Abstract: Techniques described here use variations in the sensor to generate an identifier for the sensor. Each sensor may be comprised of sub-sensing units, called pixels that may demonstrate variation in their sensing capability from one pixel to another. Embodiments of the invention, describe a method for using the relative variance of each pixel (relative to the whole sensor or/and a portion of the sensor) in generating an identifier for the sensor. In one embodiment, the method may obtain information associated with a plurality of pixels from a sensor, detect variations in the information associated for each of the pixels from a subset of the plurality of pixels and generate an identifier for the sensor using the detected variations in the information associated with each of the pixels from the subset of plurality of pixels.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a one- or two-dimensional array of micromechanical ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) elements positioned below, beside, with, on, or above a backplane of a visual display. The backplane may be a thin-film transistor (TFT) backplane. The array of PMUT elements may be a piezoelectric micromechanical ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) array or a capacitive micromechanical ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) array. The PMUT array may be configurable to operate in modes corresponding to multiple frequency ranges. When operating in the low-frequency mode, the apparatus may be capable of gesture detection. A high-frequency mode may include a fingerprint sensor mode or a stylus detection mode.

Abstract: A piezoelectric micromechanical ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) includes a multilayer stack disposed on a substrate. The multilayer stack may include an anchor structure disposed over the substrate, a piezoelectric layer stack disposed over the anchor structure, and a mechanical layer disposed proximate to the piezoelectric layer stack. The piezoelectric layer stack may be disposed over a cavity. The mechanical layer may seal the cavity and, together with the piezoelectric layer stack, is supported by the anchor structure and forms a membrane over the cavity, the membrane being configured to undergo one or both of flexural motion and vibration when the PMUT receives or transmits ultrasonic signals.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for a display with inactive dummy pixels. A display apparatus may include subpixels having a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer. The first electrode layer of an edge subpixel may include an opening, which may be made large enough to prevent the edge subpixel from actuating. The size of the openings also may be selected to attain a desired overall reflectivity for an array of edge subpixels. For example, the size of the openings may be selected to make the reflectivity of an edge pixel array similar to the reflectivity of a routing area.

Abstract: Illumination devices and methods of making same are disclosed. In one embodiment, an illumination apparatus includes a light source, a light guide having a planar first surface, a first end and a second end, and a length therebetween, the light guide positioned to receive light from the light source into the light guide first end, and the light guide configured such that light from the light source provided into the first end of the light guide propagates towards the second end, and a plurality of light turning features that are configured to reflect light propagating towards the second end of the light guide out of the planar first surface of the light guide, each light turning feature having a turning surface and an interferometric stack formed on the turning surface.

Abstract: A display device has a visual display capable of providing an image and an ultrasonic sensor array attached to a backside component of the visual display. The ultrasonic sensor array may be an ultrasonic area array sensor. For example, the backside component may be a backlight, an optical waveguide, or a display TFT.

Abstract: A method is disclosed, including detecting a signal representative of an object with a piezoelectric device. A display is powered up from a sleep mode based upon the detected signal. The display can be powered up based upon a comparison of the signal to a threshold value. The threshold value can be a predetermined value or based upon a previous signal detected by the piezoelectric device or a previous signal detected by the piezoelectric device.

Abstract: A multifunctional pixel is disclosed. The multifunctional pixel may include a display pixel, a photoelectric sensor, and a second sensor. The second sensor may include one of the following: an ultrasonic sensor and an infrared sensor. The display pixel, the photoelectric sensor, and the second sensor may be located in the multifunctional pixel.

Abstract: An authentication process may involve presenting an image on a display device, such as an icon associated with an application, indicating an area for a user to touch. At least partial fingerprint data may be obtained during one or more finger taps or touches in the area. Based on a comparison of the partial fingerprint data and master fingerprint data of the rightful user, a control system may determine whether to invoke a function. Invoking the function may involve authorizing a commercial transaction or unlocking the display device. In some implementations, determining whether to invoke the function may be based on a level of security.

Abstract: A display array is disclosed. The multifunctional pixel may include a plurality of multifunctional pixels. Each multifunctional pixel can include a red display area, a green display area, and a blue display area, as well as at least one sensor selected from the following sensor types: an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a photoelectric sensor, and a capacitive sensor. The blue display area can be smaller than the red display area, or smaller than the green display area, in each of the plurality of multifunctional pixels.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for display assemblies. In one aspect, a display assembly may include a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The second panel may be spaced apart from the first panel, and the third panel may be spaced apart from the second panel. A first perimeter frame may join the first panel and the second panel, with the first perimeter frame defining a first cavity in between the first panel and the second panel. The first cavity may be substantially filled with a first liquid. A second perimeter frame may join the second panel and the third panel, with the second perimeter frame defining a second cavity in between the second panel and the third panel. The second cavity may be substantially filled with a second liquid.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for driving a pixel of a display. In one aspect, a segment driver and a common driver may be used to substantially concurrently address all display elements in the pixel. This addressing may reduce write time of the pixel, and may reduce the power consumed during the write process.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for a display with inactive dummy pixels. A display apparatus may include subpixels having a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer. The first electrode layer of an edge subpixel may include an opening, which may be made large enough to prevent the edge subpixel from actuating. The size of the openings also may be selected to attain a desired overall reflectivity for an array of edge subpixels. For example, the size of the openings may be selected to make the reflectivity of an edge pixel array similar to the reflectivity of a routing area.

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 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: 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, portions of the rivet structures extend through the movable layer and contact underlying layers. In other embodiments, the material used to form the rigid support structures may also be used to passivate otherwise exposed electrical leads in electrical connection with the MEMS devices, protecting the electrical leads from damage or other interference.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems device having an electrical interconnect connected to at least one of an electrode and a movable layer within the device. At least a portion of the electrical interconnect is formed from the same material as a movable layer of the device. A thin film, particularly formed of molybdenum, is provided underneath the electrical interconnect. The movable layer preferably comprises aluminum.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, systems and apparatus for storing and processing image data at the pixel using augmented active matrix pixels. Some implementations of a display device may include a substrate, an array of display elements associated with the substrate and configured to display an image, an array of processor units associated with the substrate, wherein each processor unit is configured to process image data for a respective portion of the display elements and an array of memory units associated with the array of processor units, wherein each memory unit is configured to store data for a respective portion of the display elements. Some implementations may enable color processing image data at the pixel, layering of image data at the pixel or temporal modulation of image data at the pixel. Further, in some implementations, the display element may be an interferometric modulator (IMOD).

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for parallel dithering images are disclosed. In one aspect, a display device includes: a front substrate; a backplate opposing the front substrate; an array of display elements associated with the front substrate; and an array of processing units associated with the backplate. Each of the processing units is configured to process data for one or more of the display elements for dithering an image. Each of the processing units is spatially arranged to correspond to the one or more display elements for which it is configured to process data. The array of processing units can perform a faster dithering process than a single processor sequentially performing all computation for dithering. Further, the position of the array of processing units allows effective image data processing in an active-matrix type display device while utilizing the space of the backplate thereof.