PIXEL ARRAY

• US 20040227734A1
• Filed: 08/11/2003
• Published: 11/18/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/13/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: AU Optronics Corporation
• Original Assignee: AU Optronics Corporation
• Inventors: Hu, Shuo-Hsiu, Chang, Yi-Chen
• Application Number:
  US10/604,689
• Publication Number:
  US 20040227734A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/168
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0321 by optically sensing the absolute position with respect to a regularly patterned surface forming a passive digitiser, e.g. pen optically detecting position indicative tags printed on a paper sheet constructional details of pen-shaped pointing devices G06F3/03545, G06F3/03542, G06F3/037
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03542 Light pens for emitting or receiving light
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0412 Digitisers structurally integrated in a display

Abstract

A pixel array comprising a plurality of pixel structures is disclosed. Each pixel structure at least comprises a sub-pixel and a shadow pixel. The shadow pixel is positioned on one side of the sub-pixel. The shadow pixel is capable of producing electromagnetic radiation in the invisible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Through proper setting of shadow pixels, the pixel array can be divided into areas having different digital codes and a sensor can be used to pick up the electromagnetic radiation from the shadow pixels to find the location emitting the digital codes. Thus, the pixel array can be used in a non-touch panel input device.

Claims

1. A pixel array for a non-touch panel input device, wherein the pixel array at least comprises a plurality of first pixel structures with each pixel structure at least comprising:

a sub-pixel; and

a first shadow pixel positioned on one side of the sub-pixel.

2. The pixel array of claim 1, wherein the first shadow pixel is fabricated using a material capable of producing electromagnetic radiation in the invisible portion of the light spectrum.

3. The pixel array of claim 1, wherein the first shadow pixel is set to emit electromagnetic radiation either in a first electromagnetic radiation state or in a second electromagnetic radiation state such that the first and the second electromagnetic radiation states are different from each other.

4. The pixel array of claim 3, wherein the first shadow pixel in the first electromagnetic radiation state has a length or width different from the first shadow pixel in the second electromagnetic radiation state.

5. The pixel array of claim 3, wherein the first shadow pixel in the first electromagnetic radiation state has a reflectivity different from the first shadow pixel in the second electromagnetic radiation state.

6. The pixel array of claim 3, wherein the first shadow pixel in the first electromagnetic radiation state radiates with a wavelength different from the first shadow pixel in the second electromagnetic radiation state.

7. The pixel array of claim 3, wherein the first shadow pixel in the first electromagnetic radiation state is fabricated using a material different from the first shadow pixel in the second electromagnetic radiation state.

8. The pixel array of claim 1, wherein each first pixel structure furthermore comprises a second shadow pixel positioned on the other side of the sub-pixel.

9. The pixel array of claim 8, wherein the second shadow pixel is fabricated using a material capable of producing electromagnetic radiation in the invisible portion of the spectrum.

10. The pixel array of claim 8, wherein the second shadow pixel is set to emit electromagnetic radiation either in a third electromagnetic radiation state or in a fourth electromagnetic radiation state such that the third and the fourth electromagnetic radiation state are different from each other.

11. The pixel array of claim 10, wherein the second shadow pixel in the third electromagnetic radiation state has a length or width different from the second shadow pixel in the fourth electromagnetic radiation state.

12. The pixel array of claim 10, wherein the second shadow pixel in the third electromagnetic radiation state has a reflectivity different from the second shadow pixel in the fourth electromagnetic radiation state.

13. The pixel array of claim 10, wherein the second shadow pixel in the third electromagnetic radiation state radiates with a wavelength different from the second shadow pixel in the fourth electromagnetic radiation state.

14. The pixel array of claim 10, wherein the second shadow pixel in the third electromagnetic radiation state is fabricated using a material different from the second shadow pixel in the fourth electromagnetic radiation state.

15. The pixel array of claim 1, wherein the pixel array furthermore comprises a plurality of second pixel structures with each second pixel structure at least having a sub-pixel without a first shadow pixel such that the sub-pixel in each second pixel structure is located in a position corresponding to the sub-pixel of the first pixel structure.

16. The pixel array of claim 15, wherein each second pixel structure furthermore comprises a second shadow pixel positioned on the other side of the sub-pixel corresponding to the second shadow pixel in the first pixel structure.

17. The pixel array of claim 16, wherein the second shadow pixel is fabricated using a material capable of producing electromagnetic radiation in the invisible part of the spectrum.