Abstract: An electronic-ink based display tagging system including a plurality of programmable electronic-ink display tags, and a portable tag activation module for programming display indicia to be displayed on each electronic-ink display tag. Each electronic-ink display tag includes an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. Each electronic-ink display tag includes an antenna structure for receiving radio-frequency (RF) power signals transmitted by the portable tag activation module, and (ii) sending and/or receiving electromagnetic signals carrying information corresponding to one of instructions, programs, data or graphical indicia to be displayed by the addressable display assembly. Each electronic-ink display tag also includes an integrated circuit structure having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in electrical communication with the addressable display assembly.

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: An electronic menu display system for use in a restaurant, including a plurality of portable menus. Each portable menu includes an electronic-ink display label for displaying graphical indicia on the electronic-ink display label. One or more activation modules are located within the restaurant, for providing instructions employed in the determination of graphic indicia to be displayed on the electronic-ink display labels of said portable menus. The electronic-ink display label employs an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The electronic-ink display label includes an integrated circuit structure having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in communication with storage element. A signal receiving structure receives electromagnetic signals from the activation module, using the antenna structure.

Abstract: An electronic product price display system for installation in a retail environment. The system includes a plurality of electronic-ink display labels, associated with a plurality of consumer products stored in the retail environment. One or more activation modules are provided within the retail environment, for providing instructions employed in the determination of graphic indicia to be displayed on the electronic-ink display labels. Each electronic-ink display label employs an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The electronic-ink display label includes an integrated circuit structure having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in communication with storage element. A signal receiving structure receives electromagnetic signals from the activation module, using the antenna structure.

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: Methods and systems for writing and erasing electric writeable media are disclosed. An electric writeable medium may include a backplane electrode, a display layer including a plurality of elements and a top layer. The medium may further include a plurality of island electrodes. To enable writing to the medium, a stylus is charged to a positive voltage and the backplane electrode is grounded. The stylus is applied to the top layer and/or the island electrodes to deposit charge, which causes proximate elements to display a first color. If the top layer is a resistive layer, grounding the resistive layer and applying a positive voltage to the backplane electrode sufficient to change the displayed color of the elements erases the medium. If the top layer is a photoconductive layer, a light source is further required to enable the photoconductive layer to operate as an electrode when erasing the medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device and method of manufacturing the same. In one aspect, MEMS such as an interferometric modulator include one or more elongated interior posts and support rails supporting a deformable reflective layer, where the elongated interior posts are entirely within an interferometric cavity and aligned parallel with the support rails. In another aspect, the interferometric modulator includes one or more elongated etch release holes formed in the deformable reflective layer and aligned parallel with channels formed in the deformable reflective layer defining parallel strips of the deformable reflective layer.

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: 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: 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: A display device comprises a light guide and a movable element. By locally exerting a force on the movable element by means of selection means, optical contact between the movable element and the light guide can be brought about. Light emanates from the display device at the locations where optical contact takes place. Measures are taken to employ the force exerted by the selection means as efficiently as possible. This can be achieved by making the force act at the location where the optical contact takes place and/or by reducing other adhesive forces (caused, inter alia, by differences in pressure, static charging, surface stresses, van der Waals' forces and/or chemical forces).

Abstract: A display device according to this invention includes: a display panel (2) having plural pixels configured to display image information; plural driver circuits (10) configured to drive the plural pixels according to a video signal indicative of the image information which is inputted externally, the video signal being a radio signal; and plural wireless input portions (22) each configured to obtain a part of the video signal from the radio signal, wherein the plural driver circuits (10) are each configured to drive a part of the plural pixels according to the part of the video signal obtained by a respective one of the wireless input portions (22).

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: 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 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 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: 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: 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: A display system includes a spatial light modulator for displaying a image by the modulation state of a plurality of micromirrors, and a control device for controlling the spatial light modulator. The control device includes a data conversion device for converting the digital image data into non-binary data, and a modulation-control device for generating a modulation control signal for micromirrors depending on the non-binary data, and controlling the spatial light modulator. The modulation state of the micromirrors by the modulation control signal includes modulation by oscillation of the micromirrors. The modulation control signal controls amplitude of the oscillation to be smaller than the maximum amplitude of the micromirrors in the modulation by the oscillation of the micromirrors. The oscillation having smaller amplitude than the maximum amplitude of the micromirrors is repeated by the modulation control signal in an optional time duration or frequency.

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: 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 display device including a plurality of optical modulators and a plurality of filter elements on a reflective side of the plurality of optical modulators is provided. The plurality of optical modulators includes a first set of optical modulators and a second set of optical modulators. Each optical modulator of the plurality of optical modulators is configured to be selectively switched among at least a first state, a second state, and a third state. Each state has a different spectral reflectance. The plurality of filter elements includes a first set of filter elements corresponding to the first set of optical modulators and a second set of filter elements corresponding to the second set of optical modulators. The first set of filter elements has a different spectral transmittance than the second set of filter elements.

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: Charge Control Agents In Display Media. Use of charge control agents in display media comprising bichromal elements increases the ability to control translation and rotation of spherical elements in their cavities more precisely, thus yielding sharper and clearer images and longer life at lower applied voltages.

Abstract: To sequentially display pictures in a television signal, a first picture is separated into sets of red, green and blue segments, with each segment of each color interleaved with the segments of the other colors in a first sequence for display in that sequence. Each successive picture is likewise separated into sets of red, green and blue segments, which each segment of each color interleaved with the segments of the other colors in a shifted sequence for display in that sequence. Shifting the color sequence of the segments of each successive picture among the primary colors so at least the first and last segment of the occurrence of motion artifacts that manifest themselves as a color distortion at the leading and trailing edges of a moving object followed by a viewer's eye.

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: 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: 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: A method of tilting a micromirror includes forming a substrate, a micromirror outwardly from the substrate, and at least one electrode inwardly from the micromirror. The method further includes applying, by the at least one electrode, electrostatic forces sufficient to pivot the micromirror about a pivot point. In addition, the method includes providing the at least one electrode with a sloped outer surface. The sloped outer surface has a first end and a second end. The second end is closer to the pivot point than the first end, and the first end is closer to the substrate than the second end. The method also includes providing at least a portion of the at least one electrode with material properties that at least partially contribute to the sloped profile of the sloped outer surface.

Abstract: An interference modulator (Imod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or micro-fabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for the modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on a continuous web fed process.

Abstract: System and method for reducing failures due to hinge memory in a microdisplay display system. A preferred embodiment includes setting the state of each micromirror in a digital micromirror device based on an image being displayed, recording a usage history for the micromirrors, and providing a sequence of states to each micromirror when the display system is in an inactive mode. The sequence of states provided to a micromirror is based on the micromirror's usage history. The operation of the micromirrors while a display system containing the digital micromirror device is not in active use can help to reverse or eliminate hinge memory, thereby extending the lifetime of the digital micromirror device.

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: An optical system for projecting an image having x and y axes onto a image plane is provided. The system includes an SLM device spaced from the image plane, the SLM device having a plurality of pixels operable to project pixels of the image onto the image plane and positioned such that the individual pixels of the projected image are oriented at substantially 45 degrees relative to the x and y axes of the image. The system further includes an optic element disposed between the SLM device and the image plane and a linear displacement device operatively connected to and operable to selectively displace at least one of the SLM device and the optic element. A method for projecting an image onto a image plane is also provided.

Abstract: A display array which can reduce the row connections between the display and the driver circuit and methods of manufacturing and operating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a display device comprises an array of MEMS display elements and a plurality of voltage dividers coupled to the array and configured to provide row output voltages to drive the array, wherein each row is connected to at least two inputs joined by a voltage divider.

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: There is provided a micromirror, which is provided with a reflection mirror, a first pair of torsion bars formed to protrude from the reflection mirror, a first supporting frame that supports the reflection mirror such that the reflection mirror is torsionally rotatable about a first rotation axis via the first pair of torsion bars, a second pair of torsion bars formed to protrude from the first supporting frame in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the first pair of torsion bars are extended, and a second supporting frame that supports the first supporting frame such that the first supporting frame is torsionally rotatable about a second rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the first rotation axis via the second pair of torsion bars. In this configuration, each of the second pair of torsion bars includes two separate conductive members.

Abstract: An electrophoretic device according to the present invention comprises electrophoretic dispersion including a liquid-phase dispersion medium and electrophoretic particles dispersed therein, in which the positions of the electrophoretic particles are controlled in accordance with an electric field applied thereto. In addition, the electrophoretic device further has a first means for applying a first voltage so that a first dispersion state of the electrophoretic particles is changed into a second dispersion state and a second means for applying a second voltage so that the second dispersion state is substantially sustained. The electrophoretic device described above has superior image-sustaining properties.

Abstract: A three-dimensional rendering device may project an image on a movable display through a collimating device, which collimates the rays from the display into a narrow solid angle. The narrow solid angle may allow the rays from the display to be projected only to a viewer located at a particular position relative to the display. As the display moves, the information displayed may change to be that appropriate for the particular position, so that a three-dimensional image of the object may be perceived by the viewer as the viewer changes positions around the three-dimensional rendering device.

Abstract: An optical switching element having a simple configuration and high response and capable of performing gradation display by area gradation is provided. In a state where a light extracting portion is in contact with an upper substrate, light enters the light extracting portion from the upper substrate, emits from the back face of the light extracting portion, is passed through a lower substrate, and becomes transmission light. In a state where the light extracting portion is attracted by the lower substrate side, the incident light is totally reflected by a total reflection face, and total reflection light emits from a V-shaped groove. The incident light can be switched in two directions and obtained as the transmission light and the total reflection light.

Abstract: A light modulator is arranged as array of rows and columns of interferometric display elements. Each element is divided into sub-rows of sub-elements. Array connection lines transmit operating signals to the display elements, with one connection line corresponding to one row of display elements in the array. Sub-array connection lines electrically connect to each array connection line. Switches transmit the operating signals from each array connection line to the sub-rows to effect gray scale modulation.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator includes a first region and a second region. A light-absorbing layer contacts at least a portion of the second region. The light absorbing layer includes a first layer and a second layer, the second layer having a reflectivity less than about 75%.

Abstract: In a method for increasing the native resolution of a spatial light modulator, the light-modulating elements of the spatial light modulator are illuminated with spots of light that are smaller in size than the light-modulating elements. The spots of light are moved to different positions with respect to the light-modulating elements as different data are displayed. The light-modulating elements thus do double-duty (or triple-duty, or quadruple-duty, or more) as the spots of light are moved to different positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for creating a pattern on a workpiece sensitive to radiation, such as a photomask a display panel or a microoptical device. The apparatus comprises a source for emitting electromagnetic radiation, a spatial modulator having multitude of modulating elements (pixels), adapted to being illuminated by said radiation, and a projection system creating an image of the modulator on the workpiece.

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: A spatial light modulator has a substrate; a movable member which is disposed so as to hang across the substrate in a displaceable manner and has a conductive section provided in at least a portion of the movable member; an optical function film which follows mechanical displacement of the movable member and is fixed to the same; and a drive fixed electrode which is disposed outside a range of mechanical displacement of the movable member and displaces and drives the movable member. Electrostatic attractive force is generated between the movable member and the driving fixed electrode by applying a drive voltage between the conductive section of the movable member and the driving fixed electrode, thereby displacing and driving the movable member, bringing the same into a stationary state in a non-contacting manner, and modulating light radiated on the optical function film.

Abstract: A light modulator is arranged as an array of rows and columns of interferometric display elements. Each element is divided into sub-rows of sub-elements. Array connection lines transmit operating signals to the display elements, with one connection line corresponding to one row of display elements in the array. Sub-array connection lines electrically connect to each array connection line. Switches transmit the operating signals from each array connection line to the sub-rows to effect gray scale modulation.