Patents by Inventor Clarence Chui

Clarence Chui has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PACKAGING A DISPLAY
    Publication number: 20120127556
    Abstract: A package structure and method of packaging for an interferometric modulator. A transparent substrate having an interferometric modulator formed thereon is provided. A backplane is joined to the transparent substrate with a seal where the interferometric modulator is exposed to the surrounding environment through an opening in either the backplane or the seal. The opening is sealed after the transparent substrate and backplane are joined and after any desired desiccant, release material, and/or self-aligning monolayer is introduced into the package structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian J. Gally, William J. Cummings, Lauren Palmateer, Philip D. Floyd, Clarence Chui
  • Systems and methods using interferometric optical modulators and diffusers
    Patent number: 8184358
    Abstract: Various embodiments include interferometric optical modulators comprising a substrate layer having a thickness between about 0.1 mm to about 0.45 mm thick and a method for manufacturing the same. The interferometric modulator can be integrated together with a diffuser in a display device. The thin substrate permits use of a thicker diffuser. The thinner substrate may increase resolution and reduce overall thickness of the inteferometric modulator. The thicker diffuser may provide increased diffusion and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATOR WITH INTEGRATED OPTICAL COMPENSATION STRUCTURE
    Publication number: 20120099177
    Abstract: A spatial light modulator comprises an integrated optical compensation structure, e.g., an optical compensation structure arranged between a substrate and a plurality of individually addressable light-modulating elements, or an optical compensation structure located on the opposite side of the light-modulating elements from the substrate. The individually addressable light-modulating elements are configured to modulate light transmitted through or reflected from the transparent substrate. Methods for making such spatial light modulators involve fabricating an optical compensation structure over a substrate and fabricating a plurality of individually addressable light-modulating elements over the optical compensation structure. The optical compensation structure may be a passive optical compensation structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence Chui, Jeffrey B. Sampsell, William J. Cummings, Ming-Hau Tung
  • Microelectromechanical device with thermal expansion balancing layer or stiffening layer
    Patent number: 8164821
    Abstract: An interferometric modulating device is provided with a thermal expansion balancing layer on a side of the movable flexible layer opposite the movable reflector such that when temperature changes the distance between the movable reflector and the optical stack does not change significantly, thereby leading to stable color. Additionally, an interferometric modulating device is provided with a stiffening layer between the movable flexible layer and the movable reflector and at least one hollow void exists on the surface where the movable reflector and the stiffening layer contact each other so that the movable reflector is more rigid to bending, thereby reducing the temperature sensitivity of the movable reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sauri Gudlavalleti, Clarence Chui
  • LUMINANCE BALANCING
    Publication number: 20120092396
    Abstract: A composite display is disclosed. In some embodiments, a composite display comprises a paddle configured to sweep out an area and a plurality of pixel elements mounted on the paddle. Selectively activating one or more of the plurality of pixel elements while the paddle sweeps the area causes at least a portion of an image to be rendered. In some embodiments, a characteristic of at least one pixel element of the plurality of pixel elements that is associated with balancing luminance across at least a portion of the composite display associated with the paddle is based at least in part on a radial distance of the one pixel element from an axis of rotation of the paddle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • Support structure for MEMS device and methods therefor
    Patent number: 8149497
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems device having support structures formed of sacrificial material surrounded by a protective material. The microelectromechanical systems device includes a substrate having an electrode formed thereon. Another electrode is separated from the first electrode by a cavity and forms a movable layer, which is supported by support structures formed of a sacrificial material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Teruo Sasagawa, Clarence Chui, Manish Kothari, SuryaPrakash Ganti, Jeffrey B. Sampsell, Chun-Ming Wang
  • Method and device for multistate interferometric light modulation
    Patent number: 8144385
    Abstract: A multi-state light modulator comprises a first reflector 104. A first electrode 142 is positioned at a distance from the first reflector 104. A second reflector 14 is positioned between the first reflector 104 and the first electrode 142. The second reflector 14 is movable between an undriven position, a first driven position, and a second driven position, each having a corresponding distance from the first reflector 104. In one embodiment, the light modulator has latch electrodes 17 and 143, which hold the light modulator in a driven state. In another embodiment the latch electrodes 17 and 143 are used to alter the actuation and release thresholds of the light modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • CURVILINEAR CAMERA LENS AS MONITOR COVER PLATE
    Publication number: 20120069232
    Abstract: Disclosed are various implementations of a camera lens that can be positioned between a display device and a user viewing the display device. The camera lens can be transparent to allow such viewing by the user, and also be configured to capture light rays from the user and turn such rays to an imaging sensor to form an image of the user. Such turning of light rays can be achieved by curved features formed on the camera lens. In some implementations, the camera lens is a substantially flat layer having such curved features. Various examples of the curved features are disclosed. Also disclosed are systems and methods for enhancing the image of the user in situations where a portion of a display being viewed is captured by the camera lens and combines with the image of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Clarence Chui, Matthew S. Grob
  • METHODS OF MANUFACTURING ILLUMINATION SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20120051088
    Abstract: Illumination systems and methods of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, an illumination system includes a plurality of light sources configured to emit light into a light panel and a plurality of light turning features disposed on the light panel configured to turn light out of the light panel. The light sources can be configured to emit different colors of light than one another and the light turning features can be arranged such that a first light turning feature turns more light having a first color than any other color of light and such that a second light turning feature turns more light having a second color than any other color of light. In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an illumination system includes providing a light panel and positioning a luminance altering element on the light panel such that a luminance characteristic of the panel changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence Chui, Gaurav Sethi, Jonathan Charles Griffiths, Manish Kothari
  • METHODS OF MANUFACTURING ILLUMINATION SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20120047715
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing light panels having at least one re-entrant turning feature. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a light panel includes providing a base layer, providing a cover layer, and coupling the cover layer to the base layer to form at least one re-entrant turning feature between the base layer and the cover layer. In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a light panel includes providing a base layer, forming at least one receiving space in the base layer, providing at least one prismatic block, and coupling at least a portion of the prismatic block into the receiving space such that re-entrant turning features are formed between the prismatic block and the base layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence Chui, Gaurav Sethi, Jonathan Charles Griffiths, Manish Kothari
  • MEMS device fabricated on a pre-patterned substrate
    Patent number: 8126297
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems device fabricated on a pre-patterned substrate having grooves formed therein. A lower electrode is deposited over the substrate and separated from an orthogonal upper electrode by a cavity. The upper electrode is configured to be movable to modulate light. A semi-reflective layer and a transparent material are formed over the movable upper electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • Method and system for packaging a display
    Patent number: 8124434
    Abstract: A package structure and method of packaging for an interferometric modulator. A transparent substrate having an interferometric modulator formed thereon is provided. A backplane is joined to the transparent substrate with a seal where the interferometric modulator is exposed to the surrounding environment through an opening in either the backplane or the seal. The opening is sealed after the transparent substrate and backplane are joined and after any desired desiccant, release material, and/or self-aligning monolayer is introduced into the package structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Gally, William J. Cummings, Lauren Palmateer, Philip D. Floyd, Clarence Chui
  • MEMS devices having overlying support structures
    Patent number: 8120125
    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, portions of the rivet structures extend through the movable layer and contact underlying layers. In other embodiments, the material used to form the rigid support structures may also be used to passivate otherwise exposed electrical leads in electrical connection with the MEMS devices, protecting the electrical leads from damage or other interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Teruo Sasagawa, SuryaPrakash Ganti, Mark W. Miles, Clarence Chui, Manish Kothari, Ming-Hau Tung
  • System and method for micro-electromechanical operation of an interferometric modulator
    Patent number: 8115988
    Abstract: An interferometric modulator is formed by a stationary layer and a mirror facing the stationary layer. The mirror is movable between the undriven and driven positions. Landing pads, bumps or spring clips are formed on at least one of the stationary layer and the mirror. The landing pads, bumps or spring clips can prevent the stationary layer and the mirror from contacting each other when the mirror is in the driven position. The spring clips exert force on the mirror toward the undriven position when the mirror is in the driven position and in contact with the spring clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence Chui, William J Cummings, Brian J Gally, Ming-Hau Tung
  • Spatial light modulator with integrated optical compensation structure
    Patent number: 8111445
    Abstract: A spatial light modulator comprises an integrated optical compensation structure, e.g., an optical compensation structure arranged between a substrate and a plurality of individually addressable light-modulating elements, or an optical compensation structure located on the opposite side of the light-modulating elements from the substrate. The individually addressable light-modulating elements are configured to modulate light transmitted through or reflected from the transparent substrate. Methods for making such spatial light modulators involve fabricating an optical compensation structure over a substrate and fabricating a plurality of individually addressable light-modulating elements over the optical compensation structure. The optical compensation structure may be a passive optical compensation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence Chui, Jeffrey B. Sampsell, William J. Cummings, Ming-Hau Tung
  • Composite display
    Patent number: 8111209
    Abstract: A composite display is disclosed. A first paddle has a first plurality of pixel elements wherein the first paddle is arranged to sweep out a first area during a first paddle cycle. A second paddle has a second plurality of pixel elements wherein the second paddle is arranged to sweep out a second area during a second paddle cycle and wherein the first and second areas include first and second nonoverlapping portions. A first pixel element on the first paddle is configured to be activated when the first pixel element coincides with a first image pixel. A second pixel element on the second paddle is configured to be activated when the second pixel element coincides with a second image pixel. An image corresponding to the first and second image pixels is represented on the composite display by activating the first and second pixel elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • Luminance balancing
    Patent number: 8106860
    Abstract: A composite display may include a paddle configured to sweep out an area and a plurality of pixel elements mounted on the paddle. Selectively activating one or more of the plurality of pixel elements while the paddle sweeps the area may cause at least a portion of an image to be rendered. A characteristic of at least one pixel element of the plurality of pixel elements that is associated with balancing luminance across the composite display associated with the paddle may be based, at least in part, on a radial distance of the one pixel element from an axis of rotation of the paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • Composite display
    Patent number: 8106854
    Abstract: A composite display may include a compound paddle having a plurality of components and configured to sweep out an area. A plurality of pixel elements may be mounted on at least one component of the plurality of components. Selectively activating one or more of the plurality of pixel elements while the compound paddle sweeps the area causes can cause at least a portion of an image to be rendered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PACKAGING A SUBSTRATE
    Publication number: 20120002266
    Abstract: A package structure and method of packaging for an interferometric modulator. A thin film material is deposited over an interferometric modulator and transparent substrate to encapsulate the interferometric modulator. A gap or cavity between the interferometric modulator and the thin film provides a space in which mechanical parts of the interferometric modulator may move. The gap is created by removal of a sacrificial layer that is deposited over the interferometric modulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Lauren Palmateer, William J. Cummings, Brian Gally, Mark Miles, Jeffrey B. Sampsell, Clarence Chui, Manish Kothari
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ILLUMINATING INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS USING BACKLIGHTING
    Publication number: 20120001962
    Abstract: An interferometric modulator array device with backlighting is disclosed. The interferometric modulator array device includes a plurality of interferometric modulator elements. Each of the interferometric modulator elements includes an optical cavity. The interferometric modulator array includes an optical aperture region, and at least one reflecting element is positioned so as to receive light passing through the optical aperture region and reflect at least a portion of the received light to the cavities of the interferometric modulator elements. The interferometric modulator elements may be separated from each other such that an optical aperture region is formed between adjacent interferometric modulator elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Clarence Chui, Ming-Hau Tung