Patents Assigned to QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies
  • DEVICE AND METHOD FOR WAVELENGTH FILTERING
    Publication number: 20110193770
    Abstract: Embodiments include devices and methods for wavelength filtering. For example, one embodiment includes a display comprising a plurality of the display elements each comprising a movable reflector, a first partial reflector, and a second partial reflector. The first partial reflector is positioned at a first distance from the movable reflector and forms a first optical resonant cavity therebetween. The second partial reflector is positioned at a second distance from said first partial reflector and forming a second optical resonant cavity therebetween. In various embodiments, the movable reflector is movable with respect to the first partial reflector to alter the first optical cavity. Other embodiments include a method of making devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian J. Gally, William J. Cummings
  • Interferometric modulators having charge persistence
    Patent number: 7995265
    Abstract: An interferometric modulator is formed having a dielectric with charge persistence. The interferometric modulator is addressed by a method making advantageous use of the charge persistence property, wherein the interferometric modulator is pre-charged in such a way that the pre-charging is not observable to a viewer, and the actuation voltage threshold of the imod is significantly lowered. Subsequently the interferometric modulator may be actuated with a significantly lower actuation voltage, thereby saving power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE WITH OPTICAL FUNCTION SEPARATED FROM MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL FUNCTION
    Publication number: 20110188109
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEMS) device includes a substrate, a movable element over the substrate, and an actuation electrode above the movable element. The movable element includes a deformable layer and a reflective element. The deformable layer is spaced from the reflective element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Clarence Chui, William Cummings, Brian Gally, Lior Kogut, Ming-Hau Tung, Yeh-Jiun Tung, Chih-Wei Chiang, Denis Endisch
  • System and method for display device with reinforcing substance
    Patent number: 7990601
    Abstract: A package structure and method of packaging an interferometric modulator with a reinforcing substance to help support the integrity of the package. In some embodiments the reinforcing substance is a desiccant integrated into the backplate or the transparent substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Lauren Palmateer
  • Analog interferometric modulator
    Patent number: 7990604
    Abstract: Methods and devices for calibrating and controlling the actuation of an analog interferometric modulator configured to have a plurality of actuation states. Devices and methods for calibrating an analog interferometric modulator to respond in linear relation to an applied voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chong U. Lee, John H. Hong, Marc M. Mignard, Alok Govil
  • Optical films for directing light towards active areas of displays
    Patent number: 7986451
    Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, an interferometric display device is provided having an external film with a plurality of structures that redirect light from an inactive area of the display to an active area of the display. Light incident on the external film that would normally continue towards an inactive area of the display is either reflected, refracted, or scattered towards an active area of the display comprising moveable and static reflective surfaces that form an optical cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Gally, William J. Cummings
  • ORNAMENTAL DISPLAY
    Publication number: 20110175948
    Abstract: An ornamental display device having an interferometric modulator for displaying an ornamental image. The ornamental device may also have a signal receiver configured to receive an external signal. The ornamental device may further have a processor configured to control an image on the display based on the external signal. The external signal is emitted from a controller configured to control a plurality of ornamental devices to display coordinated images. The ornamental device may have a patterned diffuser formed on a transparent substrate to provide an ornamental image or information. The ornamental device may be a piece of jewelry or an article that may be worn. The image displayed may have an iridescent appearance. A controller may also be used to control images displayed on multiple ornamental device to provide coordinated images based on externals received or pre-programmed images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Gally, William J. Cummings
  • DISTRIBUTED ILLUMINATION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20110175533
    Abstract: The present invention introduces a new class of lightweight tile-based illumination systems for uses wherein thin directionally-illuminating light distributing engines are embedded into the body of otherwise standard building materials like conventional ceiling tiles along with associated means of electrical control and electrical power interconnection. As a new class of composite light emitting ceiling materials, the present invention enables a lighter weight more flexibly distributed overhead lighting system alternatives for commercial office buildings and residential housing without changing the existing materials. One or more spot lighting, task lighting, flood lighting and wall washing elements having cross-sectional thickness matched to that of the building material or tile into which they are embedded, are contained and interconnected within the material body's cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell, Jeffrey B. Sampsell
  • DISTRIBUTED LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20110175553
    Abstract: The Distributed Lighting Control System (DLCS) is based upon a distributed lighting system, which imbeds luminaire devices in structural materials such as ceiling tiles and wallboard. Each luminaire device is attached to a power network, and each luminaire device includes, or is directly associated with, an electronic circuit component that controls the activation and operation of the luminaire. In normal operation the power network is energized based on signals conveyed to the circuit through wireless means or through signals imposed upon the power grid. Said signals are generated by the DLCS-controller, which is resident within the structure that contains the DLCS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Sampsell
  • METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PRESSURE DETECTION
    Publication number: 20110176196
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alok Govil, Manish Kothari
  • INTERCONNECT STRUCTURE FOR MEMS DEVICE
    Publication number: 20110177745
    Abstract: An interferometric modulator array is formed with connectors and/or an encapsulation layer with electrical connections. The encapsulation layer hermetically seals the array. Circuitry may also be formed over the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon Bradley Lasiter
  • Conductive bus structure for interferometric modulator array
    Patent number: 7982700
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence Chui, Jeffrey B. Sampsell
  • EDGE BAR DESIGNS TO MITIGATE EDGE SHADOW ARTIFACT
    Publication number: 20110169428
    Abstract: An edge bar having features that discriminate between light propagating in one direction versus the opposite direction may be configured so as to couple light into a light guide while significantly mitigating against edge shadow artifact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Lai Wang, Ion Bita, Marek Mienko, Kollengode S. Narayanan, Russell Wayne Gruhlke
  • INTERFEROMETRIC PIXEL WITH PATTERNED MECHANICAL LAYER
    Publication number: 20110169724
    Abstract: Interferometric modulators and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, an interferometric display includes a sub-pixel having a membrane layer with a void formed therein. The void can be configured to increase the flexibility of the membrane layer. The sub-pixel can further include an optical mask configured to hide the void from a viewer. In another embodiment, an interferometric display can include at least two movable reflectors wherein each movable reflector has a different stiffness but each movable reflector has substantially the same effective coefficient of thermal expansion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Tao, Fan Zhong, Yeh-Jiun Tung
  • METHOD FOR MODULATING LIGHT WITH MULTIPLE ELECTRODES
    Publication number: 20110170167
    Abstract: Improvements in an interferometric modulator that has a cavity defined by two walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark W. Miles
  • DEVICE FOR MODULATING LIGHT WITH MULTIPLE ELECTRODES
    Publication number: 20110170166
    Abstract: Improvements in an interferometric modulator that has a cavity defined by two walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark W. Miles
  • ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE WITH OPTICAL FUNCTION SEPARATED FROM MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL FUNCTION
    Publication number: 20110170168
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device includes a movable element over the substrate and an actuation electrode. The movable element includes an electrically conductive deformable layer and a reflective element mechanically coupled to the deformable layer. The reflective element includes a reflective surface. The actuation electrode is under at least a portion of the deformable layer and is disposed laterally from the reflective surface. The movable element is responsive to a voltage difference applied between the actuation electrode and the movable element by moving towards the actuation electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Denis Endisch, Marc Mignard
  • Family of current/power-efficient high voltage linear regulator circuit architectures
    Patent number: 7977931
    Abstract: Power efficient power supply regulator circuits are disclosed. The circuits are configured to modify their overhead current according to current load. This is particularly advantageous for use in display devices with widely varying current loads. Such displays include bi-stable displays, such as interferometric modulation displays, LCD displays, and DMD displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sameer Wadhwa
  • Methods for visually inspecting interferometric modulators for defects
    Patent number: 7978953
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William J Cummings, Brian J Gally
  • Optical interference display panel
    Patent number: 7978396
    Abstract: An optical interference display panel is disclosed that has a substrate, an optical interference reflection structure, and an opaque protection structure. The optical interference reflection structure has many color-changeable pixels and is formed on the substrate. The opaque protection structure is adhered and fixed onto the substrate with an adhesive and encloses the optical interference reflection structure between the substrate and the opaque protection structure. The opaque protection structure blocks and/or absorbs light, and light is thus not emitted outward by passing through defects in the optical interference reflection structure Moreover, the opaque protection structure and the adhesive also prevent the optical interference reflection structure from being damaged by an external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hsiung-Kuang Tsai