Abstract: Embodiments of an exemplary MEMS interferometric modulator comprise a movable layer and a fixed layer separated by an air gap. A driving scheme employs row/column actuation protocols which maintain voltages to the MEMS interferometric modulator that are above or below the voltage range necessary to place the MEMS interferometric modulator within a “hysteresis window” or “stability window.” Stable operation of the MEMS interferometric modulator is achieved by selecting mechanical design features that optimize the actuation and release times of the interferometric modulator. Some of the features affecting the release and actuation times include altering post spacing, altering internal stress or tension of the movable layer, altering the thickness or composition of the movable layer, altering the bulkiness of the tethers, perforating the movable layer and providing vias in the fixed layer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional optical mouse device with a Micromirror Array Lens (MMAL) is provided. To have the three-dimensional optical mouse system, a three-dimensional imaging device is used for detecting the motion of optical pointer or fingers of the user and gives a location of the pointer to computer working as a pointing device in three-dimension. This three-dimensional pointing system uses three-dimensional imaging device using MMAL with variable focal length.

Abstract: A mirror assembly including an active lens and a reflective surface. The mirror assembly may change its refractive index when a voltage is applied to the active lens, thereby changing the field of view in the lens. Exemplary applications include a blind spot system in a motor vehicle, in which, upon sensing another vehicle in a driver's blind spot, the mirror assembly changes the driver's field of view to include the blind spot. Additional applications include a magnifying mirror for shaving or applying cosmetics.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for displays are disclosed that utilize light concentration array between mechanical light modulators and the viewing surface of the display. The light concentration array includes an array of optical elements that concentrate light on respective ones of the light modulators to maximize the contrast ratio and off axis viewing of the display.

Abstract: An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope.

Abstract: Charge balanced display data writing methods use write and hold cycles of opposite polarity during selected frame update periods. A release cycle may be provided to reduce the chance that a given display element will become stuck in an actuated state.

Abstract: There are provided an input means 2 that allows information to be input as touched by an operator, a vibration application means 3 disposed on a back side of the input means 2, and a control means 5. The input means 2 is a touch panel 6. The vibration application means 3 is shaped like a flexible sheet, and includes a plurality of actuators 17 arranged as vibration sources. Each of the actuators 17 includes a first electrode 13, a second electrode 14, and an insulating layer 15 is provided between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 and containing a ferroelectric layer. The control means 5 drives a preset actuator 17 of the actuators 17 according to input from the control panel 6.

Abstract: Methods of writing display data to MEMS display elements are configured to minimize charge buildup and differential aging. The methods may include writing data with opposite polarities, and periodically releasing and/or actuating MEMS elements during the display updating process. Actuating MEMS elements with potential differences higher than those used during normal display data writing may also be utilized.

Abstract: Provided is a microcapsule magnetic migration display including microcapsules arrayed on a substrate. A dispersion liquid containing an oily dispersion medium having two components of light-absorptive magnetic particles and light-reflective non-magnetic particles dispersed therein is encapsulated in the microcapsules, and positions of the two components are allowed to vertically migrate by a magnetic field. The dispersion liquid is one or two or more kinds of oily liquids having a flash point of 70° C. or more, a volume density at 15° C. of 0.75 to 0.91 g/cm3, and a dynamic viscosity at 40° C. of 7 mm2/S or less, is added with 0.5 to 8.0 wt % of non-ionic surfactant with an HLB value of 5.0 or less, and is added with solid particles having a true specific gravity exceeding 1.0 and a particle diameter of 0.1 to 30 ?m, thereby adjusting the volume density thereof at 15° C. to 1.0 to 1.2 g/cm3.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing back-glass deflection in an interferometric modulator display device are provided. In one embodiment, an interferometric modulator display is provided that includes a including a substrate, an optical stack formed on the substrate, a moveable reflective layer formed over the optical stack, and a backplate attached to the substrate. The moveable reflective layer includes one or more first posts extending therefrom, in which one or more of the first posts are operable to protect the moveable reflective layer by contacting at least a portion of the backplate if the backplate is deflected.

Abstract: An interferometric modulator comprising a substrate, a movable membrane and one or more stiction bumps disposed between the substrate and the movable membrane. The stiction bumps are configured to mitigate stiction between the substrate and the movable membrane.

Abstract: A method for sensing the actuation and/or release voltages of a microelectromechanical device include applying a varying voltage to the device and sensing its state and different voltage levels. In one embodiment, the device is part of a system comprising an array of interferometric modulators suitable for a display. The method can be used to compensate for temperature dependent changes in display pixel characteristics.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for reducing failures due to hinge memory. The method, in one embodiment, includes providing a torsional element having an amount of hinge memory, wherein the hinge memory is at least partially created using an average operational temperature. The method, in this embodiment, further includes subjecting the torsional element having the hinge memory to a temperature equal to or greater than the average operational temperature while the torsional element is in a parked state for an amount of time to reduce the amount of the hinge memory.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of actuating MEMS display elements are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments can be incorporated into other drive schemes for MEMS display elements. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling a MEMS display element to display a frame of video data, said MEMS display element comprising a portion of an array of MEMS display elements, includes an array controller configured to assert a potential difference on said MEMS display element during a first portion of a frame display write process to place the MEMS display element in a first display state, and to assert a potential difference on said MEMS display element during a second portion of the frame display write process to place the MEMS display element in a second display state to display the frame of the video data, where the first display state is different from the second display state.

Abstract: A display system uses a standardized display driver to provide row and column address voltages. The row and address column voltages are used by an array of interferometric elements through a voltage adjuster to adjust the row address voltages to provide adjusted row address voltages to the array of interferometric elements.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing power consumption in a display includes driving a display comprising a plurality of display elements characterized by a display state. In a first mode of operation, the display state of substantially all the display elements is periodically re-set so as to display a first series of image frames. Upon changing to a second mode of operation, a second mode of operations comprises re-setting the display state of only a portion of the display elements so as to display a second series of image frames at a display element resolution which is less than said display element resolution used to display said first series of image frames.

Abstract: Generating a three-dimensional image of a three-dimensional scene by generating projection data and projecting light rays based on the projection data to generate the three-dimensional image. Sampling of the data is based on at least one physical parameter associated with the projection of light rays by a projection system used to project the light rays.

Abstract: A sign structure having a display, movable member and computer means creates a unique vehicle for displaying content. In one version, the movable member is adjacent to the display and substantially shields a portion of the display as it traverses thereover. Coordinated content transmitted to the display gives the appearance that the movable member is influencing the displayed content. For example, as the member moves upward an image below the member stretches in size while an image above the member compresses in size until the upper image disappears and the lower image occupies the entire visible portion of the display. This continues as the member traverses up and down over the display. The member may appear to manipulate the images by stretching, compressing, pushing, pulling and/or erasing them.

Abstract: A system for, and method of resolving reset conflicts in a phased-reset SLM system and a projection visual display system incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes a reset conflict arbiter configured to receive reset instructions containing conflicts from a sequence generator and resolve the conflicts by shifting an execution time of a selected one of the reset instructions according to a conflict resolution method.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention discloses projector circuit boards comprising an image receiving terminal, a central processing unit, a motor driving module, a DMD and a DMD control module. The image receiving terminal receives an image signal and transmits the received image signal to the central processing unit. The central processing unit processes the received image signal. The motor driving module drives a motor on the basis of the processed image signal to rotate a color wheel to generate a colored beam. The DMD, comprising a plurality of micro-mirrors, is used in reflecting the colored beam, transforming the colored beam into an image beam, and transmitting the image beam to a projection lens to project an image. The rotation angles of the micro-mirrors are controlled by the DMD control module coupled between the central processing unit and the DMD. The projector circuit board is perpendicular to a light path of the projection lens.

Abstract: A display having a plurality of reflective display elements. In one embodiment, the display elements comprise at least one electrode having a plurality of active areas. In one embodiment, at least two of the sizes of the active areas are different with respect to each other, e.g., they are non-uniform in size. The interferometric modulators have a plurality of states, wherein selected ones of the interferometric modulators are configured to be actuated depending differing electrostatic forces in the interferometric modulators. The electrostatic forces in the interferometric modulators are different at least in part due to variations in the sizes of the active areas of the electrodes.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first member, and a second member which includes segments. At least one of the first member and the second member is movable relative to the other of the first member and the second member among a plurality of distinct positions as a result of differing voltage states of the segments.

Abstract: A micro mirror device is described. The device has a tiltable mirror plate with a reflective surface configured to reflect incident light to form a reflected light beam. A controller is configured to cause the mirror plate to tilt from an un-tilted position to an “off” position, a first “on” position, or a second “on” position. An opaque aperture structure is configured to block substantially all of a reflected light beam from reaching a display surface when the mirror plate is tilted to the “off” position, allow a first portion of a reflected light beam to pass through when the mirror plate is tilted to the first “on” position and allow a second portion of a reflected light beam to pass through when the mirror plate is tilted to the second “on” position. The tilting positions determine a brightness of display pixels.

Abstract: Disclosed are reset techniques for a spatial light modulator, and related system for displaying an image. The systems and methods have pixels that are loaded with data and reset commands to take on binary states, where the methods employ adaptable algorithms to provide flexibility in placement of the reset commands. Specifically, valid regions for such reset commands are determined, and times for consecutive bit segments are calculated; and DMD load times are adjusted for a proper sequence. An advantage of the disclosed methods is that two consecutive bit segments are no longer restricted to following a pattern of normal/short bit segments. In contrast, with the disclosed technique short segments may be consecutive, allowing the implementation of additional enhancements, including neutral density filtering (NDF) techniques that typically include adjacent short bits in the bit sequence.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator includes a mirror plate comprising a reflective upper surface, a lower surface, and a substrate portion comprising a cavity having an opening on the lower surface, a substrate comprising an upper surface, a hinge support post in connection with the substrate, and a hinge component supported by the hinge support post and in connection with the mirror plate, and one or more landing tips configured to contact the lower surface of the mirror plate to limit rotation of the mirror plate. The hinge component includes a protrusion that is anchored in a hole in the top surface of the hinge support post and the hinge component is configured to extend into the cavity to facilitate rotation of the mirror plate.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical optical display devices is provided. An optical layer is disposed on a substrate. A plurality of posts are disposed on the optical layer. A reflective layer is disposed on the plurality of posts. A flexible layer is disposed on the reflective layer, wherein edge of the reflective layer is separated from edge of the flexible layer by a distance equal to or smaller than about 2 ?m.

Abstract: One embodiment of a display system includes a first array that defines multiple reflective devices each movable between an inactive position to reflect light to a light dump and an active position to reflect light to an imaging region, a second array that defines multiple reflective devices each movable between an inactive position to reflect light to the light dump and an active position to reflect light to the imaging region, and an activation device that projects an activation beam to the devices to move individual ones of the devices between the active position and the inactive position, wherein the first array, the second array and the activation device are housed within a single vacuum enclosure.

Abstract: A light modulator includes a control unit configured to receive an image input signal, and an array having a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of rows. The control unit is configured to provide a first address associated with the image input signal to the array in response to detecting a first mode of operation, and the control unit is configured to provide a second address associated with the image input signal to the array in response to detecting a second mode of operation. The array is configured to drive a first one of the plurality of rows in response to receiving the first address, and the array is configured to drive the first one of the plurality of rows and a second one of the plurality of rows in response to receiving the second address.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator includes a substrate; a hinge in connection with the substrate; a mirror plate that is connected with the hinge and is configured to tilt about the hinge; and a piezoelectric device coupled with the substrate. The piezoelectric device is configured to produce an acoustic wave to assist the separation between the mirror plate and the object.

Abstract: A display system includes a light source and a first optical system coupled to the light source and adapted to provide an illumination beam along an illumination path. The display system also includes a spatial light modulator positioned in the illumination path. The spatial light modulator includes a semiconductor substrate including a plurality of electrode devices and a hinge structure coupled to the semiconductor substrate. The hinge structure includes silicon material. The spatial light modulator also includes a mirror post coupled to the hinge structure and extending to a predetermined distance from the semiconductor substrate and a mirror plate coupled to the mirror post and overlying the plurality of electrode devices. The display system further includes a second optical system coupled to the spatial light modulator and adapted to project an image onto a projection surface.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical systems element array device in which plural micro-electro-mechanical systems elements each having a movable portion are arranged in an array, said movable portion being to be displaced by a physical force which is generated by applying an electric signal to a conductive portion, and each of said micro-electro-mechanical systems elements drives and displaces said movable portion of said micro-electro-mechanical systems element on the basis of a displacement data for said micro-electro-mechanical systems element, wherein said device comprises: an electric signal generating unit as defined herein; a switching unit as defined herein; and a selecting unit as defined herein.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, a regenerating protective coating is formed on at least one surface of an interior cavity of a MEMS device. Particular embodiments provide a regenerating protective coating on one or more mirror surfaces of an interferometric light modulation device, also known as an iMoD in some embodiments. The protective coating can be regenerated through the addition of heat or energy to the protective coating.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for securing a pin within a raised display system. A washer surrounds the pin. A washer recess comprises a contact surface configured as to bring the washer into a tilted position relative to the pin, such that the washer is brought into physical communication with the pin. A reset mechanism moves at least a portion of the washer to force the washer into a position substantially level relative to the pin, such that the pin can move freely through the washer. An electromagnet holds the washer in the substantially level position when the electromagnet is activated.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a color of light output by a diffractive light device (DLD device). The color is determined by a gap voltage applied to the DLD device. During each of a number of time frames, one of a number of control bits in a control word is sent to bit line logic corresponding to the DLD device. Each of the control bits represents a gap voltage level. The applied gap voltage is then adjusted to the gap voltage level represented by the one of the number of the control bits.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for displaying raised images. A plate moves along at least one axis of motion. The movement of the plate is operative to adjust respective positions associated with a plurality of pins along the axis of motion. A clutch mechanism operates in conjunction with the plate to position each of the plurality of pins at a desired position along the axis of motion. This deforms a display surface defined by the plurality of pins.

Abstract: The invention includes providing a display by moving a colorant particle, having an electric charge, inside a channel of a body in a direction that is substantially parallel to a direction of extension of the channel and a direction of incoming illumination rays. The colorant particle can be moved between a position at a bottom of the channel and at a top of the channel by the force of an electric field generated by a charge at the bottom of the channel. The invention can be applied to an analog dot display as well as a digital dot display. The invention covers methods of manufacturing the displays discussed above. The invention is also not limited to covering displays, and also covers at least print media, wherein colorant particles are locked at appropriate locations within the channels, either temporarily or permanently.

Abstract: One embodiment of a display system includes an array that defines multiple, movable reflective devices on a front surface of the array, and multiple immovable reflective regions each aligned along a projection axis with a corresponding space between ones of the reflective devices.

Abstract: A control substrate of spatial light modulator for a bi-directional micro mirror array includes a plurality of unit cells, each includes a common electrode at a fixed constant potential and an addressing electrode under the mirror plate on opposite sides of a pivot point of the mirror hinge, a pair of micro landing tips, a single CMOS transistor electrically connected to a storage capacitor, and a word-line/bit-line interconnection structure for communicating signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for preventing charge accumulation in microelectromechanical systems, especially in micromirror array devices having a plurality of micromirrors. Voltages are applied to the micromirrors for actuating the micromirrors. Polarities of the voltage differences between mirror plates and electrodes are inverted so as to prevent charge accumulation.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus used for a projection type display is provided, which can change the incident ray volume to an optical modulation device without changing the optical output intensity of the lamp, and can exhibit excellent effects in expressive power of an image and adaptability to the use environment. The lighting apparatus of the present invention comprises; a light source, two fly-eye lenses constituting a uniform lighting device, and a shading plate arranged between these fly-eye lenses and constituting a dimming device for adjusting the amount of light of the outgoing light from the light source. The angle of inclination of the shading plate is controlled based on an image signal supplied to the optical modulation device, thereby enabling adjustment of the amount of light.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator comprises an array of micromirror devices each of which has a reflective and deflectable mirror plates. The mirror plates are moved between an ON and OFF state during operation, wherein the OFF state is a state wherein the mirror plate is not parallel to the substrate on which the mirror plate is formed. The micromirror device may have an ON state stopper for limiting the rotation of the mirror plate at the ON state angle, but does not have an OFF state stopper. The non-zero OFF state is achieved by attaching the mirror plate to a deformable hinge held by a hinge support that is curved at the natural resting state.

Abstract: A projection system, a spatial light modulator, and a method for forming a micromirror array such as for a projection display are disclosed. The spatial light modulator can have two substrates bonded together with one of the substrates comprising a micro-mirror array. The two substrates can be bonded at the wafer level after depositing a getter material and/or solid or liquid lubricant on one or both of the wafers if desired. In one embodiment of the invention, one of the substrates is a light transmissive substrate and a light absorbing layer is provided on the light transmissive substrate to selectively block light from passing through the substrate. The light absorbing layer can form a pattern, such as a frame around an array of micro-mirrors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for providing a load/reset sequence for a visual display system (100) having a phased reset spatial light modulator (SLM) (14). The SLM (14) has pixels (21) that are addressable with data by means of loads (ld) and resets (r), where the data is formatted in bit-planes (0-14)and each bit-plane is loaded as one or more segments (S0-S5) in a predetermined sequence during a frame-time. In one embodiment, the method comprises storing a display order of the segments (S0-S5) and determining whether resetting any of the segments (S0-S5) conflicts with the resetting of another of the segments (S0-S5), thereby identifying a conflicting segment.

Abstract: A transition time is a time from a state where a movable portion has been rotationally displaced in the first direction and stopped to a state where driving portions apply the physical action forces to the movable portion to rotationally displace the movable portion in the second direction, which is different from the first direction, and the movable portion reaches a final displacement position. An elastic force value of the elastic supporting portion and the transition time have such a relationship that when the elastic force value of the elastic supporting portion is equal to a certain value, the transition time takes a local maximum value. The elastic force value of the elastic supporting portion is equal to or less than the certain value at which the transition time takes the local maximum value.

Abstract: There is provided a micromirror which includes a holding unit, a mirror that is held by the holding unit to be pivotable about a rotation axis of the mirror, a first fixed electrode group including a plurality of electrodes fixed to the holding unit, a second fixed electrode group including a plurality of electrodes fixed to the holding unit, a first movable electrode group including a plurality of electrodes fixed to the mirror and located adjacently to the first fixed electrode group, and a second movable electrode group including a plurality of electrodes fixed to the mirror and located adjacently to the second fixed electrode group.

Abstract: The display device includes a display portion having a cavity portion surrounded by wall surfaces, at least one part of the wall surfaces being formed of a transparent member and forming a structural color forming surface provided with fine asperities having predetermined regularity, a liquid being hermetically sealed to have a liquid surface in the cavity portion and having a refractive index approximately equivalent to that of the transparent member, an actuator giving a disturbance to the liquid to bring the liquid into contact with the forming surface and a control unit controlling driving of the actuator to switch reflection and transmission characteristics of light when the light is incident into the forming surface, thereby controlling color display using reflected light formed by the forming surface.

Abstract: An interferometric modulator includes a post structure comprising an optical element. In a preferred embodiment, the optical element in the post structure is a reflective element, e.g., a mirror. In another embodiment, the optical element in the post structure is an etalon, e.g., a dark etalon. The optical element in the post structure may decrease the amount of light that would otherwise be retroreflected from the post structure. In various embodiments, the optical element in the post structure increases the brightness of the interferometric modulator by redirecting light into the interferometric cavity. For example, in certain embodiments, the optical element in the post structure increases the backlighting of the interferometric modulator.

Abstract: A two-dimensional image projection device using array of micromirror array lenses and a random scanning technique is invented. Using the random scanning technique, the light efficiency is nearly doubled than that of the prior art. The invention makes a brighter and less power consuming display device possible. Because each micromirror array lens of array of micromirror array lenses can scan whole image plane, a fast self diagnosis and correction technique can be introduced in displaying device. The Self diagnosis and correction technique makes display device to maintain image quality even a few tens percent of micromirrors do not work properly. Owing to the scanning characteristics of micromirror array lens, the image projection device can express the same number of pixels image with less number of micromirrors than the prior art. This also enables small sized two-dimensional image projector, which can be incorporated in portable electronic equipments.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) device includes bottom and top capacitive plates, such that a capacitor is definable therebetween. A mechanism is electrostatically movably disposed between the bottom and top capacitive plates. One or more flexures are movably disposed between the bottom capacitive plate and the mechanism, and having distance stops between the bottom capacitive plate and the mechanism corresponding to maximum downward movement. The MEMS device includes one or more electrodes of the bottom capacitive plate corresponding to the flexures. Energizing different of the electrodes causes the flexures to move to different of the distance stops, causing the mechanism to move to different positions between the bottom and top capacitive plates.

Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a display of MEMS devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a display device comprises an array of MEMS display elements, at least one test deflecting element, and a deflection sensing circuit connected to the test deflecting element, the deflection sensing circuit being configured to monitor deflection of the test deflecting element without actuating the test deflection element and to provide a signal indicative of one or more parameters affecting operation of the array of MEMS display elements based on the deflection.