Abstract: A flat panel display has a linear array of switchable light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) to emit bands of light across the display, providing a light pattern programmable at video frequencies and a two-dimensional electropolymeric shutter array to convert the light pattern into a video image. The light pattern can be varied or controlled spatially, with respect to both hue and intensity, by suitable drive signals, at points along the array determined by the location of individual LEDs, or groups of LEDs, and temporally as the shutters in the array are opened and closed to provide a pleasing full color gamut for every pixel in the display. Closed shutters, displaying a reflective appearance, can be employed for background or other effects. The shutter array can be flexibly constructed and supported on a flexible substrate to provide a flexible display.

Abstract: An electrostatic display device has a closed opaque chamber with one or more transparent windows in a side thereof. Mounted within the chamber adjacent to each window is a resilient electrode that is capable of moving so as to block the adjacent window or to withdraw from the window in response to a signal voltage that is applied between the resilient electrode and a fixed electrode. The total window area is less than about 20% of the exterior surface area of the chamber so that an "open" window functions optically as a light sink and appears dark. The outer surface of the resilient electrode may be of a bright hue for optical contrast in a normally bright "day time" ambient. Alternatively a lamp within the chamber provides an electrically actuated display that is visible in a dark ambient.