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).

  • Free space optical communication with optical film
    Patent number: 8351793
    Abstract: Devices and systems are provided for free space optical communication using optical films. Some embodiments involve using an optical film for the transmission and/or reception of light in a free space optical communication system. Some free space optical communication systems may involve devices, such as laptop computers, desktop computers, mobile communications devices, etc., that are configured for communication via an optical film. The optical film may be disposed on a device, on a wall, a window, furniture, etc., according to the implementation. Many types of free space optical communication systems are provided, including line of sight and non line of sight free space optical communication systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence Chui, Manish Kothari
  • Electromechanical devices having support structures
    Patent number: 8344470
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Sampsell, Clarence Chui, Manish Kothari, Mark W. Miles, Teruo Sasagawa, Wonsuk Chung, Ming-Hau Tung
  • Method and system for writing data to electromechanical display elements
    Patent number: 8344997
    Abstract: Methods and devices for applying bias potentials of opposite polarities to columns of electromechanical display elements are described herein. The bias potentials may be applied such that a column and an adjacent column receive bias potentials of opposite polarity. The bias potentials may be applied such that a polarity of bias voltages received by columns of a first set of the display elements is opposite a polarity of bias voltages received by columns of a second set of the display elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence Chui, Manish Kothari
  • Rendering an image pixel in a composite display
    Patent number: 8319703
    Abstract: Rendering an image pixel in a composite display is disclosed. In some embodiments, an image pixel is mapped to a plurality of temporal pixels, and the image pixel is rendered in a composite display using at least a subset of the plurality of temporal pixels to which it is mapped, with the intensity of the image pixel spread across the subset of temporal pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • Method and system for writing data to MEMS display elements
    Patent number: 8310441
    Abstract: Charge balanced display data writing methods use write and hold cycles of opposite polarity during selected frame update periods. A release cycle may be provided to reduce the chance that a given display element will become stuck in an actuated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence Chui, Manish Kothari
  • System and method for improving the quality of halftone video using a fixed threshold
    Patent number: 8305394
    Abstract: A system and method for processing video data are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes generating halftone data for a first video frame and generating halftone data for a second video frame. The method further includes, to reduce at least one visual artifact, selectively copying the halftone data for the first video frame into the halftone data for the second video frame, the selective copying being based upon a comparison between a predetermined fixed threshold and the difference in the human visual system model-based perceptual error of the originally generated halftone data for the second video frame and the human visual system model-based perceptual error of the halftone data for the second video frame after the copying is done.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hamood-Ur Rehman, Marc Mignard, Clarence Chui
  • Electromechanical device with optical function separated from mechanical and electrical function
    Patent number: 8289613
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence Chui, William Cummings, Brian Gally, Lior Kogut, Ming-Hau Tung, Yeh-Jiun Tung, Chih-Wei Chiang, Denis Endisch
  • INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR ARRAY WITH INTEGRATED MEMS ELECTRICAL SWITCHES
    Publication number: 20120256819
    Abstract: An array of display elements, such as interferometric modulators, is integrated with collapsible cavity microelectromechanical system (MEMS) electrical switches. The electrical switches and the display elements may be at least partially formed with the same manufacturing operations. The switches may form row or column select functions for the display elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • MEMS device fabricated on a pre-patterned substrate
    Patent number: 8285089
    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: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • Controlling electromechanical behavior of structures within a microelectromechanical systems device
    Patent number: 8278726
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for fabricating a microelectromechanical systems device. The method comprises fabricating a first layer comprising a film having a characteristic electromechanical response, and a characteristic optical response, wherein the characteristic optical response is desirable and the characteristic electromechanical response is undesirable; and modifying the characteristic electromechanical response of the first layer by at least reducing charge build up thereon during activation of the microelectromechanical systems device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Miles, John Batey, Clarence Chui, Manish Kothari, Ming-Hau Tung
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SENSING ACTUATION AND RELEASE VOLTAGES OF AN INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR
    Publication number: 20120235981
    Abstract: A method for sensing the actuation and/or release voltages of a electromechanical system or a microelectromechanical device include applying a varying voltage to the device and sensing its state and different voltage levels. In one embodiment, the device is part of a system comprising an array of interferometric modulators suitable for a display. The method can be used to compensate for temperature dependent changes in display pixel characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Mignard, Clarence Chui, Mithran C. Mathew, Jeffrey B. Sampsell
  • High Density Metal-Insulator-Metal Trench Capacitor
    Publication number: 20120199949
    Abstract: Higher capacitance density is achieved by increasing a surface area of a capacitor. A larger surface area may be obtained by forming isotropic ball shapes (a concave surface) in the trenches on the semiconductor die. The concave surfaces are fabricated by depositing bilayers of amorphous-silicon and silicon oxide. Openings are patterned in the silicon oxide hard mask for trenches. The openings are transferred to the amorphous-silicon layers through isotropic etching to form concave surfaces. Conducting, insulating, and conducting layers are deposited on the concave surfaces of the trenches by atomic layer deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Je-Hsiung Lan, Matthew Michael Nowak, Evgeni P. Gousev, Jonghae Kim, Clarence Chui
  • Mirror and mirror layer for optical modulator and method
    Patent number: 8226836
    Abstract: Described herein are systems, devices, and methods relating to packaging electronic devices, for example, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices, including optical modulators such as interferometric optical modulators. The interferometric modulator disclosed herein comprises a movable mirror. Some embodiments of the disclosed movable mirror exhibit a combination of improved properties compared to known mirrors, including reduced moving mass, improved mechanical properties, and reduced etch times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence Chui, Jeffrey B. Sampsell
  • Interferometric modulator array with integrated MEMS electrical switches
    Patent number: 8223424
    Abstract: An iterferometric modulator array is integrated with collapsible cavity MEMS electrical switches. The electrical switches may have similar physical geometry as the display elements. The switches may form row or column select functions for the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • Support structure for MEMS device and methods therefor
    Patent number: 8218229
    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: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Teruo Sasagawa, Clarence Chui, Manish Kothari, SuryaPrakash Ganti, Jeffrey B. Sampsell, Chun-Ming Wang
  • MICROELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE WITH THERMAL EXPANSION BALANCING LAYER OR STIFFENING LAYER
    Publication number: 20120169743
    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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sauri Gudlavalleti, Clarence Chui
  • Method and device for multistate interferometric light modulation
    Patent number: 8213075
    Abstract: A multi-state light modulator comprises a first reflector. A first electrode is positioned at a distance from the first reflector. A second reflector is positioned between the first reflector and the first electrode. The second reflector is movable between an undriven position, a first driven position, and a second driven position, each having a corresponding distance from the first reflector. In one embodiment, the three positions correspond to reflecting white light, being non-reflective, and reflecting a selected color of light. Another embodiment is a method of making the light modulator. Another embodiment is a display including the light modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence Chui, William J Cummings, Brian J Gally
  • System and method of sensing actuation and release voltages of an interferometric modulator
    Patent number: 8207920
    Abstract: A method for sensing the actuation and/or release voltages of a electromechanical system or a microelectromechanical device include applying a varying voltage to the device and sensing its state and different voltage levels. In one embodiment, the device is part of a system comprising an array of interferometric modulators suitable for a display. The method can be used to compensate for temperature dependent changes in display pixel characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Mignard, Clarence Chui, Mithran C. Mathew, Jeffrey B. Sampsell
  • METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MULTISTATE INTERFEROMETRIC LIGHT MODULATION
    Publication number: 20120139976
    Abstract: A multi-state light modulator comprises a first reflector. A first electrode is positioned at a distance from the first reflector. A second reflector is positioned between the first reflector and the first electrode. The second reflector is movable between an undriven position, a first driven position, and a second driven position, each having a corresponding distance from the first reflector. In one embodiment, the three positions correspond to reflecting white light, being non-reflective, and reflecting a selected color of light. Another embodiment is a method of making the light modulator. Another embodiment is a display including the light modulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: CLARENCE CHUI, WILLIAM J. CUMMINGS, BRIAN J. GALLY
  • MEMS DEVICE FABRICATED ON A PRE-PATTERNED SUBSTRATE
    Publication number: 20120140313
    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: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Clarence Chui