Direct-view MEMS display devices and methods for generating images thereon

Abstract

A direct-view display includes an array of MEMS light modulators and a control matrix formed on a transparent substrate, where each light modulator can be driven into at least two states, and a controller for controlling the states of each light modulator in the array. The control matrix transmits data and actuation voltages to the array. The controller includes an input, a processor, a memory, and an output. The input receives image data encoding an image frame for display. The processor derives a plurality of sub-frame data sets from the image data, where each sub-frame data set indicates desired states of light modulators in multiple rows and multiple columns of the array. The memory stores the plurality of sub-frame data sets. The output outputs the plurality of sub-frame data sets according to an output sequence to drive light modulators into the states indicated in the sub-frame data sets.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 751,909 filed Dec. 19 2005 and entitled “Methods and Apparatus for a Backlight for Color Displays.”[0002] This application also claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 776,367 filed Feb. 24, 2006 and entitled “Methods and Apparatus for a Backlight for Color Displays.”[0003] This application also is a continuation in part of and claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 11 / 361,294 filed on Feb. 23, 2006, entitled “Devices Having MEMS Displays,” and published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060209012A1 on Sep. 21, 2006, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 655,827 filed Feb. 23, 2005 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 676,053 filed Apr. 29, 2005. [0004] The disclosure of each of the foregoing applications is incorp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] There is a need in the art for fast, bright, low-powered mechanically actuated direct-view displays. Specifically there is a need for direct-view displays built on transparent substrates that can be driven at high speeds and at low voltages for improved image quality and reduced power consumption.

Problems solved by technology

Direct-view displays using mechanical light modulators have not yet demonstrated sufficiently attractive combinations of brightness and low power.

As a result, many typical semiconductor manufacturing processes are inapplicable, and switching circuits often need to be re-designed accordingly.

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