Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying data on bi-stable and non-bi-stable displays is provided. The apparatus includes a controller chip capable of being connected to a non-bi-stable display through a first interface channel and also capable of being connected to a bi-stable display via the first interface channel and an additional second interface channel. When connected the non-bi-stable display, the second interface channel is not connected. The second interface channel may carry mode information bits to the bi-stable display module to allow the bi-stable display to utilize power-saving features.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for testing the electrical characteristics of reflective displays, including interferometric modulator displays. In one embodiment, a controlled voltage is applied to conductive leads in the display and the resulting current is measured. The voltage may be controlled so as to ensure that interferometric modulators do not actuate during the resistance measurements. Also disclosed are methods for conditioning interferometric modulator display by applying a voltage waveform that causes actuation of interferometric modulators in the display.

Abstract: Process control monitors are disclosed that are produced using at least some of the same process steps used to manufacture a MEMS device. Analysis of the process control monitors can provide information regarding properties of the MEMS device and components or sub-components in the device. This information can be used to identify errors in processing or to optimize the MEMS device. In some embodiments, analysis of the process control monitors may utilize optical measurements.

Abstract: A package is made of a transparent substrate having an interferometric modulator and a back plate. A non-hermetic seal joins the back plate to the substrate to form a package, and a desiccant resides inside the package. A method of packaging an interferometric modulator includes providing a transparent substrate and manufacturing an interferometric modulator array on a backside of the substrate. A back plate is provided and a desiccant is applied to the back plate. The back plate is sealed to the backside of the substrate with a back seal in ambient conditions, thereby forming a package.

Abstract: Charge balanced display data writing methods use write and hold cycles of opposite polarity during selected frame update periods. Spatial dithering of hold cycle signals can reduce flicker.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for driving MEMS display elements are disclosed. In one embodiment, a display comprises an array of MEMS display elements, and a driving circuit coupled to said array, wherein said driving circuit configured to provide at lease a row signal and a column signal to drive said array, and only one of said row and column signals is adjusted for temperature change. In another embodiment, a method of driving an array of MEMS display elements is disclosed, where the method comprises sensing a temperature at a predetermined location, generating one of a row signal and a column signal having a level based at least in part on the sensed temperature and the other not based on the sensed temperature, and providing said row and column signals to said array.

Abstract: Interferometric modulators having a separable modulator architecture are disclosed having a reflective layer suspended from a flexible layer over a cavity. The interferometric modulators have one or more anti-tilt members that inhibit undesirable movement of the reflective layer, such as curling and/or tilting. The stabilization of the reflective layer by the anti-tilt members can improve the quality of the optical output of the interferometric modulators, as well as displays comprising such interferometric modulators.

Abstract: Methods of writing display data to MEMS display elements are configured to minimize charge buildup and differential aging. Prior to writing rows of image data, a pre-write operation is performed. The pre-write operation with either actuate or release substantially all pixels in a row prior to writing the image data. In some embodiments, the selection between actuating or releasing is performed in a random or pseudo-random manner.

Abstract: Process control monitors are disclosed that are produced using at least some of the same process steps used to manufacture a MEMS device. Analysis of the process control monitors can provide information regarding properties of the MEMS device and components or sub-components in the device. This information can be used to identify errors in processing or to optimize the MEMS device. In some embodiments, analysis of the process control monitors may utilize optical measurements.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure Methods and apparatus are disclosed for directing light from a remote light source into interferometric modulator structures. Light redirectors, including reflective structures, scattering centers, and fluorescent or phosphorescent material, are used to redirect light from a light source into interferometric modulator structures.

Abstract: A preferred apparatus arrangement utilizes the enthalpy of the flue gas, which can be supplemented if need be, to convert urea (30) into ammonia for SCR. Urea (30), which decomposes at temperatures above 140.degree. C., is injected (32) into a flue gas stream split off (28) after a heat exchanger (22), such as a primary superheater or an economizer. Ideally, the side stream would gasify the urea without need for further heating; but, when heat is required it is far less than would be needed to heat either the entire effluent (23) or the urea (30). This side stream, typically less than 3% of the flue gas, provides the required temperature and residence time for complete decomposition of urea (30). A cyclonic separator can be used to remove particulates and completely mix the reagent and flue gas. This stream can then be directed to an injection grid (37) ahead of SCR using a blower (36).

Abstract: A protected faceplate structure of a field emission display device is disclosed in one embodiment. Specifically, in one embodiment, the present invention recites a faceplate of a field emission display device wherein the faceplate of the field emission display device is adapted to have phosphor containing wells disposed above one side thereof. The present embodiment is further comprised of a barrier layer which is disposed over the one side of said faceplate which is adapted to have phosphor containing wells disposed thereabove. The barrier layer of the present embodiment is adapted to prevent degradation of the faceplate. Specifically, the barrier layer of the present embodiment is adapted to prevent degradation of the faceplate due to electron bombardment by electrons directed towards the phosphor containing wells.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining power consumption in displays are described. In some cases, the power may be determined by determining the capacitance of each pixel in the display, where the capacitance may be different for pixels in bright and dark states and for pixels of different color. Methods and systems are also provided for modeling the power consumed by a display depicting a particular image.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device utilizing interferometric modulation and a package of the device. The packaged device includes a substrate, an interferometric modulation display array formed on the substrate, and a back-plate. The back-plate is placed over the display array with a gap between the back-plate and the display array. The device further includes reinforcing structures which are integrated with the back-plate. The reinforcing structures add stiffness to the back-plate. The back-plate may have a thickness varying along an edge thereof.

Abstract: A method and device for manipulating color in a display is disclosed. In one embodiment, a display comprises interferometric display elements formed to have spectral responses that produce white light. In one embodiment, the produced white light is characterized by a standardized white point.

Abstract: A display is described, wherein the display includes surfaces arranged at a non-zero angle to one another. A least one of the surfaces may include an interferometric modulator. Compensation for color shift can be provided through the use of two or three surfaces arranged at an angle to one another, the surfaces having similar interferometric modulators. Methods of making such a display are also described. A brighter display can be provided through the use of three surfaces arranged orthogonally to one another, where each of the surfaces has an interferometric modulator which reflects a different color of light. Either additive or subtractive methods can be used to generate light of a particular color.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for testing the electrical characteristics of reflective displays, including interferometric modulator displays. In one embodiment, a controlled voltage is applied to conductive leads in the display and the resulting current is measured. The voltage may be controlled so as to ensure that interferometric modulators do not actuate during the resistance measurements. Also disclosed are methods for conditioning interferometric modulator display by applying a voltage waveform that causes actuation of interferometric modulators in the display.

Abstract: A MEMS device package comprises a substrate with a MEMS device formed thereon, a backplane, and a primary seal, wherein the primary seal is positioned between the backplane and the substrate to encapsulate and seal the MEMS device package from ambient conditions. The MEMS device package further comprises a secondary seal in contact with at least the backplane and the substrate.

Abstract: A package structure and method of packaging for an interferometric modulator. A transparent substrate having an interferometric modulator formed thereon is provided. A backplane is joined to the transparent substrate with a seal where the interferometric modulator is exposed to the surrounding environment through an opening in either the backplane or the seal. The opening is sealed after the transparent substrate and backplane are joined and after any desired desiccant, release material, and/or self-aligning monolayer is introduced into the package structure.