Abstract: A bi-directional single-conductor interface is provided, comprising (1) a switching means for applying a voltage level to the interface that is outside a normal voltage operating range for the interface and for removing the applied voltage level at an end of a specified time duration; and (2) a timer initiated by detection of the applied voltage and arranged to include a timing interval following removal of the applied voltage. With the interface of the invention, data is caused to be transmitted via the interface in a first direction during the timing interval of the timer, and in an opposite direction during other times.

Abstract: A light guiding plate is provided on the obverse side of a display for displaying a display image while varying the display image. Unevenness is formed at a predetermined position at a reverse surface of the light guiding plate. A light emitting element is disposed at the side surface of the light guiding plate in such a manner as to introduce the light to the light guiding plate. Alternatively, an uneven portion in conformity with a pattern of a desired display image may be formed at a reverse surface of the light guiding plate, and a light emitting element is disposed at the side surface of the light guiding plate in such a manner as to introduce the light to the light guiding plate.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) having a switchable display/mirror (11) and a display driver (12). In one mode of operation the switchable display/mirror provides a visual display to a viewer (using, for example, an emissive array). In another mode of operation the switchable display/mirror provides a mirror-like reflection. In a preferred embodiment, the switchable display/mirror includes a transparent organic light emitting diode array (31) that operates in conjunction with a reflective electrode (32) and a switchable circular polarizer (23). In one embodiment the switchable circular polarizer (23) can be comprised of a switchable linear polarizer (34) and a quarter waveplate (36).

Abstract: An LED lighting array is disclosed wherein a plurality of light emitting devices disposed in at least first and second columns are mounted on a planar mounting surface to form an emission plane. The emission axes of all the LEDs in a first column are parallel with each other and lie in a first plane. The emission axes of the LEDs in an adjacent, second column are also parallel, but a second plane containing the emission axes of the second column is disposed at a predetermined, non-zero angle with respect to the first plane. The non-zero angle is a function of the LED beam width and the distance to a lighting target. This configuration of the LEDs provides an optimum balance at a predetermined target distance between the size of the area illuminated and the brightness of the illumination of the target. In one aspect of the invention the LED lighting array includes at least first, second and third columns of LEDs.

Abstract: A light emitting display for compensating for the threshold voltage of transistor or mobility and fully charging a data line. A transistor and first through third switches are formed on a pixel circuit of an organic EL display. The transistor supplies a driving current for emitting an organic EL element (OLED). The first switch diode-connects the transistor. A first storage unit stores a first voltage corresponding to a threshold voltage of the transistor. A second switch transmits a data current in response to a select signal. A second storage unit stores a second voltage corresponding to the data current. A third switch transmits the driving current to the OLED. A third voltage determined by coupling of the first and second storage units is applied to a transistor to supply the driving current to the OLED.

Abstract: An image projecting apparatus has optical switches in first optical switch unit arranged in a square matrix arrangement, and a second optical switch unit of optical switches in single file for selectively reflecting the monochromatic lights reflected from the first optical switch unit. A light source irradiates a plurality of monochromatic lights of different wavelengths and the monochromatic lights are passed through the optical switches and a square beam generator such that they are incident on a panel unit to realize a monochromatic color stripe of a predetermined size. Light utilization increases through the use of first and second optical switch units, and overlapping between monochromatic color stripes can be prevented through the use of digital micromirror device (DMD) panel or liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) panel of fast responsiveness.

Abstract: A variable color optical device repeatedly develops a start signal and two end signals respectively timed in relation to the start signal in accordance with the values of two sets of data. Two stable signals are developed, each from the start signal to the respective end of signal. Two control signals are applied, in accordance with the two stable signals, for respectively forwardly biasing the light emitting diodes of two primary colors.

Abstract: An image projector system includes a light source, a light-modulating device, and a projector lens set. The light source includes a rectangular housing formed with a light-transmissive output port and at least four light-transmissive input ports, at least four light emitting diode modules, and a mirror set mounted in the housing for directing light beam outputs of the light emitting diode modules that are transmitted into the housing through the light-transmissive input ports to pass through the light-transmissive output port for processing by the light-modulating device. The light beam output of each of the light emitting diode modules has a wavelength band within a range of from 400 to 700 nanometers, that is different from the other light emitting diode modules and that has a center wavelength spaced apart from that of the other light emitting diode modules by at least 20 nanometers.

Abstract: A full color LED based lighting apparatus operated in synchronism with music and method of controlling the same is disclosed. LED color and LED brightness can be controlled by means of high and low frequencies of sound. Thus, lighting can be controlled so as to be in synchronism with music as an event proceeds. The invention can provide more excitement, fun, and entertainment. Also, a plurality of embodiments are carried out by the invention.

Abstract: A process for monitoring the light intensity of an optical signaling or display device which has a plurality of light sources arranged on the front of a printed circuit board in a rasterized luminous field (F) and a diffusion lens arranged in the main light emission direction of the light sources or a light-collecting intermediate lens and a diffusion lens arranged in sequence, characterized by the process steps of using an at least partly transparent printed circuit board for arrangement of the light sources, arranging of sensors to detect light on the rear of this circuit board, detecting the light beams emitted rearwards towards the printed circuit board by the light sources and/or detection of the light beams reflected at the intermediate lens or, if this is omitted, at the diffusion lens and passing through the printed circuit board, conversing the detected light beams into signals which are passed to an electronic system, and initiating an action such as increasing the electrical power, advance warning

Abstract: This invention provides a method for syntheses of new electroluminescent conjugated polymers modified with high electronegative heterocyclic groups (such as 1,3,4-oxadiazole-diyl, 1,3,4-thiadiazole-diyl, and 1,2,4-triazole-diyl). These electroluminescent polymers (homopolymers, statistical copolymers or block coplymers) are obtained by polymerization of bis(halomethyl) arenes modified with heterocyclic groups via the Wessling precursor route, Gilch side chain route, Wittig reaction or Wittig-Hornor reaction. By a proper selection of the monomers and their ratios in the polymerization, the emissive polymers (fully conjugated or limited conjugating length) covering the full visible range even extending to the near-IR range can be prepared. The polymeric light emitting diodes (PLED) with these materials as emissive layer or electron transport layer have high external quantum efficiency and can be used as indicators and displays for cellular phones, pagers, portable computer, wristwatch, toys, etc.

Abstract: A display apparatus creates, for each image, a number of subfields Z from a first subfield to a Zth subfield in accordance with a Z bit representation of each pixel, a weighing value for each subfield, and a number of gradation display points. The display apparatus detects a peak image brightness level and an average image brightness level. A weighing multiple including a positive integer part and a fractional part is determined based on the peak image brightness level and the average image brightness level. The weighing multiple is multiplied by the weighing value of each subfield to obtain a product capable of having a positive integer part and a fractional part. An integer value near the product is defined as a number of drive pulses for each subfield. The weighing multiple is increased as the average image brightness level decreases and as the peak image brightness level increases.

Abstract: While programming or editing an entry in an electronic program guide (EPG), the invention expands the dimensions of an EPG display field within the entry, enlarges the font size of the text in the display field, and displays more complete information than that displayed in a normal EPG display mode. EPG entries may include VCR timers, reminders, time blocks, channel preferences, viewing restrictions, and set-top box settings. Display fields may include channels, dates, and start and stop times.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for illuminating an object with white light, in which method the object is illuminated using lights of at least two different colors. The intensities of the lights are measured and then the intensity of illumination provided by means of a light of a single color is adjusted on the basis of the measured intensities of illumination provided by means of at least two different colors to improve the white balance of the object's illumination.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor 11 has a level display unit (28). The level display unit (28) is constituted by arranging a plurality of 7-segment indicators (33). The 7-segment indicators (33) are partially constituted of red LED segments (33b) and partially constituted of red/green two-color LED segments (33a). For a digital display, all of the segments are illuminated in red to display numerals. For a graph display, the red/green two-color LED segments are illuminated in green to present a bar graph.

Abstract: A light-emitting element drive circuit capable of controlling the drive current of a light-emitting element in consideration of changes in a threshold value of the light-emitting element. A laser diode 1 emits light in accordance with a bias current Ib of a bias current drive circuit 2 and a light-emitting current Ip of a data current drive circuit 3. A photodiode 4 outputs a monitor current Im that corresponds to the optical output of the laser diode 1. A bias current feedback circuit 8 detects a change in the threshold current in accordance with the current Im, and outputs a control signal CS1. The bias current drive circuit 2 generates a bias current Ib that corresponds to the threshold current Ith of the laser diode 1 after the change. A light-emitting current feedback circuit 9 detects a change in the optical output of the laser diode 1 in accordance with the current Im, and outputs a controls signal CS2.

Abstract: An LED drive circuit includes a booster circuit having a first and second capacitors and using a n/m voltage type rectifying switching and a constant current circuit having a MOS transistor as an output transistor. The constant current circuit is connected in series with an LED as a load of the booster circuit to drive the LED with constant current. With this circuit construction, there is substantially no electromagnetic noise generated and it is possible to maintain a terminal voltage of the LED substantially constant according to the diode characteristics of the LED even when voltage ripple appears in an output of the booster circuit due to the n/m voltage boost, by setting the switching frequency at high to absorb the ripple component on the side of the constant current circuit.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor 11 has a level display unit (28). The level display unit (28) is constituted by arranging a plurality of 7-segment indicators (33). The 7-segment indicators (33) are partially constituted of red LED segments (33b) and partially constituted of red/green two-color LED segments (33a). For a digital display, all of the segments are illuminated in red to display numerals. For a graph display, the red/green two-color LED segments are illuminated in green to present a bar graph.

Abstract: Surface mounted LEDs are arrayed in special patterns to provide a relatively high resolution dot-matrix visual display and/or multi-segment character displays. Especially abbreviated solder bonding pads are utilized to obtain a higher density packing of the surface mounted arrays in at least some embodiments. Special anti-glare coatings and structures are employed to reduce ambient light reflections for aircraft instrument applications. Multi-colored display outputs are also provided.

Abstract: A light source device, comprising a light guide block that is provided with an inner wall capable of reflecting light and is shaped as a hollow component to form a light guide, and a point light source array that is located opposite one end face of the light guide block and is capable of emitting light into the light guide.

Abstract: A digital signal directed to a display (e.g., a plurality of display elements forming an array of display elements) may be converted into an analog signal using a nonlinear relationship. In one embodiment, a drive signal may be provided to at least one display element of the array of display elements in response to calibration data. Embedding the calibration data using the nonlinear relationship, the amplitude of the drive signal may be determined in order to control a perceptible output from the at least one display element of the array of display elements. Thus, a compensation for initial non-uniformity degradation over time, and/or non-uniform degradation may be provided to the at least one display element of the array of display elements. The nonlinear relationship reduces the number of discrete calibration data levels required to avoid perceptible contrast among neighboring pixels that leads to contouring effects.

Abstract: A multi-segment alphanumeric display, such as a seven-segment display, is described. The display comprises a body including at least seven discreet segments. A lens to covers each of the segments. A bottom section comprising at least two light sources per segment is attached to the body. Electric circuitry is connected with the light sources in each segment for selective actuation of the segments. The segments in the body comprise partitioning of sufficient depth to prevent light bleeding from one segment to another.

Abstract: A dimensional light-emitting element array device is provided. The device comprises a light-emitting element array in which a plurality of three-terminal light-emitting thyristors are arranged in X-Y matrix of N rows×M columns; a plurality of row lines to each thereof an anode of the thyristor on a corresponding row of the matrix is connected; one clock line to which all the row lines are connected; a plurality of row address lines to each thereof a gate of the thyristor on a corresponding row and a 0th column of the matrix is connected; and a plurality of column address lines to each thereof a gate of the thyristor on a corresponding column of 1st-Mth columns of the matrix is connected.

Abstract: Linear lighting systems and methods. In one example, two or more lighting elements having an essentially linear or curvilinear shape are coupled together to form a lighting system. Each lighting element includes a group of LEDs arranged so as to illuminate the essentially linear or curvilinear shape of the lighting element. Each element may include LEDs to generate the same color light, and/or LEDs to generate light of different colors. Additionally, each element may include one or more controllers to control the LEDs so as to create a variety of temporal and/or color-oriented lighting effects. The controller(s) may employ one or more of a variety of control techniques to control the LEDs, such as those involving analog control signals or pulse-width modulated (PWM) control signals. The lighting elements of the system may each be configured as a “stand alone” unit working within the system, producing respective lighting effects that may or may not be coordinated with each other.

Abstract: An LED display unit disclosed. A plurality of pixels are provided on an insulation substrate. Each pixel comprises vertically arranged green, red, and blue LEDs, wherein the green LED is above the red LED, and the blue LED is below the red LED. Each pixel is positioned in a corresponding one of cavities defined in a predetermined pattern on the insulation substrate, and each cavity provides a light reflection surface on the inner wall.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In a first display mode, a threshold value is numerically displayed on a first display section and the current light reception amount (current value) is numerically displayed on a second display section. In a second display mode, the tolerance value is numerically displayed on the first display section and the current light reception amount is numerically displayed on the second display section. To switch from the first display mode to the second display mode, a display mode change key can be operated.

Abstract: Provided is an electrical circuit that provides a boosting circuit that all in one provides a regulated step-up voltage to a non-linear device such as an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) used in a liquid crystal display (LCD). The unique placement of the current sensing circuit within the boosting circuitry eliminates the need for a separate current regulating circuit, thus minimizing the circuitry needed to provide a constant back lighting LED array of constant luminosity.

Abstract: A multifunctional photoelectric switch comprises a display section for displaying a first display information and a second display information. The first display information includes a plurality of items concerning a threshold value and the second display information includes a plurality of items concerning functions of the photoelectric switch. A switch is provided for switching information to be displayed on the display section between each type of display information. A selection menu for the user to select either “Easy” or “Pro” is displayed in the progress of making a transition from a “light reception amount and/or threshold value display” mode of the basic display information to an “operation function setting” mode of the second display information. The user selects and sets either “Easy” or “Pro” on the selection screen.

Abstract: A dot matrix display system made up of light emitting diodes (LED's), n which one or more LEDs are modulated and encoded with audio information or messages is disclosed. The system has a LED dot matrix display panel with an interface circuit to a computer, an audio signal transmitter, and a receiver. An executive program runs on the computer for the visual display control of characters, decorative pattern or messages on the display panel. The receiver combined with a speaker is located at a distance from the display panel. The receiver is designed to demodulate the optically transmitted audio information and broadcast the messages with the speaker. The modulation of the LEDs includes a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) for varying the frequency of on/off periods of said light emitting diodes. The frequency is high enough such that the perceivable light appears to be constantly illuminated to the human eye.

Abstract: In a drive apparatus of a self-scanning type light emission element array, a first bit light emission thyristor is surely set into an ON state, thereby stabilizing shift of a light emitting operation from the first bit light emission thyristor. In the light emission element array drive apparatus which drives a light emission element array having plural light emission thyristors arranged in array and plural shift thyristors arranged in array (each gate of shift thyristors is connected to each gate of light emission thyristors), the apparatus comprises: a generation unit for generating a shift signal to sequentially shift ON states of the shift thyristors; and a generation unit for generating a start signal to start drive of the light emission element array, wherein a gate voltage of the first light emission thyristor is supplied according to the start signal without setting the first shift thyristor into an ON state according to the shift signal.

Abstract: A display apparatus has an adjusting device, which acquires image brightness data, and adjusts a weighting multiplier N on the basis of brightness data. The weighting multiplier N takes not only a positive integer, but also a decimal fraction numeral. In accordance with this, even if weighting multiplier N changes, an abrupt change in brightness does not occur, and a person watching the screen is not left with a sense of incongruousness.

Abstract: A race standings display is disclosed having a base which supports a square, vertical tower. A series of two-digit LED number displays is arranged vertically along the tower, showing first elapsed time (four digits for this display), then a lap count, and then competitor numbers in order of their position in the race. Optionally, red, green and yellow LEDs may be provided to indicate the status of the race (e.g. yellow for racing under a caution flag). The back of the standings display pylon is provided with connectors for power and a phone line, and optionally, connectors for a 10 keyboard and monitor. A computer or microcontroller in the standings display is programmed to establish a phone connection to a real-time database (preferably via the internet), and is programmed to automatically update the standings display during the progress of the race. During times when a race is not in progress, the standings display may act as a regular clock and display car numbers in order of current point standings.

Abstract: In the electro-optical device for carrying out an image display by using n-bit (n is a natural number) digital image signals, one pixel incorporates n×m (m is a natural number) memory circuits, and has a function to store the digital image signals for m frames in the pixel (in examples shown in the drawings, n=3, m=2, and memory circuits A1 to A3 and B1 to B3 store signals for 3 bits×2 frames). Thus, in the display of a still picture, the digital image signals once stored in the memory circuits are repeatedly read out and a display is carried out for each frame, so that driving of a source signal line driver circuit is stopped during the display. Thus, the electric power consumption of the electro-optical device is reduced.

Abstract: A transit sign includes a first housing, an electronic display disposed within the first housing, and an end cap mounted on an end of the first housing. The first housing is configured to link with a second housing having the same cross-section as the first housing. The transit sign displays transit related information on the display.

Abstract: A continuously variable color display system includes a plurality of display areas, each including three light emitting diodes, for emitting light signals of respectively different primary colors, which are controlled by three bistable devices, respectively. Each bistable device is set at the beginning of a time interval, defined by a corresponding input digital code, and reset at the end of the time interval. Accordingly, the light emitting diodes jointly illuminate in a composite color determined by three input digital codes.

Abstract: Surface mounted LEDs are arrayed in special patterns to provide a relatively high resolution dot-matrix visual display and/or multi-segment character displays. Especially abbreviated solder bonding pads are utilized to obtain a higher density packing of the surface mounted arrays in at least some embodiments. Special anti-glare coatings and structures are employed to reduce ambient light reflections for aircraft instrument applications. Multi-colored display outputs are also provided.

Abstract: A display device has current-addressed pixels, with the currents being supplied by driver circuitry which comprises a transistor (10) for applying a charging voltage to a switched capacitor arrangement (Ci, S1, S2) arranged to selectively charge and discharge the capacitor (Ci) at a predetermined rate to a charging voltage. A transistor control voltage (Vref) is applied to a control terminal of the transistor which is adjusted depending on the transistor threshold voltage to ensure that the capacitor (Ci) is charged to the charging voltage irrespectively of the value of the threshold voltage. This enables an accurately controllable current to be provided which is used to drive the current-addressed pixels.

Abstract: Surface mounted LEDs are arrayed in special patterns to provide a relatively high resolution dot-matrix visual display and/or multi-segment character displays. Especially abbreviated solder bonding pads are utilized to obtain a higher density packing of the surface mounted arrays in at least some embodiments. Special anti-glare coatings and structures are employed to reduce ambient light reflections for aircraft instrument applications. Multi-colored display outputs are also provided.

Abstract: A system operable with any number of different display truth table schemes. The system allows a user to select the truth table scheme and a driver circuit is used to drive either a single or pair of display elements. A binary application select detects a logic 0 if an application sense pin is left floating or is pulled low with a resistor. It detects a logic 1 if the application sense pin is pulled high with a resistor. The sense potential is such that all applications at the pin following reset, namely input or output with connected components will only detect a logic 1 when the pin is pulled high by a pull-up resistor. The output latched application is directed to a responsive circuit operable in a first condition when a logic 0 is detected, and a second condition when a logic 1 is detected. A binary select allows 2n different truth schemes to be selected where n is the number of pins used to select the application. When a first binary code is sensed, a first truth table is implemented.

Abstract: A multicolor multi-element display system includes a plurality of multicolor display elements, each having color control inputs for controlling its color and an enable input for controlling its condition. The color control signals are commonly presented to the interconnected color control inputs of all display elements. The individual display elements are independently illuminated or extinguished by enable control signals presented to their enable inputs.

Abstract: An LED display unit disclosed. A plurality of pixels are provided on an insulation substrate. Each pixel comprises vertically arranged green, red, and blue LEDs, wherein the green LED is above the red LED, and the blue LED is below the red LED. Each pixel is positioned in a corresponding one of cavities defined in a predetermined pattern on the insulation substrate, and each cavity provides a light refletion surface on the inner wall.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a LED array, in which faults of all the diodes can be instantaneously detected, even when an optical printer is operating, and various kinds of faults of the LEDs can be discriminated. In the LED array comprising plural LEDs arranged along a lone, each LED is provided with a comparator, which compares a terminal voltage of the LED with a variable reference voltage. The kind of fault of the LED can be discriminated on the basis of a relation between the reference voltage applied to the comparator and an output voltage thereof.

Abstract: A system for displaying the value of a signal whose dynamic range extends over several powers of ten, the system comprising a display screen of predetermined geometrical shape subdivided into zones, each zone being identifiable in a two-coordinate system, the first coordinate identifying groups of zones with the various groups being graduated from 1 to 9, and the second coordinate identifying zone levels within each group, the levels being graduated with various powers of ten, and the system including means for filling the zones as a function of the value of the signal, said signal being read by expressing the coordinates of the location of the last-filled zone, giving firstly the number corresponding to the group, and then multiplying it by the power of ten corresponding to the level of said zone.

Abstract: An image display apparatus comprising a rotatable member carrying an array of light emitting devices; a drive for rotating the member, and a control for selectively energizing each of the light emitting devices in a predetermined sequence as the member rotates so as to present a visible image. The image display device is incorporated in a fan cooling unit having a plurality of blades, the rotatable member being one of the blades of the fan cooling unit. The fan cooling unit includes a sensing arrangement responsive to rotation of the blades, for triggering the control for the energization of the light emitting devices in dependence on the speed of rotation of the blades.

Abstract: A variable color display systems sequentially exhibits digital values in a color in accordance with the relation of the presently exhibited digital value to a past digital value. A memory, controlled by a timer, is provided for storing data representing the past digital value. A comparator compares the presently exhibited digital value with the data stored in the memory and develops a comparison signal accordingly, which is then used to control the color of the presently exhibited digital value.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for monitoring the delivery of radio frequency (RF) energy from electrodes disposed in tissue for inducing hyperthermia and other purposes. In one form, an impedance display of a power supply comprises an array of discrete light elements, where the number of light elements illuminated increases in response to a percentage increase in calculated impedance. The array of light elements is typically arranged in a non-linear pattern where a left hand portion of the array extends horizontally while a right hand portion extends upwardly. The display allows an operator to visually monitor abrupt increases in impedance between an RF instrument and a target tissue. Such increases are used to determine acceptable power ranges to achieve a maximum sustainable delivery of radio frequency energy to the tissue consistent with complete, rapid, and uniform heating of the tissue.

Abstract: A display device displaying a plurality of information sets with a simple structure, and a keyboard instrument that has a key guide device including such a display device. The display is driven at cycles shorter than those discernible by human beings, and the time ratio of ON period to OFF period for the display is changed based on control data. More specifically, the ON state and OFF state are inverted each drive cycle, or the number of cycles during which the display is in ON or OFF state can selected, or the drive cycles are cyclically changed to turn ON the display means only in a designated cycle. In this manner, the luminance of and the hues of the display can be changed relative to the continuous lighting, and a plurality of information sets can be displayed based on this change. This display device may be employed as a fingering guide display device for a keyboard instrument, and position data for keys to be depressed and other playing guide information are displayed at the same time.

Abstract: A display device is disclosed for displaying a character having a font of the "7-segment" type. The display includes segment drivers for activating/deactivating one or various icons from a set of icons formed each by one or various electrically connected segments. The set of icons includes six icons chosen so that all the characters of the 7-segment font, including numerals zero to nine, are restorable by selective activation/deactivation of the icons.

Abstract: A display device includes a display area, for exhibiting a display unit, substantially surrounded by a variable color background area, which includes a color control input for uniformly controlling its color. The variable color background area includes a plurality of multi-color light emitting diodes arranged in a pattern, which are coupled to the color control input for being illuminated in a selective uniform color in accordance with a color control signal.