Embodiment
Hereinafter explanation is at some specific embodiment.But, the present invention can implement by being permitted different ways.Mentioned in this manual " embodiment " or " embodiment " mean in conjunction with the described certain device of this embodiment, structure or feature and are contained among at least one embodiment.Term " in one embodiment ", " according to an embodiment " or " in certain embodiments " of the appearance of diverse location place may not all refer to identical embodiment in this manual, but neither repel the embodiment independent or that substitute of other embodiment.In addition, illustrated that some embodiment can show and various features that other embodiment can not show.Equally, illustrated and to have been required not to be the desired various requirement of other embodiment by some embodiment.
In one embodiment, the display on a kind of device comprises member (for example interferometric modulator) array of meeting display video data above at least one drive circuit and.Described herein video data is meant any displayable data, comprise can static state or the picture, figure and the words that show of the form of dynamic image (for example a series of frame of video that when the observer observes, can provide the motion outward appearance, the stock quotation of for example continuous continuous variation shows, " video clipping " or indicate the data of the existence of an action event).Video data described herein also refers to any control data, comprises the instruction (display mode) of the processing video data about how, for example frame rate, and data format.Described array is to be driven with display video data by drive circuit.
One embodiment of the present of invention comprise a kind of system and method from a processor (a for example CPU) to the array driver transmitting video data that walk around.In one embodiment, walk around described processor and the data transmitted are intended to show in a specific region of display.In one embodiment, size, position and the refresh rate in zone can be stipulated by a server or processor, are for example stipulated by the application software of carrying out on processor.In another embodiment, processor has two communication paths that are used for video transmission to an array of display.Article one, communication path is connected to array driver with processor.The second communication path is connected to a driving governor with processor.In one embodiment, the data by each path transmission are intended to show on a corresponding institute favored area of display respectively.In one embodiment, the size in each zone, position and refresh rate can be stipulated by a server or processor, for example be stipulated by the application software of carrying out on processor.
In this explanation, can be with reference to accompanying drawing, in the accompanying drawings, identical parts use identical number-mark from start to finish.The present invention can be at arbitrary display image-no matter be dynamic image (for example video) or still image (for example rest image) of being configured to, no matter be character image or picture-device in implement.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 machine, wrist-watch, clock, calculator, televimonitor, 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, projecting apparatus, building structure, packing and aesthetic structures (for example image display on jewelry).The MEMS device that has similar structures with MEMS device described herein also can be used for non-display application, for example is used for electronic switching device.
The spatial light modulator that is used for imaging applications has the different form of many kinds.Transmissive type liquid crystal display (LCD) modulator by the control crystalline material reverse and/or orientation with blocking-up or come light is modulated by light.Reflective spatial light modulator then utilizes different physical effects to control the light quantity that reflexes to imaging surface.The example of this reflective modulator comprises reflective LCD and digital micro-mirror device.
Another example of spatial light modulator is one by interfering the interferometric modulator that light is modulated.Interferometric modulator is the bistable display element, and it uses one to have at least one optical resonator removable or deflectable wall.The color of the constructive interference decision visible light of outgoing in described chamber in the described optics cavity.When described movably wall (being made of metal at least in part usually) during towards described chamber static positive mobile, the interference of light in the described chamber obtains modulation, and should modulation can influence in the color of the light of the front of modulator place's outgoing.At interferometric modulator is under the situation of direct-viewing type device, and described front normally manifests the surface of the image of being seen by the observer.
Fig. 1 shows the networked system according to an embodiment.One server 2 (for example Web server) but be coupled to a network 3 with mode of operation.Server 2 can be corresponding to a Web server, mobile phone server, push mail server and similar service device.Network 3 can include spider lines or wireless network, for example WiFi network, mobile telephone network, blueteeth network and similar network.
Network 3 can mode of operation be coupled to various devices.The example that can be coupled to the device of network 3 comprises computer (for example laptop computer 4), PDA(Personal Digital Assistant) 5 (it can comprise wireless handheld device, for example Blackberry, Palm Pilot, Pocket PC and similar device), and mobile phone 6 (for example the mobile phone that is started by Web, Smartphone, and similar device).Also can use multiple other devices, for example Desktop PC, set-top box, digital media player, hand-hold type PC, global positioning system (GPS) guider, Vehicular display device or other displays static and that move.For ease of discussing, in this article all these devices are referred to as client apparatus 7.
Fig. 2 shows that one comprises the bistable display element embodiment of an interfere type MEMS display element.In these devices, pixel is in bright state or dark state.Bright opening (on) or open under (open) state, display element reflexes to the user with most of incident visible light.Be in dark (close (off) or close (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 of "on" and "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. 2 is first-class axle figure, and it shows two adjacent pixels in a series of pixels of a Visual Display array, and wherein each pixel comprises a MEMS interferometric modulator.In certain embodiments, an interferometric modulator array of display comprises a row/column array that is made of these interferometric modulators.Each interferometric modulator comprises a pair of reflector, and this is positioned to each other to have a variable-sized optical resonance cavity at a distance of a variable and controlled distance at least to form one to the reflector.In one embodiment, one of them reflector can be moved between the two positions.Be referred to herein as on the primary importance of release condition, the local reflex layer that the position of this displaceable layers distance one is fixed is far away relatively.On the second place, the position of this displaceable layers is more closely near this local reflex layer.Decide position according to removable reflector, 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. 2 comprises two adjacent interferometric modulator 12a and 12b.In the interferometric modulator 12a in left side, demonstration one movably high reflection layer 14a is in an off-position, and this off-position is apart from fixing local reflex layer 16a one preset distance.In the interferometric modulator 12b on right side, demonstration one movably high reflection layer 14b is in an excited target position, and this excited target position is near fixing local reflex layer 16b.
Local reflex layer 16a, 16b conduction, local transparent and fixing, and can make by the layer that for example on a transparent substrates 20, deposits one or more respectively do for oneself chromium and tin indium oxides.Described each layer is patterned into parallel band, and can form the column electrode in the display unit, as further specifying hereinafter. High reflection layer 14a, 14b can form by one or more depositing metal layers that is deposited on pillar 18 tops (and column electrode, local reflex layer 16a, 16b quadrature) and and be deposited on the series of parallel band that the middle expendable material between the pillar 18 constitutes.After expendable material was etched, these deformable metal levels separated with the air gap 19 of the metal level of fixing by a regulation.These deformable layer can use one to have high conductivity and reflexive material (for example aluminium), and those bands can form the row electrode in the display unit.
When not applying voltage, air gap 19 remains between a layer 14a, the 16a, and deformable layer is in the mechanical relaxed state shown in interferometric modulator 12a among Fig. 2.Yet after a selected row and column applies potential difference, the capacitor that forms at the respective pixel place of described row and column electrode intersection becomes charged state, and electrostatic force pulls to these electrodes together.If voltage is enough high, then displaceable layers generation deformation, and be forced on the fixed bed (can on fixed bed, deposit a dielectric material (not shown in this Figure), preventing short circuit, and the control separation distance), shown in the interferometric modulator 12b on right side among Fig. 2.Regardless of the potential difference polarity that is applied, the behavior is all identical.In this way, the may command reflection is similar in many aspects to row/row excitation used in traditional LCD and other Display Techniques with respect to the row/row excitation of non-reflection interference type modulator state.
Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 shows that one uses the exemplary methods and the system of an interferometric modulator array in a display application.Yet these method and system also can be applicable to other displays, for example plasma scope, EL, OLED, STNLCD and TFTLCD.
Current, existing flat-panel monitor controller and driver are to be designed to almost only together use with the display that need refresh always.Therefore, if in one second, do not refresh many times, then will disappear in second part at image shown on (for example) plasma scope, EL, OLED, STNLCD and the TFTLCD panel.Yet, because the interferometric modulator of type mentioned above can make its state keep a longer time cycle under situation about not refreshing, wherein the state of interferometric modulator can remain under situation about not refreshing under arbitrary state in the two states, thereby can use the display of interferometric modulator to be called bi-stable display.In one embodiment, by applying the state that a bias voltage (be called sometimes and latch voltage) keeps pixel element to the one or more interferometric modulators that constitute pixel element.
Generally speaking, a display unit need use one or more controllers and drive circuit correctly to control this display unit usually.Drive circuit for example is used to drive the drive circuit of LCD, can directly be bonded to display floater self and along the location, edge of display floater self.Perhaps, drive circuit can be installed on display floater (in its edge) is connected on the flexible circuit element of remainder of an electronic system.In either case, driver all is usually located at the interface of display floater and described electronic system remainder.
Fig. 3 A is a system block diagrams, and it shows that one can comprise some embodiment of the electronic installation of various aspects.In this exemplary embodiment, described electronic installation comprises a processor 21, and it can be any general purpose single-chip or multicore sheet microprocessor, for example ARM, Pentium
, Pentium II
, Pentium III
, PentiumIV
, Pentium
Pro, 8051, MIPS
, Power PC
, ALPHA
, 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.
Fig. 3 A shows the embodiment of an electronic installation, and described electronic installation comprises that one is connected to the network interface 27 of a processor 21, and according to some embodiment, described network interface can be connected to array driver 22.Network interface 27 comprises suitable hardware and software, so that described device can carry out reciprocation by a network and another device (server 2 for example shown in Figure 1).Processor 21 is connected to driving governor 29, and driving governor 29 is connected to array driver 22 and frame buffer 28 again.In certain embodiments, processor 21 also is connected to array driver 22.Array driver 22 is connected to and drives array of display 30.Each assembly shown in Fig. 3 A shows the structure of an interferometric modulator display.Yet this structure also can use with lcd controller and driver in LCD.As shown in Figure 3A, driving governor 29 is connected to processor 21 by a bus 36 in parallel.Although a driving governor 29 (a for example lcd controller) usually as one independently integrated circuit (IC) be associated with system processor 21, these controllers 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.In one embodiment, driving governor 29 receives the display message that is produced by processor 21, with this information suitably reformatting so that the information of high-speed transfer after to array of display 30, will formaing then is sent to array driver 22.
The self-driven controllers 29 of array driver 22 receive the information after the format and video data are reformated into one group of parallel waveform, and the parallel waveform per second of this group many times is applied to from hundreds of of the x-y picture element matrix of display, thousands of lead-in wires sometimes.Existing flat-panel monitor controller and driver (for example above just described) are to be designed to almost only together use with the display that need refresh always.Because bi-stable display (for example interferometric modulator array) does not need thisly to refresh right, thereby can utilize bi-stable display to realize the feature of cpable of lowering power demand.Yet,, may not make the advantage optimization of bi-stable display if use the controller and the driver that together use with existing display to operate bi-stable display.Therefore, expectation has controller and the drive system and the method for the improvement that is used for bi-stable display.For the high speed bi-stable display, interferometric modulator for example mentioned above, the preferable execution of the controller of these improvement and driver is hanged down refresh rate pattern, video rate refresh mode and is used to realize the unique pattern of the unique function of bistable modulator.According to method and system as herein described, bi-stable display can be configured to reduce in every way power demand.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 A, array driver 22 is by data link 31 self processors 21 receiving video datas of walking around driving governor 29.Data link 31 can comprise serial peripheral interface (" SPI "), I
2C bus, universal serial bus or any other interface that can have.In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 A, processor 21 provides array to array driver 22, so that array driver 22 can be optimized the power needs of array of display 30 (for example interferometric modulator display).In one embodiment, for example intending being used for can be by the packet header message identification and by data link 31 transmission by the video data of the part of the display of server 2 defineds.In addition, processor 21 can be sent to array driver 22 along data link 31 with primitive such as for example graphic primitives.These graphic primitives can for example be used to draw the primitive of shape and text corresponding to instruction.
Still referring to Fig. 3 A, in one embodiment, video data can provide to array driver 22 by data link 33 automatic network interfaces 27.In one embodiment, the control information that network interface 27 is analyzed from server 2 transmission, and determine and the video of input should be sent to processor 21 or array driver 22.
In one embodiment, the video data that provides by data link 33 is not stored in the frame buffer 28 as common situation in many examples.Should also be clear that in certain embodiments, also can use one second driving governor (not shown) to provide video data as array driver 22.Data link 33 can comprise SPI, I
2C bus or any other interface that can have.Array driver 22 also can comprise address decoder, row and row driver and the similar device of display.Network interface 27 also can be at least in part in response to provide to the video data of network interface 27 embedded instruction and video data is directly provided to array driver 22.It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that and to use arbitrated logic to control the visit of being undertaken by network interface 27 and processor 21, to prevent data collision occurring at array driver 22 places.In one embodiment, one driver in operation on the processor 21 passed through during the time interval of not used by processor 21 usually, for example during the time interval that is generally used for vertical blanking delay and/or horizontal blanking delay, allow the transfer of data of automatic network interface 27, control the timing of described transfer of data to array driver 22.
Preferably, this design allows server 2 to walk around processor 21 and driving governor 29, and directly the part of array of display 30 is carried out addressing.For example, in the embodiment shown, this allows server 2 directly addressing to be carried out in the array of display zone of the pre-regulation of one in the array of display 30.In one embodiment, the data volume that transmits between network interface 27 and array driver 22 is relatively low, thereby uses for example (I between integrated circuit
2C) universal serial bus such as bus or serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus transmits.Yet, should also be clear that when the display of for example other types, also can use other circuit usually.The video data that provides by data link 33 can advantageously show under the situation of no frame buffer 28 and the intervention that has little or no from processor 21.
Fig. 3 A shows that also one is coupled to the structure of the processor 21 of a driving governor 29 (for example interferometric modulator controller).Driving governor 29 is coupled to array driver 22, and array driver is connected to array of display 30 again.In this embodiment, driving governor 29 realizes the optimization of array of display 30 and provides information to array driver 22, and need not to have independent being connected between array driver 22 and processor 21.In certain embodiments, processor 21 can be configured to communicate with a driving governor 29, and driving governor 29 can comprise that one is used for temporarily storing the frame buffer 28 of one or more video data frames.
As shown in Figure 3A, in one embodiment, array driver 22 comprises a horizontal drive circuit 24 and the column drive circuit 26 that signal is provided to a pixel array of display 30.Array section shown in Fig. 2 illustrates with line 1-1 in Fig. 3 A.For the MEMS interferometric modulator, described row/row excitation protocol can utilize the hysteresis property of these devices shown in Fig. 4 A.It for example may need, and one 10 volts potential difference makes a displaceable layers be deformed into actuated state from release condition.Yet, when described voltage when this value reduces, reduce when being back to below 10 volts at described voltage, described displaceable layers will keep its state.In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 4 A, before voltage drop was low to moderate below 2 volts, displaceable layers can not discharge fully.Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 4 A, exist one to be approximately the voltage range that 3-7 lies prostrate, exist one to apply voltage window in this voltage range, described device is stabilized in and discharges or actuated state in this window.Be referred to as " lag windwo " or " stability window " in this article.
For an array of display with hysteresis characteristic shown in Fig. 4 A, OK/the row excitation protocol can be designed to be expert at during the gating, the pixel that is energized is applied about 10 a volts voltage difference to selected in current, and to d/d pixel being applied one near 0 volt voltage difference.After gating, it is poor to apply about 5 a volts steady state voltage to pixel, and gating makes its residing any state so that its maintenance is expert at.After being written into, in this example, each pixel is all born one and is in " stability window " interior potential difference that 3-7 lies prostrate.This characteristic makes pixel design shown in Figure 2 be stabilized in an existing energized condition or release condition under identical the voltage conditions that applies.Because each pixel of interferometric modulator, no matter be in energized condition or release condition, in fact all be one by described fixed reflector and capacitor that mobile reflector constituted, therefore, this stable state can be kept under the voltage in the lag windwo and consumed power hardly.If the current potential that is applied is constant, then there is not electric current to flow into pixel basically.
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 a display frame.After this, a horizontal pulse is put on the electrode of the 1st row, thereby encourage 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 a pulse put on 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.The property mode repeats above-mentioned steps to the row of whole series in order, to form described frame.Usually, repeating this process continuously by the speed with a certain desired frame number/second comes with the new video Refresh Data and/or upgrades these frames.Also have a variety of row and the row electrodes that are used to drive pel array to be known also and can be used by people with the agreement that forms the array of display frame.
Fig. 3 B shows an embodiment of a client apparatus 7.Exemplary client computer 40 comprises a shell 41, a display 42, an antenna 43, a loud speaker 44, an input unit 48, reaches a 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 moveable part (not shown) that can have different colours with other or comprise the moveable part exchange of unlike signal, picture or symbol.
The display 42 of exemplary client computer 40 can be any in the numerous kinds of displays, comprises reference example such as Fig. 2,3A and the described bi-stable display of 4-6 as mentioned.In other embodiments, display 42 comprises flat-panel monitors such as plasma scope for example mentioned above, EL, OLED, STNLCD or TFTLCD or non-tablet display such as CRT or other tube arrangements for example, and these displays are known by the those skilled in the art.Yet for ease of the explanation present embodiment, display 42 comprises just like interferometric modulator display as herein described.
Fig. 3 C schematically shows the assembly among the embodiment of exemplary display device 40.Example illustrated demonstration client computer 40 comprises a shell 41 and can comprise that other are at least partially enclosed within the assembly in the shell 41.For example, in one embodiment, exemplary client computer 2040 comprises a network interface 27, and this network interface 27 comprises that one is coupled to the antenna 43 of a transceiver 47.Transceiver 47 is connected to processor 21, and processor 21 is connected to again regulates hardware 52.Regulate hardware 52 and be connected to a loud speaker 44 and a microphone 46.Processor 21 also is connected to an input unit 48 and a driving governor 29.Driving governor 29 is coupled to one frame buffer 28 and is coupled to array driver 22, and array driver 22 is coupled to an array of display 30 again.One power supply 50 provides power according to the designing requirement of this specific example client computer 40 to all component.
Network interface 27 comprises antenna 43 and transceiver 47, so that exemplary client computer 40 can communicate by a network 3 and another device (server 2 for example shown in Figure 1).In one embodiment, network interface 27 also can have some processing capacity, to reduce the requirement to processor 21.Antenna 43 is used to transmit and receive the antenna of signal for known any of person of ordinary skill in the field.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 preliminary treatment, so that it can be received and further be handled by processor 21.Transceiver 47 is also handled the signal that self processor 21 receives, so that they can be by antenna 43 from 40 emissions of exemplary client computer.
The overall operation of processor 21 common control examples client computer 40, as hereinafter being described in more detail, server 2 can be shared or give to operation control also with server 2 (not shown) certainly.In one embodiment, processor 21 comprises a microcontroller, CPU or is used for the logical block of the operation of control examples client computer 40.Regulating hardware 52 generally includes and is used for sending signals and from the amplifier and the filter of microphone 46 received signals to loud speaker 44.Adjusting hardware 52 can be the discrete component in the exemplary client computer 40, perhaps can incorporate in processor 21 or other assemblies.
Input unit 48 makes the operation that the user can control examples client computer 40.In one embodiment, input unit 48 comprises a keypad (for example a qwerty keyboard or a telephone keypad), a button, a switch, a touch sensitive screen, a pressure-sensitive or thermosensitive film.In one embodiment, microphone is the input unit of exemplary client computer 40.When using microphone, can provide voice command to come the operation of control examples client computer 40 by the user to device input data.
In one embodiment, driving governor 29, array driver 22, and array of display 30 be applicable to the display of arbitrary type as herein described.For example, in one embodiment, driving governor 29 is a traditional display controller or bistable display controllers (a for example interferometric modulator controller).In another embodiment, array driver 22 is a legacy drive or a bistable display driver (a for example interferometric modulator display).In another embodiment, array of display 30 is a typical array of display or a bistable array of display (a for example display that comprises an interferometric modulator array).
Power supply 50 is any in the well-known various energy storing devices in the affiliated field.For example, in one embodiment, power supply 50 is a rechargeable storage battery, for example a nickel-cadmium accumulator or a lithium-ions battery.In another embodiment, power supply 50 is a regenerative resource, capacitor or solar cell, comprises a plastic solar cell and solar cell coating.In another embodiment, the socket that is configured to from the wall of power supply 50 receives electric power.
In one embodiment, array driver 22 comprises a register, this register can be set to a predefined value, is a stagger scheme and should be shown on the bi-stable display with a stagger scheme with indication institute input video stream, and video flowing is not converted to the progressive scan form.In this way, bi-stable display does not need interlaced video data is interlocked-the progressive scan conversion.
In certain embodiments, the control programmability is present in several locational display controllers that can be arranged in electronic display system as mentioned above.In some cases, the control programmability is present in the array driver 22 of the interface between electronic display system and display assembly self.The those skilled in the art will know, can reach the above-mentioned optimization of enforcement in different configurations in number of hardware and/or the component software arbitrarily.
In one embodiment, circuit is embedded in the array driver 22, and to utilize the following fact: the set of the output signal of most of graphics controllers all comprises a signal that is used for describing the horizontal active region that array of display 30 is addressed.This horizontal active region can change by the register set point in the driving governor 29.These register set points can be changed by processor 21.This signal is commonly called display and enables (DE) signal.In addition, most of display video interfaces all utilize horizontal pulse (LP) or horizontal synchronizationization (HSYNC) signal, with the end of indication data line.The circuit that pair of L P counts can be determined the upright position of current line.When refresh signal is regulated, making up the area update function according to the DE of from processor 21 (sending the signal of horizontal zone) and LP counter circuit (sending the signal of vertical area).
In one embodiment, a driving governor 29 integrates with array driver 22.This embodiment is very common in the integrated system of for example cellular phone, wrist-watch and other small-area display equal altitudes.Special circuit in this integrated array driver 22 determines that at first which pixel thereby which row need refresh, and only selects those row with the pixel that has changed to upgrade.By sort circuit, can carry out addressing to specific row by non-succession order, view with changing as content.The advantage of this embodiment is, owing to only need to send the video data that has changed by interface, thereby can reduce the data rate between processor 21 and the array of display 30.By reducing required effective data rate between processor 21 and the array driver 22, can improve power consumption, noise immunity and the electromagnetic interference problem of system.
Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show a kind of possible excitation protocol that is used for forming a display frame on 3 * 3 arrays shown in Figure 3.Fig. 4 B shows one group of possible row and row voltage level of can be used for those pixels with hysteresis curve shown in Fig. 4 A.In the embodiment of Fig. 4 A/4B, encourage a pixel to comprise and be set to-V being listed as accordingly
Bias, and will go accordingly and be set to+Δ V, it can correspond respectively to-5 volts and+5 volts.Discharging pixel then can be set to+V by being listed as accordingly
BiasAnd will go accordingly and be set to identical+Δ V, form 0 volt potential difference at described pixel two ends thus and realize.In the row of 0 volt of those wherein capable voltages maintenance, pixel is stable at its initial residing state, and is in+V with these row
BiasStill-V
BiasIrrelevant.Equally, encouraging a pixel to comprise is set to+V being listed as accordingly
Bias, will go accordingly and be set to-Δ V, it can correspond respectively to 5 volts and-5 volts.Discharging pixel then is to be set to-V by being listed as accordingly
BiasAnd will go accordingly and be set to identical-Δ V, form 0 volt potential difference at described pixel two ends thus and realize.In the row of 0 volt of those wherein capable voltages maintenance, pixel is stable at its initial residing state, and is in+V with these row
BiasStill-V
BiasIrrelevant.
Fig. 5 B is the sequential chart of a series of row of demonstration and column signal, and these signals put on 3 * 3 arrays shown in Fig. 3 A, 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, 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 release condition.
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, 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, rise to 5 volts of pulses that are back to 0 volt that descend again then by one from 0 volt and come gating the 1st row.Actuate pixel (1,1) and (1,2) and discharge pixel (1,3) thus.Other pixel in the array is all unaffected.For the 2nd row is set at desired state, the 2nd row are set at-5 volts, the 1st row and the 3rd row are set to+5 volts.After this, apply identical strobe pulse with actuate pixel (2,2) and discharge pixel (2,1) and (2,3) to the 2nd row.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 to the 3rd capable the setting.The strobe pulse of the 3rd row 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, can use any actuation voltage method.
Detailed structure according to the interferometric modulator of above-mentioned principle operation can be ever-changing.For example, Fig. 6 A-6C shows three kinds of different embodiment of moving lens structure.Fig. 6 A is a profile embodiment illustrated in fig. 2, wherein deposition one reflective material band 14 on the strutting piece 18 of quadrature.In Fig. 6 B, reflecting material 14 only is at corner and is attached to strutting piece 18 on the tethers 32.In Fig. 6 C, reflecting material 14 is suspended on the deformable layer 34.Because the structural design and the material therefor of reflecting material 14 can be optimized aspect optical characteristics, and the structural design of deformable layer 34 and material therefor can be optimized aspect the desired mechanical property, so this embodiment has some advantages.In many open files, comprise that for example No. 2004/0051929 U.S. discloses in the application case, the production of various dissimilar interference devices has been described.Can use the known technology of a variety of people to make said structure, comprise a series of material depositions, patterning and etching step.
Fig. 7 shows the embodiment of a technological process, and it shows the high-level flowchart of a client apparatus 7 control procedures.This flow chart description is used for showing with graphics mode the process of the video data that receives from a server 2 by network 3 by a client apparatus 7 (for example laptop computer 4, PDA5 or mobile phone 6) that is connected to a network 3.Decide on embodiment, can delete, add and reset the state among Fig. 7.
Refer again to Fig. 7, from state 74 beginnings, client apparatus 7 sends the signal that an indication client apparatus 7 has been got ready for video by network 3 to server 2.In one embodiment, the user can electronic installation such as mobile phone begins process shown in Figure 7 by for example connecting.Proceed to state 76 then, client apparatus 7 starts its control procedure.Hereinafter further discuss the example that starts a control procedure with reference to Fig. 8.
Fig. 8 shows the embodiment of a technological process, and this figure shows that one is used to start and move the flow chart of client apparatus 7 control procedures of a control procedure.This flow chart shows the described state 76 with reference to Fig. 7 in greater detail.Decide on embodiment, can delete, add and reset the state among Fig. 8.
Begin in decision-making state 84, client apparatus 7 determines whether the activity at client apparatus 7 places needs to start an application program at client apparatus 7 places or whether whether server 2 resided in the application program at client apparatus 7 places to client apparatus 7 transmission one execution one for execution or request from server 2 to client apparatus 7 transmission one application program.If do not need to start an application program, then client apparatus 7 remains in decision-making state 84.After starting an application program, proceed to state 86, client apparatus 7 startups one make the process of client apparatus reception and display video data.The memory of client apparatus 7 be transmitted or can be downloaded to described video data can as a stream for later visit from server 2.Video data can be video or rest image or text or pictorial information.Video data also can have various compression coding modes and can be the video data of staggered or progressive scan, and has various refresh rate.Array of display 30 may be partitioned into the zone with arbitrary shape and size, and wherein each zone receives to have and only is the video data of the peculiar characteristic in this zone (for example refresh rate or compression coding mode).These zones can change video data characteristics and shape and size.But these zone opening and closing also can be opened again.With video data, client apparatus 7 also can receive control data.Control data can comprise the order about for example video data characteristics (for example compression coding mode, refresh rate, and video data staggered or progressive scan) that is sent to client apparatus 7 from server 2.Control data can comprise and be used to the different instruction cutting apart the control command of array of display 30 and be used for the zones of different of array of display 30.
In an exemplary embodiment, server 2 sends control data and video data by a wireless network 3 to a PDA, with the upper right corner at array of display 30 produce a clock that upgrades continuously, produce a picture that shows with the lantern slide form in the upper left corner of array of display 30, along the lower area of array of display 30 produce a ball match the score that periodically updates, and on whole array of display 30, produce one of continuous rolling and remind the cloud form bubble of buying bread to remind mark.Video data corresponding to the photo that shows with the lantern slide form resides in after download in the PDA memory, and is a stagger scheme.Clock and ball match video data are from server 2 stream transmission texts.The prompting mark is the text with figure, and it is the progressive scan form.Should be appreciated that shown here only is an exemplary embodiment.Also can have other embodiment, and these embodiment are included and are still belonged in the category of this explanation by state 86.
Proceed to decision-making state 88, client apparatus 7 is searched an order from server 2, and for example an order of reorientating a zone of array of display 30, the order or of refresh rate that changes a zone of array of display 30 exits command.After receiving an order from server 2, client apparatus 7 proceeds to decision-making state 90, and determines that whether order received when being in decision-making state 88 is one to exit command.If when being in decision-making state 90, the order of determining when being in decision-making state 88 to be received is one to exit command, and then client apparatus 7 continues to state 98, stops to carry out described application program and resets.Client apparatus 7 also can be sent to server 2 with state or other information, and/or can receive this similar communication from server 2.Do not exit command if determine the order that receives from server 2 when being in decision-making state 88 when being in decision-making state 90, then client apparatus 7 is back to state 86.If when being in decision-making state 88, do not receive order from server 2, then client apparatus 7 proceeds to decision-making state 92, in decision-making state 92, client apparatus 7 is searched an order from the user, and for example an order or that stops a zone of update displayed array 30 exits command.If when being in decision-making state 92, client apparatus 7 does not receive order from the user, and then client apparatus 7 is back to decision-making state 88.If when being in decision-making state 92, receive an order from the user, then client apparatus 7 proceeds to decision-making state 94, and in decision-making state 94, client apparatus 7 determines that whether the order that receives is one to exit command in decision-making state 92.If when being in decision-making state 94, the order that receives from the user when being in decision-making state 92 is not one to exit command, and then client apparatus 7 self-decision states 94 proceed to state 96.At state 96 places, the user command that client apparatus 7 is received when server 2 is sent in the state 92 of being in, for example one stops the order in a zone of update displayed array 30, and after this it is back to decision-making state 88.If when being in decision-making state 94, the order of determining when being in decision-making state 92 to be received from the user is one to exit command, and then client apparatus 7 continues to state 98, and stops to carry out described application program.Client apparatus 7 also can be sent to server 2 with state or other information, and/or can receive this similar communication from server 2.
Fig. 9 shows that one is used for sending to client apparatus 7 control procedure of video datas by server 2.Server 2 to client apparatus 7 send control information and video data for demonstration.Decide on embodiment, can delete, add or reset the state among Fig. 9.
From state 124 beginning, server 2 waits for that among embodiment (1) one passes through the request of data of network 3 from client apparatus 7, perhaps in embodiment (2), and server 2 transmission video datas and do not wait for request of data from client apparatus 7.These two embodiment have included wherein server 2 or client apparatus 7 can initiate to make video data to be sent to the situation of the request of client apparatus 7 from server 2.
Server 2 continues to decision-making state 128, determines whether to receive from the ready response of the indication client apparatus 7 of client apparatus 7 (ready transport indicator) in decision-making state 128.If do not receive ready transport indicator when the state 128 of being in, then server 2 remains in decision-making state 128 until receiving a ready transport indicator.
In case receive ready transport indicator, server 2 promptly proceeds to state 126, and in state 126, server 2 sends control data to client apparatus 7.The memory of client apparatus 7 be transmitted or can be downloaded to described control data can as a stream for later visit from server 2.Described control data can be divided into array of display 30 zone with arbitrary shape and size, and can be a certain specific region or All Ranges definition video data characteristics, for example refresh rate or stagger scheme.Control data can make these zones open or close or open again.
Continue to state 130, server 2 sends video data.The memory of client apparatus 7 be transmitted or can be downloaded to described video data can as a stream for later visit from server 2.Video data can comprise moving image or rest image, text or picture.Video data also can have various compression coding modes and can be the video data of staggered or progressive scan, and has various refresh rate.Each zone can receive to have and only be the video data of the peculiar characteristic in this zone (for example refresh rate or compression coding mode).
Server 2 proceeds to decision-making state 132, and in decision-making state 132, server 2 is searched an order from the user, a for example order that stops a zone of update displayed array 30, increases the order of refresh rate or exits command.If when being in decision-making state 132, server 2 receives an order from the user, and then server 2 proceeds to state 134.At state 134 places, server 2 is carried out the order that receives from the user in state 132, proceed to decision-making state 138 then.If when being in decision-making state 132, server 2 does not receive order from the user, and then server 2 proceeds to decision-making state 138.
In state 138, server 2 determines whether client apparatus 7 needs to take measures, and for example take measures reception and stored video data are for follow-up demonstration, increase message transmission rate or expect that next group video data is a stagger scheme.If when being in decision-making state 138, server 2 is determined needs client computer to take a measure, and then server 2 proceeds to state 140, in state 140, server 2 sends an order of taking this measure to client apparatus 7, and after this server 2 proceeds to state 130.If when being in decision-making state 138, server 2 is determined does not need client computer to take a measure, and then server 2 proceeds to decision-making state 142.
Continue to decision-making state 142, server 2 determines whether end data is transmitted.If in decision-making state 142, server 2 determines not end data transmission, and then server 2 is back to state 130.If when being in decision-making state 142, server 2 decision end data transmission, then server 2 proceeds to state 144, and in state 144, server 2 end data are transmitted and are sent one to client computer and withdraw from message.Server 2 also can be to client apparatus 7 transferring status datas or other information, and/or can receive this similar communication from client apparatus 7.
Figure 10 one is presented at shown in Fig. 3 A and receives in the processor 21 and the flow chart of the exemplary methods of deal with data.Decide on embodiment, can increase extra state, delete other states and rearrange the order of each state.
220 places begin at state, network interface 27 receiving video datas.In one embodiment, by network 3 from server 2 receiving video datas.Continue to state 222, with video Data Transmission to processor 21.Next, at a decision-making state 224 places, processor 21 decisions are by parallel bus (for example data link 36) or by universal serial bus (for example data link 31) transmitting video data.If decision is by the universal serial bus transmitting video data, then this process proceeds to state 226.Yet if the parallel bus transmitting video data is passed through in decision, this process proceeds to state 228.
In one embodiment, the data by data link 36 or data link 31 transmission are intended to show on a given zone of viewing area 30.The size in each district, position and refresh rate can be stipulated by processor 21 (Fig. 3 A), server 2 (Fig. 1) or another device or assembly.In addition, the given zone that is associated with data link 36 and data link 31 of each of array of display 30 all can overlap mutually or extend jointly.
In one embodiment, data link 31 is used for providing except that video data or replacing to array driver 22 control data of video data.Control data can comprise the refresh rate, frame-skipping count value information etc. in each district of information, the array of display 30 in each district that is used for defined display area territory 30.In addition, in one embodiment, but data link 31 is used to transmit the executable code of the drive scheme of regulation viewing area 30.This can advantageously allow to use the driving governor of leaving in the system that above-mentioned driving and displaying scheme are provided.In state 226 (universal serial bus path), the video data that provides by universal serial bus is provided in one first district of array of display 30 array driver 22.In state 228 (parallel bus path), the video data that provides by parallel bus and driving governor 29 is provided in one second district of array of display 30 array driver 22.
Figure 11 one shows a kind of the reception and the flow chart of the exemplary methods of deal with data in network interface 27 shown in Fig. 3 A.In this exemplary embodiment, receive data and determine and data delivery to processor 21 still should be delivered to array driver 22 by network interface 27.Decide on embodiment, can increase extra state, delete other states and rearrange the order of each state.
232 places begin at state, network interface 27 automatic networks 3 receiving video datas.In one embodiment, by network 3 (Fig. 1) from server 2 (Fig. 1) receiving video data.
Continue to decision-making state 234, network interface 27 decisions directly transfer to array driver 22 with video data by data link 33 and still directly transfer to processor 21.In one embodiment, make decision according to the part of control information that is associated with the video data that is received or the video data that received.For example, the title in the video that is received can show that this video will be by data link 33 transmission to show in the constituency on array of display or to use a selected refresh rate to upgrade.
If to processor 21, then this method proceeds to state 236 with video Data Transmission in decision.Yet, if the decision with video Data Transmission to array driver 30, this process proceeds to state 238.
In one embodiment, the data that directly transfer to array of display by data link 33 are intended to show on a given zone of viewing area 30.The size in each district, position and refresh rate can be stipulated by processor 21 (Fig. 3 A), server 2 (Fig. 2) or another device or assembly.In addition, the given zone that is associated with the data that receive by data link 33 self processors 21 of each of array of display 30 all can overlap mutually or extend jointly.
In one embodiment, data link 33 is used for providing except that video data or replacing to array driver 22 control data of video data.Control data can comprise the refresh rate, frame-skipping count value information etc. in each district of information, the array of display 30 in each district that is used for defined display area territory 30.In addition, in one embodiment, but data link 33 is used to transmit the executable code of the drive scheme of regulation viewing area 30.This can advantageously allow to use processor, software and the driving governor of leaving in the system that above-mentioned driving and displaying scheme are provided.Locate at state 238 (accepting state 234 or 236), the video data that is provided is provided array driver 22.
Although detailed description has above shown, has illustrated and pointed out the novel feature that is applicable to different embodiment, yet should be appreciated that, the those skilled in the art can be on form and details to the device separated of example or process make and variously leave out, substitute and change, this does not deviate from spirit of the present invention.Should know,, thereby can not provide in the form of all features as herein described and advantage one and implement the present invention because some feature can use with other features or try out mutually independently.