Abstract: A vehicle gauge comprises a mechanical indicator moveable relative to a reconfigurable gauge display. A transparent electroluminescent display selectively provides one of a plurality of gauge displays. A mechanical indicator positioned behind the display moves relative to the gauge display based upon data from a sensor associated with the current gauge display. A selectively transmissive device positioned between the display and the indicator selectively hides the indicator from view, providing a display independent of the indicator.

Abstract: In a multi-plane electronic whiteboard apparatus, a drawing sheet is extended on a main roller and driven rollers so as to be folded back once by means of the intermediate driven roller. The main roller has a diameter larger than (at least not less than twice) the diameter of the driven rollers to ensure a space for forming the folded portion. A portion of the drawing sheet is exposed through an opening of a frame for serving as a drawing plane. The folded portion contributes to providing a total of four drawing planes. Therefore, it is possible to provide the multi-plane electronic whiteboard apparatus with a simple structure and at a low cost.

Abstract: A novel display device suitable as a portable display device is disclosed. The device includes a pair of substrates and a light modulation layer sandwiched between the substrates. A functional gel is adapted to be deformed by an electric field applied between a pair of electrodes interposed between the substrates, thereby regulating the light incident on the light modulation layer. A high contrast, a high reflectance and a high light utilization are achieved without regard to the angle of visibility.

Abstract: An interactive display is disclosed which comprises a housing to receive an induced field activated display sheet which has a plurality of image producing elements responsive to an induced field. The housing has a transparent cover panel and a base panel. The cover panel and the base panel of the display housing comprise a plurality of means for creating a plurality of induced fields for selectively activating the image producing elements of the induced field activated display sheet. By selectively activating the induced field means, selective image producing elements of the induced field activated display sheet will be activated to produce a desired image on the induced field activated display sheet thereby creating a display. If desired the induced field activated display sheet can be removed from the display housing to be used as a printed document.

Abstract: Electrochromic systems having a material, whose coloration state and/or the transmission in certain electromagnetic radiation wavelengths varies by performing an electrochemical reaction involving the passage of an electric current. The electric current is generated by an intensity generator able to supply a current, whose intensity obeys a reference value determined as a function of the number of charges to be transferred for switching from the initial coloration state to the desired coloration state and as a function of the time chosen for the switching. The system also relates to using a power supply in an electrochromic glazing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for the control of an electrochromic window having a three-electrode structure (2, 8, 5) comprises a comparator (12) to maintain within safe limits the potential difference of the electrode (2) and the reference electrode (5), and a shunt unit (16) to switch off the power supply when the current falls below a lower limit and a unit for controlling the coloring density on the basis of the quantity of charge supplied or the optical density of the coloring (FIG. 2).

Abstract: An electrophoretic display is provided which includes first and second plates spaced apart to define a volume of space therebetween. The display also includes a first electrode positioned on the first plate, a second electrode positioned on the second plate, and an emulsion positioned within the space. The emulsion includes a non-polar phase forming a continuous phase of the emulsion and a polar phase forming a non-continuous phase of the emulsion.The polar phase of the emulsion is capable of forming droplets (reverse micelles or reverse emulsions) in the non-polar phase. The polar phase includes a dye which is insoluble in the non-polar phase, a polar solvent, and a detergent. Images are provided by the display by controlling the distribution of the polar phase droplets containing the dye in the non-polar liquid phase using an electric field formed between the first and second electrodes.A method is also provided for forming an image by electrophoretic phase separation of an emulsion.

Abstract: An electro-optic device including first and second optically transparent elements mounted in spaced relationship to each other to define a gap and each having a front and rear surface. At least one optically transparent interlayer element is sandwiched between the first and second elements and joining a predetermined area of the rear surface of the first element and the front surface of the second element. A liquid, semi-liquid, gel, or semi-solid electro-optic medium, whose light transmittance is variable, is added to the gap between the first and second element. One surface of the second element may include a reflective coating except in those areas aligned with the transparent interlayer element sandwiched between the first and second element.

Abstract: An electrochromic cell, connected to an electrical reference element equivalent to an element of the electrochromic cell of zero surface dimensions and zero electrolyte thickness, connected in series with a resistance R.sub.i identical to the ion resistance of the electrochromic cell (reduced to a same zero surface), a potential difference applied by a generator, in coloration and decoloration respectively, being such that the voltage at the terminals of the reference element is kept at a value below a coloration reference voltage or decoloration reference voltage respectively.

Abstract: A light control board comprises a plurality of electrochromic panels which are composed of electrochromic elements and which are situated in one plane. Control means controls the optical transmissivity of each of the electrochromic panels. Thus, the quantity of light passing through the light control board is controlled with resultant illumination control of an empty space. By employing belt-shaped electrochromic panels, it is possible to block or pass the light partially at the surface of the light control board for effective utilization of light according to an intended purpose. Furthermore, by incorporating measurement means into the light control apparatus to detect environmental conditions inside as well as outside, it is also possible to utilize light more efficiently in compliance with changes in surrounding conditions.

Abstract: An electroluminescent device including an electroluminescent cell, and a switching element connected to the electroluminescent cell. The switching element has an offset area and a unit for applying a voltage to the offset area. According to the electroluminescent device, a higher withstand voltage for the switching element can be obtained, and an adequate flow of drain current in the switching element is insured.

Abstract: An elecctrochromic system utilizes the benefit both from the continuous variability in transmission and memory in EC devices to provide a partial level of light transmission that is variable while minimizing energy usage. An electrochromic element that is responsive to a momentary application of a signal by coloring to a corresponding partial transmission level and maintaining at that level for a given period of time after removal of the drive signal, is provided with a drive signal. The drive signal has a value corresponding to a selected transmission level and is applied for a first predetermined period of time in order to color the electrochromic element to the selected transmission level and repetitively thereafter for the same or shorter periods of time. The subsequent periods are separated from each other and from the first period by holding periods of time during which the drive signal is not applied.

Abstract: An electrochromic system for controlling the color state of an electrochromic pane. The charge needed to obtain the desired color is determined from the discharge potential of the system and the coloration set-point. An integrator measures the charge passing through the system and compares it to the charge to be transferred. This charge is measured by a differential amplifier which compares a discharge potential measured by a capacitor with a selected color set-point.

Abstract: An electro-optic device including first and second optically transparent elements mounted in spaced relationship to each other to define a gap and each having a front and rear surface. At least one optically transparent interlayer element is sandwiched between the first and second elements and joining a predetermined area of the rear surface of the first element and the front surface of the second element. A liquid, semi-liquid, gel, or semi-solid electro-optic medium, whose light transmittance is variable, is added to the gap between the first and second element. One surface of the second element may include a reflective coating except in those areas aligned with the transparent interlayer element sandwiched between the first and second element.