
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Patent number: 7639415Abstract: Disclosed are an electrochromic device and a method for fabricating the same. The electrochromic device comprises a transparent electrode, on which an electrochromic layer is formed, a counter electrode on which a reflective layer is formed, and an electrolyte layer interposed between the transparent electrode and the counter electrode. Since the electrolyte layer is formed in only an active region of unit pixels, neither crosstalk nor image diffusion occurs and only the selected region of unit pixels is operated. Thus, the electrochromic device can realize passive matrix displays capable of representing a desired color. Furthermore, the electrochromic device can be utilized in a variety of applications including flexible displays and electrical papers.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae Eun Jung, Jae Eun Jang, Chang Ho Noh
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Patent number: 7609434Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an electrode of an electrochromic display. The method includes, prior to forming a porous nanoelectrode, forming a barrier rib for separating an electrolyte using a photosensitive paste as a material for the barrier rib, in which the photosensitive paste enables formation of patterns through a photolithographic process and maintains its shape at 450° C. to 500° C. The use of the electrode enables fabrication of an electrochromic display that is capable of preventing cross-talk between pixels and has advantages of fast response speed, prolonged lifespan upon repeated use and improved electrochromism, when compared to the case of metal oxide electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hong Shik Shim, In Seo Kee, Ick Hwan Ko, Young Gu Lee
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Publication number: 20090225022Abstract: A method and device for providing a display having increased viewability are provided. The display assembly includes a backlight layer, an electrochromic layer formed over the backlight layer, a surface layer formed over the electrochromic layer and including at least one substantially translucent graphical element thereon, and a power supply. The electrochromic layer is switchable between a substantially transparent state and a substantially reflective state upon application of a switching voltage from the power supply, where the state being selected is based on a lighting condition of the display assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS ABInventor: William H. TOLBERT
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Patent number: 7586663Abstract: An electrochromic cell is disclosed which can include a first electrically conducting transparent electrode bonded to an electrochemically formed first electrochromic electrode on the surface of the electrode; a second electrically conducting transparent electrode bonded to an electrochemically formed second electrochromic electrode on the surface of the second electrode and a transparent gel polymer electrolyte formed from one or more macromomoners mixed with a plasticizer and an electrolyte salt, the gel polymer electrolyte in contact with both the first and second electrochromic electrodes; the first and second electrochromic electrodes are separated from each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Triton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bijan Radmard, Gregory A. Sotzing
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Patent number: 7586664Abstract: An electrochromic switchable transparency, e.g. a window and/or a mirror includes an electrochromic switchable medium between a pair of electrode assemblies. At least one of the electrode assemblies is transparent to visible light and includes an electrode over a surface. In one nonlimiting embodiment of the invention, the electrode has two electrically conducting layers and a bridging layer between and interconnecting the two electrically conducting layers. In one nonlimiting embodiment, the bridging layer includes a high electrically resistance connecting layer to provide the electrode with a heating layer to heat the surface and/or a current conducting layer to pass current to the medium. In another nonlimiting embodiment, the bridging layer includes an electrically connecting layer to pass current to electrically enhance the first electrically conductive layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventor: Dennis J. O'Shaughnessy
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Patent number: 7586667Abstract: A solid-state electronic electrochromic device (ECD) operates electronically rather than relying on the ionic motion that is common in electrochromic devices. The electronic ECD has at least one active layer sandwiched between two electrodes. The active layer is made of mixed metal oxides and may be made of a mixture of tungsten and praseodymium oxides. The electronic ECD may have only a single active layer, or may have multiple layers that have the same composition and that are separated by thin transparent metal films. Some versions of the electronic ECD incorporate a distribution of small metal particles within the active layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Eclipse Energy Systems, Inc.Inventor: Hulya Demiryont
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Patent number: 7535614Abstract: An electrical window control system and method thereof are provided, wherein the system includes a variable transmission window having first and second substantially transparent substrates that define an area, and a variable transmittance material that occupies at least a portion of the area. The system further includes a power source that supplies an electrical power, at least one light source that emits light towards the variable transmission window, and at least one sensor in optical communication with the light source, wherein the at least one sensor receives at least a portion of the light that propagates through at least one of the first and second substantially transparent substrates, and communicates a signal that corresponds to the received light.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Donald L. Tapley, Robert R. Turnbull
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Patent number: 7492339Abstract: A bistable electro-optic display having at least one pixel is driven using a waveform V(t) such that: J = ? 0 T ? V ? ( t ) ? M ? ( T - t ) ? ? t (where T is the length of the waveform, the integral is over the duration of the waveform, V(t) is the waveform voltage as a function of time t, and M(t) is a memory function that characterizes the reduction in efficacy of the remnant voltage to induce dwell-time-dependence arising from a short pulse at time zero) is less than about 1 volt sec.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventor: Karl R. Amundson
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Patent number: 7483014Abstract: A method of driving a display apparatus with which unevenness of image is precluded and the time for display is shortened. A display apparatus for displaying an image by impressing a voltage on pixels by row electrodes and column electrodes disposed in a matrix, for example, a metal deposition type electrochemical display apparatus. A voltage not less than a threshold voltage Vth is selectively impressed on predetermined pixels by superposing an address pulse voltage Vadress-row for the row electrodes and an address voltage Vadress-col for the column electrodes on each other to thereby perform address driving, and a data sustaining pulse voltage Vsus is impressed on the row electrodes immediately after the address pulse voltage Vadress-row. The data sustaining pulse voltage Vsus satisfies the condition of the following formula: Vsus+Vadress-col<Vth??(1).Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Masanobu Tanaka, Ryota Odake, Kenichi Takahashi
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Publication number: 20090021472Abstract: A reflection type display apparatus has, at the least, a first mode, for performing a first electroplating of an electrode 2 for a first color; a second mode, for performing second electroplating of a second electrode 4 for a second color, to remove the first electroplating from the electrode 2; and a third mode for performing a third electroplating of a electrode 5, to remove the first and the second electroplating from the electrodes 2 and 4. Through this processing, the reflection type display apparatus can present a color display, and can provide a high reflectance for displaying the color white.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2008Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hajime Ikeda
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Publication number: 20080309612Abstract: Electronic Paper Displays can suffer from “ghosting” or previous images remaining partially visible after the display has updated to show a new image. A pseudo-random noise intermediate image is used to make the ghosting less visible to human observers. Further, other intermediate images can be used to convey visible information or to convey secret information, e.g. a watermark. A control signal for driving the bi-stable display from the current optical state to an intermediate state, then to a final optical state is also determined. In some embodiments, the intermediate state for each pixel is determined in a pseudo-random manner. The pseudo-random noise values are applied to the bi-stable display to remove noise and other artifacts from the end resulting images. The determined control signal is applied to the bi-stable display to drive the bi-stable to the intermediate state, then to the final optical state.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Applicant: Ricoh Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michael J. Gormish, Guotong Feng
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Publication number: 20080309551Abstract: A remotely-alterable electronic-ink based display device for displaying graphical indicia within a GPS system transmitting a plurality of GPS signals to the device display device. The device employs an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The device includes an integrated circuit structure having a GPS signal receiver, a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in electrical communication with the addressable display assembly and an antenna structure. A signal transmitting structure transmits signals from the antenna structure to the remote activator module. A signal receiving structure receives electromagnetic signals from the remote activator module, using the antenna structure. An on-board battery power structure, operably connected to the integrated circuit structure, supplies electrical power the integrated circuit structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventor: Alexander Gelbman
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Patent number: 7463226Abstract: A display device according to this invention includes: a display panel (2) having plural pixels configured to display image information; plural driver circuits (10) configured to drive the plural pixels according to a video signal indicative of the image information which is inputted externally, the video signal being a radio signal; and plural wireless input portions (22) each configured to obtain a part of the video signal from the radio signal, wherein the plural driver circuits (10) are each configured to drive a part of the plural pixels according to the part of the video signal obtained by a respective one of the wireless input portions (22).Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Naohide Wakita
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Patent number: 7457027Abstract: This invention discloses methods to dispense adhesives for fabricating electrooptic devices. In addition the invention also discloses on how the cavities of these electrooptic devices may be filled using detachable tabs. The Electrooptic devices of this invention may comprise liquid or solid electrolytes.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: ElectroChromix, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. LeCompte, Juan Carlos Lopez Tonazzi
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Patent number: 7453435Abstract: Electrochromic matrix and method of controlling the grey state of pixels in an electrochromic matrix display comprising a first set of electrodes being formed of electrically isolated conduction lines, a second set of electrodes being formed of electrically isolated conduction lines, an electrochromic material and an electrolyte being arranged between or on said first and second sets of electrodes and drive means arranged to supply drive voltages selectively to individual electrodes in said first and second sets of electrodes, said first and second sets of electrodes being arranged in a pattern such that each electrode in said first set intersect each electrode in said second set at a single location and such that electrode in said second set intersect each electrode in said first set at a single location, said intersections between the first and second sets of electrodes forming a set of pixels.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Edwards Science & TechnologyInventor: Marten Edwards
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Patent number: 7443566Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying an appearance of a mobile terminal are provided. A mobile terminal housing is provided with a window. A first electrode is formed inside the window. A conductive polymer layer is formed over the first electrode. An electrolyte layer is formed over the conductive polymer layer. An ion storage layer is formed in contact with the electrolyte layer. A second electrode is formed in contact with the ion storage layer. A power supply is provided for supplying a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, where a state of the conductive polymer layer changes from a first uncolored state to a second colored state upon application of the voltage and where the changing of the state of the conductive polymer layer modifies a visual appearance of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications ABInventors: Jacob Lerenius, Håkan Carlberg
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Patent number: 7441134Abstract: An electronic device of an embodiment of the invention is disclosed that at least partially displays a pixel of a display image. The device includes a first reflector and a second reflector defining an optical cavity therebetween that is selective of a visible wavelength at an intensity. The device includes a mechanism to allow optical properties of the cavity to be varied such that the visible wavelength and/or the intensity are variably selectable in correspondence with the pixel of the displayable image. The device also includes one or more transparent deposited films, one or more absorbing layers, an integral micro-lens, and/or one or more anti-stiction bumps. The deposited films are over one of the reflectors, for self-packaging of the device. The absorbing layers are over one of the reflectors, to reduce undesired reflections. The integral micro-lens is over one of the reflectors, and the anti-stiction bumps are between the reflectors.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventors: Arthur Piehl, James R. Przybyla, Adam L Ghozeil, Eric T. Martin
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Patent number: 7436389Abstract: A method and system for controlling a color of light output by a diffractive light device (DLD device). The color is determined by a gap voltage applied to the DLD device. During each of a number of time frames, one of a number of control bits in a control word is sent to bit line logic corresponding to the DLD device. Each of the control bits represents a gap voltage level. The applied gap voltage is then adjusted to the gap voltage level represented by the one of the number of the control bits.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Inventor: Eugene J Mar
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Patent number: 7433114Abstract: The present invention relates to a microcapsule that can be used to form a rewritable medium for visual displays that are stable in the presence of electric fields having a strength that is typical in the work environment. The microcapsule of the invention comprises charged particles of one or more colors that are suspended in a phase change material that has a melting temperature in the range of between about 30° C. and about 200° C. The microcapsules can be used to form an electrophoretic coating that includes microcapsules of the invention distributed throughout a polymer matrix. The electrophoretic coating can be used to coat a substrate to form a rewritable medium.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Inventors: Andrew L. Van Brocklin, William Dorogy
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Publication number: 20080238871Abstract: A display apparatus includes a plurality of scanning lines and data lines and, at each intersection of said data lines and scanning lines, an electrochromic pixel element and a sensor element connected to the pixel element. The sensor element is sensitive to a user's graphical input, which changes a charge state of the respective pixel element. The display apparatus also includes a control means, which is configured to allow the pixel element to be selectively set to a first charge state corresponding to a first display state, or to a second charge state corresponding to a second display state. The second display state reflects the user's graphical input. The second charge state of the pixels may be brought about by exposing the sensor elements to light from a light pen or to a magnetic field from a magnetic pen, the pen being drawn across the display screen of the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventor: Simon Tam
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Patent number: 7420727Abstract: The present invention is an active matrix electrochromic display architecture where the active components are placed on the backplane of the display, thereby maximizing the viewable pixel area. The cathode of the electrochromic pixel is placed on top of the active components, with respect to the viewer, thereby allowing the active components to be as large as desired while not interfering with the viewable area of the pixel.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: NTERA LimitedInventor: Micheal Cassidy
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Patent number: 7414770Abstract: An electrochromic device including a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material, wherein the first and second substrates are substantially uniformly spaced apart by a spacing member comprising a non-polymeric material which substantially dissolves upon association with the at least one solvent.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Kevin L. Ash, Leroy J. Kloeppner, Steven J. Veenman, Michelle M. Carroll
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Patent number: 7403319Abstract: An electrochromic device in which specific channel direction for the conduction of ions is implemented. As a result ionic crosstalk between display pixels is greatly reduced and unwanted transient coloration effects are minimized. Further, specific gel, polymer, or ionic liquid solutions can greatly eliminate the corrosive effects associated with the use of electrolyte salt solutions.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: NTERA LimitedInventors: Nigel Leyland, David Corr, Micheal Cassidy, Francois Pichot, Nikolaos Vlachopoulos, Michael Ryan
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Patent number: 7375871Abstract: A light control system having a full range of dimming for smart-glass by providing an interface between an off-the-shelf dimmer and a electrochromic glass device is disclosed herein. The light control system or electrochromic glass control device acts as an interface that converts an asymmetric alternating current (AC) power signal from the dimmer device into a symmetric, amplitude controlled AC output signal for controlling the tint of the smart-glass device. The electrochromic glass control device includes a powerline interface circuit that receives the asymmetric AC power signal from the dimmer. A controller connects to the powerline interface circuit to generate a control signal responsive to the asymmetric AC power signal. Connecting between the dimmer and the controller, an output stage generates the symmetrical AC output signal responsive to the control signal to control the electrochromic glass device.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: John Libretto, Michael Ostrovsky, Eugene Frid, Edward Uftring
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Patent number: 7352500Abstract: A display device comprising a plurality of independently addressable pixels (1) comprising: a first substrate (2); a counter-electrode (3); second substrate (4); a stack of electrochromic layers (5a, 5b, 5c) associated with said second substrate (4); an electrolyte (6) disposed between said counter-electrode (3) and said stack of electrochromic layers (5a, 5b, 5c). Said electrochromic layers (5a, 5b, 5c) are each independently addressable for switching operation; and separated from each other by layers of an electrolyte (7).Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.Inventors: Hendrik Johannes Boudewijn Jagt, Nicolaas Petrus Willard, Mark Thomas Johnson
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Patent number: 7348966Abstract: A digital resistive-type touch panel includes first and second transparent substrates opposing each other; a plurality of first transparent electrodes extending along a surface of the first transparent substrate; a plurality of second transparent electrodes extending along a surface of the second transparent substrate, wherein the first and second transparent electrodes cross each other; a first signal line for dividing an applied voltage and applying unique voltages to respective ones of the first transparent electrodes; and a plurality of second signal lines connected to respective ones of the plurality of second transparent electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hee Jung Hong, Hee Jeong Park
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Patent number: 7336410Abstract: A display of an electrochromic type, including an active matrix substrate on which a plurality of pixel electrodes corresponding to pixels are arranged in a matrix form; a counter substrate which is provided with a transparent electrode that is common with respect to a plurality of the pixel electrodes; and an electrochromic material which is sandwiched between the active matrix substrate and the counter substrate, and is colored in a boundary either between itself and the pixel electrode or between itself and the transparent electrode; wherein the pixel electrode other than an electrode-exposed part which contacts with the electrochromic material is covered with a transparent protective film; and the electrode-exposed part has a different area from the area of the part onto which a current generated between the transparent electrode and the pixel electrode concentrates, out of the transparent electrode.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2006Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Hitachi Displays, Ltd.Inventors: Shoichi Hirota, Tetsuya Ohshima, Tatsuya Sugita
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Patent number: 7324259Abstract: A display element comprising a pair of electrodes having therebetween an electrolyte layer containing silver or a silver-containing compound, the display element being driven by the pair of electrodes so as to electrochemically dissolve silver or to electrochemically deposit silver, wherein the electrolyte layer contains an antioxidant selected from the group consisting of a phenolic antioxidant, a phosphoric acid antioxidant, a sulfur-containing antioxidant, an amine antioxidant and a hydroquinone derivative.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Noriyuki Kokeguchi, Satoru Ikesu
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Patent number: 7312914Abstract: Between each transparent pixel electrode driven by TFT as a drive device and a common electrode, a polymer layer located in contact with the transparent pixel electrode and electrically active to change in color by electrochemical oxidization or reduction and a polymeric solid electrolytic layer located in contact with the polymer layer and containing a coloring agent are interposed. Since electrochemical oxidization or reduction brings about a color change, the contrast and the black concentration can be enhanced, and bronzing after long-time use does not occur.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony International (Europe) GmbHInventors: Kenji Shinozaki, Akio Yasuda, Kazuhiro Noda, Toru Udaka, Mieko Kuwahara
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Patent number: 7312784Abstract: A first apparatus for displaying drawings comprises a housing having an aperture, a drawing sheet comprising electro-optic material movable through the aperture between closed and open positions, and a writing device for writing on the sheet as it moved between its closed and open positions. A second apparatus comprises a display member having a viewing surface, support means for supporting this display member above a floor, an electro-optic medium disposed on the display member, and a movable writing head for writing on the electro-optic medium. Another display comprises an optic medium with two display states visible through a viewing surface. A touch screen is disposed on the opposed side of the optic medium from the viewing surface, and the optic medium is deformable such that pressure applied to the viewing surface will be transmitted to the touch screen.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Allan Scott Baucom, Ara N. Knaian, Heather A. Linden, Timothy J. O'Malley, Russell J. Wilcox
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Patent number: 7310080Abstract: Methods and related devices for manipulating ambient light and various light sources for applications including colour displays, screen displays and colored coverings for a multitude of items is disclosed. Methods and related devices for manipulating light for decorative, signaling and other purposes are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Inventor: Richard V. Jessop