CN100476496C - Method and device for generating white light in an interferometric modulator display - Google Patents

Abstract

Various embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for generating the color white in displays created from interferometric modulators and more specifically, to the generation of the color white through the use of reflected light at two wavelengths. In one embodiment, a display device displays the color white. The color white is generated by reflecting light from two pluralities of interferometric modulator types. The first modulator type reflects colored light at a specific wavelength. The second modulator type reflects colored light selected to be at a wavelength complementary to the first. The combined light reflected from the two types appears white in the display.

Description

Be used for producing the method and the device of white at interferometric modulator display

Technical field

Technical field of the present invention relates to MEMS (micro electro mechanical system) (MEMS).

Background technology

MEMS (micro electro mechanical system) (MEMS) comprises micromechanical component, driver and electronic component.Micromechanical component can adopt deposition, etching or other several portions that can etch away substrate and/or institute's deposited material layer maybe can add several layers and make with the micromachined technology that forms electricity and electromechanical assembly.One type MEMS device is called as interferometric modulator.Term interferometric modulator used herein or interferometric light modulator are meant that a kind of use principle of optical interference optionally absorbs and/or catoptrical device.In certain embodiments, interferometric modulator can comprise the pair of conductive plate, wherein one or the two all can be transparent whole or in part and/or be reflectivity, and can relative motion when applying suitable electric signal.In certain embodiments, a plate can comprise the quiescent layer that is deposited on the substrate, and another plate can comprise the metallic film that separates by air gap and this quiescent layer.As being described in more detail herein, a plate can change the optical interference of incident light on this interferometric modulator with respect to the position of another plate.These devices are with a wide range of applications, and in this technology, utilize and/or revise the characteristic of these types of devices so that its characteristic can be used for improving existing product and makes still undeveloped at present new product will be rather useful.

Summary of the invention

System of the present invention, method and device all have many aspects, and arbitrary single aspect all can not determine the characteristic that it is desired separately.Now, will carry out brief description to its main characteristic, this not delimit the scope of the invention.Checking this explanation, especially reading title for after the part of " embodiment ", how people provides the advantage that is better than other display device if can understanding characteristic of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, a kind of display device is configured to show as and has white.Described device comprises: more than first color interferometric modulators, and wherein each modulator reflects the light of first color; And more than second color interferometric modulators, wherein each modulator reflects the light of second color, wherein from described more than first color interferometric modulators with roughly present white from the light of described more than second color interferometric modulators reflection being combined in a time-out.

Some other embodiment comprises a kind of method of producing device.Described method comprises: more than first interferometric modulator display elements selecting the light of reflection first color, and more than second interferometric modulator display elements of the light of selection reflection second color, the light complementation of the light of wherein said second color and described first color is so that the light of the light of described first color and described second color roughly presents white being combined in a time-out.

In certain embodiments, the zone that has white in a kind of method display image.Described method comprises: reflect the light of first color from more than first color interferometric modulators, the light of described first color has first centre wavelength; And reflecting the light of second color from more than second color interferometric modulators, the light of described second color has second centre wavelength that is arranged in the zone of the described first centre wavelength complementation.

In certain embodiments, light modulator arrays is arranged in the place, point of crossing of first and second rows of electrodes and row.Described array comprises: first photomodulator, and its place, first point of crossing at described first and second electrode forms the first resonant optical mode chamber, and the described first resonant optical mode chamber is configured to reflect the light with first wavelength; And second photomodulator, its place, second point of crossing at described first and second electrode forms the second resonant optical mode chamber, the described second resonant optical mode chamber is configured to reflect the light with second wavelength, wherein by the light of described first cavity reflection with complementary by the light of described second cavity reflection and form roughly white color being combined in a time-out.

In certain embodiments, the zone that has white colour in a kind of equipment display image.Described equipment comprises: first member, and its light that is used for described zone is had first color carries out interferometric modulation; And second member, its light that is used for described zone is had second color carries out interferometric modulation.The described first modulation member reflects the light of described first color, and the described second modulation member reflects the light of described second color.

The light that reflects from described first modulation member and the described second modulation member roughly presents white being combined in a time-out.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is for waiting axle figure, and it shows the part of the embodiment of interferometric modulator display, and wherein the removable reflection horizon of first interferometric modulator is in slack position, and the removable reflection horizon of second interferometric modulator is in the excited target position.

Fig. 2 is a system block diagram, and its demonstration comprises the embodiment of the electronic installation of 3 * 3 interferometric modulator displays.

Fig. 3 is the removable mirror position of the exemplary embodiment of interferometric modulator shown in Figure 1 and the graph of a relation of the voltage that applies.

Fig. 4 is one group of synoptic diagram that can be used for driving the row and column voltage of interferometric modulator display.

An exemplary frame of display data in Fig. 5 A graphic extension 3 * 3 interferometric modulator displays shown in Figure 2.

Fig. 5 B graphic extension can be used for writing the capable signal of frame shown in Fig. 5 A and an exemplary sequential chart of column signal.

Fig. 6 A and 6B are system block diagrams, and its graphic extension comprises the embodiment of the visual display unit of a plurality of interferometric modulators.

Fig. 7 A is the sectional view of device shown in Figure 1.

Fig. 7 B is the sectional view of the alternate embodiment of interferometric modulator.

Fig. 7 C is the sectional view of another alternate embodiment of interferometric modulator.

Fig. 7 D is the sectional view of an alternate embodiment again of interferometric modulator.

Fig. 7 E is the sectional view of the alternate embodiment of interferometric modulator.

Fig. 8 is a chromatic diagram, and the effect that produces white is made up in its graphic extension to color.

Fig. 9 is a chromatic diagram, and its graphic extension is a kind of to be used to be chosen in the method that can produce the color of another kind of color when combined.

Figure 10 is a process flow diagram, and it describes a kind of exemplary methods that selection can produce the double-colored MEMS apparatus array of white that is used for.

Figure 11 has the two MEMS apparatus arrays of exemplary graphic of the optic response of selecting according to process flow diagram shown in Figure 10 for graphic extension.

Embodiment

Interferometric modulator can be arranged to array format to form color monitor.Also can be implemented in and produce white in the display.For example, can be by two kinds of difference being reflected the combined white that produces of interference of light formula modulator type of wavelength complimentary to one another.By will be combined, resulting light be shown as have white from the reflected light of these two kinds of modulator type.For example, array can comprise more than first color interferometric modulators.Each modulator in described more than first all can reflect the light of first color.Described array can further comprise more than second color interferometric modulators, and it is configured to reflect the light of second color.Roughly present white from the reflected light of described more than first color interferometric modulators and described more than second color interferometric modulators being combined in a time-out.

Below describing in detail is at some embodiments of the invention.Yet the present invention can implement by different ways.In this explanation, can in institute's drawings attached, use the identical identical parts of number-mark with reference to accompanying drawing.Find out easily that according to following explanation these embodiment may be implemented in arbitrary device that is configured to display image (no matter no matter is dynamic image (for example video) or still image (for example rest image), be character image or picture).More specifically, the present invention can implement in inferior numerous kinds of electronic installations or is associated with these electronic installations for example (but being not limited to): mobile phone, wireless device, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld computer or portable computer, gps receiver/omniselector, camera, the MP3 player, video camera, game console, wrist-watch, clock, counter, TV monitor, flat-panel monitor, computer monitor, automotive displays (for example mileometer display etc.), driving cabin control device and/or display, camera scenery display (for example rear view cameras display of vehicle), electronic photo, electronics billboard or label, projector, building structure, packing and aesthetic structures (for example image display on jewelry).The MEMS device that has similar structures with MESE device described herein also can be used for non-display application, for example is used for electronic switching device.

Can in display, feel the light of white by using the MEMS device.In certain embodiments, two kinds of different interferometric modulators are used in combination produce white, although each in these two kinds of interferometric modulators does not all present white when reflected light separately.The catoptrical wavelength of each modulator is selected,, can be felt white so that when these two kinds of modulators all are in bright state and are together watched.By these two kinds of MEMS devices are chosen to complementation so as when combined display white, for forming the display of can display white and showing some other color, need minimum two kinds of different modulators.In many examples, display will comprise the interferometric modulator of a plurality of first kind and the interferometric modulator of more than second second types.This class display can reflect the light that has according to first wavelength of described first kind interferometric modulator, have according to the light of second wavelength of the described second type interferometric modulator and have the light of white wavelength.

An interferometric modulator display embodiment who comprises interfere type MEMS display element is shown among Fig. 1.In these devices, pixel is in bright or dark state.Under bright (" opening (on) " or " opening (open) ") state, display element reflexes to the user with the major part of incident visible light.Be in dark (" closing (off) " or " closing (closed) ") state following time, display element reflects the incident visible light to the user hardly.Decide on different embodiment, can put upside down the light reflectance properties that " opening (on) " reaches " closing (off) " state.The MEMS pixel can be configured to mainly reflect under selected color, also can realize colored the demonstration except that black and white.

Fig. 1 is for waiting axle figure, and it illustrates two adjacent pixels in a series of pixels of visual displays, and wherein each pixel comprises the MEMS interferometric modulator.In certain embodiments, interferometric modulator display comprises the row/column array that is made of these interferometric modulators.Each interferometric modulator includes a pair of reflection horizon, and this is positioned to each other variable and controlled distance apart to the reflection horizon, has at least one variable-sized optical resonator with formation.In one embodiment, one of them reflection horizon can be moved between the two positions.Be referred to herein as on the primary importance of slack position, described displaceable layers is positioned apart from fixing local reflex layer distance far away relatively.Be called in this article on the second place of excited target position, removable reflection horizon is positioned to more contiguous local reflex layer.Decide position according to removable reflection horizon, from the incident light of this two layers reflection can with mutually long or mutually the mode of disappearing interfere, thereby form the mass reflex or the non-reflective state of each pixel.

The pixel array portion that shows in Fig. 1 comprises two adjacent interferometric modulator 12a and 12b.In the interferometric modulator 12a in left side, show that removable reflection horizon 14a is in slack position, this slack position is apart from the Optical stack 16a preset distance that comprises the local reflex layer.In the interferometric modulator 12b on right side, show that removable reflection horizon 14b is in the excited target position near Optical stack 16b.Optical stack 16a mentioned herein and 16b (being referred to as Optical stack 16) are made of the layer of several fusions usually, and this can comprise electrode layer (for example tin indium oxide (ITO)), local reflex layer (for example chromium), reach transparent dielectric.Therefore Optical stack 16 is electric conductivity, local transparent and local reflex, and can for example make by one or more layers in above-mentioned each layer are deposited on the transparent substrates 20.In certain embodiments, described layer is patterned into parallel band, and can form the column electrode in the display device, as further specifying hereinafter. Removable reflection horizon 14a, 14b can form by one or more depositing metal layers that are deposited on pillar 18 tops (and column electrode 16a, 16b quadrature) and be deposited on the series of parallel band that the middle expendable material between the pillar 18 constitutes.After expendable material is etched, removable reflection horizon 14a, 14b and Optical stack 16a, the 16b regulation air gap 19 of being separated by.Reflection horizon 14 can be used has high conductivity and reflexive material (for example aluminium), and these bands can form the row electrode in the display device.

When not applying voltage, cavity 19 remains between removable reflection horizon 14a and the Optical stack 16a, and wherein removable reflection horizon 14a is in the mechanical relaxation state, shown in the pixel 12a among Fig. 1.Yet after selected row and column applies potential difference (PD), the capacitor that forms at the described row and column electrode crossings place at respective pixel place becomes charged state, and electrostatic force pulls to these electrodes together.If described voltage is enough high, the 14 meeting distortion of then removable reflection horizon also are forced to compress Optical stack 16.Dielectric layer in the Optical stack 16 (not showing in the figure) can prevent the spacing distance between short circuit and key- course 14 and 16, shown in the pixel 12b on the right among Fig. 1.Regardless of the potential difference (PD) polarity that is applied, its behavior is all identical.This shows, may command reflection and row/row of non-reflective pixel state encourage to traditional LCD and other display technique in used row/row encourage similar in many aspects.

Fig. 2 is to an example process and system that uses interferometric modulator array in display application of Fig. 5 B graphic extension.

Fig. 2 is a system block diagram, and its graphic extension can comprise an embodiment of the electronic installation of each side of the present invention.This electronic installation comprises processor 21, and this processor 21 can be any general purpose single-chip or multicore sheet microprocessor, for example ARM,

Pentium

Pentium

Pentium

Pro, 8051, Power

Or any special microprocessor, for example digital signal processor, microcontroller or programmable gate array.According to convention in the industry, processor 21 can be configured to carry out one or more software modules.Except that carrying out an operating system, also this processor can be configured to carry out one or more software applications, comprise web browser, telephony application, e-mail program or any other software application.

In one embodiment, processor 21 also is configured to communicate with array driver 22.In one embodiment, array driver 22 comprises horizontal drive circuit 24 and the column drive circuit 26 that signal is provided to panel or array of display (display) 30.The sectional view of array shown in Fig. 1 illustrates with line 1-1 in Fig. 2.For the MEMS interferometric modulator, described row/row excitation protocol can utilize the hysteresis property of these devices shown in Figure 3.It for example may need, and 10 volts potential difference (PD) makes displaceable layers be deformed to actuated state from relaxed state.Yet, when this voltage when this value reduces, reduce when getting back to below 10 volts at this voltage, this displaceable layers will keep its state.In exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, before voltage was reduced to below 2 volts, displaceable layers was not exclusively lax.Therefore, in example shown in Figure 3, exist to be approximately 3 to 7 volts voltage range, have the voltage window that applies in this voltage range, in this window, this device is stabilized in lax or actuated state.Be referred to as " lag windwo " or " stability window " in this article.For array of display, OK/the row excitation protocol can be designed to be expert at and make during the gating the selected pixel that will be energized in current bear about 10 volts voltage difference, and make the pixel that will relax bear voltage difference near 0 volt with hysteresis characteristic shown in Figure 3.After gating, it is poor to apply about 5 volts steady state voltage to pixel, and gating makes its residing any state so that its maintenance is expert at.In this example, after being written into, each pixel is all born the potential difference (PD) that is in the 3-7 volt " stability window ".This characteristic makes pixel design shown in Figure 1 be stabilized in existing actuated state or relaxed state under identical the voltage conditions that applies.Because each pixel of interferometric modulator, no matter be in actuated state or relaxed state, in fact all be one by described fixed reflector and capacitor that mobile reflection horizon constituted, therefore, this steady state (SS) can be kept under the voltage in the lag windwo and consumed power hardly.If the current potential that is applied immobilizes, then there is not electric current to flow into pixel in fact.

In the typical case uses, can be by determining that according to one group of desired actuated pixels in first row one group of row electrode forms display frame.After this, a horizontal pulse is applied to the electrode of the 1st row, thereby encourages the pixel corresponding with determined alignment.After this, determined one group of row electrode is become corresponding with desired one group of actuated pixels in second row.After this, with pulse be applied to the 2nd the row electrode, thereby according to determined row electrode encourage the 2nd the row in respective pixel.The pixel of the 1st row is not subjected to the influence of the pulse of the 2nd row, thereby the state that keeps it to set at the impulse duration of the 1st row.Can repeat above-mentioned steps to the row of whole series by mode in regular turn, to form described frame.Usually, repeating this process continuously by the speed with a certain required frame number/second to refresh and/or upgrade these frames with new video data.Also have a variety of row and the row electrodes that are used to drive pel array to be known by people, and can use with the present invention with the agreement that forms display frame.

A kind of possible excitation protocol that is used on 3 * 3 arrays shown in Figure 2, forming display frame of Fig. 4,5A and 5B graphic extension.One group of possible row of Fig. 4 graphic extension and row voltage level, it can be used for presenting the pixel of hysteresis curve shown in Figure 3.In the embodiment of Fig. 4, actuate pixel relate to accordingly row be set to-V _{Bias voltage}, and will go accordingly be set to+Δ V-its can correspond respectively to-5 volts and+5 volts.Making pixel lax then is to be set to+V by being listed as accordingly _{Bias voltage}And will go accordingly and be set to identical+Δ V and realize with the potential difference (PD) that forms 0 volt at the pixel two ends.Remain in 0 volt the row at those row voltages, it is to be in+V that nothing is discussed point by point _{Bias voltage}Still-V _{Bias voltage}, pixel all is stable at its initial residing any state.As shown in also in Fig. 4, should be appreciated that also can use the voltage that has opposite polarity with top described voltage, for example, actuate pixel can relate to and be set to+V being listed as accordingly _{Bias voltage}And will go accordingly and be set to-Δ V.In this embodiment, discharging pixel is to be set to-V by being listed as accordingly _{Bias voltage}Thereby and will go accordingly and be set to identical-Δ V forms 0 volt at the pixel two ends potential difference (PD) and realize.

Fig. 5 B is for showing the sequential chart of a series of row and column signal, and these signals put on 3 * 3 arrays shown in Figure 2, and it will form the demonstration shown in Fig. 5 A and arrange that wherein actuated pixels is non-reflectivity.Before writing the frame shown in Fig. 5 A, pixel can be in any state, and in this example, and all row all are in 0 volt, and all row all be in+5 volts.Under these institute's voltages that apply, all pixels are stable at its existing actuated state or relaxed state.

In the frame shown in Fig. 5 A, pixel (1,1), (1,2), (2,2), (3,2) and (3,3) are encouraged.For realizing this effect, during " the line time " of the 1st row, the 1st row and the 2nd row are set at-5 volts, and the 3rd row are set at+5 volts.This can not change the state of any pixel, because all pixels all remain in the stability window of 3-7 volt.After this, come gating the 1st row by rising to 5 volts of pulses that roll back 0 volt then again down from 0 volt.Actuate pixel (1,1) and (1,2) and make pixel (1,3) lax thus.Other pixel in the array is all unaffected.For the 2nd row is set at desired state, the 2nd row is set at-5 volts, and the 1st row and the 3rd row are set at+5 volts.After this, the identical strobe pulse that is applied to the 2nd row is with actuate pixel (2,2) and make pixel (2,1) and (2,3) relax.Equally, other pixel in the array is all unaffected.Similarly, by the 2nd row and the 3rd row are set at-5 volts and be listed as the 1st be set at+5 volts set the 3rd capable.The 3rd row strobe pulse is set at the state shown in Fig. 5 A with the 3rd row pixel.After writing incoming frame, the row current potential is 0, and the row current potential can remain on+5 or-5 volts, and after this demonstration will be stable at the layout shown in Fig. 5 A.Should be appreciated that, can use identical programs the array that constitutes by tens of or hundreds of row and columns.The timing, order and the level that should also be clear that the voltage that is used to implement the row and column excitation can alter a great deal in above-described General Principle, and above-mentioned example only is exemplary, and any actuation voltage method all can be used with system and method as herein described.

Fig. 6 A and 6B are the system block diagrams of the embodiment of graphic extension display device 40.Display device 40 for example can be cellular phone or mobile phone.Yet the form that the same components of display device 40 or its do to change slightly also can be used as for example illustration of all kinds such as TV and portable electronic device display device.

Display device 40 comprises shell 41, display 30, antenna 43, loudspeaker 45, input media 48 and microphone 46.Shell 41 comprises injection moulding and vacuum forming usually by any the making in the known many kinds of manufacturing process of those skilled in the art.In addition, shell 41 can include but not limited to plastics, metal, glass, rubber and pottery by any the making in the many kinds of materials, or the one combination.In one embodiment, shell 41 comprises the removable section (not shown), the removable section exchange that it can have different colours with other or comprise unlike signal, picture or symbol.

The display 30 of exemplary display device 40 can be any in the numerous kinds of displays, comprises bistable display as herein described.In other embodiments, well-known as the those skilled in the art, display 30 comprises flat-panel monitor, plasma scope for example mentioned above, EL, OLED, STN LCD or TFT LCD, or non-tablet display, for example CRT or other kinescope device.Yet for ease of the explanation present embodiment, as described herein, display 30 comprises interferometric modulator display.

The assembly of the embodiment of schematically graphic extension exemplary display device 40 in Fig. 6 B.Example illustrated display device 40 comprises shell 41, and can comprise that other is closed in assembly wherein at least in part.For example, in one embodiment, exemplary display device 40 comprises network interface 27, and network interface 27 comprises the antenna 43 that is coupled to transceiver 47.Transceiver 47 is connected to processor 21, and processor 21 is connected to again regulates hardware 52.Regulating hardware 52 can be configured to signal is regulated (for example signal being carried out filtering).Regulate software 52 and be connected to loudspeaker 45 and microphone 46.Processor 21 also is connected to input media 48 and driving governor 29.Driving governor 29 is coupled to frame buffer 28 and is couple to array driver 22, and array driver 22 is couple to array of display 30 again.Power supply 50 requires to be all component power supply according to the designing institute of particular exemplary display device 40.

Network interface 27 comprises antenna 43 and transceiver 47, so that exemplary display device 40 can communicate by network and one or more devices.In one embodiment, network interface 27 also can have some processing capacity, to reduce the requirement to processor 21.Antenna 43 is to be used to transmit and receive the antenna of signal for known to the those skilled in the art any.In one embodiment, this antenna is launched according to IEEE 802.11 standards (comprising IEEE 802.11 (a), (b), or (g)) and is received the RF signal.In another embodiment, this antenna is launched according to bluetooth (BLUETOOTH) standard and is received the RF signal.If be cellular phone, then this antenna is designed to receive CDMA, GSM, AMPS or other and is used for the known signal that communicates at the mobile phone network.47 pairs of signals that receive from antenna 43 of transceiver carry out pre-service, so that it can be received and further be handled by processor 21.Transceiver 47 is also handled the signal that receives from processor 21, so that they can be by antenna 43 from exemplary display device 40 emissions.

In alternate embodiment, can replace transceiver 47 by receiver.In an alternate embodiment again, network interface 27 can be substituted by the image source that can store or produce the view data that will send to processor 21.For example, this image source can be digital video disk (DVD) or contains the hard disk drive of view data or the software module of generation view data.

The overall operation of processor 21 common control examples display device 40.Processor 21 receives data (for example compressed view data) from network interface 27 or image source, and described data processing is become raw image data or be easy to be processed into the form of raw image data.Then, the data after processor 21 will be handled send to driving governor 29 or send to frame buffer 28 and store.Raw data typically refers to the information of each position characteristics of image in the recognition image.For example, this type of characteristics of image can comprise color, saturation degree and gray level.

In one embodiment, processor 21 comprises the operation with control examples display device 40 of microcontroller, CPU or logical block.Regulating hardware 52 generally includes and is used for transmitting and from the amplifier and the wave filter of microphone 46 received signals to loudspeaker 45.Adjusting hardware 52 can be the discrete component in the exemplary display device 40, perhaps can be incorporated in processor 21 or other assembly.

Driving governor 29 directly obtains the raw image data that is produced by processor 21 from processor 21 or from frame buffer 28, and suitably with the raw image data reformatting so as high-speed transfer to array driver 22.Particularly, driving governor 29 is reformated into the data stream with raster-like format with raw image data, so that it has the chronological order that is suitable for scanning array of display 30.Then, the information after driving governor 29 will format sends to array driver 22.Although driving governor 29 (for example lcd controller) usually is associated with system processor 21 as integrated circuit (IC) independently, this quasi-controller can make up by many kinds of modes.It can be used as hardware and is embedded in the processor 21, is embedded in the processor 21 or fully-integrated with example, in hardware and array driver 22 as software.

Usually, array driver 22 receives the information after the format and video data is reformated into one group of parallel waveform from driving governor 29, and described group of parallel waveform many times is applied to from hundreds of of the x-y picture element matrix of display and thousands of lead-in wires sometimes with per second.

In one embodiment, driving governor 29, array driver 22 and array of display 30 are applicable to the display of arbitrary type as herein described.For example, in one embodiment, driving governor 29 is conventional display controller or bistable state display controller (for example, interferometric modulator controller).In another embodiment, array driver 22 is conventional driver or bi-stable display driver (for example interferometric modulator display).In one embodiment, driving governor 29 integrates with array driver 22.This embodiment is comparatively common in the integrated system of for example cellular phone, wrist-watch and other small-area display equal altitudes.In another embodiment, array of display 30 is typical array of display or bi-stable display array (display that for example, comprises interferometric modulator array).

Input media 48 makes the operation that the user can control examples display device 40.In an embodiment, input media 48 comprises keypad (for example qwerty keyboard or telephone keypad), button, switch, touch sensitive screen, pressure-sensitive or thermosensitive film.In one embodiment, microphone 46 is input medias of exemplary display device 40.When using microphone 46, can provide voice command to come the operation of control examples display device 40 by the user to these device input data.

Power supply 50 can comprise numerous kinds of energy storing devices, and this is well-known in affiliated field.For example, in one embodiment, power supply 50 is a rechargeable battery, for example nickel-cadmium accumulator or lithium-ions battery.In another embodiment, power supply 50 is regenerative resource, capacitor or solar cell, comprises plastic solar cell and solar cell lacquer.In another embodiment, power supply 50-is configured to receive electric power from wall plug.

In certain embodiments, programmability is as indicated above resides in the driving governor in control, and this driving governor can be arranged on several positions of electronic display system.In some cases, the control programmability resides in the array driver 22.Those skilled in the art will realize that and to reach the above-mentioned optimization of enforcement in different structures in number of hardware and/or the component software arbitrarily.

Detailed structure according to the interferometric modulator of above-mentioned principle work can be ever-changing.For example, five different embodiment of removable reflection horizon 14 of Fig. 7 A-7E graphic extension and supporting construction thereof.Fig. 7 A is a sectional view embodiment illustrated in fig. 1, wherein deposit metallic material band 14 on the support member 18 that quadrature extends.In Fig. 7 B, removable reflection horizon 14 only is on the tethers 32 at corner and is attached to support member.In Fig. 7 C, removable reflection horizon 14 hangs on the deformable layer 34, and deformable layer 34 can comprise a kind of flexible metal.Deformable layer 34 is connected on the substrate 20 around the periphery of deformable layer 34 directly or indirectly.These are connected and are called support column herein.Embodiment shown in Fig. 7 D has support column embolism 42, and deformable layer 34 promptly is positioned on the support column embolism 42.As shown in Fig. 7 A-7C, removable reflection horizon 14 keeps being suspended in above the cavity, but deformable layer 34 does not form support column by the hole of filling between deformable layer 34 and the Optical stack 16.But, form described support column by the smoothing material that is used to form support column embolism 42.Embodiment shown in Fig. 7 E is based on the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 D, but also can use through revising with other embodiment with arbitrary embodiment shown in Fig. 7 A-7C and not demonstration.In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 E, used extra layer of metal or other conductive material to form bus structure 44.This makes the signal can be along the back side route of interferometric modulator, thereby has eliminated originally the some electrodes that may palpiform be formed on the substrate 20.

For example in those embodiment shown in Figure 7, interferometric modulator is wherein watched image from the front side (with the top relative side of side that is furnished with modulator) of transparent substrates 20 as the direct-viewing type device.In these embodiments, reflection horizon 14 optically shields some part on the reflection horizon side relative with substrate 20 of being positioned at of interferometric modulator, comprises deformable layer 34 and bus structure 44.This makes it possible to configuration and operation conductively-closed zone, and can influence image quality sharply.The separable modulator architecture of this kind make to the dynamo-electric aspect of modulator used with the optics aspect of modulator used structural design and material can be selected and be played a role independently of each other.And the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 C-7E has the additional advantage that obtains from its mechanical property de (this is implemented by deformable layer 34) because of the optical characteristics with reflection horizon 14.This can be optimized the structural design in reflection horizon 14 and material therefor aspect optical characteristics, and the structural design of deformable layer 34 and material therefor can be optimized aspect the desired mechanical property.

The various embodiment of display device described herein can accurately reproduce the light of any color.When light lacked tone (achromaticity), light seemed to be white in color.And when light presented particular shade of color (colour), light seemed to be non-white.The color of light under single wavelength is called monochrome.The generation of random color can realize by making monochromatic source have described wavelength just.Perhaps, when will be from the light of the varying strength of two or more different monochromatic sources combined, the beholder can watch described identical random color.Can produce identical or roughly the same final perceived color effect when on the same group light wave appearance is not mixed with.For example, with the blueness of equality strength and sodium yellow mutually mixing can produce and seem the light that is white in color; It also is like this that redness and blue-green light are mixed mutually.These combinations have different spectral distribution, but the result who is felt seems identical.Mix mutually and any two kinds of colors of producing white are known as complementary with appropriate intensity.

1931 illustrated XYZ chromaticity diagram of Fig. 8 comprise the zone with different tones or color.For example, show green, blueness, redness, yellow and white portion among the figure.Color approaches spectrum locus more, and described color relation is saturated more.In Fig. 8, be that unit represents wavelength with micron (μ m).In the CIE system, red, green and blue intensity transformation are become so-called tristimulus value(s), it is represented by capital X, Y and Z.Be perceived as the relative quantity of the color that on chromatic diagram, is in these coordinate position places in these value representation primary colors.Coordinate X, Y and Z are called chromaticity coordinates, and equal 1 (being x+y+z=1) after its addition all the time.

CIE system offer curves 800, it originates in the orange section among the figure and extends downwards left, till it ends in the unsaturated part of blue region.The colour temperature of these line 800 expression ideal black-body radiatoies.It is called black matrix or Planck (Planckian) track sometimes.Blackbody radiator is a kind of theoretical object, its absorb the radiation of incident superincumbent 100% and simultaneously can emission needle to the energy of the possible maximum of specified temp.Come mark some point with corresponding Kelvin (Kelvin) colour temperature along Planckian locus.As can be seen, if black matrix is heated to 1900K, then it will send orange-colored light.Along with the rising of temperature, the color of radiant light moves on to yellow, moves on to white then, and moves on to blueness at last.

On the Planckian locus or near also have five points, it is labeled as A, B, C, D and E.These some expressions are used to the various criterion light source (being called reference illuminant) of taking a picture and photographing by CIE set up.These luminophors are launched the spectral distribution that is similar to blackbody radiator, and it is used for solar simulated and produces other well-defined color.Point A is defined as the color of blackbody radiator under 2856K.The various relevant colour temperatures of other some expression.For example, some D represents the correlated colour temperature of 6500K, and usually is called as D6500 or D65.Be on the reference illuminant or its near or in hue saturation, be glaucous light and be regarded as roughly being white in color.

Fig. 9 is a chromatic diagram, and its graphic extension is a kind of to be used to be chosen in the method that is perceived as another kind of color when combined.Although selected in this example two kinds of colors are not complementary-because these colors do not produce white when combined,, this example forms embodiment with complementary color yet being of value to explanation.

At first, on chromatic diagram for example shown in Figure 9, select any two points.Selected point can be positioned on the outer spectrum locus or in the chromatic diagram.Corresponding to the color of each institute's reconnaissance both can be monochromatic can be not yet for monochromatic.

For example, select corresponding to the point 903 that is roughly 600nm (little red orange) and corresponding to the point 901 of 510nm (green).Then, between this two institutes reconnaissance, draw straight line.Go on to say this example, Plotted line 905 between point 901,903.As can be seen, line 905 passes several hue regions.To be roughly 600nm (point 903) and mix mutually, just can produce any color that line 905 is passed with the light of the varying strength of 510nm (point 901).In this example, except that being respectively little red orange and green end points 903,901, also can produce the green of orange, orange-yellow, yellow, yellow green and little Huang.

Similarly, any two points that the line that passes white portion 907 by can be linked to each other or color are with the combined white that produces of proper proportion.The example is well-known in affiliated field, wherein with the combined color that produces a kind of corresponding to specific reference illuminant white of paired monochromatic complementary light.Referring to " color science: notion and method; quantitative data and rule (Color Science:Concepts and Methods; Quantitative Data and Formulae) ", G.Wyszecki and W.S.Stiles (Wiley-Interscience, 2000).For example, can be by being that second monochromatic light (w2) of 578nm is to equal 0.642 radiant power ratio (P with a kind of wavelength (w1) for the monochromatic light of 480nm and a kind of wavelength _W1/ P _W2) mutually pairing produce CIE reference illuminant D65.Another is chosen as, can be by being that monochromatic light and a kind of wavelength of 680nm is that second monochromatic light of 493.3nm matches mutually and produces same D65 to equal 0.147 radiant power ratio with a kind of wavelength.When formed white was in or is roughly pale asphyxia near reference illuminant or in hue saturation, two kinds of colors were promptly roughly complimentary to one another.

As indicated above, to reflect the light of specific predetermined wavelength, decide by this material and geometric configuration according to modulator through design for interferometric modulator 12a (referring to Fig. 1).As shown in Fig. 5 A, can arrange together that the array that is made of interferometric modulator 12a or pixel (1,1), (1,2), (2,2), (3,2) and (3,3) forms display.

In certain embodiments, at least a portion of display comprises the array that is made of interferometric modulator 12a.Described array is by at least two kinds of interferometric modulator 12a type constitutions.The interferometric modulator 12a of each type all can for example show a kind of monochrome or show black when its cavity is closed in actuated state when its cavity is opened.By the catoptrical wavelength of first modulator type institute through select with by the catoptrical wavelength complementation of second modulator type.When the two was in its bright state simultaneously as this interferometric modulator 12a of two types, the combined light that reflexes to the user seemed to be white in color, if rather than the color felt when being in bright state alone of each modulator type.

In practice, the array of set interferometric modulator 12a or this kind modulator can not reflect the light that is in its single wavelength that is designed to reflect definitely.But, but the wavelength coverage around the set interferometric modulator 12a reflective design wavelength.In certain embodiments, the color of being felt is roughly white, needs only the complimentary to one another or roughly complementation of centre wavelength from the light of these two types of interferometric modulators.

For producing the sensation of white, the reflected light that makes these two kinds of complementary wavelengths is with appropriate intensity reflection.In one embodiment, realize change by increasing or reducing in the display corresponding to the surf zone of these two kinds of types of interferometric modulators to the intensity of each light color.For example, first modulator type that can be by having bigger quantity or by making modulator have the intensity of coming to increase the light color of first modulator type greater than the reflector space of second modulator type with respect to the intensity of second modulator type.In another embodiment, by modulator being carried out variable impulse width excitation, duration of pulse being directly proportional realize change with desirable strength to the intensity of each light color.For example, can be longer than the intensity that second modulator type comes to increase with respect to the intensity of second modulator type light color of first modulator type by the time of the reflective state that first modulator type remained in open.By opening first modulator type, can obtain required relative intensity with the speed that is different from second modulator type with pulsing.In another embodiment, the two is used in combination and obtains required relative intensity with variable impulse width excitation and variable surface zone.In another embodiment, also can use light filter (for example, such as neutral density and chromatic filter) to decay and/or control reflection strength.

As shown in Fig. 8 and 9, needn't select conventional color such as for example red, blueness or green to form white for one in these two types of interferometric modulators or the two.But selected color can be non-traditional color, that is to say, because of being easy to form the general unselected color of broad colour gamut of other color.Therefore, with the combined light that produces white of monochromatic little purple blue light (wavelength is near the light in the zone about 470-490nm) of correct intensity and monochromatic little green sodium yellow (wavelength is near the light in the zone about 570-600nm).Because the comparable conventional color of complementary color that forms from non-traditional color is easier to produce or handle, thereby this is rather practical.

Provide two kinds of colors or type by modulator only, can reduce the cost of display by the quantity that reduces treatment step and shade step to display.Usually, the manufacturing cost with display of less types of interferometric modulators is lower than the display with three kinds or more kinds of types of interferometric modulators.For example, in case select the material and the geometric configuration of these two kinds of types of interferometric modulators, just can adopt making apparatus mentioned above and method according to its bank capability that is used to produce white light.

Figure 10 is flow process Figure 100, and it describes a kind of be used for the determining material of these two types of interferometric modulator 12a of interferometric modulator array and the method for size.This process starts from square 502, selects the candidate color of first modulator type in square 502.This kind selection can be for example based on the mixed nature of the monochromatic aspect of this color (with regard to can be in sight under the varying environment condition), itself and other color and the efficient that is encouraged thereof.In square 504, determine second kind of color.The complementary colors of this second kind of color first modulator type preferable and that in square 502, select.Can get back to above with reference to Fig. 9 and come this step of graphic extension.For example, the candidate color of first kind of color is chosen as by the represented color of the point in the chromatic diagram 903, it is roughly the light of 600nm corresponding to wavelength.By drawing one, second kind of color is defined as putting the wavelength that 909 places are seen through the straight line 909 of point 909 with the expression white of point 907.In this example, 909 be roughly the light of 500nm corresponding to wavelength.Another is chosen as, can be with reference to the color of tables of known complementary to determining second kind of color of candidate.

Return the square 506 among Figure 10, design option is estimated.Can find that this kind color combination is unacceptable.For example, if display must reflect using corresponding to any one the monochromaticity green that all can not produce in two kinds of colors of the point among Fig. 9 903,909 of certain form, then described combination possibly can't receive.Find that it also may be owing to be difficult to make in these two types of interferometric modulators one or more that a combination can't be accepted.The driving voltage that is associated with the second type interferometric modulator also can make the color selection of carrying out in square 504 make us and can't accept.In square 506, can use a kind of second alternative color to correct described deficiency.

Next, in a decision block 508, this method judges whether second color meets design requirement.If second color that second color does not meet design requirement and substitute does not meet design requirement yet, then this process moves on to square 510, is that first modulator type is selected a kind of new color in square 510.This color both can be similar to also can be different from initial selected first color.This process moves on to square 504 and as indicated above proceeding subsequently.This process repeats, till obtaining acceptable design and accept described design in square 512.

Turn back to decision block 508, if second color meets design requirement, then this process moves on to square 512.

Figure 11 graphic extension exemplary two modulator display device 1100, it has first types of interferometric modulators 1104 and second types of interferometric modulators 1102.The design in Optical stack 16 and removable reflection horizon 14 is as indicated above.Removable reflection horizon 14 separates with air gap 19a, the 19b of Optical stack 16 by regulation.Air gap 19a, 19b determine the optic response of each interferometric modulator 1102,1104 with Optical stack 16.As described in reference Figure 10, the distance of air gap 19a, 19b is through selecting so that optical wavelength complimentary to one another to be provided.

By array design being become comprise the interferometric modulator that reflects two kinds of colors and, can providing a kind of low-cost display with white display capabilities by these limits of color are become complimentary to one another.

The various versions that also can have used design and method.For example, in certain embodiments, can use the optical modulator element that does not produce real monochromatic output.Correspondingly, in the described chroma point one or two all is positioned on the outer tracks of chromatic diagram.Also can there be again some versions.

Although above describe in detail is to show, illustrate and point out the novel feature that is applicable to various embodiment of the present invention, yet should be appreciated that, the those skilled in the art can be to the various omissions of making of shown device or technology, alternative and change on form and details, and this does not deviate from spirit of the present invention.Should know,, thereby can in the form that all features as herein described and advantage are not provided, implement some embodiment owing to some feature can be used with further feature or try out mutually independently.

Claims (22)

1, a kind of display device, it is configured to seem to have white that described device comprises:

More than first color interferometric modulators, wherein each modulator reflection is selected from the light of first color of non-traditional color; With

More than second color interferometric modulators, wherein each modulator reflection is selected from the light of second color of non-traditional color,

Wherein only seem to be roughly white from the reflected light of described more than first color interferometric modulators and combination only from the light of described more than second color interferometric modulators.

2, device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first color are that hyacinthine and described second color are yellow greens.

3, device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said white are the color of blackbody radiator between 2856K and 6500K.

4, device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, the light of wherein said first color has the wavelength in the scope of 470-490nm, and the light of described second color has the wavelength in the scope of 570-590nm.

5, device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said more than first interferometric modulator and described more than second interferometric modulator are through arranging to form at least a portion of display.

6, device as claimed in claim 1, it further comprises:

At least one electric connection in the processor, itself and described more than first color interferometric modulators and described more than second color interferometric modulators, described processor is configured to image data processing; With

Memory storage, itself and described processor electric connection.

7, device as claimed in claim 6, it further comprises driving circuit, described driving circuit is configured at least one signal is sent in described more than first color interferometric modulators and described more than second color interferometric modulators at least one.

8, device as claimed in claim 7, it further comprises controller, described controller is configured at least a portion of described view data is sent to described driving circuit.

9, device as claimed in claim 6, it further comprises image source module, described image source module is configured to described image data transmission to described processor.

10, device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said image source module comprises at least one in receiver, transceiver and the transmitter.

11, device as claimed in claim 6, it further comprises input media, described input media is configured to receive the input data and described input data is sent to described processor.

12, a kind of method of making display device, described method comprises:

Select more than first interferometric modulator display elements of the light of reflection first color; With

Select more than second interferometric modulator display elements of the light of reflection second color,

The light complementation of the light of wherein said second color and described first color, so that the light of only described first color seems to be roughly white with the combination of the light of described second color only, and

Wherein select in the light of the light of described first color and described second color at least one based on international lighting association XYZ chromaticity diagram at least in part.

13, method as claimed in claim 12, wherein said white are the color of blackbody radiator between 2856K and 6500K.

14, a kind of display device of making by method as claimed in claim 13.

15, have the method in the zone of white in a kind of display image, described method comprises:

Reflect the light of first color from more than first color interferometric modulators, the light of described first color has first color of the non-traditional color of being selected from; With

Reflect the light of second color from more than second color interferometric modulators, the light of described second color have the non-traditional color of being selected from with the zone of described first complementary colors in second color so that at least at the light of combined reflected only described first color with only the light time of described second color produces white.

16, method as claimed in claim 15, wherein said white are the color of blackbody radiator between 2856K and 6500K.

17, a kind of light modulator arrays that is arranged in the place, point of crossing of first and second rows of electrodes and row, described array comprises:

First photomodulator, its place, first point of crossing at described first and second electrode forms first optical resonator, and described first optical resonator is configured to reflect the light of first wavelength with the non-traditional color of being selected from; With

Second photomodulator, its place, second point of crossing at described first and second electrode forms second optical resonator, and described second optical resonator is configured to reflect the light of second wavelength with the non-traditional color of being selected from,

Wherein by the light of described first cavity reflection with complementary by the light of described second cavity reflection and when combining, produce roughly white.

18, array as claimed in claim 17, wherein said first electrode and described second electrode comprise local reflex metal surface at least.

19, array as claimed in claim 17, wherein said first optical resonator comprises the reflecting surface of first distance of being separated by, and described second optical resonator comprises the reflecting surface of the second distance that is different from described first distance of being separated by.

20, a kind ofly be used for the equipment in zone that display image has white, described equipment comprises:

First member, its light that is used for described zone is had first color of the non-traditional color of being selected from carries out interferometric modulation, and the described first modulation member reflects the light of described first color; With

Second member, its light that is used for described zone is had second color of the non-traditional color of being selected from carries out interferometric modulation, and the described second modulation member reflects the light of described second color,

Wherein only modulate the reflected light of member and only seem to be roughly white from described second combination of modulating the light of member from described first.

21, equipment as claimed in claim 20, the wherein said first color reflecting member comprises first interferometric modulator.

22, as claim 20 or 21 described equipment, the wherein said second color reflecting member comprises second interferometric modulator.

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