Abstract: Operating methods of an array of electromechanical pixels resulting in efficient and reliable operation of light modulating elements. The invention simplifies the design of electromechanical light modulators and permits the construction of large size displays with greater mechanical tolerances on glass substrates.

Abstract: To conserve communication channel bandwidth, video information must often be compressed in low bandwidth environments. To significantly reduce bandwidth usage, a first disclosed embodiment proposes transmits a reduced color depth image initially and then later transmitting additional color depth information when the image becomes static. In this manner, a reduced color image is displayed when an image is dynamic but a full color image is displayed when the image becomes static. Note that the additional color information is transmitted only when bandwidth is has become less utilized since updated image information is no longer being transmitted since the image has become static. The additional color depth information may be stored in the same buffer or within a different buffer in the receiving system. A second embodiment delays additional color depth information and also spatially reduces the additional color depth information.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a micro-shutter including first and second electrodes, a latch circuit including first and second input nodes, and first and second output nodes to receive an operation voltage and a common voltage, a capacitor including a first electrode and a second electrode applied with a shutter voltage, a first switching device applying a data signal to the first electrode of the capacitor in response to a gate signal, and a second switching device applying the voltage of the first electrode of the capacitor to the first input node of the latch circuit in response to an update voltage.

Abstract: Embodiments of an interferometric modulator are disclosed having various enhancements and features including a conductive bus. In certain embodiments, the interferometric modulator has a first conductive layer suspended over a second electrode layer. In certain embodiments, a second conductive layer is provided over the first conductive layer. One of the first and/or second conductive buses may further connect to the first electrode layer and/or the second electrode layer. Other disclosed features can be incorporated into embodiments of the interferometric modulator to improve response time, power consumption, and image resolution.

Abstract: A display device comprising a light guide (12), a front plate (14), and an intermediate electromechanically operable foil (16). Two electrode layers (22, 23) are arranged on either side of the foil (16) to induce electrostatic forces on the foil (16) and to bring selected portions of the foil into contact with the light guide (12), thereby extracting light from the light guide (12). The second electrode layer (22) is arranged on the opposite side of the light guide (12) with reference to the foil (16), and separated from the light guide (12) by means of a refractive layer (28). As no electrode layer is required on the light guide itself, the light path of rays extracted from the light guide is cleaner, and the absorption of light is reduced. The light guide can have a thickness such that the light extracted from the light guide per unit length is sufficient to allow for line-at-a-time addressing.

Abstract: An optical writing display apparatus that performs: applying to a pair of electrodes a first voltage having a first polarity that applies a first partial voltage to a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, the first partial voltage being more than a threshold at which the state of the cholesteric liquid crystal layer changes from focal conic to homeotropic when the exposure is conducted, and exposing an photoconductive layer to light; stopping applying the first voltage for a predetermined time and exposing the photoconductive layer to light; applying a second voltage having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity that applies a second partial voltage to the cholesteric liquid crystal layer, the second partial voltage being not more than the above threshold when the exposure is not conducted, but more than the above threshold when the exposure is conducted; and selectively exposing the photoconductive layer to light and stopping applying the second voltage.

Abstract: In an organic light emitting diode display including a first pixel and a second pixel that are associated with respective different colors, each of the first and second pixels being for displaying its associated color, each of the first and second pixels includes: a first electrode; a second electrode facing the first electrode; and a light emitting member formed between the first electrode and the second electrode; wherein the light emitting member of the first pixel includes: at least two light-emitting elements for emitting light of the color associated with the first pixel; and a charge generation layer between the at least two light-emitting elements; and wherein the second pixel has fewer light-emitting elements than the first pixel.

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: An apparatus and method for driving a display a display. Two switches for each common line are used to couple the common line to a respective first and second hold voltage supply lines. A third switch for each common line is used to couple the common line to a drive line. A waveform generator is used to generate the driving waveform on the drive line.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming images on a display utilizing a control matrix to control the movement of MEMs-based light modulators.

Abstract: A control method for controlling an electro-optical device is disclosed. When an image in a display section is rewritten from a first image to a second image, a drive section is controlled such that voltage corresponding to the first gray level is applied to a first pixel whose gray level to be displayed changes from a second gray level to a first gray level, voltage corresponding to the first gray level is applied to a second pixel having two or more sides adjacent to pixels displayed in the second gray level when the first image is displayed, among pixels whose gray level to be displayed does not change and remains in the first gray level, and voltage is not applied to a third pixel, other than the second pixel, among the pixels whose gray level to be displayed does not change and remains in the first gray level.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEMS) device includes a substrate, a movable element over the substrate, and an actuation electrode above the movable element. The movable element includes a deformable layer and a reflective element. The deformable layer is spaced from the reflective element.

Abstract: Provided is a light blocking display device of an electric field driving type, including a barrier layer (150) including a plurality of driving holes (151) and having a first surface and a second surface, driving bodies (101) which are inserted into the driving holes (151) and have charges, a pixel electrode (120) formed on the first surface of the barrier layer (150), and a common electrode (22) formed on the second surface of the barrier layer (150), wherein the area of a cross section parallel to the first and second surfaces of the driving holes (151) is gradually changed from the first surface to the second surface.

Abstract: A driving method and a transreflective display apparatus are provided herein. In the driving method, a plurality of voltage-to-transparency curves are provided. An ambient light intensity of the display apparatus is detected for determining a display mode, wherein the display mode is either a transmissive mode or a reflective mode. Next, one of the voltage-to-transparency curves is selected according to the display mode and the ambient light intensity for driving the display apparatus. Therefore, by referring a proper voltage-to-transparency curve to drive the display apparatus, the display quality of the display apparatus can be enhanced.

Abstract: A multi-state light modulator comprises a first reflector. A first electrode is positioned at a distance from the first reflector. A second reflector is positioned between the first reflector and the first electrode. The second reflector is movable between an undriven position, a first driven position, and a second driven position, each having a corresponding distance from the first reflector. In one embodiment, the three positions correspond to reflecting white light, being non-reflective, and reflecting a selected color of light. Another embodiment is a method of making the light modulator. Another embodiment is a display including the light modulator.

Abstract: A method for sensing the actuation and/or release voltages of a electromechanical system or 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: Another embodiment has a method of driving a display device including an array of MEMS elements is disclosed. The MEMS elements are characterized by a preferred set of drive potential differences including preferred positive and preferred negative actuation potential differences, preferred positive and preferred negative hold potential differences, and a preferred release potential difference, where the preferred set of drive potential differences is symmetric about a voltage differing from 0V by an offset ?V. Another embodiment has a reduced set of supply voltages are used, while maintaining the charge balancing effects of applying potential differences of opposite polarity without visible artifacts.

Abstract: Bi-stable display systems and driving methods thereof are presented. The bi-stable display system includes a bi-stable display panel having at least one substrate, at least one electrode disposed on the substrate, and a bi-stable display medium between the at least one electrode, wherein the at least one electrode extends to pluralities of electrode pads on the at least one side of peripheral regions. A data input device for inputting display data to the bi-stable display panel includes a plurality of input terminals corresponding to the electrode pads of the bi-stable display panel. A trigger device detects relative movement between the bi-stable display panel and the data input device and generates a trigging signal to shift data address in a data shifter, thereby renewing image data in the bi-stable display panel.

Abstract: A micromirror device includes an elastic hinge for supporting a mirror on a substrate, and an address electrode for deflecting the mirror. The device further includes a protective layer and an oriented monolayer laid to cover a stopper also functioning as an address electrode provided below the mirror and between the mirror and the substrate.

Abstract: A voltage control circuit which can prevent the occurrence of imprint phenomenon is provided. In a voltage control circuit which applies voltage to a pair of electrodes including a first and a second electrode, a control unit switches the voltage applied to the pair of electrodes, in response to an operation mode of this circuit. In a normal mode, the control unit fixedly applies a first voltage to the first electrode and applies a data voltage of the first voltage or the second voltage to the second electrode, based on an instruction from the control unit. In an inversion mode, the second voltage is fixedly applied to the first electrode, and the data voltage of the first voltage or second voltage is applied to the second electrode. The control unit switches the mode between the normal mode and the inversion mode, in a predetermined cycle.

Abstract: Anti-stiction systems may include one or more anti-stiction electrodes driven to provide an electrical force that counteracts a stiction force acting upon a moveable portion of an interferometric modulator. The anti-stiction electrode(s) may be disposed on a back glass or on another such substrate. The anti-stiction electrode(s) may be configured to apply an electrical force to substantially all of the interferometric modulators in a display device at once and/or may be configured to apply an electrical force only to a selected area. In some embodiments, the sum of an anti-stiction electrical force and a mechanical restoring force of a moveable part of an interferometric modulator is sufficient to counteract a stiction force.

Abstract: A composite display may include a paddle configured to sweep out an area and a plurality of pixel elements mounted on the paddle. Selectively activating one or more of the plurality of pixel elements while the paddle sweeps the area may cause at least a portion of an image to be rendered. A characteristic of at least one pixel element of the plurality of pixel elements that is associated with balancing luminance across the composite display associated with the paddle may be based, at least in part, on a radial distance of the one pixel element from an axis of rotation of the paddle.

Abstract: Interferometric modulators include a movable mirror that is actuated by voltage applied to a plurality of electrodes relative to at least one other electrode, to define a cavity relative to a partially reflective mirror formed by a top plate. The depth of the cavity determines a bandwidth of light that is modulated by internal reflections within the cavity and which interferes with light that is reflected from a partially reflective mirror on the top plate, producing a desired reflected color of light for the modulator. Variations in manufacturing and material characteristics can cause the movable mirror to tilt relative to the partially reflective mirror, which degrades the modulation accuracy. To compensate, different voltages can be applied to the plurality of electrodes. The voltage can be determined at time of manufacture and stored in non-volatile memory, for use when the modulator is actuated during use.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a driving method of an electrophoresis display device includes an image-erasing step in which an old image displayed on the displaying section of the electrophoresis display device is erased. The image-erasing step of the driving method of the electrophoresis display device further includes a first image-erasing sub step of displaying a first gradation in each of the pixels of a first area and displaying a second gradation in each of the pixels of a second area; and a second image-erasing sub step of displaying the second gradation in each of the pixels of the first area and displaying the first gradation in each of the pixels of the second area.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for generating the color white in displays created from interferometric modulators and more specifically, to the generation of the color white through the use of reflected light at two wavelengths. In one embodiment, a display device displays the color white. The color white is generated by reflecting light from two pluralities of interferometric modulator types. The first modulator type reflects colored light at a specific wavelength. The second modulator type reflects colored light selected to be at a wavelength complementary to the first. The combined light reflected from the two types appears white in the display.

Abstract: The present invention provides a various methods, systems and devices for controlling light modulating elements and/or spatial light modulators. In some embodiments of the present invention, a recursive feedback method is used to control light modulating elements and/or spatial light modulators.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods to improve SLMs, in particular to reflecting micromechanical SLMs, for applications with simple system architecture, high precision, high power handling capability, high throughput, and/or high optical processing capability. Applications include optical data processing, image projection, lithography, image enhancement, holography, optical metrology, coherence and wavefront control, and adaptive optics. A particular aspect of the invention is the achromatization of diffractive SLMs so they can be used with multiple wavelengths sequentially, simultaneously or as a result of spectral broadening in very short pulses.

Abstract: An optical device suitable for forming a pixel in a video display. The optical device includes a first layer having a first refractive index; a second layer over the first layer, the second layer having a second refractive index less than the first refractive index; and a third layer over the second layer, the third layer having a third refractive index larger than the second refractive index; and a fourth layer that is at least partially optically absorptive, wherein the optical stack and the fourth layer are a first distance from one another when the device is in a first state and are a second distance from one another when the device is in a second state, the first distance different from the second distance.

Abstract: A remotely-alterable electronic-ink based display device for displaying graphical indicia within a GPS system transmitting a plurality of GPS signals to the device display device. The device employs an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The device includes an integrated circuit structure having a GPS signal receiver, a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in electrical communication with the addressable display assembly and an antenna structure. A signal transmitting structure transmits signals from the antenna structure to the remote activator module. A signal receiving structure receives electromagnetic signals from the remote activator module, using the antenna structure. An on-board battery power structure, operably connected to the integrated circuit structure, supplies electrical power the integrated circuit structure.

Abstract: An organic light emitting diode display and an aging method thereof are presented. The method provides the organic light emitting diode display with improved reliability as a progressive dark defect is removed, and the lifetime and the white balance of the organic light emitting diode display is secured by executing an aging treatment of high luminance using a pixel circuit including an aging circuit for supplying the organic light emitting diode with an aging pulse.

Abstract: In an information display panel, in which one or more groups of display media having light reflectance and charge characteristic, constituted by at least one group of particles, are sealed between opposed two substrates, at least one substrate being transparent, and, in which the display media, to which an electrostatic field is applied, are made to move so as to display information, in order to seal a space between one substrate and the other substrate, a gap-space maintaining member is formed at either one or both of an outer side and an inner side with respect to a sealing-agent arranging portion arranged at an outer peripheral portion of an information display region of the panel.

Abstract: A light scan device which forces a beam light depending on an image signal to scan, including: a light source part for supplying the beam light; and a scanning part for forcing the beam light from the light source part to scan an illumination-target region in a first direction and a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, wherein the scanning part is driven so that a frequency with which the beam light is forced to scan in the first direction is higher than a frequency with which the beam light is forced to scan in the second direction, and a spot formed on the illumination-target region by the beam light has a form with a shorter size in the first direction than in the second direction.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output circuit including a first output unit supplying a first voltage, a second output unit supplying a second voltage, a switching unit selectively outputting, to an output end, the first voltage from the first output unit and the second voltage from the second output unit, a detection unit detecting a voltage of the output end, and a control unit controlling one of the first voltage and the second voltage on the basis of the voltage detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: One embodiment includes display comprising a light modulator configured to display a portion of an image such as a reflective light modulator, a light emitter configured to display the portion of the image and a circuit configured to selectively provide signals to at least one of the light modulator and the light emitter indicative of the portion of the image. In one such embodiment, an active matrix provides a simple, efficient drive for such devices. Other embodiments methods of making and driving such devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods of displaying an end-of-life image on an electronic display are disclosed. An end-of-life image is displayed on a MEMS display device in the presence of sufficient water vapor and without continued activation of the display. The image can be displayed in response to user input, in response to detection of a predefined level of water vapor within the display package, according to a prestored lifetime of the device, or according to the natural expiration of the lifetime of the display device and packaging.

Abstract: A display element, such as an interferometric modulator, comprises a transparent conductor configured as a first electrode and a movable mirror configured as a second electrode. Advantageously, the partial reflector is positioned between the transparent conductor and the movable mirror. Because the transparent conductor serves as an electrode, the partial reflector does not need to be conductive. Accordingly, a greater range of materials may be used for the partial reflector. In addition, a transparent insulative material, such as a dielectric, may be positioned between the transparent conductor and the partial reflector in order to decrease a capacitance of the display element without changing a gap distance between the partial reflector and the movable mirror. Thus, a capacitance of the display element may be reduced without changing the optical characteristics of the display element.

Abstract: A full color range analog controlled interferometric modulation device is provided. The device includes a transparent substrate, and a transparent fixed-position electrically conductive electrode with a bottom surface overlying the substrate. A transparent spacer overlies the fixed-position electrode, and an induced absorber overlies the spacer. An optically reflective electrically conductive moveable membrane overlies the induced absorber. A cavity is formed between the induced absorber and the moveable membrane having a maximum air gap dimension less than the spacer thickness. In one aspect, the distance from the top surface of the fixed-position electrode to a cavity lower surface is at least twice as great as the cavity maximum air gap dimension. In another aspect, at least one anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer is interposed between the substrate and the fixed-position electrode, and at least one ARC layer is interposed between the fixed-position electrode and the spacer.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof which allow a component to be replaced and repaired simply, rapidly, and stably are provided. The display apparatus comprises a main body which accommodates a light source part, and comprises a display element which displays an image using light emitted from the light source part; an element panel which accommodates the display element; a front cover which is coupled to the main body and provided with a panel mounting part to which the element panel is detachably coupled; and an element driving board which is coupled to the front cover, is opposite to the main body, interposes the front cover between the element driving board and the main body, and is electrically connected with the display element.

Abstract: An interferometric light modulating device having two viewing surfaces is provided. In some embodiments, the device can generate two distinct images, one on each side of the device, simultaneously.

Abstract: Embodiments of an interferometric modulator are disclosed having various enhancements and features including a conductive bus. In certain embodiments, the interferometric modulator has a first conductive layer suspended over a second electrode layer. In certain embodiments, a second conductive layer is provided over the first conductive layer. One of the first and/or second conductive buses may further connect to the first electrode layer and/or the second electrode layer. Other disclosed features can be incorporated into embodiments of the interferometric modulator to improve response time, power consumption, and image resolution.

Abstract: A micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) electro optical modulator (2) having an electrically tuneable optical resonator comprising an asymmetric Fabry-Perot etalon incorporating a mirror (10) resiliency biased with respect to a substrate (13) and moveable in relation thereto in response to a voltage applied there-between. The optical modulator (2) is capable of modulating electromagnetic radiation having a plurality of wavelengths. The modulator is adapted to modulate the transmission of short wave infrared radiation (SWIR), medium wave infrared radiation (MWIR) and long wave infrared radiation (LWIR) and the reflection of visible radiation. A spatial optical modulator having a plurality of said MOEMS optical modulators (2). A method of addressing said spatial optical modulator.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a spatial light modulator includes a plurality of pixel elements disposed on a substrate. Each of the pixel elements comprises a deflectable micromirror. Specifically, instead of SRAM, the spatial light modulator is implemented with a DRAM in each of the pixel elements. The DRAM in each of the pixel elements has a smaller number of transistors than SRAM. The spatial light modulator can be manufactured with smaller pixel size and circuit configuration with improved withstand voltage. Further improvements can also be achieved for manufactured the spatial light modulator with smaller capacitor with better layout configuration for wire connections and control signal transmissions.

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: Various embodiments include interferometric optical modulators comprising a substrate layer having a thickness between about 0.1 mm to about 0.45 mm thick and a method for manufacturing the same. The interferometric modulator can be integrated together with a diffuser in a display device. The thin substrate permits use of a thicker diffuser. The thinner substrate may increase resolution and reduce overall thickness of the interferometric modulator. The thicker diffuser may provide increased diffusion and durability.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEMS) device includes a substrate, a movable element over the substrate, and an actuation electrode above the movable element. The movable element includes a deformable layer and a reflective element. The deformable layer is spaced from the reflective element.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic paper display device and a method of manufacturing the same. An electronic paper display device according to an aspect of the invention may include: first and second electrodes facing each other; an elastomer matrix provided between the first and second electrodes and having one or more protrusions spaced apart at predetermined intervals therebetween; and one or more rotary bodies having optical and electrical anisotropy and being disposed within each of the protrusions. An electronic paper display device according to an aspect of the invention includes rotary bodies being densely arranged with a small thickness, thereby improving a contrast ratio and requiring relatively low driving voltage. Furthermore, predetermined intervals within an elastomer matrix provide a space in which the elastomer matrix can be bent, thereby increasing flexibility.

Abstract: Embodiments of exemplary MEMS interferometric modulators are arranged at intersections of rows and columns of electrodes. In certain embodiments, the column electrode has a lower electrical resistance than the row electrode. A driving circuit applies a potential difference of a first polarity across electrodes during a first phase and then quickly transition to applying a bias voltage having a polarity opposite to the first polarity during a second phase. In certain embodiments, an absolute value of the difference between the voltages applied to the row electrode is less than an absolute value of the difference between the voltages applied to the column electrode during the first and second phases.

Abstract: A method of operating a semiconductor device, a semiconductor device and a digital micromirror system are presented. In an embodiment, the semiconductor device comprises a grounded substrate, a memory array, and a reset driver. The memory array may be isolated from the grounded substrate with a buried layer. The set of voltages of the memory array may be shifted with respect to a reset voltage. The reset driver may drive the reset voltage and the reset driver may have at least one extended drain transistor in the grounded substrate.

Abstract: A method for increasing intensity resolution (bit-depth) using LED illumination. A preferred embodiment comprises determining a display time for a bit to be displayed on a display system, with the display time being based upon a weighting of the bit. If the display time is less than a minimum display time of the display system, then a light modulator and light source modulation are to be used to display the bit. If the display time is equal to or greater than the minimum display time, then a light modulator is to be used to display the bit. The use of a light source that can switch at a faster rate than the light modulator can change states and/or a light source that can produce light at multiple intensities can permit the display of less light and thereby increase the bit-depth of the display system.

Abstract: Systems and methods of displaying an end-of-life image on an electronic display are disclosed. An end-of-life image is displayed on a MEMS display device in the presence of sufficient water vapor and without continued activation of the display. The image can he displayed in response to user input, in response to detection of a predefined level of water vapor within the display package, according to a prestored lifetime of the device, or according to the natural expiration of the lifetime of the display device and packaging.