Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a holographic touchscreen and methods of configuring such devices. In certain embodiments, a touchscreen assembly can include a holographic layer configured to receive incident light and turn it into a selected direction to be transmitted through a light guide. The holographic layer can be configured to accept incident light within an acceptance range and so that the selected direction is within a range of directions so as to allow determination of incidence location based on detection of the turned light. A light source can be provided so that light from the source scatters from an object such as a fingertip near the holographic layer and becomes the incident light. The determined incidence location can represent presence of the fingertip at or near the incidence location, thereby providing touchscreen functionality.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring display quality by using a hyperspectral imager are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a hyperspectral imager configured to determine an intensity of light for a plurality of locations in a first area on a display for a plurality of spectral channels, and a processor configured to determine a measure of display quality based on the determined intensities.

Abstract: A system and method for an optical component that masks non-active portions of a display and provides an electrical path for one or more display circuits. In one embodiment an optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of optical elements on the substrate, each optical element having an optical characteristic which changes in response to a voltage applied to the optical element, and a light-absorbing, electrically-conductive optical mask disposed on the substrate and offset from the plurality of optical elements, the optical mask electrically coupled to one or more of the optical elements to provide electrical paths for applying voltages to the optical elements. In another embodiment, a method of providing an electrical signal to optical elements of a display comprises electrically coupling an electrically-conductive light-absorbing mask to one or more optical elements, and applying a voltage to the mask to activate the one or more optical elements.

Abstract: Light in the visible spectrum is modulated using an array of modulation elements, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. The amplitude of light delivered by each of the modulation elements is controlled independently by pulse code modulation. Each modulation element has a deformable portion held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformable portion. Each deformable element has a deformation mechanism and an optical portion, the deformation mechanism and the optical portion independently imparting to the element respectively a controlled deformation characteristic and a controlled modulation characteristic. The deformable modulation element may be a non-metal.

Abstract: A method is provided for visual inspection of an array of interferometric modulators in various driven states. This method may include driving multiple columns or rows of interferometric modulators via a single test pad or test lead, such as test pad, and then observing the array for discrepancies between the expected optical output and the actual optical output of the array. This method may particularly include, for example, driving a set of non-adjacent rows or columns to a state different from the intervening rows or columns and then observing the optical output of the array.

Abstract: A method and device for manipulating color in a display includes a display in which one or more of the pixels includes one or more display elements, such as interferometric modulators, configured to output colored light and one or more display elements configured to output white light. Other embodiments include methods of making such displays. In addition, embodiments include color displays configured to provide a greater proportion of the intensity of output light in green portions of the visible spectrum in order to increase perceived brightness of the display.

Abstract: A method of shaping a mechanical layer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises depositing a support layer, a sacrificial layer and a mechanical layer over a substrate, and forming a support post from the support layer. A kink is formed adjacent to the support post in the mechanical layer. The kink comprises a rising edge and a falling edge, and the kink can be configured to control the shaping and curvature of the mechanical layer upon removal of the sacrificial layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of an interferometric modulator are disclosed having various enhancements and features including a conductive bus. In certain embodiments, the interferometric modulator has a first conductive layer suspended over a second electrode layer. In certain embodiments, a second conductive layer is provided over the first conductive layer. One of the first and/or second conductive buses may further connect to the first electrode layer and/or the second electrode layer. Other disclosed features can be incorporated into embodiments of the interferometric modulator to improve response time, power consumption, and image resolution.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting pressure applied to a device are described herein. In one embodiment, the device comprises a first layer and a second layer positioned below the first layer. The first layer and the second layer form a cavity. The device further comprises a plurality of display elements disposed in the cavity. The device further comprises a sensor configured to measure the relative movement between the first layer and the second layer. In another embodiment, the device may detect sound waves.

Abstract: In some embodiments, each interferometric modulator has a stiction threshold voltage. If a voltage above the stiction threshold voltage is applied to the interferometric modulator, the interferometric modulator enters a stiction state permanently, i.e., becomes “stuck,” and the interferometric modulator becomes inoperable. Disclosed are apparatuses, methods and computer-readable media for testing a panel of interferometric modulators. A ramped voltage waveform is applied to a plurality of interferometric modulators of the panel. In response to applying the ramped voltage, the stiction threshold voltage is identified. At or above this voltage, the number of stuck interferometric modulators in the panel reaches or exceeds a first threshold number, for example, 50% of the total number of the interferometric modulators constituting the panel. The embodiments can be used to establish stiction benchmark for panel manufacturing processes, to collect data for generating statistical distribution, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for storing image data for successive frames in a frame buffer. Specifically, the method and apparatus allow for a display-sized frame buffer to be utilized where a host system provides image data in a format different from that which the display requires to be written to it while retaining the beneficial aspects of concurrent read and write operations from and to the frame buffer. Using this method a buffer controller receives image data from a host system in a first format (e.g. row-by-row) and writes it to the frame buffer in the first format. When the buffer is completely filled with the first frame, it is read out in a second format (e.g. column-by-column) by the buffer controller and provided to a display driver that writes the data to the display.

Abstract: A transmissive backlit display is disclosed. In one aspect, the backlit display comprises a backlight and an array of transmissive interferometric modulators. Each interferometric modulator comprises a fixed and moving dielectric mirror stack. The interferometric modulators cause light within the desired wavelength range to be transmitted while reflecting at least a portion of the remaining light.

Abstract: One embodiment includes display comprising a light modulator configured to display a portion of an image such as a reflective light modulator, a light emitter configured to display the portion of the image and a circuit configured to selectively provide signals to at least one of the light modulator and the light emitter indicative of the portion of the image. In one such embodiment, an active matrix provides a simple, efficient drive for such devices. Other embodiments methods of making and driving such devices.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a static interferometric image device and static interferometric image device formed by the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a substrate. A plurality of liquid layers are formed over the substrate by an inkjet process such that the layers are lateral to one another. The liquid layers contain a solidifiable material or particles. Then, the plurality of liquid layers are solidified to form a plurality of solid layers. In some embodiments, the substrate includes pre-defined cavities, and the liquid layers are formed in the cavities. In other embodiments, the substrate includes a substantially planar, stepped, or continuously transitioning surface, and the liquid layers are formed on the surface. The inkjet process provides optical fillers or spacers for defining interferometric gaps between absorbers and reflectors in the display device, based at least partially on an image that the display device is designed to display.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for reducing a frame write time or increasing a refresh rate of a display. In one aspect, displays may include a plurality of pixels arranged along segment lines and common lines, and all or a portion of the display may be driven in a manner which simultaneously addresses multiple common lines. Display resolution or color range of all or a portion of the display may thus be temporarily sacrificed in exchange for a reduced frame write time, enabling the use of higher refresh rates.

Abstract: Light in the visible spectrum is modulated using an array of modulation elements, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. The amplitude of light delivered by each of the modulation elements is controlled independently by pulse code modulation. Each modulation element has a deformable portion held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformable portion. Each deformable element has a deformation mechanism and an optical portion, the deformation mechanism and the optical portion independently imparting to the element respectively a controlled deformation characteristic and a controlled modulation characteristic. The deformable modulation element may be a non-metal.

Abstract: Various devices and methods of lighting a display are disclosed. In one embodiment, for example, a display device includes a transmissive display configured to be illuminated through a back surface and a reflective display configured to be illuminated through a front surface. A light source is disposed with respect to the back of the transmissive display to illuminate the transmissive display through the back surface. A light pipe is disposed with respect to the light source to receive light from the light source and is configured to propagate the light such that this light provides front illumination of the reflective display.

Abstract: Disclosed is new architecture of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device. The device has a partially reflective optical layer, a deformable mechanical layer and a mirror layer, each of which forms an independent electrode. A support post separates the optical layer from the mechanical layer. The mirror layer is located and movable between a first position and a second position, which are located between the optical layer and the mechanical layer. The mirror is spaced from the support post, and mirror is responsive to voltages applied to the three electrodes, thereby moving between the first position and the second position. By applying various combinations of voltage differences between the optical layer and the mirror, and between the mirror and the mechanical layer, the location of the mirror between the first and second positions is tunable throughout the space between the two positions.

Abstract: A displaying apparatus that includes a plurality of electromechanical system elements arranged in rows. The electromechanical system elements of each of the rows are further arranged in subrows. The subrows of each row are electrically connected. Certain of the electromechanical system elements have a hysteresis stability window that is nested with another hysteresis stability window of certain others of the electromechanical system elements. A method of manufacturing a displaying apparatus that includes forming a plurality of electromechanical system elements arranged in rows. The electromechanical system elements of each of the rows are further arranged in subrows. The subrows of each row are electrically connected. Certain of the electromechanical system elements have a hysteresis stability window that is nested with another hysteresis stability window of certain others of the electromechanical system elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of MEMS devices comprise a conductive movable layer spaced apart from a conductive fixed layer by a gap, and supported by rigid support structures, or rivets, overlying depressions in the conductive movable layer, or by posts underlying depressions in the conductive movable layer. In certain embodiments, both rivets and posts may be used. In certain embodiments, these support structures are formed from rigid inorganic materials, such as metals or oxides. In certain embodiments, etch barriers may also be deposited to facilitate the use of materials in the formation of support structures which are not selectively etchable with respect to other components within the MEMS device.