Liquid Crystal System Patents (Class 349/1)
  • Patent number: 10286306
    Abstract: An example of a game controller includes a key top of an operation button, a tubular light-guiding portion surrounding a periphery of the key top, a light-shielding portion surrounding a periphery of the light-guiding portion, an elastic member placed immediately below the key top and configured to allow light to pass therethrough, a switch placed below the elastic member, and an LED. The key top and the light-guiding portion are exposed through a surface of a housing of the game controller. Light from the LED is incident on the light-guiding portion and guided to a surface of the housing through the inside of the light-guiding portion. The light-guiding portion is surrounded by the light-shielding portion, and therefore, light does not come out to the periphery of the light-guiding portion. Consequently, it is possible to cause the periphery of the operation button to emit light in a ring-shaped manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takanori Okamura
  • Patent number: 10288919
    Abstract: An irregular shape display having a hole according to the present disclosure may apply a partial cylinder-shaped guide member to a hole region while at the same time fastening between a guide member and a lower cover through a thread, thereby securing fastenability. The present disclosure provides an effect of preventing a rattle noise due to the detachment, splitting and component floating of an optical sheet as fastenability between the guide member and lower cover is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Miok Kim
  • Patent number: 10249250
    Abstract: A backlight control method, a backlight module and a display apparatus are disclosed. The backlight control method comprises: dividing a backlight into N blocks; determining whether each of the N blocks satisfies a high current driving start-up condition or not according to a pixel signal in each input frame of image signal and determining blocks which satisfy the high current driving start-up condition as candidate blocks; setting blocks among the candidate blocks which are determined to be driven by high current as selected blocks in a case that power consumption of each frame of picture does not exceed total backlight power consumption without dynamic backlight control; and calculating backlight driving pulse width modulation duty ratios of the selected blocks according to a correspondence between brightness and pulse width modulation duty ratios, and transmitting the calculated backlight driving pulse width modulation duty ratios to a backlight driving circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yifang Chu, Chul Gyu Jung, Shou Li
  • Patent number: 10216061
    Abstract: A contact image sensor comprises: a light source providing a collimated beam; a detector and a switchable grating array comprising first and second transparent substrates sandwiching an array of switchable grating elements with transparent electrodes applied to said substrates, said substrates together providing a total internal reflection light guide. A first transmission grating layer overlays said first substrate. A second transmission grating layer overlays said second substrate. A quarter wavelength retarder layer overlays said second transmission grating layer. A platen overlays said quarter wavelength retarder layer; a polarization-rotating reflecting layer overlaying said first transmission grating layer. An input coupler for directing light from said light source into said light guide and an output coupler for extracting light out of said light guide towards said detector are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: DigiLens, Inc.
    Inventors: Milan Momcilo Popovich, Jonathan David Waldern
  • Patent number: 10201046
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes light sources differing from one another in terms of light-emission color and voltage drop when identical current flows therein, switches in one-to-one correspondence with the light sources, a DC power supply circuit, and a control circuit. The control circuit performs a first control of the switches through a time division control method such that an on-period of each switch is not overlapped with that of any other switch. The control circuit also performs a second control to individually control at least one of a target current magnitude, flowing through each switch in the switched-on state, and a target on-period length of each switch, and to adjust a ratio of the plurality of light sources in terms of a product of the target current magnitude and the target on-period length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Hasegawa, Hiroshi Kido, Akinori Hiramatsu, Shigeru Ido
  • Patent number: 10187632
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclose a 3D display device and a driving method thereof. The 3D display device includes a display panel and a grating structure, when both eyes are parallel to a first direction, a pixel array of the display panel forms a plurality of first left-eye pixel regions corresponding to the left eye and a plurality of first right-eye pixel regions corresponding to the right eye by the grating structure; when both eyes are parallel to a second direction, the pixel array of the display panel forms a plurality of second left-eye pixel regions corresponding to the left eye and a plurality of second right-eye pixel regions corresponding to the right eye by the grating structure, the first left-eye pixel regions are the same as the second left-eye pixel regions, and the first right-eye pixel regions are the same as the second right-eye pixel regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Pengcheng Lu, Xiaochuan Chen, Renwei Guo, Ming Yang, Wenqing Zhao, Changfeng Li, Qian Wang, Lei Wang, Rui Xu, Peng Liu, Xue Dong
  • Patent number: 10185154
    Abstract: A device for reducing laser speckle using a micro scanner and a holographic diffuser. The micro scanner includes a first transparent optical substrate with an input surface and an output surface and a second transparent optical substrate with an input surface and an output surface and a variable refractive index medium sandwiched between the output surface of the first substrate and the input surface of the second substrate. Transparent electrodes are applied to the output surface of the first substrate and the input surface of the second substrate. The electrodes are coupled to a voltage generator. The input surface of the first substrate is optically coupled to a laser source. The input surface of the second substrate is configured as an array of prismatic elements. At least one of the input surface of the first substrate or the output surfaces of the second substrate is planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: DigiLens, Inc.
    Inventors: Milan Momcilo Popovich, Jonathan David Waldern
  • Patent number: 10175529
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a backlight module and a liquid crystal display device, the backlight module includes a light source; a spectrally selective element arranged in the light path between the light source to the light-emitting surface of the backlight module, is used to pass through the red, green and blue spectral and limit or block the remaining spectrum. Through the above, the present disclosure may increase the color gamut of the display device and improve the color saturation of the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Fan
  • Patent number: 10154250
    Abstract: An electronic device and a display device are provided. The electronic device includes the display device and an object to be shown. The display device includes a display panel, a first backlight module, and a second backlight module. The display panel has a transparent area corresponding to the object. The first backlight module is disposed with a gap to the display panel and generates first backlight to reach the display panel. The second backlight module has a prism sheet and a collimated illumination. The prism sheet is parallel to the display panel and corresponding to the transparent area, while the collimated illumination generates light reaching the prism sheet. The light is orientated by the prism sheet and becomes a second backlight before entering the transparent area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: AU OPTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tzu-Ling Niu
  • Patent number: 10139533
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a circular polarizing filter for selectively transmitting circularly polarized light of any one sense of either right-handed circularly polarized light or left-handed circularly polarized light at a specific wavelength in which scattering transmittance/vertical transmittance when circularly polarized light of the sense of the specific wavelength enters from any one surface is less than scattering reflectance/regular reflectance when circularly polarized light of the other sense enters from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Ichihashi, Wataru Majima, Kazuhiro Oki
  • Patent number: 10126476
    Abstract: A polarization rotator including a plurality of polarizer layers that are stacked along a general direction of radiation propagation. Each polarizer layers implements a wired grid pattern associated with respective extinction axis for extinction of radiation components that are polarized therealong. The extinction axes of consecutive polarizer layers are orientated differently so that polarization of radiation interacting therewith is rotated. The relative orientations of the polarizer layers are selected such that a tiling of a plurality of substantially identical polarization rotation unit cells is defined within the polarization rotator, where the unit cells are arranged with predetermined spatial periods A and B along two lateral axes. The polarization rotator may be coupled to an array of elements (e.g. antennas) arranged parallel to the tiling of unit cells, with respective spatial periodicities A? and B? that are integer multiples of the predetermined spatial periods A and B of the unit cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: ELTA SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventor: Uriel Odes
  • Patent number: 10101609
    Abstract: A pixel structure for a liquid crystal display (LCD) device with multiple domain vertical alignment, including multiple pixels having liquid crystal molecules with a negative dielectric constant anisotropy. For each pixel, the pixel electrode and the common electrode are each divided into at least N corresponding domains, and each domain is formed by a directional nanowire grid polarizer (NWGP). The directional NWGP of each domain of the pixel electrode has a first planar direction. The directional NWGP of each domain of the common electrode has a second planar direction substantially perpendicular to the first planar direction of the corresponding domain of the pixel electrode. When the pixel is driven by a voltage difference, the directional NWGPs function as polarizers, such that an orientation of the liquid crystal molecules between the NWGPs is about (360/N) degrees from each of the first and second planar directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: A.U. VISTA, INC.
    Inventors: Seok-Lyul Lee, Fang-Chen Luo, Adiel Abileah, Willem Den Boer
  • Patent number: 10054307
    Abstract: A communication device constitutes part of an apparatus and communicates with other apparatuses. The communication device includes a case having an opening; a plurality of indicator lamps accommodated in the case, at a position corresponding to the opening; and an indicator lamp cover that is provided so as to be slidable in a direction in which the plurality of indicator lamps are arranged and that is used to adjust an opening degree of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hisanori Ikeda, Masato Ishikawa, Akimoto Suzuki, Masahide Kinami, Youhei Koyanagi, Takuya Goto, Katsuya Ishigami, Shinji Kawai, Yosuke Naito, Kiyoshi Yasutomi
  • Patent number: 9869806
    Abstract: An optical device with variable focused beam pattern includes a first lens structure configured by arranging first lenticular lenses which are formed with liquid crystals or liquid crystal polymers having a first extraordinary refractive index axis direction and of which longitudinal axes are aligned with a first alignment direction, and a second lens structure laminated on a beam emitting surface of the first lens structure and configured by arranging second lenticular lenses which are formed with liquid crystals or liquid crystal polymers having a second extraordinary refractive index axis direction and of which longitudinal axes are aligned with a second alignment direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: KYUNGPOOK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Hak-Rin Kim
  • Patent number: 9825247
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an optoelectronic component is provided. The optoelectronic component may include a first electrode having a first electrically conductive substance, a second electrode having a second electrically conductive substance, and at least one active substance. The active substance is formed within a current path of the first electrode and/or the second electrode, and the active substance is set up to convert the first electrically conductive substance and/or the second electrically conductive substance to an electrically nonconductive substance or region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: OSRAM OLED GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Popp, Dieter Musa
  • Patent number: 9798176
    Abstract: Provided is a display device including a display unit and a mirror unit adjacent to each other, in which the display unit includes a first substrate, a thin film transistor formed on the substrate, a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor, a roof layer formed on the pixel electrode to be spaced apart from the pixel electrode with a microcavity therebetween, and a liquid crystal layer filling the microcavity, and the mirror unit includes a second substrate, a first electrode formed on the second substrate, a second electrode formed on the first substrate to be spaced apart from the first electrode with a microcavity therebetween, and an electrochromic layer formed in the microcavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji Yeon Choi, Sang Ji Park, Byung-Gon Kum
  • Patent number: 9768216
    Abstract: An image sensor device may include an interconnect layer, an image sensor IC on the interconnect layer, and a barrel adjacent the interconnect layer and having first electrically conductive traces. The image sensor device may include a liquid crystal focus cell carried by the barrel and having cell layers, and second electrically conductive contacts. A pair of adjacent cell layers may have different widths. The image sensor device may include an electrically conductive adhesive body coupling at least one of the second electrically conductive contacts to a corresponding one of the first electrically conductive traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS PTE LTD
    Inventors: Dave Alexis Delacruz, David Gani
  • Patent number: 9763292
    Abstract: A backlight unit includes: a light source configured to emit light based on a driving current; and a backlight controller receiving a digital dimming signal that defines a length of an output period of the driving current from a pulse width modulator and configured to, when a duty ratio of the driving current is less than a reference duty ratio, modulates the duty ratio of the driving current so that the duty ratio of the driving current is equal to or greater than the reference duty ratio and decrease a duty ratio of the digital dimming signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wonhyoung Kang, Mingyu Kim, Taegon Im, Songyi Han, Jintaek Hong
  • Patent number: 9751794
    Abstract: Provided is a frit sealing system for attaching a first substrate and a second substrate by using a frit. The frit sealing system includes a laser irradiation member configured to irradiate a laser on the frit between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a pressurization member on the second substrate, the pressurization member being configured to apply pressure to the second substrate during the irradiation of the laser, the pressurization member including base, and an elastic portion connected to the base and contacting the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jeong-Won Han
  • Patent number: 9733792
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for providing an end user with a digital pen embedded with a spatially-aware miniature projector for use in a design environment. Paper documents are augmented to allow a user to access additional information and computational tools through projected interfaces. Virtual ink may be managed in single and multi-user environments to enhance collaboration and data management. The spatially-aware projector pen provides end-users with dynamic visual feedback and improved interaction capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Hyunyoung Song, Tovi Grossman, George Fitzmaurice, Francois V. Guimbretiere, Azam Khan, Ramtin Attar, Gordon Kurtenbach
  • Patent number: 9733673
    Abstract: A display module includes an image display panel, a touch screen, a first FPC substrate, and a second FPC substrate. The first and second FPC substrates are disposed so as not to overlap with each other. The image display panel has a first curved portion in its first peripheral area. The touch screen has a second curved portion in its second peripheral area. The first and second FPC substrates each extend toward the opposite side of the image display panel from the touch screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Japan Display Inc.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Fukuma, Norio Oku
  • Patent number: 9733573
    Abstract: A spatial light modulator imaging system is disclosed. The system comprises an illumination module configured to provide illumination light representing data patterns to be imaged by the spatial light modulator imaging system, a projection module configured to project the illumination light to a substrate, and an illumination-projection beam separator coupled between the illumination module and the projection module, where the illumination-projection beam separator is configured to receive the illumination light along an illumination optical axis and transmit the illumination light received to the projection module along a projection optical axis, and where the illumination optical axis and the projection optical axis are substantially parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: David Markle, Thomas Laidig, Jeffrey Kaskey, Jang Fung Chen
  • Patent number: 9715048
    Abstract: Optical systems for controlling with propagation of light beams in lateral and angular space, and through optical apertures. The light beams include laser beams as well as beams with wide spectrum of wavelengths and large divergence angles. The optical systems are based on combination of diffractive waveplates with diffractive properties that can be controlled with the aid of external stimuli such as electrical fields, temperature, optical beams and mechanical means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignees: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army, Beam Engineering for Advanced Measurements Co.
    Inventors: Nelson V. Tabirian, Sarik R. Nersisyan, Brian R. Kimball, Diane M. Steeves
  • Patent number: 9715144
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a photoalignment composition comprising a) 0.001 to 20%, by weight, preferably, 1 to 10% by weight, more preferably 1 to 9% by weight of at least one photoreactive compound (I) that comprises a photoalignment group and b) 80 to 99.999% by weight, preferably, 90 to 99% by weight, more preferably 91 to 99% by weight of at least one compound (II) that does not comprise a photoalignment group, and c) optionally at least one reactive or non reactive additives, and d) optionally at least one solvent. Further the present invention relates to the use of this photoalignment composition for the alignment of liquid crystals or liquid crystal polymers, in electro—optical and optical elements, systems and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: ROLIC AG
    Inventors: Izabela Bury, Fabien Xavier Delbaere, Olivier Muller, Joachim Reichardt, Hubert Seiberle, Peggy Studer, Satish Palika
  • Patent number: 9638851
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wire grid polarizer includes: preparing a stamp having a nanostructure body at one surface and forming a mask layer with anisotropic vapor deposition at the one surface; forming a metal film on a substrate; transferring a mask layer of an upper portion of a nanostructure body in the mask layer onto the metal film; and patterning the metal film into metal lines by removing a portion that is not covered with the mask layer in the metal film with dry etching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF MACHINERY & MATERIALS
    Inventors: Jun-Ho Jeong, Junhyuk Choi, Dae-Guen Choi, So Hee Jeon, Ji Hye Lee, Joo Yun Jung, Soon-Hyoung Hwang, Sang Keun Sung
  • Patent number: 9606654
    Abstract: An actuated display may involve a first sensor disposed so as to sense a surface of a body, the first sensor configured to detect a tensing of the body. A second sensor configured to determine an orientation of the body may also be involved. A flexible display screen configured to be hidden in a stored configuration and visible so as to expose a visible screen display area of the flexible display screen in an un-stored configuration, and an actuator configured to cause the flexible display screen to transition between the stored configuration and the un-stored configuration based on signals from the first sensor and second sensor may also be involved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Yongqiang Li
  • Patent number: 9592116
    Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a variable optic insert into an ophthalmic lens. A liquid crystal layer may be used to provide a variable optic function and in some examples, an alignment layer for the liquid crystal layer may be patterned in a cycloidally dependent manner. The patterning may allow for a polarization dependent lens in some examples. An energy source is capable of powering the variable optic insert included within the ophthalmic lens. In some examples, an ophthalmic lens is cast-molded from a silicone hydrogel. The various ophthalmic lens entities may include electroactive liquid crystal layers to electrically control optical characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Luciano De Sio, Frederick A. Flitsch, Praveen Pandojirao-S, Randall Braxton Pugh, Svetlana Serak, Nelson V. Tabirian, Adam Toner, Olena Uskova, James Daniel Riall
  • Patent number: 9581746
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wire grid polarizer includes: preparing a stamp having a nanostructure body at one surface and forming a mask layer with anisotropic vapor deposition at the one surface; forming a metal film on a substrate; transferring a mask layer of an upper portion of a nanostructure body in the mask layer onto the metal film; and patterning the metal film into metal lines by removing a portion that is not covered with the mask layer in the metal film with dry etching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF MACHINERY & MATERIALS
    Inventors: Jun-Ho Jeong, Junhyuk Choi, Dae-Guen Choi, So Hee Jeon, Ji Hye Lee, Joo Yun Jung, Soon-Hyoung Hwang, Sang Keun Sung
  • Patent number: 9574946
    Abstract: A spatiotemporally resolved far-field pulse contrast measuring device includes a plano-convex cylindrical lens, a nonlinear correlation crystal, a plano-convex imaging lens and a signal-receiving system. The signal-receiving system includes a fiber array, a photomultiplier and a digital oscilloscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SHANGHAI JIAO TONG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Liejia Qian, Jingui Ma, Peng Yuan, Jing Wang, Yongzhi Wang, Guoqiang Xie, Dianyuan Fan
  • Patent number: 9557456
    Abstract: Pointing and positioning system of light beams and images including a plurality of cycloidal diffractive waveplates, each waveplate capable of deviating a generally broadband light beam over a predetermined angle. The lateral translation and deviation angles of the light beams are controlled by controlling the relative distance, rotational position, and the diffractive efficiency of a least one in the plurality of waveplates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army, Beam Engineering for Advanced Measurements Co.
    Inventors: Nelson V. Tabirian, Sarik R. Nersisyan, Brian R. Kimball, Diane M. Steeves
  • Patent number: 9535282
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed employing a dielectric mirror layer, highly reflective at wavelengths below a cut off but highly transparent at wavelengths above the cut off, is placed within a display assembly. This dielectric mirror layer creates a very efficient reflecting cavity for a portion of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) pumping spectrum. Accurate dielectric filter tuning allows an increased portion of the pumping spectrum to be converted to desired wavelength spectrum and also raise the luminance ratio of the display to a useful value for display applications. Variable and active tuning of the cut off wavelength value functions to optimize system performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert N. Stuppi, Tracy J. Barnidge
  • Patent number: 9513724
    Abstract: A method for adjusting object illumination with a mobile device having a display device is described. The method includes detecting illumination of an object and generating illumination data information; and adjusting a luminance of the display device in dependence on the object illumination data to adjust image lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Alexander Samson Hirsch
  • Patent number: 9507138
    Abstract: A microscope system as an optical microscope system for observing a specimen includes: an imaging optical system that forms an image of transmitted light or reflected light from the specimen; an illumination light source that illuminates illumination light on the specimen; an illumination optical system that has a first spatial light modulation element, which changes intensity distribution of the illumination light at a conjugate position of a pupil of the imaging optical system, and illuminates light, which is originated from the illumination light source, on the specimen; an image sensor that detects light through the imaging optical system; and a calculation section that calculates the intensity distribution of the illumination light appropriate for observation of the specimen on the basis of the intensity distribution of the illumination light formed by the first spatial light modulation element and output data detected by the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ohki
  • Patent number: 9477029
    Abstract: A lighting assembly includes a light guide having opposed major surfaces between which light propagates by total internal reflection, a light input edge, and two light output regions of different optical characteristics and at least one of which is associated with a corresponding one of the major surfaces. The lighting assembly also includes a light source located adjacent the light input edge. The light source and the light guide variably positionable relative to one another to vary a location on the light input edge at which the light is input to the light guide such that the light is emitted from the light guide selectively apportioned between the light output regions so that a characteristic of the light output from the lighting assembly is modified based on the optical characteristics associated with the light output regions and the relative positioning of the light source and the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Rambus Delaware LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery R Parker, Timothy A McCollum, Fumitomo Hide, Alexey Titov, Ian Hardcastle
  • Patent number: 9448414
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display device that may include a display panel; a polarization control unit on the display panel, the polarization control unit including: a first substrate; a second substrate opposite the first substrate; a first electrode on a surface of the first substrate opposing the second substrate; a second electrode on a surface of the second substrate opposing the first substrate; and a partition wall and a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer between the first and second electrodes, wherein liquid crystal molecules of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer are arranged in a space defined by the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ara Yoon, Youngbok Lee
  • Patent number: 9395573
    Abstract: Provided is an edge light illumination device, in which a light modulation layer includes: a first region having optical anisotropy and a relatively high responsiveness to an electrical field; and a second region having optical anisotropy and a relatively low responsiveness to the electrical field. When denoting dispersal, the light modulation layer satisfies the formulae A>B>C and A1/C1<A2/C2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Ebisui, Harumi Sato, Kentaro Okuyama, Shogo Shinkai
  • Patent number: 9336729
    Abstract: A display apparatus including a screen layer for displaying a unified image to a viewer and an illumination layer having an array of light sources. Each light source emits a light beam. An array of optical elements, each coupled to a corresponding light source in the array of light sources, is disposed between the screen layer and the illumination layer. The display layer includes a matrix of pixlets and a spacing region disposed between the pixlets in the matrix, wherein the array of light sources emit their light beams through the array of optical elements, wherein each optical element is configured to shape the received light beam into a divergent projection beam having a limited angular spread to project sub-images displayed by the pixlets as magnified sub-images on the backside of the screen layer, the magnified sub-images to combine to form the unified image that is substantially seamless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Lou Jepsen, Adam E. Norton
  • Patent number: 9323422
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for providing an end user with a digital pen embedded with a spatially-aware miniature projector for use in a design environment. Paper documents are augmented to allow a user to access additional information and computational tools through projected interfaces. Virtual ink may be managed in single and multi-user environments to enhance collaboration and data management. The spatially-aware projector pen provides end-users with dynamic visual feedback and improved interaction capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: AUTODESK, INC.
    Inventors: Hyunyoung Song, Tovi Grossman, George Fitzmaurice, Francois V. Guimbretiere, Azam Khan, Ramtin Attar, Gordon Kurtenbach
  • Patent number: 9303958
    Abstract: A laser-weapon module (12) as may be used in a laser weapon (10), such a portable laser gun is provided. A first mount assembly (18) includes recesses (20) distributed in mount assembly (18). Laser beamlet assemblies (22), such as may include laser diodes, are disposed in recesses (20). A second mount assembly (24) is disposed forwardly from mount assembly (18) and includes recesses (26) distributed in mount assembly (24). Laser beamlet assemblies (28) are disposed in the recesses (26) in mount assembly (24), which includes a plurality of beamlet-transmissive portions (30) positioned to pass laser beamlets from laser beamlet assemblies (22). A focusing lens (32) is positioned forwardly of mount assemblies (18, 24) to focus respective laser beamlets (34) emitted from either of laser beamlet assemblies (22, 28) to form a beam (36) of laser energy to be directed to a target (38). The power level of beam 36 may be scalable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: ADVANCED LASER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Donald Craig Conemac
  • Patent number: 9290128
    Abstract: A multi-functional vehicle rearview mirror that includes a cover, a glass reflecting mirror face, a large sized liquid crystal display device which includes a large sized display screen and a large sized display driver board, wherein the large sized display screen includes a large sized displaying liquid crystal glass and a large sized display device backlight module, wherein the large sized liquid crystal display device is provided with a retention frame and a high obscuration media, wherein a small window with a small sized backlight module and a control circuit is provided. The rearview mirror automatically shifts between multiple cameras via signals from vehicle lamps. The RF modules with little power consumption are embedded into the circuits of the rearview mirror and the cameras for providing the video shift and information communication of the whole system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Lei Pan
  • Patent number: 9291867
    Abstract: A double layer LC FP filter display device includes a backlight module (4) and a double layer LC FP filter module (2) arranged above the backlight module. The double layer LC FP filter module (2) includes a plurality of main pixels (402) arranged in a matrix. Each of the main pixels (402) comprises two sub-pixels (204). Each of the sub-pixels (204) includes one up-layer LC FP filter units (220) and one down-layer LC FP filter units (240) stacked together. The two sub-pixels (204) of the main pixels (402) are independently driven such that transmission light having two chromaticity is obtained when the white transmission light having the continuous spectrum provided by the backlight module (4) passes through the two sub-pixels (204). The chromaticity of the main pixels (402) is obtained by mixing the transmission light having two chromaticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yuan Xiong
  • Patent number: 9250756
    Abstract: A touch sensor integrated type display device includes gate lines, a gate insulating film, data lines formed to cross over the gate lines, thin film transistors formed in pixel regions, a first passivation layer that covers the thin film transistors, first electrodes disposed on the first passivation layer along the data lines with the gate lines interposed therebetween, a second passivation layer covering the first electrodes, pixel electrodes that are formed in the pixel regions to partially overlap the first electrodes, and second electrodes formed on the second passivation layer in parallel with the gate lines, each of the plurality of second electrodes is disposed between neighboring pixel electrodes with the gate lines interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinseong Kim, Juhan Kim, Manhyeop Han
  • Patent number: 9235232
    Abstract: A lightweight, weatherproof, protective enclosure for flat panel displays comprising a containing element in the form of an open, shallow rectangular prism with a regular network of shallow reinforcing depressions formed in its outer surface and a substantially transparent planar viewing element hingedly connected to the containing element such that when the viewing element is closed over, and sealed to, the containing element the protective enclosure forms a lightweight, monocoque structure with enhanced structural rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventor: Justin King
  • Patent number: 9195275
    Abstract: A portable computer device includes a host having a target member, a display device pivoted to the host, a pivot member pivoted to the display device, an optical device connected to the pivot member, and a driving device. The driving device is disposed on the display device and includes a circuit board electrically connected to the host and the optical device, an angle obtaining unit and a driving unit installed on the circuit board, and a processing unit installed on the circuit board and electrically connected to the driving unit and the angle obtaining unit. The angle obtaining unit is for obtaining an included-angle information of the display device relative to the host. The driving unit is for driving the pivot member to rotate the optical device to point to the target member or a user's face according to the included-angle information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Lun Liu, Hung-Li Chen
  • Patent number: 9164479
    Abstract: An embodiment of the disclosed DHM system includes a light source configured to emit coherent optical waves, a first optical Fourier element configured to Fourier transform the optical waves from the object area, wherein the Fourier transform occurs at a Fourier plane and the optical waves from the object area includes directly transmitted waves and diffracted waves, a phase modulator at the Fourier plane configured to introduce a phase delay between the directly transmitted waves and the diffracted waves, a second optical Fourier element configured to receive the directly transmitted waves and the diffracted waves from the phase modulator and to inversely Fourier transform the directly transmitted waves and the diffracted waves to provide interfered optical waves, and at least one imaging device configured to record the interfered optical waves at two image planes to generate a first interferogram and a second interferogram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Bhargab Das, Chandra S. Yelleswarapu, Devulapalli V. G. L. N. Rao
  • Patent number: 9157599
    Abstract: Disclosed is an LED lighting system comprising a housing equipped with a transparent substrate as an illuminating side, an LED light source located in the housing, and a haze-changeable film attached to the transparent substrate, wherein the transparency of the haze-changeable film changes depending on the application of electric power and the haze-changeable film has a haze on light varying with the intensity of an applied voltage/current. The LED lighting system may be useful for interior emotional lighting because a direct/indirect lighting and a mixed lighting thereof can be provided with a single system and various correlated color temperatures can be produced with a single LED light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: SKC DISPLAY FILMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Seok Cho, Hyung Joon Paik, Hyo Gil Cha, Chang Ho Kang, Hyun Cheol Nam
  • Patent number: 9128294
    Abstract: A liquid crystal material is driven in a twisted nematic mode so that while liquid crystal molecules lose, on a stripe electrode, rotary power toward a direction along an electric field by a voltage applied between the stripe electrode and a second electrode and form, in a region between the adjacent stripe electrodes, refractive index distribution of a lenticular lens that includes a cylindrical lens in which a cylindrical axis is arranged in a first direction. The cylindrical lens faces at least two rows of pixels, and has an effective refractive index for causing light from the at least two rows of pixels to advance in separating directions from each other after emission from a second polarizing plate. A distance d of a cell gap and an interval s between the adjacent stripe electrodes satisfy the relation of 3.5?s/d?7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: JAPAN DISPLAY INC.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Sugita, Tomohiko Naganuma, Shinichiro Oka, Toshio Miyazawa, Terunori Saitou
  • Patent number: 9086591
    Abstract: A high quality liquid crystal display device has an alignment film with a photoconductive characteristic. Since a region having gate lines situated therebelow does not undergo irradiation of a backlight, no photoconductive effect can be obtained. A photoresist is disposed below the alignment film situated over the gate lines in order to transfer the charges in the region to an opening portion of the alignment film in an early stage. Since the photoresist has a thickness of about 1.5 ?m, which is 20 times or more the 70 nm thickness of the alignment film, the resistance in the lateral direction is low in a portion where the photoresist is present. Accordingly, since the charges on the alignment film present over the gate line transfer to the opening portion of the alignment film and are eliminated in an early stage, the residual image is eliminated in the early stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Japan Display Inc.
    Inventors: Chikae Matsui, Noboru Kunimatsu, Hidehiro Sonoda
  • Patent number: 9081186
    Abstract: A microscope device according to the present disclosure (the present microscope device) includes: a light source configured to oscillate coherent illuminating light, the illuminating light being applied on a specimen; a detecting unit configured to detect fluorescent light from the specimen as feedback light, the specimen being irradiated with the illuminating light; a phase distribution control unit disposed in an optical path of the illuminating light, the phase distribution control unit being configured to control phase distribution of the illuminating light; a controller configured to control the phase distribution control unit to vary the phase distribution; and an image generating unit configured to operate a difference of the feedback light between before and after the phase distribution varies, to generate an image of the specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Sangu
  • Patent number: 9025111
    Abstract: A display panel for use with a multi-panel display includes an array of display pixels to emit pixel light. A fiber bundle including an array of fibers is disposed over the array of display pixels. The fiber bundle includes a first end of the array of fibers rigidly fixed adjacent to the array of display pixels and optically aligned with the array of display pixels and a loose fiber portion that permits a second end of the array of fibers opposite the first end to slump-over and move. The fiber bundle receives the pixel light emitted from the array of display pixels into the first end of the array of fibers and emits the pixel light out the second end of the array of fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Teller, Johnny Lee