Abstract: A flat panel color display device is comprised of a two-dimensional array of stacks of colored membranes. Each membrane is comprised of a conductive film sandwiched between colored insulating films and integrated within a pellicle assembly which wends between pairs of adjacent colored fiber electrodes between which membrane stacks are juxtapositioned and around which membranes optionally wrap. Each colored membrane stack together with portions of the adjacent fiber electrodes defines one color pixel produced by the exposed surface colors of the membranes and the fiber electrodes. Any pixel or group of pixels of the display can display any color of the palette. Thin film transistor electronics are provided within a silicon coating on one fiber of each pair. Conductive traces on the pellicle assembly provide power, signal and interconnectivity between fiber electrodes and the pellicle assembly.

Abstract: Microlenses 3a and 3b are formed on a first surface of a transparent substrate, and an output efficiency control device 2 which modulates a light amount of incident light is provided on a second surface opposing the first surface. Incident light 4 is made to be incident obliquely to an optical axis of the microlens 3a, to be focused on the output efficiency control device 2. The output efficiency control device 2 modulates a light amount of incident light and outputs the light as outgoing light 5 through the microlens 3b. Because of such a structure, the output efficiency control device 2 can be decreased in size, compared with a diameter of a beam and an aperture of a microlens.

Abstract: A light modulator for modulating a beam of light of wavelength .lambda. including a substrate, a fixed electrode formed over the substrate and arranged to reflect light; an insulative transparent layer defining a modulating region formed over the fixed electrode wherein the height of the insulative transparent layer is substantially an odd multiple of .lambda.

Abstract: A scanning display device directly scans a light source along at least one scanning path, rather than scanning a light beam emitted from such source along such scanning path. By scanning the light source a smaller, lighter weight scanner without a mirror can be used to achieve light source scanning along the desired scan path. A resonant cantilever translates one or more point sources (e.g., one for a monochromatic display; red, green and blue for an RGB display). The cantilever motion is driven by an electromagnetic drive circuit or by a piezoelectric drive actuator. The light source is one or more light emitting diode point sources, one or more a fiber optic point sources, or one or more light emitting polymer light sources.

Abstract: Several variations in full-color additive gyricons are shown. Each gyricon shown has been designed for ease of construction by eliminating the need for precise placement of rotating elements, alignment between the gyricon layers, if any, and alignment between the gyricon sheet and the addressing device.

Abstract: A thin low power, paper white, direct-view display includes an array of bistable micromirrors that are deflected between two stable states, a dark state in which the mirror covers a portion of the background and a white state in which the mirror uncovers the background. The drive electronics are similar to those used in multiplexed LCDs but are modified in order to drive the micromirrors to one of their two stable states. The micromirrors in the enabled row are attracted up or down with sufficient force to exceed the micromirrors' bistable threshold and deflect the micromirrors to their dark and white states, respectively. The attractive forces on the micromirrors in the remaining non-enabled rows are insufficient to exceed the micromirrors' bistable threshold so that the micromirrors remain in their current stable state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Schlieren projection system with a large aperture reflective imager. The combination of a beam-addressed CCM design with flat-panel manufacturing techniques configuration produces a large aperture imager that overcomes the problems of limited deflection range, high beam current, electrostatic instability and limited resolution associated with known electrostatically-actuated micromirror targets. The CCM imager includes a thin insulating membrane that decouples the electron beam from the micromirror array. Decoupling also allows the mirror to be designed to optimize reflectivity, exhibit a higher resonant frequency for better video performance, and be fabricated simultaneously with the hinges. The CCM imager is fabricated using flat-panel manufacturing techniques that are ideally suited to producing large aperture devices at low cost.

Abstract: An improved solenoid and reset pin for a modular display apparatus for displaying indicia at a front thereof having a frame for rotationally mounting a plurality of pixels. Each pixel includes first and second display faces joined along respective adjacent edges. A triggering mechanism has a plurality of solenoids adapted for selective actuation to rotate selected ones of the pixels for changing the pattern of the desired display indicia and a plurality reset pins to return the pixels to an original position. The reset pins and the plungers for the solenoids include a spring and a rod extending axially outward from said spring to provide radial flexibility.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device comprising an optical waveguide plate for introducing light thereinto, and a driving section provided opposingly to the back surface of the optical waveguide plate and including a number of actuator elements arranged corresponding to a large number of picture elements, for displaying, on the optical waveguide plate, a picture image corresponding to an image signal by controlling leakage light at a predetermined portion of the optical waveguide plate by controlling displacement action of each of the actuator elements in a direction to make contact or separation with respect to the optical waveguide plate in accordance with an attribute of the image signal to be inputted; the display device further comprising a displacement-transmitting section for transmitting the displacement action of the actuator element to the optical waveguide plate, wherein a plate member of the displacement-transmitting section is constructed by a white scattering element, and a color filter is formed at a

Abstract: A magnetically operated display unit includes a frame of a color, a plate pivotably mounted on the frame which includes a first surface of a color different from that of the frame and a second surface of a color identical to that of the frame, a magnet embedded in the plate, a U-shaped ferromagnetic element mounted on the frame so that two tips of the magnet are located between two tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element, a solenoid mounted on the U-shaped ferromagnetic element and a light emitting diode mounted on the frame. The plate contains a cutout designed for receiving the light emitting diode and one of the tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element. The tip of the light emitting diode is located on a level between the plate and the tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element. The light emitting diode is visible sufficiently above the surface of the plate so that its light can shine on that surface. Two opposite currents are selectively directed through the solenoid.

Abstract: A method of automatically generating a load/reset sequence for a display system having a spatial light modulator whose display elements that are loaded with data and reset between loads (FIG. 7). Bit-planes of data are classified according to their display times as normal, short, or reset-release (FIG. 5). Extra time of normal bit-planes is calculated (FIG. 5). The display times of normal bit-planes are adjusted by subtracting or adding extra time, such that any normal bit-plane displayed before a short or reset-release bit-plane includes sufficient extra time to allow for loading the short or reset-release bit-plane (FIG. 7). Also, reset conflicts are detected and avoided (FIGS. 7, 8, 9A and 9B).

Abstract: A modular display apparatus for displaying indicia at a front thereof has an inner frame with horizontal support beams, the inner frame supporting a plurality of grid modules, at least one grid module being located above another. A plurality of pixels rotationally mounted to the grid modules each include first and second display faces joined along respective adjacent edges. The pixels have a center of gravity located on each pixel so as to interact with an external force applied to the pixel and provide a complete rotation, with a minimum of bounce, to display a desired display face. A triggering mechanism has a plurality of solenoids adapted for selective actuation to rotate selected ones of the pixels for changing the pattern of the desired display indicia controlled by an electronic signal transmitted from an electronics system.

Abstract: A magnetically operated display unit includes a frame of a color, a plate pivotably mounted on the frame which includes a first surface of a color different from that of the frame and a second surface of a color identical to that of the frame, a magnet embedded in the plate, a U-shaped ferromagnetic element mounted on the frame so that two tips of the magnet are located between two tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element, a solenoid mounted on the U-shaped ferromagnetic element and a light emitting diode mounted on the frame. The plate contains a cutout designed for receiving the light emitting diode and one of the tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element. The tip of the light emitting diode is located on a level between the plate and the tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element. The light emitting diode is visible sufficiently above the surface of the plate so that its light can shine on that surface. Two opposite currents are selectively directed through the solenoid.

Abstract: A segmented ball for an electrical twisting ball color display device, the device being composed of different sets of spheroidal balls rotatably disposed in an elastomer substrate, each set being associated with a different display color. The segmented ball includes a colored interior segment surrounded on either side by transparent exterior segments, the three segments being arrayed substantially parallel to one another, with adjacent segments being adjoined to one another at substantially planar interfaces. The colored interior segment can have, for example, a transparent or opaque chromatic color, such as red, green, or blue. The ball has an anisotropy for providing an electrical dipole moment, the electrical dipole moment rendering the ball electrically responsive such that when the ball is rotatably disposed in a nonoscillating electric field while the electrical dipole moment of the ball is provided, the ball tends to rotate to an orientation in which the electrical dipole moment aligns with the field.

Abstract: A diffraction grating light valve modulates an incident beam of light. A plurality of elongated elements each have a reflective surface. The elongated elements are suspended with their respective ends substantially coplanar. Alternate ones of the elongated elements are electrically coupled for receiving a first bias voltage. The interdigitated elongated elements are electrically coupled for receiving a second bias voltage. By applying a appropriate first and second biasing voltages, all the reflective surfaces can be maintained in a first plane. When all the elongated elements are in the first plane, the diffraction grating light valve reflects the beam of light. A predetermined group of the elongated elements, preferably alternate ones, are deformable to be substantially coplanar in a second plane which is parallel to the first plane. When the predetermined group of elements is in the second plane, the diffraction grating light valve diffracts the beam of light.

Abstract: A modulator for modulating incident rays of light, the modulator having a plurality of equally spaced apart elements, each of which includes a light reflective planar surface. The elements are arranged parallel to each other with their light reflective surfaces parallel to each other. The modulator includes means for supporting elements in relation to one another and means for moving particular ones of the elements relative to others so that the moved elements transit between a first configuration wherein the modulator acts to reflect the incident rays of light as a plane mirror, and a second configuration wherein the modulator diffracts the light reflected therefrom. In operation, the light reflective surfaces of the elements remain parallel to each other in both the first and the second configurations.

Abstract: A pixel for use in a visual matrix display including a frame having front and rear surfaces and defining an aperture; a light source oriented in the aperture; a first retroreflective surface borne by the frame and positioned adjacent to the aperture; a flap borne by the front surface and moveable along a given path of travel between a first position wherein the pixel is nonoperational, and the flap is disposed in covering relation relative to the light source, and a second operational position, wherein the flap has a second retroreflective surface which is exposed when the flap is in the second position; means borne by the frame for moving the flap along the given path of travel; and means for energizing the light source when the flap is in one of the given positions along the path of travel.

Abstract: A modular display apparatus for displaying indicia at a front thereof has an inner frame with horizontal support beams, the inner frame supporting a plurality of grid modules, at least one grid module being located above another. A plurality of pixels rotationally mounted to the grid modules each include first and second display faces joined along respective adjacent edges. The pixels have a center of gravity located on each pixel so as to interact with an external force applied to the pixel and provide a complete rotation, with a minimum of bounce, to display a desired display face. A triggering mechanism has a plurality of solenoids adapted for selective actuation to rotate selected ones of the pixels for changing the pattern of the desired display indicia controlled by an electronic signal transmitted from an electronics system.

Abstract: A tristate light valve ball for an electrical twisting ball device composed of spheroidal balls rotatably disposed in an elastomer substrate. The ball is composed of segments arrayed substantially parallel to one another, each segment being adjacent to at least one other segment and to no more than two other segments. Adjacent segments are adjoined to one another at substantially planar interfaces. The segments include: a first, interior, nontransparent segment having a first optical modulation characteristic; a second exterior, transparent segment, adjacent to the first segment and having a second optical modulation characteristic; a third, interior, nontransparent segment having a third optical modulation characteristic; and a fourth, exterior, transparent segment adjacent to the third segment. For example, the ball can be made with a black first segment adjacent to a white third segment, surrounded on either side by clear second and fourth exterior segments.

Abstract: An electromagnetically operated, linearly sliding shutter is provided for a light source emanating from a fiber optic light guide, used for example, in a variable display such as those providing information to motorists on highways. For such a display a plurality of shutters in an array is provided with individual shutters being operable under computer control to occlude or allow passage of light in a predetermined pattern. The shutter may include a base unit having bores to hold the end of the fiber optic guide and control electromagnetic coils, and a shutter unit having a slide movable into and out of the path of light from the guide. The shutter unit may be sealed against entry of dust and dirt.

Abstract: A human/machine interface system that presents information in a three-dimensional and visual form and is optionally capable of receiving input.The Three-Dimensional Display comprises a display shape with visual displays that is movable to provide visual and three-dimensional representative imagery. An optional method for sensing input can be added to allow user interaction with the display.A number of these displays could be arrayed together and driven by appropriate circuitry to present to the user visual and physical representation upon which the user can act to communicate back to the machine.

Abstract: A method of repositioning mirror elements (10) of a digital micromirror device (DMD) that have become stuck in an "on" or an "off" position. The mirror element (10) is irradiated with a short high-energy pulse of visible light. The method may be easily performed during fabrication at the wafer level, and may be followed by a passivation step to prevent further sticking.

Abstract: A matrix-shaped display device with a display foil in which display elements are punched out in the form of tabs. The tabs are positioned in rows and columns, and depending on the desired display, can be positioned by a positioning device in front of or behind a strip having a contrasting color. The display elements are oriented alternately upward and downward from one row to the next. Pairs of oppositely oriented display elements support a strip.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator in the form of a deformable mirror device receives from a frame store data which has been formatted by a data formatter subsequent to gamma correction in a ROM look-up table. The DMD displays different light levels by being ON for selected periods of a series of durations 4, 8, 16, - - - , 1024 varying in proportion to a basic period multiplied by powers of two. The shortest duration 4 for which the DMD can be turned on is a multiple of the basic period, and the series includes additional durations 5, 6, and 7 in the series between the shortest displayable duration 4 and the next power of two 8. Durations 1, 2, and 3 of less than the shortest displayable duration can be displayed by adjusting the turn-on time of a proportion of the adjacent mirrors. The longest duration for which the mirror can be turned on can be employed twice.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed by which the effects of a defective electromechanical pixel 20 having a beam 30 and a hinge 32,34 are mitigated. These methods may damage the hinge 32,34 or the beam 30 and comprise the step of applying a voltage sufficient to damage the hinge 32,34 or beam 30 of said electromechanical pixel 20 by mechanical overstress, thermal overstress, electrochemical reaction, or thermally induced chemical reaction. Other methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for converting the visual and/or auditory into tactile representations includes imaging equipment for converting light and/or sounds, including spoken text, into electrical signals, processing equipment for processing the electrical signals, and a tactile display for converting processed electrical signals into tactile images. The tactile images are felt by the user enabling them to obtain visual or auditory information by touch about the world around them that would otherwise be obtained through vision and/or hearing.

Abstract: A large multicolor display apparatus displays pictures and animations of high quality with multiple colors. The apparatus is used for advertisement and information purposes. The apparatus comprises unit blocks, which are divided into a plurality of sections. In each of the sections, there is arranged a multicolor display element having a rotary color display member. The color of each unit block is determined by the multicolor display elements disposed in the unit block. Each of the unit blocks, therefore, can display multiple colors, to improve the quality of images displayed on the apparatus. Since the multicolor display elements can be prepared in small sizes, they operate at high speed to display animations and make the apparatus thinner and lighter.

Abstract: An improved error diffusion filter for a DMD display (10) includes both an inverse gamma LUT (Look-up Table) (51) and an Error LUT (Look-up Table) (82), both responsive to the raster scan red, green, or blue video data for when the video data calls for an intensity level different from the achievable level of a DMD device. The Error LUT (82) provides an error value for that difference. The error is distributed to neighboring DMD devices.

Abstract: A method of repairing mirror elements of a digital micromirror device (DMD) that have become stuck in an "on" position. The mirror element (10) is located and targeted with a laser beam. The wavelength, pulse duration, and power of the radiation is selected so that the mirror component (11) of the defective mirror element (10) will be ablated without affecting the underlying circuitry or neighboring mirror elements (10).

Abstract: A method and device for controlling the bias voltages for a split-reset spatial light modulator. Each block of the spatial light modulator can be individually controlled lowering the throughput needed to load each frame of data. Blocks are selected individually or in groups with the potential of providing one voltage condition on the selected blocks and a different voltage condition on the deselected blocks. One embodiment of the disclosed method comprises input latches and buffers 44, address decode logic 46 to determine the selected blocks, mode select logic 48 to determine the requested operation, delay circuitry 50 to minimize current loading, and level shifters 52 to convert logic signals to voltage levels appropriate to control the output drive circuitry 54.

Abstract: A large multicolor display apparatus displays pictures and animations of high quality with multiple colors. The apparatus is used for advertisement and information purposes. The apparatus comprises unit blocks, which are divided into a plurality of sections. In each of the sections, there is arranged a multicolor display element having a rotary color display member. The color of each unit block is determined by the multicolor display elements disposed in the unit block. Each of the unit blocks, therefore, can display multiple colors, to improve the quality of images displayed on the apparatus. Since the multicolor display elements can be prepared in small sizes, they operate at high speed to display animations and make the apparatus thinner and lighter.

Abstract: A large multicolor display apparatus displays pictures and animations of high quality with multiple colors. The apparatus is used for advertisement and information purposes. The apparatus comprises unit blocks, which are divided into a plurality of sections. In each of the sections, there is arranged a multicolor display element having a rotary color display member. The color of each unit block is determined by the multicolor display elements disposed in the unit block. Each of the unit blocks, therefore, can display multiple colors, to improve the quality of images displayed on the apparatus. Since the multicolor display elements can be prepared in small sizes, they operate at high speed to display animations and make the apparatus thinner and lighter.

Abstract: A method of implementing pulse-width modulated image display systems (10, 20) with a spatial light modulator (SLM) (15) configured for split-reset addressing. Display frame periods are divided into time slices. Each frame of data is divided into bit-planes, each bit-plane having one bit of data for each pixel element and representing a bit weight of the intensity value to be displayed by that pixel element. Each bit-plane has a display time corresponding to a number of time slices, with bit-planes of higher bit weights being displayed for more time slices. The bit-planes are further formatted into reset groups, each reset group corresponding to a reset group of the SLM (15). The display times for reset groups of more significant bits are segmented so that the data can be displayed in segments rather than for a continuous time. During loading, segments of corresponding bit-planes are temporally aligned from one reset group to the next.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator of the so-called deformable mirror device (DMD) type has an array of individual mirror ments (20) arranged in lines. The elements are individually driven to change their orientations. Portions (30) of the mirror ments are non-reflecting such as to divide the mirror elements into substantially equal portions forming a greater number of lines of narrower width, with a view to reducing the subjectively visible line structuring.

Abstract: A modulator for modulating incident rays of light, the modulator comprising a plurality of equally spaced apart beam elements, each of which includes a light reflective planar surface. The elements are arranged parallel to each other with their light reflective surfaces parallel to each other. The modulator includes means for supporting the beam elements in relation to one another and means for moving the beam elements relative to one another so that the beams move between a first configuration wherein the modulator acts to reflect the incident rays of light as a plane mirror, and a second configuration wherein the modulator diffracts the incident rays of light as they are reflected therefrom. At least one of the facing surfaces of the beam elements and underlying substrate is configured to reduce any tendency to stick as they are pulled together.

Abstract: A color display has a transparent cover glass having a color stripe filter; a translucent data film located in proximity to a face of the color stripe filter to overlap and display image information; a writing device for writing the information to the data film; an erasing device for erasing the written information from the data film; a writing-erasing controller for controlling operations of the writing and erasing devices; a winder for selectively feeding the data film in normal and reverse directions by forming the data film in a web shape, and winding the data film; a controller for controlling an operation of the winder; and an illuminating device for visualizing these information toward a viewer. In this color display, an image written to the data film can be completely erased rapidly and it is possible to obtain an image having a high quality and a very preferable contrast without any shift in image color.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display element and to its use in a display panel, and to a display system.This display element is generally in the form of a cube (32) and thus comprises four display faces of different color. This cube (32) is mounted so as to rotate on fixed shafts (34), in column C.sub.n and in row R.sub.m. These cubes include rotation means such as teeth and erasing means such as a recess.By virtue of the these rotation means such as teeth and these erasing means such as a recess, the rotating of a display element is simplified, and more foolproof and reliable, which improves the operation of the display panel made up of such display elements.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed by which the effects of a defective electromechanical pixel (20) having a beam (30) and a hinge (34,36) are mitigated. These methods may damage the hinge (34,36) or the beam (30) and comprise the step of applying a voltage sufficient to damage the hinge (34,36) or beam (30) of said electromechanical pixel (20) by mechanical overstress, thermal overstress, electrochemical reaction, or thermally induced chemical reaction. Other methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method of addressing a digital micromirror device (DMD) having an array of electromechanical pixels (20) comprising deflectable beams (30) wherein each of the pixels (20) assume one of two or more selected stable states according to a set of selective address voltages. A first step of the preferred method is electromechanically latching, by applying a bias voltage with an AC and a DC component to the array of pixels (20), each of the pixels (20) in one of the selected stable states. A second step is applying a new set of selective address voltages to all the pixels (20) in the array. A third step is electromechanically unlatching, by removing the bias voltage from the array, the pixels (20) from their previously addressed state. A fourth step is allowing the array of pixels (20) to assume a new state in accordance with the new set of selective address voltages.

Abstract: It is possible to replace a standard tuning unit in a television with spatial light modulator circuitry to improve the resolution seen by the viewer. The invention herein provides a system architecture, individual part of the system and techniques for minimizing the burst data rate while maintaining a reasonable system speed. The resultant system provides better resolution with a manageable data rate and bandwidth.

Abstract: A display system using a matrix of rotatable display elements is provided in which the optical states of the display elements can be read back to confirm that the matrix is portraying information correctly. The display system is arranged to automatically ameliorate the effect of detected non-operating display elements on the intelligibility of the message displayed.

Abstract: A modulator for modulating an incident beam of light, the modulator comprising a plurality of equally spaced-apart elements, each of which includes a light-reflective planar surface. The elements are arranged parallel to each other with their light-reflective surfaces parallel to each other. The modulator includes means for supporting the elements in relation to one another and means for moving particular ones of the elements relative to others so that the moved elements transit between a first configuration wherein the modulator acts to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second configuration wherein the modulator diffracts the light reflected therefrom. In operation the light-reflective surfaces of the elements remain parallel to each other in both the first and second configurations. The perpendicular spacing between the reflective surfaces of the respective elements is equal to m/4 .times.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed by which the effects of a defective electromechanical pixel (20) having a beam (30) and a hinge (34,36) are mitigated. These methods may damage the hinge (34,36) or the beam (30) and comprise the step of applying a voltage sufficient to damage the hinge (34,36) or beam (30) of said electromechanical pixel (20) by mechanical overstress, thermal overstress, electrochemical reaction, or thermally induced chemical reaction. Other methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method of addressing a digital micromirror device (DMD) having an array of electromechanical pixels (20) comprising deflectable beams (30) wherein each of the pixels (20) assume one of two or more selected stable states according to a set of selective address voltages. A first step of the preferred method is electromechanically latching, by applying a bias voltage with an AC and a DC component to the array of pixels (20), each of the pixels (20) in one of the selected stable states. A second step is applying a new set of selective address voltages to all the pixels (20) in the array. A third step is electromechanically unlatching, by removing the bias voltage from the array, the pixels (20) from their previously addressed state. A fourth step is allowing the array of pixels (20) to assume a new state in accordance with the new set of selective address voltages.

Abstract: The bistable deformable mirror device (DMD) used in a high-definition television (HDTV) application must be capable of supporting at least 128 grey levels, using pulse-width modulation. If the DMD is line-updated, then the minimum field time to support 128 grey levels cannot be achieved because of the time required to perform a resonant reset once each line. This disclosure shows how the DMD can be field-updated in order to achieve the minimum required field time.