Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing continuous light-transmissivity tuning through a mechanical smart window. In one aspect, a mechanical smart window including multiple layers is provided, each layer featuring light-blocking and light-transmitting areas. The layers may be moved relative to each other, changing the amount by which each light-blocking area occludes light-transmitting areas on other layers.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing power consumption in a display includes driving a display comprising a plurality of display elements characterized by a display state. In a first mode of operation, the display state of substantially all the display elements is periodically re-set so as to display a first series of image frames. Upon changing to a second mode of operation, a second mode of operations comprises re-setting the display state of only a portion of the display elements so as to display a second series of image frames at a display element resolution which is less than said display element resolution used to display said first series of image frames.

Abstract: Electromechanical systems resonator structures, devices, circuits, and systems are disclosed. In one aspect, an oscillator includes an active component and a passive component connected in a feedback configuration. The passive component includes one or more contour mode resonators (CMR). A CMR includes a piezoelectric layer disposed between a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The conductive layers include an input electrode and an output electrode. The passive component is configured to output a first resonant frequency and a second resonant frequency, which is an odd integer harmonic of the first resonant frequency. The active component is configured to output a signal including the first resonant frequency and the second resonant frequency. This output signal can be a substantially square wave signal, which can serve as a clock in various applications.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining an operational state of a selected display device in an array of display devices. One method includes determining the operational state of a particular display device in the array by measuring an electrical characteristic of a plurality of the display devices, and determining the operational state based at least in part on the three measurements. In some embodiments, the electrical characteristic is capacitance, in other embodiments impedance can be the measured electrical characteristic. Such methods can be applied to interferometric modulator displays and other displays, including liquid crystal display displays.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing packaged microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. In one aspect, package can include a cover glass joined to a device substrate, the cover glass including integrated electrical connectivity and configured to encapsulate one or more MEMS devices on the device substrate. The cover glass can include one or more spin-on glass layers and electrically conductive routing and interconnects. The package can include a narrow seal surrounding the one or more encapsulated MEMS devices.

Abstract: An ornamental display device having at least one interferometric modulator, a signal receiver configured to receive an external signal and a processor configured to control the display based on the external signal is disclosed. In one aspect, the external signal is emitted from a controller. In another aspect, the external signal is emitted from a computer.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for accurately positioning a movable conductive layer of a reflective display element. In one aspect, an initial position of the movable conductive layer with respect to at least one or more fixed conductive layers is sensed. A charging voltage may be determined based at least in part on the initial position. The charging voltage may be applied to the movable conductive layer.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for three dimensional position determination of an object. In one aspect, a first electromagnetic (EM) radiation and a second EM radiation is emitted, toward a position-sensing volume, the first and second EM radiation each having a respective, different, wavelength. Scattered radiation, resulting from interaction of the emitted first and second EM radiation with an object located in the position-sensing volume, is detected. Characteristics of the detected scattered radiation have a correlation with a position of the object in the position-sensing volume. A three dimensional position of the object is determined, from the correlation. The position-sensing volume may be proximate to, and extend above, an external surface of a display screen.

Abstract: This disclosure provides implementations of electromechanical systems piezoelectric resonator transformers, devices, apparatus, systems, and related processes. In one aspect, a transformer includes a piezoelectric layer; a first conductive layer arranged over a first surface of the piezoelectric layer including a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes interdigitated with the first set. The transformer includes a second conductive layer arranged over a second surface including at least a third set of electrodes. In some implementations, the transformer includes a first port capable of receiving an input signal and to which the first set of electrodes are coupled, and a second port capable of being coupled to a load and of outputting an output signal, the second set of electrodes being coupled to the second port. Generally, a ratio of the number of electrodes of the second set to the first set characterizes a transformation ratio.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for displaying high resolution images using examples of a halftoning method based on diffusing quantization error from a subpixel displaying a color to one or more subpixels that display a different color.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for microspeaker devices. In one aspect, a microspeaker element may include a deformable dielectric membrane that spans a speaker cavity. The deformable dielectric membrane can include a piezoactuator and a dielectric layer. Upon application of a driving signal to the piezoactuator, the dielectric layer can deflect, producing sound. In some implementations, an array of microspeaker elements can be encapsulated between a glass substrate and a cover glass. Sound generated by the microspeaker elements can be emitted through a speaker grill formed in the cover glass.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for batch fabrication of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery using a silicon substrate as an anode. In one aspect, a pre-formed silicon substrate is provided. A plurality of first openings can be formed on one side of the substrate, which can have a high height to width aspect ratio. A plurality of second openings can be formed alternatingly, or in interdigitated fashion, with the first openings on another side of the substrate that is opposite the first side. A solid electrolyte layer can be deposited on the second side of the substrate in the second openings, and a cathode material can be formed into the second openings and over the electrolyte layer on the second side of the substrate.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for writing a display image to a display having an array of pixels according to a selected driving sequence. In one aspect, display elements in a row are driven using a tall and narrow voltage pulse. This allows display elements of a row to be driven in a shorter line time.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for testing an electromechanical systems (EMS) device. In one aspect, a laser is directed at a driven EMS device, and the reflected light pattern is analyzed to provide information regarding the characteristics of the driven EMS device. In some aspects, the reflected light pattern is analyzed to determine a resonant frequency of the EMS device or the damping forces acting on the EMS device. The resonant frequency can then be used to determine stresses within the EMS device, or pressure or temperature within a device package encapsulating the EMS device.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for driving an array of tri-state devices. The array of tri-state devices may form an array of display elements, and the array may be passively addressed. According to one aspect, the array includes two segment lines and one common line connected to each tri-state display element. According to another aspect, the array includes two common lines and one segment line connected to each tri-state display element.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a display device having a front light to provide front illumination to the display element included in the display device and an optical touch screen to provide a touch input to the display device. In one aspect, the display device includes a light source disposed to inject light into a backplate of the display device rearward of the display elements and a light redirector disposed to receive light from the backplate and redirect the received light forward of the display elements for optical touch purpose.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling the actuation of an analog interferometric modulator. In one aspect, a voltage may be determined from a sense electrode. A distance between one or more of the electrodes may be determined based on the voltage. The sense electrode may be capacitively coupled to another electrode, and may be implemented in a mirror of a movable layer of an interferometric modulator, or may be implemented in a floating fixed layer of an interferometric modulator.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a display device having a front light to provide front illumination to the display element included in the display device and an optical touch screen to provide a touch input to the display device. In one aspect, the display device includes a light source disposed to inject light into a backplate of the display device rearward of the display elements and a light redirector disposed to receive light from the backplate and redirect the received light forward of the display elements for optical touch purpose.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for two dimensional position determination of an object. In one aspect, a first electromagnetic (EM) radiation and a second EM radiation is emitted, along a plane, toward a position-sensing region, the first and second EM radiation each having a respective, different, wavelength. Scattered radiation, resulting from interaction of the emitted first and second EM radiation with an object located in the position-sensing region, is detected. Characteristics of the detected scattered radiation have a correlation with a position of the object in the position-sensing region. A two dimensional position of the object is determined, from the correlation. The position-sensing region may be co-planar with, and/or disposed proximate and parallel to an external surface of a display screen.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for calibrating and controlling the actuation of an analog interferometric modulator are described herein. An electrode of a movable layer of the analog interferometric modulator may include a part for receiving a drive voltage, and an electrically isolated part. A charge may be sensed from the electrically isolated part, and used to determine the position of the movable layer or provide feedback to the drive voltage.