TWI397054B - Controller and driver features for bi-stable display - Google Patents

Description

Controller and driver characteristics of two-state display

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

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) include micromechanical components, actuators, and electronic components. Micromechanical components can be fabricated by deposition, etching, or other micromachining processes that etch away portions of the substrate and/or deposited material layers or add certain layers to form electrical and electromechanical devices. One type of MEMS device is referred to as an interferometric modulator. The interferometric modulator can comprise a pair of electrically conductive plates, one or both of which can be wholly or partially transparent and/or reflective and capable of relative motion upon application of an appropriate electrical signal. One of the plates may comprise a stabilizing layer deposited on a substrate, and the other plate may comprise a metal diaphragm separated from the stabilizing layer by an air gap. The above described devices have a wide range of applications, and it would be beneficial in the art to utilize and/or modify features of such types of devices to be able to utilize existing features to improve existing products and to manufacture new products that are not currently developed.

The systems, methods and devices of the present invention have a plurality of aspects, and any single aspect cannot individually determine its desired characteristics. The more general characteristics are now briefly described, but this does not limit the scope of the invention. After considering this discussion, in particular after reading the section entitled "Implementation," one can understand how the features of the present invention provide advantages over other display devices.

A first embodiment provides a display system including: at least one drive circuit configured to provide a signal for displaying video data; and a display including an array having a plurality of bistable display elements, The array is configured to display video data using a signal received from the drive circuit, the array being divided into one or more regions, each region including at least one bistable display element and the drive electrical path configured to Renewal rate associated with each zone renews each of the one or more zones. In one aspect of the first embodiment, the drive circuit is configured to divide the array. In a second aspect, an input device is configured to receive a user selection, and the drive electrical path is configured to divide the array based on the user selection. In a third aspect, the array is divided by a server in communication with the display system. In a fourth aspect, the plurality of bistable display elements comprise an interferometric modulator, and wherein the array is divided into one or more regions, the one or more regions comprising a first set of interferences A first region of the modulator and a second region including a second set of interferometric modulators. In a fifth aspect, the drive electrical path is configured to receive at least a portion of the video material from a server in communication with the display system. In a sixth aspect, the first set of interferometric modulators are renewed at a first renew rate and the second set of interferometric modulators are renewed at a second renew rate. In a seventh aspect, at least one of the first set of interferometric modulators is also an interferometric modulator of the second set of interferometric modulators. In an eighth aspect, the first set of interferometric modulators are arranged in a polygonal shape. In a ninth aspect, the at least one interferometric modulator is renewed with the first set of interferometric modulators during a first renewed period, and the at least one interferometric modulator is in a During the second re-cycle, it is renewed with the second set of interferometric modulators. In a tenth aspect, the second renew rate is different from the first renew rate. In an eleventh aspect, the second renew rate is the same as the first renew rate, and the renewing of the first region begins at a different time than the second region. In a twelfth aspect, the first renew rate is determined based at least in part on a frame rate of data displayed in the first region. In a thirteenth aspect, the first renew rate is predetermined. In a fourteenth aspect, the first renew rate varies over time.

A second embodiment includes a method of displaying data on a display of a client device, the method comprising: dividing the bi-stable display of the client device into two or more regions, in the two or two The video material is displayed on more than one area, and each of the two or more areas is renewed according to a renew rate associated with each of the two or more areas. The bi-stable display can include an array of interferometric modulators. The embodiment can further include receiving at least a portion of the video material from a server. Additionally, the method can include updating one or more regions using one or more update scenarios. At least one of the one or more update scenarios is selected using a program associated with the received profile. In this embodiment, renewing at least one of the two or more regions may include using a renew rate based on a frame rate of the displayed data. The method can further include receiving display information including characteristics of one of the displays, and selecting an update scheme using the display information.

A third embodiment includes a communication system for implementing server-based control of a display on a client device, comprising: a communication network; a client device including a plurality of bistable displays a bi-stable display of components, the client device configured to transmit display information (eg, one or more characteristics of a bi-stable display) via the communication network; and a server configured to define the One or more regions of the bi-stable display, each region having an associated renew rate, and the server is further configured to transmit video data to the client device via the communication network based on the display information And wherein the client device is further configured to: receive video material from the server, display the video material on the one or more regions of the display, and update each region using the associated renewed information. In one aspect, the display information includes a display mode. In a second aspect, the display information indicates where the video material should be rendered on the bi-stable display. In a third aspect, the server can be further configured to identify video material to be displayed in each of the two or more regions.

A fourth embodiment includes a data display system including: a content server; and a client device in communication with the content server, the client device including a bi-stable display, the bi-stable display The data is configured to display data in one or more regions, each region being associated with at least one bistable display element, wherein each region of the bi-stable display can be renewed at its own renew rate. In one aspect, the display system can have one or more regions that can be individually addressed by the content server. In a second aspect, the content server can include a processor and a software module associated with the received data. In a third aspect, the client device can be configured to communicate the characteristics of the display to the content server. In a fourth aspect, the one or more regions can include a first region and a second region, wherein the bi-stable display includes a second set of interferometric modulators and a second set of interferometric modulations A transformer, the first set of interferometric modulators associated with the first region and the second set of interferometric modulators associated with the second region. In a fifth aspect, the display system can have at least one interferometric modulator from the first set of interferometric modulators assigned to the first plurality of interferometric modulators and the second set Interferometric modulator. In a sixth aspect, the first region can be configured to be updated at a first renew rate and the second region configured to be updated at a second renew rate. In a seventh aspect, the server is further configured to provide video material to be displayed in each of the one or more regions of the bi-stable display of the client device.

A fifth embodiment includes a display system including means for providing image data signals. The display system further includes means for dividing a display array comprising a plurality of bistable display elements into one or more regions, each region including at least one bistable display element. The display system further includes means for displaying the image using the image data signal, wherein each of the one or more regions is renewed according to a regeneration rate associated with each region.

The detailed description below is directed to certain specific embodiments. However, the invention can be implemented in many different ways. The "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" referred to in the specification means that the specific device, structure or feature described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The phrase "in an embodiment", "in accordance with an embodiment" or "in some embodiments" does not necessarily mean the same embodiment, and the individual or alternative embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Other embodiments are excluded. In addition, various features that may be presented by some embodiments but not by other embodiments are set forth herein. Also, various requirements are set forth herein, which may be required by certain embodiments, but not by other embodiments.

In one embodiment, the display on a device includes at least one drive circuit and an array of components (e.g., interferometric modulators) on which the video material is displayed. As used herein, video data refers to any type of displayable material, including pictures, graphics, and words that can be displayed in a static or dynamic image format (eg, a series of video frames that give a visual appearance when viewed, such as Continuously changing stock quote display, "video clip", or information indicating an action event). As used herein, video material also refers to any type of control material, including instructions on how to process video data (display mode), such as frame rate and data format. The array is driven by a drive circuit to display video material.

In an embodiment, an interferometric modulator is divided into two or more regions. The video material to be displayed in one of the two or more regions can be identified, and the video material can be displayed in each of the regions. For displays that do not require frequent updates, renewing each partition at its own rate can save power. In one embodiment, a splittable display includes an array of interferometric modulators and a drive circuit configured to drive the array, wherein the drive circuit is configured to divide an array of interferometric modulators into two One or more regions, identifying data to be displayed in one of the two or more regions, and displaying the identified data in a corresponding region of the divided array, and may be the same or different The renew rate of the renew rate of the other regions updates each region of the array. In another embodiment, a method for displaying data includes: receiving video data, identifying video data to be displayed in the two or more regions, and displaying the identified data in a corresponding region of the divided array And updating each partition of the display at a rate that is dependent on the content of the displayed video material.

In the description, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings. The present invention can be implemented in any device configured to display images, whether dynamic (such as video) or still (such as still images), whether text or image. More specifically, the present invention encompasses that the present invention can be implemented in or associated with numerous electronic devices such as, but not limited to, mobile phones, wireless devices, personal data assistants (PDAs), handheld devices Computer or portable computer, GPS receiver/navigator, camera, MP3 player, camcorder, game console, watch, clock, calculator, TV monitor, flat panel display, computer monitor, car monitor (eg Odometer display, etc.), cockpit controls and/or displays, camera view displays (eg vehicle rear view camera displays), electronic photographs, electronic signs or signs, projectors, architectural structures, packaging and aesthetic structures (eg one piece Jewelry image display). MEMS devices having similar structures to the MEMS devices described herein can also be used in non-display applications, such as in electronic switching devices.

Spatial light modulators for imaging applications come in many different forms. Transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD) modulators modulate light by controlling the torsion and/or alignment of the crystalline material to block or transmit light. Reflective spatial light modulators use different physical effects to control the amount of light that is reflected to the imaging surface. Examples of such reflective modulators include reflective LCDs and digital micromirror devices.

Another example of a spatial light modulator is an interferometric modulator that modulates light by interference. The interferometric modulator is a bi-stable display element that uses an optical resonant cavity having at least one movable or deflectable wall. The constructive interference in the optical cavity determines the color of the visible light emitted from the cavity. When the movable wall (usually at least partially made of metal) moves toward the stationary front side of the cavity, the light interference within the cavity is modulated, and the modulation affects the color of the light emitted at the front of the modulator. . Where the interferometric modulator is a direct view device, the front side typically reveals the surface of the image as viewed by the viewer.

FIG. 1 shows a networked system in accordance with an embodiment. A server 2 (e.g., a web server) is operatively coupled to a network 3. The server 2 can correspond to a web server, a mobile phone server, a wireless email server, and the like. Network 3 may include a wired or wireless network, such as a WiFi network, a mobile phone network, a Bluetooth network, and the like.

Network 3 can be operatively coupled to a wide variety of devices. Examples of devices that may be coupled to network 3 include computers (eg, laptop 4), personal digital assistants (PDAs) 5 (which may include wireless handheld devices such as BlackBerry, Palm Pilot, Pocket PC, and the like) And mobile phones 6 (such as mobile phones, smartphones, and the like that are activated by the Internet). A variety of other devices can also be used, such as desktop PCs, set top boxes, digital media players, handheld PCs, global positioning system (GPS) navigation devices, on-board displays, or other stationary and mobile displays. For ease of discussion, all of these devices are collectively referred to herein as client devices 7.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a bi-stable display element comprising an interferometric MEMS display element. In such devices, the pixels are in a bright or dark state. In the bright ("on" or "open" state), the display element reflects a substantial portion of the incident visible light to the user. When in a dark ("off" or "closed") state, the display element reflects little incident visible light to the user. Depending on the embodiment, the light reflection properties of the "on" and "off" states can be reversed. MEMS pixels can be configured to be primarily reflected in selected colors to achieve color display in addition to black and white.

2 is an isometric view showing two adjacent pixels in a series of pixels of a visual display array, wherein each pixel includes a MEMS interferometric modulator. In some embodiments, an interferometric modulator display array includes a column/row array of interferometric modulators. Each interferometric modulator includes a pair of reflective layers positioned at a variable and controllable distance from one another to form an optical resonant cavity having at least one variable dimension. In an embodiment, one of the reflective layers is moveable between two positions. In the first position referred to herein as the release state, the movable layer is positioned relatively far from a fixed portion of the reflective layer. In the second position, the movable layer is positioned closer to the partially reflective layer. Depending on the position of the movable reflective layer, the incident light reflected by the two layers interferes constructively or destructively to form an overall reflective or non-reflective state of each pixel.

The pixel array portion shown in Figure 2 includes two adjacent interferometric modulators 12a and 12b. In the interferometric modulator 12a on the left side, a movable height reflective layer 14a is shown in a release position which is a predetermined distance from a fixed portion of the reflective layer 16a. In the interferometric modulator 12b on the right side, a movable height reflective layer 14b is shown in an energized position adjacent the fixed portion reflective layer 16b.

The partially reflective layers 16a, 16b are electrically conductive, partially transparent and fixed, and may be formed, for example, by depositing one or more layers each of chromium and indium tin oxide on a transparent substrate 20. The layers are patterned into parallel strips and may form column electrodes in a display device as will be further explained below. The highly reflective layers 14a, 14b can be formed to be sacrificed by one or more deposited metal layers (orthogonal to the column electrodes, partially reflective layers 16a, 16b) deposited on top of the support member 18 and deposited between the support members 18. A series of parallel strips of material. After the sacrificial material is etched away, the deformable metal layer and the fixed metal layer are separated by a prescribed air gap 19. The deformable layer may use a material having high conductivity and reflectivity (for example, aluminum), and the strips may form a row electrode in a display device.

When no voltage is applied, the air gap 19 remains between the layers 14a, 16a and the deformable layer is in a mechanically relaxed state as shown by the interferometric modulator pixel 12a of FIG. However, after applying a potential difference to a selected column and row, the capacitor formed at the corresponding pixel at the intersection of the column and row electrodes is charged, and the electrostatic force pulls the electrodes together. If the voltage is high enough, the movable layer is deformed and pressed onto the fixed layer (a dielectric material (not shown in the figure) may be deposited on the fixed layer to prevent short circuit and control the separation distance), As shown in the interferometric modulator 12b on the right side of FIG. This column is the same regardless of the polarity of the applied potential difference. Thus, the column/row excitation of the controllable reflective and non-reflective interferometric modulator states is similar in many respects to the column/row excitations used in conventional LCD and other display technologies.

3 through 5 illustrate an example process and system for using an interferometric modulator array in a display application. However, the process and system can also be applied to other displays such as plasma displays, EL, OLED, STN LCD, and TFT LCD displays.

Currently, existing flat panel display controllers and drivers are designed to be used almost exclusively with displays that need to be renewed. Therefore, if it is not new multiple times in one second, images displayed on, for example, plasma displays, EL, OLED, STN LCD, and TFT LCD panels will disappear in less than one second. However, since the interferometric modulator of the type described above is capable of maintaining its state for a longer period of time without being new, the state of the interferometric modulator can be maintained without being new. In one of two states, a display using an interferometric modulator can be referred to as a bi-stable display. In one embodiment, the state of the pixel elements is maintained by applying a bias voltage (sometimes referred to as a latch voltage) to one or more interferometric modulators that make up the pixel elements.

In general, a display device typically requires the use of one or more controllers and drive circuitry to properly control the display device. A drive circuit, such as a drive circuit for driving the LCD, can be directly bonded to the display panel itself and positioned along the edge of the display panel itself. Alternatively, the driver circuit can be mounted on a flexible circuit component that connects the display panel (at its edge) to the rest of an electronic system. In both cases, the drivers are typically located at the interface between the display panel and the rest of the electronic system.

3A is a system block diagram showing certain embodiments of an electronic device that can encompass various aspects. In the exemplary embodiment, the electronic device includes a processor 21, which can be any general purpose single or multi-chip microprocessor, such as ARM, Pentium. Pentium II Pentium III , Pentium IV Pentium Pro, 8051, MIPS Power PC ALPHA , or any special purpose microprocessor, such as a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, or a programmable gate array. The processor 21 can be configured to execute one or more software modules in accordance with industry practice. In addition to executing an operating system, the processor can be configured to execute one or more software applications, including a web browser, a phone application, an email program, or any other software application.

3A shows an embodiment of an electronic device including a network interface 27 coupled to a processor 21, and in accordance with some embodiments, the network interface can be coupled to an array driver 22. The network interface 27 includes appropriate hardware and software to enable the device to interact with another device (e.g., server 2 shown in FIG. 1) via a network. The processor 21 is coupled to a driver controller 29, which in turn is coupled to an array driver 22 and a frame buffer 28. In some embodiments, processor 21 is also coupled to array driver 22. The array driver 22 is coupled to and drives the display array 30. The components shown in Figure 3A show the configuration of an interferometric modulator display. However, this configuration can also be used with LCD controllers and drivers in LCDs. As shown in FIG. 3A, the driver controller 29 is coupled to the processor 21 via a parallel bus 36. Although a driver controller 29 (e.g., an LCD controller) is typically associated with system processor 21 as a separate integrated circuit (IC), the controllers can be constructed in a number of ways. It can be embedded in the processor 21 as a hardware, embedded in the processor 21 as a software, or fully integrated into the hard body with the array driver 22 in a hard form. In one embodiment, the driver controller 29 receives the display information generated by the processor 21, reformats the information appropriately for high speed transmission to the display array 30, and then transmits the formatted information to the array driver 22.

Array driver 22 receives the formatted information from driver controller 29 and reformats the video data into a set of parallel waveforms that can be applied multiple times per second to the x-y pixel array from the display. And sometimes thousands of leads. Existing flat panel display controllers and drivers (such as those just described above) are designed to be used almost exclusively with displays that need to be renewed. Since bi-stable displays (e.g., interferometric modulator arrays) do not require such frequent renewing, features that reduce power requirements can be achieved by using a bi-stable display. However, if a bi-stable display is operated using a controller and driver used with an existing display, the advantages of the bi-stable display may not be optimized. Accordingly, improved controllers and driver systems and methods for bi-stable displays are desired. For high speed bi-stable displays, such as the interferometric modulators described above, the improved controllers and drivers preferably perform low re-rate mode, video rate regeneration mode, and for achieving bistable modulation A unique mode of unique features. In accordance with the methods and systems described herein, a bi-stable display can be configured to reduce power requirements in a variety of ways.

In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 3A, array driver 22 receives video material from processor 21 via a data link 31 that bypasses driver controller 29. Data link 31 may include a serial peripheral interface ("SPI"), an I ² C bus, a serial bus, or any other available interface. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 3A, processor 21 provides instructions to array driver 22 to enable array driver 22 to optimize the power requirements of display array 30 (e.g., an interferometric modulator display). In one embodiment, video material intended for use as part of a display specified by server 2 may be identified by packet header information and transmitted over data link 31. Additionally, processor 21 may route primitives, such as graphics primitives, to data link 22 along data link 31. The graphical primitives may correspond to instructions, such as primitives for drawing shapes and text.

Still referring to FIG. 3A, in one embodiment, video data may be provided from the network interface 27 to the array driver 22 via the data link 33. In one embodiment, the network interface 27 analyzes the control information transmitted from the server 2 and determines whether the incoming video should be routed to the processor 21 or the array driver 22.

In one embodiment, the video material provided by the data link 33 is not typically stored in the frame buffer 28 as is conventional in many embodiments. It should also be appreciated that in some embodiments, a second driver controller (not shown) may also be used to provide video data to the array driver 22. The data link 33 can include an SPI, an I ² C bus, or any other available interface. Array driver 22 may also include address decoding, column and row drivers, and the like of the display. The network interface 27 can also provide video data directly to the array driver 22, at least in part, in response to instructions embedded in the video material provided to the network interface 27. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that arbitration logic can be used to control access implemented by network interface 27 and processor 21 to prevent data collisions at array driver 22. In one embodiment, a driver running on processor 21 is used during time intervals that are typically not used by processor 21 (e.g., at intervals typically used for vertical blanking delays and/or horizontal blanking delays). During the period, data transmission from the network interface 27 to the array driver 22 is allowed to control the timing of the data transmission.

Preferably, the design allows the server 2 to bypass the processor 21 and the driver controller 29 and directly address a portion of the display array 30. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, this allows the server 2 to directly address one of the display array regions of the display array 30. In one embodiment, the amount of data transferred between the network interface 27 and the array driver 22 is relatively low, and thus, for example, an integrated inter-circuit (I ² C) bus or serial peripheral interface (SPI) is used. A serial bus such as a bus bar transmits the amount of data. However, it should also be understood that other circuits will typically be used if other types of displays are utilized. The video material provided by the data link 33 can advantageously be displayed without the frame buffer 28 and with little or no intervention from the processor 21.

FIG. 3A also shows the configuration of a processor 21 coupled to a driver controller 29 (eg, an interferometric modulator controller). The driver controller 29 is coupled to the array driver 22, which in turn is coupled to the display array 30. In this embodiment, the driver controller 29 achieves optimization of the display array 30 and provides information to the array driver 22 without having a separate connection between the array driver 22 and the processor 21. In some embodiments, processor 21 can be configured to communicate with a driver controller 29, which can include a frame buffer 28 for temporarily storing one or more video data frames.

As shown in FIG. 3A, in one embodiment, array driver 22 includes a column drive circuit 24 and a row of drive circuits 26 that provide signals to a pixel display array 30. The array profile shown in Figure 2 is shown as line 1-1 in Figure 3A. For MEMS interferometric modulators, the column/row excitation protocol can utilize the hysteresis properties of the devices shown in Figure 4A. It may require, for example, a potential difference of 10 volts to deform a movable layer from a released state to an energized state. However, as the voltage decreases from this value, the movable layer will maintain its state when the voltage drops back below 10 volts. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the movable layer is not completely released until the voltage is reduced below 2 volts. Thus, in the example shown in Figure 4A, there is a large voltage range of approximately 3-7 volts within which an applied voltage window is present within which the device is stabilized in a released or energized state. In this paper, it is called "hysteresis window" or "stability window".

For a display array having the hysteresis characteristic shown in FIG. 4A, the column/row excitation protocol can be designed to apply a voltage difference of about 10 volts to the pixels to be excited in the selected pass during column gating, and A voltage difference of approximately 0 volts is applied to the pixel to be released. After gating, a steady state voltage difference of about 5 volts is applied to the pixel to maintain it in any state in which the column is gated. In this example, each pixel is subjected to a potential difference within a 3-7 volt "stability window" after being written. This characteristic allows the pixel design shown in Figure 2 to be stabilized in an existing excited or released state under the same applied voltage conditions. Since each pixel of the interferometric modulator is in a state of being excited and is in a released state, substantially a capacitor composed of the fixed reflective layer and the movable reflective layer, the stable state can be within a hysteresis window. The voltage is maintained while consuming almost no power. If the applied potential is constant, substantially no current flows into the pixel.

In a typical application, a display frame can be formed by determining a set of row electrodes based on a desired set of excited pixels in the first column. Thereafter, a column of pulses is applied to the electrodes of the first column to excite the pixels corresponding to the determined row lines. Thereafter, the determined one of the set of row electrodes is changed to correspond to a desired set of stimulated pixels in the second column. Thereafter, a pulse is applied to the electrodes of the second column to excite the corresponding pixels in the second column in accordance with the determined row electrodes. The pixels of the first column are not affected by the pulses of the second column, and thus remain in the state set during the pulse of the first column. The above steps can be repeated for the entire series in a sequential manner to form the frame. Typically, the frames are renewed and/or updated with new video data by continuously repeating the process at a desired number of frames per second. There are also a wide variety of protocols for driving columns and row electrodes of pixel arrays to form display array frames which are well known and can be used.

FIG. 3B shows an embodiment of a client device 7. The exemplary client 40 includes a housing 41, a display 42, an antenna 43, a speaker 44, an input device 48, and a microphone 46. The outer casing 41 is typically made of any of a variety of processes well known to those skilled in the art, including injection molding and vacuum forming. Additionally, the outer casing 41 can be made from any of a wide variety of materials including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, glass, rubber, and ceramic, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the housing 41 includes a moveable portion (not shown) that is interchangeable with other movable portions having different colors or containing different logos, pictures or symbols.

The display 42 of the example client 40 can be any of a wide variety of displays, including the bi-stable display as described above with reference to, for example, Figures 2, 3A, and 4-6. In other embodiments, as is known to those skilled in the art, display 42 includes a flat panel display such as the plasma display, EL, OLED, STN LCD or TFT LCD described above, or a non-flat panel display, such as CRT or other tube device. However, for purposes of illustrating the present invention, display 42 includes an interferometric modulator display as described above.

FIG. 3C schematically shows components in one embodiment of an example client 40. The illustrated example client 40 includes a housing 41 and may include other components that are at least partially enclosed within the housing 41. For example, in an embodiment, the example client 40 includes a network interface 27 that includes an antenna 43 coupled to a transceiver 47. The transceiver 47 is coupled to the processor 21, which in turn is coupled to the conditioning hardware 52. The adjustment hardware 52 is coupled to a speaker 44 and a microphone 46. The processor 21 is also coupled to an input device 48 and a driver controller 29. The driver controller 29 is coupled to the frame buffer 28 and coupled to the array driver 22 , which in turn is coupled to a display array 30 . A power source 50 provides power to all components in accordance with the design requirements of the particular exemplary client 40.

The network interface 27 includes an antenna 43 and a transceiver 47 to enable the exemplary client 40 to communicate with another device (e.g., server 2 shown in FIG. 1) via a network 3. In an embodiment, the network interface 27 may also have certain processing functions to reduce the requirements on the processor 21. Antenna 43 is any antenna known to those skilled in the art for transmitting and receiving signals. In an embodiment, the antenna transmits and receives RF signals in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard, including IEEE 802.11 (a), (b), or (g). In another embodiment, the antenna transmits and receives RF signals in accordance with the BLUETOOTH standard. In the case of a cellular telephone, the antenna is designed to receive CDMA, GSM, AMPS or other conventional signals for communicating in a wireless mobile telephone network. Transceiver 47 preprocesses the signals received from antenna 43 so that it can be received by processor 21 and further processed. Transceiver 47 also processes the signals received from processor 21 such that it can be transmitted from exemplary client 40 by antenna 43.

The processor 21 typically controls the overall operation of the example client 40, but the operational controls may also be shared with or given to the server 2 (not shown), as described in more detail below. In one embodiment, processor 21 includes a microcontroller, CPU, or logic unit for controlling the operation of example client 40. The conditioning hardware 52 typically includes amplifiers and filters for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from the speaker 44. The tuning hardware 52 can be a discrete component within the example client 40 or can be incorporated into the processor 21 or other components.

Input device 48 allows the user to control the operation of the example client 40. In one embodiment, the input device 48 includes a keypad (such as a QWERTY keyboard or a telephone keypad), a button, a switch, a touch sensitive screen, a pressure sensitive or thermal film. In one embodiment, the microphone is an input device to the exemplary client 40. When a microphone is used to input data to the device, a voice command can be provided by the user to control the operation of the example client 40.

In an embodiment, the driver controller 29, array driver 22, and display array 30 are suitable for use with any of the types of displays described herein. For example, in one embodiment, the driver controller 29 is a conventional display controller or a bi-stable display controller (eg, an interferometric modulator controller). In another embodiment, array driver 22 is a conventional driver or a bi-stable display driver (eg, an interferometric modulator display). In yet another embodiment, display array 30 is a typical display array or a bi-stable display array (eg, a display including an array of interferometric modulators).

Power source 50 is any of a variety of energy storage devices well known in the art. For example, in one embodiment, power source 50 is a rechargeable battery, such as a nickel-cadmium battery or a lithium ion battery. In another embodiment, the power source 50 is a renewable energy source, capacitor or solar cell, including a plastic solar cell and solar cell coating. In another embodiment, the power source 50 is configured to receive power from a socket on the wall.

In an embodiment, the array driver 22 includes a register, the register can be set to a predefined value to indicate that the input video stream is in an interlaced format and should be displayed on the bi-stable display in an interlaced format. Without converting the video stream to a progressive scan format. In this way, the bi-stable display does not require interleaved-progressive scan conversion of interlaced video data.

In some embodiments, control programmability exists as described above in a display controller that can be located at several locations in an electronic display system. In some cases, control stylability exists in the array driver 22 located at the interface between the electronic display system and the display assembly itself. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described optimizations can be implemented in any number of hardware and/or software components and in different configurations.

In one embodiment, the circuitry is embedded in the array driver 22 to take advantage of the fact that the output signal set of most graphics controllers includes a signal for depicting the horizontal active regions addressed in the display array 30. The horizontal active area can be changed by the register setting value in the drive controller 29. The register settings can be changed by the processor 21. This signal is often referred to as a display enable (DE) signal. In addition, most display video interfaces utilize a one-line pulse (LP) or a horizontal synchronization (HSYNC) signal to indicate the end of a column of data. A pair of LP implementation counting circuits can determine the vertical position of the current column. When the renew signal is adjusted based on the DE and LP counter circuits (signals that emit vertical areas) from the processor 21 (signal that emits horizontal areas), an area update function can be constructed.

In one embodiment, a driver controller 29 is integrated with the array driver 22. Such embodiments are common in highly integrated systems such as cellular phones, watches, and other small area displays. The dedicated circuitry within the integrated array driver 22 first determines which pixels, and thus which columns need to be renewed, and only selects those columns that have changed pixels for updating. With such a circuit, a particular column can be addressed in a non-sequential order, depending on the content of the image. An advantage of this embodiment is that the data rate between the processor 21 and the display array 30 can be reduced since only the video material that has changed has to be transmitted by the interface. By reducing the effective data rate required between processor 21 and array driver 22, the system's power consumption, noise immunity, and electromagnetic interference problems can be improved.

4 and 5 show a possible excitation protocol for forming a display frame on the 3x3 array shown in FIG. Figure 4B shows a set of possible column and row voltage levels that can be used for pixels having the hysteresis curve shown in Figure 4A. In the embodiment of Figures 4A/4B, energizing a pixel can include setting the corresponding row to -V _{b i a s} and setting the corresponding column to +ΔV - which can correspond to -5 volts and +5 volts, respectively. Releasing the pixel can be achieved by setting the corresponding row to +V _{b i a s} and setting the corresponding column to the same +ΔV, thereby forming a potential difference of 0 volts across the pixel. In the column where the column voltage remains at 0 volts, the pixel is stable to its original state, regardless of whether the row is at +V _{b i a s} or at -V _{b i a s} . Likewise, energizing a pixel can include setting the corresponding row to +V _{b i a s} and the corresponding column to +ΔV - which can correspond to 5 volts and -5 volts, respectively. Releasing the pixel can be achieved by setting the corresponding row to -V _{b i a s} and setting the corresponding column to the same -ΔV, thereby forming a potential difference of 0 volts across the pixel. In the column where the column voltage remains at 0 volts, the pixel is stable to its original state, regardless of whether the row is at +V _{b i a s} or at -V _{b i a s} .

Figure 5B is a timing diagram showing a series of column and row signals applied to the 3x3 array shown in Figure 3A, which will form the display arrangement shown in Figure 5A, wherein the excited pixels are non-reflective. Prior to writing the frame shown in Figure 5A, the pixels can be in any state, in this example, all columns are at 0 volts and all rows are at +5 volts. At these applied voltages, all pixels are stable to their existing excited or released state.

In the frame of Fig. 5A, the pixels (1, 1), (1, 2), (2, 2), (3, 2), and (3, 3) are excited. To achieve this effect, during one of the "line time" of the first column, the first line and the second line are set to -5 volts, and the third line is set to +5 volts. This does not change the state of any of the pixels because all pixels remain in a stable window of 3-7 volts. Thereafter, the first column is gated by a pulse that rises from 0 volts to 5 volts and then drops back to 0 volts. The pixels (1, 1) and (1, 2) are thus excited and the pixels (1, 3) are released. The other pixels in the column are unaffected. To set the second column to the desired state, the second row is set to -5 volts, and the first row and the third row are set to +5 volts. Thereafter, applying the same strobe pulse to the second column will excite the pixel (2, 2) and release the pixels (2, 1) and (2, 3). Again, the other pixels in the array are unaffected. Similarly, the third column is set by setting the second row and the third row to -5 volts and setting the first row to +5 volts. The third column strobe sets the third column of pixels to the state shown in FIG. 5A. After the write frame, the column potential is zero and the row potential can be held at +5 or -5 volts, and thereafter the display will stabilize at the arrangement shown in Figure 5A. It should be appreciated that the same procedure can be used for arrays consisting of tens or hundreds of columns and rows. It should also be appreciated that the timing, order, and location of the voltages used to implement the column and row excitations can vary widely within the general principles described above, and that the above examples are merely exemplary and any excitation voltage method can be used.

The detailed structure of the interferometric modulator operating according to the above principles can be varied. For example, Figures 6A-6C show three different embodiments of a moving mirror structure. Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 2 with a strip of reflective material 14 deposited on the orthogonal support members 18. In FIG. 6B, the reflective material 14 is attached to the support 18 on the tether 32 only at the corners. In Figure 6C, reflective material 14 is suspended from a deformable layer 34. This embodiment has advantages since the structural design of the reflective material 14 and the materials used can be optimized in terms of optical properties, and the structural design of the deformable layer 34 and the materials used can be optimized in terms of desired mechanical properties. The production of various types of interference devices is described in a number of publications, including, for example, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 2004/0051, 929. The above structure can be fabricated using a variety of well-known techniques, including a series of material deposition, patterning, and etching steps.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a process flow showing a high level flow chart of a control process for a client device 7. The flowchart is described by a client device 7 (e.g., laptop 4, PDA 5, or mobile phone 6) connected to a network 3 for graphical display being received from a server 2 via the network 3. The process of video information. Depending on the embodiment, the states in Figure 7 can be deleted, added, and rearranged.

Referring again to Figure 7, starting from state 74, the client device 7 sends a signal to the server 2 via the network 3 indicating that the client device 7 is ready for video. In an embodiment, the user can begin the process of FIG. 7 by turning on an electronic device such as a mobile phone. Proceeding to state 76, the client device 7 initiates its control process. An example of a start-up control process will be further discussed below with reference to FIG.

Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a process flow showing a flow chart of a control process for a client device 7 for starting and operating a control process. This flow chart shows the state 76 described with reference to Figure 7 in more detail. Depending on the embodiment, the states in Figure 8 can be deleted, added, and rearranged.

Starting at decision state 84, the client device 7 determines whether the activity at the client device 7 requires activation of an application at the client device 7, or whether the server 2 has transmitted an application to the client device 7 for execution, Or whether the server 2 has transmitted a request to the client device 7 to execute an application resident at the client device 7. If it is not necessary to launch an application, the client device 7 remains in the decision state 84. After launching an application, proceeding to state 86, the client device 7 initiates a process for the client device to receive and display video data. The video material can be streamed from the server 2 or downloaded to the memory of the client device 7 for later access. Video data can be video, or still images, or text or photo information. The video material can also have various compression coding modes, and can be interlaced or progressively scanned video data, and has various renewing rates. Display array 30 can be segmented into regions of any shape and size, with each region receiving video material having characteristics unique to that region (e.g., renew rate or compression encoding). These areas can change the characteristics and shape and size of the video material. These areas can be turned on and off and can be turned back on. Together with the video material, the client device 7 can also receive control data. The control data may include commands transmitted from the server 2 to the client device 7 regarding, for example, video material characteristics (e.g., compression coding mode, re-rate, and interlaced or progressively scanned video material). The control data can include control instructions for splitting display array 30, as well as different instructions for displaying different regions of array 30.

In an exemplary embodiment, the server 2 transmits control data and video data to a PDA via a wireless network 3 to generate a continuously updated clock in the upper right corner of the display array 30, on the upper left of the display array 30. The corners produce a picture displayed in the form of a slide, a periodic update score that produces a ball game along the lower area of the display array 30, and a cloud-shaped bubble reminder for reminding the purchase of bread that produces a continuous scroll across the display array 30. The video material corresponding to the photo displayed in the form of a slide is stored in the PDA memory after being downloaded, and is in an interlaced format. The clock and ball game video data is streamed from the server 2. The reminder tag is a graphic text that is a progressive scan format. It should be understood that the illustrations herein are merely exemplary embodiments. Other embodiments are also possible, and such embodiments are encompassed by state 86 and still fall within the scope of the present description.

Proceeding to decision state 88, client device 7 looks up a command from server 2, such as a command to reposition an area of display array 30, a command to change the rate of renewal of an area of display array 30, or an exit command. Upon receiving a command from the server 2, the client device 7 proceeds to decision state 90 and determines if the command received in the decision state 88 is an exit command. If, in the decision state 90, it is determined that the command received while in the decision state 88 is an exit command, the client device 7 proceeds to state 98, stopping execution of the application and resetting. The client device 7 can also transmit status or other information to the server 2, and/or can receive such similar communications from the server 2. If in the decision state 90 it is determined that the command received from the server 2 is not an exit command while in the decision state 88, the client device 7 returns to state 86. If, in the decision state 88, the command is not received from the server 2, the client device 7 proceeds to a decision state 92 in which the client device 7 looks up a command from the user, such as a stop update. A command to display an area of the array 30, or an exit command. If, in the decision state 92, the client device 7 does not receive a command from the user, the client device 7 returns to the decision state 88. If, upon being in the decision state 92, a command is received from the user, the client device 7 proceeds to a decision state 94 in which the client device 7 determines whether the command received in the decision state 92 is a Exit the command. If, in the decision state 94, the command received from the user is not an exit command while in the decision state 92, the client device 7 proceeds from the decision state 94 to the state 96. At state 96, the client device 7 transmits to the server 2 a user command received at state 92, such as a command to stop updating an area of the display array 30, after which it returns to decision state 88. If, in the decision state 94, it is determined that the command from the user received in the decision state 92 is an exit command, the client device 7 proceeds to state 98 and stops executing the application. The client device 7 can also transmit status or other information to the server 2, and/or can receive such similar communications from the server 2.

Figure 9 shows a control process used by the server 2 to send video material to the client device 7. The server 2 sends control information and video data to the client device 7 for display. The state in Figure 9 can be deleted, added, or rearranged depending on the embodiment.

Starting from state 124, server 2 waits for a data request from client device 7 via network 3 in embodiment (1), or in embodiment (2), server 2 sends video data without waiting for The data request of the client device 7. The two embodiments encompass situations in which the server 2 or the client device 7 can initiate a request to transmit video data from the server 2 to the client device 7.

The server 2 proceeds to decision state 128 where it is determined whether a response (ready indication signal) from the client device 7 indicating that the client device 7 is ready is received. If the ready indication signal is not received while in state 128, then server 2 remains in decision state 128 until a ready indication signal is received.

Upon receipt of the ready indication signal, the server 2 proceeds to state 126 where the server 2 transmits control data to the client device 7. The control data can be streamed from the server 2 or can be downloaded to the memory of the client device 7 for later access. The control data can divide the display array 30 into regions of any shape and size, and can define video data characteristics for a particular region or all regions, such as a renewed rate or an interlaced format. Controlling the data enables these areas to be turned on or off or turned back on.

Proceeding to state 130, server 2 sends the video material. The video data can be streamed from the server 2 or downloaded to the memory of the client device 7 for later access. Video data can include motion pictures, or still images, text or picture images. The video material can also have various compression coding modes, and can be interlaced or progressively scanned video data, and has various renewing rates. Each zone can receive video material having characteristics that are unique to that zone (e.g., renew rate or compression coding).

The server 2 proceeds to a decision state 132 in which the server 2 looks up a command from the user, such as a command to stop updating an area of the display array 30, a command to increase the rate of regeneration, or an exit command. . If, upon being in decision state 132, server 2 receives a command from the user, server 2 proceeds to state 134. At state 134, server 2 executes the command received from the user in state 132 and proceeds to decision state 138. If, in the decision state 132, the server 2 does not receive a command from the user, the server 2 proceeds to the decision state 138.

In state 138, server 2 determines if the client device 7 needs to take action, such as taking steps to receive and store video data for subsequent display, increasing the data transfer rate, or expecting the next set of video data to be in an interlaced format. If, in the decision state 138, the server 2 determines that the user is required to take a measure, the server 2 proceeds to state 140. In the state 140, the server 2 sends a command to the client device 7 to take the measure. Server 2 then proceeds to state 130. If, in the decision state 138, the server 2 determines that the user is not required to take a measure, the server 2 proceeds to the decision state 142.

Proceeding to decision state 142, server 2 decides whether to end the data transfer. If, in decision state 142, server 2 decides not to end the data transfer, server 2 returns to state 130. If, at the decision state 142, the server 2 decides to end the data transfer, the server 2 proceeds to state 144 where the server 2 ends the data transfer and sends an exit message to the client. The server 2 can also transmit status information or other information to the client device 7, and/or can receive such similar communications from the client device 7.

Since, as with most flat panel displays, the bi-stable display consumes most of its power during frame update, it is desirable to be able to control the frequency at which the bi-stable display is updated to conserve power. For example, if the change between adjacent frames of a video stream is minimal, the display array can be updated less frequently with little or no loss of image quality. As an example, in a typical PC desktop application, the image quality displayed on the interferometric modulator display will not deteriorate due to the renewed rate reduction, as the interferometric modulator display is not as easy as most Other displays typically cause flicker due to reduced renew rate. Thus, in certain applications, the PC display system can reduce the rate of regeneration of bi-stable display elements such as interferometric modulators with minimal impact on display output.

10 shows an embodiment of an interferometric modulator display 200 in a plan view as seen by a viewer. In the present embodiment, the interferometric modulator display 200 has been divided into a first region 202, a The second area 204 and a third area 206. In these embodiments, depending on the nature of the image displayed in the respective regions 202, 204, 206, the interferometric modulation can be treated in a separate and distinct manner with respect to updating the images displayed in the different regions 202, 204, 206. Different regions of the transducer display 200, such as the first region 202, the second region 204, and the third region 206.

For example, in one embodiment, the first region 202 can display a toolbar having a plurality of icons corresponding to different job characteristics that can be provided by a device including the interferometric modulator display 200. After considering the description of the various embodiments, it will be appreciated that the interferometric modulator display 200 can be incorporated into a wide variety of electronic devices including, but not limited to, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), Text messaging devices, calculators, portable measurement or medical devices, video players, personal computers and the like. Thus, in an embodiment, the first region 202 can depict a plurality of images corresponding to a toolbar having a plurality of icons, except that the color or highlight of a particular icon in the first region 202 is selected when the corresponding function is selected. In addition, the plurality of icons may maintain a constant configuration and position relative to the interferometric modulator display 200 during use. Thus, the image displayed in the first region 202 of the interferometric modulator display 200 will typically require relatively infrequent updates or no updates in a particular application.

A second region 204 can correspond to an area of the interferometric modulator display 200 that has a display image that is significantly different from the upgrade requirements of the image presented in the first region 202. For example, the second region 204 can correspond to a series of video images presented on the interferometric modulator display 200 that exhibit a higher update rate (eg, an update rate of approximately 15 Hz corresponding to a video stream). Thus, the update requirements for the images depicted in the first region 202 may be infrequent non-periodic properties, for example, during use, if the image is constant, it is not substantially updated, or when, for example, the user selects When an icon is used to activate a corresponding operating characteristic of a device containing an interferometric modulator display 200, it is relatively infrequently non-periodically updated. However, the update request for the image in the second region 204 will generally be periodic, which corresponds to the periodic frame formation of the video material displayed in the second region 204. However, the update of the image displayed in the second region 204 can be easily implemented in an asynchronous manner relative to the update provided for the image in the first region 202. Moreover, in some embodiments, the regions may overlap, i.e., one region is designated at the top of the other region and covers the overlapping portion of the underlying region such that an interferometric modulator can be included in two or two In the above area. For example, if the display 200 is divided into a first area and a second area, a first plurality of interferometric modulators may correspond to the first area and a second plurality of interferometric modulators may correspond to the second area. The one or more interferometric modulators of the first plurality of interferometric modulators may also be one of the second plurality of interferometric modulators. In such an embodiment, the interferometric modulators simultaneously included in the two regions are renewed with the first plurality of interferometric modulators during a first renewed period, in a second renewed period The period is renewed with the second plurality of interferometric modulators. One or more of the regions may be divided into any shape, such as a square, a circle, or a polygon.

The image displayed in the third region 206 may have other update requirements that are different from the update requirements of the first region 202 or the second region 204. For example, in an embodiment, the material displayed in the third area 206 may include text that may be periodically scrolled by a reader/user of the device, such as an email or news content, indicating the correspondence of images in the third region 206. Frequent update cycle. However, when the user reads the displayed information, the third region 206 typically spends an extended period of time in a relatively constant image state, indicating a period of no update. Thus, the interferometric modulator display 200 can support updated characteristics that vary significantly over time, such as a period of substantially no update when the displayed image is static, and a relatively high rate of update period when the image changes. It should also be appreciated that the update of the data in the first region 202 and the second region 204 may also be used to update the image displayed in the third region 206 in an asynchronous manner.

In some embodiments, the interferometric modulator display 200 can provide different update schemes in addition to different update rates, which can also reduce power consumption. For example, the first region 202 can be updated in a manner similar to the progressive scan type drive scheme. The second region 204 can be driven by a waveform similar to that used for the first region 202, however, one row can be written every other row in an interleaved manner instead of writing each row during each new cycle. In another embodiment, the third region 206 can be updated pixel by pixel, for example, only the pixels that have changed in the image are updated and no longer new or updated, thereby limiting the update to the pixels of their changed state. This embodiment may be advantageously employed when successive data frames exhibit a relatively high degree of frame-frame association.

11 is a high level flow diagram of an embodiment in which such a system can take advantage of the operational characteristics provided by the interferometric modulator display 200. It should be noted that the process illustrated in FIG. 11 includes state 86 in the process described in FIG. In the illustrated process, a client device 7 receives video material content from a server 2, and defines a plurality of regions in the interferometric modulator display 200 to display a portion of the data on a corresponding region, according to the data. Or some other predetermined standard sets the renew rate or associates the renew rate with each zone and displays the video material on the corresponding area in display 200. Depending on the embodiment, additional states may be added, other states may be deleted, and the order of those states may be rearranged.

The process 300 begins when a triggering event occurs when the client device 7 receives data from the server 2. The triggering event can be initiated by a user, by a signal directly or indirectly from the server, or by the client device 7. In process 300, in state 304, the client device 7 is connected to the server 2. During the connection to the server 2, there may be an exchange of information between the client device 7 and the server 2, which may include identifying information about the client device 7 (including the display capabilities of the client device 7). After the client device 7 is connected to the server 2, the process 300 continues to state 306 where the client device 7 checks if it has received the zone information and the renew rate information. If it is not received, process 300 continues to state 332, which has a delay in state 322 and then cycles back to state 306.

If the client device 7 has received the split and renew rate information, the process 300 proceeds to state 308 and divides the display 200 based on the partition data. It should be understood that dividing the data into one or more display areas may be performed locally at the client device or remotely, such as by the server 2. Communication between the server 2 and the client device 7 can be controlled as shown in Figure 8 (including receiving server commands at the client device 7 and transmitting commands received at the client device (e.g., from the user)). It should also be appreciated that the partitioning in state 308 can be performed on a dynamic basis in a time-varying manner so that, for example, during certain periods, there is no need to divide in a single display area, for example, to display over network 3. The data transmitted between the server 2 and the client device 7 is divided into a plurality of different display regions in accordance with the nature of the data transmitted at any given time in further cycles.

Process 300 continues to state 310 and a renew rate is set for each partition. Process 300 then continues to state 312 where a signal is sent to server 2 indicating that it is ready to receive video material. The server 2 transmits the video material to the client device 7 in response to receiving the ready signal of the client device 7. Process 300 then continues to state 314 and client device 7 receives video material from server 2. The start of the "C" in reference state 314 in Figure 12 shows the processing of the received video material.

Process 300 continues to state 316 and checks if the client device 7 receives a signal indicating that it has been released from the server 2. If it does receive a release signal, then process 300 continues to state 318 where it ends its dialog connected to server 2 and sets the missing parameters as needed. If the release signal is not received, then process 300 continues to state 320, where it experiences a delay and then returns to state 306.

12 is a high level flow diagram of an embodiment of a process 400 for dividing a display into one or more regions and updating each of the one or more regions at a corresponding appropriate update rate. Figure 12 illustrates certain states that occur in an embodiment in accordance with state 314 of Figure 11. Depending on the embodiment, additional states may be added, other states may be deleted, and the order of those states may be rearranged.

Process 400 begins in state 402, in which client device 7 receives video material. Process 400 then continues to state 404 and identifies the video material to be displayed in the two or more divided regions of the display. After the division of the state 404, in the state 406, the video content is displayed on the interferometric modulator display 200 of the client device 7, wherein the divided video data is displayed on the corresponding divided region of one of the displays 200, and Each of the one or more regions can be updated at an associated regeneration rate. The information received from the server 2 can be used to set the renew rate, or can be dynamically set and changed according to the content of the video data (for example, depending on how fast the displayed image changes) or according to a user input. . In an embodiment, the server 2 defines the location, size, geometry, and regeneration rate of each zone. In addition, the server 2 can identify the video material to be transmitted to the client device 7 to be displayed in a specific area.

These embodiments effectively utilize the available resources while maintaining the high quality of the images displayed on the interferometric modulator display 200. For example, in an embodiment, the server 2 can provide a text file to the client device 7 via the network 3. Once the text file is received, the client device 7 can divide the text material into one or more regions 202, 204, 206 of the display 200. However, once the material is displayed on the interferometric modulator device 200, no further updates are required until the video material displayed in the one or more partitions 202, 204, 206 changes. If the text file contains a relatively short email message, the entire email message can be displayed in the one or more regions of the interferometric modulator display 200 and the displayed image changes (eg, due to user scrolling) The server 2 and the client device 7 do not need to renew the image until a larger email message, a switching mode of the client device 7, or other condition indicating that the displayed information changes. This provides a significant advantage: the available battery and processing capacity at the customer premises device 7 is not consumed in large quantities by maintaining the still images displayed in the interferometric modulator display 200.

Similarly, by utilizing the features provided by the interferometric modulator display 200, the available processing and transmission bandwidth capacity of the server 2 can be utilized more efficiently. For example, in some embodiments, server 2 has verified that it is communicating with a client device 7 having an interferometric modulator display 200 via network 3. Thus, the division of the displayed data in state 404 can occur at server 2 (also referred to as "headend" in some applications). Thus, the server 2 can provide the data to the client device 7 in a divided manner, which can be dynamically adjusted according to the needs of each of the plurality of client devices 7. For example, the data provided by the server 2 can be provided to a client device 7 at a first update rate during certain time periods, which can be relatively low and even substantially zero, thereby saving the server 2 Bandwidth and processing capacity to provide data to other client devices at a second, higher update rate by other links, the higher second update rate corresponding to different requirements for the data provided to the other client devices .

Various embodiments provide unique operational characteristics of the interferometric modulator display 200 to provide the ability to divide a display into one or more regions 202, 204, 206, each of which has its own specified renew rate. At least one or more of the update rates may be substantially zero rate, such as not updated for at least a limited period of time. A further embodiment comprises a dynamic data display system comprising a server 2 in communication with one or more client devices 7, wherein the characteristics of each client device 7 are transmitted to the server 2 and wherein each The characteristics of the client device format the data provided to each client device 7 in a different manner. For example, the renew rate can be dependent on the type of data being displayed. In some embodiments, a number of frames of a video stream are skipped based on a programmable "frame skip count". For example, in some embodiments, array driver 22 can be programmed to skip the number of updates available to display array 30. In one embodiment, one of the array drivers 22 stores a value representative of a frame skip count, such as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and the like. The array driver 22 can then access the register to determine the renewed frequency of the display array 30. For example, the values 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 can represent each frame of the drive, every other frame, every three frames, every four frames, every five frames, and every six. The frame is updated once.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a display 500. The display 500 of Figure 13 can be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. In one embodiment, display 500 is generally rectangular in shape, although in other embodiments the display is square, hexagonal, octagonal, circular, triangular, or other symmetrical or asymmetrical shape. Display 500 can be made in a variety of sizes. In one embodiment, one side of display 500 is less than about 0.5 inches, about 1 inch, about 10 inches, about 100 inches, or more than 100 inches long. In one embodiment, the length of one side of display 500 is between about 0.5 inches and 3.5 inches long.

Display 500 can be divided into zones 502 and 504 depending on what is to be displayed in the display. By dividing the display, different display partitions can display different content and can be renewed or updated at different rates. For example, only those partitions in display 500 that need to be updated or renewed may be updated or renewed. Referring to Figure 13, the first partition 502 displays an image that does not need to be updated or renewed as often as the second partition 504. For example, the first partition 502 displays a still image (as shown) and the second partition 504 displays a stock market ticker (as shown), active video or clock.

In one embodiment, one display 500 includes two partitions, but in other embodiments, display 500 includes more than two partitions. For example, display 500 can include three, four, eight, 32, or 256 partitions. In one embodiment, display 500 includes a partition with a relatively low renew rate and a partition with a relatively high rate. The relative size and position of each of the partitions of display 500 can be fixed or varied, depending on what is displayed on display 500. In one embodiment, the surface area ratio of the first partition 502 to the second partition 504 is about 90:10, about 75:25, about 50:50, about 25:75, or about 10:90.

In an embodiment, the client device 7 receives control commands or messages from the server 2 (not shown), the control commands or messages determining the manner in which the display 500 divides itself, and the update or renew rate of each partition content. .

Figure 14 shows an example of a message or command provided by a server for establishing a partitioning of display 500. A message 600 provided by the server may include one or more of the following: an identification segment 602, a server control request 604, a partition command 606, a first partition renew rate value 608, and a second partition. The new rate value 610, the frame skip count information 612, the format type 614, and the node information 616.

In an embodiment, the identification segment 602 identifies the type of content being sent to the client device 7 (not shown). For example, if the content is a phone call, the calling party's phone number can be provided. If the content is from a certain web address, the identification mark of the web address can be provided by the identification segment 602. The server control request 604 is a request from the server for the user to permit the server to control its display and renew rate and/or update rate. Partition command 606 contains instructions to the user machine regarding how to divide its display (not shown). The partition command 606 can include one or more columns or rows to be divided in the display. The first partition renew rate value 608 indicates an update or renew rate of content to be displayed in the first partition of the display, and the second partition renew rate value 610 indicates an update or redisplay of the content to be displayed in the second partition of the display. New rate. In some embodiments, the server message 600 also includes frame skip count information 612, video material format type 614, and/or other information such as node information 616. As described above, the frame skip count information 612 can be used to determine if a video data frame will be displayed. The video material format type 614 can be used by the server 2 to indicate to the client device 7 what type of data is being sent from the server 2. The node information 616 in the message can be used to indicate to the client device 7 the node or network device information associated with the data being sent from the server 2.

It should be noted and discussed in the following embodiments that the partition update and regeneration rate specified in the server message or determined according to local standards within the client device 7 is not limited to a particular set digital value. Updates and new "rates" can be based on data sets that meet criteria, trigger events, interrupts, user interactions, and other incentives. This situation can result in changes, dependent on the situation, and unsynchronized renewed and updated events.

15A and 15B are system block diagrams showing an embodiment of a display device 2040. Display device 2040 can be, for example, a cellular phone or a mobile phone. However, the same components of display device 2040, or variations thereof, also illustrate different types of display devices, such as televisions or portable media players.

The display device 2040 includes a housing 2041, a display 2030, an antenna 2043, a speaker 2045, an input device 2048, and a microphone 2046. The outer casing 2041 is typically made of any of a variety of manufacturing processes known to those skilled in the art, including injection molding and vacuum forming. Additionally, the outer casing 2041 can be made from any of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, glass, rubber, and ceramic, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the housing 2041 includes replaceable portions (not shown) that are interchangeable with other replaceable portions having different colors or containing different logos, images, or symbols.

Display 2030 of exemplary display device 2040 can be any of a wide variety of displays, including bi-stable displays as described herein. In other embodiments, as is known to those skilled in the art, display 2030 includes a flat panel display such as a plasma display, EL, OLED, STN LCD or TFT LCD as described above, or a non-flat panel display, For example, CRT or other tube device. However, for purposes of illustrating the present invention, display 2030 includes an interferometric modulator display as described above.

The components of one embodiment of an exemplary display device 2040 are shown schematically in Figure 15B. The illustrated example display device 2040 includes a housing 2041 and can include other components that are at least partially enclosed within the housing 2041. For example, in an embodiment, the exemplary display device 2040 includes a network interface 2027. The network interface 2027 includes an antenna 2043 coupled to a transceiver 2047. The transceiver 2047 is coupled to the processor 2021 coupled to the conditioning hardware 2052. The conditioning hardware 2052 can be configured to adjust a signal (eg, filter a signal). The adjustment hardware 2052 is connected to a speaker 2045 and a microphone 2046. The processor 2021 is also coupled to an input device 2048 and a driver controller 2029. The driver controller 2029 is coupled to a frame buffer 2028 and an array driver 2022. The array driver 2022 is coupled to a display array 2030. A power source 2050 provides power to all components in accordance with the design requirements of the particular example display device 2040.

The network interface 2027 includes an antenna 2043 and a transceiver 2047 to enable the example display device 2040 to communicate with one or more devices over a network. In an embodiment, the network interface 2027 may also have certain processing functions to reduce the requirements on the processor 2021. Antenna 2043 is any antenna known to those skilled in the art for transmitting and receiving signals. In an embodiment, the antenna transmits and receives RF signals in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard, including IEEE 802.11 (a), (b), or (g). In another embodiment, the antenna transmits and receives RF signals in accordance with the BLUETOOTH standard. In the case of a cellular telephone, the antenna is designed to receive CDMA, GSM, AMPS or other conventional signals for communicating in a wireless mobile telephone network. Transceiver 2047 preprocesses the signals received from antenna 2043 such that the signals are received by processor 2021 and further processed. The transceiver 2047 also processes the signals received from the processor 2021 so that the signals can be transmitted from the exemplary display device 2040 via the antenna 2043.

In an alternate embodiment, transceiver 2047 can be replaced by a receiver. In another alternative embodiment, the network interface 2027 can be replaced by an image source that can store or generate image data to be sent to the processor 2021. For example, the image source can be a digital audio compact disc (DVD) or a hard disk drive containing image data, or a software module for generating image data.

The processor 2021 typically controls the overall operation of the example display device 2040. The processor 2021 receives data from the network interface 2027 or an image source, such as compressed image data, and processes the data into original image data or a format that is easily processed into the original image data. Thereafter, the processor 2021 sends the processed data to the driver controller 2029 or the frame buffer 2028 for storage. Raw material is usually information that identifies image features at each location within an image. For example, the image features can include color, saturation, and grayscale.

In one embodiment, processor 2021 includes a microprocessor, CPU or logic unit to control the operation of exemplary display device 2040. The conditioning hardware 2052 typically includes an amplifier and filter for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from the speaker 2045. The conditioning hardware 2052 can be a discrete component within the example display device 2040 or can be incorporated into the processor 2021 or other components.

The driver controller 2029 receives the original image data generated by the processor 2021 directly from the processor 2021 or the auto-frame buffer 2028, and locally reformats the original image data for high speed transmission to the array driver 2022. In particular, the driver controller 2029 reformats the raw image data into a data stream having a raster-like format such that it has a time sequence suitable for scanning the entire display array 2030. Thereafter, the driver controller 2029 sends the formatted information to the array driver 2022. Although a driver controller 2029 (e.g., an LCD controller) is typically associated with system processor 2021 as a separate integrated circuit (IC), the controllers can be implemented in a number of ways. It can be embedded in the processor 2021 as a hardware, embedded in the processor 2021 as a software, or fully integrated into the hard body with the array driver 2022.

Typically, array driver 2022 receives the formatted information from driver controller 2029 and reformats the video data into a set of parallel waveforms that are applied multiple times per second to the x-y pixel matrix from the display. Hundreds and sometimes thousands of leads.

In an embodiment, driver controller 2029, array driver 2022, and display array 2030 are suitable for use with any type of display described herein. For example, in one embodiment, the driver controller 2029 is a conventional display controller or a bi-stable display controller (eg, an interferometric modulator controller). In another embodiment, array driver 2022 is a conventional driver or a bi-stable display driver (eg, an interferometric modulator display). In one embodiment, a driver controller 2029 is integrated with the array driver 2022. Such embodiments are common in highly integrated systems such as cellular phones, watches, and other small area displays. In yet another embodiment, display array 2030 is a typical display array or a bi-stable display array (eg, a display including an array of interferometric modulators).

Input device 2048 allows a user to control the operation of example display device 2040. In one embodiment, the input device 2048 includes a keypad (eg, a QWERTY keyboard or a telephone keypad), a button, a switch, a touch screen, a pressure sensitive or thermal film. In an embodiment, the microphone 2046 is one of the input devices of the example display device 2040. When data is input to the device using the microphone 2046, voice commands can be provided by the user to control the operation of the example display device 2040.

Power source 2050 can include a wide variety of energy storage devices, as is well known in the art. For example, in one embodiment, the power source 2050 is a rechargeable battery, such as a nickel-cadmium battery or a lithium ion battery. In another embodiment, the power source 2050 is a renewable energy source, a capacitor, or a solar cell, including a plastic solar cell and a solar cell coating. In another embodiment, the power source 2050 is configured to receive power from a socket on the wall.

In some embodiments, as described above, control programmability resides in a drive controller that can be located in multiple locations in the electronic display system. In some cases, control programmability resides in array driver 2022. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described optimizations can be implemented in any number of hardware and/or software components and in different configurations.

Although the above detailed description has shown, illustrated, and illustrated the novel features of the various embodiments, it is understood that those skilled in the art can make various alternatives and alternatives to the illustrated device or process in form and detail. And modifications, without departing from the spirit of the invention. It will be appreciated that the invention may be embodied in a form that does not provide all of the features and advantages described herein.

1. . . Networked system

2. . . server

3. . . network

4. . . Laptop 4

5. . . Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

6. . . Honeycomb phone

7. . . Client device

12a. . . Interferometric modulator

12b. . . Interferometric modulator

14. . . Reflective material strip / reflective material

14a. . . Movable highly reflective layer

14b. . . Movable highly reflective layer

16a. . . Fixed partial reflection layer

16b. . . Fixed partial reflection layer

18. . . pillar

19. . . Air gap

20. . . Transparent substrate

twenty one. . . processor

twenty two. . . Array driver

twenty four. . . Column drive circuit

26. . . Row driver circuit

27. . . Network interface

28. . . Frame buffer

29. . . Drive controller

30. . . Display array

32. . . Tether

34. . . Deformable layer

31. . . Data link

33. . . Material link

36. . . Parallel bus

40. . . Instance client

41. . . shell

42. . . monitor

43. . . antenna

44. . . speaker

46. . . microphone

47. . . transceiver

48. . . Input device

50. . . power supply

52. . . Adjusting hardware

200. . . Interferometric modulator display

202. . . First area

204. . . Second area

206. . . Third area

500. . . monitor

502. . . First partition

504. . . Second partition

2021. . . processor

2022. . . Array driver

2027. . . Network interface

2028. . . Frame buffer

2029. . . Drive controller

2030. . . Display array

2040. . . Example display device

2041. . . shell

2043. . . antenna

2045. . . speaker

2046. . . microphone

2047. . . transceiver

2048. . . Input device

2050. . . power supply

2052. . . Adjusting hardware

1 is a networked system of an embodiment.

2 is an isometric view showing a portion of an embodiment of an interferometric modulator display array in which one of the first interferometric modulators has a movable reflective layer in a release position and a second interference One of the movable modulators is in a driven position.

3A is a system block diagram showing an embodiment of an electronic device including a 3x3 interferometric modulator display array.

3B is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a client in the server-based wireless network system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3C is an exemplary block diagram configuration of the UE shown in FIG. 3B.

4A is a diagram showing the relationship between the movable mirror position and the applied voltage of an exemplary embodiment of the interferometric modulator of FIG. 2.

4B is a diagram of a set of columns and row voltages that can be used to drive an interferometric modulator display array.

5A and 5B show an exemplary timing diagram of one of the columns and row signals that can be used to write a data frame to the 3x3 interferometric modulator display array of FIG. 3A.

Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the interferometric modulator of Figure 2;

Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an interferometric modulator.

Figure 6C is a cross-sectional view of another alternate embodiment of an interferometric modulator.

Figure 7 is a high level flow chart of a client control process.

Figure 8 is a flow diagram of a client control process for initiating and running a receive/display process.

9 is a flow chart of a server control process for transmitting video data to a client.

Figure 10 is a plan view of a perspective view of an embodiment of an embodiment of an interferometric modulator display that can be divided into a plurality of regions.

Figure 11 is a flow chart showing a control process for dividing the display and setting a new rate for each partition.

12 is a high-level flow diagram of one embodiment of dividing a display into one or more regions and updating each of the one or more regions at a corresponding appropriate update rate.

Figure 13 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a divided display of a client.

Figure 14 is an example of a message provided by a server.

15A and 15B are system block diagrams showing an embodiment of a visual display device including a plurality of interferometric modulators.

Claims (67)

A display system comprising: at least one drive circuit configured to provide a signal for displaying video data; and a display including an array having a plurality of bistable display elements configured to Displaying video data using signals received from the drive circuit, and the plurality of bistable display elements includes a plurality of interferometric modulators, wherein the array is divided into one or more regions, each region including at least one a bistable display element and wherein the drive circuit is configured to renew each of the one or more regions based on a renew rate associated with each region, and wherein the one or more regions include an include A first region of the first set of interferometric modulators and a second region comprising a second set of interferometric modulators. The display system of claim 1, wherein the bistable display elements are interferometric modulators comprising two reflective layers, the two reflective layers being movable relative to one another and spaced apart by a space defining an interference cavity . The display system of claim 1, wherein the bistable elements are configured to maintain a selected optical state without being new. A display system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display is configured to continuously display an image if it is no longer new. The display system of claim 1, wherein the drive circuit is further configured to renew at least one of the regions at a rate proportional to a frame data rate. The display system of claim 1, wherein the drive circuit is further configured to renew at least one region of the region based on a frame data rate. The display system of claim 1, wherein the renew rate of at least one of the regions is substantially zero. The display system of claim 1, wherein the drive circuit is further configured to receive the frame material and to renew the one or more regions only when the frame material is received. The display system of claim 1, wherein the drive circuit is configured to divide the array. The display system of claim 1, further comprising an input device configured to receive a user selection, wherein the drive circuit is configured to divide the array based on the user selection. The display system of claim 1, further comprising: a server in communication with the display system, wherein the drive circuit is configured to divide the array based on instructions from the server. The display system of claim 1, wherein the drive circuit is configured to receive at least a portion of the video material from a server in communication with the display system. The display system of claim 1, wherein the drive circuit is configured to receive at least a portion of the video material from a process running on the display system. The display system of claim 1, wherein the first set of interferometric modulators A first renew rate is renewed and the second set of interferometric modulators is renewed at a second renew rate. The display system of claim 14, wherein the second renew rate is different from the first renew rate. The display system of claim 14, wherein the second renew rate is the same as the first renew rate, and the renewing of the first region begins at a different time than the second region. The display system of claim 14, wherein the first renew rate is determined based at least in part on a frame rate of the data displayed in the first region. The display system of claim 14, wherein the first renew rate is predetermined. The display system of claim 14, wherein the first renew rate varies over time. The display system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first set of interferometric modulators is also an interferometric modulator of the second set of interferometric modulators. The display system of claim 20, wherein the first set of interferometric modulators are arranged in a polygonal shape. The display system of claim 20, wherein the at least one interferometric modulator is renewed with the first set of interferometric modulators during a first renewed period, and the at least one interferometric modulator is The second set of interferometric modulators is renewed during the second renewed period. The display system of claim 1, wherein the first set of interferometric modulators Arranged into a polygonal shape. The display system of claim 1, further comprising: a processor in electrical communication with the display, the processor configured to process the image material. The display system of claim 24, further comprising: a drive circuit configured to transmit the at least one signal to the display. The display system of claim 25, further comprising: a controller configured to transmit at least a portion of the image data to the drive circuit. The display system of claim 24, further comprising: an image source module configured to transmit the image material to the processor. The display system of claim 27, wherein the image source module comprises a transceiver. The display system of claim 27, further comprising: an input device configured to receive the input data and to communicate the input data to the processor. A method of displaying material on a display of a device, the method comprising: dividing a bi-stable display of the device into one or more regions, wherein the one or more regions comprise a first set of interferometric a first region of the modulator and a second region including a second set of interferometric modulators; Displaying video material on the one or more regions; and renewing each of the one or more regions based on a renew rate associated with each of the one or more regions. The method of claim 30, wherein the bi-stable display comprises an array of interferometric modulators. The method of claim 30, further comprising receiving at least a portion of the video material from a server at the device. The method of claim 30, further comprising updating one or more regions using one or more update schemes. The method of claim 33, wherein at least one of the one or more update scenarios is selected using a program associated with the received profile. The method of claim 30, wherein renewing at least one of the one or more regions comprises using a renewed rate based on a frame rate of the displayed data. The method of claim 30, further comprising receiving display information indicative of a characteristic of the display and using the display information to select an update scheme. A communication system for controlling the servo base of a display on a client device, comprising: a communication network; a client device comprising a bi-stable display having a plurality of bistable display elements, The client device is configured to transmit display information over the communication network; and a server configured to define two of the bi-stable displays or a plurality of regions, each region including an interfering modulator having an associated renew rate, and the server is further configured to transmit video data to the user via the communication network based on the display information An end device, wherein the client device is further configured to receive video material from the server, display the video material on the one or more regions of the display, and update each region using the associated renewed information . The communication system of claim 37, wherein the display information indicates two or more characteristics of the display. The communication system of claim 37, wherein the display information indicates a display mode. The communication system of claim 37, wherein the display information includes information indicating where the video material should be reproduced on the bi-stable display. The communication system of claim 37, wherein the server is further configured to identify the video material to be displayed in each of the two or more regions. The communication system of claim 37, further comprising: a processor in electrical communication with the display, the processor configured to process the image material. The communication system of claim 42, further comprising: a drive circuit configured to transmit the at least one signal to the display. The communication system of claim 43, further comprising: a controller configured to transmit the image data to the drive circuit At least part of it. The communication system of claim 42, further comprising: an image source module configured to transmit the image material to the processor. The communication system of claim 45, wherein the image source module comprises a transceiver. The communication system of claim 42, further comprising: an input device configured to receive input data and to communicate the input data to the processor. A data display system comprising: a content server configured to provide video data; and a client device in communication with the content server, the client device including a bi-stable display, the bistable The display can be configured to display data in one or more regions, each associated with at least one bistable display element, wherein each region of the bi-stable display can have its own renew rate Further, the one or more regions include a first region and a second region, and wherein the bi-stable display comprises a first set of interferometric modulators and a second set of interferometric modulators, A first set of interferometric modulators is associated with the first region and the second set of interferometric modulators is associated with the second region. A data display system as in claim 48, wherein at least one of the regions is individually addressable by the content server. The data display system of claim 48, wherein the content server comprises a The processor and a software module, the software module being associated with the received data. The data display system of claim 48, wherein the client device is configured to communicate the characteristics of the display to the content server. The data display system of claim 48, wherein at least one interferometric modulator from the first set of interferometric modulators is assigned to the first set of interferometric modulators and the second set of interferometric modulations Device. A method of fabricating a display system, comprising: connecting at least one drive circuit configured to provide a signal for displaying video data to a display, the display including an array having a plurality of bistable display elements; The array displays video data using signals received from the driver circuit and divides the array into one or more regions, the one or more regions including a first region including at least one first interferometric modulator and a second region comprising at least one second interferometric modulator; and configuring the drive circuit to renew each of the one or more regions based on a renew rate associated with each region. The method of claim 53, wherein the bistable display elements are interferometric modulators comprising two reflective layers, the two reflective layers being movable relative to each other and spaced apart by a space defining an interference cavity. The method of claim 53, wherein the bistable elements are configured to maintain a selected optical state without being new. The method of claim 53, wherein the drive circuit is further configured to renew at least one of the regions based only on a frame data rate. A display system manufactured by a process, the process comprising: connecting at least one driving circuit configured to provide a signal for displaying video data to a display, the display comprising a plurality of bistable display elements Arraying the array to display video data using signals received from the driver circuit and dividing the array into one or more regions, the one or more regions including a first interferometer comprising at least one first interferometric modulator a region and a second region including at least one second interferometric modulator; and configuring the drive circuit to renew each of the one or more regions based on a renew rate associated with each region . The display system of claim 57, wherein the bistable display elements are interferometric modulators comprising two reflective layers, the two reflective layers being movable relative to each other and spaced apart by a space defining an interference cavity . The display system of claim 57, wherein the bistable element is configured to maintain a selected optical state if it is no longer new. The display system of claim 57, wherein the drive circuit is further configured to renew at least one of the regions based only on a frame data rate. A display system comprising: means for providing an image data signal; means for dividing a display array comprising a plurality of bistable display elements into one or more regions, the one or more regions comprising an inclusion a first region of the at least one first interferometric modulator and a second region including at least one second interferometric modulator; and Means for displaying the image using the image data signal, wherein each of the one or more regions is renewed according to a regeneration rate associated with each region. The display system of claim 61, wherein the providing component comprises at least one drive circuit configured to provide a signal for displaying video material. A display system according to claim 61, wherein the display member comprises an array having a plurality of bistable elements. The display system of claim 61, wherein the bistable display elements are interferometric modulators comprising two reflective layers, the two reflective layers being movable relative to each other and spaced apart by a space defining an interference cavity . The display system of claim 61, wherein the bistable elements are configured to maintain a selected optical state without being new. The display system of claim 61, wherein the providing component is configured to renew at least one of the regions based only on a frame data rate. A display system according to claim 61, wherein the dividing member comprises a driving circuit.