Abstract: A static diffracting grating display system provides a fixed image representing high digital content information. A plurality of physical diffracting features are fixed into the surface of a substrate. The diffracting features are positioned and oriented to selectively diffract or reflect a first incident beam of light which is then collected by a first display optical system. For color, preferably three light sources, red, green and blue, are used to form three incident beams of light. The period between adjacent ones of the diffracting features can be adjusted to appropriately form full-color image from the collected light. Preferably the diffracting features are formed by embossing a deformable substrate. Where the material of the deformable substrate is not reflective, a reflective coating is then applied. In some circumstances a protective overcoat applied over the reflective surface to obviate scratches or other damage to the diffracting features of the embossed surface.

Abstract: A method of generating a color wheel index signal for use in a display system (10) that uses a spatial light modulator (14) and a color wheel (15). The index signal is compared to a reference signal associated with an input image signal so that the color wheel and the data being displayed can be synchronized (FIG. 2). The index signal is generated by placing a color-sensitive photodetector (14a) in close proximity to the spatial light modulator (14). Light filtered through the color wheel (15) illuminates both the spatial light modulator (14) and the photodetector (14a). The photodetector (14a) responds to color transitions in the filtered light, generating a pulse in response to each transition to the color to which it is sensitive.

Abstract: A method of increasing the brightness of a pulse width modulation display system. Image bits are displayed during display periods having a non-binary relationship. The display period of an object bit 902 is set equal to a minimum data load time, and the display periods of all other bits are initially set to have a binary relationship with the object bit. The display periods of at least one non-object bit 904, 906, 908 are then reduced in order to reduce the total frame time to no more than the available useable frame time 910. Preferably, only the display periods of bit of significance greater than the object bit are reduced. The reduction of display periods is guided by Weber's law, in order to prevent the non-binary steps from being noticeable or objectionable to the viewer.

Abstract: A processing system for a spatial light modulator in the form of an array of deformable mirror devices receives a gamma-corrected, color component, video input signal. The input signal is converted to pixel data which is then converted to RGB data. A de-gamma processor removes all or part of the gamma-correction of the pixel data to match the data to the form of the spatial light modulator.

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: In classic optical rendering systems, the spot, illuminating a microdot on the photosensitive medium, is designed to overlap with neighboring microdots, typically having an overlap of 1.7 times the pitch of the microdots, for a luminous intensity of 1/e.sup.2 the highest intensity. A "sharp" photosensitive medium, such as a photographic film used in graphical applications, generates a binary circle, obtainable by thresholding. The area of such a circle is too large, which results in higher dot gain.Many systems, such as electrographic systems, do not behave as a "sharp" medium. If intermediate energy levels are used, in order to obtain continuous tone or multiple density levels, thresholding behavior may be avoided by appropriate choice of energy levels. Such a different sensitometry results in specific requirements for the energy distribution for each microdot.

Abstract: A sequential color display system (10) suited to receive data (20) at different rates without discarding or filtering video data. The mismatch of bandwidths between the input source video data and the output sequential color display is accommodated by retaining a modified synchronous operation. A color wheel (50) having a plurality of segments is utilized whereby the input frame rate in reference to the color wheel rate is always a ratio of integers. Using a digital micromirror device (44) spatial light modulator, no mixing of frame-to-frame bit planes is required during a colored segment. In the preferred embodiment, the ratio of integers is 7-to-6 for a 50 hertz input, such as a PAL system, or a 5-to-6 ratio for a 72 hertz input. The color wheel is maintained at about a 60 hertz rate.

Abstract: A baseline display system (10) is capable of receiving different types of input signals, analog or digital, having different horizontal and vertical input resolutions. The system uses serial video processors (SVPs) (33, 34, 43, 83) that have a given input size and spatial light modulators (SLMs) (18) that have a given output (display) resolution- The baseline system (10) is configurable to meet bandwidth requirements for displaying real time images on SLMs of increasing resolution. Data is decimated (downscaled) when appropriate to fit the SVP input size (FIGS. 4 and 8) and upscaled, vertically or horizontally, when appropriate to fit the SLM display resolution (FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 8). Four systems (20, 50, 60, 90) , each appropriate for a different SLM resolution are described.

Abstract: A method of controlling the display period of video data, and system thereof, that matches the frame period of displayed video data to the speed of a color wheel. The period of the color wheel is measured to determine the display period. An optimum frame sequence pattern is selected, based on the display period, to minimize the artifacts created in the displayed image while maximizing the portion of the frame period used to display the image data. The display period for each segment of the frame sequence pattern is scaled to fit the period of the color wheel, and each bit of the image data is loaded into the spatial light modulator and displayed at the proper time.

Abstract: A high intensity light modulator includes a micro-mirror light valve target with electrostatically-repelled micro-mirror elements. Each micro-mirror of the target array comprises a base electrode and an overlying micro-mirror element. In operation, charge is deposited upon the micro-mirrors to produce repulsive electrostatic forces that outwardly deflect the micro-mirror elements by an amount proportional to the deposited charge. In one embodiment, an array of micro-mirror light valves is formed directly upon the face plate of a vidicon tube and is addressed using a scanning electron gun.

Abstract: Methods of reducing artifacts in SLM-based display systems (10, 20), whose images are based on data displayed by bit-weight for pulse-width modulated intensity levels. A first method is suitable for systems (20) that use multiple SLMs (14) to concurrently display images of different colors, which are combined at the image plane. The data for each color are staggered in time (FIG. 4). A second method is suitable for either multiple SLM systems (20) or for systems (10) that use a single SLM (14) and a color wheel (17) to display differently colored images sequentially. The data for each color is arranged in a different data sequence (FIG. 5). In either method, the intensity transitions do not occur at the same time.

Abstract: A full color projection system is disclosed herein. The projection system includes a means for generating a first light beam and also a means for generating a second light beam. These means may include either separate light sources 10a and 10b or a single light source 10 and a means for dividing the light source into the first and second light beams. In two examples, the means for dividing may include either a dichroic color wheel 40 or a color splitting prism 52. When a color splitting prism is used, they prisms are separated by an air gas where the distance of the air gap is determined by the size of spacer balls suspended in an adhesive between the two prisms. The first light beam will be modulated by a first spatial light modulator 30a and the second light beam will be modulated by a second spatial light modulator 30b. These spatial light modulators 30a and 30b are preferably, but not in necessarily digital micromirror devices.

Abstract: A system and technique for directing intensity modulated electromagnetic energy. The inventive system (10) includes an intensity modulated source of electromagnetic energy (12). Individual elements (22) in an array of energy directing elements (15) are activated in sync with the modulation of energy source (12). In a particular implementation, the source (12) is a laser. The intensity of the laser is reduced during each successive field per frame. The energy directing elements (15), in this case--light directing elements, are implemented with an array of digital micromirrors. The light source (12) is modulated in intensity in accordance with a fixed modulation scheme. The mirrors (22) are selectively activated relative to the light source modulation scheme. Hence, the invention provides a gray scale output while allowing the time between mirror flips to be constant.

Abstract: A projector to be simple and capable of being miniaturized. White light is decomposed by a color decomposition/composition device into red light, green light, and blue light, which are incident to a first, second, and third mirror deflection type light modulators and first effective reflected light to third effective reflected light obtained by the first, second, and third mirror deflection type light modulators are composed together, so that color decomposition/composition can be performed by the color decomposition/composition device eliminating the necessity of separately provided color decomposition and composition optical systems, and consequently it is possible to construct the optical system with ease, thereby realizing a projector which is simple and can be miniaturized.

Abstract: A projection system includes a light source (16) and a prism assembly (41) including at least one air gap (45) effective both to deflect incident light on to at least one reflective spatial light modulator (10), and to transmit modulated light produced by the spatial light modulator (10).

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital micromirror device (DMD) based projector in which the position of a stylus with respect to a projected image can be determined automatically. In one embodiment, the stylus includes a detector capable of detecting illumination from a single pixel and the plurality of pixels in the DMD array are sequentially energized until a pixel reflects light to the stylus detector. Since the location of that pixel is known, the position of the stylus adjacent that pixel on the image is also known. In another embodiment, light is emitted from the stylus and the DMD array is sequenced in order to reflect light from the array to a photodetector. Again, when a pixel is sequenced so as to reflect light to the detector, the position of the stylus with respect to the image is related to the image of the pixel with respect to the pixel's location in the array.

Abstract: A light valve modulator of reflective operation which includes a multi-layer structure which is controlled electrostatically, comprises a transparent substrate supporting a first transparent deformable layer and a second insulating dielectric deformable layer, with a mirror layer sandwiched between, and a third, dielectric insulating layer on the outside of the second layer, at least one of the layers between the second layer and the substrate being electrically conductive, and the third dielectric layer being capable of receiving an electric charge pattern by means of one or more electron beams, whereby the mirror layer is locally deformed by electrostatic forces occurring between the third layer and the conductive layer.The twin deformably layers allow good sensitivity, while the outside dielectric layer which receives charge from an electron beam protects the deformable layers from electron bombardment and the cathode from outgassing.

Abstract: The thin film AMA has a substrate, an actuator, a common line, and a reflecting member. The substrate has an electrical wiring and a connecting terminal and the actuator has a supporting layer, a bottom electrode, a top electrode, and an active layer. The common line is formed on a portion of actuator and is connected to top electrode. The electrical wiring and connecting terminal may not be damaged because actuator is formed on a portion of substrate adjacent to the portion where electrical wiring and connecting terminal are formed. The voltage drop of a second signal can be minimized because common line is formed thickly on a portion of actuator, so a sufficient second signal is applied to top electrode. The flatness of reflecting member may be enhanced because reflecting member is formed on a second sacrificial layer.

Abstract: A method for electrically connecting a thin film electrode with a connecting terminal on an active matrix in a thin film actuated mirror includes the steps of: forming a thin film sacrificial layer having an empty cavity on top of the active matrix, wherein the empty cavity encompasses the connecting terminal; forming an elastic layer on top of the thin film sacrificial layer including the empty cavity; creating a hole on the elastic layer, the hole exposing the connecting terminal and having inner surfaces; forming the thin film electrode on top of the elastic layer including the inner surfaces of the hole to thereby establish an electrical connection between the thin film electrode to the connecting terminal; and filling the hole with an insulating material. The insulating material prevents the thin film electrodes in each of the thin film actuated mirrors from coming into an electrical contact with each other, thereby preventing a short-circuit therebetween.

Abstract: A projective display system includes a light source, a display surface, and a two dimensional light modulator array in an optical path between the light source and the display surface. The two dimensional light modulator array has a plurality of light modulators arranged in rows to modulate light from the light source, with at least one row being susceptible to failure. To compensate for any failed rows, an optical element redirects modulated light from presenting a first row of virtual pixels on the display surface to substantially occupy a second row of virtual pixels on the display surface. In conjunction with various image processing techniques for deblurring, this permits partial or complete correction for faulty rows of light modulators.

Abstract: Methods of reducing artifacts in SLM-based display systems (10, 20), whose images are based on data displayed by bit-weight for pulse-width modulated intensity levels. A first method is suitable for systems (20) that use multiple SLMs (14) to concurrently display images of different colors, which are combined at the image plane. The data for each color are staggered in time (FIG. 4). A second method is suitable for either multiple SLM systems (20) or for systems (10) that use a single SLM (14) and a color wheel (17) to display differently colored images sequentially. The data for each color is arranged in a different data sequence (FIG. 5). In either method, the intensity transitions do not occur at the same time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) of aligning color modulation data to color wheel filter segments (13) in a field sequential color spatial light modulator display system. A color wheel (12) having a plurality of colored segments (13) joined at spokes (14) is rotated before a narrow light beam (20). The colored light (22) is observed until light of a mixed color is detected, this light of mixed color corresponding to light of equal portions from the two segments adjacent the spoke. The time between a wheel marker (42) is detected and when the predetermined mixed color is observed is measured. Optical sensors (50) can be utilized to sense a mixed color, such as magenta derived from the combination of a red/blue transition, but also can be done manually by briefly illuminating the wheel to visually ascertain this predetermined color.

Abstract: A display system attached to a fixed substrate includes a two-dimensional light modulator array having a plurality of light modulators arranged in a first row and a second row, with the first row at a first row position with respect to the fixed substrate and the second row at a second row position with respect to the fixed substrate. A mechanically movable element such as a rotary stepper or piezovibrator attaches the two-dimensional light modulator array to the fixed substrate. The movable element is operated to move the first row from its first row position to substantially occupy the second row position. In conjunction with various image processing deblurring and rescaling techniques, this effectively distributes light between adjacent rows to compensate for failure of one or more light modulators in a row.

Abstract: A high intensity image projection system includes a micro-mirror light valve target with micro-mirror elements repulsively pivotally-actuable. Each micro-mirror of the target array comprises a fixed base electrode joined to an overlying micro-mirror element by means of a hinge with each element formed of conductive material. As such, in operation, charge deposited upon either the base electrode or the micro-mirror element is free to migrate, in response to repulsive forces between deposited charges, to the element spaced therefrom. The resulting presence of like charge distributions upon the base electrode and micro-mirror element of a micro-mirror produces a repulsive electrostatic force for pivotally deflecting the micro-mirror element by an amount proportional to the charge deposited thereon. Capacitive charge storage elements and resistive paths are provided for storing and draining the deposited charge between applications of video frame information.

Abstract: Thin film AMA in an optical projection system and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The thin film AMA has a substrate having an electrical wiring and a connecting terminal, an actuator formed on the substrate, and a reflecting member formed on the actuator. The actuator has a plurality of actuating portions in which adjacent actuating portions tilt in opposite directions one after another. Each actuating portion has bottom electrodes, active layers, top electrodes, and via contacts. The top electrodes and bottom electrodes of the actuating portions are cross-connected, so electric fields are generated in opposite directions. The reflecting member installed on the actuator has a large tilting angle. Therefore, the light efficiency of the light reflected by the reflecting member increases and the contrast of the picture projected onto a screen also increases.

Abstract: A method of pulse width modulation using a spatial light modulator (40) with a finite transition time. The method uses m bits per sample to digitize the incoming data, but apportions the LSB times for pulse width modulation based upon m-1 bits. The current video frame displays all of the bits for each sample, except for the LSBs for each sample. The next video frame displays all of the bits for each sample, adding one more LSB for dividing up the frame time. The first frame could use either the additional LSB time and display no data, or it could use only that number of LSB times it needs. In the latter, the system will have to adjust to different partitions of the frame time for alternating frames. The system includes a spatial light modulator (40), a memory (42), a formatter (48), a sequence controller (44) and a toggle circuit (46), to perform this method.

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: Methods of reducing artifacts in SLM-based display systems (10, 20), whose images are based on data displayed by bit-weight for pulse-width modulated intensity levels. A first method is suitable for systems (20) that use multiple SLMs (14) to concurrently display images of different colors, which are combined at the image plane. The data for each color are staggered in time (FIG. 4). A second method is suitable for either multiple SLM systems (20) or for systems (10) that use a single SLM (14) and a color wheel (17) to display differently colored images sequentially. The data for each color is arranged in a different data sequence (FIG. 5). In either method, the intensity transitions do not occur at the same time.

Abstract: A matrix display of light reflecting elements is capable of displaying images represented by data codes received from a variety of different sources at different respective frame rates. The codes are stored at whatever frame rate they are received, but are read at a subframe rate which is an integral multiple of each of the different frame rates.

Abstract: A DMD display system includes an inverse gamma look-up-table (50) for converting raster scanned, gamma corrected video data of 8 bits to 12 bits inverse gamma data with 8 most significant bits (msb) and 4 least significant bits (lsb). The 8 msb are coupled to the micromirror of the DMD display (10) and the four lsb are delayed and halved such that one half of the lsb is added to the next pixel in the horizontal scan and one-half of the lsb is added to the next vertical pixel one line length delayed.

Abstract: The laser illuminated image projection system includes a microlaser array coupled with a beam shaper to produce an exceptionally bright projection light beam. In one embodiment, the beam shaper includes a binary phase plate to modify the shape and intensity profile of the projection light beam. In another embodiment, the beam shaper includes a microlens array arrangement. In yet another embodiment, the beam shaper includes a diffuser arrangement. A light valve modifies the projection light beam to generate an output light beam indicative of an image. A projection lens arrangement focuses the output light beam onto a remote surface to reproduce the image thereon.

Abstract: A display apparatus for use in a projection system includes a light source, a beam splitter for splitting light from the source into different color component beams and a deformable mirror device spatial light modulators for each different color beam. The light paths to the beam splitter and modulators are provided within a single prism assembly on which the modulators are mounted.

Abstract: The laser illuminated image producing system includes in one form of the invention, a single light valve which not only serves to form an image, but also to increase the number of its colors. In another form of the invention, the lasers are sequenced at high input energy for short intervals of time to provide high average output luminosity at lower average energy costs.

Abstract: An electrically addressable, integrated, monolithic, micromirror device (10) is formed by the utilization of sputtering techniques, including various metal and oxide layers, photoresists, liquid and plasma etching, plasma stripping and related techniques and materials. The device (10) includes a selectively electrostatically deflectable mass or mirror (12) of supported by one or more beams (18) formed by sputtering and selective etching. The beams (18) are improved by being constituted of an impurity laden titanium-tungsten layer (52) with an impurity such as nitrogen, which causes the beams to have lattice constant different from TiW. The improved beams (18) exhibit increased strength, and decreased relaxation and creep.

Abstract: A method of detecting and compensating for colors displayed by a display system (10) that uses a light source (16) and a color wheel (15). A desired color balance is specified in terms of a power ratio of three primary colors. This ratio is then compared to the actual power of light filtered through each color of the color wheel. (FIGS. 2A, 2B). In a first embodiment, the filter transmission characteristics are adjusted. (FIG. 3). In a second embodiment, the size of the color wheel's segments are changed as well as the display times for data corresponding to each segment. (FIG. 4). The two embodiments can also be combined to achieve a desired color balance.

Abstract: An optical projection system includes a non-point white light source for emanating a white light, a source lens for focusing the white light, a source stopper having a source aperture for shaping the white light into a predetermined configuration, an optical means having a reflection surface for reflecting the white light, a field lens for collimating the white light, an array of M.times.N thin film actuated mirrors for changing the optical path of the white light reflected therefrom, a projection stopper having a projection aperture for passing a predetermined amount of the white light, a relay lens system having a plurality of lenses for modulating the size of the predetermined configuration of the white light, a RGB pixel filter for dividing the white light into the primary light beams, a projection lens for projecting the primary light beams and a projection screen for displaying an image made up of M.times.N number of pixels thereon.

Abstract: A system and technique for directing intensity modulated electromagnetic energy. The inventive system (10) includes an intensity modulated source of electromagnetic energy (12). Individual elements (22) in an array of energy directing elements (15) are activated in sync with the modulation of the energy source (12). In a particular implementation, the source (12) is a laser. The intensity of the laser is reduced during each successive field per frame. The energy directing elements (15), in this case, light directing elements, are implemented with an array of digital micromirrors. The light source (12) is modulated in intensity in accordance with a fixed modulation scheme. The mirrors (22) are selectively activated relative to the light source modulation scheme. Hence, the invention provides a gray scale output while allowing the time between mirror flips to be constant.

Abstract: A formatter (13) for formatting data for use by a spatial light modulator (15) in an image display system (10). The formatter (13) converts data from pixel format to bit-plane format. The formatter (13) has a square array of memory cells (41), which are connected so that they can shift data either across the array from column to column (vertically) or down the array from row to row (horizontally). The loading of data to the array is toggled between vertical and horizontal loading (FIGS. 6A-6D). While the array is loaded vertically from one side, data is shifted out of the array at the other side. While the array is loaded horizontally from the top, data is shifted out at the bottom. Because of the orthogonal input versus output, the output data is arranged by bit-weight rather than by pixel.

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 method of reducing artifacts in SLM-based display systems (10, 20), whose images are based on data displayed by bit-weight for pulse-width modulated intensity levels. The method can be used with a multiple spatial light modulators SLM system (20), which concurrently displays images of different colors, or with a single SLM system (10), which generates differently colored images sequentially during each frame period. For a multiple SLM system (20), the method is used with SLMs (14) that are memory-multiplexed, having "reset groups" that are loaded and displayed at different times. Corresponding rows of the SLM(s)s are associated with different reset groups.

Abstract: A support pillar 426 for use with a micromechanical device, particularly a digital micromirror device, comprising a pillar material 422 supported by a substrate 400 and covered with a metal layer 406. The support pillar 426 is fabricated by depositing a layer of pillar material on a substrate 400, patterning the pillar layer to define a support pillar 426, and depositing a metal layer 406 over the support pillar 426 enclosing the support pillar. A planar surface even with the top of the pillar may be created by applying a spacer layer 432 over the pillars 426. After applying the spacer layer 432, holes 434 are patterned into the spacer layer to remove any spacer material that is covering the pillars. The spacer layer is then reflowed to fill the holes and lower the surface of the spacer layer such that the surface is coplanar with the tops of the support pillars 426.

Abstract: An optical system for directing light to a spatial light modulator 16 (e.g., a digital micro-mirror device) is disclosed herein. This system can be used with displays, printers or cameras. The system includes a first light generating apparatus 30a for generating a first beam of light and a second light generating apparatus 30b for generating a second beam of light. A first lens 36a directs the first beam of light toward the spatial light modulator 16 at a first angle. Also, a second lens 36b directs the second beam toward the spatial light modulator 16 at a second angle. The system also includes an apparatus 34 which redirects either the first or the second beam of light away from the spatial light modulator 16.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital micromirror device (DMD) based projector in which the position of a stylus with respect to a projected image can be determined automatically. In one embodiment, the stylus includes a detector capable of detecting illumination from a single pixel and the plurality of pixels in the DMD array are sequentially energized until a pixel reflects light to the stylus detector. Since the location of that pixel is known, the position of the stylus adjacent that pixel on the image is also known. In another embodiment, light is emitted from the stylus and the DMD array is sequenced in order to reflect light from the array to a photodetector. Again, when a pixel is sequenced so as to reflect light to the detector, the position of the stylus with respect to the image is related to the image of the pixel with respect to the pixel's location in the array.

Abstract: A full color projection system is disclosed herein. The projection system includes a means for generating a first light beam and also a means for generating a second light beam. These means may include either separate light sources 10a and 10b or a single light source 10 and a means for dividing the light source into the first and second light beams. In two examples, the means for dividing may include either a dichroic color wheel 40 or a color splitting prism 52. The first light beam will be modulated by a first spatial light modulator 30a and the second light beam will be modulated by a second spatial light modulator 30b. These spatial light modulators 30a and 30b are preferably, but not in necessarily digital micromirror devices.

Abstract: A compact sized optical projection system capable of displaying an image of M.times.N pixels in various sizes, wherein M and N are integers, includes a light source, a source stopper, a source lens, a total reflection mirror, an array of M.times.N actuated mirrors, a projection stopper, a projection lens, a projection screen and an array of M.times.N pixel filters, wherein the array of M.times.N pixel filters includes a plurality of sets of R pixel filter, G pixel filter and B pixel filter, and each of the sets is repeated both in a horizontal and a vertical directions, and each of the pixel filters is capable of transmitting only one of the primary light beams.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator with hexagonal elements or pixels. The elements include a reflective hexagonal surface supported by flexible hinges. The hinges are in turn supported by support posts away from a substrate. On the substrate are control or address electrodes which control the direction of deflection of the reflective surface by selective build up of electrostatic forces. The use of hexagonal pixels allow the posts and electrodes to be arrayed in horizontal lines, thereby allowing reset of horizontal lines of the pixels.

Abstract: It is possible to use an oriented monolayer to limit the Van der Waals forces between two elements by passivation. An oriented monolayer (34) is formed on a surface of a micromechanical device. When the surface comes in contact with another surface, the oriented monolayer decreases the Van der Waals forces to reduce the attraction between the surfaces.

Abstract: A bistable deformable mirror device (DMD) pixel architecture is disclosed, wherein the torsion hinges are placed in a layer different from the torsion beam layer. This results in pixels which can be scaled to smaller dimensions while at the same time maintaining a large fractional active area, an important consideration for bright, high-density displays such as are used in high-definition television applications.

Abstract: A projector device, which is simple and small and able to display images brighter and also able to improve the usefulness considerably. The effective reflecting lights of the mirror deflection type light modulators are focused into images at the position right in front of the projection lens, and the effective reflection lights are partly turned and focused on the two-dimensional position detector means for detecting the vertical and horizontal positions of the formed images.

Abstract: A method and system for accentuating intense white display areas in sequential DMD video systems includes generating a special signal for each pixel that indicates whether to boost the intensity of that pixel in all colors. The method further includes enabling the mirrors to be turned on during times of color boundary of the color wheel such that DMD with mirrors receives different mixes of color light that are integrated together to produce intense white. The system may include degamma lookup tables for each color. The degamma lookup tables are augmented when the special signal is generated.