Physically Movable Array Patents (Class 345/31)
-
Patent number: 7136030Abstract: A display system (12) for attachment to a sill (14) of a window structure (26) has been provided. The display system (12) includes a mounting device (28) for attaching the display system (12) to the sill (14) of the window structure (26) and a display device (18) for attachment to the mounting device (26). The display device (18) is intended to communicate various information to the viewer of the display device and preserve or create more available space surrounding the window structure (26).Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Robert L. Steed, John R. Cowin, Timothy M. Mitchell, Wayne Cavanaugh, Craig A. Larson, David L. Allen, Tuong Q. Nguyen, Ronald C. Doty, Son T. Nguyen, Kevin L. Gosling, Taji Shafaat
-
Patent number: 7136031Abstract: The present invention provides a reflection-type three-dimensional display system. The present invention comprises an image providing device that provides elemental images; an image displaying device that displays the elemental images; a projective lens system that is located along the same axis as the image providing device; and a concave mirror array that is located along the same axis as the projective lens system. The projective lens system projects the image that is displayed by the image displaying device to the concave mirror array, and the concave mirror array reflects and integrates the projected image and therefore displays the three-dimensional image.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2001Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Inventors: Byoungho Lee, Yoonchan Jeong, Sung-Wook Min, Sungyong Jung, Jae-Hyeung Park
-
Patent number: 7123211Abstract: A surround-vision display system with a very high visual dynamic range is made possible by distributing a limited number of LED's on the inside of a drum and then spinning that drum around a user. The pixel information for each horizontal position in space is sent to each corresponding LED it visits that position. The LED's are arranged in a grid on a panel tile, and the panel tile is tilted slightly, e.g., at 1.1-degrees. The result is each panel tile presents a continuous vertical stripe in the picture frame as all its LED's are swept by in the drum motion. Several panel tiles stacked vertically inside the drum all contribute to the whole height of the picture frame, e.g., several feet. The entire inside circumference of the drum is populated with the LED panel tiles to keep frame refresh rates up to avoid flicker while keeping drum rotation speeds down to reasonable levels. Thus even though the LED's and drum are moving, the image projected appears to be relatively stationary.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Andreas Nowatzyk
-
Patent number: 7085444Abstract: A porous optical switching film is situated between at least two plates that have an electrical bias between them.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2003Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Marcus S. Bermel, Robert F. Cournoyer
-
Patent number: 7072621Abstract: The present invention includes a wireless mobile communication device with a body casing having an exterior surface, and a number of light sources (LS) disposed on the exterior surface. A machine accessible medium is provided with instructions to selectively activate the number of LS in a spatial movement dependent manner to spatially paint luminescent images. Additionally, a processor is coupled to the machine accessible medium to execute the instructions. As a result, spatial painting of luminescent images utilizing a wireless mobile communication device is facilitated.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Wildseed Ltd.Inventors: G. Eric Engstrom, Peter Zatloukal, Paul R. Nash
-
Patent number: 7053867Abstract: The present invention relates to a moveable image display system comprising a plurality of moveable display frames, capable of displaying images, a power transmitter and a data transmitter. There are no electrical connections between the moveable display frames and the data or power sources, however the moveable display frames are mechanically and electrically connected to each other. The moveable display frames are capable of moving relative to each other and are capable of moving together relative to the data and power sources.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Inventors: Laurence J. Hine, Hui Li
-
Patent number: 7033672Abstract: An optically transparent conductive material is used for static dissipation of a cover material for an optical switching device. The optically transparent conductive material is deposited directly or indirectly on the cover material. The optically transparent conductive material forms an electrically continuous film. The optically transparent conductive material can also be used for anti-reflection.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: John R. Martin, Maurice Karpman, Lawrence E. Felton
-
Patent number: 7030420Abstract: A linear array of red LEDs 10R is provided so as to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which a swing-type display device is swung, and a linear array of green LEDs 10G is further provided, the red LEDs 10R and green LEDs 10G being arranged in pairs of two. A CPU activates each of the red LEDs 10R and green LEDs 10G for a predetermined period to emit light in a luminance level in accordance with image data. As a result, an image corresponding to the image data is displayed in the trajectory of the swing due to persistence of vision. Thus, an image can be displayed in various colors.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaru Shimomura, Mikihiro Ishikawa, Hirotaka Uemura, Ryo Fukasawa, Masahiko Ota
-
Patent number: 6954221Abstract: A safety structure of a desk-top Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is disclosed. The safety structure has a seat body pivotally mounted to a monitor, characterized in that the monitor is provided with two sections of elevation angle, wherein the first section of the elevation angle complies with the angle of application for human body, and the second section of the elevation angle has a maximum elevation angle in parallel to a base seat of the monitor, and the twisting force of the monitor required to rotate within the scope of elevation angle of the second section is larger than that of the elevation angle of the first section, but the twisting force to rotate within the second section is smaller than the weight of the seat body.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Inventor: Alpha Wu
-
Patent number: 6954658Abstract: The present invention includes a wireless mobile communication device with a body casing having an exterior surface, and a number of light sources (LS) disposed on the exterior surface. A machine accessible medium is provided with instructions to selectively activate the number of LS in a spatial movement dependent manner to spatially paint luminescent images. Additionally, a processor is coupled to the machine accessible medium to execute the instructions. As a result, spatial painting of luminescent images utilizing a wireless mobile communication device is facilitated.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2002Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Wildseed, Ltd.Inventors: G. Eric Engstrom, Peter Zatloukal
-
Patent number: 6944482Abstract: A wireless mobile phone is provided with the capability to visually convey various information to users, using a number of light emitting devcies (LEDs). The information may include notification of an incoming call, text messages of a call (in Morse code representations), complementary graphics for non-graphics contents, and visual representations of attributes of sound. In various embodiments, the implementations may include a visualization controller to selectively activate and deactivate the LEDs, and applicable ones of an event, text and sound visualization clients. In various embodiments, all or selected combinations of the elements may be part of the base unit of the wireless mobile phone, while the remaining elements, if any, may be part of an interchangeable face plate or a covering skin.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Wildseed Ltd.Inventors: G. Eric Engstrom, Paul R. Nash
-
Patent number: 6937211Abstract: An apparatus including a controller having an input for receiving an input signal is disclosed, the input signal having an audio component. A housing having an outer surface on which is fixed a conforming and surface covering light output device is also provided, whereby the controller enables creation of a visually dynamic decorative pattern on the surface of the housing dependent on the input signal and under the control of software programs. The controller enables creation of a visually dynamic decorative pattern on the surface of the housing dependent on the signal and under the control of pattern producing software. The input signal can be an audio, video, and/or environmental input signal. The output device can be visual display, audio speaker array, scent generator, and/or tactile device.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Gregory Robert Roelofs
-
Patent number: 6930660Abstract: The present invention provides a display device formed with an array of a plurality of pixels, which comprises: fixed elements with surfaces colored a first color, the fixed elements being arranged in correspondence with the pixels; movable elements with surfaces colored a second color, the movable elements being arranged in correspondence with the pixels; support elements supporting the movable elements at first ends thereof, the support elements being rotatable; and a inclined angle changing device configured to contact second ends of the support elements to change the inclined angle of the support elements; wherein, changing the inclined angles of the support elements allows the movable elements to move between rear surfaces of the fixed elements and adjacent front surfaces of the fixed elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Isao Amemiya, Kenichi Mori, Atsushi Sugahawa
-
Patent number: 6900779Abstract: A process and system for interactively displaying large (more than 1 million voxels) volumetric 3D images utilizing a sequence of helical slices of a 3D data set to generate a series of 2D images on a reflective surface of a light modulator. The series of 2D images generated on the light modulator are projected into a volumetric 3D-space display using an illumination light source and projection optics. Voxels in 3D space are illuminated for each 2D projected image, each voxel being located at its corresponding spatial location. A pulse from a wireless pulsed laser pointer forms a 3D bright voxel within the display volume. The pulse signal is synchronized with the rotating helix, and the orientation of the pointer and the phase of the pulse are controlled by the user to specify a 3D point in 3D space. A wireless receiver provides six degree-of-freedom (DOF) position of the spatial location of the pointer, as well as the phase signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Inventor: Zheng J Geng
-
Patent number: 6894663Abstract: A method of creating an image for an event or promotion involves providing a plurality of light sources arranged in a one-dimensional matrix. The one-dimensional matrix is made up of a vertical column and at least two horizontal rows. The light sources are blinked for at least two image_times that are within the range from about 30 milliseconds to about 200 milliseconds without use of a line driver. The power source is selected to avoid damaging the light sources or electronic circuity controlling the light sources. Each of the image_times includes two or more display_times that are equal to LED On time. The light sources are moved relative to an observer at the event or promotion, such that the observer will observe a two-dimensional image.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Inventor: Mitchell A. Altman
-
Patent number: 6856303Abstract: A pixel-based display utilizes persistence-of-vision to sweep text and graphics in a cylindrical plane, including time and date, custom messages and animations. The display is generated from a light array with a column of modulated light emitting elements, which is mounted on a rotating display assembly. Power and data are combined on a fixed control assembly and inductively coupled to the display assembly. A control assembly processor interprets a display application language that describes display-specific tasks to generate command, mode, character and graphic data for the display assembly. The control assembly processor also reads a trigger position sensor and adds a trigger delay to generate a virtual trigger command, which provides for flexible display positioning and scrolling display effects.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Inventor: Daniel L. Kowalewski
-
Patent number: 6842278Abstract: A method for manufacturing an image displaying medium is provided in that a display element in the form of powder can be filled between facing substrates. After patterning spacer particles on a first flat substrate supplied from a first film roller set on a first roller shaft by a first electrostatic coating device, they are fixed by a first fixing device to form a spacer on the first flat substrate, and then black particles are coated, on the entire surface by a second electrostatic coating device. After coating white particles thereon by a third electrostatic coating device, the black particles and the white particles on the upper part of the spacer are removed by a blade, and a second flat substrate supplied from a second film roller set on a second roller shaft is superimposed, followed by fixing the upper part of the spacer and the second flat substrate by a second fixing device.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2000Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Motohiko Sakamaki, Kiyoshi Shigehiro, Yoshiro Yamaguchi, Shota Oba, Nobuyuki Nakayama, Yoshinori Machida, Minoru Koshimizu, Takeo Kakinuma
-
Patent number: 6819228Abstract: A Braille reading apparatus has a base unit presenting a planar upfacing surface and a traveling Braille character carriage. A cover unit is engaged with the base unit and provides a flexible membrane covering the upfacing surface and the carriage. The character carriage is enabled for moving across the base unit and provides plural character read units in linear sequence between its opposing ends. Each of the read units provides Braille character presentation in contact with an underside of the membrane, whereby, a page of Braille is readable through tactile contact, moving between the opposing ends of the character carriage over an outside surface of the membrane, as the character carriage moves over the base unit scanning from one end to the other.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Inventors: Dwain Gipson, Lawrence E. Jenkins
-
Publication number: 20040217919Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: Arthur Piehl, James R. Przybyla, Adam L. Ghozeil, Eric T. Martin
-
Patent number: 6809854Abstract: An image display medium comprising a pair of substrates disposed opposed to each other and a group of at least two kinds of particles enclosed in the gap between the pair of substrates, at least one of the two or more kinds of particles being capable of being positively charged and at least the others being capable of being negatively charged and the particles capable of being positively and negatively charged having different colors, wherein both the particles capable of being positively and negatively charged have a shape factor of from greater than 100 to not greater than 140 as determined by the following equation: Shape factor=(L2/S)/4&pgr;×100 where S is the area of particle; and L is the perimeter of particle, and an image forming device comprising same.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuo Yamamoto, Satoshi Hiraoka, Kiyoshi Shigehiro, Yoshinori Machida, Takeshi Matsunaga
-
Patent number: 6806851Abstract: An image display has a substrate, plural optical sources on the substrate, and a microlens-array in which plural microlens are arranged so as to be opposed to the respective optical sources. Then, driving devices are provided under the optical sources. The driving devices move the microlenses relatively for the respective optical sources. At the same time, the optical intensities or the optical wavelengths of light beams from the optical sources are varied with synchronized with the above relative movements, and taken out as image information of an object to be observed. As a result, a three-dimensional image of the object can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: The University of TokyoInventors: Isao Shimoyama, Kazunori Hoshino
-
Patent number: 6771237Abstract: Disclosed are cross-talk resistant drive circuitry for electrostatic video displays and flexible, foldable and shaped embodiments of such displays including books, fanfolds and scrolls employing flexible polymer film construction. Transistorless drive circuitry uses row and column dumping capacitors to charge electrostatic pixels in a traveling group to avoid simultaneously charging row-adjacent pixels. Also, individual pixels can be shielded each with their own Faraday cage to control charge leakage from the pixel. The pixels' have spiral rollout shutters whose time parameters can be controlled by the use of suitable bleed resistors. Low-cost film technology manufacturing methods are also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Display Science, Inc.Inventor: Charles G. Kalt
-
Patent number: 6753829Abstract: To change image quality in accordance with the image to be displayed, a color filter plate 3 is driven to sequentially split the white light incident on an A portion into red, blue, and green light beams to irradiate a liquid crystal panel, thus displaying a full-color image by a so-called field sequential scheme. In this case, if a sector region 4BG of an auxiliary filter plate 4 is always matched to the A portion (FIG. 2A), the quality of a full-color image is defined by the color filter plate 3, resulting in an increase in luminance. In contrast to this, when a red filter section 3R and auxiliary red filter section 4R are synchronously driven to be simultaneously irradiated with white light, the quality of a full-color image is defined by both the color filter plate 3 and the auxiliary red filter section 4R. As a consequence, an image with excellent color reproducibility is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Akihiro Ouchi
-
Patent number: 6753845Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for addressing pixels in a display. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for addressing pixels in a display using one or more movable mechanical scanning mechanisms. The mechanical scanning mechanisms and one or more stationary addressing elements provide electrical field addressing for control of the desired pixel(s) in a display.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Electronics for Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Keeney, Farhad Nourbakhsh
-
Patent number: 6753847Abstract: The present invention is a system that allows a number of 3D volumetric display or output configurations, such as dome, cubical and cylindrical volumetric displays, to interact with a number of different input configurations, such as a three-dimensional position sensing system having a volume sensing field, a planar position sensing system having a digitizing tablet, and a non-planar position sensing system having a sensing grid formed on a dome. The user interacts via the input configurations, such as by moving a digitizing stylus on the sensing grid formed on the dome enclosure surface. This interaction affects the content of the volumetric display by mapping positions and corresponding vectors of the stylus to a moving cursor within the 3D display space of the volumetric display that is offset from a tip of the stylus along the vector.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Silicon Graphics, Inc.Inventors: Gordon Paul Kurtenbach, George William Fitzmaurice, Ravin Balakrishnan
-
Patent number: 6741387Abstract: The present invention provides a display element, which is driven at a low voltage, displays a high-contrast image with few density irregularities, and has improved image holding property. In a display element, which displays an image by moving, between a first and second substrate, particles having different colors and charge polarities by an electric field applied between the first and second substrates, the surface roughness of at least one of the substrates is 1 nm to 1 &mgr;m, the coefficient of shape is 100 to 140, the width and depth of the recessed part are not identical to the diameter of the particles and the contacting parts of the recessed part and the particles do not form a surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Shigehiro, Kiyokazu Mashimo, Kenji Yao, Hiroshi Miyamoto, Kyoko Nishikawa, Yasufumi Suwabe, Yoshinori Machida, Takeshi Matsunaga, Yoshiro Yamaguchi, Motohiko Sakamaki, Katsumi Nukada
-
Patent number: 6700553Abstract: A tactual computer monitor includes rows and columns of rectangular cells. Each cell includes four rows and two columns of movable pins which are felt and read by a blind person. The pins are driven by electromechanical impact drivers and are held in position by resilient elastomeric cords. The impact drivers are carried on a bi-directional printhead which travels beneath the movable pins. An erasing mechanism is provided to positively drive the pins downwardly to erase the characters produced by the printhead.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventors: John V. Becker, Daniel E. Hinton, Hugh G. Anderson, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6697035Abstract: In a moving-film display device, each pixel includes a moving film electrode capable of bending and a counter electrode. The display color of each pixel is determined when the moving film electrode bends by a potential difference between the moving film electrode and the counter electrode. The moving film electrode is connected to a signal line via a TFT. The TFT is turned on/off by an address line. A controller keeps the TFT ON until the potential of the moving film electrode becomes substantially equal to a signal potential, and turns off the TFT before the moving film electrode comes closest to the counter electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Atsushi Sugahara, Goh Itoh, Richard Lang, Haruhiko Okumura
-
Patent number: 6697034Abstract: A volumetric, 3-D image is produced by moving a small number of 1-dimensional light arrays such that virtually all points of a desired volume have at least one light pass through them within the refresh time of the human eye. The motion of the lights consists of two simultaneous motion cycles that are substantially orthogonal to each other, with one being faster than the other. Proper control of the lights thus allows images to be produced within the volume. Each light element may be composed of a collection of smaller, directional lights, each pointed in a different direction. In such case, the lights may be controlled in a manner that permits each viewer of the volumetric image to only see a variant of that image properly hidden-line removed for his or her particular viewpoint. The display can thus produce volumetric images appearing appropriately hidden-line removed from multiple viewpoints simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Craig Stuart Tashman
-
Patent number: 6674415Abstract: Three lines' worth of an image are displayed on a columnar display unit 11 comprising a plurality (for example, three) of one-dimensional display devices; this image light beam is made incident on perpendicular deflection means 14, and using the perpendicular deflection means 14, this image light beam is deflected and scanned at high speed in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the columnar display unit 11 to obtain a two-dimensional image. A plurality of one-dimensional display devices is used, so that compared with conventional devices in which only a single one-dimensional display device is used, even if the rewrite speed (scanning speed) per one-dimensional display device is slow, good image quality free of flicker can be obtained. By further extending this in a configuration using a plurality of columnar display units, a single image can be divided into a plurality of images and displayed in a row on a screen.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomoyuki Nakamura, Susumu Kobayashi, Akihiro Kubota, Hiroyoshi Kobayashi
-
Publication number: 20040001033Abstract: A simplified MEMS optical display device driven by electrostatic forces and associated arrays are provided for. The optical display device includes an optically transparent substrate, an optically transparent fixed electrode disposed on the substrate and a pigmented translucent film disposed on the substrate. A moveable optical shutter is affixed to the substrate and is generally aligned with the fixed electrode and the pigmented translucent film. The moveable optical shutter comprises an electrode element and a biasing element. In addition, a fixed portion attached to the substrate and a distal portion adjacent to the fixed portion defines the optical shutter. When an electrostatic voltage differential is established between the fixed electrode and the optical shutter electrode element the distal portion of the optical shutter will move to controllably regulate the pigmentation of an optical signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2002Publication date: January 1, 2004Applicant: MCNCInventors: Scott H. Goodwin-Johansson, Brian H. Augustine, Lindsey N. Yadon
-
Publication number: 20030227425Abstract: A communication apparatus incorporating a visual signaling device. A first cover member and a second cover member cooperate to define a communication interior having communication components therein, permitting communication of messages. Keys are operable through one of said cover members to indicate control functions for the communication apparatus. Light emitting devices are visible through one of the cover members. A controller is responsive to operation of the keys to cause the light emitting devices to emit light signals in a pattern indicated by the operation of the keys. An accelerometer is responsive to movement of the communication apparatus to control spacing of the light signals to form a displayed light pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Michael McKay, Nikolaj H. Bestle
-
Patent number: 6650309Abstract: A light modulation element for performing electromechanical operation of generating a first electromechanical force for a needle 15 for displacing the needle, thereby changing a transmission factor of light. The light modulation element has drive means for generating or canceling a second electromechanical force 25 for the needle in a vertical direction different from the horizontal direction of the first electromechanical force 29 and holding or canceling the displacement state of the needle, so that active and stable matrix drive is provided by the first and second electromechanical forces that can be controlled in drive separately.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koichi Kimura
-
Patent number: 6646695Abstract: An apparatus for positioning of a symbol display device on the door element of a casing of a coin actuated entertainment automat. The symbol display device at the coin actuated entertainment automate wherein the symbol display device is furnished as a television monitor or as a roller shaped circulating body. The symbol display device exhibits conventionally a fixed position on the front side with the disadvantage that a stray light free observation of the symbol display device is not possible for each user of the coin actuated entertainment automat. This disadvantage is to be removed with the construction according to the present invention. The symbol display device is disposed vertically shiftable on the front side of the casing of a coin actuated entertainment automat for obtaining a reflection free view position of the symbol display device.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2000Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Atronic International GmbHInventor: Michael Gauselmann
-
Patent number: 6642919Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Intertactile Technologies CorporationInventors: Denny Jaeger, Kenneth M. Twain
-
Patent number: 6639571Abstract: A rotating display to present images includes a transmission/support mechanism installed on a column of a building, an annular display unit installed around the column, supported and driven by the transmission/support mechanism, a contact power supply unit installed on the column, a control unit provided inside the display unit, and an angle encoding unit between the column and the display unit. Using the foregoing elements, a rotating display can be formed on a column of a building. Image signals are transmitted wirelessly to the control unit to light up the light-emitting modules on the display unit. Due to the visual persistence in human vision, a 360-degree panoramic image can be produced, thus decorating the building column or playing commercials.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Dynascan Technology Corp.Inventor: Frank Wang
-
Patent number: 6636186Abstract: An image display medium provided with a pair of substrates both of which are substantially transparent, and a gas enclosed in space defined between them. Each of the pair of the substrates is provided with transparent electrodes (ITO). The space defined between the substrates encloses two types of particle groups having colors different from one another, have a negative charge polarity, and have different adhesiveness from each other with respect to the substrates. A white particle group having a positive polarity is further enclosed in the space. A voltage is applied to the electrodes 28 and 30 so as to apply an electric field determined in response to the types of particles to be transferred. Thus, a plurality of colors are selectively developed via the particle groups enclosed in the space for displaying different colors.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., LtdInventors: Yoshiro Yamaguchi, Kiyoshi Shigehiro, Motohiko Sakamaki, Shota Oba, Nobuyuki Nakayama, Kazunaga Horiuchi, Takeshi Matsunaga
-
Patent number: 6636202Abstract: Apparatus for converting a visual image into a tactile image. The apparatus comprises imaging means for converting incident light from the visual image into electrical signals that are proportional to the gray scale intensity of the incident light. The apparatus also comprises a tactile display device having a two-dimensional array of variable height pixels, wherein the height of each pixel in the tactile display is dynamically variable in proportion to the electrical signals from the imaging means. Preferably, the height of each pixel is inversely proportional to the gray scale intensity of the incident light so that the maximum height of a pixel occurs when a corresponding pixel in the visual image is black.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Nizamudeen Ishmael, Jr., Kulvir Singh Bhogal, Javid Jameossanaie, Mandeep Singh Sidu
-
Patent number: 6628247Abstract: A display system reduces latent image formation by shifting an image between a first position and a second position, displaced only a few pixels from the first position. Preferably, the image is displayed briefly simultaneously at the first and second positions and then displayed only in the second position for a second predetermined time period.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1998Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Toffolo, Silviu Palalau, William Rogers, Masazumi Sone
-
Patent number: 6628246Abstract: A display device comprises a light guide and a movable element. By locally exerting a force on the movable element by means of selection means, optical contact between the movable element and the light guide can be brought about. Light emanates from the display device at the locations where optical contact takes place. Measures are taken to employ the force exerted by the selection means as efficiently as possible. This can be achieved by making the force act at the location where the optical contact takes place and/or by reducing other adhesive forces (caused, inter alia, by differences in pressure, static charging, surface stresses, van der Waals' forces and/or chemical forces).Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Gerardus G. P. Van Gorkom
-
Publication number: 20030164807Abstract: The invention relates to a screen comprising a visible surface (1) which is divided up into pixels (2). The pixels (2) thereof respectively emit light and are connected to a light distributor by means of optical waveguides (3). The light distributor has rotating light sources (10) disposed on a rotor (20) and arranged at a distance from an axis of rotation (22). The light emitted from said light sources is radiated to the receptors (7) of a coupling device (5) located at the ends of the wave guides (3) and reaches the visible surface (1) of the screen via the individual waveguides (3), thereby producing a visible picture for an observer, composed of individual pixels (2). The disadvantage of conventional screens is that the design thereof is necessarily large while displaying weaknesses in terms of contrast and light.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2003Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventor: Rainer Glatzer
-
Publication number: 20030128103Abstract: A multi-position display for a vehicle comprises a housing movable between first and second positions and a display surface having first and second portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventors: Robert C. Fitzpatrick, David B. Busch, David J. McCarthy
-
Publication number: 20030107531Abstract: A tactual computer monitor includes rows and columns of rectangular cells. Each cell includes four rows and two columns of movable pins which are felt and read by a blind person. The pins are driven by electromechanical impact drivers and are held in position by resilient elastomeric cords. The impact drivers are carried on a bi-directional printhead which travels beneath the movable pins. An erasing mechanism is provided to positively drive the pins downwardly to erase the characters produced by the printhead.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2002Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: John V. Becker, David A. Becker, Daniel E. Hinton, Hugh G. Anderson
-
Patent number: 6577286Abstract: A device and method of displaying images using an afterimage caused by an optical illusion is disclosed In the device, a controller processes image data output from an image processing unit, thus generating an image display control signal and a motor control signal. A drive motor unit rotates a rotary display assembly at a speed in response to the motor control signal. A plurality of display units, individually designed to emit light beams at multi-angles, are orderly mounted on the rotary display assembly. The display assembly is rotated at a speed by the drive motor unit in response to the motor control signal while displaying images on the display units at multi-angles in response to the image display control signal, thus forming desired images due to an afterimage caused by an optical illusion.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2000Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Inventor: Ji Ho Jang
-
Patent number: 6559840Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for transforming two-dimensional images into three-dimensional illusions. A plurality of transparent or semi-transparent rods are configured in an annular configuration and mounted to a platform. The rods are rotated by a motor. Using a light source, a two-dimensional image is projected onto the rotating rods to kinetically transform the two-dimensional image into a three-dimensional illusion that seems to move through space.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventor: Elaine W. Lee
-
Publication number: 20030080924Abstract: A visual display device is constructed which uses the “persistence of vision” effect of human vision and responds to kinetic motions of the user as the device is held and swung by an operator. Displays may consist of alphanumeric and graphic data with image symmetry not required. A microcontroller adjusts the display to conform to the speed and width of the users swing, synchronizing the display to the users motions. Both the user and viewers of the device are enabled to see the displayed images correctly oriented and stable within the path of the swinging device. The user is provided with visual and or audio feedback, which helps in coordinating a steady swing, and gives an indication of the orientation of the displayed data. The device is fabricated in such a way that costs are at a minimum, allowing this technology to be used in widespread disposable or reusable applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventor: Arthur Lane Bentley
-
Publication number: 20020196253Abstract: A method for rapid rendering of a desired line in a volumetric display having a rotatable screen includes stepping the rotatable screen through a sequence of angular positions and, at each angular position, rendering, on the rotatable screen, a rasterized approximation of a line segment containing an intersection of the desired line and the rotatable screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: Michael G. Giovinco, Joshua Napoli
-
Patent number: 6492963Abstract: A light display is mounted on the spokes of a rotating bicycle wheel. The display includes a plurality of arrays of lights, each array attached to one of the spokes. A sensor on the wheel, actuated by a magnet mounted on the frame, senses the angular velocity of the rotating wheel with respect to the bicycle frame. A microprocessor, mounted on the wheel and connected to the sensor, and individually connected to each of the plurality of arrays of lights by a cable, includes a memory which stores a plurality of display patterns. The microprocessor modulates the plurality of arrays of light according to a selected one of the plurality of display patterns and the sensed angular velocity of the rotating wheel to form an image using persistence of vision of a viewer.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1999Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Illumination Design WorksInventor: David J. Hoch
-
Publication number: 20020180664Abstract: A method of driving a gas discharge tube is provided. Each field of images is divided into three periods for luminescence-rest, luminescence-preparing, and luminescence steps. During the luminescence-rest step, two voltages whose amplitudes are the same and constant are applied to two sustaining electrodes composing each pair, so that the sustaining electrodes rest the discharge. During the luminescence-preparing step, two voltage pulses whose phases are the same are applied to the two sustaining electrodes composing each pair and a voltage to cause a preparatory discharge is applied to an auxiliary electrode. And during the luminescence step, two voltage pulses whose phases are mutually shifted are applied to the two sustaining electrodes composing each pair, so that the sustaining electrodes cause discharges for the luminescence.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Tomida, Masaki Hirohashi, Jun Kuwata, Hiroko Imamura
-
Patent number: 6486858Abstract: A method of creating an image involves providing a plurality of light sources arranged in a one-dimensional matrix. The one-dimensional matrix is made up of a vertical column and at least two horizontal rows in which each of the horizontal rows has no more than one of the light sources. The light sources are blinked at their safe maximum current for at least two image_times that are within the range from about 30 milliseconds to about 200 milliseconds without damaging the light sources or electronic circuity controlling the light sources. Each of the image_times includes two or more display_times that are equal to LED On time. The light sources are moved relative to an observer, such that the observer will observe a two-dimensional image.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Inventor: Mitchell A. Altman