Abstract: Light guides and backlight systems are disclosed that include one or more groups of geometric light redirectors whose density and/or orientation across the surface of a light guide varies to improve light emission uniformity and to reduce visual artifacts.

Abstract: A field sequential display includes at least two lamps which output different colors and a controller. The controller is configured for receiving information from a host device in which the field sequential display is incorporated, selecting, based on the received information, a display mode from a plurality of preset display modes, and outputting signals indicating brightness levels with which to illuminate the at least two lamps based on the selected display mode.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for collecting and directing light from a source via a light guide and modulated display assembly in an efficient manner through the design and use of prismatic optical structures, diffusers and/or light redirectors. The prismatic optical structures may include a plurality of rear-facing prisms and/or front-facing prisms, each with an associated prism apex angle. The prism apex angle for each of the prisms may be selected such that on-axis brightness intensity and/or total optical power extraction of the display are improved.

Abstract: Display devices incorporating shutter-based light modulators are disclosed along with methods of manufacturing such devices. The methods are compatible with thin-film manufacturing processes known in the art and result in displays having lower power-consumption.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming images on a display utilizing a control matrix to control the movement of MEMS-based light modulators.

Abstract: This methods and devices described herein relate to displays and methods of manufacturing cold seal fluid-filled displays, including MEMS. The fluid substantially surrounds the moving components of the MEMS display to reduce the effects of stiction and to improve the optical and electromechanical performance of the display. The invention relates to a method for sealing a MEMS display at a lower temperature such that a vapor bubble does not formforms only at temperatures about 15° C. to about 20° C. below the seal temperature. In some embodiments, the MEMS display apparatus includes a first substrate, a second substrate separated from the first substrate by a gap and supporting an array of light modulators, a fluid substantially filling the gap, a plurality of spacers within the gap, and a sealing material joining the first substrate to the second substrate.

Abstract: A method of operating a display including loading image data to pixels in multiple rows of pixels in an array of pixels during a data loading phase, actuating the pixels in the multiple rows during an update phase, and illuminating at least one lamp during an lamp illumination phase to illuminate the actuated pixels to form an image on the display, in which each of the loading, actuating and illuminating phases partially overlap in time.

Abstract: Display devices incorporating light modulators are disclosed along with methods of manufacturing such devices. According to some aspects of the invention, a control matrix for controlling light modulators of a display includes a light absorbing layer that includes a material having a substantially light absorbing property.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of manufacturing display devices which include the steps of depositing a layer of a dielectric material directly on a substantially transparent substrate, depositing a layer of metal directly on top of the dielectric material, forming a plurality of apertures in the layer of metal, forming a control matrix on top of the metal layer, and forming a plurality of light-modulating shutter assemblies on top of and in electrical communication with the control matrix such that the control matrix controls the light modulation functionality of the plurality of shutter assemblies.

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: 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: A display includes an array of light modulators that define a display plane, a light guide and front- and rear-facing reflective surfaces. The light guide includes a plurality of geometric light redirectors, and at least 50% of the light guide's rear surface is parallel to the display plane. The rear-facing reflective surface is parallel to the display plane and includes a plurality of apertures.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming a display apparatus. According to one aspect of the invention, the display apparatus includes a first substrate having an aperture layer formed thereon, a light guide for guiding light towards the aperture layer, a plurality of MEMS light modulators for modulating light passing through the aperture layer from the light guide, and a spacer substantially surrounding the light guide for keeping the light guide and the first substrate a predetermined distance apart from one another, thereby forming a gap between the first substrate and the light guide. Alternatively or in addition, the first substrate may have a control matrix formed thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for feedback control of image and color quality in a direct-view MEMS display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a lamp capable of providing light, a sensor capable of detecting information indicative of characteristics of light provided by the lamp and outputting a sensor signal based at least partially on the information, and control circuitry for controlling illumination of the lamp based at least partially on the sensor signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to display apparatuses having an array of light modulators and a plurality of spacers distributed within the interior of the array. The display apparatus may also include a reflective aperture layer disposed on a front facing surface of a substrate included in the display apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming images on a display utilizing a control matrix to control the movement of MEMs-based light modulators.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for spatial light modulation are disclosed which utilize optical cavities having both front and rear reflective surfaces. Light-transmissive regions are formed in the front reflective surface for spatially modulating light.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for the design and manufacture of MEMS anchoring structures for light modulators in order to address the stresses of beams mounted on them.

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: The invention relates to spatial light modulators for use in display apparatus. In particular, the invention relates to spatial light modulators that include a substrate defining a plane and a shutter suspended over the substrate by a compliant beam. The compliant beam has a cross-sectional thickness, in a dimension parallel to the plane of the substrate, between about 0.2 ?m and about 10 ?m. In one embodiment, a thickness of the compliant beam in a dimension perpendicular to the plane of the substrate is at least about 1.4 times the cross-sectional width of the compliant beam in the dimension parallel to the plane of the substrate.