| QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120127556 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PACKAGING A DISPLAY - A package structure and method of packaging for an interferometric modulator. A transparent substrate having an interferometric modulator formed thereon is provided. A backplane is joined to the transparent substrate with a seal where the interferometric modulator is exposed to the surrounding environment through an opening in either the backplane or the seal. The opening is sealed after the transparent substrate and backplane are joined and after any desired desiccant, release material, and/or self-aligning monolayer is introduced into the package structure. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120122259 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING MEMS DEVICES PROVIDING AIR GAP CONTROL - Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a depth of a cavity between two layers of a light modulating device. A method of making a light modulating device includes providing a substrate, forming a sacrificial layer over at least a portion of the substrate, forming a reflective layer over at least a portion of the sacrificial layer, and forming one or more flexure controllers over the substrate, the flexure controllers configured so as to operably support the reflective layer and to form cavities, upon removal of the sacrificial layer, of a depth measurably different than the thickness of the sacrificial layer, wherein the depth is measured perpendicular to the substrate. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120120682 | ILLUMINATION DEVICE WITH LIGHT GUIDE COATING - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing illumination by using a light guide to distribute light. In one aspect, the light guide includes a light turning film over an optically transmissive supporting layer. The light turning film may be formed of a material deposited in the liquid state. The light turning film may be formed of a photodefinable material, which may be glass, such a spin-on glass, or may be a polymer. In some other implementations, the glass is not photodefinable. The light turning film may have indentations that define light turning features and a protective layer may be formed over those indentations. The protective layer may also be formed of a glass material, such as spin-on glass. The light turning features in the light guide film may be configured to redirect light out of the light guide, for example, to illuminate a display. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120120467 | HYBRID LIGHT GUIDE WITH FACETED AND HOLOGRAPHIC LIGHT TURNING FEATURES - The present disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus to illuminate displays. In one aspect, an illumination device with a light guide can include both faceted and holographic light turning features. The holographic light turning features can be provided between the facets. The facets can eject light out of the light guide. The holographic light turning features also can eject light out of the light guide, or can collimate the light so that it propagates more nearly parallel to the major surfaces of the light guide, or both eject and collimate light. The ejected light can be used to illuminate a display. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120120081 | ILLUMINATION DEVICE WITH PASSIVATION LAYER - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing illumination by using a light guide to distribute light. In one aspect, a passivation layer is attached to the light guide of an illumination device. The passivation layer may be an optically transparent moisture barrier and may have a thickness and refractive index which allows it to function as an anti-reflective coating. The passivation layer may protect moisture-sensitive underlying features, such as metallized light turning features that may be present in the light guide. The light turning features may be configured to redirect light out of the light guide. In some implementations, the redirected light may be applied to illuminate a display. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120120080 | LIGHT GUIDE WITH DIFFUSIVE LIGHT INPUT INTERFACE - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing illumination by using a light guide to distribute light. In one aspect, the light guide has a surface, such as an edge, into which light is injected. The surface is treated to create a diffusive interface with a light source. For example, the surface may be subjected to abrasion to form a frosted surface that acts as the diffusive interface, or a diffusive structure may be attached to the edge, with the attached diffusive structure functioning as the diffusive interface. The diffusive interface diffuses light entering into the light guide, and can thereby increase the uniformity of light propagating within the light guide. The light guide may be provided with light turning features that redirect light out of the light guide. In some implementations, the redirected light may be applied to illuminate a display. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120116709 | DISPLAY-INTEGRATED OPTICAL ACCELEROMETER - An optical accelerometer and method of determining an acceleration are disclosed. In one aspect, an accelerometer includes a light source, a substrate, a light guide attached to a first side of the substrate and configured to redirect light from the light source through the substrate. The accelerometer also includes a light detector, a proof mass attached to a second side of the substrate via one or more springs, wherein the second side is opposite the first side and wherein motion of the proof mass alters a characteristic of the light from the light source reaching the light detector, and a processor configured to determine an acceleration based on the characteristic of the light reaching the light detector. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120106200 | MANIFOLD FOR COLLIMATING LIGHT - The present disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus to collimate light. In one aspect, a manifold to collimate light can be used to illuminate a display or project an image. The manifold can be formed of optically transmissive material and can have a backside for receiving light from a light source and a front wall, opposite the backside, for outputting collimated light. The front wall can include a plurality of lens. The upper and bottom walls of the manifold can extend along a curve from the backside to the front wall. The manifold can be hollowed, with an internal cavity that opens to the backside. The manifold can be configured to collimate light propagating in directions extending out of a plane, while light propagating from the light source in directions within the plane is not collimated or is less collimated. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105385 | ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ROUGH SURFACES - This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for producing roughness in an electromechanical device by nucleation under plasma CVD conditions. In one aspect, a substrate and at least a first layer are provided. The disclosure further provides gas phase nucleating particles under plasma CVD conditions and depositing a first layer, where the particles are incorporated into the first layer to create roughness in the first layer. The roughness may be transferred to a second layer by conformal deposition of the second layer over the first layer. The roughness of the second layer corresponds to the roughness of the first layer, where the first layer has a roughness greater than or equal to about 20 Å root mean square (RMS). | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120099179 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROVIDING ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY ON A BACKPLATE - A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate may contain electronic circuitry fabricated on the backplane. The electronic circuitry is placed in electrical communication with the array of interferometric modulators and is configured to control the state of the array of interferometric modulators. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120099178 | ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEM HAVING A DIELECTRIC MOVABLE MEMBRANE - An electromechanical device includes a partially reflective and partially transmissive layer and a movable functional element. The movable functional element includes a patterned flexible dielectric layer and a reflective layer mechanically coupled to the flexible dielectric layer. The patterned flexible dielectric layer is configured to flex in response to voltages applied to the partially reflective and partially transmissive layer to move the functional element in a direction generally perpendicular to the partially reflective and partially transmissive layer. The reflective layer is situated between the flexible dielectric layer and the partially reflective and partially transmissive layer. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120099177 | SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATOR WITH INTEGRATED OPTICAL COMPENSATION STRUCTURE - A spatial light modulator comprises an integrated optical compensation structure, e.g., an optical compensation structure arranged between a substrate and a plurality of individually addressable light-modulating elements, or an optical compensation structure located on the opposite side of the light-modulating elements from the substrate. The individually addressable light-modulating elements are configured to modulate light transmitted through or reflected from the transparent substrate. Methods for making such spatial light modulators involve fabricating an optical compensation structure over a substrate and fabricating a plurality of individually addressable light-modulating elements over the optical compensation structure. The optical compensation structure may be a passive optical compensation structure. The optical compensation structure may include one or more of a supplemental frontlighting source, a diffuser, a black mask, a diffractive optical element, a color filter, an anti-reflective layer, a structure that scatters light, a microlens array, and a holographic film. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120099174 | METHOD OF FABRICATING MEMS DEVICES (SUCH AS IMod) COMPRISING USING A GAS PHASE ETCHANT TO REMOVE A LAYER - Improvements in an interferometric modulator that cavity defined by two walls. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120098847 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCED RESOLUTION ADDRESSING - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for producing line multiplied images with better visual appearance. The line multiplying is shifted for one of the colors of the display with respect to at least one other color of the display. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120092749 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING COLOR SHIFT OF INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS - The color reflected by an interferometric modulator may vary as a function of the angle of view. A range of colors are thus viewable by rotating the interferometric modulator relative to an observer. By placing a textured layer between an observer and an interferometric modulator, a pattern which includes the range of colors may be viewed by the observer, and the range of colors may thus be viewable from a single viewing angle. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120092747 | DISPLAY HAVING AN EMBEDDED MICROLENS ARRAY - The present disclosure provides methods, systems, and apparatus for directing incident light toward central regions of interferometric modulator displays. In one aspect, a display includes an array of microlenses embedded in a substrate adjacent a first surface of the substrate. An array of light modulators can be disposed over the first surface of the substrate. A light modulator can be disposed over a corresponding microlens. The microlenses can converge or concentrate incident light onto central regions of the corresponding light modulators. The microlenses may include single-element lenses, compound lenses, and/or graded-index lenses. Various methods of manufacturing such displays are also disclosed. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120092396 | LUMINANCE BALANCING - A composite display is disclosed. In some embodiments, a composite display comprises a paddle configured to sweep out an area and a plurality of pixel elements mounted on the paddle. Selectively activating one or more of the plurality of pixel elements while the paddle sweeps the area causes at least a portion of an image to be rendered. In some embodiments, a characteristic of at least one pixel element of the plurality of pixel elements that is associated with balancing luminance across at least a portion of the composite display associated with the paddle is based at least in part on a radial distance of the one pixel element from an axis of rotation of the paddle. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120092350 | WRAPAROUND ASSEMBLY FOR COMBINATION TOUCH, HANDWRITING AND FINGERPRINT SENSOR - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a combined sensor device. In some implementations, a combined sensor device includes a wrap-around configuration wherein an upper flexible substrate has patterned conductive material on an extended portion to allow routing of signal lines, electrical ground, and power. One or more integrated circuits or passive components, which may include connecting sockets, may be mounted onto the flexible layer to reduce cost and complexity. Such implementations may eliminate a flex cable and may allow a bezel-less configuration. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120092324 | TOUCH, HANDWRITING AND FINGERPRINT SENSOR WITH ELASTOMERIC SPACER LAYER - Use of a compliant, elastomeric layer between upper and lower substrates of the combination sensor can increase the sensitivity to applied pressure or force from a stylus, while increasing the lateral resolution for a given sensel pitch. The elastomeric material may have an index of refraction that is substantially similar to that of the upper and lower substrates. The elastomeric material may include open regions for the inclusion of force-sensitive resistors. With careful selection of the elastomeric and FSR materials, the loss of transmissivity that can accompany air gaps can be minimized. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120092294 | COMBINATION TOUCH, HANDWRITING AND FINGERPRINT SENSOR - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus implementations of a display device with a cover glass apparatus that serves as a single or multi-touch sensor, as a handwriting (or note capture) input device, and in some configurations as a fingerprint sensor. Sensor functionality and resolution can be tailored to specific locations on the cover glass apparatus. In some such implementations, the area in which the fingerprint sensing elements are located may provide not only fingerprint detection, but also handwriting and touch functionality. In some other implementations, the fingerprint sensor may be segregated into a separate, high-resolution zone that only provides fingerprint functionality. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120092293 | CONTROLLER ARCHITECTURE FOR COMBINATION TOUCH, HANDWRITING AND FINGERPRINT SENSOR - A separate control system may be configured for a combined sensor device. Alternatively, at least part of the control system may be included in another device, such as a processor of a mobile device. Software for handwriting, touch and fingerprint detection may be included in the control system. Low, medium and high resolution may be obtained with a single combined sensor device by scanning a subset of the sensels, or by aggregating lines or columns. Power consumption may be reduced by aggregating sensor pixels (or rows or columns) electrically using the controller, so that they perform as a low power small array until higher resolution with a larger array is needed. Power consumption may be reduced by turning off portions or all of the sensor device, turning off parts of the control system, and/or employing first-level screening at a reduced frame rate. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120092279 | TOUCH SENSOR WITH FORCE-ACTUATED SWITCHED CAPACITOR - This disclosure provides apparatus, systems and methods of fabricating force-sensitive switches. In some implementations, an array of force-sensitive switches and local capacitors of a combined sensor device may be used to connect the local capacitor into associated projected capacitive touch (PCT) detection circuitry. In some implementations, each capacitor may be formed with a thin dielectric layer to achieve a high capacitance increase when the force-sensitive switch is closed, e.g., by the pressing of a stylus or finger. In some implementations, the same PCT detection circuitry can be used to detect changes in mutual capacitance when touched with a finger (touch mode) and changes in sensel capacitance when the force-sensitive switch is depressed (stylus or fingerprint mode). | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120092127 | MULTIFUNCTIONAL INPUT DEVICE FOR AUTHENTICATION AND SECURITY APPLICATIONS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a combined sensor device. In some implementations, the combined sensor device may enable a single touchscreen to perform additional functions such as handwriting input and fingerprint recognition. In some implementations, these multiple features allow increased security through user authentication, and allow better capture of handwriting and a more interactive approach to user interfaces. A handheld mobile device such as a cell phone with the combined sensor device can enable an array of applications, such as using the mobile device as a gateway for user authentication to enable transactions and physical access; using the handwriting input function for signature recognition and transmittal for transaction applications; and/or using the handwriting input feature to automatically capture notes and other documents of students in an academic setting or employees in a corporate setting. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090757 | FABRICATION OF TOUCH, HANDWRITING AND FINGERPRINT SENSOR - Fabrication methods for combined sensor devices include substantially transparent substrates and materials to increase the optical performance of underlying displays. A substantially transparent elastomeric material may be disposed between the substantially transparent substrates. Some fabrication processes utilize flexible substrates for at least a portion of the sensor device, and lend themselves to roll-to-roll processing for low cost. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120088027 | ANALOG INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR DEVICE WITH ELECTROSTATIC ACTUATION AND RELEASE - Examples of methods of manufacturing a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device can include forming a first reflective layer on a substrate, forming a sacrificial layer over the first reflective layer, removing a portion of the sacrificial layer to form an opening, and filling the opening with a dielectric material to form a post. Some methods further include forming a second reflective layer over the sacrificial layer, removing a portion of the second reflective layer and a portion of the post to form a hole, filling the hole with a conductive material to form an electrode, and removing the sacrificial layer. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120086998 | DIFFUSION BARRIER LAYER FOR MEMS DEVICES - Described herein is the use of a diffusion barrier layer between metallic layers in MEMS devices. The diffusion barrier layer prevents mixing of the two metals, which can alter desired physical characteristics and complicate processing. In one example, the diffusion barrier layer may be used as part of a movable reflective structure in interferometric modulators. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120085731 | METHOD OF FABRICATING MEMS DEVICES (SUCH AS IMod) COMPRISING USING A GAS PHASE ETCHANT TO REMOVE A LAYER - Improvements in an interferometric modulator that cavity defined by two walls. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120081406 | INTEGRATED BACKLIT FRONTLIGHT FOR REFLECTIVE DISPLAY ELEMENTS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including reflective display elements that are illuminated using a light source that is situated behind the pixel elements. In one aspect, a back light guide is disposed behind the pixel elements and is configured to inject light through light-injection apertures between reflective pixel elements. The light travels through the light-injection apertures and into a front light guide. The front light guide comprises light turning features configured to turn the light propagating through the light-injection apertures so that the light is redirected onto the reflective pixel elements, thereby illuminating the reflective pixel elements. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120081348 | METHOD FOR ELIMINATING ROW OR COLUMN ROUTING ON ARRAY PERIPHERY - The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus to facilitate edge routing among a plurality of microelectromechanical devices arranged in a mosaic or array. In one aspect, the disclosed implementations modify the construction of a movable layer, such that portions of the movable layer, in addition to serving their original functions, also facilitate routing from a single edge of the device. In some implementations, portions of the movable layer are re-oriented to achieve edge routing, while in others, the orientation remains the same but electrical connections are altered. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120075313 | INTERFEROMETRIC OPTICAL DISPLAY SYSTEM WITH BROADBAND CHARACTERISTICS - Broad band white color can be achieved in MEMS display devices by incorporating a material having an extinction coefficient (k) below a threshold value for wavelength of light within an operative optical range of the interferometric modulator. One embodiment provides a method of making the MEMS display device comprising depositing said material over at least a portion of a transparent substrate, depositing a dielectric layer over the layer of material, forming a sacrificial layer over the dielectric, depositing an electrically conductive layer on the sacrificial layer, and forming a cavity by removing at least a portion of the sacrificial layer. The suitable material may comprise germanium, germanium alloy of various compositions, doped germanium or doped germanium-containing alloys, and may be deposited over the transparent substrate, incorporated within the transparent substrate or the dielectric layer. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120075269 | INTERFEROMETRIC OPTICAL MODULATOR WITH BROADBAND REFLECTION CHARACTERISTICS - An optical device suitable for forming a pixel in a video display. The optical device includes a first layer having a first refractive index; a second layer over the first layer, the second layer having a second refractive index less than the first refractive index; and a third layer over the second layer, the third layer having a third refractive index larger than the second refractive index; and a fourth layer that is at least partially optically absorptive, wherein the optical stack and the fourth layer are a first distance from one another when the device is in a first state and are a second distance from one another when the device is in a second state, the first distance different from the second distance. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120075216 | INTEGRATED PASSIVES AND POWER AMPLIFIER - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for combining devices deposited on a first substrate, with integrated circuits formed on a second substrate such as a semiconducting substrate or a glass substrate. The first substrate may be a glass substrate. The first substrate may include conductive vias. A power combiner circuit may be deposited on a first side of the first substrate. The power combiner circuit may include passive devices deposited on at least the first side of the first substrate. The integrated circuit may include a power amplifier circuit disposed on and configured for electrical connection with the power combiner circuit, to form a power amplification system. The conductive vias may include thermal vias configured for conducting heat from the power amplification system and/or interconnect vias configured for electrical connection between the power amplification system and a conductor on a second side of the first substrate. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120069232 | CURVILINEAR CAMERA LENS AS MONITOR COVER PLATE - Disclosed are various implementations of a camera lens that can be positioned between a display device and a user viewing the display device. The camera lens can be transparent to allow such viewing by the user, and also be configured to capture light rays from the user and turn such rays to an imaging sensor to form an image of the user. Such turning of light rays can be achieved by curved features formed on the camera lens. In some implementations, the camera lens is a substantially flat layer having such curved features. Various examples of the curved features are disclosed. Also disclosed are systems and methods for enhancing the image of the user in situations where a portion of a display being viewed is captured by the camera lens and combines with the image of the user. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120069031 | DECOUPLED HOLOGRAPHIC FILM AND DIFFUSER - In various embodiments described herein, a display device includes a front illumination device that comprises a light guide disposed forward of an array of display elements, such as an array of interferometric modulators, to distribute light across the array of display elements. The light guide may include a turning film to deliver uniform illumination from a light source to the array of display elements. For many portable display applications, the light guide comprises the substrate used in fabricating the display elements. The display device may include additional films as well. The light guide, for example, may include a diffuser and/or an optical isolation layer to further enhance the optical characteristics of the display. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120062615 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF UPDATING DRIVE SCHEME VOLTAGES - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for calibrating display arrays. In one aspect, a method of calibrating a display array includes determining a particular drive response characteristic and updating a particular drive scheme voltage between updates of image data on the display array. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120062575 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR LIGHTING DISPLAYS - Various devices and methods of lighting a display are disclosed. In one embodiment, for example, a display device includes a transmissive display configured to be illuminated through a back surface and a reflective display configured to be illuminated through a front surface. A light source is disposed with respect to the back of the transmissive display to illuminate the transmissive display through the back surface. A light pipe is disposed with respect to the light source to receive light from the light source and is configured to propagate the light such that this light provides front illumination of the reflective display. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120062572 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING BRIGHTNESS CONTROL IN AN INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR (IMOD) DISPLAY - Methods and systems for providing brightness control in an interferometric modulator (IMOD) display are provided. In one embodiment, an interferometric modulator display pixel is provided that includes a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) interferometric modulator having an associated first color spectrum, and a color absorber located substantially in front of the interferometric modulator display pixel, in which the color absorber has an associated second color spectrum. The micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) interferometric modulator is operable to shift the first color spectrum relative to the second color spectrum to control a visual brightness of the interferometric modulator display pixel independent of a color of the interferometric modulator display pixel. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120062570 | PROCESS OF FORMING AN AIR GAP IN A MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEM DEVICE USING A LINER MATERIAL - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for forming an air gap in an EMS device without using a sacrificial layer in the air gap. In some implementations, a support structure is formed on the substrate, and a sacrificial substrate is provided on the support structure. A liner material is deposited on the substrate, the support structure, and the sacrificial substrate, for instance, via an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. The sacrificial substrate can be removed, and a top layer material can be deposited on the exposed areas of the support structure and the liner material. The liner material defines an air gap between the substrate and the top layer material. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120062310 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHARGE CONTROL IN A MEMS DEVICE - An electromechanical device is disclosed. The device includes a variable capacitor, and a switch circuit configured to pre-charge an input node with a pulse charge at said selected voltage level. The switch circuit includes only a first switch coupled to the variable capacitor and the first switch is configured to respond to an enable signal having a duration shorter than a mechanical time constant of the variable capacitor and the first switch is configured to apply the selected voltage level across the variable capacitor to cause the pulse charge to accumulate on the variable capacitor. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120057216 | MULTICOMPONENT SACRIFICIAL STRUCTURE - A MEMS comprising a sacrificial structure, which comprises a faster etching portion and a slower etching portion, exhibits reduced damage to structural features when in forming a cavity in the MEMS by etching away the sacrificial structure. The differential etching rates mechanically decouple structural layers, thereby reducing stresses in the device during the etching process. Methods and systems are also provided. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120056890 | FLEXIBLE FILM INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR DEVICES AND METHODS OF FORMING THE SAME - The present disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing interferometric modulator displays using flexible films. In one aspect, a method of forming an interferometric modulator device includes providing a conductive element, depositing a reflective layer over at least a portion of the conductive element, and depositing a plurality of spacing elements over the conductive element. The absorber layer and the substrate are provided over the conductive element such that the absorber layer is disposed between the substrate and the spacing elements. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120056867 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF LEAKAGE CURRENT COMPENSATION WHEN SENSING STATES OF DISPLAY ELEMENTS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for calibrating display arrays. A leakage compensation circuit is provided in conjunction with a circuit for sensing display element states. The leakage compensation circuit may include a leakage current integrator and a voltage to current converter. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120056855 | INTERFEROMETRIC DISPLAY DEVICE - This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus including one or more capacitance control layers to decrease the magnitude of an electric field between a movable layer and an electrode. In one aspect, a display device includes an electrode, a movable layer, and a capacitance control layer. At least a portion of the movable layer can be configured to move toward the electrode when a voltage is applied across the electrode and the movable layer and an interferometric cavity can be disposed between the movable layer and the first electrode. The capacitance control layer can be configured to decrease the magnitude of an electric field between the movable layer and the electrode when the voltage is applied across the movable layer and the electrode. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120044563 | REDUCED CAPACITANCE DISPLAY ELEMENT - A display element, such as an interferometric modulator, includes a transparent conductor configured as a first electrode and a movable minor configured as a second electrode. Advantageously, the partial reflector is positioned between the transparent conductor and the movable mirror. Because the transparent conductor serves as an electrode, the partial reflector does not need to be conductive. Accordingly, a greater range of materials may be used for the partial reflector. In addition, a transparent insulative material, such as a dielectric, may be positioned between the transparent conductor and the partial reflector, for example, in order to decrease a capacitance of the display element without changing a gap distance between the partial reflector and the movable minor. Thus, a capacitance of the display element may be reduced without changing the optical characteristics of the display element. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120044562 | ACTUATION AND CALIBRATION OF CHARGE NEUTRAL ELECTRODE - This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for actuating, charging and calibrating the charge on a movable electrode in electronic devices. The electronic device can include a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode by a gap, at least one electrical contact, and an electrically neutral movable third electrode disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The third electrode can be charged by applying a charging actuation voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode to produce an electric field in the gap. Under the electric field, the electrically neutral third electrode can move towards the first electrode from a first position to a second position where it connects with the electrical contact. Once in contact with the electrical contact, an electric charge on the third electrode can be changed when the third electrode is in the second position. When a mechanical restorative force on the third electrode exceeds the force of the electric field on the third electrode, the third electrode moves to a third position. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120044237 | ACTUATION AND CALIBRATION OF CHARGE NEUTRAL ELECTRODE - This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for actuating, charging and calibrating the charge on a movable electrode in electromechanical systems (EMS) devices. The electromechanical systems device can include a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode by a gap, a complementary electrode, at least one electrical contact, and a movable third electrode disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. In one implementation, a method of calibrating charge on the movable electrode of the EMS device includes electrically connecting a complementary electrode to the first electrode to form a compound electrode and applying a calibration voltage across the compound electrode and the second electrode to produce a uniform electric field in the gap. Under the electric field the third electrode moves towards the first electrode until it connects with the at least one electrical contact. Once in contact with the electrical contact, an electrical charge on the third electrode can be changed and calibrated when the third electrode is in a second position. When a mechanical restorative force on the third electrode exceeds the electric force of the uniform electric field on the third electrode, the third electrode then moves to a third position. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042931 | INTERFEROMETRIC MASKS - An interferometric mask covering the front electrodes of a photovoltaic device is disclosed. Such an interferometric mask may reduce reflections of incident light from the electrodes. In various embodiments, the mask reduces reflections so that a front electrode pattern appears similar in color to adjacent regions of visible photovoltaic active material. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120038653 | DEVICE HAVING A CONDUCTIVE LIGHT ABSORBING MASK AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING SAME - A system and method for an optical component that masks non-active portions of a display and provides an electrical path for one or more display circuits. In one embodiment an optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of optical elements on the substrate, each optical element having an optical characteristic which changes in response to a voltage applied to the optical element, and a light-absorbing, electrically-conductive optical mask disposed on the substrate and offset from the plurality of optical elements, the optical mask electrically coupled to one or more of the optical elements to provide electrical paths for applying voltages to the optical elements. In another embodiment, a method of providing an electrical signal to optical elements of a display comprises electrically coupling an electrically-conductive light-absorbing mask to one or more optical elements, and applying a voltage to the mask to activate the one or more optical elements. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120037790 | ADJUSTABLY TRANSMISSIVE MEMS-BASED DEVICES - Modulator devices are selectably adjustable between at least two states, wherein the transmission and/or reflection of particular wavelengths of light are modified. Certain modulator devices are substantially uniformly adjustable over a wide range of wavelengths, including visible and infrared wavelengths. Other modulator devices are adjustable over visible wavelengths without significantly affecting infrared wavelengths. In addition, the modulator devices may be used in conjunction with fixed thin film reflective structures. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120032692 | MEMS GAS SENSOR - Systems and methods for sensing a chemical or gas species of interest are provided. In one aspect, a method of sensing a chemical includes determining a capacitance change between at least two layers in a MEMS device, the capacitance between the at least two layers indicative of a presence of one or more chemicals; and identifying the presence of the one or more chemicals based on a determined electrical response of the at least two layers and the determined capacitance change. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120026576 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING BRIGHTNESS OF DISPLAYS USING ANGLE CONVERSION LAYERS - Various embodiments of the present invention relate to enhancing the brightness of displays that employ illumination systems. In some embodiments, the illumination systems include light guides, diffractive microstructure, and light-turning features. The diffractive microstructure may be configured to receive ambient light at a first angle and produce diffracted light at a second angle greater than the first angle and greater than the critical angle for of light guide. The light is thereby guided within the light guide. The light-turning features may be configured to turn the light guided within the light guide out of a light guide and onto, for example, a spatial light modulator at near normal incidence. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120026176 | INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR WITH DIELECTRIC LAYER - By selectively placing color filters with different transmittance spectrums on an array of modulator elements each having the same reflectance spectrum, a resultant reflectance spectrum for each modulator element and it's respective color filter is created. In one embodiment, the modulator elements in an array are manufactured by the same process so that each modulator element has a reflectance spectrum that includes multiple reflectivity lines. Color filters corresponding to multiple colors, such as red, green, and blue, for example, may be selectively associated with these modulator elements in order to filter out a desired wavelength range for each modulator element and provide a multiple color array. Because the modulator elements are manufactured by the same process, each of the modulator elements is substantially the same and common voltage levels may be used to activate and deactivate selected modulation. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120019894 | Interferometric modulation devices having triangular subpixels - At least some subpixels in an interferometric modulator display are formed in a triangular shape. Such triangular subpixels may be formed and/or addressed in a variety of manners. At least some individual triangular subpixels may be separately addressable. However, a plurality of triangular subpixels may be addressable as a group, e.g., as a group of 2, 3, 4 or more. A single pixel may include varying numbers of triangular subpixels. For example, a single pixel may include 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 or some other number of triangular subpixels. Alternatively, a single pixel may include 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, or some other number of triangular subpixels. A single pixel may include triangular subpixels that are configured to be separately addressable and/or triangular subpixels are configured to be addressable as a group. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120019713 | MEMS-BASED APERTURE AND SHUTTER - Some embodiments comprise at least one array that includes microelectromechanical systems (“MEMS”)-based light-modulating devices. Elements of the array(s) may be configured to absorb and/or reflect light when in a first configuration and to transmit light when in a second position. Such an array may be controlled to function as a camera aperture and/or as a camera shutter. For example, a controller may cause the array to function as a shutter by causing the MEMS devices to open for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period of time may be based, at least in part, on input received from a user, the intensity of ambient light, the intensity of a flash, the size of the camera aperture, etc. Some embodiments provide a variable aperture device that does not add significant thickness or cost to a camera module. Such embodiments may enable a camera to function well in both bright and dark light, to control depth of field, etc. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120014683 | CAMERA FLASH SYSTEM CONTROLLED VIA MEMS ARRAY - A camera flash system may include a light source and an array that includes MEMS-based light-modulating devices disposed in front the light source. The camera flash system may control the array to transmit light through, or substantially prevent the transmission of light through, predetermined areas of the array. In some embodiments, the array may be controlled in response to input from a user, in response to detected ambient light conditions and/or in response to the proximity of a detected subject or other detected features. For example, the camera flash system may control the array to substantially prevent the transmission of light through an area of the array that is between the light source and the eyes of a detected subject. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120002266 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PACKAGING A SUBSTRATE - A package structure and method of packaging for an interferometric modulator. A thin film material is deposited over an interferometric modulator and transparent substrate to encapsulate the interferometric modulator. A gap or cavity between the interferometric modulator and the thin film provides a space in which mechanical parts of the interferometric modulator may move. The gap is created by removal of a sacrificial layer that is deposited over the interferometric modulator. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120002265 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR COMPENSATING FOR COLOR SHIFT AS A FUNCTION OF ANGLE OF VIEW - In one embodiment of the invention, a display is provided and includes a plurality of interferometric display elements. The display further includes at least one diffuser. Optical properties of the diffuser are selected to reduce color shift of the display when viewed from at least one angle. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120001962 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ILLUMINATING INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS USING BACKLIGHTING - An interferometric modulator array device with backlighting is disclosed. The interferometric modulator array device includes a plurality of interferometric modulator elements. Each of the interferometric modulator elements includes an optical cavity. The interferometric modulator array includes an optical aperture region, and at least one reflecting element is positioned so as to receive light passing through the optical aperture region and reflect at least a portion of the received light to the cavities of the interferometric modulator elements. The interferometric modulator elements may be separated from each other such that an optical aperture region is formed between adjacent interferometric modulator elements. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110317245 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FALSE-COLOR SENSING AND DISPLAY - 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. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110316899 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DUAL-MODE DISPLAY - One embodiment includes display comprising a light modulator configured to display a portion of an image such as a reflective light modulator, a light emitter configured to display the portion of the image and a circuit configured to selectively provide signals to at least one of the light modulator and the light emitter indicative of the portion of the image. In one such embodiment, an active matrix provides a simple, efficient drive for such devices. Other embodiments include methods of making and driving such devices. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110316861 | OPTICAL FILMS FOR DIRECTING LIGHT TOWARDS ACTIVE AREAS OF DISPLAYS - In various embodiments, an interferometric display device includes a plurality of structures that redirect light from an inactive area of the display to an active area of the display. Light incident on the structures that would normally continue towards an inactive area of the display is either reflected, refracted, or scattered towards an active area of the display including moveable and static reflective surfaces that form an optical cavity. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110316832 | PIXEL DRIVE SCHEME HAVING IMPROVED RELEASE CHARACTERISTICS - Electromechanical devices such as MEMS can be controlled by “drive schemes” comprising electrical signals applied to the display to cause selective actuation or release of the electromechanical devices. In some drive schemes, all pixels on a line are released during a phase when a release voltage is applied along the common line. In some invention embodiments, the release phase sets the common line voltage to the maximum segment drive voltage for a portion of the release phase and the minimum segment drive voltage for the remainder of the release phase. This ensures that all electromechanical devices have a resulting voltage of zero during a portion of the release phase sufficient to release the devices without regard to the segment line voltages. This scheme eliminates slow and no release problems and also eliminates the need for additional voltage transitions on the segment lines. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110310980 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING FRAMES OF VIDEO DATA ACROSS A DISPLAY INTERFACE USING A BLOCK-BASED ENCODING SCHEME AND A TAG ID - Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for processing frames of video data sent across a display interface using a block-based encoding scheme and a tag ID. The disclosed techniques provide for optimization of the display interface situated between the graphics processor and the display controller of an electronic device. The disclosed techniques minimize the amount of signaling over the interface and reduce the power consumed at the interface. Accordingly, the battery life of some electronic devices can be extended. In one embodiment, the graphics processor is configured to receive frames of video data, where each frame includes one or more blocks of the video data. The graphics processor is configured to encode each block of video data, generate a tag ID associated with each encoded block of video data, and output each encoded block of video data and associated tag ID. The display controller is configured to receive the encoded blocks of video data and associated tag ID's from the graphics processor via the display interface. The display controller is configured to interpret the tag ID associated with a respective encoded block of video data and determine whether to decode at least part of the respective encoded block of video data according to the tag ID. A display, such as a memory-based display, is in communication with the display controller. The display is configured to receive and display decoded blocks of video data from the display controller. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110308609 | OPTICAL FEATURES FOR SOLAR CELLS - Reflectors formed in front of a solar cell reduce loss from reflections from specular conductors formed in front of the photovoltaic material in the solar cell by reflecting light otherwise incident upon the conductors onto the photovoltaic material. In one embodiment, a solar cell includes a photovoltaic material having a front surface, a conductive bus line extending along a first direction, the conductive bus line being disposed over the front surface of the photovoltaic material, a primary reflector disposed on the bus line, the primary reflector comprising a first reflective surface obtusely angled relative to the front surface of the photovoltaic material to reflect light onto the photovoltaic material, and a first secondary reflector extending along the first direction, spaced apart from the conductive bus line, the first secondary reflector comprising at least one reflective surface to reflect a portion of light reflected from the primary reflector towards the photovoltaic material. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110298815 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UPDATING OF DISPLAYS SHOWING DETERMINISTIC CONTENT - A method and apparatus for displaying image data is disclosed. The method includes receiving one of a plurality of sets of stored image update data to be displayed on a display device, wherein each set corresponds to one image in a sequence of images and wherein the plurality of sets of image update data comprise information identifying pixels that change from a previous image in the sequence of images, wherein the display device comprises an array of bi-stable display elements. The method further includes updating a portion of the display device, the portion containing the pixels identified in the received set of stored image update data. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110292512 | PRINTABLE STATIC INTERFEROMETRIC IMAGES - Methods of fabricating a static interferometric image device and static interferometric image device formed by the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a substrate. A plurality of liquid layers are formed over the substrate by an inkjet process such that the layers are lateral to one another. The liquid layers contain a solidifiable material or particles. Then, the plurality of liquid layers are solidified to form a plurality of solid layers. In some embodiments, the substrate includes pre-defined cavities, and the liquid layers are formed in the cavities. In other embodiments, the substrate includes a substantially planar, stepped, or continuously transitioning surface, and the liquid layers are formed on the surface. The inkjet process provides optical fillers or spacers for defining interferometric gaps between absorbers and reflectors in the display device, based at least partially on an image that the display device is designed to display. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110292489 | HUMAN-READABLE, BI-STATE ENVIRONMENTAL SENSORS BASED ON MICRO-MECHANICAL MEMBRANES - An environmental sensing device includes an interferometric modulator which permanently actuates, in a visually-detectable manner, in response to being exposed to a predetermined environmental threshold or condition. The device can include a reactive layer, coating, or proof mass disposed on a movable member of the interferometric modulator. The reactive layer, coating, or proof mass can expand, contract, bend, or otherwise move when exposed to a predefined chemical, level of humidity, temperature threshold, type of radiation, and/or level of mechanical shock, causing the interferometric modulator to collapse and permanently indicate such exposure. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110290552 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PACKAGING MEMS DEVICES WITH INCORPORATED GETTER - Methods and systems for packaging MEMS devices such as interferometric modulator arrays are disclosed. One embodiment of a MEMS device package structure includes a seal with a chemically reactant getter. Another embodiment of a MEMS device package comprises a primary seal with a getter, and a secondary seal proximate an outer periphery of the primary seal. Yet another embodiment of a MEMS device package comprises a getter positioned inside the MEMS device package and proximate an inner periphery of the package seal. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110286072 | METHOD AND STRUCTURE CAPABLE OF CHANGING COLOR SATURATION - Various embodiments include an interferometric modulator device configured to provide improved saturation. In some embodiments, saturation is improved by optically matching the impedance of two materials with different refractive indices using a multilayer having a refractive index gradient. In various embodiments, the thickness one or more of the layers in the multilayer are selected to provide increased saturation. Accordingly, in various embodiments the multilayer having a refractive index gradient helps to narrow the resonance of a pixel such that the band of wavelengths that are reflected from the pixel is smaller. In turn, a device including a combination of red, green and blue pixels may expand the spectrum of colors that are reflected by the device in operation. Additionally, there may be better contrast between whites and blacks, as darker blacks with less hue are produced. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110285757 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHOOSING DISPLAY MODES - This disclosure provides apparatus, systems, and methods for updating display devices. In one aspect, a multi-line addressing mode may be used to update the display by writing data to multiple display lines in order to increase display refresh rate and reduce power consumption. In another aspect, a line order addressing mode may be used to write data to display lines in a random or quasi-random sequence in order to minimize visible display updates. In another aspect, a color processing mode may be used to forego processing color information in order to reduce power consumption and processing time. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110285683 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHOOSING DISPLAY MODES - This disclosure provides apparatus, systems, and methods for updating display devices. In one aspect, a line time addressing mode may be used to update the display by changing the amount of time that a common line has to address a display element. A shorter line time results in a higher frame rate, but may result in increased display errors. Therefore, an appropriate line time addressing mode may be selected based on the update rate of images to be displayed. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110270569 | Micromachined piezoelectric three-axis gyroscope and stacked lateral overlap transducer (slot) based three-axis accelerometer - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for making and using x-axis gyroscopes, y-axis gyroscopes, z-axis gyroscopes, two-axis accelerometers and three-axis accelerometers. Combining fabrication processes for such devices can enable the monolithic integration of six inertial sensing axes on a single substrate, such as a single glass substrate. Such devices may be included in a mobile device, such as a mobile display device. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265568 | Stacked lateral overlap transducer (slot) based three-axis accelerometer - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for making and using accelerometers. Some such accelerometers include a substrate, a first plurality of electrodes, a second plurality of electrodes, a first anchor attached to the substrate, a frame and a proof mass. The substrate may extend substantially in a first plane. The proof mass may be attached to the frame, may extend substantially in a second plane and may be substantially constrained for motion along first and second axes. The frame may be attached to the first anchor, may extend substantially in a second plane and may be substantially constrained for motion along the second axis. A lateral movement of the proof mass in response to an applied lateral acceleration along the first or second axes may result in a change in capacitance at the first or second plurality of electrodes. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265566 | Micromachined piezoelectric z-axis gyroscope - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for making and using gyroscopes. Such gyroscopes may include a central anchor, a sense frame disposed around the central anchor, a plurality of sense beams configured for connecting the sense frame to the central anchor and a drive frame disposed around and coupled to the sense frame. The gyroscope may include pairs of drive beams disposed on opposing sides of the sense frame. The gyroscope may include a drive frame suspension for substantially restricting a drive motion of the drive frame to that of a substantially linear displacement along the first axis. The sense frame may be substantially decoupled from drive motions of the drive frame. Such devices may be included in a mobile device, such as a mobile display device. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265565 | Micromachined piezoelectric X-axis gyroscope - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for making and using gyroscopes. Some gyroscopes include a drive frame, a central anchor and a plurality of drive beams disposed on opposing sides of the central anchor. The drive beams may connect the drive frame to the central anchor. The drive beams may include a piezoelectric layer and may be configured to cause the drive frame to oscillate torsionally in a plane of the drive beams. The gyroscope may also include a proof mass and a plurality of piezoelectric sense beams. At least some components may be formed from plated metal. The drive frame may be disposed within the proof mass. The drive beams may constrain the drive frame to rotate substantially in the plane of the drive beams. Such devices may be included in a mobile device, such as a mobile display device. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265564 | Micromachined piezoelectric x-axis gyroscope - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for making and using gyroscopes. Such gyroscopes may include a sense frame, a proof mass disposed outside the sense frame, a pair of anchors and a plurality of drive beams. The plurality of drive beams may be disposed on opposing sides of the sense frame and between the pair of anchors. The drive beams may connect the sense frame to the proof mass. The drive beams may be configured to cause torsional oscillations of the proof mass substantially in a first plane of the drive beams. The sense frame may be substantially decoupled from the drive motions of the proof mass. Such devices may be included in a mobile device, such as a mobile display device. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110261370 | OPTICAL SENSOR FOR PROXIMITY AND COLOR DETECTION - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for detecting proximity and/or color of an object. In one aspect, an optical sensor includes a plurality of transmissive interferometric elements, a plurality of detectors positioned to detect the presence and/or intensity of light transmitted through the elements, and a processor to determine the proximity of an object based at least in part upon input from the detectors. An optical signal can be sensed by selectively actuating certain elements in a set of transmissive interferometric elements in an array to allow transmission of optical signals within a first spectrum through the array, and detecting optical signals transmitted through the array. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110261088 | DIGITAL CONTROL OF ANALOG DISPLAY ELEMENTS - This disclosure provides methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for controlling analog display elements. In one aspect, a control scheme can be used for controlling analog display elements, including interferometric modulators. This control scheme can be used to drive the analog display elements to a plurality of discrete different states, and can be referred to as “digital” control of the display element state. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110261046 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PIXEL-LEVEL VOLTAGE BOOSTING - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for displaying an image using voltage shifting. In one aspect, a display device includes an array of display elements, each display element configurable into one of a plurality of states upon application of one of a plurality of voltages, and an array of voltage shifters, each voltage shifter associated with one or more of the display elements and configured to receive at least one input voltage from a display driver circuit and output at least one output voltage different than the input voltage to the associated one or more display elements. The voltage shifters can include, for example, at least one of an amplifier, a differential amplifier, an operational amplifier, a charge pump, a level shifter and a digital-to-analog converter. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110261037 | ACTIVE MATRIX PIXELS WITH INTEGRAL PROCESSOR AND MEMORY UNITS - This disclosure provides methods, systems and apparatus for storing and processing image data at the pixel using augmented active matrix pixels. Some implementations of a display device may include a substrate, an array of display elements associated with the substrate and configured to display an image, an array of processor units associated with the substrate, wherein each processor unit is configured to process image data for a respective portion of the display elements and an array of memory units associated with the array of processor units, wherein each memory unit is configured to store data for a respective portion of the display elements. Some implementations may enable color processing image data at the pixel, layering of image data at the pixel or temporal modulation of image data at the pixel. Further, in some implementations, the display element may be an interferometric modulator (IMOD). Some other implementations may additionally include a display, a processor configured to communicate with the display and a memory device that is configured to communicate with the processor. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110261036 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MASSIVE PARALLEL DITHERING OF IMAGES - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for parallel dithering images are disclosed. In one aspect, a display device includes: a front substrate; a backplate opposing the front substrate; an array of display elements associated with the front substrate; and an array of processing units associated with the backplate. Each of the processing units is configured to process data for one or more of the display elements for dithering an image. Each of the processing units is spatially arranged to correspond to the one or more display elements for which it is configured to process data. The array of processing units can perform a faster dithering process than a single processor sequentially performing all computation for dithering. Further, the position of the array of processing units allows effective image data processing in an active-matrix type display device while utilizing the space of the backplate thereof. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110260956 | ACTIVE MATRIX CONTENT MANIPULATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for sharing image data between interconnected pixels in a display device. Some implementations of a display device may include an array of pixels, where each pixel includes a display element, a memory element, one or more data interconnect lines connecting the pixel to one or more other pixels, one or more switches positioned in one or more of the interconnect lines and one or more scroll data lines connected to one or more of the switches. Some implementations may enable scrolling of image data on a display without writing new image data to the display. Further, in some implementations, the display element may be an interferometric modulator (IMOD). Some other implementations may additionally include a display, a processor configured to communicate with the display and a memory device that is configured to communicate with the processor. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110255143 | ANALOG INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR - Methods and devices for calibrating and controlling the actuation of an analog interferometric modulator configured to have a plurality of actuation states. Devices and methods for calibrating an analog interferometric modulator to respond in linear relation to an applied voltage. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110254849 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REDUCING PERCEIVED COLOR SHIFT - An apparatus and method for reducing perceived color shift as a function of viewing angle is disclosed. One embodiment is a display device that includes a color light modulator and a color filter. The filter is configured to filter wavelengths of light that would be perceived as color shifted light when reflected by the modulator at an off-axis viewing angle. Another embodiment includes a color light modulator and a color light source configured to provide light having a spectral content that lacks the wavelengths that would be perceived as color shifted light by a view of the display at an off-axis viewing angle. Another embodiment are methods of making such display devices. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110254828 | FAMILY OF CURRENT/POWER-EFFICIENT HIGH VOLTAGE LINEAR REGULATOR CIRCUIT ARCHITECTURES - Power efficient power supply regulator circuits are disclosed. The circuits are configured to modify their overhead current according to current load. This is particularly advantageous for use in display devices with widely varying current loads. Such displays include bi-stable displays, such as interferometric modulation displays, LCD displays, and DMD displays. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110254758 | Flex Design and Attach Method for Reducing Display Panel Periphery - Various embodiments described herein involve making connections with the display leads on more than one side of the display array, e.g., on 2 sides, 3 sides or all 4 sides of the display array. By making connections with the display leads on more than one side of the display array, the available area for bonding leads and control circuitry may be increased. The driver chip(s), discrete components, and other active components necessary for addressing the display panel may be attached to the top or the bottom of a flexible printed circuit (“FPC”) or a similar device. Some embodiments involve attaching an FPC to the display such that that the backplate is substantially encased by the FPC. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110249315 | MECHANICAL LAYER AND METHODS OF FORMING THE SAME - This disclosure provides mechanical layers and methods of forming the same. In one aspect, an electromechanical systems device includes a substrate and a mechanical layer having an actuated position and a relaxed position. The mechanical layer is spaced from the substrate to define a collapsible gap. The gap is in a collapsed condition when the mechanical layer is in the actuated position and in a non-collapsed condition when the mechanical layer is in the relaxed position. The mechanical layer includes a reflective layer, a conductive layer, and a supporting layer. The supporting layer is positioned between the reflective layer and the conductive layer and is configured to support the mechanical layer. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110248960 | HOLOGRAPHIC TOUCHSCREEN - Disclosed are various embodiments of a holographic touchscreen and methods of configuring such devices. In certain embodiments, a touchscreen assembly can include a holographic layer configured to receive incident light and turn it into a selected direction to be transmitted through a light guide. The holographic layer can be configured to accept incident light within an acceptance range and so that the selected direction is within a range of directions so as to allow determination of incidence location based on detection of the turned light. A light source can be provided so that light from the source scatters from an object such as a fingertip near the holographic layer and becomes the incident light. The determined incidence location can represent presence of the fingertip at or near the incidence location, thereby providing touchscreen functionality. In certain embodiments, the distance between the fingertip and the holographic layer can be estimated based on measurement of a width of a distribution resulting from the detected directed light turned by the holographic layer. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110248958 | HOLOGRAPHIC BASED OPTICAL TOUCHSCREEN - Disclosed are various embodiments of a holographic based optical touchscreen and methods of configuring such devices. In certain embodiments, a touchscreen assembly can include a holographic layer configured to receive incident light and turn it into a selected direction to be transmitted through a light guide. The holographic layer can be configured to accept incident light within an acceptance range and so that the selected direction is within some range of directions so as to allow determination of incidence location based on detection of the turned light. A light source can be provided so that light from the source scatters from an object such as a fingertip near the holographic layer and becomes the incident light. Thus the determined incidence location can represent presence of the fingertip at or near the incidence location, thereby providing touchscreen functionality. Non-limiting examples of design considerations and variations are disclosed. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110242529 | METHODS FOR VISUALLY INSPECTING INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS FOR DEFECTS - A method is provided for visual inspection of an array of interferometric modulators in various driven states. This method may include driving multiple columns or rows of interferometric modulators via a single test pad or test lead, such as test pad, and then observing the array for discrepancies between the expected optical output and the actual optical output of the array. This method may particularly include, for example, driving a set of non-adjacent rows or columns to a state different from the intervening rows or columns and then observing the optical output of the array. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110235156 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PRESSURE DETECTION - Methods and devices for detecting pressure applied to a device are described herein. In one embodiment, the device comprises a first layer and a second layer positioned below the first layer. The first layer and the second layer form a cavity. The device further comprises a plurality of display elements disposed in the cavity. The device further comprises a sensor configured to measure the relative movement between the first layer and the second layer. In another embodiment, the device may detect sound waves. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110235155 | MECHANICAL LAYER AND METHODS OF SHAPING THE SAME - A method of shaping a mechanical layer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises depositing a support layer, a sacrificial layer and a mechanical layer over a substrate, and forming a support post from the support layer. A kink is formed adjacent to the support post in the mechanical layer. The kink comprises a rising edge and a falling edge, and the kink can be configured to control the shaping and curvature of the mechanical layer upon removal of the sacrificial layer. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110234603 | CONDUCTIVE BUS STRUCTURE FOR INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR ARRAY - Embodiments of an interferometric modulator are disclosed having various enhancements and features including a conductive bus. In certain embodiments, the interferometric modulator has a first conductive layer suspended over a second electrode layer. In certain embodiments, a second conductive layer is provided over the first conductive layer. One of the first and/or second conductive buses may further connect to the first electrode layer and/or the second electrode layer. Other disclosed features can be incorporated into embodiments of the interferometric modulator to improve response time, power consumption, and image resolution. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110227937 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FRAME BUFFER STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL IN ALTERNATING ORIENTATIONS - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for storing image data for successive frames in a frame buffer. Specifically, the method and apparatus allow for a display-sized frame buffer to be utilized where a host system provides image data in a format different from that which the display requires to be written to it while retaining the beneficial aspects of concurrent read and write operations from and to the frame buffer. Using this method a buffer controller receives image data from a host system in a first format (e.g. row-by-row) and writes it to the frame buffer in the first format. When the buffer is completely filled with the first frame, it is read out in a second format (e.g. column-by-column) by the buffer controller and provided to a display driver that writes the data to the display. As the first frame is read out in the second format, the buffer controller receives image data for a second frame from the host system in the first format, but rotates it before writing it to the frame buffer such that it is written to the frame buffer in the second format. This rotation allows the buffer controller to write to the frame buffer and the display driver to read from the frame buffer concurrently, despite the different image data format requirements of the host system and display. When the second frame is completely written to the buffer in the second format, the buffer controller then reads the buffer in the first format, and writes it to the display. At this point the process repeats. Thus, the benefits of concurrent read and write are preserved. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110227101 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING AND REMOVING DISCHARGING INTERCONNECT FOR CHIP-ON-GLASS OUTPUT LEADS AND STRUCTURES THEREOF - Microelectronic devices may be fabricated while being protected from damage by electrostatic discharge. In one embodiment, a shorting circuit is connected to elements of the microelectronic device, where the microelectronic device is part of a chip-on-glass system. In one aspect of this embodiment, a portion of the shorting circuit is in an area of a substrate where a microchip is bonded. In another embodiment, shorting links of the shorting circuit are comprised of a fusible material, where the fusible material may be disabled by an electrical current capable of fusing the shorting links. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110221798 | LINE MULTIPLYING TO ENABLE INCREASED REFRESH RATE OF A DISPLAY - This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for reducing a frame write time or increasing a refresh rate of a display. In one aspect, displays may include a plurality of pixels arranged along segment lines and common lines, and all or a portion of the display may be driven in a manner which simultaneously addresses multiple common lines. Display resolution or color range of all or a portion of the display may thus be temporarily sacrificed in exchange for a reduced frame write time, enabling the use of higher refresh rates. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110210910 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAY DEVICE WITH END-OF-LIFE PHENOMENA - Systems and methods of displaying an end-of-life image on an electronic display are disclosed. An end-of-life image is displayed on a MEMS display device in the presence of sufficient water vapor and without continued activation of the display. The image can be displayed in response to user input, in response to detection of a predefined level of water vapor within the display package, according to a prestored lifetime of the device, or according to the natural expiration of the lifetime of the display device and packaging. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110205615 | MEMS DEVICES WITH MULTI-COMPONENT SACRIFICIAL LAYERS - Methods of forming a protective coating on one or more surfaces of a microelectromechanical device are disclosed comprising the steps of forming a composite layer of a sacrificial material and a protective material, and selectively etching the sacrificial material to form a protective coating. The protective coatings of the invention preferably improve one or more aspects of the performance of the microelectromechanical devices in which they are incorporated. Also disclosed are microelectromechanical devices formed by methods of the invention, and visual display devices incorporating such devices. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110205197 | ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICES HAVING SUPPORT STRUCTURES AND METHODS OF FABRICATING THE SAME - Embodiments of MEMS devices comprise a conductive movable layer spaced apart from a conductive fixed layer by a gap, and supported by rigid support structures, or rivets, overlying depressions in the conductive movable layer, or by posts underlying depressions in the conductive movable layer. In certain embodiments, both rivets and posts may be used. In certain embodiments, these support structures are formed from rigid inorganic materials, such as metals or oxides. In certain embodiments, etch barriers may also be deposited to facilitate the use of materials in the formation of support structures which are not selectively etchable with respect to other components within the MEMS device. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110199669 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING INTERFEROMETRIC OPTICAL MODULATORS AND DIFFUSERS - Various embodiments include interferometric optical modulators comprising a substrate layer having a thickness between about 0.1 mm to about 0.45 mm thick and a method for manufacturing the same. The interferometric modulator can be integrated together with a diffuser in a display device. The thin substrate permits use of a thicker diffuser. The thinner substrate may increase resolution and reduce overall thickness of the inteferometric modulator. The thicker diffuser may provide increased diffusion and durability. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110199668 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROVIDING ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY ON A BACKPLATE - A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate may contain electronic circuitry fabricated on the backplane. The electronic circuitry is placed in electrical communication with the array of interferometric modulators and is configured to control the state of the array of interferometric modulators. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110199667 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LIGHTING A DISPLAY DEVICE - Methods and apparatus for providing lighting in a display are provided. In one embodiment, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) is provided that includes a transparent substrate and a plurality of interferometric modulators. The interferometric modulators include an optical stack coupled to the transparent substrate, a reflective layer over the optical stack, and one or more posts to support the reflective layer and to provide a path for light from a backlight for lighting the display. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110194169 | INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR IN TRANSMISSION MODE - A transmissive micromechanical device includes a substrate, an optical stack over the substrate and a moveable membrane over the optical stack. The moveable membrane may include a partially reflective mirror and be configured to move from a first position to a second position. When the movable membrane is in the first position the transmissive micromechanical device is configured to pass light of a predetermined color and when the movable membrane is in the second position, the micromechanical device is configured to block substantially all of light incident on the substrate. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110193770 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR WAVELENGTH FILTERING - Embodiments include devices and methods for wavelength filtering. For example, one embodiment includes a display comprising a plurality of the display elements each comprising a movable reflector, a first partial reflector, and a second partial reflector. The first partial reflector is positioned at a first distance from the movable reflector and forms a first optical resonant cavity therebetween. The second partial reflector is positioned at a second distance from said first partial reflector and forming a second optical resonant cavity therebetween. In various embodiments, the movable reflector is movable with respect to the first partial reflector to alter the first optical cavity. Other embodiments include a method of making devices. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110188109 | ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE WITH OPTICAL FUNCTION SEPARATED FROM MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL FUNCTION - 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. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110177745 | INTERCONNECT STRUCTURE FOR MEMS DEVICE - An interferometric modulator array is formed with connectors and/or an encapsulation layer with electrical connections. The encapsulation layer hermetically seals the array. Circuitry may also be formed over the array. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110176196 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PRESSURE DETECTION - Methods and devices for detecting pressure applied to a device are described herein. In one embodiment, the device comprises a first layer and a second layer positioned below the first layer. The first layer and the second layer form a cavity. The device further comprises a plurality of display elements disposed in the cavity. The device further comprises a sensor configured to measure the relative movement between the first layer and the second layer. In another embodiment, the device may detect sound waves. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110175948 | ORNAMENTAL DISPLAY - 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. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110175553 | DISTRIBUTED LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM - The Distributed Lighting Control System (DLCS) is based upon a distributed lighting system, which imbeds luminaire devices in structural materials such as ceiling tiles and wallboard. Each luminaire device is attached to a power network, and each luminaire device includes, or is directly associated with, an electronic circuit component that controls the activation and operation of the luminaire. In normal operation the power network is energized based on signals conveyed to the circuit through wireless means or through signals imposed upon the power grid. Said signals are generated by the DLCS-controller, which is resident within the structure that contains the DLCS. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110175533 | DISTRIBUTED ILLUMINATION SYSTEM - The present invention introduces a new class of lightweight tile-based illumination systems for uses wherein thin directionally-illuminating light distributing engines are embedded into the body of otherwise standard building materials like conventional ceiling tiles along with associated means of electrical control and electrical power interconnection. As a new class of composite light emitting ceiling materials, the present invention enables a lighter weight more flexibly distributed overhead lighting system alternatives for commercial office buildings and residential housing without changing the existing materials. One or more spot lighting, task lighting, flood lighting and wall washing elements having cross-sectional thickness matched to that of the building material or tile into which they are embedded, are contained and interconnected within the material body's cross-section. Embedded power control devices interconnected to each lighting element in the distributed system communicate with a central switching center that thereby controls each light-emitting element in the system. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110170168 | ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE WITH OPTICAL FUNCTION SEPARATED FROM MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL FUNCTION - In certain embodiments, a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device includes a movable element over the substrate and an actuation electrode. The movable element includes an electrically conductive deformable layer and a reflective element mechanically coupled to the deformable layer. The reflective element includes a reflective surface. The actuation electrode is under at least a portion of the deformable layer and is disposed laterally from the reflective surface. The movable element is responsive to a voltage difference applied between the actuation electrode and the movable element by moving towards the actuation electrode. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110170167 | METHOD FOR MODULATING LIGHT WITH MULTIPLE ELECTRODES - Improvements in an interferometric modulator that has a cavity defined by two walls. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110170166 | DEVICE FOR MODULATING LIGHT WITH MULTIPLE ELECTRODES - Improvements in an interferometric modulator that has a cavity defined by two walls. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110169724 | INTERFEROMETRIC PIXEL WITH PATTERNED MECHANICAL LAYER - Interferometric modulators and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, an interferometric display includes a sub-pixel having a membrane layer with a void formed therein. The void can be configured to increase the flexibility of the membrane layer. The sub-pixel can further include an optical mask configured to hide the void from a viewer. In another embodiment, an interferometric display can include at least two movable reflectors wherein each movable reflector has a different stiffness but each movable reflector has substantially the same effective coefficient of thermal expansion. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110169428 | EDGE BAR DESIGNS TO MITIGATE EDGE SHADOW ARTIFACT - An edge bar having features that discriminate between light propagating in one direction versus the opposite direction may be configured so as to couple light into a light guide while significantly mitigating against edge shadow artifact. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110164068 | REORDERING DISPLAY LINE UPDATES - An apparatus and method for driving a display. The order in which lines of a display are updated is changed in order to take advantage of potential similarities between updated data for the lines. The lines are grouped according to one or more common characteristics and one or more of the groups are updated sequentially. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110164027 | METHOD OF DETECTING CHANGE IN DISPLAY DATA - An apparatus and method for updating a display are disclosed. Identifying values are determined for units of display data. Identifying values for units of display data received during an update are compared to identifying values for previously received units of display data. Depending on the comparison, the update of the corresponding portion of the display may be skipped. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110164014 | DISPLAY DRIVE SWITCH CONFIGURATION - An apparatus and method for driving a display a display. Two switches for each common line are used to couple the common line to a respective first and second hold voltage supply lines. A third switch for each common line is used to couple the common line to a drive line. A waveform generator is used to generate the driving waveform on the drive line. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110164009 | CHARGE PUMP FOR PRODUCING DISPLAY DRIVER OUTPUT - A system for driving an array of display elements includes a supply line, at least one capacitor, a plurality of drive lines and overdrive lines, a plurality of switches and a controller configured to activate and deactivate subsets of the switches in order to selectively couple the at least one capacitor to the drive lines and to the overdrive lines. A method for generating an overdrive voltage includes activating and deactivating a plurality of switches to couple a drive voltage line and/or an overdrive voltage line to at least one capacitor. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110157093 | ILLUMINATION DEVICE WITH METALIZED LIGHT-TURNING FEATURES - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a front illumination device with metalized light-turning features. In one aspect, an illumination device with integrated touch sensor capability includes a light guide having a metalized light-turning feature and an electrode system for sensing changes to the capacitance between electrodes in the electrode system induced by the proximity of an electrically conductive body, such as a human finger. The metalized light-turning features may be electrically connected to and/or part of the electrode system. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110157058 | COATED LIGHT-TURNING FEATURE WITH AUXILIARY STRUCTURE - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a front illumination device with metalized light-turning features. In one aspect, an illumination device includes a light guide having light-turning features that include recesses formed on the light guide and that extend down into the light guide. The recesses may be coated with a material where the material also forms an auxiliary structure outside of the recesses on the light guide. The auxiliary structure may be conductive and may form, for example, an electrode. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110157010 | ELECTROMECHANICAL DISPLAY DEVICES AND METHODS OF FABRICATING THE SAME - MEMS devices include materials which are used in LCD or OLED fabrication to facilitate fabrication on the same manufacturing systems. Where possible, the same or similar materials are used for multiple layers in the MEMS device, and use of transparent conductors for partially transparent electrodes can be avoided to minimize the number of materials needed and minimize fabrication costs. Certain layers comprise alloys selected to achieve desired properties. Intermediate treatment of deposited layers during the manufacturing process can be used to provide layers having desired properties. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110149375 | INTEGRATED TOUCH FOR IMOD DISPLAYS USING BACK GLASS - An interferometric modulator (“IMOD”) display utilizes ambient light and incorporates touch sensing without reducing the amount of ambient light that reaches the MEMS modulators, and without introducing any optical distortion or loss of performance. Electrodes for touch sensing are located at a back glass of the inteferometric display, and are used in conjunction with electrodes whose primary function is to activate the pixels of the MEMS display, in order to sense a touch. The touch deflects the IMOD layers and is sensed through the various display layers at the rear of the display. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110149374 | TWO-TERMINAL VARIABLE CAPACITANCE MEMS DEVICE - A two-terminal, variable capacitance device is described that is constructed by connecting multiple MEMS devices having different actuation or “pull in” voltages in parallel. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110148837 | CHARGE CONTROL TECHNIQUES FOR SELECTIVELY ACTIVATING AN ARRAY OF DEVICES - Methods and apparatus are described by which charge may be delivered to an array of electromechanical devices (e.g., MEMS or NEMS) driven in parallel such that only a desired number of the devices are actuated. Specific embodiments relate to visual displays implemented using interferometric modulators (IMODs). In particular, spatial half-toning techniques for achieving grayscale in such displays are described that are not characterized by the power penalty associated with conventional spatial half-toning techniques. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110148751 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANIPULATING COLOR IN A DISPLAY - A method and device for manipulating color in a display is disclosed. In one embodiment, a display comprises interferometric display elements formed to have spectral responses that produce white light. In one embodiment, the produced white light is characterized by a standardized white point. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110141547 | BACKLIGHT UTILIZING DESICCANT LIGHT TURNING ARRAY - An interferometric display comprises a backlight with light extraction features formed from a desiccant material within the display. A light source is positioned at one or more edges or corners of the back glass, and the desiccant based features patterned in or on the back glass remove unwanted moisture and create uniform light extraction from the back glass. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110141163 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANIPULATING COLOR IN A DISPLAY - A method and device for manipulating color in a display includes a display in which one or more of the pixels includes one or more display elements, such as interferometric modulators, configured to output colored light and one or more display elements configured to output white light. Other embodiments include methods of making such displays. In addition, embodiments include color displays configured to provide a greater proportion of the intensity of output light in green portions of the visible spectrum in order to increase perceived brightness of the display. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110134505 | ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEM HAVING A DIELECTRIC MOVABLE MEMBRANE - An electromechanical device includes a partially reflective and partially transmissive layer and a movable functional element. The movable functional element includes a patterned flexible dielectric layer and a reflective layer mechanically coupled to the flexible dielectric layer. The patterned flexible dielectric layer is configured to flex in response to voltages applied to the partially reflective and partially transmissive layer to move the functional element in a direction generally perpendicular to the partially reflective and partially transmissive layer. The reflective layer is situated between the flexible dielectric layer and the partially reflective and partially transmissive layer. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110128307 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANIPULATING COLOR IN A DISPLAY - Embodiments include methods and devices for controlling the spectral profile and color gamut of light produced by an interferometric display. Such devices include illuminating a display with selected wavelengths of light. Embodiments also include a display comprising separate sections that output different predetermined colors of light. Other embodiments include methods of making the aforementioned devices. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110128212 | DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING AN INTEGRATED LIGHT SOURCE AND ACCELEROMETER - A display device having an illumination system with integrated accelerometer is disclosed in which a portion of the illumination system is used as the proof mass for the accelerometer. In one embodiment, the display device includes a plurality of display elements, one or more light sources, one or more light redirectors configured to redirect at least a portion of the light generated by the light sources to at least a portion of the plurality of display elements, one or more light detectors each configured to determine a light intensity, and a processor configured to determine one or more accelerations based on the determined light intensity. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110122479 | INTEGRATED MODULATOR ILLUMINATION - A spatial light modulator includes an array of elements to modulate light in accordance with image data. The modulator has a display panel having first and second surfaces arranged adjacent to the array of elements such that the second surface is directly adjacent the array of elements to allow a viewer to view an image produced by modulation of light The modulator may also include a light source to provide light to the display panel and illumination dots on the first surface of the display panel to reflect light from the source to the array of elements. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110116156 | DEVICE HAVING A CONDUCTIVE LIGHT ABSORBING MASK AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING SAME - A system and method for an optical component that masks non-active portions of a display and provides an electrical path for one or more display circuits. In one embodiment an optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of optical elements on the substrate, each optical element having an optical characteristic which changes in response to a voltage applied to the optical element, and a light-absorbing, electrically-conductive optical mask disposed on the substrate and offset from the plurality of optical elements, the optical mask electrically coupled to one or more of the optical elements to provide electrical paths for applying voltages to the optical elements. In another embodiment, a method of providing an electrical signal to optical elements of a display comprises electrically coupling an electrically-conductive light-absorbing mask to one or more optical elements, and applying a voltage to the mask to activate the one or more optical elements. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110115762 | MEMS DEVICES HAVING OVERLYING SUPPORT STRUCTURES AND METHODS OF FABRICATING THE SAME - Embodiments of MEMS devices comprise a conductive movable layer spaced apart from a conductive fixed layer by a gap, and supported by rigid support structures, or rivets, overlying depressions in the conductive movable layer, or by posts underlying depressions in the conductive movable layer. In certain embodiments, portions of the rivet structures extend through the movable layer and contact underlying layers. In other embodiments, the material used to form the rigid support structures may also be used to passivate otherwise exposed electrical leads in electrical connection with the MEMS devices, protecting the electrical leads from damage or other interference. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110115690 | MODE INDICATOR FOR INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR DISPLAYS - A method and apparatus for displaying data on bi-stable and non-bi-stable displays is provided. The apparatus includes a controller chip capable of being connected to a non-bi-stable display through a first interface channel and also capable of being connected to a bi-stable display via the first interface channel and an additional second interface channel. When connected the non-bi-stable display, the second interface channel is not connected. The second interface channel may carry mode information bits to the bi-stable display module to allow the bi-stable display to utilize power-saving features. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110113616 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING AN ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED FRONT PLATE AND BACK PLATE - A system and method for manufacturing a display device having an electrically connected front plate and back plate are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises printing conductive raised contours onto a non-conductive back plate, aligning the back plate with a non-conductive front plate such that the raised contours align with conductive routings on the front plate to electrically connect the raised contours and the routings, and sealing the back plate and the front plate. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110109615 | ENERGY SAVING DRIVING SEQUENCE FOR A DISPLAY - A method of writing a display image to a display having an array of pixels according to a selected driving sequence. One driving sequence includes addressing each color row in a line of the array in a sequence before addressing a second line. Another driving sequence includes addressing a first color row of each line in the array before addressing a second color row of each line in the array. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110102800 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DETECTING AND MEASURING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN HIGH PERFORMANCE DEVICE PACKAGES - An environmental condition sensing device includes an interferometric modulator with optical properties, which change in response to being exposed to a predetermined environmental threshold or condition. The device includes an environmental reactive layer, which alters composition, in an optically-detectable manner, in response to being exposed to a predetermined environmental threshold or condition. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110096508 | LIGHT-BASED SEALING AND DEVICE PACKAGING - Systems and methods for manufacturing and packaging electronic devices with light absorptive thin film stacks are provided. In one embodiment, a light is applied to a light absorptive thin film stack disposed between a substrate and a backplate to seal the substrate to the backplate. In another embodiment, the light absorptive thin film stack includes a plurality of thin film layers. In yet another embodiment, the light absorptive thin film stack includes a spacer layer over a reflective layer and an absorber layer over the spacer layer. In still another embodiment, the light absorptive thin film stack is less than 200 nanometers thick. In yet a further embodiment, a light absorptive thin film stack is used to seal a substrate having glass, plastic, metal, or silicon to a backplate having glass, plastic, metal, or silicon. Thus, the light absorptive thin film stack is used to seal similar or dissimilar materials through a bonding process. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110096056 | DRIVE METHOD FOR MEMS DEVICES - Embodiments of exemplary MEMS interferometric modulators are arranged at intersections of rows and columns of electrodes. In certain embodiments, the column electrode has a lower electrical resistance than the row electrode. A driving circuit applies a potential difference of a first polarity across electrodes during a first phase and then quickly transition to applying a bias voltage having a polarity opposite to the first polarity during a second phase. In certain embodiments, an absolute value of the difference between the voltages applied to the row electrode is less than an absolute value of the difference between the voltages applied to the column electrode during the first and second phases. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110095973 | INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR ARRAY WITH INTEGRATED MEMS ELECTRICAL SWITCHES - An iterferometric modulator array is integrated with collapsible cavity MEMS electrical switches. The electrical switches may have similar physical geometry as the display elements. The switches may form row or column select functions for the display. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110090554 | STICTION MITIGATION WITH INTEGRATED MECH MICRO-CANTILEVERS THROUGH VERTICAL STRESS GRADIENT CONTROL - The present disclosure relates to the mitigation of stiction in MEMS devices. In some embodiments, a MEMS device may be provided with one or more restoration features that provide an assisting mechanical force for mitigating stiction. The restoration feature may be implemented as one or more deflectable elements, where the deflectable elements may have various configurations or shapes, such as a chevron, cross, and the like. For example, the restoration feature can be a cantilever that deflects when at least one component comes into contact or proximity with another component. Multiple restoration features also may be employed and placed strategically within the MEMS device to maximize their effectiveness in mitigating stiction. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110090136 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COLOR OPTIMIZATION IN A DISPLAY - Disclosed herein are iMoD displays optimized by utilizing different materials for one or more different color subpixels. Such optimized displays have improved color gamut over displays where all subpixels are constructed with the same material. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing such displays and methods for optimizing iMoD displays. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110085278 | SELECTABLE CAPACITANCE CIRCUIT - A voltage-controlled capacitor and methods for forming the same are described. A mechanical conductor membrane of the voltage-controlled capacitor is movable to and from a first position and a second position. An amount of capacitance can vary with the movement of the mechanical conductor membrane. A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) voltage-controlled capacitor can be used in a variety of applications, such as, but not limited to, RF switches and RF attenuators. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110080632 | METHOD OF MAKING A LIGHT MODULATING DISPLAY DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED TRANSISTOR CIRCUITRY AND STRUCTURES THEREOF - 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. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110075247 | MEMS DISPLAY - A displaying apparatus that includes a plurality of electromechanical system elements arranged in rows. The electromechanical system elements of each of the rows are further arranged in subrows. The subrows of each row are electrically connected. Certain of the electromechanical system elements have a hysteresis stability window that is nested with another hysteresis stability window of certain others of the electromechanical system elements. A method of manufacturing a displaying apparatus that includes forming a plurality of electromechanical system elements arranged in rows. The electromechanical system elements of each of the rows are further arranged in subrows. The subrows of each row are electrically connected. Certain of the electromechanical system elements have a hysteresis stability window that is nested with another hysteresis stability window of certain others of the electromechanical system elements. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110075246 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A LIGHT ABSORBING MASK IN AN INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR DISPLAY - A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device is provided. In one embodiment, the MEMS device includes a transparent substrate, and a plurality of interferometric modulators. The plurality of interferometric modulators includes an optical stack coupled to the transparent substrate, in which the optical stack includes a first light absorbing area. The plurality of interferometric modulators further includes a reflective layer over the optical stack, and one or more posts to support the reflective layer. Each of the one or more posts includes a second light absorbing area integrated in the post. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110075241 | INTERFEROMETRIC DISPLAY WITH INTERFEROMETRIC REFLECTOR - Interferometric modulators and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, an interferometric modulator includes an interferometric reflector having a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface, and an optical resonant layer defined by the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface. The interferometric reflector can be configured to transmit a certain spectrum of light at a transmission peak wavelength such that the interferometric modulator has a diminished reflectance of light at the transmission peak wavelength. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110071775 | PRESSURE MEASUREMENT USING A MEMS DEVICE - A device to measure pressure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes at least one element with two layers separated by a space which changes over a variable time period in response to a voltage applied across the two layers. The time period may be measured and is indicative of the ambient pressure about the device. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110069371 | SEMI-TRANSPARENT/TRANSFLECTIVE LIGHTED INTERFEROMETRIC DEVICES - In certain embodiments, a device is provided that utilizes both interferometrically reflected light and transmitted light. Light incident on the device is interferometrically reflected from a plurality of layers of the device to emit light in a first direction, the interferometrically reflected light having a first color. Light from a light source is transmitted through the plurality of layers of the device to emit from the device in the first direction, the transmitted light having a second color. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110063712 | DISPLAY DEVICE WITH AT LEAST ONE MOVABLE STOP ELEMENT - In certain embodiments, a device is provided including a substrate and a plurality of supports over the substrate. The device may further include a mechanical layer having a movable portion and a stationary portion. The stationary portion may disposed over the supports. In certain embodiments, the device further includes a reflective surface positioned over the substrate and mechanically coupled to the movable portion. The device of certain embodiments further includes at least one movable stop element displaced from and mechanically coupled to the movable portion. In certain embodiments, the at least a portion of the stop element may be positioned over the stationary portion. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110058243 | METHODS FOR FORMING LAYERS WITHIN A MEMS DEVICE USING LIFTOFF PROCESSES - Certain MEMS devices include layers patterned to have tapered edges. One method for forming layers having tapered edges includes the use of an etch leading layer. Another method for forming layers having tapered edges includes the deposition of a layer in which the upper portion is etchable at a faster rate than the lower portion. Another method for forming layers having tapered edges includes the use of multiple iterative etches. Another method for forming layers having tapered edges includes the use of a liftoff mask layer having an aperture including a negative angle, such that a layer can be deposited over the liftoff mask layer and the mask layer removed, leaving a structure having tapered edges. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110053304 | METHOD OF MAKING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH A CURVED BACKPLATE - A package is made of a transparent substrate having an interferometric modulator and a back plate. A non-hermetic seal joins the back plate to the substrate to form a package, and a desiccant resides inside the package. A method of packaging an interferometric modulator includes providing a transparent substrate and manufacturing an interferometric modulator array on a backside of the substrate. A back plate includes a curved portion relative to the substrate. The curved portion is substantially throughout the back plate. The back plate is sealed to the backside of the substrate with a back seal in ambient conditions, thereby forming a package. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110051224 | LOW TEMPERATURE AMORPHOUS SILICON SACRIFICIAL LAYER FOR CONTROLLED ADHESION IN MEMS DEVICES - 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. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110044496 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MULTISTATE INTERFEROMETRIC LIGHT MODULATION - 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. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110043891 | METHOD FOR MODULATING LIGHT - Light is modulated using an array of modulation elements formed on a semiconductor substrate, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. Each modulation element has a deformable portion held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformable portion. The elements are made by forming a sandwich of two layers and a sacrificial layer between them, the sacrificial layer having a thickness related to the final cavity dimension, and using water or an oxygen based plasma to remove the sacrificial layer. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110043889 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING BRIGHTNESS CONTROL IN AN INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR (IMOD) DISPLAY - Methods and systems for providing brightness control in an interferometric modulator (IMOD) display are provided. In one embodiment, an interferometric modulator display pixel is provided that includes a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) interferometric modulator having an associated first color spectrum, and a color absorber located substantially in front of the interferometric modulator display pixel, in which the color absorber has an associated second color spectrum. The microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) interferometric modulator is operable to shift the first color spectrum relative to the second color spectrum to control a visual brightness of the interferometric modulator display pixel independent of a color of the interferometric modulator display pixel. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110038027 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MODULATING LIGHT WITH SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATE - Light in the visible spectrum is modulated using an array of modulation elements, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. The amplitude of light delivered by each of the modulation elements is controlled independently by pulse code modulation. Each modulation element has a deformable portion held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformable portion. Each deformable element has a deformation mechanism and an optical portion, the deformation mechanism and the optical portion independently imparting to the element respectively a controlled deformation characteristic and a controlled modulation characteristic. The deformable modulation element may be a non-metal. The elements are made by forming a sandwich of two layers and a sacrificial layer between them, the sacrificial layer having a thickness related to the final cavity dimension, and using water or an oxygen based plasma to remove the sacrificial layer. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110037907 | CONTROLLER AND DRIVER FEATURES FOR BI-STABLE DISPLAY - 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. IMods can be used as test structures for the evaluation of residual stress in deposited materials. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110032427 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF HALFTONE VIDEO USING A FIXED THRESHOLD - A system and method for processing video data are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes generating halftone data for a first video frame and generating halftone data for a second video frame. The method further includes, to reduce at least one visual artifact, selectively copying the halftone data for the first video frame into the halftone data for the second video frame, the selective copying being based upon a comparison between a predetermined fixed threshold and the difference in the human visual system model-based perceptual error of the originally generated halftone data for the second video frame and the human visual system model-based perceptual error of the halftone data for the second video frame after the copying is done. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110032417 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF HALFTONE VIDEO USING AN ADAPTIVE THRESHOLD - A system and method for processing video data are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes generating halftone data for a first video frame and generating halftone data for a second video frame. The method further includes, to reduce at least one visual artifact, selectively copying the halftone data for the first video frame into the halftone data for the second video frame, the selectively copying being based upon a comparison between an adaptive threshold and the change resulting due to the copying of the data, in the human visual system model-based perceptual error of the halftone data for the second video frame. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110032214 | FRONT LIGHT BASED OPTICAL TOUCH SCREEN - Systems and methods, to integrate an optical touch screen with a display device comprising a front illumination system, are disclosed. Disclosed embodiments comprise a front illumination system, a display device further comprising a plurality of light-modulating elements (e.g. interferometric modulators), a plurality of reflectors and a plurality of sensor arrays. Light from the front illumination system not directed towards the display device is reflected by the reflectors towards the sensor arrays. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110026096 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MULTI-COLOR INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATION - Light in the visible spectrum is modulated using an array of modulation elements, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. The amplitude of light delivered by each of the modulation elements is controlled independently by pulse code modulation. Each modulation element has a deformable portion held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformable portion. Each deformable element has a deformation mechanism and an optical portion, the deformation mechanism and the optical portion independently imparting to the element respectively a controlled deformation characteristic and a controlled modulation characteristic. The deformable modulation element may be a non-metal. The elements are made by forming a sandwich of two layers and a sacrificial layer between them, the sacrificial layer having a thickness related to the final cavity dimension, and using water or an oxygen based plasma to remove the sacrificial layer. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110026095 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING COLOR SHIFT OF INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS - The color reflected by an interferometric modulator may vary as a function of the angle of view. A range of colors are thus viewable by rotating the interferometric modulator relative to an observer. By placing a textured layer between an observer and an interferometric modulator, a pattern which includes the range of colors may be viewed by the observer, and the range of colors may thus be viewable from a single viewing angle. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110025727 | MICROSTRUCTURES FOR LIGHT GUIDE ILLUMINATION - Various embodiments disclose an illumination apparatus. The apparatus may comprise a light guide supporting propagation of light and having at least a portion of one of its edges comprising an array of microstructures. These microstructures may be incorporated in the input window of the light guide to control the light intensity distributed within the light guide. In certain embodiments, the directional intensity of the light entering the light guide may be modified to achieve a desired distribution across the light guide. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110019380 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MODULATING LIGHT - Improvements in an interferometric modulator that has a cavity defined by two walls. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110012219 | OPTIMIZATION OF DESICCANT USAGE IN A MEMS PACKAGE - A MEMS device may be package with a desiccant to provide a moisture-free environment. In order to avoid undesirable effects on the MEMS device, the desiccant may be selected or treated so as to be compatible with a particular MEMS device. This treatment may include baking of the desiccant to as to cause outgassing of moisture or other undesirable material. The structure of the MEMS device may also be altered to improve compatibility with particular desiccants. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20100328755 | APPARATUSES WITH ENHANCED LOW RANGE BIT DEPTH - A light modulator device includes a first electrical conduit, a second electrical conduit electrically isolated from the first conduit, a first display element, and a second display element. The first display element is in an actuated state when a voltage difference between the first conduit and the second conduit has a magnitude greater than a first actuation voltage and is in a released state when the voltage difference has a magnitude less than a first release voltage. The second display element is in an actuated state when the voltage difference has a magnitude greater than a second actuation voltage and is in a released state when the voltage difference has a magnitude less than a second release voltage. Either the actuation voltages are substantially equal and the release voltages are different, or the actuation voltages are different and the release voltages are substantially equal. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100321761 | ELECTRICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS - Disclosed herein are methods and systems for testing the electrical characteristics of reflective displays, including interferometric modulator displays. In one embodiment, a controlled voltage is applied to conductive leads in the display and the resulting current is measured. The voltage may be controlled so as to ensure that interferometric modulators do not actuate during the resistance measurements. Also disclosed are methods for conditioning interferometric modulator display by applying a voltage waveform that causes actuation of interferometric modulators in the display. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100321352 | PASSIVE CIRCUITS FOR DE-MULTIPLEXING DISPLAY INPUTS - 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. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100315696 | ANALOG INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR - Methods and devices for calibrating and controlling the actuation of an analog interferometric modulator configured to have a plurality of actuation states. Devices and methods for calibrating an analog interferometric modulator to respond in linear relation to an applied voltage. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100315398 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WRITING DATA TO ELECTROMECHANICAL DISPLAY ELEMENTS - Methods and devices for applying bias potentials of opposite polarities to columns of electromechanical display elements are described herein. The bias potentials may be applied such that a column and an adjacent column receive bias potentials of opposite polarity. The bias potentials may be applied such that a polarity of bias voltages received by columns of a first set of the display elements is opposite a polarity of bias voltages received by columns of a second set of the display elements. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100309687 | DUAL FILM LIGHT GUIDE FOR ILLUMINATING DISPLAYS - A front light guide panel including a plurality of embedded surface features is provided. The front light panel is configured to deliver uniform illumination from an artificial light source disposed at one side of the font light panel to an array of display elements located behind the front light guide while allowing for the option of illumination from ambient lighting transmitted through the light guide panel. The surface embedded surface relief features create air pockets within the light guide panel. Light incident on the side surface of the light guide propagates though the light guide until it strikes an air/light material guide interface at one on the air pockets. The light is then turned by total internal reflection through a large angle such that it exits an output face disposed in front of the array of display elements. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100309572 | PERIODIC DIMPLE ARRAY - A microelectromechanical (MEMS) device includes a substrate, an actuation electrode over the substrate, a reflective layer over the actuation electrode, and a support layer between the actuation electrode and the reflective layer. The reflective layer includes at least one aperture through the reflective layer. The support layer includes a recess between the actuation electrode and the at least one aperture. Upon application of a control signal to the device, at least a first portion of the reflective layer is configured to move into the recess and at least a second portion of the reflective layer is configured to remain stationary. The reflectivity of the MEMS device is dominantly modulated by changing a phase difference between light reflected from the first portion and light reflected from the second portion. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100309540 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROVIDING ILLUMINATION TO INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS - 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. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100309103 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR LIGHTING DISPLAYS - Various devices and methods of lighting a display are disclosed. In one embodiment, for example, a display device includes a transmissive display configured to be illuminated through a back surface and a reflective display configured to be illuminated through a front surface. A light source is disposed with respect to the back of the transmissive display to illuminate the transmissive display through the back surface. A light pipe is disposed with respect to the light source to receive light from the light source and is configured to propagate the light such that this light provides front illumination of the reflective display. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100302803 | ILLUMINATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF FABRICATION THEREOF - Illumination devices and methods of making same are disclosed. In one embodiment, an illumination apparatus includes a light source, a light guide having a planar first surface, a first end and a second end, and a length therebetween, the light guide positioned to receive light from the light source into the light guide first end, and the light guide configured such that light from the light source provided into the first end of the light guide propagates towards the second end, and a plurality of light turning features that are configured to reflect light propagating towards the second end of the light guide out of the planar first surface of the light guide, each light turning feature having a turning surface and an interferometric stack formed on the turning surface. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100302616 | ILLUMINATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF FABRICATION THEREOF - Illumination devices and methods of making same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a display device includes a light modulating array and a light guide configured to receive light into at least one edge of the light guide. The light guide can be characterized by a first refractive index. The display device can also include a light turning layer disposed such that the light guide is at least partially between the turning layer and the array. The turning layer can comprise an inorganic material characterized by a second refractive index that is substantially the same as the first refractive index. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100302218 | ILLUMINATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF FABRICATION THEREOF - Illumination devices and methods of making same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a display device includes a light modulating array and a light guide configured to receive light into at least one edge of the light guide. The display device can also include a light turning layer disposed such that the light guide is at least partially between the turning layer and the array. The turning layer can comprise at least one light turning feature having at least one curved turning surface. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100290102 | ENCAPSULATED ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICES - Encapsulation is provided to electromechanical devices to protect the devices from such environmental hazards as moisture and mechanical shock. In addition to the encapsulation layer providing protection from environmental hazards, the encapsulation layer is additionally planarized so as to function as a substrate for additional circuit elements formed above the encapsulation layer. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100284055 | DISPLAY WITH INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE - A display with a photovoltaic (PV) cells integrated as the front side and/or back side of the display is disclosed. Ambient light may reach a PV cell situated behind a display through fully or partially transmissive features within the display. Display-generated light may also reach a PV cell behind a display. A transmissive PV material situated in front of a display may collect both ambient light as well as display-generated light. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100271688 | METHOD OF CREATING MEMS DEVICE CAVITIES BY A NON-ETCHING PROCESS - MEMS devices (such as interferometric modulators) may be fabricated using a sacrificial layer that contains a heat vaporizable polymer to form a gap between a moveable layer and a substrate. One embodiment provides a method of making a MEMS device that includes depositing a polymer layer over a substrate, forming an electrically conductive layer over the polymer layer, and vaporizing at least a portion of the polymer layer to form a cavity between the substrate and the electrically conductive layer. Another embodiment provides a method for making an interferometric modulator that includes providing a substrate, depositing a first electrically conductive material over at least a portion of the substrate, depositing a sacrificial material over at least a portion of the first electrically conductive material, depositing an insulator over the substrate and adjacent to the sacrificial material to form a support structure, and depositing a second electrically conductive material over at least a portion of the sacrificial material, the sacrificial material being removable by heat-vaporization to thereby form a cavity between the first electrically conductive layer and the second electrically conductive layer. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100265563 | ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE CONFIGURED TO MINIMIZE STRESS-RELATED DEFORMATION AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING SAME - Embodiments of MEMS devices include a movable layer supported by overlying support structures, and may also include underlying support structures. In one embodiment, the residual stresses within the overlying support structures and the movable layer are substantially equal. In another embodiment, the residual stresses within the overlying support structures and the underlying support structures are substantially equal. In certain embodiments, substantially equal residual stresses are be obtained through the use of layers made from the same materials having the same thicknesses. In further embodiments, substantially equal residual stresses are obtained through the use of support structures and/or movable layers which are mirror images of one another. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100245980 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MEMS DEVICE - Light in the visible spectrum is modulated using an array of modulation elements, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. The amplitude of light delivered by each of the modulation elements is controlled independently by pulse code modulation. Each modulation element has a deformable portion held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformable portion. Each deformable element has a deformation mechanism and an optical portion, the deformation mechanism and the optical portion independently imparting to the element respectively a controlled deformation characteristic and a controlled modulation characteristic. The deformable modulation element may be a non-metal. The elements are made by forming a sandwich of two layers and a sacrificial layer between them, the sacrificial layer having a thickness related to the final cavity dimension, and using water or an oxygen based plasma to remove the sacrificial layer. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245979 | MEMS CAVITY-COATING LAYERS AND METHODS - Devices, methods, and systems comprising a MEMS device, for example, an interferometric modulator, that comprises a cavity in which a layer coats multiple surfaces. The layer is conformal or non-conformal. In some embodiments, the layer is formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Preferably, the layer comprises a dielectric material. In some embodiments, the MEMS device also exhibits improved characteristics, such as improved electrical insulation between moving electrodes, reduced stiction, and/or improved mechanical properties. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245977 | POST-RELEASE ADJUSTMENT OF INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR REFLECTIVITY - In various embodiments, devices, methods, and systems for adjusting the reflectivity spectrum of a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device are described herein. The method comprises depositing a reflectivity modifying layer with the optical cavity of an interferometric modulator, where the reflectivity modifying layer shifts or trims the shape of the interferometric modulator's wavelength reflectivity spectrum relative to the absence of the reflectivity modifying layer. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245975 | DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING AN ARRAY OF SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATORS WITH INTEGRATED COLOR FILTERS - By selectively placing color filters with different transmittance spectrums on an array of modulator elements each having the same reflectance spectrum, a resultant reflectance spectrum for each modulator element and it's respective color filter is created. In one embodiment, the modulator elements in an array are manufactured by the same process so that each modulator element has a reflectance spectrum that includes multiple reflectivity lines. Color filters corresponding to multiple colors, such as red, green, and blue, for example, may be selectively associated with these modulator elements in order to filter out a desired wavelength range for each modulator element and provide a multiple color array. Because the modulator elements are manufactured by the same process, each of the modulator elements is substantially the same and common voltage levels may be used to activate and deactivate selected modulation. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245833 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING DISPLAY QUALITY WITH A HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGER - A system and method for measuring display quality by using a hyperspectral imager are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a hyperspectral imager configured to determine an intensity of light for a plurality of locations in a first area on a display for a plurality of spectral channels, and a processor configured to determine a measure of display quality based on the determined intensities. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245370 | EM SHIELDING FOR DISPLAY DEVICES - A shielding material that can be arranged with respect to display elements to reduce potential damage or degraded performance caused by incident EM, such as UV and/or IR. The shielding material can be configured to be substantially transparent in visible light wavelengths. The shielding material can include inorganic materials, such as oxides including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Display elements can include a shielding material and an outer coating to reduce undesirable optical characteristics of an air/shielding material interface. The shielding material can be electrically conductive and function as a conductive layer in a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device. In some embodiments, the shielding material can be disposed forward (closer to the viewer) of the electrodes of the display elements to prevent the high energy UV light from building up electrical charge in the electrodes. In some embodiments, the shielding material can also block certain wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum to darken the dark state of the display elements to improve the contrast ratio of the display. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245338 | FRAME RATES IN A MEMS DISPLAY BY SELECTIVE LINE SKIPPING - Systems and methods for improving frame rate in MEMS display devices are disclosed. Lines are selected for skipping during updates based on the desired frame rate and the visual effect of skipping the particular line. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245313 | LOW VOLTAGE DRIVER SCHEME FOR INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS - A method of driving electromechanical devices such as interferometric modulators includes applying a voltage along a common line to release the electromechanical devices along the common line, followed by applying an address voltage along the common line to actuate selected electromechanical devices along the common line based on voltages applied along segment lines. Hold voltages may be applied along common lines between applications of release and address voltages, and the segment voltages may be selected to be sufficiently small that the segment voltages will not affect the state of the electromechanical devices along other common lines not being written to. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100245311 | LOW VOLTAGE DRIVER SCHEME FOR INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATORS - A method of driving electromechanical devices such as interferometric modulators includes applying a voltage along a common line to release the electromechanical devices along the common line, followed by applying an address voltage along the common line to actuate selected electromechanical devices along the common line based on voltages applied along segment lines. Hold voltages may be applied along common lines between applications of release and address voltages, and the segment voltages may be selected to be sufficiently small that the segment voltages will not affect the state of the electromechanical devices along other common lines not being written to. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100238572 | DISPLAY DEVICE WITH OPENINGS BETWEEN SUB-PIXELS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - An electromechanical systems device includes a plurality of supports disposed over a substrate and a deformable reflective layer disposed over the plurality of supports. The deformable reflective layer includes a plurality of substantially parallel columns extending in a first direction. Each column has one or more slots extending in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction. The slots can be created at boundary edges of sub-portions of the columns so as to partially mechanically separate the sub-portions without electrically disconnecting them. A method of fabricating an electromechanical device includes depositing an electrically conductive deformable reflective layer over a substrate, removing one or more portions of the deformable layer to form a plurality of electrically isolated columns, and forming at least one crosswise slot in at least one of the columns. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100238537 | CAPACITIVE MEMS DEVICE WITH PROGRAMMABLE OFFSET VOLTAGE CONTROL - A capacitive MEMS device is formed having a material between electrodes that traps and retains charges. The material can be realized in several configurations. It can be a multilayer dielectric stack with regions of different band gap energies or band energy levels. The dielectric materials can be trappy itself, i.e. when defects or trap sites are pre-fabricated in the material. Another configuration involves a thin layer of a conductive material with the energy level in the forbidden gap of the dielectric layer. The device may be programmed (i.e. offset and threshold voltages pre-set) by a method making advantageous use of charge storage in the material, wherein the interferometric modulator is pre-charged in such a way that the hysteresis curve shifts, and the actuation voltage threshold of the modulator is significantly lowered. During programming phase, charge transfer between the electrodes and the materials can be performed by applying voltage to the electrodes (i.e. applying electrical field across the material) or by UV-illumination and injection of electrical charges over the energy barrier. The interferometric modulator may then be retained in an actuated state with a significantly lower actuation voltage, thereby saving power. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100236624 | INTERFEROMETRIC PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL - Certain embodiments include interferometrically tuned photovoltaic cells wherein reflection from interfaces of layered photovoltaic devices coherently sum to produce an increased field in an active region of the photovoltaic cell where optical energy is converted into electrical energy. Such interferometrically tuned or interferometric photovoltaic devices (iPV) increase the absorption of optical energy in the active region of the interferometric photovoltaic cell and thereby increase the efficiency of the device. In various embodiments, one or more optical resonant cavities and/or optical resonant layers is included in the photovoltaic device to increase the electric field concentration and the absorption in the active region. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100231510 | DUAL FILM LIGHT GUIDE FOR ILLUMINATING DISPLAYS - A front light guide panel including a plurality of embedded surface features is provided. The front light panel is configured to deliver uniform illumination from an artificial light source disposed at one side of the font light panel to an array of display elements located behind the front light guide while allowing for the option of illumination from ambient lighting transmitted through the light guide panel. The surface embedded surface relief features create air pockets within the light guide panel. Light incident on the side surface of the light guide propagates though the light guide until it strikes an air/light material guide interface at one on the air pockets. The light is then turned by total internal reflection through a large angle such that it exits an output face disposed in front of the array of display elements. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100226118 | SHAPED FRONTLIGHT REFLECTOR FOR USE WITH DISPLAY - In order to minimize the footprint of a display module, a frontlight system positioned over a first surface of a substrate may be used. The frontlight system may include an edgebar positioned over the first surface of a display substrate, and a Z-shaped reflector having a first planar portion overlying the edgebar and a second planar portion adhered to the first surface of the substrate or layers overlying the first surface of the substrate. Such a reflector may be located wholly within the footprint of the display substrate, minimizing the footprint of the display module. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100220248 | PROJECTION DISPLAY - A system and method for displaying an image using projection optics is disclosed. In one embodiment, a projector comprises an array of display elements, each display element comprising a first layer which is at least partially reflective and a second layer which is at least partially reflective and spaced a variable distance from the first layer, a controller configured to change the variable distances of the display elements based on image data representing an image, a light source configured to illuminate the array of display elements, and at least one lens configured to refract light reflected by or transmitted through the array so as project the image. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100219155 | EQUIPMENT AND METHODS FOR ETCHING OF MEMS - Etching equipment and methods are disclosed herein for more efficient etching of sacrificial material from between permanent MEMS structures. An etching head includes an elongate etchant inlet structure, which may be slot-shaped or an elongate distribution of inlet holes. A substrate is supported in proximity to the etching head in a manner that defines a flow path substantially parallel to the substrate face, and permits relative motion for the etching head to scan across the substrate. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100214645 | SEPARABLE MODULATOR - A separable modulator architecture is disclosed. The modulator has a mirror suspended from a flexible layer over a cavity. The flexible layer also forms supports and support posts for the mirror. An alternative separable modulator architecture has a mirror suspended over a cavity. The modulator is supported by supports and support posts. The support posts comprise a flexible layer over support post plugs. A bus structure may be formed upon the flexible layer arranged over the support posts. | 08-26-2010 |
