Abstract: A microdisplay having interface circuitry on the same silicon backplane to allow it to receive digital images and video in a variety of formats and convert same to field sequential color signals for generation of full color images. It includes column data processors having a comparator for each block of N-columns of pixels. Image data is double-buffered in SRAM memory cells located beneath the pixel electrodes, but not within each pixel. The stored data is logically associated with each pixel via the column data processors. Image compression is accomplished by converting RGB data to a variant of YUV data and sampling the color components of the converted data less frequently than the luminance components. The SRAM image buffer consumes a reduced amount of power. A temperature compensation scheme allows the temperature of the microdisplay to be sensed and the drive voltage to the pixel electrodes to be varied in response thereto.

Abstract: A direct-view display includes an array of MEMS light modulators and a control matrix formed on a transparent substrate, where each light modulator can be driven into at least two states, and a controller for controlling the states of each light modulator in the array. The control matrix transmits data and actuation voltages to the array. The controller includes an input, a processor, a memory, and an output. The input receives image data encoding an image frame for display. The processor derives a plurality of sub-frame data sets from the image data, where each sub-frame data set indicates desired states of light modulators in multiple rows and multiple columns of the array. The memory stores the plurality of sub-frame data sets. The output outputs the plurality of sub-frame data sets according to an output sequence to drive light modulators into the states indicated in the sub-frame data sets.

Abstract: A display system includes a display panel having an array of pixels, the pixels having ON states and OFF states. The pixels form images by modulating light in a temporal sequence during an image frame in response to drive signals generated from incoming video data. A light source arrangement that emits at least two colors of light illuminates the display panel. The image frame is divided into color segments with only one color of light being emitted from the light source during each segment. The color segments are further divided into grayscale periods. Transition segments are provided for the transitions between colors. The state of each pixel during these transition segments is a function of the desired brightness level for each pixel, as derived from incoming video data.

Abstract: A display system includes a light modulator divided into an array of individually controllable pixels and an input-driven illumination device. The illumination device is adapted to receive a variable input and is configured to direct light of variable intensity onto the modulator, depending on the input. The display system further includes a calibrating arrangement for establishing the input to the illumination device to produce a desired intensity level of light. The calibrating arrangement includes a light sensing mechanism, which senses the light from the illumination device while the illumination device is driven by an initial input. The calibration arrangement is configured to determine a comparison between the sensed light and a value representative of the desired-intensity level. The calibration arrangement further includes a control arrangement responsive to the comparison for varying the input so as to provide light of the desired intensity level.