Abstract: A system (22) and method for converting to progressive scan interlaced video data (28) that was originally produced on film and converting to interlaced data. The most recent previous field and the second most recent field are stored. The most recent previous field is compared to the current field and the second most recent field to generate two motion signals. The field that generated the smallest motion signal when compared to the most recent previous field is then used to perform field insert for that field. The field insert results in progressive frames of data of the image that was produced originally on film. The system determines whether the film conversion is necessary, or whether the data is used for conventional-format progressive scan conversion.

Abstract: A light separator (20) for testing the tilt angles of mirror elements (21) of a digital micro-mirror device. The light separator (20) is comprised of two triangular prisms (23, 25). A bottom prism (23) receives light from all mirror elements (21). It transmits light from all mirror elements having a tilt angle over a specified angle (21a, 21b) from a different face than light from mirror elements having a tilt angle less than the specified angle (21c). A top prism (25) receives light from one face of the bottom prism (23). It further divides the light, so that light from all mirror elements having a tilt angle within a specified range (21a) is transmitted from one face and light from other mirror elements (21b) is transmitted from another face.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator (10) having reduced control circuitry as compared to existing devices. Sets of pixel elements (11) share a memory cell (12), such that each memory cell (12) has the same fanout as other memory cells (12). Each pixel element (11) in a set is switched to an on or off state via a reset line (13) that is separate from that of the other pixel elements (11) in that set. Frame data is loaded in split bit-frames during a set time period, such that each split bit-frame contains only the data for pixel elements (11) on one reset line (13). Thus, the same memory cell (12) can be used to deliver data to all pixel elements (11) in its fanout because only one pixel element (11) in the fanout is switched at a time.

Abstract: Methods of processing pixel data for display on a spatial light modulator (SLM) (15) having staggered pixels. An analog image signal in interlaced field format is sampled to provide staggered pixel data in field format, where pixel values in odd lines are offset from pixel values in even lines. This staggered pixel data may be converted to progressive scan frame format using special calculations to accommodate the line-to-line offset of the pixels (FIGS. 2-6). Vertical scaling may also be performed, either before or after the data is converted to frame format (FIGS. 7 and 8).

Abstract: A process for partially sawing the streets on semiconductor wafers. After sawing the streets can be covered by a protective material, and then the wafer continues its processing as before. After the wafer is broken, the protective material may or may not be removed. Additionally, the wafer may be broken into individual chips using a wedge piece that has a number of individual wedges on it, where the individual wedges press against the partially sawn streets, causing the wafer to break.

Abstract: An improved support post (16, 23) for micro-mechanical devices (10). A conductive layer (33, 71) is deposited on a substrate at all places where the support posts (16, 23) are to be located. A spacer layer (41, 81) is then deposited and etched to form vias (41a, 81a). Each via (41a, 81a) defines the outer surface of a support post (16, 23). The bottom surface of each via is at the conductive layer (33, 71). This permits an aluminum CVD process to selectively fill the vias (41a, 81a), thereby forming the support posts (16, 23).

Abstract: A graphics data unit (17) for a digital television receiver (10) that uses a spatial light modulator (16). The graphics data unit (17) has a graphics processor (22), which offloads graphics processing tasks, such as for closed captioning and on-screen display, from a main processor (14). The graphics data unit (17) also has a character memory (24), which stores fonts for closed caption and on-screen display characters. A read-only memory (22a) stores graphics primitives. The character fonts and the graphics primitives may be adapted to compensate for staggered pixel layouts of the spatial light modulator (16).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing display timing in a digital television system with a pixel addressable display having a color wheel is disclosed. The display timing circuit 22 includes phase comparator 40, for comparing the phase of a wheel index signal generated by a color wheel 20 with the phase of a frame synchronization signal indicating that a complete frame is ready to be displayed. Display timing circuit 22 further comprises a color wheel synchronization generator 42 which generates a color wheel synchronization signal in response to a phase difference value produced by phase comparator 40. The color wheel synchronization signal is used to increase, decrease, or maintain the speed of color wheel 20 to achieve a known phase relationship between the frame synchronization signal and the wheel index signal. Display timing circuit 22 further comprises a clock generator applicable to generate a display master clock signal having a known frequency relation to the wheel index signal.

Abstract: A digital television system (10) is provided. System (10) may receive a video signal at composite video interface and separation circuit (16). The video signal is separated into separate video signals by composite video interface and separation circuit (16). The separate video signals are converted to digital video signals in analog to digital converter circuit (18). Line slicer (14) divides each line of digital video signal into a plurality of channels such that each channel may be processed in parallel by channel signal processors (22a) through (22d). Each channel signal processor (22a) through (22d) may provide two lines of output for each line of video input. The processed digital video signals may be formatted for displays (26a) through (26c) in formatters (24a) through (24c).

Abstract: A demultiplexer (10) for a wavelength-multiplexed optical signal. A series of optical filters (13) along an input line (12) each select a signal component of a given wavelength. An optical shutter (14) receives the output of each filter (13), and is operated so as to either block or pass the filtered signal component. The filters (13) and shutters (14) may be made using integrated circuit fabrication techniques, and the entire demultiplexer (10) may be made as a monolithic device.

Abstract: A method of forming of a monomolecular coating (19) for surfaces of contacting elements (11, 17) of micro-mechanical devices (10), specifically, devices that have moving elements that contact other elements and that tend to stick as a result of the contact. The method uses liquid deposition, with the device being placed in a solution that contains a precursor to the formation of the coating. The precursor is chosen based on coordination chemistry between the precursor and the surface to be coated.

Abstract: It is possible to replace a standard tuning unit in a television with spatial light modulator circuitry to improve the resolution seen by the viewer. The invention herein provides a system architecture, individual part of the system and techniques for minimizing the burst data rate while maintaining a reasonable system speed. The resultant system provides better resolution with a manageable data rate and bandwidth.

Abstract: A method for processing video data to produce a progressively scanned signal from an input of conventional interlaced video. The data is received at a processor (1), used to determine a motion signal (26) over time between field of the data. The motion signal is filtered to reduce errors caused by noise-corrupted video sources and then further filtered to spread out the determined motion signal. Edge information (30) is located and combined with the motion signal to produce an integrated progressive-scan signal (36) for display on a video display device, producing images with sharper edges and motion signals which have a lower susceptibility to noise.

Abstract: An SLM-based digital display system (10) having a graphics display subsystem (13 and 18) for closed captioning, on-screen displays, and other graphics images that are overlaid on the video image. The graphics display subsystem (13 and 18) has a graphics processor (21) that prepares the graphics data, which is inserted into the video data path after video data processing and prior to a look-up table unit (27). A select logic unit (24) provides a control signal to a multiplexer (26) that selects between video data and graphics data for input to the look-up table unit (27). The look-up table unit (27) performs its mapping according to the type of data received, such as by linearizing video data or palletizing graphics data.

Abstract: A vacuum collet (10) for picking up a semiconductor die (11). A plate (12) has a vacuum tube (15) and a downwardly extending skirt (19). Skirt (19) contacts the perimeter of die (11). The vacuum is distributed to the perimeter of the semiconductor die (10) by a baffle (16) interposed between the plate (12) and the die (11) and within the skirt (19).

Abstract: A faceplate (10a) for directly viewing an image generated by a digital micromirror device (10b), which generates images by tilting tiny mirror elements (11) to on or off positions. The faceplate (10a) has a number of optical fibers (12) parallel to each other and closely spaced together. The ends of the optical fibers (12) are the top and bottom surfaces of the faceplate (10a). Both ends of each fiber (12) is sliced at an angle determined by the on position of the mirror elements (11). This permits light to travel down the fibers (12) and be reflected back to the viewer by only those mirror elements (11) that are on.

Abstract: A digitized video system having a processor and a video memory. The processor converts a stream of digital information to extract planes of a three dimensional image to store into the video memory to display a three dimensional image. A spatial light modulator is connected to the video memory to receive and display a plane of said image to display a three dimensional image.

Abstract: Higher quality printing is difficult in implementation in spatial light modulator printers. The two major problems are accomplishing gray scale within the line time constraints, and eliminating staircasing artifacts within the images printed (81). It can be improved by using an alternate way of resetting cells on the spatial light modulator when data is being loaded onto the cells, timing delay (86), horizontal offset (84), and differently sized pixels (80, 82).

Abstract: A method of encoding video display data, after that data has been previously converted from a film frame rate to a faster video frame rate, such as by 3:2 pulldown. The data is first re-converted to the film frame format, as progressive frames (21). This progressive frame data is processed to determine where scene cuts occur (22). The data is then encoded consistent with MPEG encoding techniques, but with the scene cut information being used to begin groups of pictures (GOPs) at scene cuts and to determine where intrapictures, predicted pictures, or interpolated pictures shall occur (23).

Abstract: A digitized video display for displaying and image utilizing a light source, a spatial light modulator that receives substantially all of a cross-section of beam from the light source and directing it along a different direction, and a surface positioned in the different direction for receiving the image from the modulator.