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.

Abstract: Summarization of video content including football.

Abstract: Embodiments of an interferometric modulator are disclosed having various enhancements and features including a conductive bus. In certain embodiments, the interferometric modulator has a first conductive layer suspended over a second electrode layer. In certain embodiments, a second conductive layer is provided over the first conductive layer. One of the first and/or second conductive buses may further connect to the first electrode layer and/or the second electrode layer. Other disclosed features can be incorporated into embodiments of the interferometric modulator to improve response time, power consumption, and image resolution.

Abstract: A light modulator is arranged as an array of rows and columns of interferometric display elements. Each element is divided into sub-rows of sub-elements. Array connection lines transmit operating signals to the display elements, with one connection line corresponding to one row of display elements in the array. Sub-array connection lines electrically connect to each array connection line. Switches transmit the operating signals from each array connection line to the sub-rows to effect gray scale modulation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the power consumption necessary for updating a display are provided. The methods include determining a row addressing order based on an attribute of the image data that minimizes the number of column charging transitions necessary to write the image data to the display. In some embodiments, the row-addressing order is determined based on a determination of a whiteness value for the row. In some embodiments, a power-optimized row-addressing order is embedded in image data, allowing a display device to write the image data to the display more efficiently.

Abstract: A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate can contain electronic circuitry for controlling the array of interferometric modulators. The backplate can provide physical support for device components, such as electronic components which can be used to control the state of the display. The backplate can also be utilized as a primary structural support for the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying image data is disclosed. The method includes receiving one of a plurality of sets of stored image update data to be displayed on a display device, wherein each set corresponds to one image in a sequence of images and wherein the plurality of sets of image update data comprise information identifying pixels that change from a previous image in the sequence of images, wherein the display device comprises an array of bi-stable display elements. The method further includes updating a portion of the display device, the portion containing the pixels identified in the received set of stored image update data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use with televisions having an internal Java engine are included among the embodiments. In exemplary systems, a PCMCIA port allows the Java engine to load and execute Java applets selected by the viewer. Provision is made for system-aware applets to run concurrently with platform-independent applets on different Java display planes that are merged for display. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

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.

Abstract: Embodiments of exemplary MEMS interferometric modulators are arranged at intersections of rows and columns of electrodes. In certain embodiments, the column electrode has a lower electrical resistance than the row electrode. A driving circuit applies a potential difference of a first polarity across electrodes during a first phase and then quickly transition to applying a bias voltage having a polarity opposite to the first polarity during a second phase. In certain embodiments, an absolute value of the difference between the voltages applied to the row electrode is less than an absolute value of the difference between the voltages applied to the column electrode during the first and second phases.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems device having support structures formed of sacrificial material that is selectively diffused with a dopant material or formed of a selectively oxidized metal sacrificial 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 diffused or oxidized sacrificial material.

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.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator includes an array of elements to modulate light in accordance with image data. The modulator has a display panel having first and second surfaces arranged adjacent to the array of elements such that the second surface is directly adjacent the array of elements to allow a viewer to view an image produced by modulation of light The modulator may also include a light source to provide light to the display panel and illumination dots on the first surface of the display panel to reflect light from the source to the array of elements.

Abstract: One embodiment comprises a system and method of transmitting video data to an array driver bypassing a processor, e.g., a central processing unit. In one embodiment, the transmitted data that bypasses the processor is targeted for display in a particular region of the display. In one embodiment, the size, location, and refresh rate of region is definable by a server or the processor, e.g., application software executing on the processor. In another embodiment, the processor has two communication paths for transmitting video to a display array. The first communication path connects the processor to an array driver. The second communication path connects the processor to a driver controller. In one embodiment, the data that is transmitted to each of the paths targeted for presentation on a selected region of the display. In one embodiment, the size, location, and refresh rate of each of the regions is definable by a server or the processor, e.g., application software executing on the processor.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing color shift in a display includes an interferometric modulator display configured to reflect light from at least one light source and through at least one converging optical element in an optical path from the light source to a viewer via the display. In one embodiment, the converging optical element comprises a diffractive optical element.

Abstract: A MEMS device package comprises a substrate with a MEMS device formed thereon, a backplane, a seal, and an inactive desiccant within the package. The desiccant is activated after assembly of the package by exposure to an environmental change or an activating substance. A method of packaging a MEMS device comprises activating a desiccant and contacting a substrate with the MEMS device formed thereon, a seal, and a backplane, wherein the desiccant is disposed on the substrate or the backplane.

Abstract: Embodiments of an interferometric modulator are disclosed having various enhancements and features including a conductive bus. In certain embodiments, the interferometric modulator has a first conductive layer suspended over a second electrode layer. In certain embodiments, a second conductive layer is provided over the first conductive layer. One of the first and/or second conductive buses may further connect to the first electrode layer and/or the second electrode layer. Other disclosed features can be incorporated into embodiments of the interferometric modulator to improve response time, power consumption, and image resolution.

Abstract: Provided is a MEMS device comprising an integrated post and deformable layer. In some embodiments, the transition between the post and deformable layer comprises substantially a single arcuate or convex surface, thereby providing a mechanically robust structure. Some embodiments provide a method for fabricating a MEMS device comprising the use of a self-planarizing sacrificial material, which provides a surface conducive to the formation of a relatively uniform deformable layer thereon.

Abstract: A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate can contain electronic circuitry for controlling the array of interferometric modulators. The backplate can provide physical support for device components, such as electronic components which can be used to control the state of the display. The backplate can also be utilized as a primary structural support for the device.

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.