By Changing Physical Characteristics (e.g., Shape, Size Or Contours) Of An Optical Element Patents (Class 359/290)
  • Publication number: 20130083390
    Abstract: A display substrate including a base substrate, a plurality of pixel electrodes and a plurality of sub pixel electrodes. The pixel electrodes are formed on the base substrate, are spaced apart from each other, and are electrically connected with a plurality of transistors, respectively. The sub pixel electrodes are disposed between the pixel electrodes, and are electrically connected with a thin-film transistor (TFT). Thus, quality of an image displayed by the display apparatus may be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-Hyung HWANG, Joo-Han BAE, Joon-Youp KIM
  • Publication number: 20130077151
    Abstract: Techniques and devices use cascaded optical polarization devices having modulated optical retardation to control optical polarization of light and can be configured for polarization scrambling. Uniform rate scrambling and quasi-uniform rate scrambling modes are provided in described devices and rate-additive designs based on multiple cascaded devices are also disclosed to achieve high-speed scrambling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL PHOTONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Leon Yao, Xiaojun Chen
  • Publication number: 20130077152
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display apparatus having at least one electronically controllable display element that comprises: at least one nonpolar and at least two electrically conductive or polar liquids; a fluidically sealed volume having a visible sub-volume and at least two holding volumes connected fluidically to the visible sub-volume; and at least one voltage source that is applied to a first electrode arrangement; the visible sub-volume being of planar embodiment so that when the first electrode arrangement is in the zero-voltage state, the electrically conductive or polar liquids are drawn into the respective holding volume; and the display element furthermore comprising mechanical and/or electrical means for selectably retaining in their holding volumes those electrically conductive or polar liquids which are not intended to be moved into the visible sub-volume by an impingement of voltage on the first electrode arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Advanced Display Tecnology AG
    Inventors: Oliver Mueller-Marc, Dieter Jerosch, Andriy Bitman, Frank Bartels
  • Publication number: 20130076798
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image display system for multi-viewing, including a display device for displaying right-eye images and left-eye images. A system controller is electrically connected to the display device and a light modulating device. A motion sensor, in response to a control signal from the system controller, is utilized for determining the positions of the eyes of a viewer. A processor, in response to one or more image signals from the motion sensor, provides the system controller with the positions. The light modulating device is utilized for spatially or angularly deflecting the right-eye images to the right eye of the viewer and for spatially or angularly deflecting the left-eye images to the left eye of the viewer in accordance with the positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Yeong-Feng WANG, Ming-Wei Tsai, Keh-Su Chang, Rong-Chang Liang
  • Patent number: 8405895
    Abstract: An optical system is disclosed that includes a housing that has an interior, a reflective interior surface, and a first opening. The optical system further includes a spatial light modulator that is disposed proximate the first opening and a light source that is disposed within the interior of the housing. The spatial light modulator modulates the light that is emitted by the light source to form image rays. The optical system further includes a first light redirecting film that is disposed proximate the first opening between the spatial light modulator and the light source. The first light redirecting film recycles at least a portion of the light that is emitted by the light source. The optical system further includes an optically absorptive film that is disposed proximate the first opening between the spatial light modulator and the viewing position. The optically absorptive film receives the image rays from the spatial light modulator and displays the received image rays to the viewing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Guido Hitschmann, Kay-Uwe Schenke
  • Patent number: 8405899
    Abstract: An optical device includes a non-transparent substrate. The optical device further includes a first optical layer which is at least partially transmissive and at least partially reflective to incident light. The optical device further includes a second optical layer which is at least partially reflective to incident light. The second optical layer is spaced from the first optical layer. At least one of the first optical layer and the second optical layer is movable between a first position at a first distance from the first optical layer and a second position at a second distance from the first optical layer. Movement of the at least one of the first optical layer and the second optical layer between the first and second positions modulates the reflectivity of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • Publication number: 20130069958
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130063703
    Abstract: A spatial light modulation device includes: a plurality of pixel circuits provided in correspondence to intersections of scan lines and signal lines; and floating light-blocking layers provided in correspondence to the pixel circuits. Each of the pixel circuits includes a thin film transistor (TFT) device including a lightly doped drain (LDD) region, and each of the floating light-blocking layers is disposed in a region opposed to at least the LDD region, and is disposed closer to the LDD region than the signal line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: KAZUNORI HARA, KAZUKI ABE
  • Patent number: 8395837
    Abstract: A releasing and post-releasing method for making a micromirror device and a micromirror array device are disclosed herein. The releasing method removes the sacrificial materials in the micromirror and micromirror array so as to enabling movements of the movable elements in the micromirror and micromirror array device. The post-releasing method is applied to improve the performance and quality of the released micromirrors and micromirror array devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Hongqin Shi, Gregory Schaadt, James C. Dunphy, Dmitri Simonian, John D. Porter
  • Patent number: 8395836
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to luminance enhancement structure for reflective display devices. The luminance enhancement structure comprises grooves and columns, wherein said grooves have a triangular cross-section and a top angle, and said grooves and columns are in alternating order and in a continuous form in one direction. The luminance enhancement structure not only can reduce the total internal reflection, but also especially can enhance the on-axis brightness of a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: SiPix Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Lin
  • Patent number: 8395838
    Abstract: A display device includes a driving layer and a displaying layer disposed on the driving layer. The driving layer includes a lower substrate, a number of driving segments and a number of conducting wires. The lower substrate has a first surface. The driving segments and the conducting wires both are disposed on the first surface of the lower substrate. The driving segments are connected to the conducting wires in a one-to-one manner. A line width of each of the conducting wires is less than 50 microns. The display device has a high resolution. A method for manufacturing the display device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Hsu-Cheng Yeh, Ming-Chuan Hung
  • Publication number: 20130057941
    Abstract: A method for making a support plate for an electrowetting device includes providing the support plate with a hydrophobic layer; arranging a pattern of hydrophilic material on the hydrophobic layer; and removing a surface layer of the hydrophobic layer by a solvent. The electrowetting device may include a support plate with a hydrophobic layer having a thickness, and a pattern of hydrophilic material arranged on a first area of the hydrophobic layer, the thickness of the hydrophobic layer being larger within the first area than outside the first area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG LCD NETHERLANDS R & D CENTER B.V.
    Inventors: Romaric MASSARD, Chiara COMETTI, Bokke Johannes FEENSTRA
  • Publication number: 20130057940
    Abstract: A surfactant includes a hydrophobic functional group, a hydrophilic functional group and a linker disposed between the hydrophobic functional group and the hydrophilic functional group, and the linker is connected to the hydrophobic functional group and the hydrophilic functional group. The linker has a cleavable bond with a bond energy lower than a bond energy of a bond included in the hydrophilic functional group and a bond included in the hydrophobic functional group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Sung-Chan JO, Jae-Cheol Park, Sang-Ji Park, Hye-Young Park, Yiying Jia, Min-Jeong Oh, Hee-June Kwak
  • Patent number: 8390916
    Abstract: A system and method for determining humidity based on determination of an offset voltage shift are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for determining humidity comprises an electromechanical device comprising a first layer, a second layer, and a dielectric between the two layers, wherein the dielectric is spaced apart from at least one of the first and second layers in an unactuated state of the electromechanical device, and wherein the dielectric contacts both the first and second layers in an actuated state of the electromechanical device, a voltage source configured to apply, between the first and second layers, one or more voltages, and a processor configured to control the voltage source, to determine an offset voltage shift based on the applied voltages, and to determine information regarding humidity about the device based on the offset voltage shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Sampsell
  • Patent number: 8390917
    Abstract: Two substantially one-dimensional scan line images are simultaneously generated by modulating a two-dimensional homogenous light field using a spatial light modulator having light modulating elements arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. An upper group of modulating elements are configured using a first scan line image data group, and a lower group of modulating elements are configured using a second scan line image data group. The homogenous light source is then pulsed (toggled) to direct the two-dimensional homogenous light field onto the spatial light modulator. The resulting two-dimensional modulated light field is directed through an anamorphic optical system, which images and concentrates the modulated light on an imaging surface such that two parallel one-dimensional scan line images are simultaneously formed on the imaging surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Patrick Y. Maeda, Timothy David Stowe, Philipp H. Schmaelzle, Eric Peeters
  • Patent number: 8390175
    Abstract: An optical device includes: an optical device body; a first transparent electrode film deposited on a light incident side; a second transparent electrode film so formed that the first and second transparent electrode films face away from each other; and a first ferroelectric film deposited at least between the first and second transparent electrode films, wherein the first ferroelectric film vibrates in response to a drive voltage applied through the first and second transparent electrode films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Ryo Koshiishi, Yoshihiro Oshima, Akira Ono
  • Publication number: 20130050801
    Abstract: An electrowetting display apparatus includes an array substrate, an opposite substrate, and an electrowetting layer. The array substrate includes a base substrate having a plurality of pixel areas and a plurality of pixel electrodes respectively arranged in each of the pixel areas. The pixel electrodes in each pixel area are spaced apart from each other at regular intervals and each have an island pattern shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: HEE-KEUN LEE, Pilsook Kwon, Jinbo Shim
  • Publication number: 20130050802
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the electrowetting device includes a first medium; a second medium that is not mixed with the first medium and has a refractive index different from a refractive index of the first medium; an upper electrode that adjusts an angle of a boundary surface between the first medium and the second medium; and a barrier wall that has a side surface surrounding the first and second mediums, allows the upper electrode to be disposed on a portion of the side surface, and has irregular widths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ki-deok BAE, Jun-sik HWANG, Chang-youl MOON, Yoon-sun CHOI, Jung-mok BAE, Chang-seung LEE, Eok-su KIM
  • Publication number: 20130050799
    Abstract: A single-pass imaging system for a printing apparatus capable of 1200 dpi or greater that includes a homogenous light generator for generating homogenous light from high energy IR lasers, a spatial light modulator including light modulating elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, and an anamorphic optical system. The light modulating elements are disposed such that each modulating element receives an associated homogenous light portion, and is individually adjustable between an “on” modulated state and an “off” modulated state, whereby in the “on” modulated state each modulating element modulates its received homogenous light portion such that an associated modulated light portion is directed onto a corresponding region of the anamorphic optical system. In the second modulated state, the associated homogenous light portion is prevented (e.g., blocked) from passing to the anamorphic optical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy David Stowe, Douglas N. Curry, Patrick Y. Maeda
  • Publication number: 20130050800
    Abstract: Two substantially one-dimensional scan line images are simultaneously generated by modulating a two-dimensional homogenous light field using a spatial light modulator having light modulating elements arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. An upper group of modulating elements are configured using a first scan line image data group, and a lower group of modulating elements are configured using a second scan line image data group. The homogenous light source is then pulsed (toggled) to direct the two-dimensional homogenous light field onto the spatial light modulator. The resulting two-dimensional modulated light field is directed through an anamorphic optical system, which images and concentrates the modulated light on an imaging surface such that two parallel one-dimensional scan line images are simultaneously formed on the imaging surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Patrick Y. Maeda, Timothy David Stowe, Philipp H. Schmaelzle, Eric Peeters
  • Publication number: 20130050803
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus including multiple spatial light modulators, each including light modulating elements arranged in two-dimensional array disposed in a homogenous light field, multiple anamorphic optical systems, each disposed downstream from an associated spatial light modulator, a scan structure, and an image stitching controller. The light modulating elements of each spatial light modulator are individually adjustable to either pass received homogenous light portions to the anamorphic optical systems, or to block/redirect the homogenous light portions, thereby generating a two-dimensional modulated light field. Each anamorphic optical system images and focuses received modulated light field onto an associated substantially one-dimensional scan line portion on the scan structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy David Stowe, Douglas N. Curry, Patrick Y. Maeda
  • Publication number: 20130044365
    Abstract: A method of preparing a monodisperse particle may include mixing at least two types of monomers in a solvent, placing an initiator in the solvent, and forming a particle having a copolymer shape by polymerizing the at least two types of monomers. The particle may have a size controlled by a content of the at least two types of monomers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Moon Gyu Han, Chang Gyun Shin, HongShik Shim, Seog-jin Jeon
  • Patent number: 8379292
    Abstract: A phase screen, i.e., an opto-electronic device that can convert a distorted incoming optical wavefront into a plane wave or, conversely, transform a plane wave into a prescribed varying output wavefront. Binary all-digital MEMS interferometer configurations that can be used to create controlled and arbitrary optical wavefront using only 0,1 amplitude changes followed by differential propagation distances to convert these amplitude variations into controllable and/or continuous phase variations. Clustered pixel notions, such as Floyd-Steinberg, Stucki or other algorithms useful in digital half-tone printing, are simultaneously employed to create controllable grey-level variations as well as continuous phase variations. Desired grey-levels can be obtained wherein each pixel is formed by, e.g., a 3×3 or 5×5 cluster of mirrors. Both the filling-in of the outputs of the binary mirror (0,1) and the grey-levels are accomplished simply by spatial averaging over a short propagation distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventors: Nicholas George, Kedar Khare
  • Patent number: 8368760
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a target system includes a display module comprising a plurality of pixel elements operable to display target patterns. Each pixel element includes a display segment, a plurality of first charged pigments housed within the display segment each having a first charge, a plurality of second charged pigments housed within the display segment each having a second charge, wherein the first charge is opposite the second charge, and an electrical contact coupled to the display segment and operable to receive signals which cause an electric field to be present in the display segment. The system also includes at least one computer-readable tangible storage medium comprising executable code that, when executed by at least one processor, is operable to transmit signals to the display module that cause an electric field to be present in at least one pixel element of the plurality of pixel elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Kenn S. Bates
  • Patent number: 8368984
    Abstract: A pseudo bipolar method for driving a MEMS ribbon device reduces charging effects in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Alces Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Yeh, David M Bloom
  • Patent number: 8368996
    Abstract: A tunable bandwidth selector is disclosed. The tunable bandwidth selector may include a plurality of spaced apart electron sheets which selectively separate a first bandwidth from an input spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Aaron Boyd Cole
  • Publication number: 20130027764
    Abstract: A tunable bandwidth selector is disclosed. The tunable bandwidth selector may include a plurality of spaced apart electron sheets which selectively separate a first bandwidth from an input spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Aaron Boyd Cole
  • Patent number: 8363303
    Abstract: Photonic structures and photonic devices are provided. A photonic structure includes a three-dimensional photonic crystal and an actuator. The three-dimensional photonic crystal comprises an elastomeric, auxetic material and configured to provide a predetermined optical bandgap. The actuator is coupled to the three-dimensional photonic crystal and is configured to compress the three-dimensional photonic crystal. When the actuator compresses the three-dimensional photonic crystal, the three-dimensional photonic crystal shifts from reflecting light in a first wavelength range to light in a second wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Horning, Robert Compton
  • Publication number: 20130021661
    Abstract: A transflective display apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode, which face each other and are separated from one another by a pixel electrode. In addition, a preparation voltage is applied to the first electrode or the second electrode before applying a driving voltage to the pixel electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Seung-Jin Baek, Sangil Kim, Yeun Tae Kim, Hyeon Gu Cho
  • Patent number: 8358458
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating an electromechanical systems device that mitigate permanent adhesion, or stiction, of the moveable components of the device are provided. The methods provide an amorphous silicon sacrificial layer with improved and reproducible surface roughness. The amorphous silicon sacrificial layers further exhibit excellent adhesion to common materials used in electromechanical systems devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Randolph Webster, Thanh Nghia Tu, Xiaoming Yan, Wonsuk Chung
  • Patent number: 8358459
    Abstract: An ornamental display device having an interferometric modulator for displaying an ornamental image. The ornamental device may also have a signal receiver configured to receive an external signal. The ornamental device may further have a processor configured to control an image on the display based on the external signal. The external signal is emitted from a controller configured to control a plurality of ornamental devices to display coordinated images. The ornamental device may have a patterned diffuser formed on a transparent substrate to provide an ornamental image or information. The ornamental device may be a piece of jewelry or an article that may be worn. The image displayed may have an iridescent appearance. A controller may also be used to control images displayed on multiple ornamental device to provide coordinated images based on externals received or pre-programmed images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J Gally, William J. Cummings
  • Publication number: 20130016134
    Abstract: A light source unit that forms a backlight of liquid crystal panel includes LEDs and a light guiding plate. A reflecting sheet is provided on a light guiding plate and the reflecting sheet is movable. Hole portions are formed in the reflecting sheet, and low reflecting portions are formed on the reflecting sheet. The reflecting properties in the reflecting sheet are changed by sliding the reflecting sheet, and the color gamut can be changed thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hironobu Hoshino
  • Publication number: 20130016324
    Abstract: This document describes various techniques for implementing a wide field-of-view projector. A wide field-of-view projector may include a spatial light modulator configured to inject light rays into an input wedge. The input wedge acts to output the light rays with an increased fan-out angle. In an embodiment, the spatial light modulator is controlled to inject light rays into the input wedge effective to project an image from the surface of an output wedge that is positioned proximate, and receives light rays with an increased fan-out angle from, the input wedge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Adrian Travis
  • Publication number: 20130016271
    Abstract: A light transmittance adjusting device is provided, including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first elastomer layer disposed between the first and second electrodes. A light transmittance of the first elastomer layer is variable depending on a voltage applied thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong-oh KWON, Che-heung KIM
  • Patent number: 8355195
    Abstract: An electrophoretic display device includes: a first substrate; a second substrate arranged to face the first substrate, an electrophoretic element arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes formed on the surface of the electrophoretic element side of the first substrate; an opposing electrode formed on the surface of the electrophoretic element side of the second substrate and facing the plurality of pixel electrodes; a voltage line formed on the surface of the electrophoretic element side of the first substrate; and a partition wall having conductivity which is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate and electrically connected to the voltage line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Sato
  • Publication number: 20130010348
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making an electrowetting display device comprising a plurality of picture elements and a first support plate and a second support plate. Each picture element comprises a space between the first support plate and the second support plate. The method comprises the steps of: providing the first support plate with an electrode structure; arranging an insulating layer on the electrode structure, the insulating layer having a thickness and a hydropobic surface facing the space; temporarily applying an electric field across the thickness of the insulating layer to reduce permanently the hydrophobicity of a predetermined area of the surface. The invention further relates to an electrowetting display device and a use of an area of reduced hydrophobicity in an electrowetting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG LCD NETHERLANDS R & D CENTER B.V.
    Inventors: Romaric MASSARD, Robert HAYES, Bokke Johannes FEENSTRA
  • Publication number: 20130010342
    Abstract: Display devices incorporating shutter-based light modulators are disclosed along with methods of manufacturing such devices. The methods are compatible with thin-film manufacturing processes known in the art and result in displays having lower power-consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: PIXTRONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Nesbitt W. Hagood, IV, Jasper Lodewyk Steyn, Timothy J. Brosnihan, Jignesh Gandhi, John J. Fijol, Richard S. Payne, Roger Barton
  • Patent number: 8351106
    Abstract: An optical micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) structure is provided. The structure includes an elastomer membrane, a plurality of polymer fibers attached to the elastomer membrane, an array of detectors operatively connected to the plurality of polymer fibers at a first end of the plurality of polymer fibers, and a microlens array operatively connected to the plurality of polymer fibers at a second end of the plurality of polymer fibers. A method of manufacturing an optical MEMS structure is provided. The method includes forming a hollow PDMS chamber in which PDMS fibers extend from top to bottom using a lost wax molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Jaeyoun Kim
  • Patent number: 8350783
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrowetting element for a display device, a display device and a control system for controlling at least one electrowetting element. The electrowetting element comprises: a radiation valve comprising a first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid, wherein the first and second fluids are configurable to change a characteristic of radiation passing through at least one of the first and second fluids; and an electrically switchable part switchable between a reflective mode for reflecting radiation incident on the switchable part and towards the radiation valve, and a transmissive mode for transmitting radiation incident on the switchable part through the switchable part and towards the radiation valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung LCD Netherlands R&D Center B.V.
    Inventors: Bokke Johannes Feenstra, Anthony John Slack
  • Publication number: 20130003160
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating an electromechanical systems (EMS) device with spacers between plates and EMS devices formed by the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a EMS device is fabricated by laminating a front substrate and a carrier, each of which has components preformed thereon. The front substrate is provided with stationary electrodes formed thereover. A carrier including movable electrodes formed thereover is attached to the front substrate. The carrier may be released after transferring the movable electrodes to the front substrate. In other embodiments, the carrier stays over the front substrate, and serves as a backplate for the EMS device. Features are formed by deposition and patterning, by embossing, or by patterning and etching. Spacers are provided between the front substrate and the backplate to maintain a gap therebetween. The resulting EMS devices can trap smaller volumes between laminated substrates and are less susceptible to pressure variations and moisture leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Brian Sampsell, Brian James Gally, Philip Don Floyd
  • Publication number: 20130003158
    Abstract: This disclosure provides apparatus, systems and methods for optical decoupling. In one implementation, an optical system includes a substrate transmissive to visible light, a first antireflective structure disposed on a surface of the substrate, a second antireflective structure. The first and second antireflective structures define at least one cavity containing air in between. The optical system further includes a plurality of support posts configured to space the first antireflective structure from the second antireflective structure to define the height of the at least one cavity. A reflective display is disposed on a surface of the second antireflective structure opposite the at least one cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Evgeni Gousev, Russell Wayne Gruhlke
  • Publication number: 20130003159
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a bistable photonic crystal. The photonic crystal has a plurality of voids. Each surface of void has a hydrophobic film. When the photonic crystal is immersed in a predetermined liquid, the photonic crystal has a first stable state and a second stable state. Wherein, the first stable state is to fill the plurality of voids with the predetermined liquid, and the second stable state is to exclude the predetermined liquid from the plurality of voids. Owing to the energy barrier between the first and second stable states, the photonic crystal can remain at either of the two states without external power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jer-Liang Yeh, Chia-Tsung Chan
  • Publication number: 20120326956
    Abstract: A display element includes an upper substrate (first substrate), a lower substrate (second substrate), an effective display region and a non-effective display region that are defined with respect to a display space formed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate, and a polar liquid that is movably sealed in the display space. In the display element, a common electrode (first electrode) and a pixel electrode (second electrode) are provided. The effective display region and the non-effective display region are defined so that the polar liquid is moved along the up-and-down direction in the display space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shun Ueki, Toshiki Matsuoka, Takuma Tomotoshi, Kohzoh Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20120327498
    Abstract: There are provided a display and an electronic unit capable of enhancing visibility. The display includes: a plurality of pixels each including a light-emission device, and having a light-transmission region in at least a part thereof; and one or more transmittance control devices capable of controlling a transmittance of incident light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiaki Arai, Yoshihiro Oshima
  • Publication number: 20120327500
    Abstract: A display includes at least one electronically controllable pixel which has at least one color level which is formed by a flat container, the interior of which is connected to a color reservoir. The content of the color reservoir can be pressurized by electronic control of an actuating drive, which acts on a movable wall of the color reservoir in such a way that colorant liquid moves from the color reservoir into the color level, and, by reducing the pressure in the color reservoir, the colored liquid is transported back into the color reservoir and a transparent fluid moves into the color level. A wall of the color reservoir faces away from the color level and at least partially forms the movable wall. An actuator of the actuating drive causes the displacement of the movable wall and moves in a plane parallel to the plane of the color reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Friedrich-Josef Sacher
  • Publication number: 20120327092
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a MEMS device. In one aspect, an electromechanical systems apparatus includes a substrate, a stationary electrode positioned over the substrate, a movable electrode spaced from the stationary electrode by a gap, and at least one support structure extending above the movable electrode. The support structure includes an inorganic dielectric layer and a polymer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Teruo Sasagawa
  • Publication number: 20120327501
    Abstract: In a laser processing system 400, a plurality of element patterns for creating a modulation pattern are prepared, and the modulation pattern is created from the element patterns according to a condition for forming the modified region for an object to be processed in order to form the modified region corresponding thereto. Laser light is modulated according to thus created modulation pattern, and the modified region is formed in the object by irradiation with the modulated laser light. Thus, according to the condition for forming the modified region corresponding to the object, the modulation pattern is created from the element patterns prepared beforehand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Takeshi Sakamoto, Takafumi Ogiwara
  • Publication number: 20120327683
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display device. In detail, a liquid micro-shutter display device includes a light source emitting light, a transparent lower substrate positioned in an light path of the light source, an optical conversion unit performing at least one of a function of converting light from the light source into light having a different wavelength band corresponding to a sub-pixel and a function of reflecting ambient light corresponding to a sub-pixel, a transparent upper substrate positioned in an light path of light output from the optical conversion unit, and a liquid micro-shutter positioned between the transparent lower substrate and the transparent upper substrate and opening and closing the path of light or adjusting an open area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Youngjoo Yee
  • Publication number: 20120320445
    Abstract: An electrowetting display device includes an electrowetting display panel and an illumination unit. The electrowetting display panel includes two or more different optical color-converting liquid layers and a plurality of light-shielding liquid layers. The two or more different optical color-converting liquid layers are able to convert the light source generated by the illumination unit into light beams having two or more different colors of desired grey scales. The light-shielding liquid layers can be driven to change the transmittance of display regions so as to implement switch between transparent display mode, non-transparent display mode and semi-transparent display mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Syuan-Ling Yang, Ching-Huan Lin, Chu-Yu Liu
  • Patent number: 8335034
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical device comprising a pair of specifically designed plate-like diffractive optical elements successively arranged in parallel to each other. Placing the two diffractive optical elements in succession and in parallel to each other in a certain distance, the combination optically corresponds to a single diffractive optical element, and it can perform similar tasks, acting as a lens, an axicon, a phase shifter, or a spiral phase plate. If one of the diffractive optical elements is rotated with respect to the other around a common central axis, the property of the optical device, like the focal length, the refractive power, helical index, or phase shift changes continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Medizinische Universitat Innsbruck
    Inventors: Stefan Bernet, Monika Ritsch-Marte