SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ILLUMINATING INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR DISPLAY

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).

2. Description of the Related Technology

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) include micro mechanical elements, actuators, and electronics. Micromechanical elements may be created using deposition, etching, and or other micromachining processes that etch away parts of substrates and/or deposited material layers or that add layers to form electrical and electromechanical devices. One type of MEMS device is called an interferometric modulator. An interferometric modulator may comprise a pair of conductive plates, one or both of which may be transparent and/or reflective in whole or part and capable of relative motion upon application of an appropriate electrical signal. One plate may comprise a stationary layer deposited on a substrate, the other plate may comprise a metallic membrane separated from the stationary layer by an air gap. Such devices have a wide range of applications, and it would be beneficial in the art to utilize and/or modify the characteristics of these types of devices so that their features can be exploited in improving existing products and creating new products that have not yet been developed.

SUMMARY OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

The system, method, and devices of the invention each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this invention, its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments” one will understand how the features of this invention provide advantages over other display devices.

One aspect of the invention is a reflective display, comprising a substrate having a first surface, a plurality of interferometric modulators disposed on a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface, and a cover having a third surface, the cover positioned in optical communication with the first surface with a gap existing between the first and third surfaces, the cover including a plurality of light redirectors, the light redirectors configured to redirect at least a portion of light incident on the third surface of the cover onto the first surface.

Another aspect of the invention is a system for illuminating a reflective display, comprising a display cover configured to be placed in front of the reflective display and including a plurality of light redirectors, the display cover having a first surface configured to face the front of the reflective display, there being a gap between the first surface and the front of the display, and a light source configured to transmit light onto the first surface of the display cover along a path that is oblique to the display cover, wherein the light redirectors are configured to redirect at least a portion of the incident light onto the front of the reflective display.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of illuminating a reflective display, comprising transmitting light onto a first surface of a display cover along a path that is oblique to the cover, the first surface of the display cover facing a second surface of a reflective display, there being a gap between the first surface and the second surface, and redirecting at least a portion of the transmitted light towards the second surface of the reflective display.

Another aspect of the invention is a reflective display, comprising a substrate having a first surface, a plurality of reflective display elements disposed on a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface, and a plurality of light redirectors in optical communication with the substrate and reflective display elements so as to redirect at least a portion of light originating along a path that is oblique to the first surface into the substrate and reflective display elements.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of illuminating a reflective display, comprising transmitting light onto a reflective display panel along a path that is oblique to the display panel and redirecting at least a portion of the transmitted light so that redirected light is directed along a path that is less oblique to the display panel than the transmitted light.

Another aspect of the invention is an illuminated reflective display system, comprising a plurality of reflective display elements and fluorescent or phosphorescent material located in optical communication with the display elements and configured such that the material absorbs light having a first wavelength and emits light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength into the reflective display elements.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of illuminating a reflective display, comprising transmitting light onto fluorescent or phosphorescent material that absorbs at least a portion of the light and emitting from said fluorescent or phosphorescent material light having a different wavelength than the transmitted light onto reflective display elements.

Another aspect of the invention is an illuminated reflective display, comprising a substrate having a plurality of reflective display elements disposed on a first surface thereof, a light source adapted to emit light into the substrate, a first material disposed on a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface, the first material comprising a plurality of light redirectors, and a second material disposed on the first material, wherein the second material has an index of retraction different than said first material.

Another aspect of the invention is an illuminated reflective display, comprising a substrate, a plurality of interferometric modulators disposed on the substrate and having a front from which incident light is reflected, a plurality of at least partially transparent posts supporting a reflective surface of said interferometric modulators, a plurality of light redirectors disposed on or in the substrate, and a light source positioned on a side opposite the front of the interferometric modulators.

Another aspect of the invention is an illuminated interferometric modulator display, comprising a plurality of interferometric modulators having a front from which incident light is reflected, a plurality of at least partially transparent posts supporting a reflective surface of the interferometric modulators, a plurality of light redirectors aligned with the posts, and a light source positioned on a side opposite the front of the interferometric modulators.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of illuminating a reflective display, comprising transmitting light through a plurality of at least partially transparent posts into a substrate, wherein the posts support a reflective surface in a plurality of interferometric modulators disposed on the substrate, and redirecting at least a portion of the transmitted light from the substrate into the interferometric modulators.

Another aspect of the invention is an illuminated reflective display produced by a process comprising positioning a plurality of interferometric modulators on a substrate and positioning a plurality of light redirectors in optical communication with the interferometric modulators, the light redirectors configured to redirect at least a portion of light incident on the light redirectors into the interferometric modulators.

Another aspect of the invention is an illuminated reflective display, comprising a plurality of interferometric modulators having a front surface from which light is reflected, means for redirecting light originating along a path that is oblique to the front surface into the interferometric modulators, and means for providing light to the means for redirecting.

Another aspect of the invention is a reflective display produced by a process, comprising positioning a plurality of interferometric modulators on a first surface of a substrate, forming a plurality of light redirectors in a cover, the cover having a second surface, and positioning the cover in optical communication with the plurality of interferometric modulators such that a gap exists between the second surface and a third surface on the substrate opposite the first surface, the light redirectors configured to redirect at least a portion of light incident on the second surface onto the third surface.

Another aspect of the invention is a system for illuminating a reflective display produced by a process, comprising forming a plurality of light redirectors in a cover, the cover having a first surface, positioning the cover in front of a reflective display with a gap between the first surface and the front of the display, and positioning a light source to transmit light onto the first surface of the display cover along a path that is oblique to the display cover, wherein the light redirectors are configured to redirect at least a portion of the incident light onto the front of the reflective display.

Another aspect of the invention is a reflective display produced by a process, comprising positioning a plurality of reflective display elements on a first surface of a substrate, and positioning a plurality of light redirectors in optical communication with the substrate and reflective display elements so as to redirect at least a portion of light originating along a path that is oblique to a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface into the substrate and reflective display elements.

Another aspect of the invention is an illuminated reflective display system produced by a process, comprising positioning fluorescent or phosphorescent material in optical communication with a plurality of reflective display elements, wherein the material absorbs light having a first wavelength and emits light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength into the reflective display elements.

Another aspect of the invention is an illuminated reflective display produced by a process, comprising positioning a plurality of interferometric modulators on a first surface of a substrate, positioning a light source so as to emit light into the substrate, positioning a first material on a second surface of the substrate opposite the first surface, the first material comprising a plurality of light redirectors, and positioning a second material on the first material, wherein the second material has an index of refraction different than the first material.

Another aspect of the invention is an illuminated interferometric modulator display produced by a process, comprising forming a plurality of at least partially transparent posts to support a reflective surface in a plurality of interferometric modulators, the interferometric modulators having a front from which incident light is reflected, positioning a plurality of light redirectors to be aligned with the posts, and positioning a light source on a side opposite the front of the interferometric modulators.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view depicting a portion of one embodiment of an interferometric modulator display in which a movable reflective layer of a first interferometric modulator is in a released position and a movable reflective layer of a second interferometric modulator is in an actuated position.

FIG. 2 is a system block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an electronic device incorporating a 3×3 interferometric modulator display.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of movable mirror position versus applied voltage for one exemplary embodiment of an interferometric modulator of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a set of row and column voltages that may be used to drive an interferometric modulator display.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate one exemplary timing diagram for row and column signals that may be used to write a frame of display data to the 3×3 interferometric modulator display of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6A is a cross section of the device of FIG. 1 taken along line 6A-6A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6B is a cross section taken along a line corresponding to 6A-6A in FIG. 1, but illustrating an alternative embodiment of an interferometric modulator.

FIG. 6C is a cross section taken along a line corresponding to 6A-6A in FIG. 1, but illustrating an alternative embodiment of an interferometric modulator.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an interferometric modulator array utilizing a front light in conjunction with a light plate to direct light into the interferometric modulator elements.

FIG. 8A schematically illustrates an interferometric modulator array utilizing a backlight wherein light from the backlight is reflected into the interferometric modulator elements by reflective structures located in the posts that support the mirror element.

FIG. 8B schematically illustrates another interferometric modulator array utilizing a backlight wherein light from the backlight passing through transparent posts is reflected into the interferometric modulator elements by reflective structures located in the substrate itself.

FIG. 8C schematically illustrates another interferometric modulator array utilizing a backlight wherein light from the backlight passing through gaps in the array is directed into the interferometric modulator elements by reflective structures located in the substrate.

FIG. 8D schematically illustrates another interferometric modulator array utilizing a backlight wherein light from the backlight passing through gaps in the array is directed into the interferometric modulator elements by reflective structures located in a film above the substrate.

FIG. 8E schematically illustrates another interferometric modulator array utilizing a backlight wherein light from the backlight passing through transparent posts is scattered into the interferometric modulator elements by scattering centers located in a film above the substrate.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a front light for an interferometric modulator array that utilizes reflective or light scattering structures attached to a cover glass.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates an interferometric modulator array in which the substrate itself is utilized as a front light.

FIG. 11A schematically illustrates an embodiment of an interferometric modulator array wherein the use of side lighting in combination with angle scattering centers is used to provide light to interferometric modulator elements in an array.

FIG. 11B schematically illustrates an embodiment of an interferometric modulator array wherein side lighting is used in combination with angle scattering elements that are aligned with the direction of the light source to provide light to the interferometric modulator elements.

FIG. 12A schematically illustrates an interferometric modulator array that utilizes phosphorescent or fluorescent materials to improve color gamut.

FIG. 12B schematically illustrates an interferometric modulator array that utilizes phosphorescent or fluorescent materials for providing light to the array, and includes a light absorbing material on the surface of the phosphorescent or fluorescent material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. As will be apparent from the following description, the invention may be implemented in any device that is configured to display an image, whether in motion (e.g., video) or stationary (e.g., still image), and whether textual or pictorial. More particularly, it is contemplated that the invention may be implemented in or associated with a variety of electronic devices such as, but not limited to, mobile telephones, wireless devices, personal data assistants (PDAs), hand-held or portable computers, GPS receivers/navigators, cameras, MP3 players, camcorders, game consoles, wrist watches, clocks, calculators, television monitors, flat panel displays, computer monitors, auto displays (e.g., odometer display, etc.), cockpit controls and/or displays, display of camera views (e.g., display of a rear view camera in a vehicle), electronic photographs, electronic billboards or signs, projectors, architectural structures, packaging, and aesthetic structures (e.g., display of images on a piece of jewelry). MEMS devices of similar structure to those described herein can also be used in non-display applications such as in electronic switching devices.

Interferometric modulator displays and other reflective displays provide display information by reflecting light. In low light situations, it is desirable to provide supplemental illumination. Because of the reflective nature of these displays, it is desirable to provide the supplemental illumination into the front of the display elements. Generally, backlighting such as is used in transmissive displays is not suitable for illuminating reflective displays. Accordingly, described herein are systems and methods for illuminating reflective displays by providing light redirectors to redirect supplemental illumination into the front of reflective display elements. Various light redirectors are provided that redirect light from a light source positioned in front of the display, to the side of the display, or behind the display.

One interferometric modulator display embodiment comprising an interferometric MEMS display element is illustrated in FIG. 1. In these devices, the pixels are in either a bright or dark state. In the bright (“on” or “open”) state, the display element reflects a large portion of incident visible light to a user. When in the dark (“off” or “closed”) state, the display element reflects little incident visible light to the user. Depending on the embodiment, the light reflectance properties of the “on” and “off” states may be reversed. MEMS pixels can be configured to reflect predominantly at selected colors, allowing for a color display in addition to black and white.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view depicting two adjacent pixels in a series of pixels of a visual display, wherein each pixel comprises a MEMS interferometric modulator. In some embodiments, an interferometric modulator display comprises a row/column array of these interferometric modulators. Each interferometric modulator includes a pair of reflective layers positioned at a variable and controllable distance from each other to form a resonant optical cavity with at least one variable dimension. In one embodiment, one of the reflective layers may be moved between two positions. In the first position, referred to herein as the released state, the movable layer is positioned at a relatively large distance from a fixed partially reflective layer. In the second position, the movable layer is positioned more closely adjacent to the partially reflective layer. Incident light that reflects from the two layers interferes constructively or destructively depending on the position of the movable reflective layer, producing either an overall reflective or non-reflective state for each pixel.

The depicted portion of the pixel array in FIG. 1 includes two adjacent interferometric modulators 12a and 12b. In the interferometric modulator 12a on the left, a movable and highly reflective layer 14a is illustrated in a released position at a predetermined distance from a fixed partially reflective layer 16a. In the interferometric modulator 12b on the right, the movable highly reflective layer 14b is illustrated in an actuated position adjacent to the fixed partially reflective layer 16b.

The fixed layers 16a, 16b are electrically conductive, partially transparent and partially reflective, and may be fabricated, for example, by depositing one or more layers each of chromium and indium-tin-oxide onto a transparent substrate 20. The layers are patterned into parallel strips, and may form row electrodes in a display device as described further below. The movable layers 14a, 14b may be formed as a series of parallel strips of a deposited metal layer or layers (orthogonal to the row electrodes 15a, 16b) deposited on top of posts 18 and an intervening sacrificial material deposited between the posts 18. When the sacrificial material is etched away, the deformable metal layers are separated from the fixed metal layers by a defined air gap 19. A highly conductive and reflective material such as aluminum may be used for the deformable layers, and these strips may form column electrodes in a display device.

With no applied voltage, the cavity 19 remains between the layers 14a, 16a and the deformable layer is in a mechanically relaxed state as illustrated by the pixel 12a in FIG. 1. However, when a potential difference is applied to a selected row and column, the capacitor formed at the intersection of the row and column electrodes at the corresponding pixel becomes charged, and electrostatic forces pull the electrodes together. If the voltage is high enough, the movable layer is deformed and is forced against the fixed layer (a dielectric material which is not illustrated in this Figure may be deposited on the fixed layer to prevent shorting and control the separation distance) as illustrated by the pixel 12b on the right in FIG. 1. The behavior is the same regardless of the polarity of the applied potential difference. In this way, row/column actuation that can control the reflective vs. non-reflective pixel states is analogous in many ways to that used in conventional LCD and other display technologies.

FIGS. 2 through 5 illustrate one exemplary process and system for using an array of interferometric modulators in a display application. FIG. 2 is a system block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an electronic device that may incorporate aspects of the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the electronic device includes a processor 21 which may be any general purpose single- or multi-chip microprocessor such as an ARM, Pentium®, Pentium II®, Pentium III®, Pentium IV®, Pentium® Pro, an 8051, a MIPS®, a Power PC®, an ALPHA®, or any special purpose microprocessor such as a digital signal processor, microcontroller, or a programmable gate array. As is conventional in the art, the processor 21 may be configured to execute one or more software modules. In addition to executing an operating system, the processor may be configured to execute one or more software applications, including a web browser, a telephone application, an email program, or any other software application.

In one embodiment, the processor 21 is also configured to communicate with an array controller 22. In one embodiment, the array controller 22 includes a row driver circuit 24 and a column driver circuit 26 that provide signals to a pixel array 30. The cross section of the array illustrated in FIG. 1 is shown by the lines 1-1 in FIG. 2. For MEMS interferometric modulators, the row/column actuation protocol may take advantage of a hysteresis property of these devices illustrated in FIG. 3. It may require, for example, a 10 volt potential difference to cause a movable layer to deform from the released state to the actuated state. However, when the voltage is reduced from that value, the movable layer maintains its state as the voltage drops back below 10 volts. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the movable layer does not release completely until the voltage drops below 2 volts. There is thus a range of voltage, about 3 to 7 V in the example illustrated in FIG. 3, where there exists a window of applied voltage within which the device is stable in either the released or actuated state. This is referred to herein as the “hysteresis window” or “stability window.” For a display array having the hysteresis characteristics of FIG. 3, the row/column actuation protocol can be designed such that during row strobing, pixels in the strobed row that are to be actuated are exposed to a voltage difference of about 10 volts, and pixels that are to be released are exposed to a voltage difference of close to zero volts. After the strobe, the pixels are exposed to a steady state voltage difference of about 5 volts such that they remain in whatever state the row strobe put them in. After being written, each pixel sees a potential difference within the “stability window” of 3-7 volts in this example. This feature makes the pixel design illustrated in FIG. 1 stable under the same applied voltage conditions in either an actuated or released pre-existing state. Since each pixel of the interferometric modulator, whether in the actuated or released state, is essentially a capacitor formed by the fixed and moving reflective layers, this stable state can be held at a voltage within the hysteresis window with almost no power dissipation. Essentially no current flows into the pixel if the applied potential is fixed.

In typical applications, a display frame may be created by asserting the set of column electrodes in accordance with the desired set of actuated pixels in the first row. A row pulse is then applied to the row 1 electrode, actuating the pixels corresponding to the asserted column lines. The asserted set of column electrodes is then changed to correspond to the desired set of actuated pixels in the second row. A pulse is then applied to the row 2 electrode, actuating the appropriate pixels in row 2 in accordance with the asserted column electrodes. The row 1 pixels are unaffected by the row 2 pulse, and remain in the state they were set to during the row 1 pulse. This may be repeated for the entire series of rows in a sequential fashion to produce the frame. Generally, the frames are refreshed and/or updated with new display data by continually repeating this process at some desired number of frames per second. A wide variety of protocols for driving row and column electrodes of pixel arrays to produce display frames are also well known and may be used in conjunction with the present invention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate one possible actuation protocol for creating a display frame on the 3×3 array of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates a possible set of column and row voltage levels that may be used for pixels exhibiting the hysteresis curves of FIG. 3. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, actuating a pixel involves setting the appropriate column to −V_bias, and the appropriate row to +ΔV, which may correspond to −5 volts and +5 volts respectively Releasing the pixel is accomplished by setting the appropriate column to +V_bias, and the appropriate row to the same +ΔV, producing a zero volt potential difference across the pixel. In those rows where the row voltage is held at zero volts, the pixels are stable in whatever state they were originally in, regardless of whether the column is at +V_bias, or −V_bias.

FIG. 5B is a timing diagram showing a series of row and column signals applied to the 3×3 array of FIG. 2 which will result in the display arrangement illustrated in FIG. 5A, where actuated pixels are non-reflective. Prior to writing the frame illustrated in FIG. 5A, the pixels can be in any state, and in this example, all the rows are at 0 volts, and all the columns are at +5 volts. With these applied voltages, all pixels are stable in their existing actuated or released states.

In the FIG. 5A frame, pixels (1,1), (1,2), (2,2), (3,2) and (3,3) are actuated. To accomplish this, during a “line time” for row 1, columns 1 and 2 are set to −5 volts, and column 3 is set to +5 volts. This does not change the state of any pixels, because all the pixels remain in the 3-7 volt stability window. Row 1 is then strobed with a pulse that goes from 0, up to 5 volts, and back to zero. This actuates the (1,1) and (1,2) pixels and releases the (1,3) pixel. No other pixels in the array are affected. To set row 2 as desired, column 2 is set to −5 volts, and columns 1 and 3 are set to +5 volts. The same strobe applied to row 2 will then actuate pixel (2,2) and release pixels (2,1) and (2,3). Again, no other pixels of the array are affected. Row 3 is similarly set by setting columns 2 and 3 to −5 volts, and column 1 to +5 volts. The row 3 strobe sets the row 3 pixels as shown in FIG. 5A. After writing the frame, the row potentials are zero, and the column potentials can remain at either +5 or −5 volts, and the display is then stable in the arrangement of FIG. 5A. It will be appreciated that the same procedure can be employed for arrays of dozens or hundreds of rows and columns. It will also be appreciated that the timing, sequence, and levels of voltages used to perform row and column actuation can be varied widely within the general principles outlined above, and the above example is exemplary only, and any actuation voltage method can be used with the present invention.

The details of the structure of interferometric modulators that operate in accordance with the principles set forth above may vary widely. For example, FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate three different embodiments of the moving mirror structure. FIG. 6A is a cross section of the embodiment of FIG. 1, where a strip of metal material 14 is deposited on orthogonally extending supports 18. In FIG. 6B, the moveable reflective material 14 is attached to supports at the corners only, on tethers 32. In FIG. 6C, the moveable reflective material 14 is suspended from a deformable layer 34. This embodiment has benefits because the structural design and materials used for the reflective material 14 can be optimized with respect to the optical properties, and the structural design and materials used for the deformable layer 34 can be optimized with respect to desired mechanical properties. The production of various types of interferometric devices is described in a variety of published documents, including, for example, U.S. Published Application 2004/0051929. A wide variety of well known techniques may be used to produce the above described structures involving a series of material deposition, patterning, and etching steps.

Generally, the interferometric modulator is utilized in a highly reflective, direct view, flat panel display. Because of its high reflectivity, the interferometric modulator has little need for illumination in most lighting conditions. The typical consumer expects to be able to read electronic displays in certain situations where there is little ambient illumination. As a result, some form of illumination is desirable for the interferometric modulator and other purely reflective spatial light modulators that typically use ambient illumination.

The typical backside illumination techniques used extensively with liquid crystal displays (LCDs) do not work for purely reflective spatial light modulators. A purely reflective spatial light modulator is one through which light cannot be transmitted from back to front in such a manner as to illuminate the modulator elements. It is possible to leave gaps between the elements of a purely reflective spatial light modulator to allow backside illumination to travel through and emerge at the front of the panel, but the light will not contain any image information, as the light does not actually illuminate the elements, passing them by on its path through the display panel. Thus, it is desirable to provide illumination directed to the front of reflective display elements in reflective displays.

As described in more detail below, various embodiments of the invention provide light redirectors to redirect light from a light source positioned at various locations in a reflective display so that the light is directed onto the front of reflective display elements in the reflective display.

Directed Frontlight

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 7, a directed front light is utilized in conjunction with an array of interferometric modulators. A front light plate 200 is attached to a front surface 302 of the substrate 300. Although the front light plate 200 is shown attached directly to the substrate 300, in other embodiments the light plate 200 can be suspended above the substrate 300 or attached to a film or other layer that overlies the substrate.

A light source 100, such as an LED, is connected to the front light plate 200 such that light 202 emitted from the light source 100 enters the front light plate 200. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the light source 100 is connected to a side surface 304 of the front light plate 200. The structure of the front light plate 200 is optimized so that light 202 passing from light source 100 into the front light plate 200 is redirected into the elements 310 of the array. Although a single ray 202 of light is depicted in FIG. 7 and subsequent figures, it should be understood that light source 100 emits a beam of light having a given divergence and thus fills the entire front light plate 200 with light. Accordingly, light redirected into elements 310 will consist of a plurality of beams. Preferably the light 202 is directed into the elements 310 of the array in as narrow beams as possible. Thus, as used herein, the term “light 202” represents beams of light and illustrates one of numerous light paths within those beams.

In one embodiment, light 202 emitted by light source 100 is maintained within the front light plate 200 by total internal reflection until the light 202 contacts the surfaces 204, from which it is reflected through the substrate 300 and into the elements 310. The light plate 200 may comprise a number of grooves 210 that provide surfaces 204 off of which light 202 may be reflected. Advantageously, light 202 may be redirected into the elements 310 in a narrow beam that is substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the substrate 300. Advantageously, the majority of light 202 that is directed into elements 310 is reflected out of the elements 310 and transmitted through the substrate 300 and light plate 200 without being significantly affected by the grooves 210.

In one embodiment, the elements 310 are interferometric modulators. In other embodiments the elements are other optical devices capable of reflecting light of a desired wavelength. By directing the light 202 from the front light 100 directly into the interferometric modulator elements 310, the brightness of the display is increased compared to use of ambient light alone, particularly in situations in which there is limited ambient light. In addition, this arrangement allows for the use of the display in situations in which there is little or no ambient light.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, because the majority of the light 202 is reflected out of the interferometric modulator elements 310 at an angle substantially perpendicular to the front surface substrate 300, the view angle is relatively narrow. However, by changing the depth and spacing of the grooves 210 or by utilizing other structures, the incident angle of the light 202 into the interferometric modulator elements 310 can be controlled. For example, by changing the angle of the sloped side 204 of the illustrated grooves 210, the angle of light directed into the interferometric modulator can be controlled. Thus, the viewing angle can be controlled. In addition to grooves, one of skill in the art will recognize that other structures can be utilized in the light plate 200 to redirect light from the light source 100 into the elements 310 at the desired angle. For example, strips of reflective material may be incorporated within the front light plate 200 at a diagonal angle.

A front light plate 200 containing grooves 210 may be constructed by injection molding, controlled etching, or by any other process known to those of skill in the art. The material for use in the front light plate 200 may be any suitable transparent or partially transparent material such as plastic or glass.

In one embodiment, the reflecting structures 210 are spaced such that light is directed to the elements 310 and not to the gap between the elements 320.

In another embodiment, instead of grooves 210, lines of reflective material may be placed within or on front light plate 200 to provide light redirection into elements 310.

In one embodiment, the front light plate 200 may be placed against the substrate 300 as depicted in FIG. 7. In another embodiment, the front light plate 200 may be position such that there is a space between the plate 200 and the substrate 300.

The light source 100, as well as other light sources described herein, may be any suitable light source known in the art. Non-limiting examples include LEDs or fluorescent lights such as Cold Compact Fluorescent Lights.

Backlit Interferometric Modulator

In another embodiment, a backlight is used to provide light to an array of interferometric modulator elements. The use of a backlight to enhance the function of an interferometric modulator display may be desirable, for example, in a device that already utilizes a backlight, such as a cellular phone.

An embodiment of an interferometric modulator utilizing a backlight is illustrated in FIG. 8A. A backlight 110 is located on the opposite side of the interferometric modulator structure from the substrate 300 and is oriented so that its light emitting surface 112 is parallel to and faces the substrate 300. A mirror element 370 is suspended below the substrate 300 by posts 400. Because in one embodiment the mirror element 370 is opaque, light can not travel from the backlight 110 directly into the interferometric modulator cavity 360. Thus, in this embodiment the posts 400 are constructed of a transparent or partially transparent material and a light redirector 410 is located at the end of the posts 400 closest to the substrate 300. Light 202 transmitted from the backlight 110 passes through the posts 400 and is redirected by the light redirector 410 into the cavity 360 of the interferometric modulator structure. The light 202 then reflects off the mirror 370 and eventually exits the interferometric modulator structure through the substrate 300 in the direction of a viewer 50.

The light redirector 410 may include a reflective structure, light scattering structures such as a plurality of scattering centers, phosphorescent or fluorescent material, or any other suitable feature configured to redirect light. Transparent posts 400 may be constructed of any suitable transparent or partially transparent material such as a transparent oxide or polymer, and may be colorless or include a color tint. In one advantageous embodiment, posts 400 are colorless and transparent. Light redirectors 410 may be incorporated in any desired position within transparent posts 400 by which light may be appropriately directed into the interferometric modulators.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8A, the light redirector 410 comprises diagonally oriented mirrors arranged as a metallic pyramid. Other structures that reflect light into the cavity 360 could also be used. For example, a curved structure could be used in place of the pyramid to get broader reflectance into the cavity 360. Alternatively, a triangular structure could provide reflectance into a single interferometric cavity. The light redirector 410 can be made by any process known in the art. For example, they may be constructed by forming a pyramid shaped channel in the top of the post and subsequently filling the channel with a reflective substance. In one embodiment, the light redirector 410 is constructed of aluminum. In one embodiment, the reflective material (e.g., aluminum) may be deposited as a layer on a structure having the desired shape. For example, a pyramid shape may be formed by controlled etching of silicon or molybdenum followed by deposition of an aluminum layer on the pyramid shape.

In an alternative embodiment, the light redirector 410 is located in the substrate 300 rather than in the post 400 (FIG. 8B). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8B, the light redirectors 410 in substrate 300 are aligned above posts 400. In this case, light 202 travels from the backlight 110 through the post 400 to light redirector 410 located in or on the substrate 300 directly above the post 400. The light is reflected off of the light redirector 410 and back into the cavity 360. The light redirector 410 may be, for example, a groove in the glass 300 that is silvered or filled with a reflective substance. In one embodiment, the grooves in the substrate 300 may be formed by etching and the surfaces of the grooves may be coated with a reflective material such as aluminum. In another embodiment, the grooves may be filled with polymer containing reflective or scattering particles. For example, the polymer may be deposited by spin coating.

In another embodiment, light redirectors 410 may be positioned in the substrate 300 above gaps 320 between individual interferometric modulator elements 310. Light 202 from a backlight 110 can then pass through the very small gaps 320 to the light redirectors 410, as illustrated in FIG. 8C. Light 202 from the backlight 110 passes through the gaps 320 and is reflected from the light redirectors 410 into the interferometric modulator elements 310. As discussed above, the light redirectors 410 may be diagonal mirrors formed by creating a groove in the substrate and filling the groove with a reflective material. Alternative ways of forming the light redirectors 410 will be apparent to the skilled artisan.

In another embodiment, light redirectors 410 are formed above the substrate 300 (FIG. 8D). For example, the light redirectors 410 may be formed in a film 500 that is applied to the surface of the substrate 300. In one embodiment the film 500 is a diffuser or anti-reflective film. The film 500 may be located on the substrate 300 such that the light redirectors 410 are positioned directly above the gaps 320 between elements 310 in the array. As in the embodiments discussed above, the light redirectors 410 can be any shape and material that serves to reflect light back into the interferometric modulator elements 310 below. In some embodiments, the light redirectors comprise scattering centers or phosphorescent or fluorescent material deposited within the film 500. Film 500 may be deposited by lamination, spin coating, or any other suitable means.

In an alternative embodiment, light redirectors 410 may be uniformly distributed throughout film 500 in low density. Thus, for example with reference to FIG. 8E, a powder of light scattering centers 325 may be distributed throughout film 500. The portion of the light scattering centers 325 positioned above gap 320 or posts 400 may redirect light 202 from back light 110 into interferometric modulator elements 310. However, because the powder 325 is thinly distributed in film 500, it will not significantly interfere with ambient illumination of the interferometric modulators 310.

In each of the embodiments utilizing a backlight described above, the nature of the light redirectors 410 can be manipulated to achieve a desired result, such as by changing the angle of diagonal mirrors or by utilizing a curved surface rather than a straight mirror. For example, the shape of a reflective structure can be modified to produce a narrower or broader reflected light beam. A reflective structure producing a broader reflected beam may be utilized in situations where a wider view angle is needed, while a structure with a narrower reflected beam may be used in a situation where maximum brightness from a more limited view angle is desirable.

In addition, in each of the embodiments an absorbing material may be preferably located above the light redirectors to form a black mask on top. Such a mask would prevent ambient light from reflecting from the light redirectors 410 back toward the viewer 50, which would decrease contrast.

Remote Front Lighting Via Cover Glass Features

In many display applications, a cover glass or plastic is inserted above the display to protect the display (e.g., the surface plastic over the display in a cell phone). FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment where light redirectors 610 may be located on a cover 600 to provide illumination of reflective displays. Typically, an air gap 602 exists between the cover 600 and the substrate 300 of the display. Light 202 from a light source 100 may be directed into the gap 602 and onto the bottom surface 604 of the cover 600. Alternatively, the light 202 may be directed into a side 606 of the cover 600. When light 202 is directed into the side 606 of the cover 600, the light redirectors 610 may be located within the cover 600. Light redirectors 610 in or on the cover 600 may be utilized to redirect light 202 from the light source 100 into the substrate 300 and into interferometric modulator elements 310 located on the substrate 300. In this way, the majority of the light 202 from the light source 100 enters the elements 310 at an acute angle rather than at a shallow angle. Light entering and exiting the interferometric modulator elements 310 at an acute angle cause light 202 with display information to be directed along a typical viewer's line of sight—normal to the display. In the illustrated embodiment, because the majority of the light is reflected out of the interferometric modulator elements at a narrow angle, the view angle is relatively narrow. Thus, the brightness of the display will rapidly drop at wider view angles, reducing the observation of the effect of color shifting, which can typically be observed from interferometric modulator elements upon off-angle viewing.

Light redirectors 610 may be reflective structures, scattering centers, fluorescent or phosphorescent material, or any other suitable light redirector. The shape of reflective structure light redirectors may be selected to direct the light 202 in the desired way. The structural features may be reflective, or may serve as diffusive scattering centers that scatter light in all directions, including into the interferometric modulator elements. By changing the shape and depth of the features, the reflectance can be adjusted. For example, a diagonal structure will direct the light 202 into the elements 310 along a narrow beam as discussed above. However, if a structure with a curved surface is utilized (not shown), a broader reflected beam will result. A broader beam may be desired, for example, to achieve a wider view angle. However, it may be desirable to narrow the dispersion angle of the beam to limit the observation of color shifting upon off-angle viewing. Thus, in one embodiment, the dispersion angle of the beam is optimized by adjusting the shape of light redirectors 610 to provide an optimum balance between view angle and low observation of color shifting. One of skill in the art will readily understand the type of structure to produce the desired reflectance for a given situation.

Light redirectors 610 may be formed on the cover 600 by applying a film or coating comprising the light redirectors 610 to the bottom surface 604 of the cover 600. Thus, the light redirectors 610 may be disposed within a laminate on the cover 600. In one embodiment, the light redirectors 610 may be patterned onto the bottom of the cover 600 such as by using photolithography to pattern and etch features on the cover 600. The features may include projections, such as illustrated in FIG. 9 or depressions such as grooves described above etched into the bottom surface 604 of the cover 600. In one embodiment, the light redirectors 610 are spaced such that light 202 from light source 100 is directed preferentially to the elements 310 and not to the gap 320 between the elements 310. In other embodiments, the light redirectors 610 are uniformly distributed on the cover 600. Light redirectors 610 may also be formed within the cover 600 by forming grooves in the cover 600 such as described above and adding a layer of material to fill in the grooves and protect them from dirt and debris. In this way, the light redirectors 610 (e.g., grooves) may be positioned either near the top surface 605 or the bottom surface 604 of the cover 600. Alternatively, light redirectors 610 may be embedded within the cover such as by floating light redirectors 610 in the plastic or glass of the cover 600. In one embodiment, a plurality of scattering centers are uniformly distributed throughout the cover 600.

Light 202 from the light source 100 may be directed to be incident on the bottom surface 604 of cover 600. Thus, the light source 100 may be positioned between the substrate 300 and the cover 600 as illustrated in FIG. 9. Alternatively, the light source 100 may be positioned to the side of the substrate 300 or to the side and below the substrate 300, provided that light 202 is still incident on the bottom of the cover 600. In another embodiment, the light source 100 may be positioned at or on the side of the cover 600 such that light is directed into the side 606 of the cover 600. In such a case, light redirectors 610 may be positioned within the cover 600 such as described above.

Preferably the light 202 is directed into the elements 310 of the array in as narrow a beam as possible. Again, by directing the light 202 from the light source 100 into the interferometric modulator elements 310 at a substantially perpendicular angle, light 202 with display information will be directed along a typical viewer's line of sight—normal to the display. Furthermore, a narrow dispersion angle for the beam decreases the observation of color shifting upon off-angle viewing.

Substrate as Front Light

In other embodiments, the transparent substrate 300 itself is utilized as a front light. A particular embodiment of this configuration is illustrated in FIG. 10. A light source 100, such as an LED, is attached to a side 304 of the substrate 300. Light 202 from the light source 100 enters the substrate 300 through the side 304 is contained within the substrate 300 as a result of total internal reflection. A film 500 is positioned on the front surface 302 of the substrate 300. The refractive index of the film 500 is matched to that of the substrate 300 such that light 202 may move into the film 500 without reflection from the interface between the film 500 and the substrate 300. The film 500 contains grooves 520 in the surface 502 opposite the substrate 300. In the film 500, light encounters the grooves 520, which provide surfaces for internal reflection that directs the light 202 downward through substrate 300 into the interferometric modulator elements 310. As discussed above, with regard to a grooved front plate, the shape, depth and spacing of the grooves 520 can be adjusted to achieve the desired dispersion angle of the light beams 202 and thus the desired cone of reflectance. In this way, the view angle can be adjusted as necessary for a particular application. In other embodiments, the film 500 may comprise scattering centers or fluorescent or phosphorescent material to redirect the light 202. The film 500 may be deposited by lamination, spin coating or any other suitable technique.

In some embodiments, a second film 700 is placed over the first film 500. In one embodiment, the second film 700 has an index of refraction that is less than the index of refraction of the first film 500 in order to provide internal reflective surfaces for reflecting light into the interferometric modulator elements 310. In one advantageous embodiment, the index of refraction of the second film 700 is close to the index of refraction of air. The second film 700 protects the first film 500 and in particular the grooves 520, for example by keeping dirt and debris out of the grooves 520.

An alternative embodiment that uses the substrate 300 as the front light comprises replacement of the grooves 520 by a phosphorescent or fluorescent material. In this embodiment, the light is redirected through absorption and re-emission by these materials. In a typical case, the light source 100 is a blue/UV LED and the phosphor will absorb light of this wavelength and reemit green or white light.

Side Lighting with Scattering Centers

Scattering centers can be used to redirect light received from a light source located at the side of an interferometric modulator array into the interferometric modulator elements. Scattering centers scatter incident light in multiple directions. These centers may comprise particles, such a metallic particles, with uneven surfaces. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11A, the scattering centers 800 are located in a film 500 that is attached to the front surface 302 of the substrate 300. The film may be attached to substrate 300 by lamination, spin coating, or any other suitable method.

Light 202 from a side light source 100, such as an LED, is directed along a path that is oblique to the interferometric modulator elements and hits the scattering centers 800. From the scattering centers 800, the light 202 is scattered in multiple directions. Multiple scatterings from multiple scattering centers 800 increase the broad distribution of light direction emitted from the film 500. Some of the light 202 is directed through the substrate 300 into the interferometric modulator elements 310.

In an alternative embodiment, the scattering particles 800 have a shape suitable for preferentially scattering light in a specific direction. Such particles may be aligned relative to the direction of the light source 100 and the interferometric modulator elements 310 such that light from the light source 100 is preferentially directed into the interferometric modulator elements 310, as illustrated in FIG. 11B. However, it is not necessary to direct all light from the light source into the elements. Rather, it is sufficient to change the direction of some of the light from the light source 100 such that it enters the elements 310.

In some embodiments, the angle scattering centers 800 are located within the film 500. For example, metal particles or flakes can be incorporated into the film 500. In other embodiments, surface features are incorporated in the film 500 that cause light hitting the features to be scattered. In one embodiment the surface features are roughened areas that cause light scattering. In other embodiments the surface features are geometric structures that cause light scattering.

The aligned scattering centers 800 in FIG. 11B may be constructed by laminating successive layers of material with the scattering material deposited between each layer. The layered material may then be cut at a desired angle to form a thin piece of material that has the scattering material formed into stripes oriented at the desired angle. The thin material may then be laminated unto the substrate 300.

Alternatively, reflective material or fluorescent or phosphorescent material may be used as light redirectors instead of scattering centers.

Enhanced Color Gamut

As discussed in the various embodiments above, the light redirectors may include phosphorescent or fluorescent material. Such material absorbs incident light and then reemits light at a different frequency. This characteristic may be used to enhance the color gamut of the light provided to a reflective display.

As illustrated in FIG. 12A, a phosphorescent material or fluorescent material 630 which emits a particular wavelength of light can be located over the front surface 302 of substrate 300. The phosphorescent or fluorescent material 630 is excited by light form a light source 100. Although the illustrated light source 100 is configured as a side light, a light source may be provided in any location such that the light is able to excite the phosphorescent or fluorescent material 630. For example, a light source 103 may be used that provides light 202 directly into the substrate 300. The phosphorescent or fluorescent material 630 absorbs energy from the light 202 and then emits light of a particular wavelength 210 into the interferometric modulator elements 310. Generally, light 202 from the phosphorescent or fluorescent material 630 is emitted with a narrower spectrum of wavelengths than the light 202 from the light source 100, giving more control of the wavelength of light being reflected from the interferometric modulator to the viewer 50 and hence better control of the color.

The phosphorescent or fluorescent material 630 is selected to emit light of a desired wavelength. The material may combine a single phosphor or fluorphor, or may comprise a combination of two or more phospors, fluorophors, or a mixture of phospohors and fluorophors. In one embodiment, the material comprises three different materials that emit at three different wavelengths. For example, the phosphorescent material 630 may comprise three or more phosphors to provide red, green and blue light in narrow lines. The particular phosphors and/or fluorophors to be used may be selected by one of skill in the art based on the desired application. A wide variety of phosphors and fluorophors, including those emitting red, green and blue visible light, are well known in the art and are available commercially, for example from Global Trade Alliance, Inc. (Scottsdale, Ariz.).

In addition, the light source 100 is preferably selected to provide sufficient excitation of the phosphors or fluorophors in the material 630 such that light of the desired wavelength is emitted. In one embodiment the light source 100 is a visible light. In one embodiment, the light source 100 is a source of ultraviolet radiation. In one embodiment, the light source 100 is a light emitting diode (LED). Preferably the LED is a blue LED. In a particular embodiment the LED emits light with a wavelength between about 300 and about 400 nm.

The phosphorescent and/or fluorescent material 630 may be applied to the surface of a substrate 300 by incorporation in a film 500 that is attached to the substrate surface as illustrated. In other embodiments, the phosphorescent material is attached directly to a surface of the substrate, either on the top or bottom surfaces, or is incorporated in the substrate itself. Fluorophors or phosphors may be incorporated into a glass substrate or a film by floating the material in the glass or film material during manufacture. As described earlier, films may be applied to the substrate via lamination or spin coating. Those of skill in the art will appreciate other methods for incorporating fluorophors or phosphors within a display.

One of skill in the art will recognize that the material 630 can be chosen to provide broad wavelength illumination as well. Thus, in some embodiments the material 630 is used to provide the necessary illumination to light a display in dark or very low ambient light conditions. In a particular embodiment, the light source 103 used to excite the phosphor material 630 is directly coupled to the substrate 300 as illustrated in FIG. 12A. In a typical case the light source 100/103 is a blue/UV LED and the phosphor material 630 will absorb light of this wavelength and reemit white light. In yet another alternative embodiment, the supplemental illumination results from coating the interior walls of the display case with the phosphor material 630. The display case (not shown) holds the substrate 300 and associated interferometric modulator elements 310. In this embodiment the light source 100 is directed toward the walls of the display case rather than toward the front of the display.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12B, a light absorbent coating 640 may be applied to a portion of the surface of phosphorescent and/or fluorescent material 630. For example, the coating 640 may be preferentially applied to the sides of the phosphorescent and/or fluorescent material 630 opposite the light source 100. The coating 640 may absorb light 202 emitted by light source 100 and/or the light 210 emitted by the phosphorescent and/or fluorescent material 630. Absorption of light by coating 640 results in more directional illumination of the interferometric modulator elements 310, thereby improving contrast. For example, rather than emitting light in all directions, the material 630 with coating 640 may only emit light towards the interferometric modulator elements 310 because the coating 640 will absorb light emitted from the material 630 in other directions.

The color gamut may also be enhanced by the use of LED line illumination. In this embodiment, a light source that emits a narrow line of a particular wavelength or wavelengths of light is utilized. Because the wavelength of the light entering the interferometric modulator structure is restricted, the color gamut is enhanced. In addition, changes in color with view angle (view angle shift) is minimized. In one embodiment the light source is an LED that emits red, green and blue light in narrow lines.

A light source that emits defined wavelengths of light can be used in conjunction with any of the embodiments described herein for directing light from a front light source into the interferometric modulator structure. For example, an LED that emits light of a particular wavelength or wavelengths can be used as the light source 100 in the structures illustrated in FIGS. 7, 9, and 12 described above.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in terms of certain embodiments, other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, other combinations, omissions, substitutions and modification will be apparent to the skilled artisan, in view of the disclosure herein.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	11064143	Feb 2005	US
Child	14012264		US

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ILLUMINATING INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATOR DISPLAY

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