Patents by Inventor Marc Mignard
Marc Mignard 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).
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Patent number: 8487846Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Marc Mignard, Clarence Chui, Mithran C Mathew, Jeffrey B Sampsell
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Patent number: 8386201Abstract: Various methods are described to characterize interferometric modulators or similar devices. Measured voltages across interferometric modulators may be used to characterize transition voltages of the interferometric modulators. Measured currents may be analyzed by integration of measured current to provide an indication of a dynamic response of the interferometric modulator. Frequency analysis may be used to provide an indication of a hysteresis window of the interferometric modulator or mechanical properties of the interferometric modulator. Capacitance may be determined through signal correlation, and spread-spectrum analysis may be used to minimize the effect of noise or interference on measurements of various interferometric modulator parameters.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Alok Govil, Marc Mignard, Kasra Khazeni
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Patent number: 8368997Abstract: In certain embodiments, a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device includes a movable element over the substrate and an actuation electrode. The movable element includes an electrically conductive deformable layer and a reflective element mechanically coupled to the deformable layer. The reflective element includes a reflective surface. The actuation electrode is under at least a portion of the deformable layer and is disposed laterally from the reflective surface. The movable element is responsive to a voltage difference applied between the actuation electrode and the movable element by moving towards the actuation electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Denis Endisch, Marc Mignard
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Patent number: 8305394Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Qualcomm MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hamood-Ur Rehman, Marc Mignard, Clarence Chui
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Publication number: 20120235981Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Marc Mignard, Clarence Chui, Mithran C. Mathew, Jeffrey B. Sampsell
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Patent number: 8270056Abstract: An electromechanical systems device includes a plurality of supports disposed over a substrate and a deformable reflective layer disposed over the plurality of supports. The deformable reflective layer includes a plurality of substantially parallel columns extending in a first direction. Each column has one or more slots extending in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction. The slots can be created at boundary edges of sub-portions of the columns so as to partially mechanically separate the sub-portions without electrically disconnecting them. A method of fabricating an electromechanical device includes depositing an electrically conductive deformable reflective layer over a substrate, removing one or more portions of the deformable layer to form a plurality of electrically isolated columns, and forming at least one crosswise slot in at least one of the columns.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yi Tao, Fan Zhong, Marc Mignard
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Patent number: 8207920Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Marc Mignard, Clarence Chui, Mithran C. Mathew, Jeffrey B. Sampsell
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Publication number: 20120037790Abstract: Modulator devices are selectably adjustable between at least two states, wherein the transmission and/or reflection of particular wavelengths of light are modified. Certain modulator devices are substantially uniformly adjustable over a wide range of wavelengths, including visible and infrared wavelengths. Other modulator devices are adjustable over visible wavelengths without significantly affecting infrared wavelengths. In addition, the modulator devices may be used in conjunction with fixed thin film reflective structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kasra Khazeni, Manish Kothari, Marc Mignard, Gang Xu, Russell W. Gruhlke
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Patent number: 8054527Abstract: Modulator devices are selectably adjustable between at least two states, wherein the transmission and/or reflection of particular wavelengths of light are modified. Certain modulator devices are substantially uniformly adjustable over a wide range of wavelengths, including visible and infrared wavelengths. Other modulator devices are adjustable over visible wavelengths without significantly affecting infrared wavelengths. In addition, the modulator devices may be used in conjunction with fixed thin film reflective structures.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kasra Khazeni, Manish Kothari, Marc Mignard, Gang Xu, Russell W. Gruhlke
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Publication number: 20110261370Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for detecting proximity and/or color of an object. In one aspect, an optical sensor includes a plurality of transmissive interferometric elements, a plurality of detectors positioned to detect the presence and/or intensity of light transmitted through the elements, and a processor to determine the proximity of an object based at least in part upon input from the detectors. An optical signal can be sensed by selectively actuating certain elements in a set of transmissive interferometric elements in an array to allow transmission of optical signals within a first spectrum through the array, and detecting optical signals transmitted through the array.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Philip Floyd, Tsongming Kao, Marc Mignard, Suryaprakash Ganti, Manish Kothari
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Patent number: 8009347Abstract: A displaying apparatus that includes a plurality of electromechanical system elements arranged in rows. The electromechanical system elements of each of the rows are further arranged in subrows. The subrows of each row are electrically connected. Certain of the electromechanical system elements have a hysteresis stability window that is nested with another hysteresis stability window of certain others of the electromechanical system elements. A method of manufacturing a displaying apparatus that includes forming a plurality of electromechanical system elements arranged in rows. The electromechanical system elements of each of the rows are further arranged in subrows. The subrows of each row are electrically connected. Certain of the electromechanical system elements have a hysteresis stability window that is nested with another hysteresis stability window of certain others of the electromechanical system elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Clarence Chui, Mithran C Mathew, Marc Mignard
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Method and apparatus for providing brightness control in an interferometric modulator (IMOD) display
Patent number: 8004743Abstract: Methods and systems for providing brightness control in an interferometric modulator (IMOD) display are provided. In one embodiment, an interferometric modulator display pixel is provided that includes a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) interferometric modulator having an associated first color spectrum, and a color absorber located substantially in front of the interferometric modulator display pixel, in which the color absorber has an associated second color spectrum. The microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) interferometric modulator is operable to shift the first color spectrum relative to the second color spectrum to control a visual brightness of the interferometric modulator display pixel independent of a color of the interferometric modulator display pixel.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Marc Mignard -
Publication number: 20110170168Abstract: In certain embodiments, a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device includes a movable element over the substrate and an actuation electrode. The movable element includes an electrically conductive deformable layer and a reflective element mechanically coupled to the deformable layer. The reflective element includes a reflective surface. The actuation electrode is under at least a portion of the deformable layer and is disposed laterally from the reflective surface. The movable element is responsive to a voltage difference applied between the actuation electrode and the movable element by moving towards the actuation electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Denis Endisch, Marc Mignard
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Publication number: 20110096056Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2011Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Clarence Chui, Manish Kothari, Marc Mignard, Mithran C. Mathew, Jeffrey B. Sampsell
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Patent number: 7928940Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Clarence Chui, Manish Kothari, Marc Mignard, Mithran C. Mathew, Jeffrey B. Sampsell
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Patent number: 7920319Abstract: In certain embodiments, a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device comprises a substrate having a top surface, a movable element over the substrate, and an actuation electrode disposed laterally from the reflective surface. The movable element comprises a deformable layer and a reflective element mechanically coupled to the deformable layer. The reflective element includes a reflective surface. The movable element is responsive to a voltage difference applied between the actuation electrode and the movable element by moving in a direction generally perpendicular to the top surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Denis Endisch, Marc Mignard
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Publication number: 20110075247Abstract: A displaying apparatus that includes a plurality of electromechanical system elements arranged in rows. The electromechanical system elements of each of the rows are further arranged in subrows. The subrows of each row are electrically connected. Certain of the electromechanical system elements have a hysteresis stability window that is nested with another hysteresis stability window of certain others of the electromechanical system elements. A method of manufacturing a displaying apparatus that includes forming a plurality of electromechanical system elements arranged in rows. The electromechanical system elements of each of the rows are further arranged in subrows. The subrows of each row are electrically connected. Certain of the electromechanical system elements have a hysteresis stability window that is nested with another hysteresis stability window of certain others of the electromechanical system elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Clarence Chui, Mithran C. Mathew, Marc Mignard
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Patent number: 7889163Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Clarence Chui, Manish Kothari, Marc Mignard, Mithran C. Mathew, Jeffrey B. Sampsell
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Publication number: 20110032427Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hamood-Ur Rehman, Marc Mignard, Clarence Chui
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Patent number: 7884989Abstract: An iterferometric modulator array is configured to reflect a broad band spectrum of optical wavelengths by arranging a reflector and a partially transparent substrate in a non-parallel relationship.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Gally, William J. Cummings, Ming-Hau Tung, Lior Kogut, Marc Mignard