Abstract: An electro-optic display comprising at least two separate layers of electro-optic material, with one of these layers being capable of displaying at least one optical state which cannot be displayed by the other layer. The display is driven by a single set of electrodes between which both layers are sandwiched, the two layers being controllable at least partially independently of one another. Another form of the invention uses three different types of particles within a single electrophoretic layer, with the three types of particles being arranged to shutter independently of one another.

Abstract: A first display includes a layer of electro-optic material with first and second electrodes on opposed sides thereof. One or both electrodes have at least two spaced contacts. Voltage control means are arranged to vary the potential difference between the two spaced contacts attached to the same electrode. A second display includes a layer of electro-optic material with a sequence of at least three electrodes adjacent thereto. Voltage control means vary the potential difference between the first and last electrodes of the sequence. The electrodes of the sequence alternate between two surfaces of the layer of electro-optic material, and have edges that overlap or lie adjacent the preceding and following electrodes of the sequence. The electrodes, other than the first and last, are electrically isolated such that the potential thereof is controlled by passage of current through the layer of electro-optic material. Methods for driving these displays are also provided.

Abstract: A reflective color display that can be addressed from the front (viewing surface side) of the display with a light source, such as a projector, LED, or laser. The display comprises (in order) a color filter array, a transparent electrode, an electro-optic medium, a photoconductive material, and a rear electrode. The color displays of the invention are useful for large format color signage, such as billboards and wayfinding.

Abstract: A method of driving a variable transmission film is provided and a variable transmission device including the film and a controller configured to drive the film. The film may include a layer of electrophoretic material and at least one electrode, the electrophoretic material including a fluid containing a plurality of charged particles capable of moving through the fluid upon application of an electric field by the at least one electrode. The method may include applying a first voltage waveform to the film at an initial optical state and applying a second voltage waveform having a lower frequency and shorter pulse duration than the first voltage waveform to switch the film to a final optical state, wherein the film has a higher percent transmission at the initial optical state than the final optical state.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrophoretic display is provided that includes forming a front plane laminate having a first substrate, a first conductive layer, a layer of electrophoretic media, and an adhesive, as well as coating an insulating layer and a second conductive layer onto a second substrate to provide a backplane. The first substrate and first conductive layer may be transparent, and the second substrate may include a plurality of conductors. The method may further include scoring the second substrate to provide a removable portion, laminating the front plane laminate to the backplane, removing the portion from the second substrate to provide an opening in the backplane, and filling the opening with a conductive material to provide an electrical connection between the first conductive layer and one of the plurality of conductors. Electrophoretic displays made according to the various methods are also provided.

Abstract: A composite electrophoretic display comprised of multiple, stacked, non-planar electrophoretic displays. The individual electrophoretic displays that form the composite display may be driven separately using different driving signals. The electrical connections for the individual displays may be configured to minimize the impact of the electrical connections on the overall aesthetic of the composite display.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an electro-optic display having a backplane assembly with at least two electrode layers, a first electrode layer of a first dimension electrically connected to and driving a second electrode layer of a second dimension that is larger than the first dimension. The second electrode layer overlies the first electrode layer, such that the entire viewing area of an electro-optic display may be optically-active. The backplane assembly may have at least one interposer layer disposed between the two electrode layers to electrically connect the first and second electrode layers.

Abstract: Video displays using relatively low frame rates of about 10 to about 20 frames per second, but having acceptable video quality are described. The displays may use bistable media, and may be driven such that the medium, when driven, changes its optical properties continuously during the driving of each frame. The displays may use an electro-optic medium such that the frame period is from about 50 to about 200 per cent of the switching time of the electro-optic medium at the driving voltage used.

Abstract: Video displays using relatively low frame rates of about 10 to about 20 frames per second, but having acceptable video quality are described. The displays may use bistable media, and may be driven such that the medium, when driven, changes its optical properties continuously during the driving of each frame. The displays may use an electro-optic medium such that the frame period is from about 50 to about 200 per cent of the switching time of the electro-optic medium at the driving voltage used.

Abstract: The subject matter presented herein relates to a method for producing a backplane for electro-optic displays. The method may include providing a substrate coated with a first conductive material on a first side and a second conductive material on a second side, the second side being positioned opposite from the first side, patterning the first conductive material by cutting through the first conductive material, wherein the patterning of the first conductive material creates electrical isolated conductive segments to be controlled by a driver circuit and creating a plurality of vias on the substrate, the plurality of vias extending through the substrate and providing electrical conductivity between the first and second sides. The method may further include creating a plurality of conductive traces on the second side of the substrate by patterning the second conductive material by locally align the vias to the driver circuit.

Abstract: A first display includes a layer of electro-optic material with first and second electrodes on opposed sides thereof. One or both electrodes have at least two spaced contacts. Voltage control means are arranged to vary the potential difference between the two spaced contacts attached to the same electrode. A second display includes a layer of electro-optic material with a sequence of at least three electrodes adjacent thereto. Voltage control means vary the potential difference between the first and last electrodes of the sequence. The electrodes of the sequence alternate between two surfaces of the layer of electro-optic material, and have edges that overlap or lie adjacent the preceding and following electrodes of the sequence. The electrodes, other than the first and last, are electrically isolated such that the potential thereof is controlled by passage of current through the layer of electro-optic material. Methods for driving these displays are also provided.

Abstract: Improvements in the production of electro-optic displays include: (a) use of a masking film to keep a selected area of a backplane (such as a front electrode contact) free from electro-optic material; (b) spray coating of electrophoretic capsules on to a substrate under controlled conditions; (c) forming a monolayer of capsules on a substrate by prior deposition of a water-swellable polymer; and (d) overcoating a layer of electro-optic material with a solvent-free polymerizable liquid material, contacting this layer with a light-transmissive electrode layer, and polymerizing the liquid material to adhere the electrode layer to the electro-optic material.

Abstract: Electro-optic, especially electrophoretic, displays are used in variety of architectural and furniture applications, including a tile (100) comprising an electro-optic layer (110) capable of changing the color of the file, front and multiple rear electrodes and a light-transmissive polymeric layer (102), the exposed surface of which is textured to provide a plurality of facets inclined to the plane of the tile (100), the rear electrodes being aligned with the facets. A variable color writable board is also provided.

Abstract: A stretchable electro-optic display includes a layer of conductive material and an electrophoretic medium laminated to the layer of conductive material. The layer of conductive material also includes a plurality of nodes and a stretchable interconnect connecting first and second nodes of the plurality of nodes. A method of manufacturing a stretchable electro-optic display is also provided that includes patterning a layer of conductive material to define a plurality of nodes and a stretchable interconnect connecting first and second nodes of the plurality of nodes and laminating a layer of an electrophoretic medium to the layer of conductive material.

Abstract: A first display includes a layer of electro-optic material with first and second electrodes on opposed sides thereof. One or both electrodes have at least two spaced contacts. Voltage control means are arranged to vary the potential difference between the two spaced contacts attached to the same electrode. A second display includes a layer of electro-optic material with a sequence of at least three electrodes adjacent thereto. Voltage control means vary the potential difference between the first and last electrodes of the sequence. The electrodes of the sequence alternate between two surfaces of the layer of electro-optic material, and have edges that overlap or lie adjacent the preceding and following electrodes of the sequence. The electrodes, other than the first and last, are electrically isolated such that the potential thereof is controlled by passage of current through the layer of electro-optic material. Methods for driving these displays are also provided.

Abstract: Electro-optic, especially electrophoretic, displays are used in variety of architectural and furniture applications, including a tile (100) comprising an electro-optic layer (110) capable of changing the color of the file, front and multiple rear electrodes and a light-transmissive polymeric layer (102), the exposed surface of which is textured to provide a plurality of facets inclined to the plane of the tile (100), the rear electrodes being aligned with the facets. A variable color writable board is also provided.

Abstract: An electro-optic display comprising at least two separate layers of electro-optic material, with one of these layers being capable of displaying at least one optical state which cannot be displayed by the other layer. The display is driven by a single set of electrodes between which both layers are sandwiched, the two layers being controllable at least partially independently of one another. Another form of the invention uses three different types of particles within a single electrophoretic layer, with the three types of particles being arranged to shutter independently of one another.

Abstract: Particle-based electro-optic displays are described that are both electrically and magnetically controllable. Global and local addressing may be provided. The global addressing may be providing by one or more electrodes of the display, and may be electrically activated. The local addressing may be provided by a writing implement, especially one capable of producing rotating electric fields.

Abstract: The subject matter presented herein relates to a method for producing a backplane for electro-optic displays. The method may include providing a substrate coated with a first conductive material on a first side and a second conductive material on a second side, the second side being positioned opposite from the first side, patterning the first conductive material by cutting through the first conductive material, wherein the patterning of the first conductive material creates electrical isolated conductive segments to be controlled by a driver circuit and creating a plurality of vias on the substrate, the plurality of vias extending through the substrate and providing electrical conductivity between the first and second sides. The method may further include creating a plurality of conductive traces on the second side of the substrate by patterning the second conductive material by locally align the vias to the driver circuit.

Abstract: An electro-optic display comprising at least two separate layers of electro-optic material, with one of these layers being capable of displaying at least one optical state which cannot be displayed by the other layer. The display is driven by a single set of electrodes between which both layers are sandwiched, the two layers being controllable at least partially independently of one another. Another form of the invention uses three different types of particles within a single electrophoretic layer, with the three types of particles being arranged to shutter independently of one another.