Abstract: The present invention is a digital dynamic compression or automatic gain control (AGC) (10) adapted for use in high quality audio and hearing aids applications. An efficient digital AGC design employs two compact ROM-based tables (ROM_CSD, ROM_SPL) in addition to two comparators (COMP_A, COMP_B) and several registers (REG_A, REG_B, ADDR_A, ADDR_B). While one ROM stores the values of discrete input signal levels, the other contains gain codes based on a canonical signed digit (CSD) coding approach that leads to a very simple gain multiplier (20). In many cases an extremely compact table for gain values can be achieved by reusing a single small-size ROM that behaves like one that is several time larger. Two design examples are shown to expound the insights of the new digital AGC design. For the less-than-half-dB-gain-step cases only two adders are required for the multiplier whereas just three adders are needed in the situations with less than quarter-dB gain steps.

Abstract: A display system includes a light source 110 and a spatial light modulator 122 located to receive light from the light source. The spatial light modulator (e.g., a DMD) includes a number of independently controllable elements that are activated for a period of time to display light of a desired brightness. A light sensor 136 is located to determine a characteristic of light from the light source 110. A control circuit 126 is coupled to the spatial light modulator 122 and controls the period of time that the independently controllable elements are activated. This period of time is based at least in part by an input received from the light sensor 136.

Abstract: An improved window frame and window piece for a micromirror assembly is disclosed herein. The window frame includes a stress-relieving contour positioned in the middle of the frame that can absorb the mechanical stresses applied to the window frame from the ceramic base and from the window piece. The window frame may be comprised of a single piece of sheet metal that has been stamped to include a stress-relieving contour. The stress-relieving contour may be comprised of a variety of shapes, including a “U” shape, an inverted “U” shape, a curved step shape, or other combinations thereof.

Abstract: A novel method of packaging electronic devices (e.g. any device that receives or transmits electronic signals) including microelectromechanical devices, semiconductor devices, light emitting devices, light modulating devices, light modulating devices, and light detecting device has been provided herein. The electronic device is placed between two substrates, at least one of which has a cavity for holding the electronic device. The two substrates are then bonded and hermetically sealed with a sealing medium. The adhesion of the sealing medium to the substrates, especially when one of the two substrates is ceramic, can be improved by applying a metallization layer to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator has an array of reflective surfaces of deflectable mirror plates. For improving the reflectivity of the mirror plates, layers that are preferably transmissive to visible light are provided on the reflective surfaces of the mirror plates. The layers may have different thicknesses and/or refractive indices to the visible light to optimize the reflectivity of the mirror plates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for aligning a free-space optical signal in an optical system having a light modulator having an array of pixels. In this system and method, certain pixels of the light modulator array are initially assigned for the modulation of the free-space optical signal. An alignment optical signal is generated and monitored, to determine whether the optical system components are properly aligned. The alignment optical signal is generated and propagated along a path that is substantially aligned with the path of the free-space optical signal. Detector elements are used to monitor the position (and shifts in the position) of the free-space optical signal. By reassigning the pixels of the array of the light modulator at the direction of a control system, it is possible for the light modulator to compensate for shifts in the alignment of the optical components within the system.

Abstract: A method and system providing boundary dispersion to pixel values displayed on a binary spatial light modulator to reduce temporal contouring artifacts. Pixel code values are offset from a nominal value when displayed on the SLM to disperse a large bit transition for a pulse width modulation (PWM) system. The offset value varies as a function of the pixel digital code, the pixel spatial location on the screen, and pixel temporal location in time. The set of offsets applied to pixels is varied over a repeating sequence of 2 displayed frames.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of fabricating a microelectronics device. In one aspect, the method comprises forming a capping layer 610 over gate structures 230 located over a microelectronics substrate 210 wherein the gate structures 230 include sidewall spacers 515 and have a doped region 525 located between them. A protective layer 710 is placed over the capping layer 610 and the doped region 525, and a portion of the protective layer 710 and capping layer 610 that are located over the gate structures are removed to expose a top surface of the gate structures 230. A remaining portion of the protective layer 710 and capping layer 610 remains over the doped region 525. With the top surface of the gate structures 230 exposed, metal is incorporated into the gate structures to form gate electrodes 230.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a micromirror array device that comprises an array of reflective deflectable mirror plates each being associated with one single addressing electrode to be deflected to an ON state angle. A light transmissive electrode is disposed proximate to the mirror plates for deflecting the mirror plates to a non-zero OFF angle. The mirror plates are arranged in the array with a center-to-centre distance of 10.17 microns or less.

Abstract: A system and method for the modulation of light propagating along an optical path, for example the optical path in a projection display system. As light in the optical path travels from a light source to a display screen, it is shaped and modulated by the various components of the optical path so that the intended visual image appears on the display screen. In accordance with the present invention, a mirror disposed proximate the optical path is operable to be selectively inserted and removed from the optical path to alternately direct the light from one portion of the optical path to another, or to a light dump where it can be absorbed such that the associated heat energy may be properly dissipated. In a preferred embodiment, the mirror is a fold mirror mounted at a stop of the system to fold the light beam approximately 90 degrees when the mirror is inserted in the optical path.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of extending the dynamic range of a RF communications receiver. The invention provides a mechanism for controlling the gain of both the LNA and down conversion mixer in the front end portion of an RF receiver. Both the LNA and the mixer are adapted to have both low and high gain modes of operation. The control mechanism typically comprises a two bit gain control that places both the LNA and mixer in one of four operating gain mode states. The selection of the most appropriate operating gain mode state, is preferably determined in accordance with various metrics such as the received levels of the desired signal, levels of interference signals, bit error rate and receiver RSSI.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of operating display systems with reduction of the warm-up time of an arc lamp in the event of an accidental or unintentional turn-off.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for matching micromirror wafers and electrode wafers so as to form micromirror array devices while the production yield is maximized. Each micromirror wafer and/or electrode wafer may have one or more non-passing dies and a plurality of good dies. A set of matching schemes are defined for matching each micromirror wafer with an electrode wafer. For each matching scheme, a cost is calculated with the cost being defined as a total number of unmatched die assemblies resulted from the matching scheme, wherein the unmatched die assembly is defined as an assembly consisting of a passing and non-passing die. Then a matching scheme is selected from the defined matching scheme such that the calculated cost is the minimum among the calculated costs of the defined matching schemes.

Abstract: A method for singulating a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer populated with a plurality of MEMS devices. A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises mounting a glass cover onto the wafer, then orienting the wafer and removably mounting it on an adhesive tape. A partial cut or series of partial cuts is then made through the cover to facilitate the later removal of selected cover portions using an automated process. The dice are then separated using a series of full cuts made perpendicular and parallel to the partial cuts and the selected cover portions removed from each die. The separated dice are then packaged for use or for further fabrication.

Abstract: A digital keystone correction process locates image points in a corrected image from image points in a distorted image that was produced by misalignment of the axis of a sensor such as a camera. The correction process locates corrected image points by constructing intercept points that are the intersections of the extended sides of a quadrilateral in the distorted image plane that is constructed from a known rectangular feature in the subject plane. Reference points are located by drawing a line through each intercept point and the distorted image point. Distances are found from the intercept points to the image points and the reference points. The distances are scaled and corrected with an offset to locate the coordinates of the image points in the corrected image plane. This process can correct alignment errors of pitch, yaw, and roll between the subject plane and an image plane such as photographic film.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is method of operating a device that comprises an array of micromirrors. The method comprises a process usable for repairing stuck micromirrors of the micromirror array during the operation. The reparation process applies, at the ON state, two consecutive refresh voltages to the mirror plates of the micromirrors in the array with the pulses being separated in time longer than the characteristic oscillation time of the micromirrors. The reparation process can be applied independently to the micromirrors. Alternatively, the reparation process can be incorporated with a bias inversion process.

Abstract: Methods for improving video images by making real-time gamma correction adjustments to such images are described. More particularly, gamma correction adjustments may be optimized for each individual frame of a video image by first segregating the pixels of an image according to brightness. The segregated pixels may then be used in computing weighting calculations, which modify the transfer functions used for image display. In some embodiments, the video signal may be conditioned between the standard gamma curve and the S-shaped gamma curve used in mapping video signal input to intensity output. In this manner, frame-to-frame gamma correction adjustments can be made, thereby optimizing the resulting image. Related systems for making frame-to-frame gamma correction adjustments are also described.

Abstract: A method of tilting a micromirror includes forming a substrate, a micromirror outwardly from the substrate, and at least one electrode inwardly from the micromirror. The method further includes applying, by the at least one electrode, electrostatic forces sufficient to pivot the micromirror about a pivot point. In addition, the method includes providing the at least one electrode with a sloped outer surface. The sloped outer surface has a first end and a second end. The second end is closer to the pivot point than the first end, and the first end is closer to the substrate than the second end. The method also includes providing at least a portion of the at least one electrode with material properties that at least partially contribute to the sloped profile of the sloped outer surface.

Abstract: A method for transmitting light in an image display system includes generating a first cone of light from a first light source. The first cone of light includes a plurality of light beams. A first portion of the first cone is projected in an illumination path. A second portion of the first cone is projected at a surface of a reflector. The second portion of the first cone is reflected to project the second portion of the first cone in the illumination path. The first and second portions of the first cone are received at an entrance of an integrator rod. The second portion of the first cone increases the intensity of light received by the integrator rod.

Abstract: According to various illustrative embodiments of the present invention, a device for a light projection system includes a single light emitting diode array comprising at least one green die, at least one blue die, and at least one red die, a single light collection, integration, and etendue-matching optic element comprising a tapered light pipe capable of collecting substantially all light emitted by the single light emitting diode array and spatially integrating the substantially all the light emitted by the single light emitting diode array, and a telecentric relay using at least one of spherical and aspherical refractive and reflective components. The device also includes an illumination wedge prism, a digital micromirror device capable of modulating the substantially all the light emitted by the single light emitting diode array, and a projection total internal reflection prism, the projection total internal reflection prism disposed between the illumination wedge prism and the digital micromirror device.