Active matrix emissive display and optical scanner system, methods and applications

• US 20070252005A1
• Filed: 04/27/2007
• Published: 11/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/01/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jeffrey C. Konicek
• Original Assignee: Jeffrey C. Konicek
• Inventors: Konicek, Jeffrey C.
• Granted Patent: US 7,859,526 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 235/435
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/1318 using electro-optical elements or layers, e.g. electroluminescent sensing
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/1394 using acquisition arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/40 Spoof detection, e.g. liveness detection
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2300/0866 by means of changes in the pixel supply voltage
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2320/064 by time modulation of the brightness of the illumination source
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2330/021 Power management, e.g. power saving
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2360/144 the light being ambient light
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2360/148 the light being detected by light detection means within each pixel
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/3233 with pixel circuitry controlling the current through the light-emitting element

Abstract

An active matrix emissive display (ED) is disclosed that also includes optical scanning capability. Each display pixel is independently addressable and independently internally driven for light generation. Each display pixel is also given the ability to be coupled to detection circuitry in order to sense currents or voltages that are optically generated or leaked by its internal LED when exposed to light (and thus acting in a photodiode capacity). Since the intensity of the light illuminating the diode determines the magnitude of generated currents and/or voltages or leakage current through the diode (when reverse biased), these sensed currents or voltages give an indication of the intensity of the light striking the pixel. In this manner, active matrix ED pixels are configured to serve the dual purpose of being able to generate and detect light.

Claims

1. A method of operating a scanning display screen having a plurality of light emitters and light sensors, comprising:

dynamically indicating an area of the display screen to be scanned by enabling certain of the light emitters;

scanning the light sensors of the display screen at least in the area of the display screen so indicated; and

producing data representative of the output level of the scanned light sensors.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising capturing biological image information from a biological entity that is in proximity to the scanner.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein a user designates the area of the scanning display screen that will operate as a scanner via a user interface.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein a computer program designates the area of the scanning display screen that will operate as a scanner.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a user input from the scanned light sensors data.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining an image of the object in close proximity to the indicated area of the scanning display device.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the indicated and scanned area changes location on the scanning display screen from time to time.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising reverse biasing a light emitter to configure the light emitter to operate as the light sensor.

9. The method of claim 4, further comprising instructing the computer to scan the object.

10. The method of claim 6, further comprising storing an image of the object in the computer.

11. The method of claim 6, further comprising displaying an image of the object on the device.

12. A method of operating a device, including a display capable of emitting and sensing light, in commercial transactions, comprising:

initiating a transaction;

performing a biometric scan on an area of the display; and

,

requesting authorization from a remote system to complete the transaction.

13. The method of claim 12, where the device verifies the biometric information prior to requesting authorization for the transaction.

14. The method of claim 12, where requesting authorization from the remote system comprises displaying an optical code on the display of the device.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

placing a receipt on the display of the device; and

instructing the device to scan the receipt.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the optical code comprises a bar code.

17. The method of claim 14 further comprising placing the optical code under an optical scanner attached to the remote system.

18. The method of claim 15 further comprising storing an image of the receipt in a memory of the device.

19. The method of claim 15 further comprising displaying the image of the receipt on the display of the device.