Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid device, liquid device manufacturing apparatus and method, and an image display device that are so configured as to achieve increase in the capacitance and allow suppression of breakdown. An insulating film 43 having a higher insulating property and a higher dielectric constant than a water-repellent film 44 is newly formed between a lower electrode 42 and the water-repellent film 44, to thereby compensate for the dielectric strength and suppress breakdown. As the material of the insulating film 43, one having a higher insulating property and a higher dielectric constant is preferable. For example, polymer materials and inorganic materials are cited. For example, SOG is a silica-based inorganic coating material. A solution thereof is applied and deposited by a spin-coating method or the like, followed by being turned to glass through baking at a comparatively-low temperature. The present invention can be applied to a liquid device.

Abstract: An electrowetting display device includes a first and a second transparent substrates, multiple partition walls, a polar liquid, a non-polar liquid, and a phosphor layer. The non-polar liquid is opaque and immiscible with the polar liquid. The phosphor layer is formed on at least one of the first and the second transparent substrates. The phosphor layer comprises a first part that transforms the short-wavelength light into red light, a second part that transforms the short-wavelength light into green light, and a third part that transforms the short-wavelength light into blue light or allows the short-wavelength light to pass therethrough without transformation. Each of the first, the second, and the third parts is corresponding to one pixel unit.

Abstract: In a reflective a display device based on layer break up or layer displacement having at least two different states, in which one of the fluids (5) e.g. oil in a first state adjoins at least a first support plate (3) and in the second state the other fluid (6) at least partly adjoins the first support plate, in which picture elements are separated by areas (13) having a hydrophilic surface dyes (or sometimes pigments) are added to the oil (usually hydrocarbon but also possibly silicone or fluorocarbon), to provide sufficient optical intensity.

Abstract: An electrophoretic display apparatus includes a bottom substrate, an electrophoretic layer, a color filter substrate and a spacing layer. The bottom substrate has a drive circuitry layer, and the electrophoretic layer is disposed on the drive circuitry layer of the bottom substrate. The color filter substrate is disposed above the electrophoretic layer, and the spacing layer is disposed between the color filter substrate and the electrophoretic layer. The electrophoretic display apparatus has better display quality.

Abstract: An electrowetting optical element comprising a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer opposite said first electrode layer, and a containment space formed between said first and said second electrode layer. The first electrode layer comprises an insulating layer, and a hydrophobic surface layer contiguous to said containment space. The electrowetting element further comprises a barrier layer in between said insulating layer and said containment space, for preventing ion migration of ions from said containment space into said insulating layer, for preventing charge accumulation in said insulating layer. The disclosure further relates to a method of manufacturing an electrowetting element.

Abstract: An exemplary transflective electro-wetting display (EWD) device includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate opposite to the upper substrate, a first polar liquid disposed between the upper and lower substrates, a second, colored, non-polar liquid disposed between the upper and lower substrates, and a reflective pattern disposed at the lower substrate. The second liquid is immiscible with the first liquid. An area of the reflective pattern covered by the second liquid varies according to an area of the lower substrate covered by the second liquid.

Abstract: In a substrate for a display apparatus, the substrate includes a base substrate and a shielding layer formed on a surface of the base substrate. The shielding layer has an energy bandgap corresponding to a reference wavelength of external light. Thus, the shielding layer blocks light having wavelength equal to or less than the reference wavelength, so that a wavelength band of light may be adjusted.

Abstract: An electro-wetting display panel including an active device array substrate, a dielectric layer, a wall structure, a first liquid containing dyes, a second liquid, and an opposite substrate is provided. The active device array substrate includes a substrate, scan lines, data lines, and pixels. The pixels are electrically connected with the scan lines and the data lines accordingly. Each pixel includes an active device, a transparent pixel electrode, and a reflective layer. The transparent pixel electrode located above the reflective layer is electrically connected with the active device. The reflective layer has a bumpy surface. The dielectric layer is disposed on the active device array substrate. The wall structure is disposed on the dielectric layer. The first liquid is disposed on the dielectric layer. The opposite substrate is disposed above the active device array substrate. The second liquid is disposed between the active device array substrate and the opposite substrate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrical control light valve apparatus having liquid gallium. The invention comprises the transparent glass as a substrate, ITO transparent conductive film as the electrodes, the liquid gallium as the valve located on the ITO transparent conductive film, and the partial-transparent glass is located on the top of the electrical control light valve apparatus.

Abstract: A display apparatus including a matrix display device with pixels wherein particles move in a fluid between electrodes. An optical state of the pixels is defined by a value of a drive voltage and a duration of a drive period during which the drive voltage is present across the pixel. A DC-balancing circuit controls the amplitudes of the drive voltages and/or durations of drive periods to obtain a substantially zero time-average value across each pixel or across each sub-group of pixels. This control of the amplitude of the drive voltages and/or the duration of the drive periods allows minimizing the image retention, without requiring reset pulses causing all pixels to become temporarily white or black.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display device that uses liquids for visualizing information as well as an associated method. According to the invention, said fluidic display device comprises a plurality of display elements with cavities, at least one display liquid for displaying information, at least one liquid feeding mechanism for delivering the at least one display liquid, at least one common main duct for jointly filling a plurality of display elements, and at least one liquid reservoir for temporarily holding the at least one display liquid. The display device is characterized in that the at least one liquid feeding mechanism allows display liquid to be delivered from the at least one liquid reservoir into said display elements via the common main duct leading into at least two display elements and to be optionally sucked out of said display elements. Furthermore, each display element has at least one mechanism for influencing the surface energy of the display liquid.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a unique optical signature that uses a plurality of optical signature chambers containing fluids having differing optical properties, for example differing indices of refraction, that produce different individual optical signatures for each chamber. If the chambers are broken causing the fluids to spill or the fluids are otherwise discharged from the chambers, the fluids mix together so one does not know which fluid came from which chamber, thereby preventing replication of the correct optical signatures. This destruction of the optical signatures can occur mechanically, without the application or presence of electrical power.

Abstract: A multi-phase liquid composition comprising a conductive liquid and a non-conductive liquid, said liquids being non miscible, wherein the conductive liquid comprises more than 90% up to 99.9% by weight of a first component having a surface tension above 45 mN/m and comprising water, salt and at least one freezing point lowering agent, and from 0.01% to less than 10% by weight of a second component having a surface tension below 30 mN/m and comprising at least one first compound, wherein said at least one first compound is a non ionic surfactant.

Abstract: An electro-optic display comprises first and second substrates and a lamination adhesive layer and a layer of an electro-optic material disposed between the first and second substrates, the lamination adhesive layer having a thickness of from about 14 to about 25 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mirror system for a vehicle, said mirror system having a viewing surface for being operable as a mirror, said mirror system comprising a specular reflective surface and means for controlling an amount of light transmitted between said specular reflective surface and said viewing surface, said means for controlling said amount of light transmitted comprising at least one transmission control element and control means for controlling said transmission control element, characterised in that said transmission control element is an electrowetting element. The present invention is further directed to a method of operating said mirror system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display apparatus including a first substrate supporting an array of light modulators, a second substrate separated from the first substrate by a gap, a fluid substantially filling the gap, sealing material joining the first substrate to the second substrate, and a bubble trapping region within a space enclosed by the sealing material for substantially constraining a location of a bubble trapped within the gap. In some embodiments, the bubble trapping region extends along a majority of a side of at least one of the substrates. In some embodiments, the fluid has a viscosity less than 70 centipoise.

Abstract: A layer composition of an electrowetting system with a first electrode layer, an insulator layer on the first electrode layer, and a fluid layer over the insulator layer, wherein the fluid layer comprises at least two immiscible fluids which, under the influence of an applied voltage, reversibly change their wetting behavior of a surface allocated to the insulator layer, wherein the insulator layer being at least in part built of a material with a permittivity of ?r?20. The fluid layer is adjacent to at least one layer being repellent for the at least one of the fluids. On the surface of the repellent layer pointing away from the fluid layer is provided an adhesion enhancing layer before the subsequent layer.

Abstract: Reflecting device (1) for adjustably reflecting light, such as sunlight, comprising a transparent first wall (3), a transparent second wall (40), which is arranged substantially parallel to and at a distance from the first wall (3), and a regulating layer (7), which is provided with a duct (10), which is bounded between the first wall (3) and the second wall (40), and which regulating layer (7) substantially allows light which impinges on the first wall (3) through to the second wall (40) if the duct (10) is filled with a transparent liquid (9) and reflects light which impinges on the first wall (3) if the duct (10) is empty, the regulating layer (7) being provided with a structure (11) which is prismatic in cross section, characterized in that, the reflecting device is provided with a third wall (41), which is arranged substantially parallel to and at a distance from the second wall (40), and a second regulating layer (7?), which is provided with a second duct (10?), which is bounded between the second wall

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes: a sealing case having chambers partitioned by a partition wall; a polar liquid having polarity and a nonpolar liquid having no polarity which are respectively sealed in a predetermined amount in each of the chambers; and electrodes pulling the polar liquid by an electrowetting phenomenon upon application of a driving voltage. One of the polar liquid and the nonpolar liquid is colored with a color having a light-blocking property, and the other has a light-transmitting property, at least a part of the partition wall is positioned in an optically effective area including the optical axis, and when a driving voltage is applied to a predetermined electrode among the electrodes, the polar liquid is moved in the chamber between closed and open positions where the optically effective area is closed and open, respectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to display apparatuses having an array of light modulators for transmissively displaying an image and a reflective aperture layer defining a plurality of apertures, for reflecting light not passing through apertures in the reflective aperture layer away from the array. The reflective aperture layer is formed on a first substrate and positioned adjacent the array. The image is formed by modulating light passing through the apertures in the reflective aperture layer. A light guide, separated from the first substrate by a gap, may guide light towards the reflective aperture layer. A layer of low-refractive index material may be positioned on a side of the reflective aperture layer opposite the array.

Abstract: Display device is based on layer break up or layer displacement having at least two different states, in which one of the fluids, e.g., oil in a first state, adjoins at least a first support plate and, in the second state, the other fluid at least partly adjoins the first support plate. In one embodiment, a picture element corresponds to a substantially closed space and, in the first state, the other fluid layer substantially completely adjoins both support plates and is divided in two sub-layers. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to use lower voltages to make displacement occur. On the other hand, this opens the opportunity to color displays.

Abstract: A color-tunable, reflective, paper-like display utilizes the unique optical properties of nano-engineered metal and metal-dielectric composite structures that exhibit a plasmon resonance. By changing the dielectric properties of a medium in which these structures are embedded, or by changing the spatial relationship of these structures, their optical absorbance and scattering spectra can be tuned. This enables simpler pixel architectures with better performance than is possible with fixed-color technologies. Low power video rate operation can be achieved in a paper-like display.

Abstract: Provided is an electrophoretic display device. The electrophoretic display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate forming a space receiving electrophoretic particles, and a first electrode and a second electrode formed on the first substrate and the second substrate respectively. The electrophoretic particles include reflective particles having a first electric polarity and reflecting a first light in visible wavelength bands, and light emission particles having a second electric polarity and emitting a second light by an optical stimulation. The first and second lights are in a substantially same color range of wavelength in a same pixel region.

Abstract: A representative embodiment of the invention provides a projection system having a laser source that incorporates a tunable liquid lens and a spatial light modulator adapted to modulate light generated by the laser source to project an image on a viewing screen. The tunable liquid lens is adapted to vary focal length, alignment or position with respect to an optical element that is external to the lens, ability to diffuse light, and/or polarization rotation angle.

Abstract: An exemplary electro-wetting display (EWD) device (30) includes a first substrate (31), a second substrate (39) facing the first substrate, a hydrophobic insulator (36) provided between the first and second substrates, a first fluid (33), a second fluid (32) and colored layers (38). The first fluid and the second fluid are immiscible and disposed between the hydrophobic insulator and the first substrate. The second fluid is electro-conductive or polar. The first fluid is located between the hydrophobic insulator and the second fluid. Colored layers may be located between the hydrophobic insulator and the second substrate.

Abstract: An optical element includes a first liquid; a second liquid that is immiscible with the first liquid and that has polarity or electrical conductivity; a first substrate portion; a second substrate portion; a sidewall portion; a second electrode disposed on one of the second substrate portion and the sidewall portion; and an accommodating portion constituted by the first substrate portion, the second substrate portion, and the sidewall portion and sealing the first liquid and the second liquid therein. The optical element further includes a first film disposed on the first substrate portion side of the accommodating portion and having high affinity with the first liquid, a second film disposed on the second substrate portion side of the accommodating portion and having high affinity with the second liquid, and a third film disposed at the center of the second film and having high affinity with the first liquid.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator comprising pixels, where for each pixel, a light field amplitude transmitted by the pixel is modulated by an electrowetting cell and/or a light field phase transmitted by the pixel is modulated by an electrowetting cell.

Abstract: An aperture unit includes a transparent cylindrical member, a magnetic fluid, and a magnetic field generator. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical chamber. A light input end portion of the cylindrical member is transparent, and an opposite light output end portion of the cylindrical member is transparent. The magnetic fluid is received in the cylindrical chamber. The magnetic fluid includes a transparent solvent, a surfactant, and nano-magnetic particles dispersed substantially evenly in the solvent. Each of the magnetic nano-particles is enveloped by a surfactant. The magnetic field generator is positioned outside the cylindrical chamber. The magnetic field generator is configured for generating a magnetic field applied to the chamber and attracting and clustering the nano-particles, such that an annular nano-particle opaque layer is formed on an inner surface of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: An electrophoretic display device includes a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged on a lower substrate, and an upper substrate having a common electrode that covers an entire area corresponding to a display surface. The electrophoretic display device further includes an electrophoretic ink layer having a plurality of cavities. Each of the cavities contains suspension fluid and a plurality of charged pigment particles dispersing in the suspension fluid. The electrophoretic display device also includes a plurality of pixel units, each of which includes three of the plurality of cavities. Each of the three cavities contains the black particles and particles of the red particles, green particles, or blue particles, respectively.

Abstract: A display and fabricating method thereof is provided. The display includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a hydrophobic layer, a nonpolar liquid layer, a hydrophilic separator, a polar liquid layer, and a protruding spacer. The first and second substrates respectively include an opposing surface, and are disposed in a way that the opposing surfaces are face-to-face opposing to each other. The hydrophobic layer overlies the opposing surface of the second substrate. The nonpolar liquid layer overlies the hydrophobic layer. The hydrophilic separator overlies the hydrophobic layer and surrounds the nonpolar liquid layer. The polar liquid layer overlies the nonpolar liquid layer. The protruding spacer is disposed between the hydrophilic separator and the first substrate.

Abstract: The apparatus claimed by the invention uses as the display medium colors in the form of colored fluids which are transported by means of transport in a system of compartments within a fluidic chain, whereby they are visible from the direction of an observer only through a single one these compartments (image compartment). Depending on the position of the individual colored fluids, a different color impression is received by the observer. The invention thereby teaches the presence of a fluidic chain in a subpixel and the combination of a plurality of these subpixels in a pixel. The display claimed by the invention consists of a plurality of pixels. With the use of eight colors in connection with an optically created color mixing effect, a color space can be displayed which is sufficient at least for the display of the information typically used on advertising signs.

Abstract: In a reflective a display device based on layer break up or layer displacement having at least two different states, in which one of the fluids (5) e. g oil in a first state adjoins at least a first support plate (3) and in the second state the other fluid (6) at least partly adjoins the first support plate, in which picture elements are separated by areas (13) having a hydrophilic surface dyes (or sometimes pigments) are added to the oil (usually hydrocarbon but also possibly silicone or fluorocarbon), to provide sufficient optical intensity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active matrix with data driver circuit and selection driver circuit, where the active matrix is electrically connected with the driver circuits and where it comprises electrowetting cells (EW cells) arranged in rows and columns. An EW cell comprises at least two electrodes, which are connected through at least one transistor with data lines and row lines of the driver circuits. The electrodes which are provided for controlling the EW cell are connected with the same data line and with two different control lines, where the selection driver circuit simultaneously activates the transistors which are connected with the individual selection lines by control signals and where it connects the electrodes of the respective EW cell locally so to achieve a medium voltage value.

Abstract: A method of forming a matrix of electrowetting pixels includes forming a patterned layer of electrodes (512) on a substrate (510) and forming a patterned insulating layer (514) on the electrodes (512) and the substrate (510) to define a plurality of wells (516), each of the wells (516) aligned over one of the electrodes (512). A hydrophobic material (518) is formed on the bottom surfaces of the wells (516) and a hydrophilic material (526) is formed on sidewalls (519) of the wells (516), for example by one of selective reaction, selective deposition and selective etching, by the application of a beam (524) at an angle to impact the sidewalls (519) while substantially avoiding impacting the bottom surface (515). First and second liquids (532, 534) are disposed within the wells (516), the first liquid being not soluble in the second liquid.

Abstract: A system for providing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation comprises a laser source arranged to produce a laser beam having a focus; and a carrier movable relative to the laser source for carrying a surface material, the surface material when carried by the carrier providing a renewable target edge. The focussed beam is arranged to impinge on the target edge to produce an EUV radiation emitting plasma. The system is cooperable with a mirror for harnessing the EUV radiation by reflecting EUV radiation impinging thereon. The mirror comprises a substantially aspheric surface and means for supplying a reflecting liquid to at least partially coat the aspheric surface, the mirror being rotatable to centrifugally confine the liquid to the aspheric surface.

Abstract: An optical element includes a container including first and second end face walls, a side face wall, and an accommodating chamber inside the walls; first and second liquids enclosed in the chamber; a first electrode provided on a surface of the first end face wall; a second electrode provided on a surface of the second end face wall; an insulating film provided on a surface of the second electrode; and a unit configured to apply a voltage. The shape of an interface between the liquids is changed by a voltage application, and a light transmission path, the center of which is a virtual axis passing through the end face walls in the thickness direction of the container, is formed in a portion of the second liquid. An opening having a diameter the same as or larger than the maximum diameter of the transmission path is provided in the first electrode.

Abstract: Electrowetting display devices are presented. The electrowetting display includes a first substrate and an opposing second substrate with a polar fluid layer and a color non-polar fluid layer interposed therebetween. A first transparent electrode is disposed on the first substrate. A second electrode is disposed on the second substrate. A hydrophilic partition structure is disposed on the second substrate, thereby defining a plurality of sub-pixels. The color electrowetting display further includes an array of color pixel regions. Each pixel region consists of a set of primary color sub-pixel. Each color sub-pixel corresponds to one of different color non-polar fluid layers, and each of the different color non-polar fluid layers is isolated from each other. The colors of non-polar fluid layer in the neighboring sub-pixels are different.

Abstract: A plurality of optical members (lenses) for use in ultraviolet region are mutually stuck. A fluorine-based organic compound (for example, fluorine-based oil) is provided between them. The periphery of the optical members is sealed with a sealant. As the sealant, an adhesive fluorine resin, for example, a soluble fluorine resin is used.

Abstract: An optical element is disclosed. The optical element may include a container having a holding chamber, a polar or conductive first liquid filled in the holding chamber, a second liquid filled in the holding chamber and not mixing with the first liquid, first and second electrodes for applying an electric field to the first liquid, and voltage application means for applying voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: An optical element for correcting aberrations in an optical apparatus has a casing. The casing is filled with liquid and has a support layer and a cover layer designed to pass light of a predetermined wavelength range. The casing accommodates several actuators. Each actuator has a first end supporting the cover layer and a second end supporting the support layer. Each actuator is able to locally change a local distance between the support layer and the cover layer to correct for local aberrations in a light beam directed to the optical element by providing local phase shifts. The optical element may be used in a lithographic apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrowetting device. The electrowetting device includes a conductive or polar liquid material, and an electrode applying voltage to the liquid material through a dielectric layer. In the electrowetting device, the dielectric layer is formed as an anodized portion made of a metal oxide formed by anodizing the electrode, and a voltage applying unit applying voltage between the electrode and the liquid material and a polar capacitor are placed between the electrode and the liquid material.

Abstract: An EUV light source of the present invention is capable of using a saturable absorber stably and continuously in a high heat load state. A saturable absorber (SA) device is disposed on a laser beam line to absorb feeble light, such as self-excited oscillation light, parasitic oscillation light or return light. SA gas from an SA gas cylinder and buffer gas from a buffer gas cylinder are mixed to be a mixed gas. The mixed gas is supplied to an SA gas cell via a supply pipeline, and absorbs the feeble light included in the laser beam. The mixed gas is exhausted via an exhaust pipeline, and is sent to a heat exchanger. The mixed gas, cooled down by a heat exchanger, is sent back to the SA gas cell by a circulation pump.

Abstract: An optical element includes a first liquid; a second liquid that is immiscible with the first liquid and that has polarity or electrical conductivity; a first substrate portion, a second substrate portion, a sidewall portion; a second electrode disposed on one of the second substrate portion and the sidewall portion; and an accommodating portion constituted by the first substrate portion, the second substrate portion, and the sidewall portion and sealing the first liquid and the second liquid therein. The optical element further includes a first film disposed on the first substrate portion side of the accommodating portion and having high affinity with the first liquid, a second film disposed on the second substrate portion side of the accommodating portion and having high affinity with the second liquid, and a third film disposed at the center of the second film and having high affinity with the first liquid.

Abstract: An optical element includes a first liquid having polarity or electrical conductivity, a second liquid that is immiscible with the first liquid, a first substrate portion, a second substrate portion, a sidewall portion connecting the first substrate portion to the second substrate portion, and an accommodating portion constituted by the first substrate portion, the second substrate portion, and the sidewall portion and sealing the first liquid and the second liquid therein. The first substrate portion includes a first electrode, the second substrate portion includes a second electrode, and the sidewall portion includes a third electrode.

Abstract: A pixel structure for a display device is provided. The pixel structure utilizes light entering from the ambient environment of the display as a light source. The pixel structure comprises a first substrate, a light obstructing layer, an active element and an adjustable light shielding layer. The light obstructing layer is disposed on the first substrate and has a transparent area and an opaque area. The active element is disposed on the opaque area of the light obstructing layer and has a first state and a second state. The adjustable light shielding layer is disposed on the light obstructing layer and the active element. When the active element is in the first state, the adjustable light shielding layer is adapted to cover the transparent area to shield the light from emitting out from the first substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid device, liquid device manufacturing apparatus and method, and an image display device that are so configured as to achieve increase in the capacitance and allow suppression of breakdown. An insulating film 43 having a higher insulating property and a higher dielectric constant than a water-repellent film 44 is newly formed between a lower electrode 42 and the water-repellent film 44, to thereby compensate for the dielectric strength and suppress breakdown. As the material of the insulating film 43, one having a higher insulating property and a higher dielectric constant is preferable. For example, polymer materials and inorganic materials are cited. For example, SOG is a silica-based inorganic coating material. A solution thereof is applied and deposited by a spin-coating method or the like, followed by being turned to glass through baking at a comparatively-low temperature. The present invention can be applied to a liquid device.

Abstract: An optical shutter for a display device includes a partition wall surrounding and isolating a light-transmitting portion; a polar liquid having polarity, allowing light transmission, and placed at the light-transmitting portion; a nonpolar liquid having no polarity, blocking light, and placed at the light-transmitting portion; an insulator having hydrophobic properties and disposed over the entire light-transmitting portion; and first and second electrodes that are different. When no voltage is applied across the first and second electrodes, the nonpolar liquid spreads near the insulator, becomes stable, and thus blocks the light. When a voltage is applied across the first and second electrodes, the polar liquid gravitates toward the insulator because of a change in wettability of the insulator against the polar liquid and causes the nonpolar liquid to collect in part of the light-transmitting portion according to the level of the voltage, thereby controlling the amount of transmission of light.

Abstract: An optical element includes an airtight container having opposing face walls in a thickness direction, and side walls connecting the end face walls; a first liquid sealed in the container and having polarity or conductivity; a second liquid sealed in the container and not mixed with the first liquid so as to define an interface between the first liquid and the second liquid; and voltage applying means for applying a voltage to the first liquid. Further, the first liquid and the second liquid have the same specific gravity and substantially the same refractive index, and minute particles made of a material that does not transmit light are mixed in the first liquid, such that the first liquid has less light transmittance than the second liquid.

Abstract: An image reading unit which is capable of optimally reading images from both reflective originals and transparent originals. A first rod lens array 15 collects reflected light from a reflective original that reflects light. A first photoelectric conversion element array 14 reads an image of the reflective original based on the reflected light collected by the first rod lens array 15. A second rod lens array 202 collects light transmitted through a transparent original that transmits light. A second photoelectric conversion element array 201 reads an image of the transparent original based on the transmitted light collected by the second rod lens array 202. The first photoelectric conversion element array 14 is mounted on a first substrate 16. The second photoelectric conversion element array 201 is mounted on a second substrate 203.

Abstract: Microfluidic pixels are utilized to produce large format displays (billboards) that are both digitally controllable and are light weight. Each pixel includes a wall having a front (display) surface, and a microfluidic system including a reservoir disposed behind the wall, a colorant fluid, a transparent display chamber disposed in front of the wall, a conduit, and a fluid actuator. The reservoir includes a reservoir chamber including a deformable wall, and the fluid actuator includes a mechanism for selectively displacing the deformable wall such that a portion of the first colorant fluid is transferred between the first reservoir and the first display chamber through the first conduit, whereby the pixel's appearance changes between a background appearance determined by the color (e.g., white) of the front wall surface, and a “colored” appearance determined by the amount and color of the colorant fluid disposed in the display chamber.