Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a display-input apparatus (108) for displaying alternate character sets, in correspondence with a selected mode of operation of the device. The display-input apparatus uses first and second cholesteric display layers (302, 304) to display the different character sets. Each cholesteric display layer displays a different character set when active. When not active, the cholesteric display layer is rendered transparent.

Abstract: A device and method for optimizing lighting for a display (108) in a multi-display electronic device (100), is disclosed. The method includes emitting light waves (302) from at least one light source (244), to a back surface (122, 132) of each display in a plurality of displays (108, 110), thereby back-lighting the plurality of displays (108, 110). At least one display of the plurality of displays is selectively back-lighted.

Abstract: A communication device (100) comprising a body portion (110) and a display portion (130) that is rotatably connected to the body portion. A switch (160,161, 162, 163,164) is operable to reverse the modes of the inner (141) and outer (142) bistable clear-reflective layers in response to rotation of the display portion (130) with respect to the body portion (110).

Abstract: Rewritable signs (100, 1300) that include bistable cholesteric liquid crystal layers (102, 1402, 1404, 1406) are provided. According to one embodiment a rewritable sign (100) is devoid of circuitry for establishing electric fields in localize regions for writing information to the rewritable sign (100), and is consequently inexpensive. In the latter embodiment, a separate information writer (400) that includes an array of pixel electrodes (404) that is driven by an active matrix (602) is used to write information on the rewritable sign. According to another embodiment a rewritable sign (1300) includes three cholesteric liquid layers (1402, 1404, 1406) each of which reflects a different primary color. The three cholesteric liquid crystal layers (1402, 1404, 1406) are interleaved with sets of conductive lines (1316, 1320, 1322, 1324) that are used to apply signals to the cholesteric liquid crystal layers (1402, 1404, 1406) for the purpose of writing information.

Abstract: Rewritable signs (100, 1300) that include bistable cholesteric liquid crystal layers (102, 1402, 1404, 1406) are provided. According to one embodiment a rewritable sign (100) is devoid of circuitry for establishing electric fields in localize regions for writing information to the rewritable sign (100), and is consequently inexpensive. In the latter embodiment, a separate information writer (400) that includes an array of pixel electrodes (404) that is driven by an active matrix (602) is used to write information on the rewritable sign. According to another embodiment a rewritable sign (1300) includes three cholesteric liquid layers (1402, 1404, 1406) each of which reflects a different primary color. The three cholesteric liquid crystal layers (1402, 1404, 1406) are interleaved with sets of conductive lines (1316, 1320, 1322, 1324) that are used to apply signals to the cholesteric liquid crystal layers (1402, 1404, 1406) for the purpose of writing information.

Abstract: A reduced driving voltage polymer dispersed liquid crystal display (10) has a transparent polymer matrix (20) disposed between two substrates (12, 14). Droplets of a nematic liquid crystal fluid (22) are uniformly dispersed throughout the polymer matrix. Particles of an optically transparent material (24) that is a weak conductor are uniformly dispersed throughout the polymer matrix to reduce the electrical potential across the polymer. The enhanced conductivity of the polymer matrix allows the display to be operated at a reduced voltage.