Abstract: A smaller sized flip dot display utilizes a magnetically actuated pixel that rotates between two orientations. The orientations display two different optical states. A simulated dot matrix design improves the aesthetics and consumer appeal, and also permits a flip dot display capable of producing a positive contrast display image with darker colored “ON” pixels contrasting with brighter background and “OFF” pixels by reducing the visibility of the spacing gap between each rotating pixel and the surrounding background. An interwoven configuration of magnetic actuators with a coil around each arm of a U-shaped core may result in lower power consumption, low production cost, and small size required for use in consumer and small mobile devices such as watches and mobile phones.

Abstract: Each embodiment (10, 110 and 210) includes a magnetic element (12, 112 and 212) producing a magnetic field. In the first embodiment (10) of FIG. 1, the magnetic element (12) comprises a magnetic bit strip disposed extending in a circular arc on a fixed or stationary plate (14). In the second embodiment (110) of FIG. 2, the magnetic element (112) comprises a magnetic bit strip supported on a movable bar or rod (114). In the third embodiment (210) of FIG. 3, the magnetic element (212) comprises a magnetic bit strip disposed in a rectilinear path on a stationary plate (214). An electrical resistor (16, 116 and 216) is included for changing in electrical resistance in response to changes in the magnetic field produced by the magnetic element (12, 112 and 212). The resistor (16, 116 and 216) comprises a giant magnetoresistive sensor.