Abstract: Implementations described herein relate to display devices including a metal circuit layer embedded in a dielectric layer configured to provide optical properties. Trenches in the dielectric layer may be etched so that the thickness of the metal circuit layer may extend away from other circuit layers. In some implementations, the metal circuit layer can include thick metal routing lines to send data to pixels of the display device. The thick metal routing lines can provide high conductivity, minimal voltage drop, and signal speed that is sufficiently high to write data to many pixels over long distances. In some implementations, the dielectric layer can be configured to absorb light. Examples of such dielectric layers include carbon-doped spin-on-glass dielectric layers.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for selecting an operating voltage of a display apparatus. In one aspect, a display apparatus can include a plurality of a plurality of image-forming display elements and optically inactive display elements. The image-forming display elements and optically inactive display elements can have a common architecture. Each optically inactive display element can have one or more design parameters that are different from a corresponding design parameter of the image-forming display elements. At least one test voltage can be applied to the optically inactive display elements, and their shutter response times can be measured. An operating voltage for the display apparatus can be selected based on the measured response times.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for integrating a photovoltaic cell with a display device. One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented in a display device that includes a first transparent panel and an array of display elements arranged adjacent the first panel. Each display element includes a shutter-based assembly including at least one shutter and at least one actuator capable of translating the shutter to modulate light. The display device also includes a photovoltaic aperture layer arranged adjacent the first panel. The photovoltaic aperture layer includes an array of apertures, each aperture allowing light from a corresponding display element to pass through the photovoltaic aperture layer for display. The display device further includes an array of conductive leads capable of receiving electrical power generated from the photovoltaic aperture layer.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for incorporating a touch sensor into a display device. In one aspect, a display device can be formed from two opposing substrates coupled by an edge seal. An aperture plate can be fabricated on a rear surface of the front substrate. Apertures corresponding to display elements can be formed through the aperture plate. Conductive layers can be deposited over the rear surface of the front substrate and patterned to form portions of a capacitive touch sensor. The conductive layers also can be patterned to include apertures aligned with the apertures formed in the aperture plate. The apertures formed through the conductive layers may permit the conductive layers to be formed from light-blocking material without substantially impacting the optical quality of the display.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for locating at least a portion of the routing interconnects on the aperture plate to reduce or completely eliminate bezel space, reduce line resistance, reduce line capacitance and increase power savings. In some implementations, one aspect, the routing interconnects may electrically connect row interconnects from an array of pixels to a row voltage driver. In some implementations, a conductive spacer may be coupled between an aperture plate and a light modulator substrate and may electrically connect at least one row interconnect on the light modulator substrate to at least one routing interconnect on the aperture plate. Some or all of the routing interconnects may run through the display area of the electromechanical device. Some or all of the conductive spacers may make contact with a row interconnect and a routing interconnected within the display area, for example via a conductive contact pad.

Abstract: A photovoltaic solar panel includes a front glass, a back glass, and a photovoltaic (PV) power generating layer encapsulated between the front glass and the back glass. The PV power generating layer is configured to convert ambient electromagnetic energy, received through the front glass, to a direct current (DC) power output. The PV solar panel also includes at least one component, disposed behind the PV power generating layer, selected from the group consisting of: a direct current to alternating current (DC-AC) inverter configured to convert the DC power output from the PV power generator to an alternating current (AC) power output, a battery, and an antenna.